Announcements for Sunday, Feb 16 2025
INSIDE: Young Youth Dance Party! • Jazz Worship Wednesday • Wartburg Kantorei Concert
On Saturday, Feb. 22 at 4pm join us for an evening of uplifting, sacred music performed by Wartburg college’s bell choir and their chapel choir, Kantorei, a mixed ensemble directed by Dr. Karen Black. The concert is free and open to the public.
Join us for worship!
Sunday Worship, Feb. 16:
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 Jazz Worship, Feb. 19:
Be sure to join us for a special worship service of jazz liturgy, led by Jon Ailabouni.
6:15pm: live stream at 1stlu.org/live, and in-person. Nursery available.
Ride to Church Coordinator
In 2024, First Lutheran increased our giving enough to create a Transportation Fund. In the future, anyone who needs a ride to church, but has a difficult time getting in and out of a car, can access this fund so that a ride can be arranged with an appropriate provider. First needs a person to coordinate these rides. Would you or someone you know be a good candidate to 1) receive requests for rides, 2) make reservations and 3) troubleshoot any Sunday morning/Wednesday night obstacles so that those who want to worship in-person can? Contact Pastor Stanton with any questions or nominees: jason@firstlu.org.
Young Youth Dance Party!
On Sunday, Feb. 16, from 2–3:30pm, 1st–5th graders are invited to put on their party attire, bring a loved one, and come dance the afternoon away in the Fellowship Hall. There will be a “photo booth,” snacks, some V-day games, and all the dancing! Questions? Contact Katie Pierre, Young Youth Events Director: katie@firstlu.org.
Knitters
Prayer shawl knitters meet every Tuesday at 3:30pm in the narthex. Open to all!
Jazz Worship Wednesday, Feb. 19
Mark your calendars and be sure to join us for a special worship service of jazz liturgy on Wednesday, Feb. 19, at 6:15pm, led by Jon Ailabouni.
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: Feb. 20. Led by Carla Stanton.
OWLs Fly to Figaro
The OWLs outing in February will be to see the musical The Marriage of Figaro. They’ll fly to see the performance at the Weber Center; meet at the church at 4:30pm on Friday, Feb. 21. We will have dinner at a local restaurant before the performance. COST: $31, dinner is on your own. RSVP to OWLs volunteer coordinator Brian Narveson (630-816-5917 / owls@firstlu.org) to reserve a space.
The OWLs February potluck will be a week later than usual, on Wednesday, Feb. 26, at noon in the Fellowship Hall.
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, Feb. 21, 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 until 8pm (parents can pick up early if needed)
COST: Monetary donations will assist the middle and high school students with their 2025 camp and trip expenses. RSVP your child or sign up to volunteer at 1stlu.org/nightout, by Wednesday, Feb. 19.
Wartburg Kantorei & Bell Choir Concert @ First
On Saturday, Feb. 22, at 4pm join us at First Lutheran for an evening of uplifting, sacred music performed by Wartburg college’s bell choir and their chapel choir, Kantorei, a mixed ensemble directed by Dr. Karen Black. The concert is free and open to the public.
Intent Card Challenge
This year our big three goals have to do with the local housing crisis, our own youth & family ministries and the ways we care for creation. If our financial gifts increase by $30,000 in 2025, then in 2026, we will write a $10,000 check to Pathways Home, invest $10,000 in our new David & Terry Lee Youth & Family Ministry fund, and pay $10,000 toward our solar panel project. If we get to 200 intent cards, a challenge gift of $5,000 will be given to First Lutheran, so please return your statement of intent card by Feb. 23. With your increased giving, we can continue to change lives because First Lutheran’s ministry welcomes all, builds community and serves our neighbors. Fill out your intent card for 2025 at 1stlu.org/intent.
More Events @ Sugar Creek
Below are some upcoming events offered by Sugar Creek. For more info or registration, visit sugarcreekbiblecamp.org or call 608.734.3113.
February 28 – NEW: Planetary Parade Retreat
March 7-8 – Confirmation Youth Retreat
March 22 – Elementary School Youth Retreat
Faith Web Ideas for February
Here’s an idea for what you can do to strengthen the bond of your Faith Web this February: Send a valentine to your faith web! Even more ideas & caring conversation questions in handout at the Faith Webs table and to download at 1stlu.org/webs.
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 at 1stlu.org/next.
Community Supported Agriculture
First Lutheran has, once again, offered to be a pick-up site for CSA boxes of produce from Small Family Farm in La Farge. Though deliveries won’t start until June, you can buy a share now. For info about products, prices and schedules, go to smallfamilycsa.com, or ask for a flier in the office. Prices typically increase March 1.
Ash Wednesday Worship
Join us for worship on Ash Wednesday, Mar. 5, as we begin the season of Lent.
12:15pm in-person worship (with a light lunch offered beforehand, at 11:30am)
6:15pm in-person worship and live stream
All services will include the imposition of ashes.
Preschool Open House
Join us for our open house on Thursday, Mar. 6, from 4:30-5:30pm. Come meet the teachers, see the classrooms, get class options and registration info for the 2025-26 school year. We accept children ages 2 and up who are potty trained. Online registration opens Monday, Mar. 10, from 8am–noon, at 1stlu.org/preschool.
Youth Retreats @ Sugar Creek
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!
March 7–8: As it is in Heaven Confirmation Retreat (Grades 6-10)
March 22: Daily Bread Elementary Retreat (Grades 1-5)
Funeral Planning Workshop
Sponsored by the Foundation Fund Committee, this special event will focus on thoughtful funeral planning. On Sunday, Mar. 16, from 11:45am–1:15pm, Pastors Stanton and Karyn will lead the presentation and discussion on how each of us can make decisions now that will bless our loved ones after our death. If you would like to know more about thoughtful funeral planning, this session is important for you! Lunch will be provided. We encourage all adults (regardless of age) to join us. RSVP at 1stlu.org/next.
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 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. NEXT: Mar. 17. Sign up at 1stlu.org/next.
Mabel Anderson Scholarship
The Mabel Anderson scholarship application is now available online at 1stlu.org/scholarship. Completed applications are due on Tuesday, Apr. 1. Students may apply if they will graduate from high school in the spring and have plans to pursue post-secondary education. The application includes writing an essay and completing an online form that reflects the student’s involvement in church activities. Contact the office with any questions: office@firstlu.org / 608.783.2236.
Baptismal Preparation
The next baptism preparation session will be Saturday, Apr. 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, Mar. 30. Min. attendance required: 2 families.
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, May 1, 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.
Sugar Creek Summer Reg Now Open
Sugar Creek Bible Camp offers 17 unique and powerful summer camp programs, plus retreat ministries for youth in elementary school, middle school and high school – and adults and families! The camp is located on 660 acres in the bluffs and valleys of southwestern Wisconsin. Come learn, relax, encounter Christ and have fun at Sugar Creek Bible Camp! Explore sugarcreekbiblecamp.org for more information about next summer.
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 Festival, Kwik Trip, Walmart and Woodman's cards. We now accept credit cards as a payment method (transaction fees are added to the face value of the scrip card). 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.
OASIS Respite Program
OASIS is a weekly program for people in the beginning to mid-stages of dementia, Alzheimer's and other brain-related diagnoses. This respite time provides socialization, brain enrichment and activities while the person's caregiver gets a much-needed four-hour break. The suggested donation is $20 per visit for the activities and a nutritious lunch. OASIS is an outreach program of Causeway Caregivers and can be reached at 608-780-0417.
Sunday School
Sunday, Feb. 16
9:15am Sunday School
Sunday, Feb. 23
9:15am Sunday School
More info and registration: 1stlu.org/sunschool
Grade 4 Faith Building Block: Apostles’ Creed
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, Feb. 16: parents/guardians with children
Sunday, Feb. 23: Faith Building Block lifted up in worship
Confirmation
Sunday:
Gr 6 & 7 Confirmation Class
Wednesday:
5:05pm Confirmation Class: Tell the Story- Fireside Rm
7:00pm Gr 8 & 9 Small Groups
More info and registration: 1stlu.org/confirm.
