INSIDE: Middle School Halloween Party, Faith Webs Deadline for Youth, All Saints Sunday, Election Day of Prayer
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 will worship together, in-person and live streamed, at 6:15pm, on Election Day, Tuesday, Nov. 3. More info below…
Join us for Worship!
Sunday Worship, November 1:
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.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, November 5:
6:15pm: live stream at 1stlu.org/live, and in-person. Nursery available.
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.
Fall Back! (Daylight Saving Ends)
Daylight saving time ends at 2am on Sunday, Nov. 1. Don’t forget to move your clocks back one hour Saturday night! (Otherwise, you’ll just be early for church!)
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.
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 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.
Coffee with Pastor Karyn
Coffee with Pastor Karyn is open to all and meets at 7am each Wednesday in the narthex. See you there! Questions? Contact karyn@firstlu.org.
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? Email custodian@firstlu.org.
OWLs Fly to Mayowood
The OWLs (our Older Wiser Lutherans at First, for anyone 55+) will start November with a fun intro to the Christmas season. They will travel to Rochester to tour the Mayowood Mansion all decorated for Christmas. Leaving church at 9am Friday, Nov. 6. After the tour they’ll have a delicious lunch at a local restaurant. Cost of the tour is $31, lunch is on your own. If you would like to see this magnificent mansion with the added warmth of Christmas contact volunteer coordinator Brian Narveson: 630-816-5917 / owls@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.
Nursery Assistant Position Needed
We are looking for a nursery assistant for Sunday mornings from 7:45–11:45am. You need to be in the nursery that whole time, so that parents in Faith Milestone have a place for their younger children. You will need a background check and this is a paid position. Please contact Kathryn if you are interested: kathryn@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, Nov. 13, 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.
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.
Advent Around the Table
Advent is a season full of rich traditions for both home and church. We invite everyone to join us on Sunday, Nov. 29, at 9:15am in Fellowship Hall for our annual Advent Around the Table event. We will create advent crafts for our homes and learn more about this particular season, have great fellowship and grow in our faith as we kick off the Advent season. To help us get a better idea of how many supplies to order, please RSVP 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!
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.
Christmas Flowers for the Sanctuary
If you would like to give a rose in honor or memory of loved ones to decorate for our Christmas Eve services, you may do so at 1stlu.org/next. Cost is $7 per rose. Order deadline is Sunday, Dec. 13.
Coffee with Pastor Karyn
Coffee with Pastor Karyn is open to all and meets at 7am each Wednesday in the narthex. See you there! Questions? Contact karyn@firstlu.org.
HELP ministry
The Health Equipment Lending Program (HELP) is a ministry offered by Holmen Lutheran Church. People can borrow health-care equipment, ranging from crutches, walkers and wheelchairs to commodes and shower chairs. Also available are items to keep, such as transfer belts, braces and disposable briefs. For more information, contact Mary Nicolai at 608-498-0439 (text or leave a voicemail).
Salvation Army: Serving Hope, One Meal at a Time
The Salvation Army shelter in La Crosse provides 64 residents stability and an opportunity to get their feet back underneath of them and planted on solid ground. One of the ways this is done is by providing 3 meals a day. Each and every day, volunteers are needed at The Salvation Army La Crosse to help serve these warm, nourishing meals to those who need them most. These volunteers share their love and kindness with those they are serving. In addition to this, we welcome members of the community facing food insecurity to get a lunch each day of the week. In June, we served an average of 130 community meals each day. These meals are made possible by the compassion and service of volunteers—offering not only nourishment, but hope. If you are interested in learning more about how volunteers help us serve the community, please go online at centralusa.salvationarmy.org/lacrosse or call Rick at 608-782-6126 ext. 226 for more info.
Subscribe to Living Lutheran
Living Lutheran has brought back its print magazine publication. The storytelling you know and love will appear in mailboxes with four issues each year (spring, summer, winter and fall). Subscribe for the latest news, reflections and stories from the ELCA. Visit livinglutheran.org/subscribe to set up an individual subscription. If you have already subscribed – thank you!
Advocacy and Public Policy
Wondering how you can make your voice heard? Not sure how to call your elected leader or what you should say once you have them on the phone? There are two organizations that align with our values that can help!
The Lutheran Office of Public Policy Wisconsin Action Center has all the tools you need to take action on the state level. Find them at loppw.org/action.
ELCA Advocacy has all the tools you need to take action on the national level. Find them at: elca.org/how-we-serve/elca-in-society.
Sunday School
Sunday, Nov. 1
9:15am Sunday School, Christmas Program Rehearsal #2
Sunday, Nov. 8
9:15am Sunday School
More info and registration: 1stlu.org/sunschool
Gr 1 Faith Milestone: 10 Commandments
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, Nov. 8: parents/guardians only
Sundays, Nov. 15 & 22: parents/guardians with children
Sunday, Nov. 29: 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.
