Announcements for Sunday, Jan. 4
INSIDE: Bible in a Year • OWLs fly to movies • Caring Cards
If you’re looking for a way to get into the Bible in the new year, watch for the launch of a new Enter the Bible podcast in January. “The Bible in a Year from Luther Seminary” will guide you on a journey through the books of the Bible, providing insights on how Scripture can shape your life today. Learn more at enterthebible.org/the-bible-in-a-year-podcast.
Join us for worship!
Sunday Worship, Jan. 4
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, Jan. 7:
6:15pm: live stream at 1stlu.org/live, and in-person. Nursery available.
Christmas Continues
Christmas isn’t just a day, but a season in the church year, lasting for 2 weeks, when it concludes on Epiphany, the day the M
agi visit Jesus. Join us for worship online or in-person on Sunday morning, 8am and 10:30am, and Wednesday evening at 6:15pm, as we continue to celebrate Christmas and sing our Christmas hymns!
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.
Wednesday Night Study Group
Pastor Stanton and Pastor Karyn continue to lead their Wednesday Night Study Group, which will restart again on Wednesday, Jan. 7, at 7pm in Fellowship Hall. They’ll be using Barbara Brown Taylor’s book An Altar in the World: A Geography of Faith to deepen and broaden the ways we encounter and connect with God. Make a New Year’s resolution to grow in your faith! RSVP at 1stlu.org/next.
OWLs
On Thursday, Jan. 8, the OWLs (our Older Wiser Lutherans at First, for anyone 55+) are flying to see the movie David at Marcus Theaters. Meet at church at 3:45pm, COST: $12. Dinner after movie at a local restaurant. RSVP to Brian at 630-816-5917 or owls@firstlu.org.
The January potluck will be Wednesday, Jan. 21, at noon in the Fellowship Hall. For the program Pastor Karyn will be talk about and show photos from her trip to Kenya last year. Come for the food, fellowship and hear about her amazing adventures.
Caring Cards Ministry
This is a ministry of fellowship and service that meets monthly through April, and welcomes anyone who would like to join us. NEXT: Saturday, Jan. 10, 9am in the Fireside Rm. Led by Michelle Logan. If you know a member that would like to receive a card, please let the office know: office@firstlu.org.
Jazz Worship on Sunday, Jan. 11
Mark your calendars and make sure to join us for a special worship service of jazz liturgy on Sunday, Dec. 11, at both the 8am and 10:30am services, led by Jon Ailabouni.
Faith Alive! U Weekend Workshops
Join others for an afternoon of exploring, questioning, and learning about your faith. The Faith Alive! U Weekend Workshops takes place Jan. 11 from 11:45am–2:15pm, with lunch and childcare provided. RSVP at 1stlu.org/next to help us get a head count for the lunch.
Middle School Snow Tubing @ Whitetail Ridge
On Sunday, Jan 11, 11:30am–5pm, our middle school youth will eat lunch at church and then get on the bus to travel to Whitetail Ridge, in Sparta. Cost: $25/person. Questions? Connect with madalyn@firstlu.org.
Blood Drive
Monday, Jan. 12, 12:30-5:30pm. Every day ordinary people are saved by some pretty extraordinary people. People who give blood. Your donation could be the most valuable gift you ever give. Just ask anyone who’s ever received. Walk-ins welcome; appointments encouraged, schedule yours at 1stlu.org/blooddrive. Please bring a photo ID.
Faith Webs Winter Game Day
All current Faith Webs are invited to get together with their households to have fun, enjoy lunch and each other’s company over a couple of games, hosted here at First, on Sunday, Jan. 18 after the second service in Fellowship Hall.
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!
Attention! Seeking Nominations
First is seeking leaders for the following positions listed below, to be elected at our next annual meeting, Sunday, Feb. 8. If you or a member you know is interested in serving, please talk to Pastor Stanton or complete a nomination insert which is available at the usher stand and will remain available through Jan. 18. The Vision and Leadership Team will compile a list of all nominations at their Jan. 20 meeting. That list will then be available along with the annual report on January 25. Thanks for prayerfully considering leadership in our church.
Vision & Leadership: First Lutheran will elect two members to the Vision & Leadership Team at the annual meeting. One current member is willing to serve a second term, while another has completed their 2nd and final term. The V&L job description is available upon request in the church office.
First Teen Clothes Closet Steering Committee: The steering committee members oversee the running of the First Teen Clothes Closet; recruiting and overseeing volunteers, promoting the clothes closet, coordinating involvement in community events and the like. The steering committee meets once a month. Terms are 3 years.
Foundation Team: Participate in the continuing work of growing our Foundation and awarding grants each year. The Foundation Team meets once a quarter and is seeking two new members to be elected at the Annual Tailgate on Feb 8.
Sugar Creek Voting Members: Participate in guiding the future of our camp, Sugar Creek! The 2026 Sugar Creek annual meeting is scheduled for Feb. 22, at camp. Voting members are welcome to contribute their own stories and perspectives to the conversation amidst reports and planning for the upcoming year. Support your camp by offering your voice and vote.
Assembly Voting Members: Participate in guiding the future of our synod! The 2026 La Crosse Area Synod Assembly is scheduled for Saturday, June 6. The Pre Assembly Caucus is scheduled for April 19 at 3pm. An elected voting member will need to attend both meetings. It’s a great opportunity to be the church!
Sugar Creek Winter Fun Days
Sled, play, and cozy up with lunch and indoor activities, Sunday afternoons, Jan. 18 and Feb. 8. Snow or no, it’s a go! $10 a person, 4 and under free. RSVPs are helpful for planning: camp@sgrcreek.org.
Young Young Bingo and Board Games
Looking for an exciting way to spend your day off of school? K–5th graders are invited to join for Bingo and board games! It’s a thrilling time of fun, prizes, and snacks spent with other First Lu Young Youth friends! Monday, Jan. 19, 10–11:30am in Fellowship Hall. More info: contact katie@firstlu.org.
Presiding Bishop Curry to speak on Martin Luther King Jr. Day @ Luther
The Rev. Yehiel Curry, Presiding Bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, will offer keynote remarks at Luther College’s 2026 Martin Luther King Jr. Day lecture on Monday, Jan. 19, in the Center for Faith and Life Main Hall. The day begins with Curry’s address at 10:30am, followed by an optional community lunch at noon for attendees, two sessions are planned for the afternoon at 1:15 p.m., a youth discussion with Curry, and a panel discussion with regional ELCA bishops for all others. The event is open to the public, and admission to the morning program and the afternoon break-out sessions are free. Lunch tickets for adults are $10, but free for youth who are registered for the youth session.
Office Closed Monday, Jan. 19
The office will be closed on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Monday, Jan. 19.
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, Jan. 23, FOR: Birth–12 are welcome (Birth–3 will be in the nursery, ages 4 and up in Fellowship).
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.
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. NEXT: Jan. 26. Sign up at 1stlu.org/next.
Sign Up for Flowers for 2026
The sign-up sheets for the 2026 flowers are on the bulletin board. If you would like to honor the memory of a loved one, check the bulletin board and sign up for an open week of your choice. You can also contact the church office (office@firstlu.org / 608.783.2236) to inquire about openings.
Calling all snapshots from 2025!
We’re looking for photos & videos from 2025: weddings, baptisms, Christmas program and ALL OTHER special events and ministries. Help us to collect and remember all the events from this past year! Email them to andy@firstlu.org. Thanks!
Here’s What We Heard from You in the MAP
You believe First Lutheran is making a real difference. Over 94% of you agree or strongly agree that our congregation is making a positive impact in people’s lives. That’s a powerful affirmation of our shared ministry.
Participation builds belonging. About 90% say the more you participate, the more connected you feel. In other words, engagement grows community—and you feel it.
You speak proudly about your church. More than 75% say you enjoy telling others about what’s happening at First Lutheran. This reflects strong identity and shared mission.
Worship and ministry energize you. Nearly 87% of respondents say that participating in the life of the congregation energizes them and strengthens their faith.
You feel part of something bigger. Almost 90% express that being part of First means being part of something larger than themselves. This is a remarkable indicator of purpose and shared direction.
Community and cohesion matter deeply. About 80% describe First Lutheran as a cohesive community—a place where connections matter and relationships are strong.
You see yourselves as integral. More than 60% of you strongly (or very solidly) identify as an integral part of our congregation’s life and ministry.
Bible Camp Summer Staff Positions for 2026
Know a young adult looking for a meaningful summer job? Luther Park could be a great fit! Every year, Luther Park hires young adults to serve as counselors, program leaders, kitchen crew, maintenance staff, and day camp staff. These roles are more than just seasonal jobs — they are experiences that shape character, develop leadership, and help young adults grow into confident, capable adults. We also know that parents and mentors play a key role in helping their young adults choose work that is purposeful and practical. If this opportunity seems like it could be a good fit, we’d be grateful if you encourage them to check out summer employment with Luther Park Bible Camp in Chetek, WI. Click here for application link.
Sugar Creek Summer Reg Now Open
Sugar Creek 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! Located on 660 acres in the bluffs and valleys of southwestern Wisconsin. Come learn, relax, encounter Christ, and have fun at Sugar Creek! Explore sugarcreekbiblecamp.org for more information about next summer.
Annual Gaps and Needs Survey
It is time, once again, for the annual Gaps and Needs survey for the WI Balance of State. The Data Analysis committee would like help with distribution and filling out the survey by those that are currently homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. If you know of someone who is currently homeless or at risk, please direct them to and help them fill out this survey. For 2026, the consumer survey will be the only survey being conducted, and will be collected until February 1.
Baptismal Preparation
The next baptism preparation session will be Saturday, Feb. 7, 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, Feb. 1. Min. attendance required: 2 families.
Annual Tailgate and Appreciation Party!
All members are invited to attend First’s Annual Tailgate on Sunday, Feb. 8, at 11:45am. We will reflect on 2025 and look ahead to 2026, elect new Vision & Leadership Team, Clothes Closet steering committee members, Foundation members, along with Sugar Creek and Assembly delegates, and complete a variety of other business and cap it all off with appreciation of our volunteers! Save the date to be a part of the body of church at First! The annual report will be available to pick up and download on Sunday, Jan. 25.
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.
Co-lead our Community Garden
The Care for Creation team is looking for a volunteer co-leader for the church’s community garden. This garden grows produce in conjunction with the Kane St Garden in La Crosse, which provides to the community through the Hunger Task Force. We have one co-leader, and need another to help lead. Duties would include helping to decide what to grow, best ways to utilize the space, scheduling volunteers to water, weed, till, etc. If you have a strong interest in using God’s Creation to grow food for his people, contact the Care for Creation Team at 1stlu.org/next.
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.
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 Jan. 4
No Sunday School
Sunday, Jan. 11
9:15am Sunday School
More info and registration: 1stlu.org/sunschool
Grade 2 Faith Alive Building Block: What’s Fair
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, Jan. 11: parents/guardians only
Sundays, Jan. 18 & 25: parents/guardians with children
Sunday, Feb. 1: Faith Building Block lifted up in worship
Confirmation
Sunday:
No Gr 6 & 7 Confirmation Classes; resumes Sunday, Jan. 11
Wednesday:
7:00pm Gr 8 & 9 Confirmation Small Groups
More info and registration: 1stlu.org/confirm.
