Announcements for Reformation Sunday, Oct 25
INSIDE: Fall Festival • Pastor Karyn’s 20th Anniversary of Ordination • Your Legacy
Fall Festival!
Join us THIS Saturday, Oct. 24, 2–4pm, 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.
Join us for Worship!
Sunday Worship, October 25:
8am: live stream at 1stlu.org/live, and in-person. Nursery available.
10am: live stream at 1stlu.org/live, and in-person. Nursery available.
1:30pm Confirmation / Affirmation of Baptism: live stream at 1stlu.org/live, and in-person.
Wednesday Worship, October 28:
6:15pm: live stream at 1stlu.org/live, and in-person. Nursery available.
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
Join us THIS Saturday, Oct. 24, 2–4pm, 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.
Affirmation of Baptism / Confirmation Sunday
We give thanks for the gift of baptism and for these people, one with us in the body of Christ, who will publicly affirm their baptism this Sunday, Oct. 25.
Kaelyn Carlson
Abigail Cowburn
Sophie Girtler
Jillian Knight
Emery Miller
Ellie Schmid
Evan Clark
Ryan Dahlke
Quinn Darveaux
Gavin DeNault
Olivia Strittmater
Callin Williams
Kaden Kirschner
Tyler Runde
Nathan Strasser
Owen Tempelis
Mason Tevis
Carter De Long
Micah King
Howie Martin
Brock Peterson
Gavin Pintz
Jackson Reinsvold
Pastor Karyn’s 20th Anniversary of Ordination
We lift up a prayer of gratitude for Pastor Karyn’s ministry as we celebrate the 20th anniversary of her ordination this Sunday!
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.
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
Courageous Men’s Group
The Courageous Men’s Group are men of all ages who meet weekly on Wednesdays at 6am in the Fireside Room for a time of fellowship and study. Contact Jim Knutson or the church office for more info: jim@firstlu.org.
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.
Youth Choir (grades 3–7)
First Lutheran's Choir Director, Cori Vought-Carey, leads a Youth Choir for grades 3-7 that will rehearse 5:30–6pm in the choir room most Wednesdays before worship (and the occasional Sunday morning after second service). Full schedule available online in the Church Center group. Questions? Connect with corissa@firstlu.org.
Sing!
Do you like music? Do you enjoy singing, even if it’s in the shower? Do you appreciate the power of music in worship? Then put all of these things together and join the First Lutheran Choir! Practice is in the choir room most Wednesdays, at 7:15pm. Everyone 14 and older are welcome… there is no audition and no formal training required, just a desire to enhance worship through the beauty of music! For more info contact Corissa at corissa@firstlu.org.
Newsletter Assembly
It’s a relaxing way to volunteer! Thursday, Oct. 29, at 10am, to assemble the November newsletter. See you there!
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.
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.
First Teen Clothes Closet Current Needs
The First Teen Clothes Closet will start taking limited donations. Donate only clean, teen-styled, seasonal clothes, accessories, shoes, & coats. Leave the donations in the bins by the front doors.
The Closet is in need of the following:
Hooded sweatshirts
Jogging Pants
Athletic pants
Graphic T-shirts
Men's jeans
Winter coats
Winter snow boots
Sunglasses
Wallets
Purses
All clothes 3X-5X
⚠️ NO SWEATERS NOR WOMEN'S JEANS
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.
Election Day of Prayer
This year, on Election Day, Tuesday, Nov. 3, in answer to the call to fear, love and trust God above all things, First is calling everyone to practice our faith and citizenship by praying together on Election Day.
First seeks to pray every hour for a Spirit-led election process. Visit our social channels to hear a new prayer posted on the hour.
First will worship together, in-person and live streamed, at 6:15pm, on Election Day, Tuesday, Nov. 3. This will be a short Holden Evening Prayer service centered around a specific scripture and include some songs and a reflection. Step away from worry and stress and step into God’s peace.
Peer Ministry Kick-off
Starting Wednesday, Nov. 4. Peer Ministry is a great way for our 10th-graders to learn about how to deal with any situation that arises, large or small. It makes handling conflicts simple and equips them to be better listeners and be welcoming to those around them. Learn more at 1stlu.org/peermin. Questions? Connect with jason@firstlu.org.
Sunshine Team
The Sunshine Team meets on the first Thursday of every month. NEXT: Nov. 5, 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.
Place of Grace Concert
A benefit concert for A Place of Grace will be held on Saturday, Nov. 7, 4pm at the San Damiano Chapel (on the Viterbo University campus), 940 Franciscan Way, La Crosse, WI. Opening introduction by Tom Thibedeau, music by Prairie Smoke with special guest Gracie Meyers. The concert is free but money and non-perishable will be joyfully received.
Jazz Worship on Wednesday, Nov. 18
Mark your calendars and make sure to join us for a special worship service of jazz liturgy on Wednesday, Nov. 18, at 6:15pm, led by Jon Ailabouni.
Ecumenical Thanksgiving Eve Worship
Everyone is invited to a special ecumenical worship service at First Lutheran on Thanksgiving Eve, Wednesday, Nov. 25, at 6:15pm, with our brother and sisters in Christ from Onalaska UMC.
Onalaska Community Thanksgiving Dinner
Organizers of the annual Onalaska Community Thanksgiving Dinner at the National Guard Armory expect to prepare and serve more than 1,600 meals on Nov. 26. The event brings together people in need, people unable to spend the holiday with family and friends, and people who are alone for the holiday. Dining is in-person, by carry-out or delivery. In-person dining and carry-outs are from 11am–2pm. Deliveries can be scheduled for 11am, noon or 1pm. To register for a delivery, visit octd.org/deliveries starting Nov. 1. Organizers also are looking for volunteers and monetary donations. Learn more at octd.org.
Warming Center Nov–Apr
The Warming Center needs 48 dinners to ensure guests have a warm meal EVERY evening of winter. Pick up a night to make a meal with your family, co-workers, neighbors, or youth group. It can be as simple as making "sack lunches" for all of the guests or as extravagant as you'd like! You can also place an order for pizzas or tacos on your night, if that is what works best for you.
Remaining orientation dates:
Mon, Oct 19, 5-6pm
Wed, Oct 21, 9-10am
Questions? Contact khein@cclse.org
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.
Monday Night Community Meals
Trinity Lutheran Church has been serving 200+ meals every Monday night. It is First Lutheran’s turn to prepare and serve the meal. There are 3 ways in which you can sign up to help.
Volunteer to help with the tasks of meal planning, preparation, sorting, packaging and bagging of the meals, washing dishes etc. on site. Kids are welcome and encouraged to help.
Baking 4 dozen cookies to be placed in the individual meal bags. 5 volunteer bakers, about 20 doz cookies, are needed each time. Deliver to FLC by noon the day of our meal.
A donation to Monday Meals @ Trinity, which can be given in Church Center, to help offset the food expense of the meals.
Trinity Lutheran Church is located at 1010 Sill St. Please help in any manner that you are able, to support First in one of our community outreach efforts. NEXT DATE: Dec. 7. Sign up at 1stlu.org/next.
Prayer Shawls
If you have a friend, relative, neighbor or co-worker who is going through cancer, medical issues or grieving, we have a prayer shawl for you to give them. Please come into the church office so you can choose a prayer shawl for them and you take it to the person who needs it; you can pick one up before, between or after any worship service. Questions? Connect with kathryn@firstlu.org.
Stephen Ministry
If you know of someone who needs a caregiver, please speak with Pastor Karyn, or call the church office: 608.783.2236.
Queer Lutherans Connections Groups
If you’re interested in connecting with other 2SLGBTQIA+ folks in the ELCA, the Queer Lutherans Project is creating space for that to happen! One way is through Connections, monthly group meetings via Zoom for queer and trans Lutherans. These groups aim to serve as reminders that we aren’t alone and invite us to journey together through life and faith as we strive to make our world(s) more loving, just, and inclusive. You are also welcome to join the Discord server while it’s active. Click the hyperlinks below to register for a group.
Connections groups:
Queer Lutherans: inclusive of all 2SLGBTQIA+ folks
BIPOC Queer Lutherans: for people who are Black, Indigenous, Asian American or Pacific Islander (AAPI), Hispanic/Latinx
Disabled Queer Lutherans: for people who live life with a disability (this includes folks with chronic illnesses)
Trans/GNC Lutherans: for transgender, gender non-conforming, or otherwise gender expansive people
If you have questions, concerns, or suggestions, please feel free to reach out to phoenix.rahel@elca.org to schedule some time together.
Sunday School
Sunday, Oct. 25
9:15am Sunday School
Sunday, Nov. 1
9:15am Sunday School, Christmas Program Rehearsal #2
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. 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
1:30pm Gr 10 Affirmation of Baptism / Confirmation Worship
Wednesday:
6:15pm Worship
7:00pm Gr 8–9 Confirmation Small Groups
More info and registration: 1stlu.org/confirm.
