Announcements for Sunday, August 26 2018

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Confirmation

Come and learn what confirmation this year has in store for your kids.

  • Grade 10 orientation: THIS Sunday, August 26, 9:15am, in the sanctuary
  • Confirmation kick-off for grades 6-10: Wednesday, September 12, 7pm, in the narthex

Let’s Celebrate!

All are invited to join Vicar Tara Shilts and her family at their home to celebrate the completion of her one-year internship. Light refreshments and beverages will be provided. The open house will be THIS Sunday, Aug. 26, from 1-5pm at 1925 Sandalwood Drive.

NEWSLETTER ASSEMBLY

It’s a relaxing way to volunteer! Tuesday, August 28, at 9am, to assemble the September newsletter. See you there! 

Move-in Day with Campus Ministry

Campus Ministry for UWL, WTC & Viterbo will be serving FREE pulled pork sandwiches to hungry students and their families on move-in weekend (Aug 31 and Sept 1). Tell anyone you know attending the above schools to go to Common Ground! (across from Angell Hall on UWL campus)

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 Senior Choir! The choir rehearses Wednesday evenings at 7pm in the sanctuary, starting September 5.
All are welcome! For more info contact Todd Saner at todd@firstlu.org.

Sugar Creek Annual Quilt & Antique Auction

On Saturday, Sept. 8, at 10am come out to Sugar Creek for the annual quilt/antique auction and celebration! There will be a crafts fair and 5K trail run and fun walk starting at 8am. 

Sunday School

Sunday, Sept. 9, is the first day of Sunday School! Parents/guardians and kids will gather in the sanctuary at 9:15am to kick off this year’s Sunday School program. Register your children, get more info, meet the teachers, pick up a Sunday School calendar and get the ball rolling! Questions? Contact Sunday School Superintendent, Beth Miller:
beth@firstlu.org.

First Fest

On Sunday, Sept. 9, 11:30am-1am, we invite you to join us to relax, catch up with friends, introduce yourself to visitors or members you’ve yet to meet, listen to great music, have lunch and have some fun! 

Middle & High School Youth Groups!

Youth groups for both middle and high school will start up again on Sunday, Sept. 9! Starting at 5:30pm all ages will eat together, and then break off into their groups for fun, fellowship & devos. Questions? Contact Pastor Stanton, jason@firstlu.org.

Church Women United

Presenter Rev. Ron Nowland will present: Are You the Salt of the Earth? Mon., Sept. 10, 4:30-6pm, at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, 420 West Ave. S., La Crosse. Cost: $7.
Call Mary for more info: 608.782.7013.

Ring!

Are you open to trying something new? Join the fun — ring bells! This group performs once a month. We welcome widely varied musical backgrounds. No experience necessary! We’ll begin with the basics and learn to work together. Musical ability is a skill that can be taught. Do you want to be involved? We rehearse Tuesdays at 5:30pm in the sacristy, starting September 11.
For more info contact Jim Knutson at jim@firstlu.org. Ring ‘dem bells!

Drawing from the Well

Next retreat: Saturday, Sept 15, 9:30-11:30am, at the house. In September we’re changing things up: We will meet the 3rd Saturday of the month to avoid the breast cancer walk that many enjoy attending. Also in September, we will meet at the house and discuss the format for Drawing from the Well for this program year. Come and get to know other women of the church, or renew friendships. RSVP to bridget@firstlu.org

S'more Young Youth

Calling all K-5th grade students!!! Join us for s’more faith, s’more fellowship, s’more fun and s’mores on Saturday Sept 15, 6:30-8pm at Hilltopper Heights Park. (Rain location: Fellowship Hall at First) Any questions, contact beth@firstlu.org

Middle School Milestone

At First Lutheran we are committed to bringing the presence of God into the lives of children everywhere they go. This life milestone is for sixth-graders and their parents/guardians as they transition from elementary to middle school, and celebrates that each child is made in the image of God. We spend our time in four weeks talking about being created in the image of God, how God is in the midst of change and ways that we can feel connected with God through spiritual practices. Week one starts Sunday, Sept. 16, 9:15am in the fellowship hall.

Intro Bible Class

Thursday, Sept. 27, 5:30-9pm, at Peace Lutheran in Tomah, sponsored by the La Crosse Area Synod. Learn the Bible story as you follow the narrative from Genesis through the New Testament. Pastor Len Liptack guides the journey with energy, insight and wit! Available to anyone, this evening also meets the expectation for the Bible introduction for School of Theology students. There is no obligation in taking the class. Just come and learn! Registration not required, but an RSVP is helpful. To RSVP, contact Peace at 608.343.7322 (leave a message) or email Pastor Dawn Lindberg at peacepastordawn@gmail.com.

School of Theology in La Crosse

The fall 2018 session of the Synod School of Theology will run from Oct. 4-Nov. 8 (all classes on Thursday evenings, 5:30pm) with Bible Intro class for new students on Sept. 27 (see above). For more info and registration go to 1stlu.org/theology.

Confronting Islamophobia

The Church in Society Committee, in partnership with Shoulder to Shoulder of La Crosse, has arraigned for Pastor Mandy France and Dr. Ayaz Virji to share their story of confronting Islamophobia in rural Minnesota. Hear their story at the following events:

  • Wed., Oct. 3, 7pm at Trinity Lutheran Sparta. This event is designed for confirmation and high school youth. Of course, others are welcome. 
  • Thur., Oct. 4, 7pm at Westby Fine Arts Center. This community event is open to the public; no registration necessary.

NEW-MEMBER SESSIONS

We offer several new-member sessions each year to acquaint new members with First and a small group of other newcomers. People who would like to become members of First Lutheran are invited to a 3-session introduction to the church, presented in a small-group setting. The group will meet in the evening on Sunday, Oct. 14, Sunday, Oct. 21, and Thursday, Oct. 25. To register your family or ask questions please call our church office at 608.783.2236 or email office@firstlu.org.