INSIDE: First Day of Sunday School & Confirmation Classes, Grade 3 Faith Building Block, Bible Readers Dive Deep Into Genesis

Worship

Join us for worship!

Sunday, Sept. 26:

• 8am: live stream at 1stlu.org/live, and in-person wearing masks

• 10:30am: live stream at 1stlu.org/live, and in-person wearing masks

• Nursery available

Wednesday, Sept. 29:

• 6:15pm: live stream at 1stlu.org/live, and in-person wearing masks

COVID-19 Update

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

  • Worship: online & in-person wearing masks

  • Small groups: online & in-person; precautions determined by entire group

Precautions for In-Person Worship

Worship services are offered in-person, indoors at both services. Currently we are asking, for the safety of ALL members, that everyone wear a mask during worship. Outdoor worship will be offered occasionally (about once a month) during the 10:30am service, and if weather permits. Registration and social distancing are currently not required. For a full description of current precautions, visit 1stlu.org/precaution.

Bible Readers: Genesis!

From now through Nov. 12, Pastor Stanton will post a 5(ish) minute ‘lesson’ 5 days a week, Monday-Friday for 8 weeks, diving deep into the book of Genesis. That’s 40 lessons on ONE book. He will be using Walter Brueggemann’s Interpretation commentary, which is pretty much the authoritative commentary on this foundational work. It is NOT necessary to purchase it, but for any who thinks they’d like to read along, it can be purchased here. Each day Pastor Stanton will invite participants to read a bit of Genesis and journal three things: a ‘heart’, a ‘star’ and a ‘question mark.’ This is similar to reading scripture in a lectio divina way… What do you love? (heart); What surprised you or seems extra? (star); and what questions arise in this section? (question mark). Pastor Stanton will gather questions from everyone each week and offer an extra post where all he does is consider questions from you. So tell a friend and join Pastor Stanton for this study on Facebook and YouTube!

Waking Up White Regional Read, Presentations & Discussions

The Waking Up White Regional Read invites the community to read Waking Up White, attend public presentations, and engage in book chat conversations about ways to create a more welcoming and inclusive multicultural community. Having finished Waking Up White is not a prerequisite for attending the presentations and discussions. More info and reg at laxwakingupwhite.com.

Upcoming presentations (most will also be live streamed):

• Dr. Ben Burns: ​"The Socialization of Race," THIS Saturday, Sept. 25, 2pm, at Hamilton Elementary School, 1111 7th St. S., La Crosse. Register

Upcoming discussions (in-person, with precautions):

• THIS Saturday, Sept. 25 at 10am. "Parental Involvement Within the School Community" Onalaska Library​ Register

• THIS Saturday, Sept. 25 at 10am. "From Bystander to Antiracist" The Parenting Place, La Crosse. childcare available, must pre-register child** Register

• Monday, Sept. 27 at 6:30pm. "Systemic Racism: Policies that have Promoted Privilege" Bridges Church La Crosse Register

Changes in Worship Times

With summer drawing to a close, worship times will be changing once again, and will be as follows…

• Sunday, Sept. 26, 8am & 10:30am: indoors and in-person, which will be the worship times through May 2022

First Day of Sunday School

The first day of Sunday School will be Sunday, Sept. 26, starting at 9:15am. There will be no opening; children should be dropped off directly at their rooms. For the 2021-22 Sunday School year, we are trying something new, and will be taking registrations online. For online reg and more info, go to 1stlu.org/SSreg.

Confirmation

• Sunday, Sept. 26, 9:15am: Grades 6 & 7 first day of confirmation classes, in Fireside Rm

• Wednesday, Sept. 29, 7pm: Grades 8–10 confirmation small groups

Grade 3 Faith Alive Building Block: The Bible

Throughout the year each age group will have a special “Faith Building Block” session in which parents or special adults are asked to attend class with their child on Sundays at 9:15am (in Fellowship Hall), sharing in conversation and growing together in faith. The session lasts for three weeks, and afterwards, children will have a presence in worship in celebration of the Faith Building Block they have learned.

• Sunday, Sept. 26: parents/guardians only

• Sundays, Oct. 3: parents/guardians with children

• Sundays, Oct.. 10: parents/guardians with children

• Sunday, Oct.. 17: Faith Building Block lifted up in worship

Rite of Installation for Bishop-Elect Malpica

The Installation of Rev. Felix J. Malpica as the 4th Bishop of the La Crosse Area Synod will be Sunday, Sept. 26, at 4 pm. ELCA Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton and other guests will be present. The preacher will be the Rev. Rafael Malpica Padilla, father of Bishop-Elect Malpica.  Out of love and care for our neighbor, we invite all to share in the celebration digitally through a livestream which will soon be available at lacrosseareasynod.org. Please be in prayer for our synod and Bishop-elect Malpica.

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 Jim Knutson or the church office for more info: jim@firstlu.org.

Supporting Afghan Immigrants Coming into Fort McCoy

As of Aug. 25, 1,300 Special Immigrants had arrived at Fort McCoy. It is expected that 13–17,000 people will move through Fort McCoy in the next few months. Their expected stay will be 31-45 days.

• The mosques in Winona and La Crosse are the primary resources for responding to the spiritual needs of our guests. If anyone would like to donate to the local mosque to help support their work checks can be sent to: Othman bin Affan Mosque, PO Box 275, Onalaska WI 54650.

• On a national level, we encourage support of Lutheran Refugee and Immigration and Refugee Service. They are on the ground at two other Forts in the U.S. working with our Special Immigrants. See what you can do by going to www.lirs.org

Thank you for reaching out to support these Afghan people being re-settled in Wisconsin in whatever way you can.

Baptismal Preparation


The pastors are considering baptisms on an individual basis. The next baptism preparation session will be Saturday, Oct. 2, at 10am. To register or ask questions contact the church office at 608.783.3326 / office@firstlu.org.

Sunday Morning (with Coffee?)

This small group will be starting up again, and will meet each Sunday during the education hour, in the Thomas Room. Viewing short videos and discussing with others. Join in every week, or whenever you can. All are welcome!

Outdoor Worship

First plans to do outdoor worship every so often during the warmer months, weather permitting, and the next one is scheduled for Sunday, Oct. 3 at 10:30am. We gather on 5th Ave (between First and Pertzsch Elementary). Bring your own lawn chairs. There isn't a lot of shade, so consider a wide brim hat and sunscreen. Park in our lot or side streets as usual and it will be obvious where we're meeting. We will commune, hear good music from our praise band and pray together in-person. Pastors will notify members by Sunday morning, around 7am, if outdoor worship will need to be indoors due to weather.

Faith Alive! U: Homelessness and the Warming Center

On Sunday, Oct. 3 at noon, Toni Van Kirk from the Warming Center will be with us to talk about homelessness and the role the Warming Center plays in supporting people experiencing homelessness in the winter in La Crosse. Come and learn how you can support these neighbors. This event is intended for confirmation students, high schoolers and all adults.

Class: The Value of Core Values

As we create a new normal, many people are thinking about what they want that new normal to look like. Knowing the things that we value most and how to use these core values to make decisions helps us create a life for ourselves that makes sense and feels good. Join Pastor Karyn for a four week class on Monday evenings in October, to explore how we can discover and use our core values to create a life worth living. NEXT: Monday, Oct. 4, 7pm. Register online at 1stlu.org/values.

SING!

The choir is starting a new “festival” rehearsal schedule. The next performance will be for the 150th Celebration on Sunday, Oct. 31, and rehearsals start up fresh on Wednesday, Oct. 6 at 7pm in the sanctuary. The Senior Choir is open to all people ages 12 and up. There is no audition and no formal training required, just a desire to enhance worship through the beauty of music! Full schedule and sign up at 1stlu.org/choir. For more info contact Todd Saner at todd@firstlu.org.

Sunshine Team

The Sunshine Team meets on the first Thursday of every month. Next meeting: Oct. 7, 9:30am. 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.

Farewell for Pastor Libby Howe

Evening of Thursday, Oct. 7, 6:30pm here at First Lutheran. This will be an evening to share our appreciation for Pr. Libby and all the ministry she has done in our synod over the past 13+ years and to wish her the very best in her next call. There will be worship, a program and time of fellowship.

Coulee Region Hunger Walk

The Coulee Region Hunger Walk/Run/Bike is a nonprofit dedicated to raise funds, raise awareness and end hunger among our neighbors. This year's event will be Oct. 10, starting at 1:30pm at Myrick Park. A fun day is planned so come early, play some yard games, and get lunch from a food truck. Then walk, run or bike with family and friends. We hope that First Lutheran will have at least 70 walkers. If you prefer, you can participate virtually, just remember to register online. This is a fund raiser with 30% going to the Hunger Task Force, 30% to Wafer, and 40% to your preferred food nonprofit. You are encouraged to get sponsors, or form a team for some friendly competition. Register at couleeregionhungerwalk.org or in person the day of the event.

New Members

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, Oct. 14 at 6pm, where you can get to know more about First and the staff in a relaxed atmosphere. Let us know if you are interested in membership. One of our pastors will connect with you to find out how we may best be church together in the months and years to come. Call our office for more information at 608.783.2236 or email office@firstlu.org.

Monday Night Community Meals

For many years, Trinity Lutheran Church on the northside of La Crosse has hosted a meal on Monday nights. First Lutheran has agreed to help with this important community ministry, by preparing a meal, serving the food, and cleaning up for three Mondays starting in August. We need people to plan and prepare the meal to feed 60-80 people, and folks to serve the meal (5-6pm) and help with cleanup. Meal prep can be done at your convenience. Many times people prepare the main course a week ahead and freeze it, and reheat it. Food for the meal can be gotten at no charge from the Hunger Task Force in La Crosse. Our dates are Oct. 18 and Dec. 13. You can sign up at 1stlu.org/monmeals, or contact bridget@firstlu.org.

2022 ELCA Youth Gathering

The ELCA Youth Gathering is less than a year away! July 24–28, 2022… in our very own backyard of Minneapolis! The gathering is open to all youth entering grades 9–12 in the fall of 2022, plus 2022 graduates. Early bird registration due by Nov. 21, 2021! More info: 1stlu.org/gathering.

Stephen Ministry

If you know of someone who needs a caregiver, please speak with Pastor Karyn, or call the church office: 608.783.2236.