Announcements for Sun., Nov. 27
INSIDE: Advent Around the Table, Road to Bethlehem @ Sugar Creek, Meals for the Warming Center
Advent is a season full of rich traditions for both home and church. We invite everyone to join us on Sunday, Nov. 27, at 9:15am in Fellowship Hall for our annual Advent Around the Table event. We will create advent crafts for our homes and learn more about this particular season, have great fellowship and grow in our faith as we kick off the Advent season.
Worship
Join us for worship!
Sunday, Nov. 27:
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, Nov. 30:
6:30pm: Ecumenical Thanksgiving Eve worship at First Lutheran, with our brothers and sisters in Christ from Onalaska United Methodist. Live stream at 1stlu.org/live, and in-person. Nursery available.
Current Precautions
Masking: masks are welcome and not required, and encouraged for those recently exposed.
Social distancing: not required, but of course, we ask everyone to respect all who desire social distance.
Hand sanitizing: stations will be available at the entrance and near the welcome center.
Stay home if you have any symptoms of COVID or had a recent positive diagnosis.
For a full description of current precautions, visit 1stlu.org/precaution.
Office Closures
The office will be closed at the following times in the coming weeks…
Closed all day, Friday, Nov. 27
Closing at noon on Friday, Dec. 23
Closed all day, Monday, Dec. 26 (Christmas observed)
Closed all day, Monday, Jan. 2 (New Year’s observed)
Newsletter Assembly
It’s a relaxing way to volunteer! Monday, Nov. 28, at 10am, to assemble the Dec./Jan. mini-newsletter. See you there!
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 be using. Questions? Contact karyn@firstlu.org.
Courageous Men’s Group
The Courageous Men’s Group are men of all ages who meet weekly on Wednesdays at 6am in the Fireside Room for a time of fellowship and study. Contact Jim Knutson or the church office for more info: jim@firstlu.org.
Sugar Creek is Hiring Year-Round Staff
Sugar Creek Bible Camp is hiring year-round and summer staff! Do you know someone who might be a great program director or maintenance person in a faith-based, supportive, outdoor ministry environment? How about a horse wrangler? Counselor? Support staff? For more details and to apply, visit 1stlu.org/next.
Welcoming Ukrainian Newcomers to the Coulee Region
The La Crosse Welcome Circle (LWC) has been organized to assist Ukrainians who wish to temporarily resettle in our part of Wisconsin. Many will return to their homeland when that becomes possible, but this local group is offering peace and hope to them in the meantime. The LWC has identified steps needed to assure an easy transition to living in our area, but help is needed, and they are reaching out to our congregations for assistance. Read more about LWC and how you can partner in this ministry opportunity.
Sunshine Team
The Sunshine Team meets on the first Thursday of every month. Next meeting: Dec. 1, 9am (a little earlier than usual). This month: decorating for Christmas! Refreshments are supplied to replenish your reserves! Dues are free! Questions?
Fabric Needed
Looking for Christmas or plaid fabric donations for the Recreational Therapy Department at Riverside Transitional Care (Bethany Lutheran Homes). The fabric is for residents to make craft projects in December. The fabric may be in smaller or larger pieces. Please drop off by Dec. 2 at the Riverside facility; 2575 South 7th Street. Any questions, please contact Tracy at 608-406-3900. Thank you for helping the residents with their Christmas activities.
Baptismal Preparation
The next baptism preparation session will be Saturday, Dec. 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, Nov. 27. Min. attendance required: 2 families.
Road to Bethlehem @ Sugar Creek
Begin your journey any time between 2–5pm on Saturday, Dec. 3. Journey through the Advent story by visiting different live-action worship stations offering carols, scripture, prayer and the chance to visit a live nativity. Enjoy refreshments at the end! This is an outdoor event, so dress appropriately for the weather. There is no cost, but we invite you to consider a free-will offering to benefit the ministry and mission of Sugar Creek Bible Camp. Non-perishable food items will be collected to benefit local food pantries.
Oh Come, Oh Come and Volunteer
It’s beginning to look a lot like Advent! Sugar Creek is preparing for their annual Road to Bethlehem. That means, they need you! They need volunteers to help greet people, be actors (no lines to memorize), help with animals, read scripture, and sing. Please call or email Lucy (program@sgrcreek.org or 608-734-3113) if you are interested or have questions. Time commitment is Dec. 3 from 1–6pm. Pizza dinner after event for all who volunteer!
Reaching Out to Onalaska Runners
With our sign on Main Street, we can reach out to Onalaska… and have some fun while doing so! The Y’s Jingle Bell 5-mile starts at the Houser Y and runs past First as racers turn onto Main. So let’s encourage the runners! Send a photo/video with a caption to andy@firstlu.org by Sunday, Dec. 4, so that they can see your smiles, cheers and inspiring messages. For full details, visit 1stlu.org/next.
OWLs in December
On Monday, Dec. 5, the OWLs (our Older Wiser Lutherans at First, for anyone 55+) are flying to Sugar Creek for Yesterday’s Youth, leaving the church at 7:45am. The morning program will be by author and former Tribune columnist Chris Hardie. He will chronicle the joys and challenges of growing up in—and returning to—the country. Following a scrumptious lunch, we will be entertained with seasonal music by the Viroqua Bell Choir. COST: $15 (includes lunch), paid at camp. RSVP to Brian at 630-816-5917/owls@firstlu.org, by Dec. 1.
The not be missed, always exciting, highly regarded “Social Event of the Season” will take place on Wednesday, Dec. 21, 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. The (optional) gift exchange theme is “Angels.” Max value: $10. Wear your favorite Christmas attire, but leave the ugly sweaters home this year. The annual “Who is most ready for Christmas?” contest will be held with an interesting prize. No need to RSVP, just come, bring a dish to pass, a few Christmas goodies and your holiday spirit. Bring a friend, all are welcome!
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 1st and 2nd Friday of each month, November–April. 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. Questions? Contact bridget@firstlu.org.
The Christmas Giving Tree
Help make Christmas special for area kids and families by buying NEW items for them. We are again partnering with La Crosse County Human Services, and have a list of people and items they or their social worker have requested. Make sure that tags are attached to the outside of the wrapped gift. If you purchase gift cards, please wrap them in a box. Gifts should all be turned in to First Lutheran by Sunday, Dec. 11. Questions? Email bridget@firstlu.org.
ELCA Good Gifts
Wondering how to make a positive impact in the world right now? At elca.org/goodgifts you can choose from 50 charitable gifts to give in honor of friends and loved ones. Each one of these gifts makes a real impact in the world, sharing the love of Christ — one goat, water well or school uniform at a time. Start your holiday shopping now and order free, customized cards for each gift you give. Give by Dec. 11 to ensure that your cards arrive in time for Christmas.
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. 14, at 6:15pm worship.
Awkward Family Conversations
You’re all in the kitchen, catching up, nibbling in advance on the Thanksgiving meal when, whammo, one of your relatives makes a politically charged statement that you know not everyone in the room agrees with. The statement has the potential to sink the meal and cause rifts among family members. How do you respond? Come to this workshop to practice having conversations in a way that reflects both the kindness and courage of Jesus. Workshop led by Rev. Libby Howe, WCC’s Congregational Support Coordinator for Peace & Justice Ministries, on Thursday, Dec. 15, at 6:30pm. More info and reg at 1stlu.org/next.
Bethlehem Event @ English Lutheran
Experience the sounds and smells of ancient Bethlehem at the time of Christ’s birth at English Lutheran Church in La Crosse. Much of the church turns into the village, and many of its members and others become its residents for “The Bethlehem Event.” Takes place Dec. 17 & 18. No admission fee; donations accepted. Reservations are required and fill quickly; learn more at 1stlu.org/next.
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/next. Cost is $5 per rose. Order deadline is Sunday, Dec. 18.
Monday Night Community Meal @ Trinity
For many years, Trinity Lutheran Church on the northside of La Crosse has hosted a meal on Monday nights. First Lutheran has agreed to help with this important community ministry, by preparing a meal, serving the food, and cleaning up. We need people to plan and prepare the meal to feed 60-80 people, and folks to serve the meal (5-6pm) and help with cleanup. Meal prep can be done at your convenience. Many times people prepare the main course a week ahead, freeze it, and reheat it. Food for the meal can be gotten at no charge from the Hunger Task Force in La Crosse. Our next date is Dec. 19. You can sign up at 1stlu.org/monmeals, or contact bridget@firstlu.org.
Christmas Events Insert
The Christmas events insert that was included in the November newsletter can be downloaded at 1stlu.org/next.
Double Your Gift to Lutheran World Relief
Thanks to the leading generosity of Nelsonville Lutheran Church in Wisconsin, all gifts given by Dec. 31 to Lutheran World Relief will be doubled — up to $200,000! Your gift will provide food, shelter, medical services and other necessities for those in need in crises around the world. Gifts can be made online at lwr.org/match.
Red Kettle Bell Ringing
We have quickly approached the Red Kettle season and are excited for the joy and wonders of the season to come. We invite you all to bell ring and join in all the fun of all things Christmas! The Salvation Army is in need of bell-ringers and rely 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.
Blue Christmas
Wednesday, 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. The service will include time for a light meal and conversation beforehand, starting at 5:30pm.
Christmas at First
Christmas Eve worship times: 2pm, 4pm, 6pm and 11pm. All will be candlelight and all will be with Holy Communion. Christmas Day worship time: 10am, with Holy Communion.
Snow Birds
Are you heading out? Please let us know if you'll be spending the winter somewhere else. If we know your seasonal address, we can keep in touch by sending you the monthly newsletter. Call or email the office with your winter address: 608.783.2236, office@firstlu.org.
Young Adults in Global Mission Resumes
The Young Adults in Global Mission (YAGM) program invites young adults aged 21-29 into a transformative, yearlong journey in international service. Watch an update about some of the ways the YAGM team is bringing the program up to date and making it more welcoming for everyone. YAGM is ready for you! Submit your application beginning Nov. 1. Applications close on Feb. 1, 2023, with priority given to those who apply before Jan. 15, 2023.
Cancellations Due to Inclement Weather
If bad weather ever makes you wonder whether your group is meeting, check our website, Facebook page, or email office@firstlu.org 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!
Stephen Ministry
If you know of someone who needs a caregiver, please speak with Pastor Karyn, or call the church office: 608.783.2236.
Sunday School
Sunday, Nov. 27
9:15am Sunday School; Advent Around the Table
Sunday, Dec. 4
9:15am Sunday School, Practice for Christmas Program
Questions about Sunday School? Visit 1stlu.org/sunschool.
Grade 1 Faith Building Block: Ten Commandments
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, Nov. 27: Faith Building Block lifted up in worship
Confirmation
Sunday:
9:15am Gr 6 & 7 Confirmation Classes - Fireside Rm
Wednesday:
5:30pm Confirmation Dinner - Fellowship Hall
6:15pm Confirm Class - Fireside Rm
7:00pm Gr 8 & 9 Small Groups
Questions about Confirmation? Visit 1stlu.org/confirm.