Announcements for Sunday, Sept 14
INSIDE: Sugar Creek Fall Festival • High School Outdoor Movie • New Bible Study
High School Outdoor Movie & Campfire: THIS Saturday Sept. 13 from 6–9pm (or until the movie ends), come out to First Lutheran for an evening of fellowship, fun, and a movie under the stars. High school youth will kick things off with a warm fire, great conversation, and maybe even some s’mores before the movie begins. Bring a blanket or lawn chair and invite a friend—it’s the perfect way to relax and enjoy the fall evening together! Questions? Connect with megan@firstlu.org.
Join us for worship!
Sunday worship, Sept. 14
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, Sept. 17
6:15pm: live stream at 1stlu.org/live, and in-person. Nursery available.
Fall Festival & Quilt Auction @ Sugar Creek
Saturday, Sept. 13. Beginning at 10am: craft fair, country store, silent auction, and BBQ pork lunch (no 5K this year). Your presence and generosity at this cherished event supports Sugar Creek’s Christ-centered summer camps and retreats, making unforgettable faith experiences possible for children, youth, and families. Enjoy a full day of fun, fellowship, and fall festivities! More info at sugarcreekbiblecamp.org.
NEW! Sunday Morning Bible Study
Sundays at 9:15am, in the Thomas Room, starting Sunday, Sept. 14
Open to all
Led by Madalyn Olson-Loomis
Join Madi Loomis between services on Sunday morning to engage in deeper conversations and discussions around the Narrative reading from the sermon and learn how to incorporate readings into your weekly schedule to expand your knowledge and understanding of the Bible.
Make Worship Happen!
Worship assistants make worship happen! Usher, read, bake bread, serve communion, lead projection and more. To assist with Sunday worship sign up at 1stlu.org/assistSUN.
It is our hope that every person who attends worship regularly would commit to one worship assistant role. You can be a greeter, or an usher or a projectionist, or a reader, or a communion server, or help set up communion. None of these things require you to be in worship every week (not even the pastors are here every week). Most require a Sunday once every 6-8 weeks and attending a one time training (this week). Trainings will be after each service this Sunday at 9:30am and 11:45am, and this Wednesday at 7pm. You can expect most trainings to take only 15 minutes.
Revelation, Revolution and Revival
La Crosse Coalition event at 1pm on Sunday, Sept. 14 at UW-L Student Union theater. Speaker is Pastor Jae Bates, the new Program Manager for the ELCA's Leadership Network. Speaking about his journey as a queer Korean adoptee.
Bible Matters
Are you looking for the connection between scripture and everyday life? If so, join Pastor Karyn for a year-long journey through the lectionary (our schedule of readings) Monday evenings, 7–8pm, meeting in the narthex. Questions? Contact karyn@firstlu.org.
OWLs
The OWLs’ (our Older Wiser Lutherans at First, for anyone 55+) September potluck will be at the home of Brian and Mary Narveson, at noon on Wednesday, Sept. 17. Their home is at 2431 Krause Road, Onalaska. Lunch will be at noon, with yard games and socialization after. We look forward to seeing everyone in September! Contact volunteer coordinator, Brian Narveson with any questions: owls@firstlu.org.
For their September outing they will take a pizza cruise on the La Crosse Queen. Come enjoy a pizza supper aboard the La Crosse Queen as we cruise the Mississippi. Imagine stepping back in time aboard the La Crosse Queen, a charming replica paddlewheel riverboat that harks back to the grand riverboats of the early 1900s. As you cruise along the majestic Mississippi River, you’ll be treated to stunning views of historical sites and the diverse wildlife that calls the Upper Mississippi home. The experience is made even more delightful with a tasty pizza served on board, allowing you to savor delicious pizza while soaking in the serene river scenery. Whether you’re a history buff, a nature enthusiast, or simply looking for a relaxing evening, a trip on the La Crosse Queen offers a unique and memorable adventure.. This grand adventure takes place on Friday, Sept. 26. The cost of the cruise and pizza is $28 for seniors (including tax and fees). Mary will be collecting the money the day of the outing. We will meet at the church at 4:45pm or you can meet us at the boat at Riverside at 5:15pm, but you must tell Brian ahead of time These cruises do sell out, so let Brian know if you are coming as soon as you can. Please call Brian at 630-816-5917. Brian will be buying tickets as you sign up.
Coulee Region Immigration Summit
Location: Cappella Performing Arts Center, La Crosse
Date: Wednesday, Sept. 17
Time: 4pm doors open, 4:30-6:30pm program
The summit aims to energize those who value immigrants' contributions to the nation. It features a learning session on bystander intervention led by Sister Eileen McKenzie and insights on immigration advocacy from Christine Neumann-Ortiz, founding Executive Director of Voces de la Frontera. Attendees can connect with local organizations supporting immigrants in the Coulee Region, with the La Crosse Area Synod Migrant Justice Team co-sponsoring the event. Learn more and register at fspa.org.
Jazz Worship on Wednesday, Sept. 17
Mark your calendars and make sure to join us for a special worship service of jazz liturgy on Wednesday, Sept. 17, at the 6:15pm service, led by Jon Ailabouni.
Grief Support Group
Carrying on after the death of a loved one can be difficult and lonely. Join with others who listen and care for each other. Every third Thursday: 10am in the Upper Room. NEXT: Sept. 18. Led by Carla Stanton.
Young Youth Hike
Our Young Youth, for children in grades K–5, will meet at Greens Coulee on Saturday, Sept. 20, 10:30am–noon, for a hike up to the summit, taking some mindfulness breaks along the way. They’ll then hike part way down to the picnic tables for a snack and some nature I-spy, before they meander their way back to the beginning. Questions? Connect with Katie Pierre, Young Youth Events Director, katie@firstlu.org.
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 125-150 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.
Calling All Bakers! Cookies for LuMin!
Fall is almost here... and with that, the return of students! Five hundred (about 42 dozen!) cookies are needed each week, and First has signed up to provide 500 cookies for early October! Cookies need to be delivered to our office by Monday, Sept. 29, at 3pm. Thank you! Sign up to bake a batch of cookies at 1stlu.org/next!
First Teen Clothes Closet Needs for Fall
Summer clothes donations no longer needed. 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):
graphic t-shirts, sizes XL-XXXL
athletic shorts & pants, especially XL-XXXXL
wallets
sunglasses (no scratches, please)
teen styled jewelry
First Teen Clothes Closet Needs Your Help!
The Closet has been so very busy! Volunteering at the Closet is fun, rewarding and supports a worthwhile cause.
Help needed:
Hosting Monday open shopping 4–6pm (sign up at 1stlu.org/next)
Hosting private appointments (you'd be paired with one of the "seasoned" hosts)
Helping with the donations... sorting, tagging, hanging, etc
Helping with restocking the "store"
Helping with TEEN APPROVING (selecting teen styled clothing from the donations)
If you are interested, have questions, and/or would like to hear more about this important service, call Patty (608-769-1140). Thank you for your support!
Faith-Filled-48!
The Faith-Filled-48 is First Lutheran's 48-hour festival at Sugar Creek, October 3, 4 and 5. Faith Families grow closer when they retreat TOGETHER, and there is no better way for us to get to know each other more deeply than to spend time away at camp. Meals will be cooked by Kenny Loomis, a member at First who happens to be a professional chef! We'll have coffee ready for early risers, big breakfasts, tasty lunches and a banquet on Saturday. To register find the Faith-Filled-48 at 1stlu.org/next and fill in the registration form on the event page. Once your form is submitted, Michelle Logan will get in touch with you as she is personally handling all inquiries and bookings. We will not be using the Sugar Creek website, and First Lutheran's office will also not be fielding registrations. And invite a friend… or 10! The more the merrier! This is NOT for First Lutheran 'members' only. Come have fun with your faith web, extended family, or neighborhood rascals. All are welcome!
TANDEM EVENTS:
Parents’ Night Out on Saturday, Oct. 4, 5pm. Separate registration required at 1stlu.org/next.
Sunday Afternoon Outdoor Worship on Sunday, Oct. 5, 2pm.
Baptismal Preparation
The next baptism preparation session will be Saturday, Oct. 11, 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, Oct. 5. Min. attendance required: 2 families.
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 on Thursday, Oct. 16, 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.
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, Oct. 17, 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 2026 Sugar Creek Bible Camp and service trips. RSVP your child or sign up to volunteer at 1stlu.org/nightout.
Sugar Creek Youth Retreats 2025-26
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.
November 1, 2025: Pretzels and Prayers – Twisting Our Hearts Toward God, Elementary Retreat (Grades 1-5)
November 7-8, 2025: Pizza and Identity – Discovering Who You Are, Slice by Slice, Middle School & High School Retreat (Grades 6-12)
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)
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)
Informational Meeting: Sept. 28, 9:15am
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 our family has 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. Attend the informational meeting on Sept. 28 and invite a friend! If you have any questions, please reach out to Michelle Renkas.
Middle School Service Trip to Milwaukee
July 12–17, 2026. With the help of Youthworks, our middle school youth will be partnering 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 in the month of 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? Contact madalyn@firstlu.org.
High School Service Trip to Hazlet, NJ
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? Contact megan@firstlu.org.
Want to Volunteer? Need help?
Causeway Caregivers serves elderly and disabled adults in La Crosse County by providing volunteer services, without charge, to those in need. Tasks include raking leaves, grocery shopping, doing errands and helping after a snowfall. Would you like to be a Causeway Caregivers volunteer? Do you need a volunteer? Contact Causeway Caregivers at 608-775-9999.
Keep Up with Changes: Update Your Contact Info
Make sure the office has your current contact info, including current address, mobile number(s), carrier info (for reminders by text), and email(s). Members can make these changes on their own at our online directory: 1stlu.org/directory. Or you can send them to office@firstlu.org.
📚 Check Out the Church Bookstore! 📚
We have a rotating selection of books to inspire and deepen your faith! Each season we 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.
Sunday School
Sunday, Sept. 14
9:15am Sunday School
Sunday, Sept. 21
9:15am Sunday School
More info and registration: 1stlu.org/sunschool
Grade 3 Faith Alive Building Block: The Bible
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.
Sunday, Sept. 14: parents/guardians only
Sundays, Sept. 21 & 28: parents/guardians with children
Sunday, Oct. 5: Faith Building Block lifted up in worship
Confirmation
Sunday, Sept. 14:
9:15am Gr 6 & 7 Confirmation Classes First Day - FS
Wednesday, Sept. 17:
6:15pm Blessing Confirmation Leaders & Guides in worship
7:00pm Gr 8–10 Confirmation Small Groups
More info and registration: 1stlu.org/confirm.
