Announcements for Sunday, Nov. 23
INSIDE: Ecumenical Thanksgiving Eve Worship @ Ona UMC • Onalaska Community Thanksgiving Dinner
Ecumenical Worship on Thanksgiving Eve
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. Live streaming at youtube.onalaskaumc.org.
Join us for worship!
Sunday Worship, Nov. 23
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. 26
7pm: ecumenical worship at Onalaska United Methodist Church, 12 4th Ave N, Onalaska. Live streaming at youtube.onalaskaumc.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, THIS 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.
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.
Newsletter Assembly
It’s a relaxing way to volunteer! Wednesday, Nov 26, at 10am, to assemble the Dec/Jan newsletter. See you there!
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 TWO DATES: Dec. 1 AND Dec. 8. Sign up at 1stlu.org/next.
Sunshine Team
The Sunshine Team meets on the first Thursday of every month. NEXT: Dec. 4, 9:30am. Various jobs: cleaning, sweeping, mopping, vacuuming, washing windows and cleaning carpets. Help make First look nice! Refreshments are supplied to replenish your reserves! Dues are free! Questions? Contact Dan at dan@firstlu.org.
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!
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. 13 & 14. No admission fee; donations accepted. Reservations are required and fill quickly; learn more at 1stlu.org/next.
Cookie Decorating
Everyone is invited to meet in the fellowship hall to decorate Christmas cookies Sunday, Dec. 14! The cookies will be handed out as gifts to the residents that we visit when the church goes caroling, and shared together after our Sunday School Christmas program (and they may even be snuck during the decorating!) There will be two shifts…
9:15–10:15am, for anyone high school age or older (and their Faith Webs!)
11:30am–noon, for anyone of any age, but especially for Sunday School and Confirmation students, their families and their Faith Webs who were busy rehearsing for the Christmas program between services!
Parents are asked to supervise and help their children decorate. See you there!
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 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.
Christmas Caroling
Hop on a bus to take a short ride around Onalaska to visit and carol to those who would love some extra Christmas cheer! Sunday, Dec. 14: 4:30pm warm-up, 5pm caroling, 6pm return to church for potluck feast!
Middle School Caroling & Christmas Party
Sunday, December 14, 4:30–6:30pm caroling, 6–8pm Party in Fireside Rm (snacks, games, Christmas music) in the Fireside Room. Questions? Connect with madalyn@firstlu.org.
High School Caroling & Christmas Party
Get ready to spread some Christmas cheer! Join us for an evening of caroling with the church, followed by a cozy Christmas party with snacks, games, and plenty of holiday fun. Bring your holiday spirit (and maybe a festive sweater!) as we sing, laugh, and celebrate the joy of the season together. Invite your friends—everyone is welcome! Sunday, December 14, caroling at 4:30–6pm, Christmas party at 6–8pm at the house. Questions? Connect with megan@firstlu.org.
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. 17, at 6:15pm worship.
Middle School PJ Movie Night
Middle schoolers are invited for a movie and popcorn night in the Fireside room on Friday, Dec. 19, at 7pm! You are welcome to bring pillows and blankets to get comfier if you would like! Please email the middle school event coordinator, Madalyn, (madalyn@firstlu.org) for any questions and to RSVP for this event!
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.
Young Youth Dec Event!
Young Youth (1st-5th grade) are invited to a Winter Break Play Date in the Fellowship Hall on Monday, Dec. @ from 1-2:30pm. Save the date! Questions? Connect with our Young Youth Events Director, Katie Pierre: katie@firstlu.org.
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.
Stephen Ministry
If you know of someone who needs a caregiver, please speak with Pastor Karyn, or call the church office: 608.783.2236.
Cancellations Due to Inclement Weather
If bad weather ever makes you wonder whether your group is meeting, check our website, Facebook page, or update the office 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!
Sunday School
Sunday, Nov. 23
9:15am Sunday School
Sunday, Nov. 30
9:15am Sunday School; Advent Around the Table
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:
7pm Ecumenical Worship at Onalaska United Methodist Church
No Gr 8 & 9 Confirmation Small Groups
More info and registration: 1stlu.org/confirm.
