Announcements for Sun., Dec. 4
INSIDE: Meals for the Warming Center, Parents’ Night Out
Parents’ Night Out & Christmas Cookie Decorating! Bring your children for an evening of fun with the middle and high school youth groups’ fundraiser! NEXT: Friday, Dec. 9. More info below…
Worship
Join us for worship!
Sunday, Dec. 4:
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, Dec. 7:
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.
Friends of the Warming Center
The Warming Center opened 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. NEXT ONE: Dec. 2 & 9. 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. Questions? Contact bridget@firstlu.org.
Road to Bethlehem @ Sugar Creek
Begin your journey any time between 2–5pm on Saturday, Dec. 3. Journey through the Advent story by visiting different live-action worship stations offering carols, scripture, prayer and the chance to visit a live nativity. Enjoy refreshments at the end! This is an outdoor event, so dress appropriately for the weather. There is no cost, but we invite you to consider a free-will offering to benefit the ministry and mission of Sugar Creek Bible Camp. Non-perishable food items will be collected to benefit local food pantries.
Oh Come, Oh Come and Volunteer
It’s beginning to look a lot like Advent! Sugar Creek is preparing for their annual Road to Bethlehem. That means, they need you! They need volunteers to help greet people, be actors (no lines to memorize), help with animals, read scripture, and sing. Please call or email Lucy (program@sgrcreek.org or 608-734-3113) if you are interested or have questions. Time commitment is Dec. 3 from 1–6pm. Pizza dinner after event for all who volunteer!
Parent Share
Join Carla Stanton, member of First, certified spiritual director and mom of three, in room 201 every Sunday morning at 9:15am. At Parent Share, we pray and talk about raising our children faithfully. Questions? Click here to contact Carla.
Reaching Out to Onalaska Runners
With our sign on Main Street, we can reach out to Onalaska… and have some fun while doing so! The Y’s Jingle Bell 5-mile starts at the Houser Y and runs past First as racers turn onto Main. So let’s encourage the runners! Send a photo/video with a caption to andy@firstlu.org by Sunday, Dec. 4, so that they can see your smiles, cheers and inspiring messages. For full details, visit 1stlu.org/next.
OWLs in December
On Monday, Dec. 5, the OWLs (our Older Wiser Lutherans at First, for anyone 55+) are flying to Sugar Creek for Yesterday’s Youth, leaving the church at 7:45am. The morning program will be by author and former Tribune columnist Chris Hardie. He will chronicle the joys and challenges of growing up in—and returning to—the country. Following a scrumptious lunch, we will be entertained with seasonal music by the Viroqua Bell Choir. COST: $15 (includes lunch), paid at camp. RSVP to Brian at 630-816-5917/owls@firstlu.org, by Dec. 1.
The not-to-be missed, always exciting, highly regarded “Social Event of the Season” will take place on Wednesday, Dec. 21, at noon in the Narthex. This, of course, is the almost world-famous OWLs Christmas Party and Potluck. There will be fantastic food, a gift exchange, singing and some very fun games. The (optional) gift exchange theme is “Angels.” Max value: $10. Wear your favorite Christmas attire, but leave the ugly sweaters home this year. The annual “Who is most ready for Christmas?” contest will be held with an interesting prize. No need to RSVP, just come, bring a dish to pass, a few Christmas goodies and your holiday spirit. Bring a friend, all are welcome!
Bible Matters
Are you looking for the connection between scripture and everyday life? Or maybe a way to dig deeper into the gospel of Matthew? If so, join Pastor Karyn for a year-long journey through the lectionary (our schedule of readings) Monday evenings, 7–8pm, meeting in the narthex. Our yearly readings just “rebooted” with the start of Advent, so now is a great time to join this study! Cost of this class is $20 for the devotional study book we will use. Questions? Contact karyn@firstlu.org.
Coffee with Pastor Karyn
Coffee with Pastor Karyn is open to all and meets at 6:30am each Wednesday in the narthex. See you there! Questions? Contact karyn@firstlu.org.
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, Dec. 9, 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 8pm (parents can pick up early if needed)
COST: Monetary donations will assist the middle and high school students with 2023 Sugar Creek Bible Camp and potential mission trip. RSVP your child or sign up to volunteer at 1stlu.org/nightout, by Wednesday, Dec. 7.
Drawing from the Well
This group is for women of First and the greater La Crosse area seeking to support one another in their spiritual growth. We gather to develop a deeper relationship with one another, meeting on the second Saturday of the month, 9:30–11am, in the narthex, with the next one on Saturday, Dec. 10. Contact Bridget Crave for more info: bridget@firstlu.org.
The Christmas Giving Tree
Help make Christmas special for area kids and families by buying NEW items for them. We are again partnering with La Crosse County Human Services, and have a list of people and items they or their social worker have requested. Make sure that tags are attached to the outside of the wrapped gift. If you purchase gift cards, please wrap them in a box. All gifts should be turned in to First Lutheran by Sunday, Dec. 11. Questions? Email bridget@firstlu.org.
ELCA Good Gifts
Wondering how to make a positive impact in the world right now? At elca.org/goodgifts you can choose from 50 charitable gifts to give in honor of friends and loved ones. Each one of these gifts makes a real impact in the world, sharing the love of Christ — one goat, water well or school uniform at a time. Start your holiday shopping now and order free, customized cards for each gift you give. Give by Dec. 11 to ensure that your cards arrive in time for Christmas.
Christmas Caroling
Hop on a bus to take a short ride around Onalaska to visit and carol to those who would love some extra Christmas cheer! Sunday, Dec. 11: 4pm warm-up, 5pm caroling, 6pm return to church for potluck feast!
Sunday School Christmas Program & Worship
It is a wonderful time of year and a great way for our kids to share their Christmas joy! Wednesday, Dec. 14, at 6:15pm worship.
Awkward Family Conversations
You’re all in the kitchen, catching up, nibbling in advance on the Thanksgiving meal when, whammo, one of your relatives makes a politically charged statement that you know not everyone in the room agrees with. The statement has the potential to sink the meal and cause rifts among family members. How do you respond? Come to this workshop to practice having conversations in a way that reflects both the kindness and courage of Jesus. Workshop led by Rev. Libby Howe, WCC’s Congregational Support Coordinator for Peace & Justice Ministries, on Thursday, Dec. 15, at 6:30pm. More info and reg at 1stlu.org/next.
Christmas Flowers for the Sanctuary
If you would like to give a rose in honor or memory of loved ones to decorate for our Christmas Eve services, you may do so at 1stlu.org/next. Cost is $5 per rose. Order deadline is Sunday, Dec. 18.
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. Our next date is Dec. 19. You can sign up at 1stlu.org/monmeals, or contact bridget@firstlu.org.
Christmas Events Insert
The Christmas events insert that was included in the November newsletter can be downloaded at 1stlu.org/next.
Double Your Gift to Lutheran World Relief
Thanks to the leading generosity of Nelsonville Lutheran Church in Wisconsin, all gifts given by Dec. 31 to Lutheran World Relief will be doubled — up to $200,000! Your gift will provide food, shelter, medical services and other necessities for those in need in crises around the world. Gifts can be made online at lwr.org/match.
Red Kettle Bell Ringing
We have quickly approached the Red Kettle season and are excited for the joy and wonders of the season to come. We invite you all to bell ring and join in the fun of all things Christmas! The Salvation Army is in need of bell-ringers and relies on the support and love given from many groups in the community, and they’d love for you to join them again this year! Sign up at RegistertoRing.com.
Blue Christmas
Wednesday, Dec. 21, 6:15pm. Please join us at First Lutheran for an hour of worship including music, prayers, candlelight and reflection on what God is up to amidst our blue feelings around Christmas. The service will include time for a light meal and conversation beforehand, starting at 5:30pm.
Christmas at First
Christmas Eve worship times: 2pm, 4pm, 6pm and 11pm. All will be candlelight, and all will be with Holy Communion. Christmas Day worship time: 10am, with Holy Communion.
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)
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.
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.
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!
Keep Up with Changes: Update Your Contact Info
Make sure the office has your current contact info, including current address, mobile number(s), carrier info (for reminders by text), and email(s). Members can make these changes on their own at our online directory: 1stlu.org/directory. Or you can send them to office@firstlu.org.
Sunday School
Sunday, Dec. 4
9:15am Sunday School, Practice for Christmas Program
Sunday, Dec. 11
9:15am Sunday School, Practice for Christmas Program
Questions about Sunday School? Visit 1stlu.org/sunschool.
Confirmation
Sunday:
9:15am Gr 6 & 7 Confirmation Classes - Fireside Rm
Wednesday:
5:30pm Confirmation Dinner - Fellowship Hall
6:15pm Confirm Class - Fireside Rm
7:00pm Gr 8 & 9 Small Groups
Questions about Confirmation? Visit 1stlu.org/confirm.
