Announcements for Sunday, June 22, 2025
INSIDE: Juneteenth @ Riverside Park • Discipleship Matters
La Crosse’s annual Juneteenth celebration! Uniting all members of the community in celebration of Black Americans!! Fun, food, entertainment, history, education and connection. At Riverside Park on Saturday, June 21, noon–7pm.
Join us for Worship!
Worship Sunday, June 22
8am: live stream at 1stlu.org/live, and in-person. Nursery available.
10am: live stream at 1stlu.org/live, and in-person. Nursery available.
New Office Hours
Office hours have changed; the office is now open 9am–3pm, M–F.
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.
OWLs
For their June outing, the OWLs (our Older Wiser Lutherans at First, for anyone 55+) will attend a La Crosse Concert Band performance in Riverside Park. on Wednesday, June 25. The theme for the concert will be “Celebrating American Composers.” Expect a mix of patriotic, classical and contemporary American compositions that highlight the rich musical heritage of the country. Meet at church at 4:30pm. to head out for dinner at David Reay’s before heading to the park. Bring a folding lawn chair if you don’t like to sit on the park benches. The concert is free and dinner is on your own. RSVP to Brian Narveson: 630-816-5917 / owls@firstlu.org.
There will be no OWL's events in July as Brian and Mary like to take July off to travel with our family. The August potluck will be Wednesday, Aug. 6 in the Fellowship Hall. This is earlier than usual so please mark your calendars.
Discipleship Matters 2025 Summer Courses
Nurturing life-long learning in members of the La Crosse Area Synod; all summer courses are offered via Zoom online and are FREE! Register at lacrosseareasynod.org.
June 26, 6:30–7:45pm, Home from the Borderlands: An overview of what was seen and learned during our Synod’s Border Immersion Trip.
July 10 & July 17, 6:30–7:45pm, At the Intersection of Faith & Politics: ELCA members Brad Pfaff and Brian Rude will share how they understand the intersection of faith and politics in their own careers and life. They will share where they see hope and how Lutherans can respond. The first class will be more general in nature, with time for questions and answers. The second gathering will focus on 2-4 topics, or questions that came up during our first conversation.
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 at elca.org/gathering.
Accompaniment: Peru Companion Synod
The La Crosse Area Synod is launching a campaign to raise $15,000 for our companion synod, the Lutheran Church of Peru. Thanks to a generous gift from Luther Memorial Lutheran Church, which closed this month, your donations will be matched dollar for dollar up to $7,500. Learn more about our companion relationship and give today at lacrosseareasynod.org/companion-synod-peru.
Sunshine Team
The Sunshine Team meets on the first Thursday of every month. NEXT: July 3, 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.
Upcoming Office Closures
The office will be closed on Friday July 4, for Independence Day.
Blood Drive
Monday, July 14, 12:30-5:30pm. Every day ordinary people are saved by some pretty extraordinary people. People who give blood. Your donation could be the most valuable gift you ever give. Just ask anyone who’s ever received. Walk-ins welcome; appointments encouraged, schedule yours at 1stlu.org/next. Please bring a photo ID.
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.
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.
THIS Tuesday! (and every Tuesday) – Volunteer at camp! More info below
August 18 – Golf Fundraiser
Tuesday Volunteers
Whether you have a few hours or a full day, individuals or groups are welcome to lend a hand on Tuesdays throughout the year. Bring your gloves, your smile and your servant heart. Contact the camp office at (608)734-3113 or office@sgrcreek.org to let Sugar Creek know you are coming.
Summer Volunteers
There’s always room for more helping hands during the summer camp season! From kitchen helpers to maintenance assistants to nurses and faith leaders, your gifts are needed. Spend a few days or a whole week making memories with summer staff and campers. Contact program@sgrcreek.org or the camp office.
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 60-80 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: Sept. 29. Sign up at 1stlu.org/next.
Stephen Ministry
If you know of someone who needs a caregiver, please speak with Pastor Karyn, or call the church office: 608.783.2236.
