Announcements for Sunday May 22, 2022
INSIDE: Masks in worship • Mission Trip Meeting on Sunday, May 22 • Parent’s Night Out on Friday, May 27
The next Parents’ Night Out will be Friday, May 27. FOR: Birth–12 are welcome (Birth–3 will be in the nursery, ages 4 and up in Fellowship Hall). Registration from 4:45pm-5:30pm, followed by dinner and activities till 8:30pm (parents can pick up early if needed). COST: Monetary donations will assist the middle and high school students with 2022 Sugar Creek Bible Camp and mission trip. RSVP your child or sign up to volunteer at 1stlu.org/nightout.
Worship
Join us for worship!
Sunday, May 22:
8am: live stream at 1stlu.org/live, and in-person wearing masks. Nursery available.
10:30am: live stream at 1stlu.org/live, and in-person wearing masks.. Nursery available.
Wednesday, May 25:
6:15pm: live stream at 1stlu.org/live, and in-person wearing masks. Nursery available.
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 all services. As of May 14, 2022, we ask for the safety of all that everyone wear mask in worship. For a full description of current precautions, visit 1stlu.org/precaution.
Mission Trip Meeting
UPDATE: The meeting for the mission trip to Bayou Le Batre, AL, has moved to 9am on May 22, in the Fellowship Hall. ALSO: we can still fit a couple more people in the bus! If you might want to join, let Pastor Stanton know at jason@firstlu.org. There's room for 3 more!
Before the After
Monday, May 23, 10am–12pm, at Black River Beach Neighborhood Center (1433 Rose St, La Crosse). Before the After planning sessions have been presented by Causeway Caregivers since 2012 and use a planning folder to outline your wishes, organize pertinent documents and eliminate possible tough decisions for your loved ones. RSVP by calling 608.785.5700 or emailing adrc@lacrossecounty.org.
COVID Vaccination & Booster Shots Available
COVID-19 vaccination shots will be available at Trinity Lutheran (1010 Sill St, La Crosse) on Monday nights from 3–7pm. All shots are available, including the second booster.
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.
Newsletter Assembly
It’s a relaxing way to volunteer! Friday, May 27, at 10am, to assemble the June/July mini-newsletter. See you there!
Volunteering Opportunity
People who help host funeral lunches at First Lutheran provide a much appreciated service to families. Funeral lunch volunteers prepare Fellowship Hall for the lunch, serve food and clean up. If you are interested in helping with this unique and rewarding volunteering opportunity, please contact Carol Peterson at goinpeace@charter.net or 608.779.4649, or call the church office at 608.783.2236. Trust us, you'll love providing this service to families.
Sponsoring Ukrainian Refugees
Refugee sponsorship information from Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service: Sponsorship is a huge honor, gift and responsibility. Learn about what sponsors do by visiting this website for more information on how you can support Ukrainians.
Website & Online Changes
The First Lutheran website is due for an upgrade. We’ve been using our current template since 2014, and it is time to migrate to a new one that will allow access to new features. Migration will begin in May and will take place throughout the summer, with plans to be completely migrated by late August. In addition to the website upgrade, we plan to improve access to other online applications during the summer. Look for improvements to online giving, as well as improved access to our online member database. Again, our goal is to have all of the updates in place and implemented by late August. If you have any questions during or after these changes, don’t hesitate to reach out to Andy, our Director of Communications and Marketing, at andy@firstlu.org.
Upcoming Worship Changes
Wednesday worship will take a summer break; last service before break is June 1; Wednesday worship will resume Sept. 7
Sunday, June 12:
Worship at 8am will be at First
Worship at 10am will be at Riverside Park with the synod (or at UWL Student Union if there is inclement weather)
Starting June 19 thru the summer: Sunday worship will be at 8am and 10am
Foundation Grant Deadline
REMINDER: Grant applications from worthy organizations wishing to request funds from the Foundation Fund are due by June 1! More information about the Foundation Fund and the grant application, can be found at 1stlu.org/foundation.
Sunshine Team
The Sunshine Team meets on the first Thursday of every month. Next meeting: June 2, 9:30am. Various jobs: cleaning, sweeping, mopping, vacuuming, washing windows and cleaning carpets. Help make First look nice! Refreshments are supplied to replenish your reserves! Dues are free!
Luren Singers of Decorah, IA
The Luren Singers of Decorah, IA, will perform at 7pm on Thursday, June 2, at North Presbyterian Church in La Crosse (1327 N. Salem Rd). A pie and ice cream social will follow the concert. Financial donations are welcome.
Rev. Dr. Mitri Raheb
Fri, June 3, 7 pm, Christ Presbyterian Church (944 East Gorham St, Madison WI). You are invited to hear from world-renowned author Rev. Dr. Mitri Raheb, who has served as pastor of Christmas Lutheran Church in Bethlehem, Palestine, and is now the president of the Dar al-Kalima University in Bethlehem. Join us to hear Rev. Raheb speak about his newest book, The Politics of Persecution, which addresses the situation of Christians in the Middle East. He will present a less-familiar narrative about Christians in the Middle East, challenging us to reconsider how we think about our siblings in faith. Register online here.
Baptismal Preparation
The next baptism preparation session will be Saturday, June 4, 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 Sunday, May 29. Min. attendance required: 2 families.
Donations For Ukraine
Lutheran World Relief has committed $7 million to respond to the crisis in Ukraine, and expects to increase this amount as they receive additional support. With millions of individuals displaced in Ukraine and tens of thousands continuing to flee Ukraine each day, the needs grow daily. Donate at 1stlu.org/LWR.
Lutheran Disaster Response is accompanying companion churches and ecumenical partners in Ukraine, Hungary, Poland and Slovakia to respond to the crisis in Ukraine and Eastern Europe. Gifts to “Eastern Europe Crisis Response” will be used in full (100%) to assist those affected by the crisis in Ukraine and neighboring countries. Donate at 1stlu.org/LDR.
From Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service: The U.S. will now welcome up to 100,000 refugees from Ukraine. We need to act fast to prepare for these refugees, currently 90% of whom are women and children. There is an urgent need for resources, including emergency medical care, temporary housing, financial support for basic necessities, and much more. Donate at 1stlu.org/LIRS.
You can also designate gifts to Lutheran World Relief, Lutheran Disaster Response and Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service at 1stlu.org/give.
Volunteers Wanted for Synod Assembly
The synod is looking for folks to serve as red-vested volunteers at this year's assembly. Volunteers serve very important functions: hospitality in all ways, assisting with the collection of offerings, handing out and retrieving ballots, dispersing handouts, helping at the registration table, guiding attendees to meeting spaces outside of plenary hall, etc. If interested contact the synod office (608.788.5000 / office@lacrosseareasynod.org) and they’ll put you in touch with Betty, the volunteer coordinator. You will attend the assembly at no cost.
Synod Assembly for All
Please know that ALL are welcome to these events of the synod assembly (you do not need to be a registered delegate)…
Friday, June 10, 7pm: for opening worship at Good Shepherd Lutheran, 4141 Mormon Coulee Rd, La Crosse.
Saturday afternoon, June 11: at the UW-La Crosse Student Union for 2 workshop sessions at 2:15pm and 3:30pm. COST: $10. Contact the synod office to register: melanie@lacrosseareasynod.org. Workshop topics are…
Role of Summer Camp in Developing Leaders for the Church
Let Us Play to the Lord - children and their experience of God belong in worship
Creating Cultures of Honor - on anti-racism
Workshop with our ELCA Representative - description pending
How to Do Advocacy - Lutheran Office of Public Policy-Wisconsin
From the Boxing Ring to the Baptismal Font - discuss politics and act for justice with the gentle compassion and courageous boldness of Jesus
Faith, Imagination & Proclamation - on preaching
Rural Ministry / Shared Ministry
Workshop with our assembly musician
Doing Hybrid Ministry
Sunday, June 12, 10am: for worship at Riverside Park, downtown La Crosse, followed by a picnic lunch (at the UW-La Crosse Student Union if there is inclement weather)
Sock and Underwear Drive at Assembly: On Sunday, June 12, when we meet at the Riverside Park bandshell for worship, we are asking congregations to bring donations of new socks and underwear along. These items will be sorted by one of the afternoon service project groups and then shared with area clothes closets.
See ALL Sunday afternoon Service Projects here that synod members can join. Sign up for the various service projects on the assembly web page.
Sugar Creek Summer Reg Now Open!
Summer camp registration at Sugar Creek is open, and campers are signing up! Our new program, Art Camp, promises to help campers grow in their creative gifts and encourage them in sharing the joy of expression through guitar, dance, painting, photography, wood-crafts or writing. We can’t wait to celebrate each of their unique talents with them. We are also pleased to bring back our popular new programs from 2021: Elevated, Night Camp and Rangers. Spots for these programs are filling up quickly, so make sure you don’t miss out. Do you know about our early-registration giveaway! First Lutheran is happy to reimburse the $100 registration fee (contact the office)!
ALSO: Sugar Creek is offering three sections of Family Camp this summer: July 5-8, August 7-10 and August 11-14. Housing options include: Koinonia Lodge, Modern Log Cabins, Retreat Center, Manna Center, Wagons, Seeker or Frontier Town Villages. Or you can bring your own camper or tent. Take part in campfire worship, horse riding, bible study, creek stomping and more.
Reg and more info online: sugarcreekbiblecamp.org.
Confirmation Camp For Youth Going Into Grade 8
Our upcoming confirmation students get a chance to start their confirmation journey in the beautiful valley of Sugar Creek, the week of Sunday, June 12, through Friday, June 17. 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 grade 8. Questions? Contact Pastor Karyn at karyn@firstlu.org.
Juneteenth Celebration
La Crosse’s annual Juneteenth celebration! Uniting all members of the community in celebration of Black Americans!! Fun, food, entertainment, history, education and connection. At Riverside Park on Saturday, June 18, noon–8pm.
Outdoor Worship This Summer
First will continue to do outdoor worship services once a month during the summer…
June 26, 10am
July 24, 10am
August 28, 10am
September 25, 10:30am
Bring your own lawn chairs, and perhaps a hat to shade your eyes. If the weather's bad that day, we'll move inside.
First Teen Clothes Closet Needs
Athletic shorts Large, XL, XXL Men and Women
Athletic pants (sweatpants or joggers) Large and XL, XXL men and womens
Teen style NEW flip flop and sandals.
Girls summer tops in Large and X large
REMINDER: all donated clothes should be freshly laundered and free of stains and tears (unless made that way).
Volunteer Appreciation Picnic
Sunday, July 17 from 11:45am-1:15pm at the first shelter in Rowe Park, for all volunteers who make Faith Alive! happen at First Lutheran. RSVP at 1stlu.org/vapicnic.
Lead Sunday School & VBS
There are opportunities to serve as a Sunday School teacher and a leader in VBS. A Sunday School teacher is a commitment of 1 or 2 weekends a month in which you connect with our congregation's children! It is super easy with the curriculum! VBS is another way to connect, this is so fun and is high energy! If you like to play games or would like to help organize or help in any way, please consider! Contact Pastor Stanton: jason@firstlu.org.
Vacation Bible School
Save the date! Sunday, July 31–Thursday, Aug. 4. Register online at 1stlu.org/VBS.
Upcoming Sugar Creek Bus Trips
Aug 26-Sept 1: Ark Encounter and Nashville: There are many stops along the way. The Ark Encounter in Williamstown, KY, will awe you with a full-size ark. Tour the Lexington, KY, area with its many horse farms. Opryland Hotel will be your home base in Nashville. You will see the Country Music Hall of Fame, Legends, Lunch & Lyrics, a guided tour that will take you down Music Row, the Capitol and Parthenon. A backstage tour of the Grand Ole Opry and the General Jackson Showboat Luncheon Cruise will cap off your stay. On the bus ride home, you will stop in Springfield, IL, to visit the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum as well as Lincoln's Home. Register soon!
November 16: Fireside Dinner Theater, "White Christmas"
Sign up early! Spots fill quickly. Call for info: 608.734.3113.
Stephen Ministry
If you know of someone who needs a caregiver, please speak with Pastor Karyn, or call the church office: 608.783.2236.