INSIDE: Sunday worship times change • First Fest! • First day of Sunday School

Join us for worship!

Sunday, September 8:

• 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.

• 11:30am: First Fest! Invite a friend or neighbor! The forecast for Sunday: Mostly sunny and 61°

Wednesday, September 11:

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

Changes in Worship Times

With summer drawing to a close, worship times will be changing once again, and will be as follows…

• Sunday, Sept. 8 (First Fest Sunday)

  • Sunday worship changes back to 8am & 10:30am

16th Annual First Fest!

On Sunday, Sept. 8, we invite you to join us for worship at 8am or 10:30am, and after the second service, relax, catch up with friends, introduce yourself to visitors or members you’ve yet to meet, listen to great music, have lunch and have some fun! FREE and OPEN TO THE PUBLIC, so INVITE YOUR FRIENDS!

First Sunday High School Gathering

Come to First Fest on Sunday, Sept. 8 where we will have a dunk tank and an inflatable miniature golf course. Teams will be created. Winners will win prizes. Then… We’ll do some ‘extra’ fun events, too. Ideas include: a bonfire in October, a shopping excursion in Rochester, bowling in January, a board game tournament in March (madness!), an excursion to the Dells in April and lots of summer ideas like canoeing, hiking, golfing and more. We know high school is a FULL time job with sports, jobs, romantic lives, academics and more. We are not suggesting anyone must come to ALL the things we’re proposing. But we also know ‘church’ is the group where we remember who we really are. Come when you can, for yourself and for each other!

Faith Webs Evaluation

Our youth have been blessed with summer ministries at Sugar Creek Bible camp, serving in South Dakota and worshipping and learning in New Orleans, and blessed that much more with a Faith Web of supporters! We'd like to learn more about the impacts of this ministry. If you were a member of a Faith Web this past year, please take a short (1 minute) survey at 1stlu.org/next!

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 will collect non-food items for the food basket for 2 weeks in September. You can start bringing donations to the church on Monday, Sept. 9, and we'll wrap up the drive on Sunday, Sept. 22. The food basket prefers items in small or medium sizes so that they can provide supplies to more families. 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

Monday Meal @ Trinity

For many years, Trinity Lutheran Church on the north side 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: Sept. 9. Sign up at 1stlu.org/next.

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. Questions? Contact karyn@firstlu.org.

RING!

Are you open to trying something new? Join the fun—ring bells! We welcome widely varied musical backgrounds. No experience necessary! We’ll begin with the basics and learn to work together. Musical ability is a skill that can be taught. Do you want to be involved? The bells rehearse Tuesdays at 5pm in the choir room, starting Sept. 10.  For more info, contact Jim Knutson at jim@firstlu.org. Ring ‘dem bells!

Free Migrant Justice ZOOM Event

Tuesday, Sept. 10, 6:30pm. Professor Eastman has experience and expertise from studying at the border. She will address immigration from a historical, political, and religious perspective. Participants will be challenged to consider how various narratives about immigrants and migrants are drawn, how the sources of those narratives affect the public's understanding of immigration-related issues, and how to respond to such issues based on Biblical instruction. This webinar will emphasize the importance of civil discourse in discussing immigration-related issues and the necessity of intentionally placing humans at the center of such discourse. Register here.

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: Sept. 19. Led by Carla Stanton.

FLY Flight Crew

"FLY" is the name our kids have chosen for their "First Lutheran Youth" group. And FLY "Flight Crew" is the name our adults have chosen to describe how we plan to move forward with Faith Formation at First. Much like a sports, show choir or band booster club meets to dream about how to support our kids in their activities (and then shows up to actually support the activities) we want parents to do the same as we shape the faith formation of our kids. Meeting the second Wednesday of the month; NEXT: Wednesday, Sept. 11, 5:30pm. Food and child care provided.

Confirmation Guides

You don’t need to know the Bible backwards & forwards, & you don’t need a seminary degree. Just a heart for the youth of our church & an hour each week to spend with our confirmation youth. Parents, grandparents, godparents or any  faith-mature adult is welcome to facilitate conversation and build relationships between our confirmands on Wednesday nights. Contact Pastor Stanton to nominate someone: jason@firstlu.org/608.783.2236.

Job Openings

First Lutheran seeks to hire three positions to support Youth & Family ministry. 

• Young Youth Event Coordinator: 8 hours per month. The church seeks an adult to organize and lead a monthly event/activity for "Young Youth" which we define as kids in grades 2 through 5. In the past, our Young Youth have watched movies together, baked, gone to the corn maze, or played games in the Fellowship Hall. 

• Middle School Event Coordinator: 8 hours per month. The events/activities may be different but the concept is the same for grades 6 through 8. 

• Birth–Three Coordinator: 10 hours per month. The Birth–Three Coordinator would encourage engagement from families with newborns through age 3 by inviting them to regular Parent Share style gatherings and a monthly 'learn-by-doing' Christian parenting class. 

Contact Pastor Stanton jason@firstlu.org regarding details.

Sugar Creek 5K

Registration for the Sugar Creek Bible Camp 5K Trail Fun Run/Walk is now open! Being held Saturday, Sept. 14, at 9am, at Sugar Creek Bible Camp, the course makes its way through each of the villages and prominent places on camp. Stick around after the run for the annual camp auction, the presentation of medals, and drawings for door prizes. Register at 1stlu.org/scbc5k.

Sugar Creek Fall Festival

Saturday, Sept. 14. Beginning at 9am: 5K Trail Run and Fun Walk (more info above). At 10am: craft fair, country store, silent auction, and BBQ pork lunch.

Transgender & Christian

Do you have questions about the experience of being transgender and christian? Join Rev. Lawrence Richardson, Associate Conference Minister for the United Church of Christ, on Sunday, Sept. 15, 1pm at Common Ground, 1334 Pine Street, La Crosse, WI, to chat about the experience of being transgender and Christian. Bring your questions and your curiosity as we join a discussion with Rev. Richardson and Rev. Ellis Arnold (they/them), another Associate Conference Minister of the United Church of Christ. This event is co-sponsored by the La Crosse Area Coalition of LGBTQ Affirming Christians and First Congregational Church.

ELCA Seminaries Virtual Discernment Event

Sunday, Sept. 15, 3–5:30pm. Have you ever wondered about theological education? The ELCA seminaries would like to help you learn more about your seminary options and explore with you where God might be calling you next. Join all seven seminaries of the ELCA on Sunday, Sept. 15. Learn more.

THANK YOU! THANK YOU!! THANK YOU!!!

The annual First Teen Clothes Closet/Trinity Children's Clothes Closet shoe giveaway was a huge success! This August, we provided free athletic shoes for 118 area teens to support a great start to their school year. We couldn't have done this amazing outreach without the congregation's generosity. First Lutheran members donated 25 pairs of athletic shoes and $700 toward the cost of shoes for the giveaway. Since the beginning of the year, the Closet has purchased over 274 pairs of shoes for teens in need. A special thanks goes out to the following volunteers for the project: Kisha Peyer, Karen Lown, Jane Harrison, Margaret Wage, Terry Aakre, Bridget Crave, Lori Lunney, Larry & Marilyn Schreiner, Kristina Stellfug, Carol Skoy, Deb Walters, Nancy Whalen, and Jerry & Patty Shepard (and their granddaughters...Malina & Violet!). And, a special thanks to Tamara for her unending support!!!

Calling All Bakers! Cookies for LuMin!

#CookiesOnCampus is back with LuMin Campus Ministries! Pastor Kathryn Thompson will continue the tradition of bringing hundreds of cookies to UW-La Crosse each week, beginning Sept. 6. Five hundred (about 42 dozen!) cookies are needed each week, and First has signed up to provide 500 COOKIES for mid-September! Cookies need to be delivered to the office by Monday, Sept. 16, at 4pm. Thank you! Sign up to bake a batch of cookies at 1stlu.org/next!

OWLs Potluck

The OWLs’ (our Older Wiser Lutherans at First, for anyone 55+) September potluck will be at the home of Brian and Mary Narveson, at noon on Wednesday, Sept. 18. Their home is at 2431 Krause Road, Onalaska. Lunch will be at noon, with yard games and socialization after. We look forward to seeing everyone in September! Contact volunteer coordinator, Brian Narveson with any questions: owls@firstlu.org.

Jazz Worship on Wednesday, Sept. 18

Mark your calendars and make sure to join us for a special worship service of jazz liturgy on Wednesday, Sept. 18, at the 6:15pm service, led by Jon Ailabouni.

Wednesday Night Study Group

This fall, Pastor Stanton and Pastor Karyn will lead 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, starting on Sept. 18 at 7pm, and 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)

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. 

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.

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 2023 Sugar Creek Bible Camp and potential mission trip. RSVP your child or sign up to volunteer at 1stlu.org/nightout, by Wednesday, Oct. 16.

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.

Make Worship Happen!

Worship assistants make worship happen! Usher, read, bake bread, serve communion, lead projection and more. To assist with Sunday worship sign up at 1stlu.org/assistSUN.

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, Sept. 8

  • 9:15am First Day of Sunday School. Register in advance at 1stlu.org/sunschool.

• Sunday, Sept. 15

  • 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.

• Sunday, Sept. 15: parents/guardians only

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

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

Confirmation

• Wednesday, Sept. 11:

  • 5:00pm Confirmation Kick-off Meal

  • 6:15pm  Blessing Confirmation Leaders & Guides in worship

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

• Sunday, Sept. 15:

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

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