Announcements for Stewardship Sunday, Feb. 1
INSIDE: Invitation to Change Lives • Jazz Worship
Invitation to Change Lives
It has become our practice at First to challenge ourselves to do more. In 2026, if giving increases by $30,000, as compared to 2025, First will make a $10,000 investment toward hiring a visitation pastor, an additional $10,000 gift to Sugar Creek, and a $10,000 gift to The Hunger Task Force. As the generosity of our members grows, First Lutheran Church is not only able to meet the needs of everyday ministry, but also generously support additional work that welcomes all, builds community, and serves our neighbors. Return your statement of intent at 1stlu.org/intent by Monday, Feb. 16; if we receive 200 intent cards by this date we will unlock a $10,000 challenge gift!
Join us for worship!
Sunday Worship, Feb. 1:
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. 4:
6:15pm: live stream at 1stlu.org/live, and in-person. Nursery available. Be sure to join us for a special worship service of jazz liturgy, led by Jon Ailabouni.
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.
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.
Jazz Worship on Wednesday, Feb. 4
Mark your calendars and make sure to join us for a special worship service of jazz liturgy on Wednesday, Feb. 4, 6:15pm, led by Jon Ailabouni.
Sunshine Team
The Sunshine Team meets on the first Thursday of every month. NEXT: Feb. 5, 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.
Discipleship Matters
Winter Zoom Class: Thursdays, Feb. 5–26. COST: $35
The Who, What, Where, When, Why and How of Prayer: Keeping a conversation going with God. Do you just want to pray better? So do I! Join a group in learning to meet this challenge and finding the blessing! 5:30pm with Rev. Kathy Ingbritsen.
What is preaching? Going from the pew to the pulpit. How to read a text with an eye toward preaching. What to look for? Construction. Delivery. 7:15pm with Rev. Nile Sandeen
Learn more and register at 1stlu.org/next.
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 is available to pick up at the Welcome Center or download at 1stlu.org/report, and you will receive a 1-page summary with your 2025 contributions statement in the mail.
Christ’s Love in Action for High School
High schoolers: let’s spread kindness this Valentine’s Day! Join together on Sunday, Feb 8 at 11:30am as we create heartfelt cards for nursing home residents and those who are homebound. It’s a simple way to brighten someone’s day and remind them they are loved. All supplies and lunch will be provided—just bring your creativity and a caring heart! Friends are welcome too. Let’s make a big impact with small acts of love! Questions? Connect with Megan Olson, megan@firstlu.org.
Sugar Creek Winter Fun Day
Sled, play, and cozy up with lunch and indoor activities, Sunday, Feb. 8. Snow or no, it’s a go! $10 a person, 4 and under free. RSVPs are helpful for planning: camp@sgrcreek.org.
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)
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, Feb. 14, 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.
Generosity: Choosing a Life of Overflow
Ever think the Gospel invites us into a fuller life than we regularly experience? The La Crosse Area Synod is forming a short-term learning community of people interested in exploring together what a generous life might look like in our community of La Crosse. We will look to Jesus, the Scriptures, and our own experiences while looking for authentic ways to not only think differently but more importantly, live differently. Intrigued? Email Scott Gabriel at segabriel@viterbo.edu to register for an introductory Zoom session to learn more and/or ask questions. Sessions are: Feb. 16 at 5:30pm, Mar. 8 at 4pm, or Mar. 19 at 12pm. The group will start immediately after Easter and gather for four sessions in April.
Ash Wednesday
Join us for worship on Ash Wednesday, Feb. 18, 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 (with a light supper offered beforehand, at 5:30pm)
All services will include the imposition of ashes.
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, Feb. 20, 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.
Middle School Lock-in!
Starting at 6:30pm on Saturday, Feb. 21 until 9am on Sunday, Feb. 22 (dinner & breakfast will be provided), our middle school youth will come together for a night of snacks, movies, games, and crafts! Bring a sleeping bag, blanket, and pillow invite a friend to join—all are welcome! Questions? Connect with madalyn@firstlu.org.
Winter Choir Festival
Join us for an afternoon of joyful music! Sunday, Feb. 22, 4pm, at Trinity Lutheran Church, 1010 Sill Street, La Crosse. Come hear the synod's finest choirs as they each sing one song, and then joint music. ADMISSION IS FREE! Presented by: La Crosse Area Synod. More info: Reverend Phillip Waselik & Trevor Dupej pastorphil@trinitylutheranlax.org or trevor@englishlutheran.org.
Young Youth Ice Skating @ Omni Center
On Sunday, Feb. 22, 5:30–6:30pm, Young Youth (grades K–5) will be meeting at the Omni Center for Neon Open Skate! It’s NEON Night!!! Wear bright clothes and skate under cosmic lights! COST: $5/child to skate; First will cover of skate rentals if needed. Questions? Reach out to Katie Pierre, Young Youth Events Director: katie@firstlu.org.
OWLs
On Saturday, Feb. 21, our OWLs (our Older Wiser Lutherans at First, for anyone 55+), will fly to the Weber Center to see the most famous murder mystery in the world: Agatha Christie’s Mousetrap. Meet at church at 4:30pm to eat together at a local restaurant before traveling to the Weber Center for an evening of great theatre. COST: $31 for ticket; dinner cost is on your own. Brian will buy tickets ahead of time. RSVP to Brian: owls@firstlu.org / 630-816-5917.
The OWLs’ February potluck will be Wednesday, Feb. 25 at noon. Brian and Mary Narveson will be showing photos and telling stories about their trip to Europe last year. To enhance the experience bring any good German, Hungarian, Czech, or Austrian dishes you know how to cook. If you don’t know any, just bring some great winter comfort food.
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.
Preschool Open House and Registration
Join us for our open house on Thursday, Mar. 12, from 4:30-5:30pm. Come meet the teachers, see the classrooms, get class options, and registration info for the 2026-27 school year. We accept children ages 2 and up who are potty trained. Registration opens online on Monday, Mar. 16 at 8am at 1stlu.org/preschool.
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.
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. New for 2026: Cookie bakers! Help bake a batch of 4 dozen cookies! NEXT: Apr. 13. Sign up at 1stlu.org/next.
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, Feb. 1
9:15am Sunday School
Sunday, Feb. 8
9:15am Sunday School
More info and registration: 1stlu.org/sunschool
Grade 4 Faith Alive 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. 8 & 22: parents/guardians with children
Sunday, Mar. 1: Faith Building Block lifted up in worship
Confirmation
Sunday:
9:15am Gr 6 & 7 Confirmation Classes - Fireside Rm
Wednesday:
7:00pm Gr 8 & 9 Confirmation Small Groups
More info and registration: 1stlu.org/confirm.
