Announcements for Sunday, May 9 2021
INSIDE: No registration required, Outdoor Worship, Affirmation Sunday,
This Sunday, May 9, at 1pm, and on Sunday, May 23, at 1:30pm, we give thanks for the gift of baptism and for the confirmands, one with us in the body of Christ, who make public affirmation of their baptism. The services will be live streamed at 1stlu.org/live.
Worship
Join us for worship!
Sunday, May 9:
8am: live stream at 1stlu.org/live, and in-person (no registration required). Nursery available, limited to 4 children (reg required).
10:30am: outdoor worship, in-person (no registration required). Current forecast for Sunday morning: Overcast and 49º. If rain threatens, worship will move indoors.
Wednesday, May 12:
6:15pm: live stream at 1stlu.org/live, and in-person (no registration required)
COVID-19 Update
Pastors and the COVID Advisory Panel regularly evaluate when and how the church can be open. These are our current recommendations:
Worship: online & in-person with precautions
Education: Peer Ministry and confirmation small groups in-person with limits & precautions, all others online
Small groups: online & in-person with precautions
No Registration needed for In-Person Worship
We will continue to mask and keep distance as we know some of our adults are choosing to not receive the vaccine, and none of our kids under 16 qualify. But no more registrations! For a full breakdown of current precautions, visit 1stlu.org/precaution.
Outdoor Worship in May & June
First will continue to do outdoor worship services and has set the following dates for May and June:
May 9, 10:30am
May 23, 10:30am
June 6, 10:30am
June 20, 10:30am
Bring your own lawn chairs, and wear masks. If the weather's bad that day, we'll move inside.
Women’s Ministry: Dorcas Circle
The Dorcas Circle is meeting from 1-3:30pm every other Tuesday. Next meeting: Tuesday, May 11, 1:30pm. They are meeting via Zoom, and are reading and discussing the book 31 Proverbs to Light your Path, by Liz Curtis Higgs. If you are interested in joining, please contact Katy Wood.
Knitters and Crocheters
The knitters and crocheters are meeting via Zoom every other Monday, 1-3:30pm. The next meeting is Monday, May 17. Contact Katy Wood to join, or ask questions.
OWLs In-Person Potluck
The OWLs (a group at First that welcomes anyone who is 55+) will return to in-person potlucks on Wednesday, May 19 in Fellowship Hall at noon, with the following precautions: be vaccinated, stay home if sick, bring our own food and drink (food will not be shared), face masks required when not eating, sign up ahead of time to attend. To sign up, email or call Brian Narveson at owls@firstlu.org or 630.816.5917.
Grief Support Group Resumes In-Person Meetings
The Grief Support Group will resume in-person meetings starting Thursday, May 20 at 10am, in the narthex. The group will meet on the third Thursday of the month. The group offers support and information to people who are grieving the loss of a loved one. Questions? Call the church office (608.783.2236), Katie Smith-Ohm (608.797.7915) or Gloria Kubiak (608.498.2762)
Blood Drive
Thursday, May 20, 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 mask and photo ID.
COVID-19 Vaccines
Now that everyone is eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine, you might have questions about how to find a vaccine appointment! Visit the website lacrossecounty.org/covid19 (click on the vaccine tab) to see all of the local vaccine options. If you are interested in signing up at the community-based vaccination site at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, register at vaccinate.wi.gov and check out the FAQ's about the site. Still have questions? Email covid19@lacrossecounty.org or call the State vaccine hotline at 1.844.684.1064.
Lutheran World Relief
COVID-19 is devastating our brothers and sisters in India. As the healthcare system nears total collapse, the scenes are heartbreaking — families holding sick loved ones in the street, having been turned away from hospitals. Smoke from makeshift crematoriums billowing into the sky. Neighbors in India need your care — urgently. LWR is directing emergency resources to get critical aid to hospitals in India, but funding is stretched thin. Your generous gift today can mean the difference between life and death for the desperately sick.
Sugar Creek Summer Camp 2021
Back in the saddle again! Sugar Creek is excited to be back with world-class summer camp programs for youth this coming summer! As vaccines are delivered nationwide, safety practices are honed, medical knowledge increases, and the camp program and facilities are adapted, the camp is confident in moving forward with plans for summer Bible camp. By the very nature of all their programs at Sugar Creek, the camp is, in many ways, even safer than schools during a pandemic since we keep youth in small groups and run camp activities in the open, fresh, outdoor air. As we emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic, youth desperately need real connections in life and in faith. Kids need to be lifted up in ways that only happen in safe, small-group adventures at Bible camp. Leadership, life-long faith, healthy relationships, self-confidence – these are gifts you give your children and grandchildren with time at Sugar Creek. Sugar Creek hopes you will join them for wonderful, safe outdoor adventures in real Christian community. Registration is now open at sugarcreekbiblecamp.org.
Baptismal Preparation
The pastors are considering baptisms on an individual basis. The next baptism preparation session will be Saturday, Jun. 5, at 10am. To register or ask questions contact the church office at 608.783.3326 / office@firstlu.org.
Only One Service on June 13
Our synod’s annual assembly is taking place the weekend of June 12 & 13, and First Lutheran is the host site for the event. As part of the assembly, there will only be one service at First on Sunday, June 13, and it will be at 9am. This service is open to all, and will be lead by synod leaders, with music provided by our First Praise Band, and the message by Interim Bishop Chris Boerger.
Confirmation Camp…
for Youth going into grades 8 & 9
Our upcoming confirmation students get a chance to start their confirmation journey in the beautiful valley of Sugar Creek, the week of Sunday, June 13 through Friday, June18. We will learn in faith together while we do Bible study, horseback riding, hiking, swimming, campfires, and so much more! This summer confirmation camp is for youth going into both 8th & 9th grade. Questions? Contact Pastor Karyn at karyn@firstlu.org.
Amplifying the Voices of Black Youth in the La Crosse Area
Join us in this pressing educational program unveiling the perspectives of black youth and their parents in the La Crosse area. Local Black youth shared their perspectives of experiencing racism, bullying and stereotyping in our community from a very young age. This 2-day, synod wide online event will include viewing the video and a facilitated discussion. The purpose is to engage our community in necessary conversations about bias, racism and privilege. We challenge our community to change the environment, policies and practices that disproportionately impact black youth and their families. July 10 and July 17, 10am–noon. More details will be announced as event draws closer.
Small Groups May Consider Being In-Person
First Lutheran small groups may gather in-person with precautions:
Capacity of gathering spaces will be capped at 25%.
Masks will be expected to be worn at all times, in all places.
There will be no food or beverages at this time.
Distances of 6 feet will be kept between small group participants.
Hugging, handshakes and other physical contact are discouraged.
For full guidelines, see our one-page document: Small Group Expectations During a Pandemic. Small group leaders should do the following:
Connect with Bridget Crave for details.
Connect with Tamara Schonsberg regarding room usage.
Connect with Andy Stutesman regarding promotions.
410 Prayers
Join Kathryn for a time of prayer, every Monday–Friday, at 4:10pm. Kathryn is posting prayers on both Facebook and Twitter.