Announcements for Sunday, Sept 21
INSIDE: Young Youth Hike • Monday Night Community Meal @ Trinity • OWLs Cruise
Young Youth Hike
Our Young Youth, for children in grades K–5, will meet at Greens Coulee THIS 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.
Join us for worship!
Sunday worship, Sept. 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.
Wednesday worship, Sept. 24
6:15pm: live stream at 1stlu.org/live, and in-person. Nursery available.
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.
Knitters
Prayer shawl knitters meet every Tuesday at 2pm in the narthex. Open to all!
OWLs Cruise on La Crosse Queen
The OWLs (our Older Wiser Lutherans at First, for anyone 55+) will take a pizza cruise on the La Crosse Queen on Friday, Sept. 26. Cost: $28. Mary will collect the money the day of the outing. OWLs will meet at the church at 4:45pm, or you can meet them 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. RSVP to Brian at 630-816-5917. Brian will be buying tickets as you sign up.
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, Room 204
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. Attend the informational meeting on Sept. 28 in Room 204 and invite a friend! If you have any questions, please reach out to Michelle Renkas.
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 are not using the Sugar Creek website, and First Lutheran's office is not 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.
Middle School Get-together
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.
High School Gathering
On Saturday, Oct. 12, from 11:30am–3pm our high schoolers will gather at Ferguson’s Apple Orchard in Galesville for a day of autumn fun! Enjoy fun activities, fresh cider, and fellowship in God’s beautiful creation. Admission is $14/person for activities (food and apple picking are extra). We’ll meet in the narthex after church and head out together. Bring your friends, dress for the weather, and get ready for a cozy fall afternoon!
Jazz Worship on Wednesday, Oct. 15
Mark your calendars and make sure to join us for a special worship service of jazz liturgy on Wednesday, Oct. 15, at the 6:15pm service, led by Jon Ailabouni.
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.
Advanced Directive Workshop
Did you know that Wisconsin is not a next-of-kin state for medical decision-making? If you reside Wisconsin, designating a medical decision-maker is incredibly important, regardless of your age. Join this workshop on Sunday, Oct. 19, at 11:45am, and learn more about how to legally designate a medical decision-maker. We'll also talk about Advanced Directives: a lifelong conversation with yourself and your loved ones about what medical decisions you would want them to make for you in case you can't make them for yourself. We'll learn and explore together, in hopes of leaving feeling empowered. For anyone 18 and older. Lunch included.
Faith Webs Youth Registration Open
Youth participating in summer ministries (camp, service trips) in 2026 can sign up to be a part of a Faith Web TODAY! Head to the Faith Web table in the Narthex to learn more! Youth signup deadline is Sunday, Oct. 19. Questions? Connect with volunteer coordinator, Carla Stanton. More info on Faith Webs? Visit 1stlu.org/webs.
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)
Middle School Service Trip to Milwaukee
July 12–17, 2026. 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. Sign up during 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? Want to sign up? 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? Want to sign up? Contact megan@firstlu.org.
Fundraising to Support Our Youth
Your weekly groceries, gas and shopping money can support youth ministry! Scrip cards are often sold in the narthex on Sundays between services and are also available in the church office M–F, during office hours. We have Festival, Kwik Trip, Walmart and Woodman's cards. We now accept credit cards as a payment method (transaction fees are added to the face value of the scrip card). To find out what's currently available and when you can buy them, call the church office at 608.783.2236 or send email to office@firstlu.org.
OASIS Respite Program
OASIS is a weekly program for people in the beginning to mid-stages of dementia, Alzheimer's and other brain-related diagnoses. This respite time provides socialization, brain enrichment and activities while the person's caregiver gets a much-needed four-hour break. The suggested donation is $20 per visit for the activities and a nutritious lunch. OASIS is an outreach program of Causeway Caregivers and can be reached at 608-780-0417.
Regarding Hospital Visits
For Emplify & Mayo: Our goal is to visit each member at the hospital. It is important that you or a family member contact us directly at the church office: 608.783.2236. Neither hospital gives out information regarding who is hospitalized.
Sunday School
Sunday, Sept. 21
9:15am Sunday School
Sunday, Sept. 28
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.
Sundays, Sept. 21 & 28: parents/guardians with children
Sunday, Oct. 5: Faith Building Block lifted up in worship
Confirmation
Sunday, Sept. 21:
9:15am Gr 6 & 7 Confirmation Classes First Day - FS
Wednesday, Sept. 24:
7:00pm Gr 8–10 Confirmation Small Groups
More info and registration: 1stlu.org/confirm.
