INSIDE: Caring Ministries Info Mtg THIS Sunday • OWLs Potluck & Movin’ to the Musicals • New Member Social

Worship

Join us for worship!

Sunday, Oct. 16:

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

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

Wednesday, Oct. 19:

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

Current Precautions

• Masking: masks are welcome and not required, and encouraged for those recently exposed.

• Social distancing: not required, but of course, we ask everyone to respect all who desire social distance.

• Hand sanitizing: stations will be available at the entrance and near the welcome center.

• Stay home if you have any symptoms of COVID or had a recent positive diagnosis.

For a full description of current precautions, visit 1stlu.org/precaution.

CANCELLED: Caring Ministries Info Meeting

This info meeting has been cancelled due to lack of RSVP. Will be rescheduled for a later date.

As we launch a new, more comprehensive Caring Ministry we will build on our current ongoing ministries, and we will seek to incorporate new ways of connecting, welcoming and caring for each other. We will need your help! The plan will require at least 100 of our members dedicating themselves to caring for our members. Outlined below are the different ways you can help. If something sparks in you and you want to know more information, come to an information/orientation meeting on October 16 at 11:30am. Lunch will be provided. RSVP at 1stlu.org/caringconnects.

1. Confirmation mentor

2. New Member friend

3. Caring Phone Calls

4. Stephen Minister

5. Companion Minister (communion)

6. Caring Visits

7. Caring Card Connections

8. Prayer Team

9. Neighbor to Neighbor connector

10. Attendance Tracking/Admin Work

Knitters

Prayer shawl knitters meet every Tuesday at 3:30pm in the upper room. Open to all!

OWLs Halloween Party Potluck, Plus…

The OWLs (our Older Wiser Lutherans at First Lutheran, for anyone 55+) will have their Halloween potluck on Wednesday, Oct. 19, at noon in the narthex, featuring our Halloween costume contest. While costumes are optional, join the fun by dressing up as a favorite character. Nancy Olds won last year dressed as a fisherwoman. So get those creative juices flowing. Mary and I are already working on our costumes. For our program, we will move to Fellowship Hall for a special guest: Terry Visger, a local professional storyteller, will tell Halloween stories. It will be a great potluck to bring a friend.

Then on Saturday, Oct. 29, the OWLs will fly to the Viterbo show choirs concert Movin’ to the Musicals. The show choirs will perform numbers from beloved musicals. If you like Broadway musicals, you will love this show. This great adventure will start at the church at 4:45pm. We will travel to Houghton’s for dinner, followed by the concert. RSVP to Brian: owls@firstlu.org / 630.816.5917. COST: $29 and dinner is on your own. Tickets to Viterbo events many times sell out, so let Brian know as soon as you can if you plan on attending. He will buy the tickets as people notify him, but you can pay him the night of the event.

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 David Reay’s on Thursday, Oct. 20, 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.

"Considering Your Call" Saturday  

October 22, 9am–4pm – see more here! You’ll have the opportunity to explore vocation and discernment, learn about degree programs and the various models to earn your degree, get a feel for what classes are like, worship with the Wartburg Seminary community, meet faculty, staff and students, share in meals and fellowship. You can also experience Wartburg Seminary through the convenience of a Saturday visit! Interested in experiencing what life as a residential student is like? Register for the “Residential Experience” and spend your Saturday evening and Sunday morning with us!

Sing for Saints!

Do you like music? Do you enjoy singing, even if it’s in the shower? Do you appreciate the power of music in worship? Then put all of these things together and join the First Lutheran Senior Choir! First Lutheran is once again excited to offer the “festival choir” format for adding your vocal talents to worship! We know that the busy lives we all lead can limit the number of volunteer activities to which we are able to commit. The next event the choir will rehearse for is All Saints Sunday. Practice begins Wednesday, Oct. 26, at 7pm in the choir room. All are welcome … there is no audition and no formal training required, just a desire to enhance worship through the beauty of music! And the time commitment is just for the one performance (not the entire year). Full schedule and sign-up at 1stlu.org/choir. If needed, child care will be made available (just indicate this need on the sign-up form). For more info contact Todd Saner at todd@firstlu.org.

It's Butter Braid Season

Selling Butter Braids is a popular way for young people to earn money toward their summer camp and trip expenses. The order forms for this year's sale are now available in the church office. The deadline for returning order forms and payments to the church office is Thursday, Oct. 27. The Butter Braids cost $16 this year, and will be delivered to the church on Nov. 14.

Parents’ Night Out

Bring your children for an evening of fun with the middle and high school youth groups’ fundraiser! WHERE: at First Lutheran, NEXT: Friday, Oct. 28 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: Donations will assist the middle and high school students with 2023 Sugar Creek Bible camp and mission trip. Register at 1stlu.org/nightout by Wednesday, Oct. 26.

Women’s Retreat at Sugar Creek, led by Carla Stanton

Friday evening, Oct. 28–Sunday morning, Oct. 30. How do we listen to our Creator, with so many voices and messages bombarding us? Join with Spiritual Director and First Lutheran member, Carla Stanton, as we learn to center ourselves in listening, speaking, relaxing, finding peace and joy even amidst the noise of life. This retreat allows you time for relaxation, adventure, reflection, hearty home-style meals, and fellowship at your own pace. No preparations required; all you need to do is say yes. More info and reg form at 1stlu.org/scbcwomen.

2022 Year-End Goal

As 2022 began, our stewardship goals focused on three things: Hunger, homelessness and faith formation ministries. With $40,000 of increased giving, we will write a $10,000 check to the La Crosse Hunger Task Force and another $10,000 check to the REACH collaborative, and set aside $20,000 to make our budget fully ready to call a 3rd minister. Your gifts help First Lutheran change lives by providing food, shelter and faith formation ministries. Consider an increase in your recurring contributions or make a one-time offering so that we can make a significant impact in our community and far beyond at 1stlu.org/give.

Trunk-or-Treat!

It is time to fill our parking lot with trunks full of treats for the neighborhood kids! We will host trick-or-treaters on All Hallow’s Eve (AKA Halloween), Oct. 31, from 4–7pm. You can come as you and your car are, or come dressed as someone/something else! You provide the candy, we will provide warm beverages. Sign up your trunk at 1stlu.org/trunkortreat.

Job Opening: Assistant Custodian

First Lutheran is seeking a part-time assistant custodian; approx. 10 hrs/wk. Under the direction and supervision of our head custodian, this position is generally responsible for regular light cleaning tasks, but could also assist with maintenance and grounds work as necessary. Attain a full job description from the church office.

Hunger Task Force Needs Canned Food

The Hunger Task Force is greatly in need of canned food donations. Your items can be dropped off at the organization’s warehouse: 1240 Clinton St., 8am–3pm.

Hurricane Ian Relief

Hurricane Ian made landfall in Florida on Sept. 28 with near Category 5-strength winds, dumping record amounts of rain and causing catastrophic flooding. It then made another landfall in South Carolina, bringing hurricane-force winds and life-threatening storm surge. Ian, as predicted, is one of the worst hurricanes to hit the United States in decades. Along with our partners in the region, Lutheran Disaster Response is prepared to respond to Hurricane Ian with immediate relief, including water, clothing, gift cards, tarps and more. Your dollars are also hard at work in communities around the world through Lutheran Disaster Response, including responses to Hurricane Fiona, the drought in the Horn of Africa, the severe storm in Alaska, the war in Ukraine – to name a few. Long after the headlines change, Lutheran Disaster Response will continue to accompany communities on the journey of rebuilding their homes and lives. Together, we can help provide immediate and long-lasting support. Give today to support disaster survivors: ELCA.org/disaster.

Cloud of Witnesses: All Saints Day

We honor our brothers and sisters in Christ who have gone before us during a special worship service at noon on All Saints Day, Tuesday, Nov. 1, both in-person and live streamed at 1stlu.org/live.

All Saints Day has long been a day when the church gives thanks for all the saints, the beloved, who have died, especially in the past year. In the coming weeks, we will be asking for photographs of your beloved dead so that we can be surrounded by their witness at All Saints worship. These pictures can be sent electronically (to karyn@firstlu.org) or brought in. They will be printed as 4X6, so resolution should be such that they can be printed well from what you submitted. If your loved one was a member of our congregation and died this past year, you will receive a letter with a special request. All Saints Day isn’t only about those who have died but also about those who have been newly baptized. If your child was baptized this past year, you also will receive a special request. Please note, we will continue to use the photos submitted last year, so no need to resend those photos.

Friends of the Warming Center   

It's that time of year again. The Warming Center will open Nov. 1 for unhoused people, and the area ELCA churches have agreed to provide evening meals the 1st and 2nd Friday of each month, November–April. Prepare the meal in your kitchen and drop it off at the Warming Center ready to be served. Other people serve the meal, you just prepare it. You are welcome to use the Hunger Task Force for meal ingredients. More info and reg at 1stlu.org/warm.

'Living with Diabetes' Class

Gundersen Health System is offering a "Healthy Living with Diabetes" class for people who have diabetes, who are pre-diabetes and/or who are caregivers for people with diabetes. The class will be virtual, not in-person, and costs $30. It will be on Wednesday mornings, for six weeks, starting Nov. 2. To register, call 608-775-6870.

Election Day of Prayer

This year, on Nov. 8, in answer to the call to fear, love and trust God above all things, First is calling everyone to practice our faith and citizenship by praying together on Election Day.

1. First seeks to pray every hour for a Spirit-led election process. Go to 1stlu.org/electionprayer to sign up for any given hour, but it is not expected that you would pray for the whole hour.

2. First will worship together, in-person and live streamed, at 6:15pm. This will be a short prayer service centered around a specific scripture and include some songs and a reflection, and will include Holden Evening Prayer.

Clothes Closet Update

Hello First Lutheran, can you help us? First Teen Clothes Closet has needs to fill:

• Graphic t-shirts: all sizes

• Athletic pants: XS, S, M, L

• Athletic shorts: XS, S

• Lounging pants/pj’s: XS, L

• Hoodies: XL

• Wallets & fun jewelry

Please be sure donations are gently used or new, clean, and teen styles. Thank you!

Upcoming Sugar Creek Bus Trips

• Nov. 16: Fireside Dinner Theater, "White Christmas"

Sign up early! Spots fill quickly. Call for info: 608.734.3113.

Community Thanksgiving Dinner

The 12th annual Onalaska Community Thanksgiving Dinner will be on Thursday, Nov. 24, from 11am–2pm, at the National Guard Armory, 910 Oak Forest Drive. There will be in-person dining, carry-outs & deliveries. More than 1,600 meals will be served to people in need, those unable to spend time with family and those who are home alone. Delivery request must be in before Nov. 21 and may be made online at OCTD.org, or call 608-667-0994. Available delivery times are 11am, noon and 1pm. Sign up to volunteer at OCTD.org.

Snow Birds

Are you heading out? Please let us know if you'll be spending the winter somewhere else. If we know your seasonal address, we can keep in touch by sending you the monthly newsletter. Call or email the office with your winter address: 608.783.2236, office@firstlu.org.

Scrip Cards

Your weekly groceries, gas and shopping money can help raise funds for youth ministry! Scrip cards are available from the church office. We have Kwik Trip, Woodman's and Festival cards. To find out what's currently available and when you can buy them, call the church office at 608.783.2236 or send email to office@firstlu.org.

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 with citizens 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.

OASIS Respite Program

OASIS is a weekly program for people in the beginning to mid-stages of dementia, Alzheimer's and other brain-related diagnoses. This respite time provides socialization, brain enrichment and activities while the person's caregiver gets a much-needed four-hour break. The suggested donation is $20 per visit for the activities and a nutritious lunch. OASIS is an outreach program of Causeway Caregivers and can be reached at 608-780-0417.

Sunday School

• Sunday, Oct. 9

  • 9:15am Sunday School

• Sunday, Oct. 16

  • 9:15am Sunday School

Questions about Sunday School? Visit 1stlu.org/sunschool.

Preschool Faith Building Block: Praying Together

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. Most sessions last for three weeks, and afterward, children will have a presence in worship in celebration of the Faith Building Block they learned about.

• Sunday, Oct. 16: parents/guardians only

• Sundays, Oct. 23 & 30: parents/guardians with children

• Sunday, Nov. 6: Faith Building Block lifted up in worship

Confirmation

• Sunday:

  • 9:15am Gr 6 & 7 Confirmation Classes - Fireside Rm

• Wednesday:

  • 5:30pm Dinner - Fellowship Hall

  • 6:15pm Confirmation Class - Fireside Rm

  • 7:00pm Gr 8–10 Small Groups

• Upcoming:

  • Grade 10 confirmation rehearsal dinner: Wednesday, Oct. 26, 6pm

  • Affirmation of Baptism / Confirmation Worship: Sunday, Oct. 30, 1:30pm

Questions about Confirmation? Visit 1stlu.org/confirm.