INSIDE: No registration required for Sunday worship, Preschool Springfest Fundraiser THIS Sunday, Sunshine Boys & Girls starting back up

Worship

Join us for worship!

Sunday, May 2:

• 8am: live stream at 1stlu.org/live, and in-person (no registration required). Nursery available, limited to 4 children (reg required).

• 10:30am: live stream at 1stlu.org/live, and in-person (no registration required). Nursery available, limited to 4 children (reg required).

Wednesday, May 5:

• 6:15pm: live stream at 1stlu.org/live, and in-person (no registration required)

COVID-19 Update

• Pastors and the COVID Advisory Panel regularly evaluate when and how the church can be open. These are our current recommendations:

  • Worship: online & in-person with precautions

  • Education: Peer Ministry and confirmation small groups in-person with limits & precautions, all others online

  • Small groups: online & in-person with precautions

No Registration needed for In-Person Worship

We will continue to mask and keep distance as we know some of our adults are choosing to not receive the vaccine, and none of our kids under 16 qualify. But no more registrations! For a full breakdown of current precautions, visit 1stlu.org/precaution.

Knitters and Crocheters

The knitters and crocheters are meeting via Zoom every other Monday, 1-3:30pm. The next meeting is Monday, May 3. Contact Katy Wood to join, or ask questions.

Sunshine Boys & Girls

The Sunshine Boys & Girls will begin meeting on the first Thursday of every month. Next meeting: May 6, 8:30am. Various jobs: outside raking, trimming bushes, sweeping, cleaning, pulling weeds. Help make First Lutheran look nice! Refreshments are supplied to replenish your reserves! Dues are free! Questions? Text/call Dave at 608.780.0135.

Sugar Creek Volunteer Work Weekend

Your helping hands can get the camp ready for campers this summer! Come with your family or your co-horted group, or come by yourself and enjoy the blessings of serving others by making ready your Bible Camp! The work day is on Saturday, May 8, but volunteers are welcome to come and stay over the night before. Friday night lodging and Saturday meals are FREE for volunteers at this event! Visit the camp website for further details and how to RSVP yourself or your group: sugarcreekbiblecamp.org.

Outdoor Worship in May & June

First will continue to do outdoor worship services and has set the following dates for May and June:

• May 9, 10:30am

• May 23, 10:30am

• June 6, 10:30am

• June 20, 10:30am

Bring your own lawn chairs, and wear masks. If the weather's bad that day, we'll move inside.

Affirmation of Baptism

On Sunday, May 9, at 1pm, and Sunday, May 23, at 1:30pm, we finally bless our confirmands of 2020 as they affirm their baptism before our community of faith.

Women’s Ministry: Dorcas Circle

The Dorcas Circle is meeting from 1-3:30pm every other Tuesday. Next meeting: Tuesday, May 11, 1:30pm. They are meeting via Zoom, and are reading and discussing the book 31 Proverbs to Light your Path, by Liz Curtis Higgs. If you are interested in joining, please contact Katy Wood.

OWLs In-Person Potluck

The OWLs (a group at First that welcomes anyone who is 55+) will return to in-person potlucks on Wednesday, May 19 in Fellowship Hall at noon, with the following precautions: be vaccinated, stay home if sick, bring our own food and drink (food will not be shared), face masks required when not eating, sign up ahead of time to attend. To sign up, email or call Brian Narveson at owls@firstlu.org or 630.816.5917.

Grief Support Group Resumes In-Person Meetings

The Grief Support Group will resume in-person meetings starting Thursday, May 20 at 10am, in the narthex. The group will meet on the third Thursday of the month. The group offers support and information to people who are grieving the loss of a loved one. Questions? Call the church office (608.783.2236), Katie Smith-Ohm (608.797.7915) or Gloria Kubiak (608.498.2762)

Blood Drive

Thursday, May 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 mask and photo ID.

COVID-19 Vaccines

Now that everyone is eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine, you might have questions about how to find a vaccine appointment! Visit the website lacrossecounty.org/covid19 (click on the vaccine tab) to see all of the local vaccine options. If you are interested in signing up at the community-based vaccination site at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, register at vaccinate.wi.gov and check out the FAQ's about the site. Still have questions? Email covid19@lacrossecounty.org or call the State vaccine hotline at 1.844.684.1064.

Sugar Creek Summer Camp 2021

Back in the saddle again! Sugar Creek is excited to be back with world-class summer camp programs for youth this coming summer! As vaccines are delivered nationwide, safety practices are honed, medical knowledge increases, and the camp program and facilities are adapted, the camp is confident in moving forward with plans for summer Bible camp. By the very nature of all their programs at Sugar Creek, the camp is, in many ways, even safer than schools during a pandemic since we keep youth in small groups and run camp activities in the open, fresh, outdoor air. As we emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic, youth desperately need real connections in life and in faith. Kids need to be lifted up in ways that only happen in safe, small-group adventures at Bible camp. Leadership, life-long faith, healthy relationships, self-confidence – these are gifts you give your children and grandchildren with time at Sugar Creek. Sugar Creek hopes you will join them for wonderful, safe outdoor adventures in real Christian community. Registration is now open at sugarcreekbiblecamp.org.

Baptismal Preparation


The pastors are considering baptisms on an individual basis. The next baptism preparation session will be Saturday, Jun. 5, at 10am. To register or ask questions contact the church office at 608.783.3326 / office@firstlu.org.

Only One Service on June 13

Synod Assembly is taking place during the weekend of June 12 & 13. First Lutheran will be the host of the Synod Assembly's worship on Sunday, June 13, at 9am, the only service we'll have on that Sunday. The service is open to all.

Confirmation Camp…
for Youth going into grades 8 & 9

Our upcoming confirmation students get a chance to start their confirmation journey in the beautiful valley of Sugar Creek, the week of Sunday, June 13 through Friday, June18. We will learn in faith together while we do Bible study, horseback riding, hiking, swimming, campfires, and so much more! This summer confirmation camp is for youth going into both 8th & 9th grade. Questions? Contact Pastor Karyn at karyn@firstlu.org.

Amplifying the Voices of Black Youth in the La Crosse Area

Join us in this pressing educational program unveiling the perspectives of black youth and their parents in the La Crosse area. Local Black youth shared their perspectives of experiencing racism, bullying and stereotyping in our community from a very young age. This 2-day, synod wide online event will include viewing the video and a facilitated discussion. The purpose is to engage our community in necessary conversations about bias, racism and privilege. We challenge our community to change the environment, policies and practices that disproportionately impact black youth and their families. July 10 and July 17, 10am–noon. More details will be announced as event draws closer.

Small Groups May Consider Being In-Person

First Lutheran small groups may gather in-person with precautions:

1. Capacity of gathering spaces will be capped at 25%.

2. Masks will be expected to be worn at all times, in all places.

3. There will be no food or beverages at this time.

4. Distances of 6 feet will be kept between small group participants.

5. Hugging, handshakes and other physical contact are discouraged.

For full guidelines, see our one-page document: Small Group Expectations During a Pandemic. Small group leaders should do the following:

1. Connect with Bridget Crave for details.

2. Connect with Tamara Schonsberg regarding room usage.

3. Connect with Andy Stutesman regarding promotions.