INSIDE: LAST SUNDAY for Non-Food Drive, Wed. Night Study Group, Sugar Creek events

Join us for worship!

Sunday, Sept. 22:

• 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, Sept. 25:

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

LAST SUNDAY! Donation Drive for Non-food Items

The Onalaska-Holmen Food Basket provides lots of food to lots of people... people who also often struggle to buy non-food essentials. To help meet that need, First Lutheran has been collecting non-food items for the food basket for the past 2 weeks. You can still bring donations to the church through Sunday, Sept. 22. Here are some ideas for what to donate:

• Dish soap

• All-purpose cleaners

• Toilet bowl cleaners

• Laundry detergent (small or medium jugs or boxes, not megasize)

• Personal care items

• Shampoo & conditioner

• Soap

• Body lotion

• Deodorant

• Paper towels

• Tissues

• Toilet paper

• Diapers sizes 4, 5 & 6

• Adult diapers

OWLs Cruise on La Crosse Queen

The OWLs’ (our Older Wiser Lutherans at First, for anyone 55+) will fly to a lunch cruise on the La Crosse Queen on Tuesday, Sept. 24. COST: $38, collected day of. Meet at church at 9:15am. RSVP/send questions for both events to Brian Narveson at 630-816-5917.

Courageous Men’s Group

The Courageous Men’s Group are men of all ages who meet weekly on Wednesdays at 6am in the Fireside Room for a time of fellowship and study. Contact Jim Knutson or the church office for more info: jim@firstlu.org.

Sing!

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 Choir! Practice is in the choir room every Wednesday, at 7:30pm. Everyone 14 and older is welcome… there is no audition and no formal training required, just a desire to enhance worship through the beauty of music! For more info contact Corissa at corissa@firstlu.org.

Wednesday Night Study Group

This fall, Pastor Stanton and Pastor Karyn are leading a 10-week class that takes a look at Luther’s Small Catechism, examining this foundational document and how it can help us live more fully and more deeply into what it means to be a Jesus follower who identifies as Lutheran. We hope you join us, Wednesday evenings at 7pm, meeting in Fellowship Hall. There is no better time than now to return to the roots of our identity as Lutherans. RSVP 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 the 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! And NEW this season: One retreat is FREE for 2024 summer campers!

• 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)

Sunshine Team

The Sunshine Team meets on the first Thursday of every month. NEXT: Oct. 3, 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.

Youth Opp: Call to Be Advocates

For high school youth and young adults: Join us for "Called to be Advocates" at Pine Lake Camp, Waupaca, Oct. 4–6. The event will begin Friday between 4–6pm and end around noon on Sunday.  We'll offer great speakers, time for relaxation and getting to know other youth, and opportunities to build advocacy skills and to take action. Register HERE. More info at loppw.org/resources/youth-advocacy/. This event is being hosted by the Lutheran Office for Public Policy in Wisconsin and the six ELCA synods with congregations in Wisconsin and the UP. Note about our main speakers:

• David Scherer combines rapping, dancing and storytelling to inspire people to break down the barriers that divide them and work for justice for all people.  

• Rev. Jonathan Barker is a climate advocate and parish pastor at Grace Lutheran Church in Kenosha. 

Baptismal Preparation

The next baptism preparation session will be Saturday, Oct. 5, 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, Sept. 29. Min. attendance required: 2 families. 

Fall Work Day @ Synod Office 

Help with indoor and outdoor projects; adults, children and youth welcome! Oct. 5, 9:30-11:30am around the synod property and in the office. Treats, coffee and synod t-shirts provided! If you have questions or would like to learn more, contact Bel Bauer in the synod office: Isabel@LaCrosseAreaSynod.org / 608-788-5000.

Jazz Worship on Sunday, Oct. 6

Mark your calendars and make sure to join us for a special worship service of jazz liturgy on Sunday, Oct. 6, at both the 8:00 & 10:30 services, led by Jon Ailabouni.

First Sunday High School Gathering

NEXT: Sunday, Oct. 6, 11:30am(ish). After the kids eat, they will make their way to the Hidden Trails Corn Maze in West Salem. If we have fewer than 13 kids show interest, we will all fit in the church bus. But if there are more, we may need a driver or two to chip in. RSVP your youth with Megan: megan@firstlu.org.

ALSO: Parents/guardians take turns providing the meal each month; serving and cleaning up. Sign up for just one of the months and we'll be set for the year! Sign up at 1stlu.org/next.

Synod Border Immersion Trip

The synod’s Migrant Justice Team is planning a trip to the US/Mexico Border Jan. 29—Feb. 4/5, 2025 for a border immersion facilitated by Border Servant Corps. Space is limited, applications are open now. This immersion program prioritizes accompaniment, relationships and first-hand educational experiences about border issues. The immersion is designed to expose participants to a comprehensive spectrum of views about immigration and the borderlands through:

• speaking with first-generation immigrants

• visiting local organizations working with immigrant populations

• meeting with government officials to learn about border protection & law enforcement

• learning about immigration law

• building an understanding of the economic policies and realities affecting people on the border and beyond

Visit borderservantcorps.org/border-education to learn more. Questions? Contact Pastor Dione at the synod office: pastordione@lacrosseareasynod.org.

Coulee Region Hunger Walk

The Coulee Region Hunger Walk/Run/Bike is a nonprofit dedicated to raise funds, raise awareness and end hunger among our neighbors. This year's event will be Oct. 13, starting at 1:30pm at Myrick Park. Walk, run or bike with family and friends. If you prefer, you can participate virtually, just remember to register online. In fact, First plans to participate virtually at Sugar Creek during Play Days mentioned above! This is a fundraiser with 30% going to the Hunger Task Force, 30% to Wafer, and 40% to your preferred food nonprofit. You are encouraged to get sponsors, or form a team for some friendly competition. Register at couleeregionhungerwalk.org or in person the day of the event.

Lutheran Youth: Let’s Jump!

Sunday, Oct. 13, 4–6pm, a synod-wide fellowship event at Jump Start Adventure Park that includes pizza, drink and JUMP SOCKS! For: Youth in grades 6-12. Cost: $15. Coordinated by La Crosse Area Synod LYLE committee. Questions? Contact our High School Events Director, Megan Olson: megan@firstlu.org. Sign up at 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, Oct. 17, 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.

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. 18, 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, Oct. 16.

Volunteer Work Weekend @ First

Who says the Sunshine Team has to have all the fun! Everyone is invited to help with fall cleaning at First Lutheran on Saturday, Oct. 19, at 9am. Great opportunity for youth needing volunteer hours! Great opportunity for all to make First look nice as we look forward to the upcoming holiday season! Refreshments are supplied to replenish your reserves!

Fall Festival

Save the date on your calendar for Saturday, Oct. 26, 2–4pm, and join us here at First for an afternoon of fall activities and trunk-or-treating! Sign up to help prep and with activities at the event at 1stlu.org/next.

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.

Free Clean Fill

Approximately 20–30 yards of sand and pea gravel, available behind the church house. Take as much as you like. Must pick up. Questions? Contact our building and grounds manager, Dan, at dan@firstlu.org or by calling the office at 608.783.2236.

Monday Night Community Meals

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 150-200 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. NEXT DATE: Dec. 9. Sign up at 1stlu.org/next.

Stephen Ministry

If you know of someone who needs a caregiver, please speak with Pastor Karyn, or call the church office: 608.783.2236.

Sunday School

• Sunday, Sept. 22

  • 9:15am Sunday School

• Sunday, Sept. 29

  • 9:15am Sunday School

More info and registration: 1stlu.org/sunschool

Grade 3 Faith Alive Building Block: The Bible

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.

• Sundays, Sept. 22 & Oct. 6: parents/guardians with children

• Sunday, Oct. 13: Faith Building Block lifted up in worship

Confirmation

• Sunday, Sept. 22:

  • 9:15am Gr 6 & 7 Confirmation Classes First Day - FS

• Wednesday, Sept. 25:

  • 7:00pm Gr 8–10 Confirmation Small Groups - NX

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