Announcements for Sunday, Dec. 21
INSIDE: Middle School PJ Movie Night • Blue Christmas • Christmas Worship Times
Join us for worship on Christmas Eve (2pm, 4pm, 6pm and 11pm) and on Christmas Day (10am).
Join us for worship!
Sunday Worship, Dec. 21
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.
6:15pm Blue Christmas Worship: live stream at 1stlu.org/live, and in-person.
Christmas Eve, Wednesday, Dec. 24:
2pm: live stream at 1stlu.org/live, and in-person, with candlelight and Holy Communion. Nursery available.
4pm: live stream at 1stlu.org/live, and in-person, with candlelight and Holy Communion. Nursery available.
6pm: in-person, with candlelight and Holy Communion. Nursery available.
11pm: in-person, with candlelight and Holy Communion. Nursery available.
Christmas Day, Thursday, Dec. 25:
10am: live stream at 1stlu.org/live, and in-person. Nursery available.
Middle School PJ Movie Night
Middle schoolers are invited for a movie and popcorn night 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.
Office Closures
The office will be closed at the following times in the coming months…
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
Young Youth Dec Event!
Young Youth (1st-5th grade) are invited to a Winter Break Play Date in the Fellowship Hall on Monday, Dec. 29 from 10-11:30am. Save the date! Questions? Connect with our Young Youth Events Director, Katie Pierre: katie@firstlu.org.
Meal Train
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.
No Worship New Years Eve
There will be no evening worship on New Years Eve, Wednesday, Dec. 31.
New Podcast: The Bible in a Year from Luther Seminary
If you’re looking for a way to get into the Bible in the new year, watch for the launch of a new Enter the Bible podcast in January. “The Bible in a Year from Luther Seminary” will guide you on a journey through the books of the Bible, providing insights on how Scripture can shape your life today. Learn more at enterthebible.org/the-bible-in-a-year-podcast.
Sugar Creek Winter Fun Days
Sled, play, and cozy up with lunch and indoor activities, Sunday afternoons, Jan. 18 and Feb. 8. Snow or no, it’s a go! $10 a person, 4 and under free. RSVPs are helpful for planning: camp@sgrcreek.org.
Presiding Bishop Curry to speak on Martin Luther King Jr. Day @ Luther
The Rev. Yehiel Curry, Presiding Bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, will offer keynote remarks at Luther College’s 2026 Martin Luther King Jr. Day lecture on Monday, Jan. 19, in the Center for Faith and Life Main Hall. The day begins with Curry’s address at 10:30am, followed by an optional community lunch at noon for attendees, two sessions are planned for the afternoon at 1:15 p.m., a youth discussion with Curry, and a panel discussion with regional ELCA bishops for all others. The event is open to the public, and admission to the morning program and the afternoon break-out sessions are free. Lunch tickets for adults are $10, but free for youth who are registered for the youth session.
Parents’ Night Out
Bring your children for an evening of fun with the middle and high school youth groups’ fundraiser! WHERE: at First Lutheran, Friday, Jan. 23, FOR: Birth–12 are welcome (Birth–3 will be in the nursery, ages 4 and up in Fellowship.
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.
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: Jan. 26. Sign up at 1stlu.org/next.
Bible Camp Summer Staff Positions for 2026
Know a young adult looking for a meaningful summer job? Luther Park could be a great fit! Every year, Luther Park hires young adults to serve as counselors, program leaders, kitchen crew, maintenance staff, and day camp staff. These roles are more than just seasonal jobs — they are experiences that shape character, develop leadership, and help young adults grow into confident, capable adults. We also know that parents and mentors play a key role in helping their young adults choose work that is purposeful and practical. If this opportunity seems like it could be a good fit, we’d be grateful if you encourage them to check out summer employment with Luther Park Bible Camp in Chetek, WI. Click here for application link.
Annual Gaps and Needs Survey
It is time, once again, for the annual Gaps and Needs survey for the WI Balance of State. The Data Analysis committee would like help with distribution and filling out the survey by those that are currently homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. If you know of someone who is currently homeless or at risk, please direct them to and help them fill out this survey. For 2026, the consumer survey will be the only survey being conducted, and will be collected until February 1.
Baptismal Preparation
The next baptism preparation session will be Saturday, Feb. 7, 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, Feb. 1. Min. attendance required: 2 families.
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!
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)
Friends of the Warming Center
The Warming Center provides shelter for the unhoused from November through April. There are many ways to serve, from taking a shift in the shelter to providing a meal. Learn more and sign up to help at cclse.org/la-crosse-warming-center.
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.
Co-lead our Community Garden
The Care for Creation team is looking for a volunteer co-leader for the church’s community garden. This garden grows produce in conjunction with the Kane St Garden in La Crosse, which provides to the community through the Hunger Task Force. We have one co-leader, and need another to help lead. Duties would include helping to decide what to grow, best ways to utilize the space, scheduling volunteers to water, weed, till, etc. If you have a strong interest in using God’s Creation to grow food for his people, contact the Care for Creation Team at 1stlu.org/next.
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. 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.
Sunday School
Sunday, Dec. 21
9:15am Sunday School Special Event
Sundays, Dec. 28 & Jan. 4
No Sunday School; resumes Sunday, Jan. 11
More info and registration: 1stlu.org/sunschool
Confirmation
Sunday:
9:15am Gr 6 & 7 Confirmation Classes
Wednesday:
No Confirmation Small Groups; resumes Jan. 7
More info and registration: 1stlu.org/confirm.
