Inside: Communion begins THIS Sunday, sign up for VBS: Home Kits!

Online Worship

• Join us for worship online this Sunday at 9:15am and on Wednesday at 6:15pm, at 1stlu.org/live.

COVID-19 Update

• The risk level this week for the La Crosse County Compass is severe.

  • Worship: online

  • Education: online

  • Small groups: online

• For an up-to-date list of online options and cancellations please visit firstlutheranonalaska.org/thisweek.

Read the Gospel of Matthew

Ever wanted to read the gospel of Matthew? Now is the PERFECT TIME to join Bible Readers! Pastor Stanton will be introducing the gospel of Matthew starting Wednesday, July 29. This study is for ANYone who can read, 3rd graders to our eldest friend; members and acquaintances far far away. Use whatever Bible you’d like! Follow Pastor Stanton’s daily guides on Facebook or YouTube, and if you’d like the daily video guides emailed to you contact Pastor Stanton at jason@firstlu.org.

Courageous Men’s Group

The Courageous Men’s Group are men of all ages who meet weekly on Wednesdays at 6am via Zoom for a time of fellowship and study. Contact Chad Schultz or the church office for more info: courageous@firstlu.org.

Sugar Creek Family Getaway Camps

Sugar Creek has cancelled overnight summer youth programs for 2020. In place of the 4 weeks of youth camps, you are invited to any of the 8 NEW sessions of "Family Getaway" camps, July 10–August 8! With safe practices in a beautiful getaway setting, you can still get a fun and meaningful faith-filled outdoor adventure this summer—together as a family. Over 15 separate family spaces available for each session. Be safely physically distanced in outdoor group times, and explore tons of new activities for youth and adults. All shapes and sizes of families are welcome. This can still become a joyful summer camp season to remember for your whole family! Click here to learn more.

Bread Baking Classes

Families will provide the bread and wine and the vessels needed for communion at home. Pastor Karyn will have two online “lessons” for those who would like to learn how to bake communion bread. They next will be Saturday, July 25 at 8am. A Zoom link will be sent to you, so make sure to sign up at 1stlu.org/baking.

Communion

This Sunday we will begin to commune, virtually. To do this well, we will need each single person/family who expects to participate to designate at least one confirmed Christian who will act as the ‘assisting minister’ in their household. Maybe family members rotate week-by-week. All designated assisting ministers are required to attend a virtual training date lead by Pastor Karyn and Pastor Stanton on Thursday, July 23 at 7:15pm or Sunday, July 26 at 8am (before worship at 9:15am, when we will commune this way for the first time). Sign up for a training date at 1stlu.org/training. We believe God meets us where we are at… so we will celebrate God meeting us online.

Town Halls to Minimize Bias in the Lutheran Church

Join in a series of Town Hall webinars that prioritize the voices of intersectional Lutherans. While this conversation is organized by folk within the Sierra Pacific Synod - ELCA, these conversation are open to all who are interested in learning from our past, access the present and strategizing our future. Times: July 24, and July 31… both at 4pm.

Racism and the Coulee Region: A Community Dialogue Series

Many in our community have committed to engaging more deeply in efforts to prevent, combat and learn about racism. Join FSPA for a Zoom video conferencing series of dialogues with local activists, speakers and artists to explore issues related to race and racism. We look forward to open, honest and respectful conversation and sharing of ideas. This series is co-sponsored by the FSPA Office of Mission Integration and the FSC. Dates in this series: July 28, 1-3pm; August 11, 6-8pm; August 25, 1-3pm; September 8, 6-8pm; September 22, 1-3pm. Investment: $7. Register at www.FSCenter.org or 608-791-5295. You will be sent a Zoom link after you register.

Vacation Bible School: Home Kits

You can discover a lot when you take time to FOCUS! Get ready to focus on how we can hear from God, talk to God and live for God! First Lutheran will be offering a fun-filled kit for five days of vacation Bible school at your house, with the first day of the kit starting on Sunday, August 2. The 5 day VBS kit includes daily access to online videos, daily theme and Bible verse, all the supplies for crafts, games and a family challenge. Click here to register by July 30; kits will be delivered August 1.

Synod Job Opening: Part-Time Office Administrator

The La Crosse Area Synod is seeking a Part-Time Office Administrator to work approximately 20 hours/week (hours negotiable). Responsibilities include: working with the bishop and the assistant to the bishop in securing pastors for congregations and guiding candidates through seminary, greeting visitors and answering telephone; updating databases, various forms and website; and other general duties. Needing a self-starter with skills in social media and online messaging, and the ability to multitask. Confidentiality is required. If interested, please contact the synod office by August 16: office@lacrosseareasynod.org or 608.788.5000.

Sugar Creek Golf Tournament Fundraiser

Mon, Aug. 17, at Viroqua Hills Golf Course. $75 for 18 holes. Form a team, grab the clubs, and join Sugar Creek for a GREAT day on the course! These golf outings are FUN way to support the ministries of Sugar Creek Bible Camp! So whether you’re thinking about going pro or you haven’t swung a club since middle school, join us on the green! Call the camp to register! 608.734.3113. Click here for tournament flyer and more details.

Back-To-School Shoe Drive

While we may not know yet what school will look like in the fall, we do know that teens will need new shoes. First Teen Clothes Closet is committed to continuing to provide new back-to-school shoes, suitable for gym classes, to our guests later this summer. If you would like to contribute to this effort, donations may be sent to First Lutheran Church in Onalaska, 410 Main St. Onalaska, WI 54650.

Join the 75,000 Face Mask Challenge

Please join Lutheran World Relief’s “75,000 Face Mask Challenge” and help send cloth masks to vulnerable communities in developing countries that are bracing for a spike in COVID-19 cases. The cloth mask you sew in your living room will provide love and protection to a neighbor in need halfway around the world. Can you make 25? 50? 75? Click here to learn more and pledge now!

Sugar Creek Annual Quilt and Antique Auction

Sat, Sept. 12. Events beginning at 8am: 5K Trail Run and Fun Walk, country store, craft fair, quilt and antique auction. Click here to view flyer for more details.

Keep Up with Cancellations: Update Your Contact Info

Make sure the office has your current contact info, including current address, mobile number(s), carrier info (for reminders by text), and email(s). Send to office@firstlu.org.

Morning Musings

Where is God in all this? Who/what shall we pray for today? What are our questions? What is grounding us in a time when everything is shifting? Go to First Lutheran's website, Facebook page or our Youtube channel where each morning, Monday through Saturday by 8am, Pastor Stanton or Pastor Karyn post a "morning musing". It's a great way to stay connected!