Announcements for Sunday, Oct 5
INSIDE: Butter Braids • Faith Webs opens to supporters • Job Opening
Faith-Filled-48 Oct. 3, 4 and/or 5!
Choose your own adventure! On Sunday, Oct. 5, all are invited to worship outside at Sugar Creek, at 2pm. Come early for lunch, and stay into the afternoon as long as you’d like, enjoying everything the camp has to offer! Learn more below…
Join us for worship!
Sunday worship, Oct. 5
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.
2pm: in-person @ Sugar Creek Bible Camp.
Wednesday worship, Oct. 8
6:15pm: live stream at 1stlu.org/live, and in-person. Nursery available.
Job Opening
First Lutheran Church has a flexible, tight-knit office culture that is looking for an Office Administrator who can provide warm hospitality to guests and members in addition to providing crucial support for its many ministries. Workday tasks vary from in-person, online and over-the-phone member interaction, to managing a database, proofing publications and working closely with the pastors and staff. This is a Monday through Friday, 9am–2:30pm position that is perfect for someone looking to make a difference while also earning regular income. Contact us for more information, including a formal job description, to see whether joining our church staff could be a fit for you.
Faith-Filled-48!
The Faith-Filled-48 is First Lutheran's 48-hour festival at Sugar Creek, October 3, 4 and/or 5. Faith Families grow closer when they retreat TOGETHER, and there is no better way for us to get to know each other more deeply than to spend time away at camp. Meals will be cooked by Kenny Loomis, a member at First who happens to be a professional chef! We'll have coffee ready for early risers, big breakfasts, tasty lunches and a banquet on Saturday. And invite a friend! This is NOT for First Lutheran 'members' only. Come have fun for a day with your faith web, extended family, or neighborhood rascals. All are welcome!
TANDEM EVENTS:
Young Youth events on Saturday, Oct. 4.
Parents’ Night Out on Saturday, Oct. 4, 5pm. Separate registration required at 1stlu.org/next.
Middle School Get-together on Sunday morning, Oct. 5.
Sunday Afternoon Outdoor Worship on Sunday, Oct. 5, 2pm.
Quilts in the Sanctuary
Our quilters made 215 quilts since last October, which will be on display in the sanctuary this Sunday. Next Tuesday, the quilters will box up the quilts for shipping. On Saturday, Oct. 11, they will take the boxes of quilts to Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, where the boxes will be loaded onto the Lutheran World Relief semi-truck, which will take them to the nearest LWR warehouse for distribution worldwide. Our quilters wish to thank the Foundation Fund Committee for this year's $500 grant. Also, congregation members, we continue to appreciate your donations of clean bed sheets (any size) and unwanted or leftover pieces of fabric.
Faith Webs
Are you a youth who has yet to place your name in the Book of Faith Webs? Or a household that would like to be a supporter in a Faith Web? Today's the day! As stated when Faith Webs kicked off in September, we’re asking households of our congregation to support youth going to Bible camp and mission trips in the following ways…
with your time
with your prayers
with your talents
with your activities
with some food (they’re kids after all!) and…
with money (every child gets the support of $300 per household)
To be connected, go to the Faith Webs table in the narthex. Thank you for entering into the shared goal of raising and supporting our kids! Together we are building community!
It's Butter Braid Season!
Selling Butter Braids is a popular way for young people to earn money toward their summer camp and trip expenses. The order forms for Butter Braids are available in the church office starting this Sunday, Oct. 5. The deadline for returning your order forms, with the money, is Sunday, Oct. 19. Butter Braids will be available at the church for pickup on the afternoon of Monday, Nov. 10. A portion of every sale is put in the seller's camp/trip account to defray costs.
OWLs
The OWLs’ (our Older Wiser Lutherans at First, for anyone 55+) outing in October will be to Sugar Creek Bible Camp for Yesterdays Youth. It is a fun-filled retreat for seniors. The morning speaker is Chris Hardie, a retired journalist and dairy farmer, who writes a weekly column on rural life, showcasing the humor and heart of farming. Meet at church by 8am, Monday, Oct. 6. Cost: $15/person, includes lunch. You will pay at camp. So Brian can arrange transportation, call him at 630-816-5917 if you will be attending.
The OWLs’ potluck for October will be a Halloween party, Wednesday, Oct. 15, at noon in the narthex. We will have a costume contest with a prize for the winner, followed by a fun selection of Halloween games. Bring your favorite fall dish to pass, wear your most creative costume, and come join the fun and fellowship.
Coffee with Pastor Karyn
Coffee with Pastor Karyn is open to all and meets at 7am each Wednesday in the narthex. See you there! Questions? Contact karyn@firstlu.org.
Baptismal Preparation
The next baptism preparation session will be Saturday, Oct. 11, 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, Oct. 5. Min. attendance required: 2 families.
High School Service Trip to Hazlet, NJ
When: July 19–25, 2026 (travel days TBD)
Where: Hazlet, NJ
FOR: High school youth
Info meeting: Oct. 12, 11:30am
From July 19–25, 2026 (travel days TBD) high school students will take part in a Home Repair Workcamp organized by Group Mission Trips. Participants will team up to assist residents in Hazlet by tackling essential repairs like porch and deck upkeep, painting, wheelchair ramp installation, and other critical maintenance. It’s an opportunity where teens can grow in community, stride in faith, and witness the difference that kindness in action can make. Together, we’ll build more than ramps—we’ll build connection, compassion and lasting memories. Attend the informational meeting on Sunday, Oct. 12, at 11:30am. If you have any questions, please reach out to Michelle Renkas. More info: 1stlu.org/next. Questions? Want to sign up? Contact megan@firstlu.org.
High School Gathering
On Saturday, Oct. 12, from 11:45am–3pm (after the above info meeting) our high schoolers will gather at Ferguson’s Apple Orchard in Galesville for a day of autumn fun! Enjoy fun activities, fresh cider, and fellowship in God’s beautiful creation. Admission is $14/person for activities (food and apple picking are extra). We’ll meet in the narthex after church and head out together. Bring your friends, dress for the weather, and get ready for a cozy fall afternoon!
Beyond the Bridge: a Solution to Homelessness
The Pathways Home team is excited to welcome to La Crosse the creators of the film Beyond the Bridge a Solution to Homelessness. The filmmakers will be joined by local community leaders to share a screening of the film and to discuss local solutions including the City of La Crosse and La Crosse County strategic plan to reach functional zero homelessness, Pathways Home. Join us at the Weber Cetner for the Performing Arts on Oct. 14, at 6pm. For more info visit our Facebook events page: Facebook.com/1stlu/events.
Jazz Worship on Wednesday, Oct. 15
Mark your calendars and make sure to join us for a special worship service of jazz liturgy on Wednesday, Oct. 15, at the 6:15pm service, led by Jon Ailabouni.
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 on Thursday, Oct. 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.
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, Oct. 17, 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 2026 Sugar Creek Bible Camp and service trips. RSVP your child or sign up to volunteer at 1stlu.org/nightout.
Advanced Directive Workshop
Did you know that Wisconsin is not a next-of-kin state for medical decision-making? If you reside in Wisconsin, designating a medical decision-maker is incredibly important, regardless of your age. Join this workshop on Sunday, Oct. 19, at 11:45am, and learn more about how to legally designate a medical decision-maker. We'll also talk about Advanced Directives: a lifelong conversation with yourself and your loved ones about what medical decisions you would want them to make for you in case you can't make them for yourself. We'll learn and explore together, in hopes of leaving feeling empowered. For anyone 18 and older. Lunch included.
Faith Webs Youth Registration Open
Youth participating in summer ministries (camp, service trips) in 2026 can sign up to be a part of a Faith Web TODAY! Head to the Faith Web table in the Narthex to learn more! Youth signup deadline is Sunday, Oct. 19. Questions? Connect with volunteer coordinator, Carla Stanton. More info on Faith Webs? Visit 1stlu.org/webs.
Middle School Hidden Trails Corn Maze
Oct. 19, 11:30am–2:30pm. Admission: $14/per person. Activities include four different mazes, large culvert slides, human hamster wheels, little duck races and many yard games! We will meet at church and leave as a group in the bus. Please let Madi know if you would like to join or if you have any questions by emailing madalyn@firstlu.org.
Strategic Plan and MAP
First Lutheran is partnering with Kairos & Associates to identify a few clear mission/ministry initiatives to guide our church for the next 1–5 years. Our consultant, Tim Johnson, will be working with our Strategic Planning Support Team and will help us listen well and focus our next steps. The congregational survey, the MAP—the Missional Assessment Profile—is the first opportunity to share your input. Your voice matters! This survey will go live on October 20 and will be available both online and on paper. Please keep this process in your prayers as we seek God’s direction for FLC’s future. Questions? Connect with Pastor Stanton: jason@firstlu.org.
Fall Festival
Save the date on your calendar for Saturday, Oct. 25, 2–4pm, and join us here at First for an afternoon of fall activities and trunk-or-treating! Sign up to help prep and with activities at the event at 1stlu.org/next.
Youth Lead @ Minneapolis
WHEN: Saturday, Nov. 1, 9am–4pm
FOR: High school youth.
LED BY: Youth! Adults who equip and allow youth to lead! Powered by Peer Ministry Leadership.
THE GOAL: Every church will raise the bar in how they invite youth to be EQUIPPED, EMPOWERED and ALLOWED to lead.
Event starts at 9am in Minneapolis, so our group from First will leave from church around 6:15am. Questions? Connect with Megan Olson, High School Events Director / Peer Ministry Leader: megan@firstlu.org.
Sugar Creek Youth Retreats 2025-26
Retreats are one of the best ways to build relationships among youth, adult leaders and the wider community. Sugar Creek retreats allow you to show up and be with your age group, knowing that you can enjoy all of the fun and activities. Save these dates for your calendar now! Learn more at sugarcreekbiblecamp.org.
November 1, 2025: Pretzels and Prayers – Twisting Our Hearts Toward God, Elementary Retreat (Grades 1-5)
November 7-8, 2025: Pizza and Identity – Discovering Who You Are, Slice by Slice, Middle School & High School Retreat (Grades 6-12)
February 6-7, 2026: Bagels and Belonging – Exploring Community and Inclusion, High School Retreat (Grades 9-12)
March 6-7, 2026: Cookies and Covenant – God’s promises and our response, Confirmation Retreat (Grades 6-10)
March 21, 2026: Subs and Service – Stacked High with Ways to Serve, Elementary Retreat (Grades 1-5)
Cloud of Witnesses: All Saints Sunday
We honor our brothers and sisters in Christ who have gone before us on All Saints Sunday, Nov. 2, at 8am and 10:30am. All services will be in-person and live streamed at 1stlu.org/live.
All Saints Day has long been a day when the church gives thanks for all the saints, the beloved, who have died, especially in the past year. In the coming weeks, we will ask for photographs of your beloved dead so that we can be surrounded by their witness at All Saints worship. These pictures can be sent electronically (to office@firstlu.org) or brought in. They will be printed as 4X6, so resolution should be such that they can be printed well from what you submit. If your loved one was a member of our congregation and died this past year, you will receive a letter with a special request. All Saints Day isn’t only about those who have died, but also about those who have been newly baptized. If your child was baptized this past year, you also will receive a special request. Please note, we will continue to use the photos that were submitted in previous years, so no need to resend those photos.
Volunteer Opp: Road to Bethlehem
Road to Bethlehem is an interactive drive-through live nativity at Sugar Creek Bible Camp held on the first Saturday of December (this year, Dec. 6). After, guests are invited into the Manna Center for hot chocolate and Advent-themed activities. Sugar Creek is looking for 6 congregations or families to adopt a post on the nativity trail, with 2–8 helpers for each station. You'll receive a script, props, costumes, a heat source and a few live animals! You provide the people and bring back great photos to share your adventure! Have old Christmas pageant costumes? Sugar Creek is seeking donations of gently used costumes for events like Road to Bethlehem. Interested? Contact Sugar Creek at 608.734.3113 / camp@sgrcreek.org.
All-Ages Service Trip to Duluth
When: July 8–12, 2026
Where: Duluth, MN
FOR: Everyone... really and truly everyone is invited! (minors must be accompanied by an adult)
What is an All-Ages Service Trip? It is an opportunity for members of our congregation to experience serving side by side across all ages. When other families have gone on similar trips, the ages of participants were as young as 4 through upper 70s. We learn, serve and grow in faith together plus have a whole lot of fun. Attend the informational meeting on Sept. 28 in Room 204 and invite a friend! If you have any questions, please reach out to Michelle Renkas.
Middle School Service Trip to Milwaukee
July 12–17, 2026. With the help of Youthworks, our middle school youth will partner with food pantries, meal centers, local gardens and intergenerational care centers. In the evenings, they’ll explore the city a bit and maybe even have some beach time on Lake Michigan. Sign up during September for the trip, and for Faith Webs. The first 13 to sign up are guaranteed a spot. All subsequent registrations are subject to additional transportation capacity. More info: 1stlu.org/next. Questions? Want to sign up? Contact madalyn@firstlu.org.
Cancer Support
Navigating a cancer diagnosis, treatment, and after effects is tough and worthy of peer support. A non-medical First Lutheran member, Al Hutson, has been on this path and would like to make himself available to anyone interested in having a friendly ear to listen and provide mutual support. Contact him via email: awh051230@gmail.com, or phone/text: 563-343-8391.
HELP ministry
The Health Equipment Lending Program (HELP) is a ministry offered by Holmen Lutheran Church. People can borrow health-care equipment, ranging from crutches, walkers and wheelchairs to commodes and shower chairs. Also available are items to keep, such as transfer belts, braces and disposable briefs. For more information, contact Mary Nicolai at 608-498-0439 (text or leave a voicemail).
Salvation Army: Serving Hope, One Meal at a Time
The Salvation Army shelter in La Crosse provides 64 residents stability and an opportunity to get their feet back underneath of them and planted on solid ground. One of the ways this is done is by providing 3 meals a day. Each and every day, volunteers are needed at The Salvation Army La Crosse to help serve these warm, nourishing meals to those who need them most. These volunteers share their love and kindness with those they are serving. In addition to this, we welcome members of the community facing food insecurity to get a lunch each day of the week. In June, we served an average of 130 community meals each day. These meals are made possible by the compassion and service of volunteers—offering not only nourishment, but hope. If you are interested in learning more about how volunteers help us serve the community, please go online at centralusa.salvationarmy.org/lacrosse or call Rick at 608-782-6126 ext. 226 for more info.
Subscribe to Living Lutheran
Living Lutheran has brought back its print magazine publication. The storytelling you know and love will appear in mailboxes with four issues each year (spring, summer, winter and fall). Subscribe for the latest news, reflections and stories from the ELCA. Visit livinglutheran.org/subscribe to set up an individual subscription. If you have already subscribed – thank you!
Sunday School
Sunday, Oct. 5
9:15am Sunday School
Sunday, Oct. 12
9:15am Sunday School Christmas Program Rehearsal
More info and registration: 1stlu.org/sunschool
Grade 3 Faith Alive Building Block: The Bible
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, Oct. 5: Faith Building Block lifted up in worship
3-Year Old Faith Alive Building Block: Praying Together
Sunday, Oct. 12: parents/guardians only
Sundays, Oct. 19 & 26: parents/guardians with children
Sunday, Nov. 2: Faith Building Block lifted up in worship
Confirmation
Sunday:
9:15am Gr 6 & 7 Confirmation Classes - FS
Wednesday:
7:00pm Gr 8–10 Confirmation Small Groups
More info and registration: 1stlu.org/confirm.
