Announcements for First Fest Sunday, Sept 7
INSIDE: Sunday Worship Times Change • First Fest! • First Day of Sunday School
First Fest!
This Sunday join us as we kick-off a new year of faith formation! Start by joining us for worship at 8am or 10:30am, and then stick around for First Fest at 11:30am, a time to catch up with friends, introduce yourself to visitors or members you’ve yet to meet, listen to great music, have lunch and have some fun!
Join us for worship!
First Fest Sunday worship, Sept. 7
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. 10
6:15pm: live stream at 1stlu.org/live, and in-person. Nursery available.
Changes in Worship Times
With summer drawing to a close, worship times will change, and will be as follows…
Sunday, Sept. 7 (First Fest Sunday)
Sunday worship changes back to 8am & 10:30am
Wednesdays
6:15pm, Wednesday evening worship has resumed! Join us!
17th Annual First Fest!
On Sunday, Sept. 7, we invite you to join us for worship at 8am or 10:30am, and after the second service relax, catch up with friends, introduce yourself to visitors or members you’ve yet to meet, listen to great music, have lunch and have some fun! FREE and OPEN TO THE PUBLIC, so INVITE YOUR FRIENDS!
Faith Webs Evaluation
We'd like to learn more about the impacts of this ministry. If you were a member of a Faith Web this past year, please take a short (1 minute) survey at 1stlu.org/next!
Blood Drive
Monday, Sept. 8, 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 have ever given. Just ask anyone who’s ever received it. Walk-ins welcome; appointments encouraged, schedule yours at 1stlu.org/next. Please bring a mask and photo ID.
Confirmation Guides
You don’t need to know the Bible backwards & forwards & you don’t need a seminary degree. Just a heart for the youth of our church & an hour each week to spend with our confirmation youth. Parents, grandparents, godparents or any faith-mature adult is welcome to facilitate conversation and build relationships between our confirmands on Wednesday nights. Contact Pastor Stanton to nominate someone: jason@firstlu.org/608.783.2236.
Wednesday Night Study Group
This fall, Pastor Stanton and Pastor Karyn will lead a 6-week class that takes a look at the historical heresies of the church, why they were deemed a heresy, their modern equivalents and how understanding them helps us understand what we believe more deeply. We hope you join us, starting on Sept. 10 at 7pm, and meeting in Fellowship Hall. RSVP at 1stlu.org/next.
Fall Festival & Quilt Auction @ Sugar Creek
Saturday, Sept. 13. Beginning at 9am: 5K Trail Run and Fun Walk. At 10am: craft fair, country store, silent auction, and BBQ pork lunch. 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.
High School Outdoor Movie and Fire
On 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.
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
Discussing that Sunday’s Bible reading from the Narrative Lectionary.
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.
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 the 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
Block Party Update
Wow! What an experience!! The Neighborhood Block Party at Trinity Lutheran was an amazing outreach bringing a very diverse community together for fun, activities and fellowship. A huge thanks goes out to First Lutheran Church’s congregation for their generosity in making the shoe giveaway a success. 325 happy kiddos have a new pair of shoes for the start of school!
Here’s the counts and info regarding the Trinity/First Teen Clothes Closet shoe distribution.
First Teen Clothes Closet had 212 pairs of athletic shoes purchased/donated for distribution this school year
325 pairs of athletic shoes were given out at the distribution event (about 110 pairs of shoes from the FTCC contribution)… in just 2 ½ hours!
From our narthex “shoe tree,” First Lutheran members donated 38 pairs of quality athletic shoes AND over $600!
First Lutheran had 15+ volunteers represented at the distribution assisting school-age children (4K–college) as they selected a pair of shoes.
First Lutheran had an anonymous donation of 29 pairs of athletic shoes (worth $1500).
During the upcoming open shopping and/or private appointments, the FTCC volunteers will continue to distribute new athletic shoes to the shoppers who couldn’t make the event. FTCC budgets for the teen guest shoppers to receive 1–2 pairs of athletic shoes per year.
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!
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.
Sunday School
Sunday, Sept. 7
9:15am First Day of Sunday School. Register in advance at 1stlu.org/sunschool.
Sunday, Sept. 14
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
Wednesday, Sept. 10:
6:15pm Blessing Confirmation Leaders & Guides in worship
7:00pm Gr 8–10 Confirmation Small Groups Kick-off - NX
Sunday, Sept. 14:
9:15am Gr 6 & 7 Confirmation Classes First Day - FS
More info and registration: 1stlu.org/confirm.
