Announcements for Sunday, Nov. 9
INSIDE: Middle school service trip info meeting • Take the MAP (LAST CHANCE!) • Gospel of John
Take the MAP!
Deadline for the survey is THIS Monday, Nov. 10. Start the survey today at 1stlu.org/map.
Join us for worship!
Sunday Worship, Nov. 9
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 Worship, Nov. 12
6:15pm: live stream at 1stlu.org/live, and in-person. Nursery available.
Sunday Morning Bible Study
Sundays at 9:15am, in the Thomas Room, starting Sunday, Sept. 14
Open to all
Led by Madalyn Olson-Loomis
Join Madi Loomis between services on Sunday morning to engage in deeper conversations and discussions around the Narrative reading from the sermon and learn how to incorporate readings into your weekly schedule to expand your knowledge and understanding of the Bible.
Middle School Service Trip to Milwaukee
When: July 12–17, 2026
Where: Milwaukee
For: Middle school youth
Info Meeting: Sunday, Nov. 9, 11:30am, in the narthex
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.
Film Screening: 1946, the Mistranslation that Shifted Culture
Nov. 9, 4pm, with pizza and discussion to follow, at Ground Campus Ministry, 1334 Pine Street, La Crosse. 1946 is a feature documentary that follows the story of tireless researchers who trace the origins of the anti-gay movement among christians to a grave mistranslation of the Bible in 1946. Co-sponsored by: First Congregational United Church of Christ and Lutheran Campus Ministry.
Take the MAP!
Did you take the MAP (Missional Assessment Profile)? Don’t delay, take the MAP today! The MAP will provide us with key information on our “missional leanings,” our culture, our priorities and so much more. Every confirmed and older member is encouraged to contribute your perspectives and input!
Please be sure that each member within your household takes the survey, though have just one of you fill out the family financial part. If for any reason you prefer to take a paper copy, they can be picked up at the MAP table outside the church office, and returned to the office once completed. All responses are completely anonymous, so please be candid as you share what you think, feel, and perceive as a member of First. Deadline for the survey is Monday, Nov. 10. Start the survey today at 1stlu.org/next. If you have any questions at all, please contact Pastor Stanton at jason@firstlu.org. Thank you in advance for your energies and contributions to First!
And thanks if you have already taken the survey! We are excited to share the results with you on Tuesday, Nov. 18, at 6pm with our consultant, Tim Johnson. Discover what we’ve learned about First’s priorities, ministry connections, and future opportunities—including possible sanctuary improvements. All are welcome!
Connecting with the Gospel of John
Are you looking for a connection between scripture and everyday life? Or maybe a way to dig deeper into the gospel of John? If so, join Pastor Karyn for one or both of these opportunities: On Nov. 10 and 17, from 6–7pm, an overview of the gospel of John… and starting on Nov. 24 at 7pm, a year-long journey through the lectionary (our schedule of readings). Both will meet in the narthex. Cost of the yearlong class is $20 for the devotional study book we will use.
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. Questions? Contact karyn@firstlu.org.
Grief Support Group
Carrying on after the death of a loved one can be difficult and lonely. Join with others who listen and care for each other. Every third Thursday: 10am in the Upper Room. NEXT: Nov. 20. Led by Carla Stanton.
OWLs
Our OWLs (our Older Wiser Lutherans at First, for anyone 55+) will fly to the Pump House to see the Heart of LaCrosse Comedy Troupe on Thursday, Nov. 13. Meet at the church at 4:30pm for a dinner out before the show. Cost of the show is $31.50, dinner is on your own. RSVP to Brian: 630-816-5917 / owls@firstlu.org. You can pay for the tickets the night of the event.
The next potluck will be on Wednesday, Nov. 19, at noon in the Fellowship Hall. The program will be presented by Tom Pahs, a local Titanic collector and storyteller. Tom will bring some of his Titanic memorabilia, show some videos about the Titanic and tell some stories about the famous ship. No need to sign up, just bring a dish to pass and join this very special potluck.
Community Leader Gathering – All Are Welcome!
As part of our listening and discovery phase, First Lutheran is hosting a Community Leader Gathering to hear from local voices about unmet needs in the greater La Crosse area. This complements our internal listening efforts through the MAP survey, leader conversations, and upcoming cottage meetings.
WHEN: Thursday, Nov. 13, 6:30–8:30pm
WHERE: First Lutheran Church, narthex
Come learn, listen, and be part of the conversation!
Middle School Game Night!
Middle schoolers are invited to a board game and pizza night, Friday, Nov. 14, 6–8pm, in the Fireside Rm. Please reach out to the Middle School Event coordinator, Madalyn Olson-Loomis (madalyn@firstlu.org) for questions and to RSVP.
Caring Cards Ministry
This is a Ministry of fellowship and service that meets monthly September through April, and welcomes anyone who would like to join us. NEXT MEETING: Saturday, Nov. 15, 9am, Fireside Room. RSVP to Michelle Logan: mgilogan@gmail.com. If you know a member that would like to receive a card, please let the office know: office@firstlu.org.
High School Friendsgiving
High schoolers are getting together for an afternoon of food, fun, and friendship as they celebrate Friendsgiving together! Bring your favorite side dish to the house to share and enjoy an afternoon of community, games, and gratitude. Sunday, Nov. 16, 11:30am–2:30pm, at the house. Questions? Connect with megan@firstlu.org.
Baskets of Belonging
Baskets of Belonging is part of the coordinated approach to support people leaving homelessness by surrounding them with circles of care. The drive, taking place now through Nov. 16, is hosted by the Pathways Home Faith Action team in partnership with the La Crosse County and City of La Crosse's Pathways Home plan to address homelessness. First Lutheran is asked to collect 30–40 of each item listed below.
Sets of 4 glasses
Silverware sets (spoons, forks, table knives)
In addition, the drive is asking every congregation to consider donating a few higher price items: cutting knife sets, pots/pans, mixing bowls, and towel sets. All items should be new or like-new. Questions? Connect with karyn@firstlu.org.
In Search of Fabric Scraps!
Any blues and purples will work. Bring to the church office by Sunday, Nov. 16 so they can be cut and ready for Advent Around the Table. Questions: contact katie@firstlu.org.
Ending Homelessness
Join the Coulee Homeless and Housing Coalition and WI Balance of State Continuum of Care for a presentation and community discussion regarding homelessness in La Crosse, Monroe, Crawford, and Vernon Counties Nov. 18, at 2:30PM. Location: La Crosse County Health & Human Services Building, basement auditorium, 300 4th St. N, La Crosse.
Jazz Worship Wednesday, Nov. 19
Mark your calendars and join us for a special worship service of jazz liturgy on Wednesday, Nov. 19, at 6:15pm, led by Jon Ailabouni.
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, Nov. 21, 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.
Ecumenical Thanksgiving Eve Worship
Everyone is invited to a special ecumenical worship service Onalaska United Methodist, at 212 4th Ave N, Onalaska (across the street from us, behind the funeral home) on Thanksgiving Eve, Wednesday, Nov. 26, at 7pm, with our brother and sisters in Christ from Onalaska UMC. Pastor Karyn will be providing the message.
Onalaska Community Thanksgiving Dinner
Organizers of the annual Onalaska Community Thanksgiving Dinner at the National Guard Armory expect to prepare and serve more than 1,600 meals on Nov. 28. The event brings together people in need, people unable to spend the holiday with family and friends, and people who are alone for the holiday. Dining is in-person, by carry-out, or delivery. In-person dining and carry-outs are from 11am–2pm. Deliveries can be scheduled for 11am, noon, or 1pm. To register for a delivery, visit octd.org/deliveries starting Nov. 1. Organizers also are looking for volunteers and monetary donations. Learn more at octd.org.
Advent Around the Table
Advent is a season full of rich traditions for both home and church. We invite everyone to join us on Sunday, Nov. 30, 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.
Hurricane Melissa
The needs of our neighbors in the Caribbean are growing as Hurricane Melissa brings devastation to communities already living in fragile conditions. Our partners at Lutheran World Relief are already preparing a response to reach families affected by Hurricane Melissa with urgently needed care like food, water, shelter, and essential supplies. Right now, the number one need is financial gifts so that the team at Lutheran World Relief can reach our neighbors as quickly as possible. Give directly through Lutheran World Relief at lwr.org/melissa-relief or on our church’s giving page at 1stlu.org/give. Thank you for sharing God’s love with our neighbors when and where they need it most.
Clothes Closet Needs for Fall/Winter
The First Teen Clothes Closest is limiting donations to the following (only teen-style, clean, NEW or gently used). Donations can be placed in the baskets inside the main entryway. NO T-SHIRTS or JEANS, PLEASE.
hoodies
athletic pants
wallets
sunglasses (no scratches, please)
teen styled jewelry
teen styled winter coats
teen styled winter boots
Faith Webs
Those looking to connect with and support youth in their summer ministries can still do so! Learn more about Faith Webs at 1stlu.org/webs and by stopping at 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!
Monday Night Community Meals
For many years, Trinity Lutheran Church on the north side of La Crosse has hosted a meal on Monday nights. First Lutheran helps 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 150-200 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. NEXT DATE: Dec. 1. Sign up at 1stlu.org/next.
Baptismal Preparation
The next baptism preparation session will be Saturday, Dec. 6, 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 608.783.2236 by Sunday, Nov. 30. Min. attendance required: 2 families.
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.
Between the Listening and the Telling
Through Dec. 10, from 7-8pm, the Wednesday Night Study Group gathers to talk about the book Between the Listening and the Telling by Mark Yaconelli. This powerful and thought-provoking book will help us not only tell our own story, but also become better listeners to other's stories, providing the potential of healing the divisions that exist between us. Great time to join the Wednesday Night Study Group!
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/nextsteps. Cost is $5 per rose. Order deadline is Sunday, Dec. 14.
Christmas Events Insert
The Christmas events insert that was included in the November newsletter can be downloaded at 1stlu.org/nextsteps.
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.
Sugar Creek Youth Retreats 2026
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.
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)
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. If you have any questions, please reach out to Michelle Renkas.
High School Service Trip to Hazlet, NJ
When: July 19–25, 2026 (travel days TBD)
Where: Hazlet, NJ
For: High school youth
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. More info: 1stlu.org/next. Questions? Want to sign up? Contact megan@firstlu.org.
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.
Keep Up with Changes: Update Your Contact Info
Make sure the office has your current contact info, including current address, mobile number(s), carrier info (for reminders by text), and email(s). Members can make these changes on their own at our online directory: 1stlu.org/directory. Or you can send them to office@firstlu.org.
📚 Check Out the Church Bookstore! 📚
We have a rotating selection of books to inspire and deepen your faith! Each season we feature fresh titles covering a variety of topics, from spiritual growth and parenting, to Christian living, building blocks, and current hot topics. Stop by regularly to explore new reads and find the perfect book to enrich your faith journey. Have a suggestion for a book to include? Email Carolyn at carolyn.wodele@gmail.com.
Sunday School
Sunday, Nov. 9
9:15am Sunday School
Sunday, Nov. 16
9:15am Sunday School
More info and registration: 1stlu.org/sunschool
Grade 1 Faith Alive 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.
Sundays, Nov. 9 & 16: parents/guardians with children
Sunday, Nov. 23: Faith Building Block lifted up in worship
Confirmation
Sunday:
9:15am Gr 6 & 7 Confirmation Classes - Fireside Rm
Wednesday:
7:00pm Gr 8 & 9 Confirmation Small Groups
More info and registration: 1stlu.org/confirm.
