INSIDE: Worship Changes to 8am & 10am • Summer Art Series continues • Juneteenth

Join us for Worship!

Sunday, June 16:

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

• 9am: Summer Art Series (view a sneak peak!)

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

Summer Events Insert

Lots of summer events happening at First! View and print a PDF of our summer events at 1stlu.org/next.

Worship Changes for the Summer

• Starting June 16 thru the summer: Sunday worship will be at 8am and 10am

• Three outdoor worship services this summer (weather permitting), followed by potluck: June 23, July 21 and Aug. 18, all at 10am

• Wednesday worship will take a summer break Memorial Day through Labor Day and resumes Sept. 4

Summer Art Series Continues!

Join us for another summer art series! Back again on the 1st and 3rd Sundays of June, July and August! We will gather between worship services to create a simple and relaxing art project together. (Get a sneak peak!) One more way we build community, together!

Free Clean Fill

Approximately 20 yards of sand and pea gravel; must pick up some time this week. Our building and grounds manager, Dan, will communicate date and time. Interest or questions? Contact office at 608.783.2236.

Grief Support Group

Carrying on after the death of a loved one can be difficult and lonely. Join with others who listen and care for each other. Every third Thursday: 10am in the Upper Room. NEXT: June 20. Led by Carla Stanton.

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 16, through Friday, June 21. We will learn in faith together while we do Bible study, horseback riding, hiking, swimming, campfires and more. For youth going into 8th grade. Questions? Contact Pastor Stanton at jason@firstlu.org.

Discipleship Matters

Journeys With Jesus: Finding Rest and Adventure Through Sabbaticals. 2024 summer courses via ZOOM & FREE! Thursdays 6:30–8pm. Teachers & dates:

• June 20: Rev. Dawn Lindberg and Rev. Karyn Bodenschatz

• June 27: Rev. Jean Schmidt

• July 11: Rev. Steve Meyer and Rev. Amanda Schultz Garcia

• July 18: Rev. Joe Iverson and Brianna Iverson

A minimum of 5 people must register by THURSDAY, June 13, for a session to take place. To register contact the synod office: 608-788-5000 / office@lacrosseareasynod.org.

Outdoor Worship and Potlucks

First will worship outdoors on Fifth Ave for the second service once a month during the summer, on the following Sundays, weather permitting…

• June 23, 10am

• July 21, 10am

• August 18, 10am

Bring your own lawn chairs, perhaps a hat to shade your eyes, and a side dish to share at the potluck (though everyone is welcome at the potluck even if you don’t bring anything!). If the weather's bad that day, we'll move inside. NOTE: There is no live stream of the 10am outdoor service.

Bible Readers Deep Dive: Psalms

Join Pastor Stanton for an online study of the Psalms! Life consists of 1) seasons of well-being, 2) seasons of hurt and 3) moments of surprise when we are overwhelmed with the new gifts of God. The Psalms—more than any other part of the Bible—are able to accompany us through all the seasons and moments! Each weekday, Pastor Stanton posts a 5-10 minute deep dive into the Psalms. Find it at: FirstLutheranOnalaska.org, facebook.com/1stlu and youtube.com/1stlu.

Blood Drive

Tuesday, July 2, 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.

Upcoming Office Closure

The office will be closed on these days in July…

• Thursday July 4–Friday, July 5, Independence Day observed

Sunshine Team

The Sunshine Team will take a break in June and July. They’ll get together again on Thursday, Aug. 1, at 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! Questions? Contact Dan at dan@firstlu.org.

Baptismal Preparation

The next baptism preparation session will be Saturday, Aug. 3, 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, Jul. 28. Min. attendance required: 2 families. 

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: Start the Party!

Plan to be here for Vacation Bible School this summer, Sunday, Aug. 4, through Thursday, Aug. 8, 2024. Invite your neighbors! For 4K through Grade 5 in the fall (3 year olds are welcome to attend in the nursery). Register at 1stlu.org/next.

Sugar Creek Youth Retreats 2024-25

Retreats are one of the best ways to build relationships among youth, adult leaders, and wider community. Sugar Creek retreats allow you to show up and be with your age-group, knowing that you can enjoy all of the fun and activities. Save these dates for your calendar now!

• September 27–28: Pray This Way Middle & High School Retreat (Grades 6-12)

• November 2: Hallowed Be Your Name Elementary Retreat (Grades 1-5)

• February 7–8: Your Kingdom Come High School Retreat (Grades 9-12)

• March 7–8: As it is in Heaven Confirmation Retreat (Grades 6-10)

• April 26: Daily Bread Elementary Retreat (Grades 1-5)

Website Under Construction

The church’s website is under reconstruction for the summer as we upgrade to the latest version offered by our web developer. If you have suggestions for the website, now is a good time to offer them. Send suggestions to andy@firstlu.org.

Sunday School

August 4–8

• Vacation Bible School: reg at 1stlu.org/next

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

Confirmation

Sunday, June 16 – Friday, June 21

• Confirmation Camp for youth going into grade 8 this fall.

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