Announcements for Sunday, Mar 10 2024
INSIDE: Daylight Savings • Preschool Open House • Graduation Milestone Recognition Dinner
Daylight Savings Time begins this weekend, so make certain to set your clocks ahead one hour when you go to bed Saturday night, Mar. 9, or you’ll be late for church on Sunday morning!
Worship
Join us for worship!
Sunday, Mar. 10:
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, Mar. 13:
6:15pm: live stream at 1stlu.org/live, and in-person. Nursery available.
Water is Life Synod Project
Why is there a well in the narthex? Make a wish for water to raise money for the La Crosse Area Synod Hunger Team safe water project. Safe and abundant water in a community means better health, better crops, better nutrition, and better quality of life. Water is life… water changes everything!
Globally, 1.8 billion people—1 out of every 4 people—drink from contaminated water sources.
Unsafe water claims the lives of 840,000 people each year, half are children under five.
On average, women in Sub-Saharan Africa walk 3.7 miles each day to fetch water. The traditional five-gallon jug used weighs 40 pounds when full!
Place your donations in the well, or donate online at 1stlu.org/next.
Bible Matters
Are you looking for the connection between scripture and everyday life? Or maybe a way to dig deeper into the gospel of Matthew? If so, join Pastor Karyn for a year-long journey through the lectionary (our schedule of readings) Monday evenings, 7–8pm, meeting in the narthex. Our yearly readings just “rebooted” with the start of Advent, so now is a great time to join this study! Cost of this class is $20 for the devotional study book we will use. Questions? Contact karyn@firstlu.org.
Lent Chili Wednesday
Let it be declared! Wednesday, March 13 is Chili Wednesday! Lent supper is at 5:30pm in the Fellowship Hall. Sign up at 1stlu.org/next. Questions? Contact Pastor Stanton at jason@firstlu.org.
Holden Evening Prayer
Join us for Holden Evening Prayer during our Lent worship, on Wednesdays at 6:15pm. There is a light supper beforehand at 5:30pm, in Fellowship Hall.
Sing on Palm Sunday!
The next choir performance will be for Palm Sunday, and rehearsals start up fresh on Wednesday, Mar. 13, at 7pm in the sanctuary. Open to all people ages 12 and older. No audition and no formal training required, just a desire to enhance worship through the beauty of music! Full schedule and sign up at 1stlu.org/choir. For more info, contact Todd Saner at todd@firstlu.org.
Preschool Open House
Join us for our open house on Thursday, Mar. 14, from 4:30-5:30pm. Come meet the teachers, see the classrooms, get class options and registration info for the 2023-24 school year. We accept children ages 2 and older who are potty trained. Registration is Monday, Mar. 18, starting at 8am, for church members and the community. To register you can now do so online at 1stlu.org/preschool., stop into the First Lutheran Preschool, or call the preschool at 608.779.4504 (all starting at the registration times above).
OWLs Fly to Hear Celtic Stories & Song @ Pump House
The OWLs (our Older Wiser Lutherans at First, for anyone 55+) will visit the Pump House for a performance of Irish music, dance and storytelling on Saturday, Mar. 16. It's an upbeat program with a Celtic theme. They will meet at the church at 4:30pm to head for dinner at Piggies. If you would like to join them for this event, reply to Brian at owls@firstlu.org. Tickets will go fast so reply ASAP. The cost of the program $15 plus tax and fees.
Graduation Milestone & Recognition Dinner
Graduates: You and your parents/guardians are cordially invited to mark the milestone of your graduation at First Lutheran’s High School Graduation Recognition Dinner on Sunday, March 17, from 6–8pm at the church. Let us take this opportunity to honor you and your accomplishments as you prepare to become a 2024 graduate. RSVP to the church office by March 6: office@firstlu.org / 608.783.2236.
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: Mar. 21. Led by Carla Stanton.
World Water Day, March 22
How would the world would be impacted for the better if everyone had accessible clean water? How can we take actions this year to work towards that goal? Projects and initiatives that provide access to clean water and sanitation have long been part of the work supported by ELCA World Hunger. And with good reason. Learn more about World Water Day this March, 22, and the intersection of hunger and water by reading a blog post from ELCA World Hunger.
Parents’ Night Out
Bring your children for an evening of fun with the middle and high school youth groups’ fundraiser! WHERE: at First Lutheran, NEXT: Friday, Mar. 22, FOR: Birth–12 are welcome (Birth–3 will be in the nursery, ages 4 and up in Fellowship Hall)
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 school students with 2023 Sugar Creek Bible Camp and potential mission trip. RSVP your child or sign up to volunteer at 1stlu.org/nightout, by Wednesday, Mar. 20.
#NoPlasticsforLent
The #NoPlasticsforLent initiative, led by Young Adults across the church, calls us to:
Prayer for creation
Lament the ways we have been complicit in the degradation of the earth
Care for our neighbor in fasting from the things that are hurting our planet
Develop a commitment to practice during this 40 days that turns your attention towards caring for creation. This could be fasting from single-use plastics, eating locally, using eco-friendly cleaning supplies, shopping at farmers markets, etc. Commit to sustainability practices that make sense for you and are possible for you in your context or community. Want to take a deeper dive? Consider joining a small group online for Lent. Weekly videos will be uploaded to ELCA Young Adults on Youtube at at the #NP4L website with discussion questions for use individually or in a group setting. Join a #NoPlasticsforLent Online Small Group for Lent
Easter Flowers
Your gift of $15 to the Easter Fund will be used to purchase flowers to beautify the sanctuary on Easter Sunday. Remaining contributions go toward purchasing new paraments. Please make your gift by Sunday, Mar. 24. Gifts can be placed at 1stlu.org/next, or use the form in the announcements page and turn into the office.
Sugar Creek Events
March 30 – Easter Egg Hunt & Brunch
April 8 – Yesterday’s Youth
April 8-10 – Recently Retired Retreat (Online Registration)
April 20 – Elementary School Youth Retreat
April 30 – Peer Ministry, Plan-it
May 4 – Volunteer Work Weekend
To register for the above events, contact the camp at 608.734.3113 / camp@sgrcreek.org.
Faith Story Dinner Theater
On Holy Saturday, between the solemness of Good Friday and the good news of Easter Sunday, join us for a Holy Week edition of Faith Story Dinner Theatre, as we read and share some of the Bible stories that God has given us. WHEN: Saturday, Mar. 30, 5:30pm. Reserve your seat at 1stlu.org/next by Wednesday, Mar. 27.
Holy Week Schedule
Holy week is the week leading up to Easter Sunday on March 31, starting with Palm Sunday on March 24. Join us for worship every day of Holy Week…
Palm Sunday, Mar. 24, worship at 8:00am & 10:30am.
Palm Sunday breakfast in Fellowship Hall.
No Sunday School nor Confirmation classes.
Monday, Mar. 25, worship at 6:15pm.
Tuesday, Mar. 26, worship at 6:15pm.
Wednesday, Mar. 27, worship at 6:15pm.
Gr. 5 Faith Building Block, bread baking, 4pm.
Maundy Thursday, Mar. 28, worship at 12:15pm & 6:15pm.
Gr. 5 Faith Building Block lifted up at 6:15pm worship.
Good Friday, Mar. 29, worship at 12:15pm & 6:15pm.
Faith Story Dinner Theater, Mar. 30, at 5:30pm. Reserve your seat at 1stlu.org/next.
Easter Sunday, Mar. 31, worship at 7am, 8:45am, and 10:30am.
No Sunday School nor Confirmation on Easter Sunday.
The office will be closed at noon on Friday, Mar. 29, and all day Monday, Apr. 1.
March Resource Center Reading Focus
The reading focus for March is Growing Faithful Readers. Suggested books:
You're My Little Bookworm, by Nicola Edwards
How to Read a Book by Kwame Alexander
Ban This Book by Alan Gratz
The Enchanted Hour: The Miraculous Power of Reading Aloud in the Age of Distraction by Meghan Cox Gurdon
Books available to look at and order at the Resource Center, outside the church office.
Mabel Anderson Scholarship
The Mabel Anderson scholarship application is now available online at 1stlu.org/scholarship. Completed applications are due on Monday, Apr. 1. Students may apply if they will graduate from high school in the spring and have plans to pursue post-secondary education. The application includes writing an essay and completing a worksheet that reflects the student’s involvement in church activities. Contact the office with any questions: office@firstlu.org / 608.783.2236.
Volunteer Work Weekend @ First
Who says the Sunshine Team has to have all the fun! Everyone is invited to help with spring cleaning at First Lutheran on Saturday, Apr. 6, at 9am. Great opportunity for youth needing volunteer hours! Great opportunity for all to make First look nice! Refreshments are supplied to replenish your reserves!
Baptismal Preparation
The next baptism preparation session will be Saturday, Apr. 6, 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, Mar. 31. 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! Explore sugarcreekbiblecamp.org for more information about next summer.
Make Worship Happen!
Worship assistants make worship happen! Usher, read, bake bread, serve communion, lead projection and more. To assist with Sunday worship sign up at 1stlu.org/assistSUN.
Want to Volunteer? Need help?
Causeway Caregivers serves elderly and disabled adults in La Crosse County by providing volunteer services, without charge, to those in need. Tasks include raking leaves, grocery shopping, doing errands and helping after a snowfall. Would you like to be a Causeway Caregivers volunteer? Do you need a volunteer? Contact Causeway Caregivers at 608-775-9999.
Calling All Bakers! Cookies for LuMin!
#CookiesOnCampus is back with LuMin Campus Ministries! Interim Pastor Paul Drees will continue the tradition of bringing hundreds of cookies to UW-La Crosse each week. Five hundred cookies are needed each week. (That’s about 42 dozen!) Our synod congregations have lovingly provided home-baked goodies so students can have a little taste of home. Find more information and sign up here, or contact Jen (admin@luminlax.org) to sign up! (thru Dec. 2023)
Keep Up with Changes: Update Your Contact Info
Make sure the office has your current contact info, including current address, mobile number(s), carrier info (for reminders by text), and email(s). Members can make these changes on their own at our online directory: 1stlu.org/directory. Or you can send them to office@firstlu.org.
Sunday School
Sunday, Mar. 10
Sunday School
Sunday, Mar. 17
Sunday School
More info and online registration: 1stlu.org/sunschool.
Grade 5 Faith Building Block: Communion
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, Mar. 10: parents/guardians with child
Wednesday, Mar. 27, 4-5pm: child only, baking communion bread in Fellowship Hall kitchen
Thursday, Mar. 28: Faith Building Block lifted up during the evening Maundy Thursday worship service
Confirmation
Sunday:
9:15am Gr 6 & 7 Confirmation Classes - Fireside Rm
Wednesday:
5:30pm Lent Dinner - Fellowship Hall
7:00pm Gr 8 & 9 Small Groups
More info and online registration: 1stlu.org/confirm.