Announcements for Sun., Jan. 8, 2023
INSIDE: Faith Alive! U Weekend Workshops • Peer Ministry Kick-off • Bible Readers Deep Dive: Revelation
Join others THIS Sunday, Jan. 8, at 11:30am for an afternoon of exploring, questioning and learning about your faith. Lunch and childcare provided. Learn more below…
Worship
Join us for worship!
Sunday, Jan. 8:
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, Jan. 11:
6:15pm: 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 are 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.
Invitation to Change Lives with Music and Food
At First Lutheran, we can change lives with music and food, supporting Lutheran World Relief’s efforts in Ukraine, and supporting Safe Families for Children. We invite you to join us in prayerfully considering an increase to your giving in 2023, so these life-giving ministries may continue. Join us by providing your Statement of Intent in worship on Stewardship Sunday, January 29, 2023, by 1) filling out the intent form at 1stlu.org/next, or 2) mailing in/dropping off the intent card (coming this month in the mail) at the church office no later than Feb. 12, 2023.
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. 8: parents/guardians only
Sundays, Jan. 15 & 22: parents/guardians with children
Sunday, Jan. 29: Faith Building Block lifted up in worship
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. 8 from 11:30am–2:30pm, with lunch and childcare provided.
In addition to the keynote, you will have the opportunity to choose another workshop:
Keynote by David Rask Behling, of the Northwest Wisconsin Synod of the ELCA, on what endorsing our Welcome Statement may come to mean.
Pastor Ben Morris, of Lumin Campus Ministry, on land recognition statements.
Rev. Dione Stepanek, Assistant to the Bishop of the La Crosse Area Synod, on the stories that shape us.
Bishop Felix Malpica, Bishop of the La Crosse Area Synod
RSVP at 1stlu.org/next to help us get a head count for the lunch.
Peer Ministry Kick-off
Starting Sunday, Jan. 8, 7pm, in the House. 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. Questions? Contact jason@firstlu.org.
Bible Readers Deep Dive: Revelation
Join Pastor Stanton online for 7-10 minutes per weekday beginning Jan. 9 for a study of Revelation. He will read the Rev. Dr. Barbara Rossing's excellent book, The Rapture Exposed, as well as the Rev. Dr. Craig Koester's commentary, in addition to M. Eugene Boring's commentary… so you don't have to! Revelation is the source of so much controversy. What if it could be a primary source of HOPE for the church in 2023? Find the posts each weekday by 5am on First Lutheran's Facebook page or YouTube channel.
Synod School of Theology
Winter Zoom Classes: Thursdays, Jan. 12–Feb. 16. COST: $25 each, or $45 for both
Early Church History - 5:30 pm with Pr. Margo Peterson
Letters of Paul - 7 pm with Pr. Barbara Bruneau
Register at melanie@lacrosseareasynod.org or 608-788-5000.
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. Next meal: Friday, Jan. 13. More info and reg at 1stlu.org/warm. Questions? Contact bridget@firstlu.org..
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.
Drawing from the Well
This group is for women of First and the greater La Crosse area seeking to support one another in their spiritual growth. We gather to develop a deeper relationship with one another, meeting on the second Saturday of the month, 9:30–11am, in the narthex, with the next one on Saturday, Jan. 14. Contact Bridget Crave for more info: bridget@firstlu.org.
Winter Fun Days @ Sugar Creek
WHAT: Sledding, tubing, broom ball, hot chocolate, hot dogs, hot chili and winter fun! WHEN: Sundays, Jan. 15 & Feb. 5, noon–5pm. COST: $10/person, children 4 and under free. RSVP at 608.734.3113 / camp@sgrcreek.org.
Office Closures
The office will be closed all day, Monday, Jan. 16, for Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
Local MLK Day Events
First encourages you to attend these events on Monday, Jan. 16, hosted by organizations throughout our communities:
Truth Telling as Healing: How We Can Answer Dr. King’s Call, 1-3pm. Free virtual presentation. Speakers: Reggie Jackson and Dr. Fran Kaplan. Sponsored by the Onalaska School District. ALL are welcome! Register here.
MKL Day Celebration with Dr. Andre E. Johnson: 7pm, Viterbo Fine Arts Center Main Theater or Facebook live stream.
OWLs
The OWLs (our Older Wiser Lutherans at First Lutheran, for anyone 55+) We will start off January with a potluck on Wednesday, Jan. 18, at noon in the Narthex. Since it’s likely to be COLD, bring your favorite cold-weather comfort food. The very exciting program will be US. In the spirit of “we know each other by our stories,” each of us will have up to 5 minutes to tell our story so we know each other better. Feel free to bring a photo or special item to show. You do not have to participate if it makes you uncomfortable, but please come to hear the stories.
The outing in January is the traditional Friday Night at the Movies. Save the date for Friday, Jan. 27, with a tentative meet time of 3pm at the church. Movie TBD, we will eat together afterward at a local restaurant. COST: $6 for movie, dinner on your own. Brian will purchase tickets once movie times are announced, so if you’d like to attend, please contact Brian at owls@firstlu.org.
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, Jan. 27, 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, Jan. 25.
Sign Up for Flowers for 2023
The sign-up sheets for the 2023 flowers are on the bulletin board. If you would like to honor the memory of a loved one, check the bulletin board and sign up for an open week of your choice. You can also contact the church office (office@firstlu.org / 608.783.2236) to inquire about openings.
Calling all snapshots from 2022!
We’re looking for photos & videos from 2022: weddings, baptisms, Christmas program and ALL OTHER special events and ministries. Help us to collect and remember all the events from this past year! Email them to andy@firstlu.org. Thanks!
Young Adults in Global Mission
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! Applications close on Feb. 1, 2023, with priority given to those who apply before Jan. 15, 2023.
High School Winter Retreat @ Sugar Creek
Friday, Feb. 3–Sunday, Feb. 5. Do you, high-school-aged youth, miss camp? Come to Sugar Creek for a weekend of learning, connection, and fun! We'll start Friday evening and end Sunday morning. COST: $125 (includes lodging, meals, and programming). More info: sgrcreek.org. (NOTE: this event is organized by Sugar Creek, not First Lutheran).
Baptismal Preparation
The next baptism preparation session will be Saturday, Feb. 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, Jan. 29. Min. attendance required: 2 families.
NEW DATE! Epiphany Dinner Theater
Saturday, Feb. 4, at 6pm. Come and experience the season, Epiphany, in a whole new way… through Dinner Theater at First Lutheran! By definition, “epiphany” is the visit of the Magi to the Christ Child. Generally speaking “epiphany” is a breakthrough or philosophical discovery. There is much more to experience, hear and apply about Epiphany to our world through different lenses. Just like we plan for the Christmas season and the gifts we give; let’s plan to intentionally visit Epiphany by using different lenses and different senses through dinner theater at First. COST: $10 per person, kids 5 and younger are free. Proceeds go toward the refurbishment of the church office in anticipation of a third ministry team member. Space is limited, so sign up today at 1stlu.org/next! Registration closes on Wednesday, Feb. 1
Annual Potluck, Sunday, Feb. 5, 11:45am
All members are invited to attend First’s annual potluck on Sunday, Feb. 5, at 11:45am. We will reflect on 2022 and look ahead to 2023, elect two new Vision & Leadership Team members, and complete a variety of other business. Save the date to be a part of the body of church at First! The annual report will be available to pickup and download on Sunday, Jan. 22.
Sugar Creek Bible Camp Voting Members
Participate in guiding the future of our camp, Sugar Creek! The 2023 Sugar Creek annual meeting is scheduled for Feb. 19, at camp. Voting members are welcome to contribute their own stories and perspectives to the conversation amidst reports and planning for the upcoming year. Support your camp by offering your voice and vote.
Nominations for Vision & Leadership
Nominations needed! First Lutheran will elect two new members to the Vision & Leadership Team at the Annual Meeting on Feb. 5. Read the following ‘job’ description and consider who you could nominate for this ministry. Send nominations to jason@firstlu.org.
POSITION: Member, Visioning and Leadership Team.
POSITION SUMMARY: As a servant to the ministry of First Lutheran Church and working in conjunction with pastoral leadership, is responsible for the development of the congregation’s mission and vision. Develops short- and long-term strategies for ensuring the spiritual and physical health and wellness of the congregation. Provides support to staff and congregation members to equip each member with skills to grow in faith and their own personal ministry.
Assembly Voting Members
Participate in guiding the future of our synod! The 2023 La Crosse Area Synod Assembly is planned to be in-person June 9-11 (Friday evening through Sunday noon) in La Crosse. An elected voting member will need to attend the assembly & various pre-meetings. If you are interested in serving our Synod and congregation as one of First Lutheran’s five voting members, contact Pastor Stanton (jason@firstlu.org) or the church office (office@firstlu.org / 608.783.2236). It’s a great opportunity to be the church!
Nominations for First Lutheran Foundation Board
Nominations needed! First Lutheran will elect one new member to the Foundation Board at the Annual Meeting on Feb. 5. Read the following ‘job’ description and consider who you could nominate for this ministry. Send nominations to jason@firstlu.org.
POSITION: Member, First Lutheran Foundation Board
POSITION SUMMARY: Members of First Lutheran are eligible to serve up to two, three year terms on its Foundation Board, which meets quarterly to maintain accounts, supervise allocations and, most importantly, decide where Foundation money is granted. Four categories of recipients include: academic scholarships, community outreach, missions of the ELCA and capital improvements of First Lutheran Church.
Global Missions Variety Show for the La Crosse Area Synod
Sun., Feb. 19, 3pm, at Trinity Lutheran Church, 1010 Sill Street, La Crosse, WI 54603. Come see some incredible talent in our area. Join the La Crosse Area Synod in a fundraiser for our companion synod, Evangelical Church of Czech Brethren (ECCB). All money raised will go towards assisting their mission to help Ukraine refugees.
Meal Train for Payne Family
A meal train has been created to help support the Payne family over the next few months, following the death of their daughter. To sign up for a meal, go to 1stlu.org/next.
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. 20, 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!
More children, youth, families and leaders are putting “first things first” with a retreat at Sugar Creek. Why? Because fun, safe, meaningful adventures in the great outdoors make the difference! Reserve your adventures and encourage practical leadership skills and a deep sense of purpose rooted in God’s love. Sign up today at www.sgrcreek.org (no risk; refundable deposit before June 1).
Sponsoring Ukrainian Refugees
Refugee sponsorship information from Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service: Sponsorship is a huge honor, gift and responsibility. Learn about what sponsors do by visiting this website for more information on how you can support Ukrainians.
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.
Sunday School
Sunday, Jan. 8
9:15am Sunday School
Sunday, Jan. 15
9:15am Sunday School
Questions about Sunday School? Visit 1stlu.org/sunschool.
Confirmation
Sunday:
No Gr 6 & 7 Confirmation Classes
11:30am Faith Alive! U Weekend Workshops (lunch provided)
Wednesday:
No Confirmation Small Groups
Questions about Confirmation? Visit 1stlu.org/confirm.