As the 2023/2024 program year comes to an end this month, I see plenty of reasons to celebrate. Our weekly worship attendance continues to creep up as we slowly build our in-person worship numbers from the post-shutdown lows that we and every other church experienced. The OWLs, our Foundation, the Teen Clothes Closet and even our governing sub-committees like Personnel, Finance and Stewardship are thriving. Perhaps the greatest cause for excitement this year was the “Faith Webs” experiment that saw over 100 supporting families sign up to connect with 59 kids as they go to camp, go on a mission trip to Rapid City or go to the Youth Gathering in New Orleans. Each family promised to give $300 to their assigned kid, but it’s the connections between families that have blown me away. This is the broadest example of intergenerational community building that First has ever done since I have been here. People who otherwise have never even introduced themselves are sharing birthday celebrations, inviting each other to games/recitals and sitting with each other at worship or for a meal. It is EXACTLY the kind of thing a church should do. Well done First Lutheran!

It’s not all hunky-dory, though. I also see dwindling numbers of young families attending worship, Sunday School and even Confirmation. Why? What does it mean? What should we do in response? It makes me want to re-double our efforts to return to our best practices; some of which we have inadvertently drifted away from. It has never been more important to connect with people (of all ages) face to face, or at least voice to voice over a phone. Personal, specific, invitations and thank yous are crucial. We also need to have more fun. 2024/25, look out!

*Bridget Crave, serving at Monday Meals at Trinity Lutheran. Photo by Trish Harman.*

In the midst of all the reflection that happens at the end of a program year, I am most thankful for the time, wisdom and service offered by Bridget Crave as she carved a path at First Lutheran to provide leadership to our Community Impact ministries. Ten years ago, we completed a Strategic Plan that named—as a high priority—the desire to create a position that would help our church look outside our own walls more often and more creatively. Bridget has helped lead our Teen Clothes Closet during her time on staff and was instrumental in moving it to its current location at Trinity Lutheran where it serves hundreds of families a year. She has made sure First is among the leading congregations at the Hunger Walk in La Crosse, Monday Meals at Trinity and Juneteenth celebrations. She contributed toward our ‘Waking Up White’ reading and put together/ kept together countless Lent & Advent small groups throughout the years. She led our synod’s commitment to staff the Warming Shelter downtown and did so much more than all this.

During worship on the last Sunday in April, we gave thanks for Bridget’s ministry upon her retirement. Amidst all that she and her husband, Glen have navigated these past couple of years—and especially months—we all hope healing and wholeness come to stay for a good long time in their lives. They deeply deserve it. Bridget and Glen represent the absolute BEST of who First Lutheran is and what our family of faith is about. Please make every effort to thank Bridget for her time on staff whenever you see her.

Now, to be clear, Bridget & Glen have no plans to leave First Lutheran, and as a mentor of mine says, “there is no retirement plan for believers.” But… for Bridget: no more staff meetings, anyway;)

For now, we will not be seeking a successor to Bridget in the position of “Community Impact Director.” Her leadership will be borne primarily by Pastor Karyn, along with a team of members willing to lead “one thing, one time”, or more than one time if they choose. This has been the way of our ministry challenges in recent years as our giving has been unable to retain the number of staff we once had. More member leadership is needed as we meet the custodial needs of our building, so we have grown our “Sunshine” team that helps out once a month with small projects. More member leadership is needed as we meet the youth ministry needs of our kids, so we began a “Flight Crew” booster club type ministry meant to organize efforts that pass on the faith of Jesus to another generation. Now, we hope to gather a group of members who care about the impact FLC makes in our community.

It’s an exciting time to be a part of First Lutheran when there are all kinds of opportunities to experiment, lead and love in whatever ways God has equipped you. Pastor Karyn and I would LOVE to talk through whatever ideas you may have and then unleash you into the work the Holy Spirit wants you to do.

Message from Pastor Stanton for May 2024