Announcements for Sunday, June 29, 2025
INSIDE: No Outdoor Worship, BUT Potluck Lives On!
Due to forecasted weather for Sunday morning, the 10am service will be indoors.
HOWEVER, the potluck will still take place!
Join us for Worship!
Worship Sunday, June 29
8am: live stream at 1stlu.org/live, and in-person. Nursery available.
10am: live stream at 1stlu.org/live, and in-person. Nursery available.
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.
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.
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.
Volunteer Appreciation Picnic
Sunday, July 13, from 11:15am-1pm at the first shelter in Rowe Park, for all volunteers who make Faith Alive! happen at First Lutheran. Bring your lawn chairs and come to play! Mark the date so that we may celebrate those among us who give their time and energy to Christ’s mission! RSVP by July 9 at 1stlu.org/next.
High School Beach Day
Our high school youth (those going into grade 9–12) will be having a beach day on Sunday, July 13. They will be going to either Black River beach or Pettibone beach for an afternoon of fun in the sun! Leaving the church around 11:30am and back by 3pm. RSVP to Megan Olson at megan@firstlu.org to let her know you’re coming and if you have a food allergy for lunch (we'll have lunch at the beach).
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.
Middle School Tie Dye Party!
Middle schoolers (grades 6-8) are invited to a tie dye party! July 20, 11:30am–1:30pm, in the church parking lot. Please bring a white item of clothing to tie dye! RSPV to middle school event coordinator, Madi, madalyn@firstlu.org.
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…
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.
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.
First Teen Clothes Closet Needs
The First Teen Clothes Closest is looking for the following that are all teen-style, clean, new/gently used (donations can be placed in the baskets inside the main entryway):
summer dresses (very popular this year)
athletic shorts & pants, especially XL-XXXXL
wallets
sunglasses (no scratches, please)
crocs sizes 7-14
slides (sandals) sizes 7-14
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.
410 Prayers
Join Kathryn for a time of prayer, every Monday–Friday, at 4:10pm, on our Facebook page.
Happy Birthday!!
If you have received a birthday postcard from First in the last several months and still have it, bring it into church Mon–Fri, 8am–4pm and pick up a small gift.
Help Those in Need
If you are looking for ways to help locally, go to the Ugetconnected site to find a variety of needs, from writing letters or drawing pictures to seniors, to delivering pre-packaged meals or sewing. It's hard to keep track of all the various organizations, so this is a great spot to find out how you can help. Go to 1stlu.org/needs.
