INSIDE: Christmas Worship • Christmas Handout • Epiphany Dinner Theater

Worship

Join us for worship!

Saturday, Christmas Eve:

• 2pm: live stream at 1stlu.org/live, and in-person. Nursery available.

• 4pm: in-person, with candlelight and Holy Communion. Nursery available.

• 6pm: in-person, with candlelight and Holy Communion. Nursery available.

• 11pm: in-person, with candlelight and Holy Communion. Nursery available.

Sunday, Dec. 25:

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

Wednesday, Dec. 28:

• 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 are 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.

Office Closures

The office will be closed at the following times in the coming weeks…

• Closing at noon on Friday, Dec. 23

• Closed all day, Monday, Dec. 26 (Christmas observed)

• Closed all day, Monday, Jan. 2 (New Year’s observed)

• Closed all day, Monday, Jan. 16 (Martin Luther King Jr. Day)

Christmas at First

Christmas Eve worship times: 2pm, 4pm, 6pm and 11pm. All will be candlelight, and all will be with Holy Communion. Only the 2pm service will be live-streamed, and then available on demand thereafter. Christmas Day worship time: 10am, with Holy Communion.

MAKE CHRISTMAS SPECIAL! Make worship on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day special and memorable, by assisting as a bread baker, greeter, usher, projection leader, reader, or with communion. Sign up at 1stlu.org/next.

Virtual Christmas Pageant Rebroadcast

In the spirit of Rudolph and Charlie Brown, join us to hear our favorite retelling of the Christmas story in the annual rebroadcast of our virtual Christmas pageant: Do Not Be Afraid! It will be “re-premiered” at 8pm on Christmas Eve, on our Facebook page and YouTube channel.

Donations for Women’s Clothes Closet

The Women's Clothes Closet, a ministry of Our Savior’s Lutheran in downtown La Crosse, is in need of NEW bras (with tags still on) in sizes 36C–40C. Donations can be brought to First, and placed in a specially labeled basket located in the entryway.

Opening in the Synod Office   

Opening: Executive Administrative Assistant. Principle responsibilities: Works closely with bishop, staff, committees and synod leaders to ensure ministry programs are appropriately supported; coordinates communications, and manages synod properties. This is a full-time position. Contact Bishop Malpica for more info if interested: bishop@lacrosseareasynod.org.

Blood Drive

Tuesday, Jan. 3, 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/next. Please bring a photo ID and mask.

Synod School of Theology

Intro to the Bible: watch a pre-recorded session with Pr. Len Liptack at your leisure, then on Thursday, Jan. 5, at 7pm join a conversation with Pr. Len Liptack, Pr. Mark Bartusch and Dr. Jake Sorenson, members of the School of Theology Board. COST: Free.

Winter Zoom Classes: Thursdays, Jan. 12–Feb. 16. COST: $25 each, or $45 for both

• Early Church History - 5:30 pm with Pr. Margo Peterson

• Letters of Paul - 7 pm with Pr. Barbara Bruneau

Register at melanie@lacrosseareasynod.org or 608-788-5000.

Epiphany Dinner Theater

Friday, Jan. 6 at 6pm. COST: $10 per person, kids 5 and younger are free. Proceeds go toward the refurbishment of the church office in anticipation of a third ministry team member. Space is limited, so sign up today at 1stlu.org/next! Registration closes on Wednesday, Jan. 4.

Grade 2 Faith Building Block: What’s Fair

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, Jan. 8: parents/guardians only

• Sundays, Jan. 15 & 22: parents/guardians with children

• Sunday, Jan. 29: Faith Building Block lifted up in worship

Faith Alive! U Weekend Workshops

Join others for an afternoon of exploring, questioning and learning about your faith. The Faith Alive! U Weekend Workshops takes place Jan. 8 from 11:30am–2:30pm, with lunch and childcare provided.
In addition to the keynote, you will have the opportunity to choose another workshop:

• Keynote by David Rask Behling, of the Northwest Wisconsin Synod of the ELCA, on what endorsing our Welcome Statement may come to mean.

• Pastor Ben Morris, of Lumin Campus Ministry, on land recognition statements.

• Rev. Dione Stepanek, Assistant to the Bishop of the La Crosse Area Synod, on the stories that shape us.

RSVP at 1stlu.org/next to help us get a head count for the lunch.

Peer Ministry Kick-off

Peer Ministry is a great way for our 10th graders to learn about how to deal with any situation that arises, large or small. It makes handling conflicts simple and equips them to be better listeners and be welcoming to all those around them. Meeting most Sundays from 7-8:30pm in the Mary Rm, starting Sunday, Jan. 8. Questions? Contact jason@firstlu.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.

Bible Readers Deep Dive: Revelation

Join Pastor Stanton online for 7-10 minutes per weekday beginning Jan. 9 for a study of Revelation. He will read the Rev. Dr. Barbara Rossing's excellent book, The Rapture Exposed, as well as the Rev. Dr. Craig Koester's commentary, in addition to M. Eugene Boring's commentary… so you don't have to! Revelation is the source of so much controversy. What if it could be a primary source of HOPE for the church in 2023? Find the posts each weekday by 5am on First Lutheran's Facebook page or YouTube channel.

Winter Fun Days @ Sugar Creek

WHAT: Sledding, tubing, broom ball, hot chocolate, hot dogs, hot chili and winter FUN! WHEN: Sundays, Jan. 15 & Feb. 5, noon–5pm. COST: $10/person, children 4 and under free. RSVP at 608.734.3113 / camp@sgrcreek.org.

Young Adults in Global Mission Resumes

The Young Adults in Global Mission (YAGM) program invites young adults aged 21-29 into a transformative, yearlong journey in international service. Watch an update about some of the ways the YAGM team is bringing the program up to date and making it more welcoming for everyone. YAGM is ready for you! Submit your application beginning Nov. 1. Applications close on Feb. 1, 2023, with priority given to those who apply before Jan. 15, 2023.

Monday Night Community Meal @ Trinity

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. 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, freeze it, and reheat it. Food for the meal can be gotten at no charge from the Hunger Task Force in La Crosse. Upcoming Mondays: Feb. 13, Mar. 27, May 8 and Oct. 16. You can sign up at 1stlu.org/monmeals, or contact bridget@firstlu.org.

High School Winter Retreat @ Sugar Creek

Friday, Feb. 3–Sunday, Feb. 5. Do you, high-school-aged youth, miss camp? Come to Sugar Creek for a weekend of learning, connection, and fun! We'll start Friday evening and end Sunday morning. COST: $125 (includes lodging, meals, and programming). More info: sgrcreek.org. (NOTE: this event is organized by Sugar Creek, not First Lutheran).

Baptismal Preparation

The next baptism preparation session will be Saturday, Feb. 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, MON @. Min. attendance required: 2 families. 

Meal Train for Payne Family

A meal train has been created to help support the Payne family over the course of the next few months, following the death of their daughter. To sign up for a meal, go to 1stlu.org/next.

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, Apr. 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.

Cancellations Due to Inclement Weather

If bad weather ever makes you wonder whether your group is meeting, check our website, Facebook page, or email office@firstlu.org with your cell number and provider so that we can text you. The staff and leadership of First intend to ‘make the call’ by 5pm at the latest so everyone knows what to expect. Be safe this winter!

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 LWR.org.

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 elca.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 LIRS.org.

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.

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.

Want to volunteer? Need help?

Causeway Caregivers serves elderly and disabled adults in La Crosse County by providing volunteer services, without charge, to those in need. Tasks include raking leaves, grocery shopping, doing errands and helping after a snowfall. Would you like to be a Causeway Caregivers volunteer? Do you need a volunteer? Contact Causeway Caregivers at 608-775-9999.

Sunday School

• Sunday, Dec. 25 , and Sunday, Jan. 1

  • No Sunday School; resumes Jan. 8

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

Confirmation

• Sunday:

  • No Gr 6 & 7 Confirmation Classes; resumes Jan. 8

• Wednesday:

  • No Confirmation Small Groups; resumes Jan. 4

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