Announcements for Sunday, Feb. 23, 2020
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Ash Wednesday Worship
February 26
11:00am worship
11:45am Light lunch in narthex
6:15pm worship
Lent small groups start this Sunday, Feb. 23. Sign up for the small groups at 1stlu.org/lentsmlgrp
or in the Narthex.
Bug Spray Fundraiser
Feb 23 thru March 25. 50% of sale goes towards youth funds. Information packet will be available to pick up from church office, at mission trip meetings, or at youth group on Sundays.
Remembrance Of Haiti Earthquake
On Sunday, Feb. 23, at Good Shepherd Lutheran, La Crosse, Rev. Renee Splichal Larson, widow of Ben Larson, will preach at morning services and then present a program in the afternoon. She is the author of the book, “A Witness: The Haiti Earthquake, a Song, Death and Resurrection.”
Sugar Creek Winter Fun Days
Though First will not be going as a group this year, members are still invited to come to Sugar Creek for a wonderful family outing on Sunday afternoon, Feb. 23, 1-5pm. There’ll be snow tubing, broom ball, snow shoeing, wagon rides, and more! Cost (includes lunch): $7/person or $30/family. Call or email to register your fam: 608.734.3113 or camp@sgrcreek.org.
Habitat for Humanity
Applications from low-income individuals and families for Habitat for Humanity housing will be accepted from Feb. 27-Mar. 20. Informational meetings about Habitat's homeowner program will be on Feb. 27, 28 and 29. For more information or to sign up for an informational meeting, go to www.habitatlacrosse.org.
OWLs Fly to see Little Women
On Saturday, Feb. 29, the OWLs, a group for those 55+, will fly to UWL to see Little Women, the Broadway musical. Meet at church at 4:30pm. Cost: $18. RSVP to Brian Narveson (630.816.5917 / owls@firstlu.org) by Monday, Feb. 24.
Opening: Nursery Attendants
First Lutheran is seeking part-time nursery attendants. Attendants must be 18 or older. The position is paid. Nursery kids range from newborn through 4 years. Inquire in the office, call 608.783.2236 or e-mail us at office@firstlu.org.
Resource Center
The Resource Center has received a facelift and also has some new resources. The Resource Center, located outside the church office, or around the corner from the treats and coffee, is filled with books that have been chosen as resources for all. Whether you are grieving, celebrating a baptism, or wondering what is next in your life, there are faith-based books, consistent with our Lutheran theology, available for purchase. The items are purchased, and resold to you at cost. The intent is to help you find good resources. We have recently added some new books. The Memory Box, is a book for kids about grief. Maybe I Can Love My Neighbor Too, and It's Not Fair: A Book about Having Enough are both books for kids about seeing others as our neighbor and showing them love. All of these books are colorfully illustrated and have a wonderful message. Grit and Grace, and Gritty and Graceful, are books about women in the bible. They have similar stories, but one is for grades 1-3, and the other for grades 4-6. Thanks to Heidi Stair for reorganizing and decorating the space! Stop and browse the next time you are getting coffee!
Offering Envelopes
If you contribute to First Lutheran through Simply Giving or another automatic-payment method, you can opt out of receiving monthly offering envelopes in the mail. Contact the office: 608.783.2236 or office@firstlu.org.
Community Supported Agriculture
First Lutheran has, once again, offered to be a pick-up site for CSA boxes of produce from Small Family Farm in La Farge. Though deliveries won’t start until June, you can buy a share now. Price increases April 1. For info about products, prices and schedules, go to smallfamilycsa.com, or ask for a flier in the office.
2020 Flowers
The sign-up sheet for 2020 flowers is on the bulletin board. If you would like to honor a loved one, check the bulletin board and sign up for an open week of your choice.
Faith Alive! U: The Assembly Worshiped, the Singers Sang
Performance by Eddie Kim:, Sunday, Mar. 8, at 6pm. Join us for an evening of contemporary and traditional worship music. Eddie will play music and you will be invited to sing along. Along the way, we will discuss things like: If worship musicians aren't "performing," then why do we typically have them "up front" where everyone can see? No music background is needed! During this session, we will celebrate our thanksgivings and laments made tangible when "the whole assembly worshiped, the singers sang, and the trumpeters sounded" (2 Chronicles 29:28). Childcare is available: a supervised kid zone for grade-schoolers, adult supervision in the nursery for younger kids. Community meal beforehand at 5:30pm. Sign up to help with meal at 1stlu.org/meal.
Blessing Accountants
“In this world nothing can be said to be certain, except death and taxes…” (and God’s love, of course)! So with all that in mind, we want to invite accountants, tax-preparers financial advisors and others in the financial industry to join us for worship on Sunday, Mar. 8 to receive a special blessing during this busy time of year.
Preschool Open House
Join us for our open house on Thursday, Mar. 12 from 4:30-5:30pm. Come meet the teachers, see the classrooms, get class options and registration info for the 2020-2021 school year. We accept children ages 2 and up who are potty trained. Registration is Monday, Mar. 16, from 9:30am–noon for church members, and 10:30am–noon for the community. To register stop into the First Lutheran Preschool during the registration times above, or call the preschool at 608.779.4504.
Parent Date Night
Save the “Date”: Friday, Mar. 13. Time: Registration from 4:45-5:30pm, followed by dinner and activities till 8:30pm (parents can pick up early if needed). Bring your children for an evening of fun with the middle and high school youth groups’ Date Night Fundraiser! Ages: birth to 12 are welcome. Event is open to the public. Cost: Donations to help middle and high school students with their mission trip in 2020.
Synod School of Theology
The spring 2020 term of the Synod School of Theology will run from Mar. 26-May. 7 (all classes on Thursday evenings,) with a Bible Intro class for new students on Saturday, Mar. 14. For more info and registration go to 1stlu.org/theology.
Lock-In!
RESCHEDULED! (3rd time’s the charm!) FIRST EVER YOUTH GROUP LOCK-IN for grades 6-12! Escape rooms, dancing, basketball match-ups, movies, and lots of FOOD! Starts at 5pm on Friday, Mar. 20, in Fellowship Hall, ends Saturday, Jan. 25, at 9am. Bring your air mattress and sleeping bag, but DON’T PLAN TO SLEEP! Questions? Text Andrea: 608.790.5631.
Spiritual Gifts Retreat
Fri. March 20, 7pm - Sat., March 21, 3pm at Sugar Creek Bible Camp. Fee: $50, includes one night’s lodging and 2 meals. To register contact the synod office office@lacrosseareasynod.org / 608.788.5000.
Graduation Milestone
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, Mar. 22, from 6-8pm. RSVP to the church office by March 15: 608.783.2236 / office@firstlu.org.
Mission Trip Mtg
The middle & high school mission trip to Niagara Falls will have a planning meeting on Sunday, Mar. 22, at 5pm. Questions? Contact volunteer trip coordinator Karissa Grunden at ym@firstlu.org or 608.790.5631. You don’t need to be a youth to support this ministry! To do so, pick a pledge level from the “Support Their Faith Journey” banner in the narthex. Thanks!
Memories Community Grounds Cafe
March 26, 1–2:30pm. For persons living in the community with dementia, memory concerns, caregivers and friends. You're invited to join our memory cafe community as we make memories along the journey! Registration not required. If you or someone you know would benefit from attending these memory cafes, please invite them. Questions? Contact bridget@firstlu.org.
Cancellations Due to Inclement Weather
If the weather ever makes you wonder whether your group is meeting for their ministry, check our Web:, Facebook page, or update the office with your cell number and provider so that we can text you. The staff and leadership of First intend to ‘make the call’ by 5pm at the latest so everyone knows what to expect. Be safe this winter!
Baptismal Preparation
A baptism preparation session will be Saturday, Apr. 4, 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. 29. 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 Red Pines on Thursday, Apr. 16, 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.
Celebrating 50 Years of Women’s Ordination
You are invited to the La Crosse Area Synod's recognition of the 50th anniversary of women’s ordination in the ELCA, with worship on Wednesday, Apr. 29, 6:30pm at First Lutheran, and a reception following worship. ELCA Presiding Bishop, Elizabeth Eaton, will preach. Childcare will be available.
Sugar Creek Summer Reg Now Open!
Your child or grandchild can have an amazing new experience this summer with the caring staff and beautiful creation of Sugar Creek! Now is the time to register, before your desired week fills up. Popular programs fill up fast! More info & reg at www.sgrcreek.org.
Grief Support Group
Carrying on after the death of a loved one can be difficult and lonely. Join with others who have experienced loss, and listen and care for each other. Meeting the third Thursday of the month, 1pm in the Upper Room. Questions? Contact Director of Small Group Ministry, Bridget Crave: bridget@firstlu.org. More info at 1stlu.org/griefsupport.
Sunday School
Sunday, Feb. 23
9:15am Kindergarten FBB: Lord's Prayer (2nd meeting, parents/guardians & child)
9:15am Sunday School
Sunday, Mar. 1
9:15am Kindergarten FBB: Lord's Prayer (3rd meeting, parents/guardians & child)
9:15am Sunday School
New registrations welcome any time of the year. Contact Sunday School superintendent Beth Miller at sundayschool@firstlu.org or stop in the Sunday School office in room 206.
Confirmation
Sunday
9:15am Gr 6 & 7 Bible Classes
Wednesday
All families are encouraged to attend Ash Wednesday worship; No Gr 8 & 9 Small Groups
Questions? Contact Pastor Stanton, jason@firstlu.org.
Middle/High School Youth Groups
Grades 6–12 gather THIS SUNDAY, Feb. 23: 4pm to serve clothes closet, 5pm meal and 5:30pm activities and devos. Sign-up to bring an item for meal at 1stlu.org/ymeal. Questions? Text Andrea: 608.790.5631.
