Announcements for Sunday, Feb 23 2025
INSIDE: Wartburg Kantorei & Bell Choir Concert • Intent Card Deadline
We invite you to join us in prayerfully considering an increase to your giving in 2025 so our life-giving ministries can continue. When we receive 200 intent cards by THIS SUNDAY, Feb. 23, a challenge gift of $5,000 will be donated. If you have not done so already, please remember to return or complete your intent card online. More information below…
Join us for worship!
Sunday Worship, Feb. 23:
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, Feb. 26:
6:15pm: live stream at 1stlu.org/live, and in-person. Nursery available.
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.
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.
OWLs
The OWLs (our Older Wiser Lutherans at First, for anyone 55+) will have their February potluck a week later than usual, on Wednesday, Feb. 26, at noon in the Fellowship Hall.
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 most Wednesdays, at 7:30pm. Everyone 14 and older are 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.
Youth Mental Health First Aid Course
February 28 from 8:30-4:30pm at a venue in Onalaska (TBD)
Pre-registration is required but there is NO cost to attend (RSVP to jason@firstlu.org)
Youth Mental Health First Aid is an 8-hour skills-based course that teaches adults how to recognize, understand and respond to signs of mental health and substance use challenges in youth (ages 12-18). Just like CPR helps someone assist a person experiencing a medical emergency, YMHFA equips participants with the tools to provide initial support to a young person in distress until they can get professional help if needed.
What You’ll Learn in YMHFA:
How to identify common signs of anxiety, depression, trauma, substance use and suicidal thoughts in youth
Strategies to engage in supportive conversations and connect young people to appropriate resources
The ALGEE action plan—a step-by-step guide for offering help and guiding youth toward professional support
How to reduce stigma and encourage open dialogue around mental health
Attend this course together with Pastor Stanton! This training is ideal for teachers, coaches, parents, mentors, and anyone who regularly interacts with young people. It provides practical strategies to help youth feel supported and safe. RSVP to jason@firstlu.org.
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
April 7 – Yesterday’s Youth
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.
First Sunday High School Gathering
High school youth gather on the first Sunday of each month, from 11:30am–1pm. NEXT: Mar. 2. Parents/guardians take turns providing the meal; serving and cleaning up. Sign up at 1stlu.org/next! Questions? Contact megan@firstlu.org.
Faith Webs Game Day!
All current Faith Webs are invited to get together with their households to have fun, and enjoy lunch and each other’s company over a couple of games, hosted here at First, on Sunday, Mar. 2, after the second service in Fellowship Hall.
Mardi Gras Youth Event
This is a synod-wide Mardi Gras party with jazz worship, and so much more! Our youth event directors, Megan and Madi, are going. We hope we have a group of 20 or so who can go! Maybe we'll take the bus? We'll see how many are going.
Who: 7-12 grade youth and leaders
When: March 2, 3–6pm
Where: Trinity Lutheran - La Crosse, WI
Cost: $15/person (cost helps cover musicians and supplies)
Participants are invited to bring non-perishable food items, new or gently used teen clothing, or children's toys to help with Trinity's ministries to the surrounding community. We will fellowship, learn and worship together with some Mardi Gras flare! RSVP at 1stlu.org/next.
Ash Wednesday Worship
Join us for worship on Ash Wednesday, Mar. 5, as we begin the season of Lent.
12:15pm in-person worship (light lunch offered beforehand, at 11:30am)
6:15pm in-person worship and live stream (light supper offered beforehand, at 5:30pm)
All services will include the imposition of ashes.
Sunshine Team
The Sunshine Team meets on the first Thursday of every month. NEXT: Mar. 6, 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.
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)
Synod Book Study: The Line Becomes a River, Dispatches from the Border
Dates: Sundays in Lent, March 9, 16, 23 & April 6
Time: 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM
Francisco Cantú, raised by a park ranger mother who is the daughter of a Mexican immigrant, joins the Border Patrol to understand the harsh realities of the Southwest landscape. He learns to track individuals while grappling with the dehumanizing nature of his work. After leaving the Patrol, he faces personal tragedy when an immigrant friend goes missing in Mexico, compelling him to confront the pervasive violence of the border. Register for book study here.
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, Mar. 14, 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.
Young Youth March Movie Madness
FOR: First Lu Young Youth (K-5th grade) (caregivers welcome, but not required)
WHEN: Saturday, Mar. 15, 10–11:30am
WHERE: Marcus Theatre (2032 Ward Avenue, La Crosse)
WHAT: Small Foot!
COST: $5.06/person (First will purchase popcorn for youth)
HOW: go to 1stlu.org/next to learn more
Questions: email katie@firstlu.org.
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.
Synod Discipleship Matters Opportunities
You. Me. Us. Being Human Together.
Dates: March 20, 27, April 3 & 10
Time: 5:30 PM - 6:45 PM
In response to the question, "Which commandment in the law is the greatest?" Jesus answers, "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind... and You shall love your neighbor as yourself." Join Pastor Karyn in exploring how Natural Family Systems can help us live more deeply into our calling to love God and love our neighbor as ourselves.
Who’s Your Favorite?
Dates: March 20, 27, April 3 & 10
Time: 7:15 PM - 8:30 PM
Come hear about some of our pastor’s favorite Bible characters (besides Jesus). You may recognize some of the names, but some of their stories may be new to you. The hope is that you will get new insight into what it means to be faithful and be inspired to think about who is your favorite Bible character.
Register for both Discipleship Matters courses here.
Graduation Milestone & Recognition Dinner
Graduates: You and your parents/guardians are cordially invited to mark the milestone of your graduation at First Lutheran’s High School Graduation Recognition Dinner on Sunday, March 30, from 5:30–8pm at the church. Let us take this opportunity to honor you and your accomplishments as you prepare to become a 2025 graduate. RSVP to the church office by March 23: office@firstlu.org / 608.783.2236.
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.
Stephen Ministry
If you know of someone who needs a caregiver, please speak with Pastor Karyn, or call the church office: 608.783.2236.
Cancellations Due to Inclement Weather
If bad weather ever makes you wonder whether your group is meeting, check our website, Facebook page, or update the office with your cell number and provider so that we can text you. The staff and leadership of First intend to ‘make the call’ by 5pm at the latest so everyone knows what to expect. Be safe this winter!
Sunday School
Sunday, Feb. 23
9:15am Sunday School
Sunday, Mar. 2
9:15am Sunday School: Mardi Gras Party!
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.
Sunday, Feb. 23: Faith Building Block lifted up in worship
Kindergarten Faith Building Block: Apostles’ Creed
Sunday, Feb. 23: parents/guardians only
Sundays, Mar. 9 & 16: parents/guardians with children
Sunday, Mar. 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.
