Announcements for Sunday, December 6
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Tables of Blessing
THIS Sunday, December 6, our congregation celebrates “Tables of Blessing” to recognize the many ways God loves us and to celebrate our thoughtful response to God’s grace in our lives. After our second worship service we will gather for a meal, fellowship and celebration. All are welcome at this table, even at the last minute—just speak with one of the pastors to find out how you can “Come to the Table!”
Flowers in the sanctuary are in memory of Mark Handahl, from Sheila Handahl and sons
OWLs Fly to Sugar Creek for Yesterday’s Youth
The morning program is “Eternity in Our Hearts” presented by Pastor Ron Nowland, and Sheila Champlin will present a “Tour of Ireland.” Date: Monday, December 7, leaving church at 8am. Cost: $10 (includes lunch). The OWLs are a group at First that welcomes anyone, First Lutheran members or not, who are 55+. For more info contact Brian Narveson at owls@firstlu.org.
Sunday School Update
- Sunday, December 6: Rehearsal
- K–5th graders will have extended opening in their opening classrooms and then go to class
- 3 and 4 year olds will have opening in their usual location
- Sunday, December 13: Rehearsal
- K–5th graders will have dress rehearsal in the sanctuary, there will be no class this day, so parents can drop off and pick up in the sanctuary.
- 3- & 4-year olds and kindergarteners will have opening in their usual location.
New registrations welcome any time of the year. Contact Sunday School superintendents Sheri Betz and Tawni O’Rourke at sundayschool@firstlu.org or stop in the Sunday School office in room 206.
HS Movie Night
Are you a movie buff? High schoolers, come teach Tina your ways! We will get together once a month to watch a movie and discuss after. Bring popcorn to share! Tuesday, December 8 @ 7–8:45pm, at the house.
Women’s Cookie Baking Party
Thursday, December 10 at 6pm. If you plan to join us, please consider bringing a batch of your favorite cookie dough to add to the mix and a snack or beverage to share! A great night of fellowship and fun! The Christmas music will be in full swing. Hope to see you there!
Young Youth Cookie Decorating
Decorating the cookies baked above, on December 11 from 6–7pm down in the Fellowship Hall. Parents are welcome, even encouraged, to attend the cookie decorating event! Young Youth is a group for children in grades 2–5. For information, contact Katie Everson: katie@firstlu.org
Christmas Giving Tree Gifts Due Back Sunday, Dec. 13
Please make certain to bring your wrapped gifts to the church by Sun., Dec. 13. If you purchase gift cards, please wrap them in a box. Contact Kathryn at 608.783.2236 or kathryn@firstlu.org if you’d like to know what else may be on a person’s wish list.
HOLY COMMUNION INSTRUCTION
Holy Communion instruction is the 5th grade milestone, but all the baptized (of any age) are welcome to commune. If your child is baptized but younger than 5th grade and you wish to allow your child to commune, please attend a special instruction time as a family on Sunday, December 13, at 9:30am in the Fellowship Hall.
Caroling!
Sunday, Dec. 13, 5–8pm. Hop on a bus and take a ride around Onalaska to visit and carol to those who need extra Christmas cheer! Join us after the singing for a potluck dinner back at the church. The bus leaves at 5pm sharp! If you have questions call the office at 608.783.2236. Please RSVP at the Connecting Point.
HS GAME NIGHT!
Come join in a fun night of fellowship and games. This is a once a month get-together for those high school game nerds out there! Bring your own favorite games to share with the group! Tuesday, December 15 @ 7–8:30
Perkins Pies Fundraiser
Perkins pies on sale now until Wed., Dec. 16! Youth selling pies should pick up an order form from Tina, or stop in the office. Youth just take orders—no money is collected! Those who purchase pies pick up and pay for them at the Perkins in Onalaska.
OWLs Potluck
On Wed., Dec. 16, the OWLs, a group for those 55+, will have their December Potluck at noon in the narthex. Questions? Contact Brian Narveson at owls@firslu.org.
To learn more about these and other announcements, head to our website at www.FirstLutheranOnalaska.org
Clothes Closet Needs
Needs include sweatshirts and ø (teens prefer these over coats) and lightweight knit gloves and mittens, and monetary donations to purchase toiletries, undergarments, pajamas and healthy snacks to have available for our clients and their families. Volunteers are also needed to help host appointments with clients; contact Bridget Crave: bridget@firstlu.org.
NEW MEMBER SESSIONS
We offer several new member sessions each year to acquaint new members with First and a small group of other newcomers. The next new member session will be Sunday, January 17, 2015 from 11:45am–2:30pm, with New Member Sunday on January 24. The nursery is available for use, but children are also welcome to be present. To register your family or ask questions please call our church office at 608.783.2236 or email office@firstlu.org.
Snow Birds
If you will be leaving town for the winter, we want to make sure you still get the monthly newsletter and other mailings. Please provide us with your winter address, and the dates you will leave and come back, so that we can keep our mailing information for your household up to date. You can mail us the information, or email it to us (office@firstlu.org), or call us (608.783.2236).
Cancellations due to inclement weather
If the weather ever makes you wonder whether your group is meeting for their ministry, check our website, Facebook page, or update the office with your cell # and provider so that we can text you. We’ll also notify WXOW.com, news8000.com and the La Crosse Radio Group stations: 106.3, 104.9, 102.7, 100.1, and 1490 AM. The staff and leadership of First intend to ‘make the call’ by 5:00 PM at the latest so everyone knows what to expect. Be safe this winter!
Caring Connections
Be part of this wonderful ministry, which offers support and friendship to our young adult members. Simply select a manila envelope for one of our young adults; available for pick-up in the narthex. More info at firstlu.org/caringconnections.
Young adults: It’s not too late to be included in Caring Connections! Whether you are college-bound or not, stop in the church office or email grads@firstlu.org your new address so that we can keep you connected in our Caring Connections Ministry!
YOUTH PRAISE BAND
Rehearsing Sundays in the sanctuary at 11:45am. All young people who want to play or sing in a praise band are encouraged to attend!