Announcements for Sun, Oct 11
INSIDE: Life Together Small Groups • Faith Webs Opens to Supporters • Job Opening
Life Together Small Groups
Around WWII Dietrich Bonhoeffer led an underground seminary in a remote, chilly place called Finkenwalde. There he and his students lived, in community, the daily rhythms of life and prayer which are spelled out for us in his short book Life Together, which our small groups will study for six weeks starting Wednesday, Oct. 14. Sign up for a small group today at 1stlu.org/next.
Join us for Worship!
Sunday Worship, October 11:
8am: live stream at 1stlu.org/live, and in-person. Nursery available.
10am: live stream at 1stlu.org/live, and in-person. Nursery available.
Wednesday Worship, October 14:
6:15pm: live stream at 1stlu.org/live, and in-person. Nursery available.
It’s time to switch!
With the launch of Church Center, it is now time for everyone’s next step! And that’s to begin giving on Church Center, and to close out giving on Vanco (our former online giving platform). Know there is more than one way to access Church Center…
Using our Church Center app (go to 1stlu.org/app on your phone to download)
Head to 1stlu.org/switch to start the switch and to learn more. But the basic idea is this: You will need to cancel your giving on the old platform (Vanco) and then start your recurring giving on our new Church Center platform. If you would like us to cancel your Vanco giving for you, submit your request at 1stlu.org/cancelrequest. If you have any questions, connect with andy@firstlu.org.
Faith Webs Registration Opens for Youth AND Supporters
Are you a youth who has yet to place your name in the Book of Faith Webs? Or a household that would like to be a supporter in a Faith Web? Today's the day! We’re asking households of our congregation to support youth going to Bible camp and mission trips in the following ways…
with your time
with your prayers
with your talents
with your activities
with some food (they’re kids after all!) and…
with money (every child gets the support of $300 per household)
To be connected, go to the Faith Webs table in the narthex. Thank you for entering into the shared goal of raising and supporting our kids! Together we are building community!
Youth registration deadline is Oct. 31. And Faith Webs are NOW OPEN TO SUPPORTERS (and remain open to supporters until all Faith Webs are filled). Questions? Connect with volunteer coordinator, Carla Stanton at the Faith Webs table. More info at 1stlu.org/webs.
Middle School Service Trip @ Louisville, KY
June 27–July 2, 2027. 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. 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? Contact madalyn@firstlu.org.
High School ELCA Youth Gathering @ Minneapolis, MN
When: June 28–July 2, 2027 (with departure and arrival dates being close to these dates)
Who: Youth participants must be in 8th to 12th grade at the time of registration (fall 2026). Adult leaders accompanying youth to the Gathering must be at least 21 years old at the time of the Gathering.
The ELCA Youth Gathering for high school-age youth takes place every three years and is about faith formation, worship, study, fellowship, service and play. It is an opportunity for youth to engage with peers from across the United States and the world who share a common commitment and faith in Christ.
When the question “Why work so hard to gather so many young people in one place?” pops up, the response is really quite simple. We were meant to be together, and we are a church that believes God is calling us into the world — together. So every now and then, we gather young people and adults together to share their unique stories and to experience the larger story that makes up the ELCA; we gather to be inspired, encouraged, strengthened, connected and sent out to do God’s work in the world — together!
Learn more at 1stlu.org/next.
Calling all bakers! Cookies for LuMin
Fall is almost here... and with that, the return of students! First has signed up to provide 400 cookies for mid-October! Cookies need to be delivered to our office by Monday, Oct. 12, at 3pm. Sign up at 1stlu.org/next.
Life Together Small Groups
Around WWII Dietrich Bonhoeffer led an underground seminary in a remote, chilly place called Finkenwalde. There he and his students lived, in community, the daily rhythms of life and prayer which are spelled out for us in his short book Life Together, which our small groups will study for six weeks starting Wednesday, Oct. 14, learning how to take actionable steps towards building lasting and meaningful communities. Sign up for a small group today at 1stlu.org/next.
Jazz Worship on Wednesday, Oct. 14
Mark your calendars and make sure to join us for a special worship service of jazz liturgy on Wednesday, Oct. 14, 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: Oct. 15. Led by Carla Stanton.
OWLs Fly to St. Francis Hermitage
The OWLs’ (our Older Wiser Lutherans at First, for anyone 55+) outing in October will be a wonderful and hopefully fall color-filled drive to St. Francis’ Hermitage in Gays Mills, WI. Volunteer coordinator, Brian, has tried to plan the trip during peak color season so everyone can enjoy the beauty of fall along the river and in the bluffs. This new adventure will take place on Friday, Oct. 16. We will leave the church at 10am. The drive is a little over an hour. If you would like to participate in this beautiful outing and culinary event, RSVP to Brian: owls@firstlu.org / 630-816-5917. Cost of lunch at the Hermitage is on your own.
Women of the ELCA Fall Gathering
Theme: “I am Worthy, She is Worthy”
When: Saturday, Oct. 17
Where: Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, La Crescent MN
Cost: $20 (paid day of event)
All women across the La Crosse Area Synod are warmly invited to the upcoming Women of the ELCA (WELCA) Fall Gathering. This year’s gathering offers a meaningful opportunity to listen, learn, and stand in solidarity with Indigenous communities as we bring awareness to the crisis of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG).
A key feature of the gathering will be a screening of the powerful documentary We Ride for Her, which follows Indigenous women motorcycle riders on a journey to honor missing sisters, call for accountability, and promote healing.
As followers of Christ, we are called to create spaces where all people—especially those who are marginalized in society—are fully included, respected, and embraced. Join us as we challenge systemic dynamics of power and privilege, honor God’s intended diversity, and live out our shared call to justice.
Register with Mona at 608-857-3474 / monavanriper@gmail.com, by Friday, Oct. 9. Fellowship, coffee, treats begin at 8am.
Monday Night Community Meals
For many years, Trinity Lutheran Church on the north side 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 150-200 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. New for 2026: Cookie bakers! Help bake a batch of 4 dozen cookies! NEXT: Oct. 19. Sign up at 1stlu.org/next.
Coulee Region Immigration Summit 2026
When: Tue, Oct 20, 6–8pm
Join Coulee Region Immigration Task Force to watch episode 5 of Immigration Nation (“The Right Way”), followed by a facilitated discussion. Free to attend, but registration is required.
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. 23, 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 2027 Sugar Creek Bible Camp, service trips and the ELCA Gathering. RSVP your child or sign up to volunteer at 1stlu/nightout.
Fall Festival
Save the date on your calendar for Saturday, Oct. 24, 2–4pm, and join us here at First for an afternoon of fall activities and trunk-or-treating! It’s one of the bigger events that draws in those who aren’t members at First, so help extend a warm welcome! Sign up to help prep and to help with activities during the event at 1stlu.org/next.
Religion, Society and Civility
Civility isn’t just about being polite—it’s the foundational social norm that undergirds citizenship and makes a healthy society possible. Join us for a joint series co-hosted by the D.B. Reinhart Institute for Ethics in Leadership at Viterbo University and the La Crosse Area Synod of the ELCA as we explore critical questions: How can we restore civility to our lives, and what role does religion play in that restoration? Learn More
When: Monday, Oct. 26, 6pm–7pm
Where: Nursing Center Collins Auditorium, Viterbo University (La Crosse, WI)
Cost: Free and open to all
Your Legacy: Family, Church, and Charity
Wednesday, Oct. 28, 11am
Register at lsswis.org/thrivent26
Location: First Lutheran, Fellowship Hall
Lunch provided
Meet with reps from LSS, Thrivent, and the First Lutheran Foundation Fund to learn about wills, bequests, and estate planning to provide lasting support even after you are gone for the people, places, and organizations that mean the most to you. Contact Jennifer Williamson at LSS with questions: jennifer.williamson@lsswis.org or (414) 391-5058.
OWLs Halloween Potluck
The OWLs’ (our Older Wiser Lutherans at First, for anyone 55+) October potluck will be a Halloween party. They will have a costume contest with a prize for the winners. Costumes are optional but please come and join the fun. That will be followed by a fun selection of Halloween games. Bring your favorite fall dish to pass, wear your most creative costume and come join the fun and fellowship! This not to be missed event is Thursday, Oct. 29 at noon (NOTE change in date) in the narthex.
Middle School Halloween Party
On Friday, Oct. 30, from 6–8:30pm, our middle schoolers are invited for a night of food, pumpkin painting, games, music and more! Invite a friend—all are welcome! Questions? Connect with middle school event coordinator, Madi via email: madalyn@firstlu.org or text: 612-327-2230.
Job Opening: Assistant Custodian
First Lutheran Church is looking for a part-time Assistant Custodian with knowledge and experience in general building maintenance and cleaning procedures. Physical ability to do housekeeping and maintenance tasks which include kneeling, standing, reaching and pulling. Time expectation is 10 hours per week. Learn more and apply at 1stlu.org/jobopen.
One 3K Spot Remaining!
Our First Lutheran Preschool has one 3K spot remaining! 8:З0am–11am Tues/Thur, ages 2–5; all kids must be potty trained. Contact melissa@firstlu.org to claim today!
Hunger Task Force Current Needs
Peanut Butter
Canned Meat
Pasta/Pasta Sauce
Donations can be dropped off at the Hunger Task Force office: 1240 Clinton St, La Crosse, WI 54603.
Cloud of Witnesses: All Saints Day
We honor our brothers and sisters in Christ who have gone before us during special worship on All Saints Day, Sunday, Nov. 1, at both services, both in-person and live streamed.
All Saints Day has long been a day when the church gives thanks for all the saints, the beloved, who have died, especially in the past year. In the coming weeks, we will be asking for photographs of your beloved dead so that we can be surrounded by their witness at All Saints worship. These pictures can be sent electronically (to karyn@firstlu.org) or brought in. They will be printed as 4X6, so resolution should be such that they can be printed well from what you submitted. If your loved one was a member of our congregation and died this past year, you will receive a letter with a special request.
All Saints Day isn’t only about those who have died but also about those who have been newly baptized. If your child was baptized this past year, you also will receive a special request.
Please note, we will continue to use the photos submitted last year, so no need to resend those photos.
Faith Webs Fall Meet Up!
We’re hosting the first Faith Web introduction events on Sunday, Nov. 1, between services, in the sanctuary. A great time to connect with everyone in your web and trade contact info! Save the date! Questions about Faith Webs? Visit 1stlu.org/webs or connect with Carla Stanton at the Faith Webs table in the narthex.
Baptismal Preparation
The next baptism preparation session will be Saturday, Dec. 5, 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 608.783.2236 by Sunday, Nov. 29. Min. attendance required: 2 families.
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.
📚 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, Oct. 11
9:15am Sunday School, Christmas Program Rehearsal
Sunday, Oct. 18
9:15am Sunday School
More info and registration: 1stlu.org/sunschool
3-yr Olds Faith Milestone: Praying Together
Throughout the year each age group will have a special “Faith Milestone” 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 Milestone they learned about.
Sunday, Oct. 11: parents/guardians only
Sundays, Oct. 18 & 25: parents/guardians with children
Sunday, Nov. 1: Faith Milestone lifted up in worship
Confirmation
Sunday:
9:15am Gr 6 & 7 Confirmation Classes First Day - Fireside Rm
Wednesday:
5:00pm Gr 8–9 ConFest 2026 @ Good Shepherd
7:00pm Gr 10 Confirmation Small Groups
More info and registration: 1stlu.org/confirm.
