Announcements for Sunday, Jan. 19, 2020
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Survey Re: Next Bishop
The La Crosse Area Synod encourages all synod members to read the Our Next Bishop: A Study Guide and Survey and take the Synod Survey Response available at 1stlu.org/nextbishop. The survey is meant to foster the thoughtful discussion and prayerful discernment that is vital in making this call. Take your time; read, reflect and pray. Deadline to submit surveys has been extended to Monday, Jan. 20. Questions? Contact the synod office: office@lacrosseareasynod.org.
Blood Drive
Monday, Jan. 20, 12:30-5:30pm. Every day ordinary people are saved by some pretty extraordinary people. People who give blood. Your donation could be the most valuable gift you ever give. Just ask anyone who’s ever received. Walk-ins welcome; appointments encouraged, schedule yours at 1stlu.org/blooddrive. Please bring a photo ID..
OWLs Fly to the Movies
The OWLs, our group for anyone 55+, will fly on Tuesday, Jan. 21, to see the new Dr. Doolittle movie. After the movie we will have dinner at a local restaurant. Meet at church at 3:30pm. Tickets have already been reserved; to see if seats are still available contact Brian at owls@firstlu.org.
Volunteer Appreciation Party
Sunday, Jan. 26, 11:45am in Fellowship Hall. A warm thank you! Why? To thank everyone for being Christ's hands and feet at First Lutheran! RSVP at 1stlu.org/VAP.
Sugar Creek Winter Fun Days
Though First will not be going as a group this year, members are still invited to come to Sugar Creek for a wonderful family outing on these Sunday afternoons: Jan. 26, Feb. 9 and 23, from 1-5pm. There’ll be snow tubing, broom ball, snow shoeing, wagon rides, and more! Cost (includes lunch): $7/person or $30/
family. Call or email to register your fam: 608.734.3113 or camp@sgrcreek.org.
COME FOR SUPPER
First Lutheran is assisting with Come for Supper on Tuesday, Jan. 28, at Our Savior’s in La Crosse. First Lutheran will help with food donations and volunteering to serve and clean up. Sign-up sheets are at the Welcome Center. Call Gloria Kubiak if you have questions, 608.498.2762.
Sugar Creek summer reg now open!
Your child or grandchild can have an amazing new experience this summer with the caring staff and beautiful creation of Sugar Creek! Now is the time to register, before your desired week fills up. Popular programs fill up fast! More info & reg at www.sgrcreek.org.
Baptismal Preparation
A baptism preparation session will be Saturday, Feb. 1, at 10am in the narthex for anyone who is considering or has scheduled a baptism. To register or ask questions call the church office at 608.783.3326 by Friday, Jan. 24. Min. attendance required: 2 families.
Annual Potluck
All members are invited to First’s Annual Potluck on Sunday, Feb. 9, at 11:45am, where we will eat together and our kids will play together, all while the adults share our greatest faith stories from the past year. First will provide the main course, members are invited (but not required!) to bring a side or dessert. God is doing all kinds of things at First Lutheran, so our Annual Potluck will be a celebration of what has been and a look ahead to what will be. Save the date so you can share in the fun!
YAGM APPLICATION
The ELCA YAGM program invites young adults (ages 21-29) into a year-long international journey of service. If you, a friend or a family member would be interested in such a journey, go to elca.org/yagm and begin the application process. The application window closes Feb. 15.
Opening: Nursery Attendants
First Lutheran is seeking part-time nursery attendants. Attendants must be 18 years or older. The position is paid. Nursery kids range from newborn through 4 years. Inquire in the office, call 608.783.2236 or e-mail us at office@firstlu.org.
Faith Alive! U: Lutheran Worship… Why?
Presented by Pastor Stanton, Sunday, Feb. 16, at 6pm. In worship... why do Lutherans stand up and sit down so often? Why sing the Kyrie in Latin? Why sing the Kyrie at all? Too often, Lutherans apologize for our style of worship without understanding how effective it is at shaping humans into Jesus-followers. In an era when many churches are moving toward 'entertainment-as-worship', ELCA Lutherans have an opportunity to distinguish our Christian personality by claiming the rich depth of meaning our worship holds. Join Pastor Jason Stanton for a conversation that promises to be fun, informative and challenging! Childcare is available: a supervised kid zone for grade-schoolers, adult supervision in the nursery for younger kids. Community meal beforehand at 5:30pm.
Parent Date Night
Save the “Date”: Friday, Mar. 13. Time: Registration from 4:45-5:30pm, followed by dinner and activities till 8:30pm (parents can pick up early if needed). Bring your children for an evening of fun with the middle and high school youth groups’ Date Night Fundraiser! Ages: birth to 12 are welcome. Event is open to the public. Cost: Donations to help middle and high school students with their mission trip in 2020.
Lock-In!
RESCHEDULED! (3rd time’s the charm!) FIRST EVER YOUTH GROUP LOCK-IN for grades 6-12! Escape rooms, dancing, basketball match-ups, movies, and lots of FOOD! Starts at 5pm on Friday, Mar. 20, in Fellowship Hall, ends Saturday, Jan. 25, at 9am. Bring your air mattress and sleeping bag, but DON’T PLAN TO SLEEP! Questions? Text Andrea: 608.790.5631.
Spiritual Gifts retreat
At Sugar Creek, March 20-21. Register now: office@lacrosseareasynod.org / 608.788.5000.
Memories Community Grounds Cafe
March 26, 1–2:30pm. For persons living in the community with dementia, memory concerns, caregivers and friends. You're invited to join our memory cafe community as we make memories along the journey! Registration not required. If you or someone you know would benefit from attending these memory cafes, please invite them. Questions? Contact bridget@firstlu.org.
Cancellations Due to Inclement Weather
If the weather ever makes you wonder whether your group is meeting for their ministry, check our Web:, Facebook page, or update the office with your cell number and provider so that we can text you. The staff and leadership of First intend to ‘make the call’ by 5pm at the latest so everyone knows what to expect. Be safe this winter!
New-Member Social
By choosing to become a member, individuals and families commit to being part of a shared mission. People who would like to become members of First Lutheran are invited to a social at Red Pines on Thursday, Apr. 16, 6pm, where you will get to know more about First and the staff in a relaxed atmosphere. To register your family or ask questions, call our church office at 608.783.2236 or email office@firstlu.org.
Helping Hands
If you need help with small jobs around the house or if you need a couple of meals or groceries delivered, just go to the “Helping Hands” board by the nursery and make out a slip with a description of what you need help with and your telephone number. Then anyone who thinks they can help out can take the slip and call the number to work out the details. This ministry is open to all in need of help AND to those who can provide the help. There is no set group of “helpers” so we need involvement from all who can be a blessing to someone else. Thanks!
Sunday School
Sunday, Jan. 19
9:15am Gr 2 FBB: What's Fair (3rd meeting, parents/guardians & child)
9:15am Sunday School
Sunday, Jan. 26
Gr 2 FBB: What's Fair, lifted up in worship
Sugar Creek Sunday
9:15am Sunday School for Preschool–Gr 1 - Choir Rm
9:15am Gr 2–7 - Pertzsch Community Rm
New registrations welcome any time of the year. Contact Sunday School superintendent Beth Miller at sundayschool@firstlu.org or stop in the Sunday School office in room 206.
Confirmation
Sunday
9:15am Gr 6 & 7 Bible Classes
12:15pm Faith Alive! U: Cultural Humility
Monday–Friday
Gr 8 Confirmation Registration Opens for Second Semester Classes
Wednesday
7pm Gr 8 & 9 Small Groups
Questions? Contact Pastor Stanton, jason@firstlu.org.
High School at the House
A time for high school members to meet and socialize in a welcoming space, on most Sundays, between services. Questions? Contact volunteer Katie Everson: arne_everson@hotmail.com
Middle/High School Youth Groups
THIS SUNDAY, Jan. 19! Spend the day on the snow hill! Where: Snow Hill VanRiper Park Sledding Hill Onalaska. When: 11:45am meet in the fellowship hall for lunch and then head to the hill; will return to church at 3:30pm. What to bring: Parent permission slip, weather-appropriate gear and your favorite sled. Questions? Text Andrea: 608.790.5631