Announcements for Sunday, Nov. 16
INSIDE: Baskets of Belonging deadline • High School Friendsgiving • MAP Summit
Baskets of Belonging Deadline
The Baskets of Belonging drive that is collecting glasses and silverware in support of people leaving homelessness ends THIS Sunday Nov. 16. More details below…
Join us for worship!
Sunday Worship, Nov. 16
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. 19
6:15pm: live stream at 1stlu.org/live, and in-person. Nursery available.
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: 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 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. It ends THIS Sunday Nov. 16. First Lutheran is asked to collect 30–40 of each item listed below.
Sets of 4 glasses
Silverware sets (spoons, forks, table knives)
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.
Benefit Concert for A Place of Grace
A benefit concert for A Place of Grace will be held Sunday, Nov. 16, 2pm at San Damiano Chapel (formally St. Wenceslaus Parish), 900 Viterbo Dr., La Crosse. Music will be provided by Prairie Smoke with an introduction by Tom Thibedeau. There is no admission but monetary and non-perishable food donations will be joyfully accepted. The concert is open to everyone and the building is handicap accessible.
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 certain 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. 14. Questions? Email office@firstlu.org.
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 on Nov. 17, from 6–7pm, for 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.
Knitters
Prayer shawl knitters meet every Tuesday at 2pm in the narthex. Open to all!
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.
MAP Summit
We are excited to share the results of the Missional Assement Profile (MAP) 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!
OWLs
The next potluck for our OWLs (our Older Wiser Lutherans at First, for anyone 55+) 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.
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.
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.
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 schol 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.
Office Closures
The office will be closed at the following times in the coming months…
Closed Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 27
Closed all day, Friday, Nov. 28
Closed at noon, Christmas Eve, Wednesday, Dec. 24
Closed Christmas day, Thursday, Dec. 25
Closed at noon, New Year’s eve, Wednesday, Dec. 31
Closed New Years day, Thursday, Jan. 1
Closed Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Monday, Jan. 19
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.
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.
All Church Lunch & Christmas Decorating!
After the second service on Sunday, Dec. 7, join us for lunch and to help decorate First to make it festive and twinkle for the upcoming Christmas season! This is a great Confirmation service opportunity, as well as a great event to share together as a Faith Web!
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.
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 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.
Red Kettle Bell Ringing
It's time to ring those bells! The Salvation Army of La Crosse Red Kettle Campaign lasts until Christmas Eve. The 2-hour shifts start at 10am through 8pm (Mon-Sat) with 19 kettle sites to choose from. We encourage festive wear, holiday music and Christmas spirit. Sign up at registertoring.com or call the Salvation Army at 608-782-6126. Help us help others...the need is great. Make a difference!
Blue Christmas
Sunday, 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 (there will be no 6:15pm worship service that Wednesday). All will be candlelight, and all will be with Holy Communion. Christmas Day worship time: 10am, with Holy Communion.
Meal Train for Becky Runde
Members of First Lutheran have started a Meal Train page for Becky Runde, who is going through cancer treatment at this time and her family would appreciate help with meals. What is Meal Train? When many friends provide support through a meal, Meal Train keeps everyone organized. Meal Train is a free meal calendar tool that makes planning meals among a wide group easy and less stressful. Sign up to help make a meal at 1stlu.org/next, and please keep Becky in your prayers.
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)
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 Coulee Golf Bowl on Thursday, Apr. 9, 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.
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.
Middle School Service Trip to Milwaukee
When: July 12–17, 2026
Where: Milwaukee
For: Middle school youth
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.
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.
Fundraising to Support Our Youth
Your weekly groceries, gas, and shopping money can support youth ministry! Scrip cards are often sold in the narthex on Sundays between services, and are also available in the church office M–F, during office hours. We have Festival, Kwik Trip, Target, Walmart and Woodman's cards. We now accept credit cards as a payment method (transaction fees are added to the face value of the scrip card). To find out what's currently available and when you can buy them, call the church office at 608.783.2236 or send email to office@firstlu.org.
Donations Supporting Ukraine
Lutheran Disaster Response is accompanying companion churches and ecumenical partners in Ukraine, Hungary, Poland, and Slovakia to respond to the crisis in Ukraine and Eastern Europe. Gifts to “Eastern Europe Crisis Response” will be used in full (100%) to assist those affected by the crisis in Ukraine and neighboring countries. Donate at elca.org/LDR.
OASIS Respite Program
OASIS is a weekly program for people in the beginning to mid-stages of dementia, Alzheimer's, and other brain-related diagnoses. This respite time provides socialization, brain enrichment and activities while the person's caregiver gets a much-needed four-hour break. The suggested donation is $20 per visit for the activities and a nutritious lunch. OASIS is an outreach program of Causeway Caregivers and can be reached at 608-780-0417.
Regarding Hospital Visits
For Emplify & Mayo: Our goal is to visit each member at the hospital. It is important that you or a family member contact us directly at the church office: 608.783.2236. Neither hospital gives out information regarding who is hospitalized.
Sunday School
Sunday, Nov. 16
9:15am Sunday School
Sunday, Nov. 23
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. 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.
