Announcements for Sunday, Dec. 7
INSIDE: Road to Bethlehem @ Sugar Creek • All-Church Lunch & Christmas Decorating • NEW Monday Meal @ Trinity
All Church Lunch & Christmas Decorating!
After the second service on Sunday, Dec. 7, join us for lunch and to help decorate First to make it festive and twinkle for the upcoming Christmas season! This is a great Confirmation service opportunity, as well as a great event to share together as a Faith Web!
Join us for worship!
Sunday Worship, Dec. 7
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 Worship, Dec. 10
6:15pm: live stream at 1stlu.org/live, and in-person. Nursery available.
Road to Bethlehem @ Sugar Creek
Begin your journey any time between 2–5pm THIS Saturday, Dec. 6. Journey through the Advent story by visiting 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 an offering to benefit the ministry and mission of Sugar Creek Bible Camp. Non-perishable food items will be collected to benefit local food pantries. Questions? Contact Sugar Creek at 608.734.3113 / camp@sgrcreek.org.
Monday Night Community Meals
For many years, Trinity Lutheran Church on the north side of La Crosse has hosted a meal on Monday nights. First Lutheran helps 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. RECENTLY ADDED: Dec. 8 Sign up at 1stlu.org/next.
Coffee with Pastor Karyn
Coffee with Pastor Karyn is open to all and meets at 7am each Wednesday in the narthex. See you there! Questions? Contact karyn@firstlu.org.
Between the Listening and the Telling
Through Dec. 10, from 7-8pm, the Wednesday Night Study Group gathers to talk about the book Between the Listening and the Telling by Mark Yaconelli. This powerful and thought-provoking book will help us not only tell our own story, but also become better listeners to other's stories, providing the potential of healing the divisions that exist between us. Great time to join the Wednesday Night Study Group!
Parents’ Night Out
Bring your children for an evening of fun with the middle and high school youth groups’ fundraiser! WHERE: at First Lutheran, Friday, Dec. 12, 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 schol students with 2026 Sugar Creek Bible Camp and service trips. RSVP your child or sign up to volunteer at 1stlu.org/nightout.
Bethlehem Event @ English Lutheran
Experience the sounds and smells of ancient Bethlehem at the time of Christ’s birth at English Lutheran Church in La Crosse. Much of the church turns into the village, and many of its members and others become its residents for “The Bethlehem Event.” Takes place Dec. 13 & 14. No admission fee; donations accepted. Reservations are required and fill quickly; learn more at 1stlu.org/next.
Cookie Decorating
Everyone is invited to meet in Fellowship Hall to decorate Christmas cookies Sunday, Dec. 14! The cookies will be handed out as gifts to the residents that we visit when the church goes caroling, and shared together after our Sunday School Christmas program (and they may even be snuck during the decorating!). There will be two shifts…
9:15–10:15am, for anyone high school age or older (and their Faith Webs!)
11:30am–noon, for anyone of any age, but especially for Sunday School and Confirmation students, their families and their Faith Webs who were busy rehearsing for the Christmas program between services!
Parents are asked to supervise and help their children decorate. See you there!
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. 14.
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 certain tags are attached to the outside of the wrapped gift. If you purchase gift cards, please wrap them in a box. Gifts should all be turned in to First Lutheran by Sunday, Dec. 14. Questions? Email office@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. 14: 4:30pm warm-up, 5pm caroling, 6pm return to church for potluck feast!
Middle School Caroling & Christmas Party
Sunday, December 14, 4:30–6:30pm caroling, 6–8pm Party in Fireside Rm (snacks, games, Christmas music) in the Fireside Room. Questions? Connect with madalyn@firstlu.org.
High School Caroling & Christmas Party
Get ready to spread some Christmas cheer! Join us for an evening of caroling with the church, followed by a cozy Christmas party with snacks, games, and plenty of holiday fun. Bring your holiday spirit (and maybe a festive sweater!) as we sing, laugh, and celebrate the joy of the season together. Invite your friends—everyone is welcome! Sunday, December 14, Christmas party from 2–4:30pm at the house, caroling at 4:30–6pm. Questions? Connect with megan@firstlu.org.
OWLs
The OWLs Christmas party and potluck is an always exciting, highly regarded “social event of the season” and will take place on Wednesday, Dec. 17. at noon in the Fellowship Hall. There will be fantastic food, a gift exchange, singing, and fun games. Our gift exchange theme is “stars.” It can be an ornament, a coat pin, or anything star-related. If you have trouble finding a star, check out the Dollar Store in Holmen and Hobby Lobby. If you bring a gift, you will get a gift. Maximum value is $10. It’s OK if you don’t want to participate and just want to watch the fun. Wear your favorite Christmas sweater. The annual “Who is most ready for Christmas” contest will be held with an interesting prize. No need to sign up; just come if you can, bring a dish to pass, a few Christmas goodies to share, and your holiday spirit. Great fun will be had by all. Bring a friend. All are welcome.
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. 17, at 6:15pm worship.
Middle School PJ Movie Night
Middle schoolers are invited for a movie and popcorn night on Friday, Dec. 19, at 7pm! You are welcome to bring pillows and blankets to get comfier if you would like! Please email the middle school event coordinator, Madalyn, (madalyn@firstlu.org) for any questions and to RSVP for this event!
Meal Train
Members of First Lutheran have started a Meal Train page for Becky Runde, who is going through cancer treatment at this time and her family would appreciate help with meals. What is Meal Train? When many friends provide support through a meal, Meal Train keeps everyone organized. Meal Train is a free meal calendar tool that makes planning meals among a wide group easy and less stressful. Sign up to help make a meal at 1stlu.org/next, and please keep Becky in your prayers.
Christmas Events Insert
The Christmas events insert that was included in the November newsletter can be downloaded at 1stlu.org/nextsteps.
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 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.
Red Kettle Bell Ringing
It's time to ring those bells! The Salvation Army of La Crosse Red Kettle Campaign lasts until Christmas Eve. The 2-hour shifts start at 10am through 8pm (Mon-Sat) with 19 kettle sites to choose from. We encourage festive wear, holiday music, and Christmas spirit. Sign up at registertoring.com or call the Salvation Army at 608-782-6126. Help us help others...the need is great. Make a difference!
Blue Christmas
Sunday, 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 6:15pm worship service that Wednesday). 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 months…
Closed at noon, Christmas Eve, Wednesday, Dec. 24
Closed Christmas day, Thursday, Dec. 25
Closed at noon, New Year’s eve, Wednesday, Dec. 31
Closed New Years day, Thursday, Jan. 1
Closed Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Monday, Jan. 19
Young Youth Dec Event!
Young Youth (1st-5th grade) are invited to a Winter Break Play Date in the Fellowship Hall on Monday, Dec. 29 from 10-11:30am. Save the date! Questions? Connect with our Young Youth Events Director, Katie Pierre: katie@firstlu.org.
No Worship New Years Eve
There will be no evening worship on New Years Eve, Wednesday, Dec. 31.
Faith Webs
Those looking to connect with and support youth in their summer ministries can still do so! Learn more about Faith Webs at 1stlu.org/webs and by stopping at the Faith Webs table in the narthex. Thank you for entering into the shared goal of raising and supporting our kids! Together we are building community!
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.
Sugar Creek Youth Retreats 2026
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! Learn more at sugarcreekbiblecamp.org.
February 6-7, 2026: Bagels and Belonging – Exploring Community and Inclusion, High School Retreat (Grades 9-12)
March 6-7, 2026: Cookies and Covenant – God’s promises and our response, Confirmation Retreat (Grades 6-10)
March 21, 2026: Subs and Service – Stacked High with Ways to Serve, Elementary Retreat (Grades 1-5)
Friends of the Warming Center
The Warming Center provides shelter for the unhoused from November through April. There are many ways to serve, from taking a shift in the shelter to providing a meal. Learn more and sign up to help at cclse.org/la-crosse-warming-center.
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 Coulee Golf Bowl on Thursday, Apr. 9, 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.
All-Ages Service Trip to Duluth
When: July 8–12, 2026
Where: Duluth, MN
For: Everyone... really and truly everyone is invited! (minors must be accompanied by an adult)
What is an All-Ages Service Trip? It is an opportunity for members of our congregation to experience serving side by side across all ages. When other families have gone on similar trips, the ages of participants were as young as 4 through upper 70s. We learn, serve, and grow in faith together plus have a whole lot of fun. If you have any questions, please reach out to Michelle Renkas.
Middle School Service Trip to Milwaukee
When: July 12–17, 2026
Where: Milwaukee
For: Middle school youth
With the help of Youthworks, our middle school youth will partner with food pantries, meal centers, local gardens and intergenerational care centers. In the evenings, they’ll explore the city a bit and maybe even have some beach time on Lake Michigan. Sign up during September for the trip, and for Faith Webs. The first 13 to sign up are guaranteed a spot. All subsequent registrations are subject to additional transportation capacity. More info: 1stlu.org/next. Questions? Want to sign up? Contact madalyn@firstlu.org.
High School Service Trip to Hazlet, NJ
When: July 19–25, 2026 (travel days TBD)
Where: Hazlet, NJ
For: High school youth
From July 19–25, 2026 (travel days TBD) high school students will take part in a Home Repair Workcamp organized by Group Mission Trips. Participants will team up to assist residents in Hazlet by tackling essential repairs like porch and deck upkeep, painting, wheelchair ramp installation, and other critical maintenance. It’s an opportunity where teens can grow in community, stride in faith, and witness the difference that kindness in action can make. Together, we’ll build more than ramps—we’ll build connection, compassion, and lasting memories. More info: 1stlu.org/next. Questions? Want to sign up? Contact megan@firstlu.org.
Cancer Support
Navigating a cancer diagnosis, treatment, and after effects is tough and worthy of peer support. A non-medical First Lutheran member, Al Hutson, has been on this path and would like to make himself available to anyone interested in having a friendly ear to listen and provide mutual support. Contact him via email: awh051230@gmail.com, or phone/text: 563-343-8391.
HELP ministry
The Health Equipment Lending Program (HELP) is a ministry offered by Holmen Lutheran Church. People can borrow health-care equipment, ranging from crutches, walkers and wheelchairs to commodes and shower chairs. Also available are items to keep, such as transfer belts, braces and disposable briefs. For more information, contact Mary Nicolai at 608-498-0439 (text or leave a voicemail).
Salvation Army: Serving Hope, One Meal at a Time
The Salvation Army shelter in La Crosse provides 64 residents stability and an opportunity to get their feet back underneath of them and planted on solid ground. One of the ways this is done is by providing 3 meals a day. Each and every day, volunteers are needed at The Salvation Army La Crosse to help serve these warm, nourishing meals to those who need them most. These volunteers share their love and kindness with those they are serving. In addition to this, we welcome members of the community facing food insecurity to get a lunch each day of the week. In June, we served an average of 130 community meals each day. These meals are made possible by the compassion and service of volunteers—offering not only nourishment, but hope. If you are interested in learning more about how volunteers help us serve the community, please go online at centralusa.salvationarmy.org/lacrosse or call Rick at 608-782-6126 ext. 226 for more info.
Subscribe to Living Lutheran
Living Lutheran has brought back its print magazine publication. The storytelling you know and love will appear in mailboxes with four issues each year (spring, summer, winter and fall). Subscribe for the latest news, reflections and stories from the ELCA. Visit livinglutheran.org/subscribe to set up an individual subscription. If you have already subscribed – thank you!
Sunday School
Sunday, Dec. 7
9:15am Sunday School Program Rehearsal - Sanctuary
Sunday, Dec. 14
9:15am Sunday School Program Dress Rehearsal - Sanctuary
More info and registration: 1stlu.org/sunschool
Confirmation
Sunday:
9:15am Gr 6 & 7 Confirmation Classes
Wednesday:
7:00pm Gr 8 & 9 Confirmation Small Groups
More info and registration: 1stlu.org/confirm.
