Announcements for Sunday, Dec 17 2023
INSIDE: Christmas Caroling • Sunday School Christmas Program • Blue Christmas
Hop on a bus to take a short ride around Onalaska to visit and carol to those who would love some extra Christmas cheer! THIS Sunday, Dec. 17, 4:30pm. More details below…
Worship
Join us for worship!
Sunday, Dec. 17:
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.
Sunday School Christmas Worship, Wednesday, Dec. 20:
6:15pm: live stream at 1stlu.org/live, and in-person. Nursery available.
Blue Christmas Worship, Thursday, Dec. 21:
6:15pm: live stream at 1stlu.org/live, and in-person.
Cookie Decorating TONIGHT
Everyone is invited to decorate Christmas cookies together THIS Friday night, Dec. 15, 4pm in Fellowship Hall. Cookies will be shared during caroling, the Christmas program… and may even be snuck during the decorating! Parents are asked to supervise and help their children decorate. See you there!
Parent Share
Join Carla Stanton, member of First, certified spiritual director and mom of three, in room 201 every Sunday morning at 9:15am. At Parent Share, we pray and talk about raising our children faithfully. Questions? Click here to contact Carla.
Christmas Flowers for the Sanctuary
If you would like to give a rose in honor or memory of loved ones to decorate for our Christmas Eve services, you may do so at 1stlu.org/nextsteps. Cost is $5 per rose. Order deadline is Sunday, Dec. 17.
Christmas Caroling
Hop on a bus to take a short ride around Onalaska to visit and carol to those who would love some extra Christmas cheer! Sunday, Dec. 17: NEW START TIME! 4:30pm warm-up, 5pm caroling, 6pm return to church for potluck feast! NOTE: consider bringing a mask, as care centers might require them during the flu/virus season.
Knitters
Prayer shawl knitters meet every Tuesday at 3:30pm in the upper room. Open to all!
OWLs Christmas Potluck
The not be missed, always exciting, highly regarded “social event of the season” will take place on Wednesday, Dec. 22, at noon in the Narthex. This, of course, is the almost world-famous OWLs Christmas Party and Potluck. There will be fantastic food, a gift exchange, singing and some very fun games. Our gift exchange theme is “bell(s).” It can be an ornament, a small figurine, a coat pin or anything bell related. If you bring a gift, you will get a gift. Maximum value is $10. It’s ok if you don’t want to participate and just want to watch the fun. Wear your favorite ugly Christmas sweater, the more outrageous the better. The annual “Who is most ready for Christmas” contest will be held with an interesting prize. No need to sign up, just come if you can, bring a dish to pass, a few Christmas goodies and your holiday spirit. Great fun will be had by all. Bring a friend, all are welcome. REMINDER: no nuts in the food or goodies for the potluck.
Sunday School Christmas Program & Worship
It is a wonderful time of year and a great way for our kids to share their Christmas joy! Wednesday, Dec. 20, at 6:15pm worship.
Sing for Christmas!
The next event the choir will rehearse for is Christmas Eve. Practice continues on Wednesday, Dec. 20, at 7pm in the choir room. All are welcome… there is no audition and no formal training required, just a desire to enhance worship through the beauty of music! And the time commitment is just for the one performance (not the entire year). Full schedule and sign-up at 1stlu.org/choir. If needed, child care will be made available (just indicate this need on the sign-up form). For more info, contact Todd Saner at todd@firstlu.org.
Grief Support Group
Carrying on after the death of a loved one can be difficult and lonely. Join with others who listen and care for each other. Every third Thursday: 10am in the Upper Room. NEXT: Dec. 21. Led by Carla Stanton.
Blue Christmas
Thursday, Dec. 21, 6:15pm. Please join us at First Lutheran for an hour of worship including music, prayers, candlelight and reflection on what God is up to amidst our blue feelings around Christmas. There will be a light meal and conversation beforehand, starting at 5:30pm.
Friends of the Warming Center
The Warming Center opened Nov. 1 for unhoused people, and the area ELCA churches have agreed to provide evening meals the 3rd and 4th Friday of each month, through April. NEXT: Friday, Dec. 22. Prepare the meal in your kitchen and drop it off at the Warming Center ready to be served. Other people serve the meal; you just prepare it. You are welcome to use the Hunger Task Force for meal ingredients. More info and reg at 1stlu.org/warm.
Red Kettle Bell Ringing
It’s Red Kettle season! The Salvation Army is in need of bell-ringers and relies on the support and love given from many groups in the community, and they’d love for you to join them again this year! Sign up at RegistertoRing.com.
Christmas Events Insert
The Christmas events insert that was included in the November newsletter can be downloaded at 1stlu.org/nextsteps.
Christmas at First
Christmas Eve worship times: 2pm, 4pm, 6pm and 11pm (there will be no morning worship services that Sunday). All will be candlelight, and all will be with Holy Communion. Christmas Day worship time: 10am, with Holy Communion.
Office Closures
The office will be closed at the following times in the coming months…
Closed Christmas day, Monday, Dec. 25
Closed New Years day, Monday, Jan. 1
Closed Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Monday, Jan. 15
Faith Web Ideas for December
Here’s an idea for what you can do to strengthen the bond of your Faith Web this December: Invite your Faith Web to worship with you on Wednesday, Dec. 20, 6:15pm, for the Sunday School Christmas Program! Even more ideas & caring conversation questions in handout at the Faith Webs table and to download at 1stlu.org/webs.
There’s STILL TIME to join a web, and there are 60 spots to fill! Stop by the Faith Webs table in the narthex after any worship service, and learn more at 1stlu.org/webs.
Winter Items for Teen Clothes Closet
In October we had 58 shoppers! Over 796 items taken. FTCC needs: teen style winter coats (L/XL/2XL/3XL), winter boots, hoodies (L/XL/2XL/3XL) and athletic pants (L/XL/2XL/3XL). Other than those items, the teen clothes closet is full and is not accepting donations of other items right now.
Last but not least: Our First Teen Clothes Closet has been chosen for Altra's Impact Award! Thank you to Altra Federal Credit Union for the $7,500 award, and a big thank you to all who work to bring this impactful ministry to our neighbors!
LWR Gifts Doubled
For a limited time, your gifts to Lutheran World Relief will DOUBLE to reach a child in dire need with lifesaving food, clean water, health care and more. Your gift today will reach God's most vulnerable children in hard-to-reach communities who urgently need your help this Christmas.
Diaper Drive @ Trinity Lutheran
Trinity Lutheran Church in La Crosse (where First Lutheran operates the teen clothes closet) is having a diaper drive through the end of the year, to collect diapers and wipes for The Parenting Place in La Crosse, which distributes them free to families that need them. All sizes are needed, especially 5 & 6. If you would like to donate diapers, drop them off at Trinity, 1010 Sill St. Office hours there are 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Mon-Thurs.
Blood Drive
Tuesday, Jan. 2, 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/next. Please bring a photo ID and mask.
Screwtape Letters Class
C.S. Lewis, on his way out of church one Sunday, had an idea for a book about the forces of evil. That book was Screwtape Letters. Join Pastor Karyn on Wednesday evenings from 7–8pm, Jan. 3–Feb. 7 to explore this timeless classic. We will utilize a lecture series put together by the C.S. Lewis Institute, that highlights the central themes and underlying issues, which will lead us to a clearer grasp of C.S. Lewis' insights into how the forces of evil work against human beings. To join, email Pastor Karyn at karyn@firstlu.org.
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. 7 from 11:30am–2:30pm, with lunch and childcare provided.
You will have the opportunity to choose among the following workshops:
Heidi Svee, of New Horizons: discussing human trafficking
Joel Miller: presenting on the ELCA’s social justice statement
Pastor Karyn: presenting on her sabbatical
RSVP at 1stlu.org/next to help us get a head count for the lunch.
Peer Ministry Kick-off
Starting Wednesday, Jan. 10. Peer Ministry is a great way for our 10th-graders to learn about how to deal with any situation that arises, large or small. It makes handling conflicts simple and equips them to be better listeners and be welcoming to those around them. Meeting most Wednesdays from 7–8:30pm at the house. Learn more at 1stlu.org/peermin.
Winter Fun Days @ Sugar Creek
WHAT: Sledding, tubing, broom ball, hot chocolate, hot dogs, hot chili and winter FUN! WHEN: Sundays, Jan. 14 & Feb. 4, noon–5pm. COST: $10/person, children 4 and younger free. RSVP at 608.734.3113 / camp@sgrcreek.org.
What the Hell?
Join Rev. Libby Howe for an exploration of hell: what it is and isn’t, how it is talked about in the Bible, as well as the spectrum of how Lutherans think about it. We will also explore historical, literary and religious thought that informs our contemporary conceptions of it, and hell’s social function related to the human need for justice for un-righted wrongs and unhealed wounds. Online Zoom class, 7pm–8:20pm, Thursday evenings, Jan. 18–Feb. 8. Register by emailing office@lacrosseareasynod.org.
Synod School of Theology
Winter Zoom Classes: Thursdays, Jan. 18–Feb. 8. COST: $35 each, or $60 for both
Becoming a Better Listener: 5:30pm with Pr. Nile Sandeen
What the Hell?: 7pm with Pr. Libby Howe
Register at office@lacrosseareasynod.org or 608.788.5000.
Volunteer Appreciation Party
Sunday, Jan. 21, 11:45am. A warm thank you for everyone who brings Faith Alive at First Lutheran! RSVP at 1stlu.org/next. Questions? Contact kathryn@firstlu.org.
New Class Starting in Jan: Financial Peace University
Start the New Year off right, and resolve to change your future by joining the Financial Peace University class at First. Learn to pay off debt fast, save more money, and build lasting wealth. Class starts on Sun., Jan. 21. Sign up today at 1stlu.org/next.
Baptismal Preparation
The next baptism preparation session will be Saturday, Feb. 3, 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, Jan. 28. 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, Apr. 18, 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! Enrollment opened Dec. 4! Explore sugarcreekbiblecamp.org for more information about next summer.
Fundraising to Support Our Youth
Your weekly groceries, gas and shopping money can support youth ministry! Scrip cards are often sold in the narthex on Sundays between services, and are also available in the church office M–F, during office hours. We have Festival, Kwik Trip, Target, Walmart and Woodman's cards. We now accept credit cards as a payment method (transaction fees are added to the face value of the scrip card). To find out what's currently available and when you can buy them, call the church office at 608.783.2236 or send email to office@firstlu.org.
Donations For Ukraine
Lutheran World Relief has committed $7 million to respond to the crisis in Ukraine, and expects to increase this amount as they receive additional support. With millions of individuals displaced in Ukraine and with citizens continuing to flee Ukraine each day, the needs grow daily. Donate at LWR.org.
Lutheran Disaster Response is accompanying companion churches and ecumenical partners in Ukraine, Hungary, Poland and Slovakia to respond to the crisis in Ukraine and Eastern Europe. Gifts to “Eastern Europe Crisis Response” will be used in full (100%) to assist those affected by the crisis in Ukraine and neighboring countries. Donate at elca.org/LDR.
From Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service: The U.S. will now welcome up to 100,000 refugees from Ukraine. We need to act fast to prepare for these refugees, currently 90% of whom are women and children. There is an urgent need for resources, including emergency medical care, temporary housing, financial support for basic necessities, and much more. Donate at LIRS.org.
Sunday School
Sunday, Dec. 17
9:15am Sunday School Christmas Program Dress Rehearsal
Wednesday, Dec. 20
6:15pm Sunday School Christmas Worship
Sunday, Dec. 24 (Christmas Eve)
No Sunday School; join us for Christmas Eve worship later in the day!
More info and online registration: 1stlu.org/sunschool.
Grade 2 Faith 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. 7: parents/guardians only
Sundays, Jan. 21 & 28: parents/guardians with children
Sunday, Feb. 4: Faith Building Block lifted up in worship
Confirmation
Sunday:
9:15am Gr 6 & 7 Confirmation Classes - Fireside Rm
Wednesday:
5:30pm Confirmation Dinner
7:00pm Gr 8-10 Small Groups
More info and online registration: 1stlu.org/confirm.