INSIDE: Connecting with the Gospel of Mark continues • Ecumenical Thanksgiving Eve Worship

Worship

Join us for worship!

Sunday, Nov. 19:

• 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, Nov. 22:

• 6:30pm: Ecumenical worship at Onalaska United Methodist, 212 4th Ave N, Onalaska, WI 54650. Live streamed at youtube.onalaskaumc.org.

Connecting with the Gospel of Mark Continues

Are you looking for a connection between scripture and everyday life? Or maybe a way to dig deeper into the gospel of Mark? If so, join Pastor Libby for one or both of these opportunities: On Nov. 13 and 20, from 6–7pm, an overview of the gospel Mark… and starting on Nov. 20 at 7pm, a year-long journey through the lectionary (our schedule of readings). Both will meet in the narthex. Cost of the yearlong class is $20 for the devotional study book we will use.

Choir for Thanksgiving Eve Worship

On Wednesday, Nov. 22, at 5:30pm, First Lutheran members, along with our brothers and sisters in Christ from Onalaska UMC, will gather an hour in advance at Onalaska UMC to rehearse their song for the Thanksgiving Eve Ecumenical worship service. Open to all people ages 12 and up; no audition and no formal training required. Questions? Contact todd@firstlu.org.

Ecumenical Thanksgiving Eve Worship

In place of our usual Wednesday night worship, everyone is invited to a special (and slightly later) ecumenical worship service at Onalaska United Methodist on Thanksgiving Eve, Wednesday, Nov. 22, at 6:30pm, with our brothers and sisters in Christ from Onalaska UMC, located nearby at 212 4th Ave N, Onalaska, WI 54650. Worship will be live streamed, but won’t be viewable on our website nor on our social media. View the live stream at youtube.onalaskaumc.org.

Onalaska Community Thanksgiving Dinner

Organizers of the annual Onalaska Community Thanksgiving Dinner at the National Guard Armory expect to prepare and serve more than 1,600 meals on Nov. 23. The event brings together people in need, people unable to spend the holiday with family and friends, and people who are alone for the holiday. Dining is in-person, by carry-out or delivery. In-person dining and carry-outs are from 11am–2pm. Deliveries can be scheduled for 11am, noon or 1pm. To register for a delivery, or to arrange for more than four carry-outs, call 608-871-3183 before Nov. 20. Organizers also are looking for volunteers and monetary donations. Learn more at OCTD.org.

Office Closures

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

• Closed Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 23

• Closed all day, Friday, Nov. 24

• Closed Christmas day, Monday, Dec. 25

• Closed New Years day, Monday, Jan. 1 

• Closed Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Monday, Jan. 15

Reaching Out to Onalaska Runners

With our sign on Main Street, we can reach out to Onalaska… and have some fun doing it! Festival’s Thanksgiving Turkey Trot and the Y’s Jingle Bell 5-mile both run past First as racers make their way along Main Street. So let’s encourage the runners! Send a photo/video with a caption to andy@firstlu.org by Tuesday, Nov. 21, so that they can see your smiles, cheers and inspiring messages. For full details, visit 1stlu.org/next.

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 3rd and 4th Friday of each month, November–April. NEXT: Friday, Nov. 24. 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.

Winter Items for Teen Clothes Closet

First Teen Clothes Closet is asking for winter hats, gloves and mittens for middle schoolers and high schoolers. New and like new (no homemade please, the kids won't take them). The items can be placed under the tree in the narthex until Nov. 26. No scarves, as we already have a lot of them. We won't be collecting socks this year… The synod assembly collected socks for the area non-profits this summer and we are all very well stocked on socks! Thank you for your continued support of the clothes closet. We have served over 450 teens so far this year! 

ALSO: In October we had 58 shoppers! Over 796 items taken. FTCC needs: teen style winter coats (L/XL/2XL/3XL), winter boots, hoodies (L/XL/2XL/3XL) and athletic pants (L/XL/2XL/3XL). Other than those items, the teen clothes closet is full and is not accepting donations of other items right now.  

Last but not least: Our First Teen Clothes Closet has been chosen for Altra's Impact Award! Thank you to Altra Federal Credit Union for the $7,500 award, and a big thank you to all that work to bring this impactful ministry to our neighbors!

Advent Around the Table

Advent is a season full of rich traditions for both home and church. We invite everyone to join us on Sunday, Nov. 26, at 9:15am in Fellowship Hall for our annual Advent Around the Table event. We will create advent crafts for our homes and learn more about this particular season, have great fellowship and grow in our faith as we kick off the Advent season.

Sunshine Team

The Sunshine Team typically meets on the first Thursday of every month. but… THE NEXT MEETING IS EARLY: Nov. 30, 9:00am. The job? To decorate for Christmas! Help make First look beautiful! Refreshments are supplied to replenish your reserves! Dues are free! Questions? Contact Dan at dan@firstlu.org.

Update: Crisis in the Holy Land

The humanitarian crisis continues to worsen —– almost 70% of Gazan residents are displaced, and resources such as food, water and medical supplies are in short supply. The death toll has far surpassed those of previous conflicts in the region in recent decades. Gifts to Lutheran Disaster Response have equipped us to respond to this and other disasters whenever and wherever they strike. Gifts designated for “Middle East Crisis" will be restricted to and used in full (100%) for those affected by this crisis and others in the region.

Faith Web Ideas for November

Here’s an idea for what you can do to strengthen the bond of your Faith Web this November: Exchange your favorite soup or pie recipe! Find even more ideas and caring conversation questions on a new handout available on the usher stand in the back of the sanctuary.

There’s still time to join a web, and there are 60 spots to fill! Stop by the Faith Webs table in the narthex after any worship service, and learn more at 1stlu.org/faithwebs.

Canned Soup Drive

The Salvation Army's Angel Giving Tree Food Baskets program aims to provide families with a basket of food during the Christmas season, and the organization has asked First Lutheran to help by collecting canned soup through November. Please bring only canned soups for this specific campaign. We have a collection box in the entryway for your donations. The Salvation Army anticipates a need for 500 food baskets this year.

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.

Baptismal Preparation

The next baptism preparation session will be Saturday, Dec. 2, 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, Nov. 26. Min. attendance required: 2 families. 

Road to Bethlehem @ Sugar Creek

Begin your journey at Sugar Creek Bible Camp, any time between 2–5pm on Saturday, Dec. 2. 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.

Preparing for Pastor Karyn’s Return

Pastor Karyn’s sabbatical will come to an end soon, and her first Sunday back is planned to be Dec. 3. Our Sunday School students are working on a welcome-back poster, and in addition to that we invite everyone to write a welcome-back sticky note, all of which will be on display on that first Sunday of her return. Look for the sticky notes at the Welcome Center, and return them there when done.

OWLs Fly to Yesterdays Youth @ Sugar Creek

The OWLs (our Older Wiser Lutherans at First, for anyone 55+) will fly to Yesterdays Youth on Monday, Dec. 4. The bus will leave the church at 8am. Fellowship begins at 9:00 am. Morning program will be “Revisiting Marquette and Joliet's 1673 expedition to the Mississippi” by Michael Douglas. Delicious lunch and afternoon music, with selections from North Crawford School musical Newsies. $15/person includes meal. RSVP to Brian at (630-816-5917) or owls@firstlu.org.

Community Mural: For Unto Us a Child is Born

This 12x5-foot mural is a paint-by-number scene created by artist Paul Oman of Drawn to the Word. The theme is “For Unto Us a Child is Born.” As we reflect on St. Francis setting up the first Nativity scene 800 years ago, the Franciscan Spirituality Center will create their own vibrant version of this profound biblical event, featuring Mary, Joseph and the infant Jesus, surrounded by shepherds, wise men, angels and the Holy Spirit in the form of a dove. People of all skill levels and ages are invited to participate. Groups are welcome to come and paint together. All supplies will be provided. Registration is not required; please attend as you can. Dec. 4-15, Mon.–Fri., 8:30am–4pm and Mondays & Thursdays 5pm–7pm.

Candy Donations Wanted

At the next Parents’ Night Out, the kids will make gingerbread houses, and donations of candy to decorate the houses are requested. Drop donations off in the office on or before Dec. 8. Thank you!

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. 8, 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 camps and trips next summer. RSVP your child or sign up to volunteer at 1stlu.org/nightout, by Wednesday, Dec. 6.

ELCA Good Gifts

Wondering how to make a positive impact in the world right now? With ELCA Good Gifts, you can choose from more than 50 charitable gifts to give in honor of friends and loved ones. Each of these gifts makes a real impact in the world, sharing the love of Christ one goat, water filter or school uniform at a time. Start your holiday shopping now and order free, customized cards for each gift you give. Please give by Dec. 9 to ensure that your cards arrive in time for Christmas. Print-at-home and online cards are also instantly available at any time. Shop now at goodgifts.elca.org.

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. Take a tag from the tree, buy the gift described, and make sure to attach that tag to the outside of the wrapped gift when you bring it back to the church. If you purchase gift cards, please wrap them in a box. Gifts should be turned in to First Lutheran by Sunday, Dec. 10. Questions? Email bridget@firstlu.org.

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. 17: 4:30pm gathering, 5pm caroling, 6pm return to church for potluck feast! NOTE: consider bringing a mask, as care centers may require them during the flu season.

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/nextsteps. Cost is $5 per rose. Order deadline is Sunday, Dec. 17.

Christmas Events Insert

The Christmas events insert that was included in the November newsletter can be downloaded at 1stlu.org/nextsteps.

Blue Christmas

Thursday, 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 (there will be no morning worship services that Sunday). All will be candlelight, and all will be with Holy Communion. Christmas Day worship time: 10am, with Holy Communion. 

LWR Gifts Doubled

For a limited time, your gifts to Lutheran World Relief will DOUBLE to reach a child in dire need with lifesaving food, clean water, health care and more. Your gift today will reach God's most vulnerable children in hard-to-reach communities who urgently need your help this Christmas.

Diaper Drive @ Trinity Lutheran

Trinity Lutheran Church in La Crosse (where First Lutheran operates the teen clothes closet) is having a diaper drive through the end of the year, to collect diapers and wipes for The Parenting Place in La Crosse, which distributes them free to families that need them. All sizes are needed, especially 5 & 6. If you would like to donate diapers, drop them off at Trinity, 1010 Sill St. Office hours there are 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Mon-Thurs.

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. 18, 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.

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.

Knitters

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

Fundraising to Support Our Youth

Your weekly groceries, gas and shopping money can support youth ministry! Scrip cards are often sold in the narthex on Sundays between services, and are also available in the church office M–F, during office hours. We have Kwik Trip, Woodman's, Target, Walmart 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 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.

Sunday School

Sunday, Nov. 19

• 9:15am Sunday School

Sunday, Nov. 26

• 9:15am Sunday School

More info and online registration: 1stlu.org/sunschool.

Gr 1 Faith Building Block: Ten Commandments

Throughout the year, each age group has 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, Nov. 19: parents/guardians with children

• Sunday, Nov. 26: Faith Building Block lifted up in worship

Confirmation

Sunday:

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

Wednesday:

• Ecumenical worship at Ona UMC

• No Confirmation small groups

More info and online registration: 1stlu.org/confirm.