Announcements for Sunday, Jan. 26, 2020
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Special Guest: Jesse Klosterboer
This Sunday we extend a warm welcome to Jesse Klosterboer, Executive Director of Sugar Creek Bible Camp. Between services, from 9:30-10:15, join Peter in the Fireside Room, where he will share the mission and vision of the camp and answer questions you might have about their ministry.
Volunteer Appreciation Party
THIS 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!
Green Team Meeting
THIS Sunday, Jan. 26, 9:15am at the house.
Annual Report Available
In advance of First’s Annual Potluck on Sunday, Feb. 9, an abbreviated one-page annual report for 2019 will be mailed to households in your year-end financial statements. A full, more in-depth annual report may picked up at the Welcome Center or downloaded at 1stlu.org/report.
NEWSLETTER ASSEMBLY
It’s a relaxing way to volunteer! Tuesday, Jan. 28, at 9am, to assemble the February newsletter. See you there!
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.
OWLs Potluck
On Wednesday, Jan. 29, the OWLs, a group for those 55+, will have their monthly potluck at noon in the narthex. Questions? contact Brian Narveson at owls@firslu.org.
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.
Super Bowl-ing!
Sunday, Feb. 2, 5-8:30pm at Coulee Golf Bowl, for middle and high school youth. Pizza and “super bowl-ing” provided by First! Bring a friend, but sign up in advance as space is limited! RSVP to Andrea by Friday, Jan. 31: 608.790.5631.
Annual Potluck
All members are invited to First’s Annual Potluck on Sunday, Feb. 9, at 11:45am. First will provide the main course, members are invited (but not required!) to bring a side or dessert. Our Annual Potluck will be a celebration of what has been and a look ahead to what will be.
Opening: Nursery Attendants
First Lutheran is seeking part-time nursery attendants. Attendants must be 18 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.
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.
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!
Artists Needed
Are you an artist? Do you love to paint? The Ministry Council will be starting a new hunger initiative in late February and throughout the season of Lent. We have five wooden barns that need to be painted which will be put on display here at English and later on at the synod assembly. We are looking for five individuals with creative and artistic skills to paint these barns. As with the cow and sheep projects, the barns can be realistic, or a mural of your own creation. If you are interested in sharing your talents, please contact Bob or Kathy Weeks or Pastor Becky.
Faith Alive Visitations
A group of First Lutheran members have initiated a new Faith Alive mission. Their goal is to “keep-in-touch” with our fellow members who are home bound. The visitation team will keep Faith Alive with phone calls, home visits or by mailing notes to remind “at home” members that our church loves and cares about them. Please notify the church office at 608.783.2236 or office@firstlu.org if you’re aware of an individual or care giver who is either long or short-term home bound.
Courageous Men’s Group
The Courageous Men’s Group are men of all ages who meet weekly on Wednesdays at 6am in the Fireside Room for a time of fellowship and study. Contact Chad Schultz, Jim Sysimaki, or the church office for more info: courageous@firstlu.org.
Stephen Ministry
If you know of someone who needs a caregiver, please speak with Pastor Karyn, or call the church office.
Welcome Baskets
Welcome baskets are a way to welcome a new neighbor into your neighborhood. The baskets are a gift bag tied with bow, filled with some goodies from church and from our community. They are available to sign out at the Resource Center across from the church office.
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
Sunday, Feb. 2
9:15am Gr 4 FBB: Apostle's Creed (1st meeting, parents/guardians & child)
9:15am Sunday School
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 - Pertzsch Community Rm
Wednesday
5pm Confirmation Cls: Art as Prayer
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
Grades 6-12 gather THIS SUNDAY, Jan. 26: 4pm to serve clothes closet, 5pm meal and 5:30pm activities and devos. Sign-up to bring an item for meal at 1stlu.org/ymeal. Questions? Text Andrea: 608.790.5631.