Announcements for Sunday, May 4, 2025
INSIDE: Estate Planning Dinner • Blessing Graduates • Spring Nosh with Neighbors
Join us for an Estate Planning Dinner THIS Sunday, May 4, 11:30am. With a focus on thoughtful estate planning and giving, local experts will lead us in conversation on how each of us can make informed decisions that will bless our loved-ones and our church. Dinner included. RSVP to office@firstlu.org. Sponsored by the First Lutheran Foundation.
Join us for Worship!
Sunday, May 4
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, May 7:
6:15pm: live stream at 1stlu.org/live, and in-person. Nursery available.
More Events @ Sugar Creek
Below are some upcoming events offered by Sugar Creek. For more info or registration, visit sugarcreekbiblecamp.org or call 608.734.3113.
May 3 – Volunteer Work Weekend
May 16-18 – NEW: Adult Horse Retreat
June 5 – Fireside Theater “Church Basement Ladies: The Last Potluck”
August 18 – Golf Fundraiser
Love Out Loud
Jesus calls us to love our neighbors as ourselves. How can we show love & support for our LGBTQIA+ neighbors? Stand visibly and united at the corner of State Rd & Losey after church on Sunday, May 4, at 1pm. Need a sign to wave? Come to The Center (230 6th Street South) at 11am to create signs to wave that Sunday. Sign up here.
LuMin Community Worship
LuMin Community Worship is coming to a close with one last worship on Sunday, May 4. Have you been thinking about joining us but haven't been able to? We would love for you to pop in at Common Ground (1334 Pine St.) this Sunday at 5pm! We'll gather around the table for Dinner Church, focusing on justice + love, and come together for a special time of painting rocks to spread kindness throughout our community, along with small service projects in the neighborhood. Sign up at https://bit.ly/3Q5uyQm or email admin@luminlax.org to help us prepare for food and supplies!
Coffee with Pastor Karyn
Coffee with Pastor Karyn is open to all and meets at 7:00am each Wednesday in the narthex. The group is starting a new study of Enduring Grace, Living Portraits of Seven Women Mystics, by Carol Flinder, so now is a great time to join! Questions? Contact karyn@firstlu.org.
Blessing Graduates
First Lutheran will bless graduates in worship on Wednesday, May 7, and Sunday, May 11. Join us on those days for a special blessing to celebrate this milestone. Graduates will receive more details about this service in the coming days. Also for seniors… please share a senior picture with us for our grad board in the narthex! We are happy to display a wallet size (preferable) or the next size up. Simply drop off a picture in the office during the week or on a Sunday morning.
Wednesday Night Study
Pastor Stanton and Pastor Karyn continue to lead their Wednesday Night Study Group, which will renew again on Wednesday, May 7, at 7pm in Fellowship Hall. The class will start fresh with Love is the Way, Holding on to Hope in Troubling Times, by Bishop Michael Curry. Sign up for Wednesday Night Study at 1stlu.org/next.
Spring Nosh with Neighbors
First Lutheran and Onalaska United Methodist Church are hosting a lunch for the city of Onalaska employees on Thursday, May 8. We would like to thank our city hall workers, police officers and fire department for keeping the city of Onalaska safe and running smoothly. Donations should be brought to First Lutheran by 10am on Thursday, May 8, and day-of volunteers should arrive at First Lutheran Church by 10:45am. Show appreciation to our city workers and sign up to donate and serve at 1stlu.org/next. Questions? Contact kathryn@firstlu.org.
Jazz Worship with Jon Ailabouni
Be sure to join us for special worship services of jazz liturgy, led by Jon Ailabouni. Two services coming up: Wednesday, May 14, at 6:15pm, and Sunday, May 18, at One Worship at 9:30am.
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, May 16, 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 2025 Sugar Creek Bible Camp and mission trips. RSVP your child or sign up to volunteer at 1stlu.org/nightout.
Commissioning Peer Ministers
Our Peer Ministers from 2025 will be blessed at the May 18 One Worship service at 9:30pm. We want to celebrate all of their hard work this past year to become better ministers to their peers.
One Worship & Potluck, Sunday May 18
There will be only one service on Sunday, May 18, at 9:30am. During worship, we will commission our new Peer Ministers. After worship, we’ll have a potluck and celebration of Sunday School, Confirmation and Faith Webs. First will provide brats, hot dogs... we encourage members and guests to bring a side or dessert to share! See you there!
Faith Web Ideas for May
Sit together in worship! Especially on May 18 come for One Worship at 9:30am with lunch/games afterward.
DEADLINE: Thank you for being a part of a Faith Web! We pray these relationships in your church family continue to grow! A reminder that all donations toward the $300 commitment made at the beginning of the school year are due by May 18, 2025.
Fundraising Deadline
A reminder to all youth raising funds for Sugar Creek and other summer ministries, that the final day to turn in funds raised to cover expenses is Sunday, May 18. Thanks!
Middle School Sports Event
Middle schoolers (grades 6-8) are invited to play sports outside! On Sunday, May 18, from 11:30am–1:30pm! Snacks will be provided! If interested in joining please contact the middle school event coordinator, Madi, at madalyn@firstlu.org.
Interests Survey
Let us know what you are interested in being involved in and helping with at First! Take a short survey at 1stlu.org/next.
Monday Night Community Meals
For many years, Trinity Lutheran Church on the northside 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: May 19. Sign up at 1stlu.org/next.
Young Youth Pic and Kick
FOR: Grades K-5
WHEN: Saturday, May 31, 11–12:30pm
WHERE: Apple Valley Park, W6535 Schilling Rd, Onalaska
Looking for a fun and relaxing way to spend a day outdoors? Join other Firt Lu Young Youth families for a picnic in the park along with a kickball game! Bring your family and friends, pack a picnic basket, and enjoy a day of outdoor fun and community. RSVP to katie@firstlu.org.
📚 Exciting News from the Church Bookstore! 📚
We're introducing a rotating selection of new books to inspire and deepen your faith! Each season, we'll 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.
Sugar Creek Summer Reg Now Open
Sugar Creek Bible Camp offers 17 unique and powerful summer camp programs, plus retreat ministries for youth in elementary school, middle school and high school – and adults and families! The camp is located on 660 acres in the bluffs and valleys of southwestern Wisconsin. Come learn, relax, encounter Christ and have fun at Sugar Creek Bible Camp! Explore sugarcreekbiblecamp.org for more information about next summer.
Foundation Grant Applications Deadline
REMINDER: Grant applications from worthy organizations wishing to request funds from the Foundation Fund are due by June 1! More information about the Foundation Fund and the grant application, can be found at 1stlu.org/foundation.
Baptismal Preparation
The next baptism preparation session will be Saturday, June 14, 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, June 1. Min. attendance required: 2 families.
Worship with the Synod @ Riverside Park
Sunday, June 8, at 10am, at Riverside Park. And everyone is invited to join the Synod Assembly Choir (whether or not you are attending the rest of assembly) The choir will rehearse twice before performing at the 10am synod-wide worship service on June 8 at Riverside Park. Learn more about the choir on the synod website.
Synod Night Out at the Loggers
Save the date! Sunday, June 15, 5pm for a night of baseball fun at Loggers Field on Copeland Ave. Learn more and get tickets at 1stlu.org/next.
Outdoor Worship and Potluck
First will worship outdoors on Fifth Ave for the second service once a month during the summer, on the following Sundays, weather permitting…
June 29, 10am
July 27, 10am
August 24, 10am
Bring your own lawn chairs, perhaps a hat to shade your eyes, and a side dish to share at the potluck (though everyone is welcome at the potluck even if you don’t bring anything!). If the weather's bad that day, we'll move inside. NOTE: There is no live stream of the 10am outdoor service.
Help the ELCA Gathering Build Something BIG in Minneapolis!
Applications are now open to join the 2027 ELCA Youth Gathering planning teams! From creative programming to behind-the-scenes logistics, this is your chance to help shape an unforgettable experience for thousands of young people. We’re heading to Minneapolis — and we want you on the team. Apply by June 30 and be part of the movement! Start your application here, open through June 30.
Lead Sunday School & VBS
There are opportunities to serve as a Sunday School teacher and a leader in VBS. A Sunday School teacher is a commitment of 1 or 2 weekends a month in which you connect with our congregation's children! It is super easy with the curriculum! VBS is another way to connect, this is so fun and is high energy! If you like to play games or would like to help organize or help in any way, please consider! Contact Pastor Stanton: jason@firstlu.org.
Vacation Bible School!
Plan to be here for Vacation Bible School this summer, Sunday, Aug. 3, through Thursday, Aug. 7, 2024. Invite your neighbors! For 4K through Grade 5 in the fall (3 year olds are welcome to attend in the nursery). Learn more at 1stlu.org/next.
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).
Sunday School
Sunday, May 4
Sunday School
Sunday, May 11
Sunday School
More info and registration: 1stlu.org/sunschool
4K Faith Building Block: The Keys
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, May 4 & 11: parents/guardians with children
Sunday, May 18: Faith Building Block lifted up in worship
Confirmation
Sunday:
9:15am Gr 6 & 7 Confirmation Class
Wednesday:
5:05pm Confirmation Class - The Time of Your Life
7:00pm Gr 8 & 9 Small Groups
More info and registration: 1stlu.org/confirm.
