INSIDE: Parents’ Night Out TONIGHT • Church Center 101
Church Center 101
On Wednesday, Nov. 18, at 1:30pm in Fellowship Hall (following the OWLs' potluck), our office manager, Jess, is going to offer a "Church Center 101" for anyone who wishes they could figure out how to use our online platform better. More details below…
Join us for Worship!
Sunday Worship, November 15:
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 Jazz Worship, November 18:
Be sure to join us for a special worship service of jazz liturgy, led by Jon Ailabouni.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.
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.
Parent Share
Join Carla Stanton, member of First, certified spiritual director and mom of three, in room 201 every Sunday morning at 9:15am. At Parent Share, we pray and talk about raising our children faithfully. Questions? Click here to contact Carla.
❌ CANCELLED: Middle School Friendsgiving
This event has been cancelled. The next middle school event is their Christmas party on Dec. 14. Questions? Connect with middle school event coordinator, Madi via email: madalyn@firstlu.org or text: 612-327-2230.
Prayer Shawl Ministry
Prayer shawl knitters meet every Tuesday at 2pm in the narthex. Open to all!
OWLs Potluck
The next potluck for our OWLs (our Older Wiser Lutherans at First, for anyone 55+) is Wednesday, Nov. 18 at noon in the fellowship hall. This is a great opportunity for a thanksgiving celebration. Bring your favorite thanksgiving dish to share. For our program Pastor Karyn will talk about her travel experiences. For as long as Pastor Karyn can remember, travel has been about adventure and an opportunity to learn more about the world and her place in it. The past year has been an exceptional travel year for her and she has learned much. Join her in November as we explore together how travels to Kenya, London, the American South and the Rockies have been the adventures of a lifetime that have changed her heart and soul. Bring a friend, all are welcome to enjoy the good food, fellowship and Pastor Karyn’s presentation. Immediately following Pastor Karyn’s presentation, Jess (our office manager) will give a short “Church Center 101” presentation to help everyone log into and navigate our new platform. More details below…
Church Center 101
Save the date! On Wednesday, Nov. 18, at 1:30pm in Fellowship Hall (following the OWLs' potluck), our office manager, Jess, is going to offer a "Church Center 101" for anyone who wishes they could figure out how to use our online platform better. All are welcome! 📍NOTE: while you can use Church Center online, if you want to use the app version you’ll need to download it from the app store… and to do that you’ll need to know the email and password for your Apple account (on iPhones) or your Google account (on Android). So make certain you know that if you'd like help downloading the app at the 101. You can get a head start downloading the app by going to 1stlu.org/app on your phone.
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.
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: Nov. 19. Led by Carla Stanton.
Choir for Thanksgiving Eve Worship
On Wednesday, Nov. 25, First Lutheran members, along with our friends in Christ from Onalaska United Methodist Church, will gather at 5:30pm to rehearse their song for the Thanksgiving Eve Ecumenical worship service. Open to all people ages 14 and up, no long-term commitment, no audition and no formal training required. Questions? Contact corissa@firstlu.org.
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 friends 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.
Office Closures
The office will be closed at the following times in the coming months…
Closed Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 26
Closed all day, Friday, Nov. 27
Closed at noon, Thursday, Dec. 24
Closed Christmas day, Friday, Dec. 25
Closed at noon, Thursday, Dec. 31
Closed New Years day, Friday, Jan. 1
Closed Martin Luther King Jr Day, Monday, Jan. 15
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.
Baskets of Belonging
Since June of 2024, Pathways Home has housed 370 people and for the past year we have been a part of that by giving 32 baskets to those who are newly housed.
For 2026 we have made changes to how we are doing the drive. Below, you will find a link to a Walmart Gift Registry. You may purchase any item on the list. Once we have reached 50 of any item, they will fall off the list. If you would rather not purchase things from Walmart, simply connect with Jessica (the Baskets of Belonging admin) and let her know what you purchased so she can make note of it. Please do not ship items to Trinity. Instead, have them delivered to you and schedule a time to bring your items to Trinity Lutheran Church in La Crosse, Nov. 30–Dec. 2.
We are also accepting monetary donations to help us purchase needed items throughout the year and to offset the cost of our admin.
Donations for needed items can be sent to First Lutheran Church, 410 Main St, Onalaska WI 54650.
Donations for the admin cost can be sent to Trinity Lutheran Church, La Crosse (1010 Sill St, La Crosse WI 54601.
Again, thank you so much for participating in our annual drive. Your contributions make a huge difference in the lives of our neighbors.
Faith Webs Registration Open for Supporters
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)
Faith Webs are NOW OPEN TO SUPPORTERS (and remain open to supporters until all Faith Webs are filled). 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! Questions? Connect with volunteer coordinator, Carla Stanton at the Faith Webs table. More info at 1stlu.org/webs.
Garden Ministry Wants Your Leaves
Our garden ministry at First is in need of leaves to provide cover/bedding for the gardens over the winter. They can be placed anywhere in the First Lutheran garden beds (behind “The House” that is on the corner of Irvin St and 4th Ave). Any leaves collected are ok. Questions? Connect with volunteer garden coordinator, Steve Lind.
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
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.
All Church Lunch & Christmas Decorating!
After the second service on Sunday, Dec. 6, join us for lunch and to help decorate First to make it festive and twinkle for the upcoming Christmas season! This is a great Confirmation service opportunity, as well as a great event to share together as a Faith Web!
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.
ELCA Good Gifts
Wondering how to make a positive impact in the world right now? At elca.org/goodgifts you can choose from 50 charitable gifts to give in honor of friends and loved ones. Each of these gifts makes a real impact in the world, sharing the love of Christ — one goat, water well, or school uniform at a time. Start your holiday shopping now and order free, customized cards for each gift you give.
Red Kettle Bell Ringing
It's time to ring those bells! The Salvation Army of La Crosse Red Kettle Campaign lasts until Christmas Eve. The 2-hour shifts start at 10am through 8pm (Mon-Sat) with 19 kettle sites to choose from. We encourage festive wear, holiday music and Christmas spirit. Sign up at SalvationArmyVolunteer.org. Help us help others...the need is great. Make a difference!
Blue Christmas
Monday, Dec. 21, 6:15pm. Please join us at First Lutheran for an hour of worship including music, prayers, candlelight and reflection on what God is up to amidst our blue feelings around Christmas. The service will include time for a light meal and conversation beforehand, starting at 5:30pm.
No Wednesday Worship on Dec. 23
There will be no Wednesday evening worship on Dec. 23. Please join us on Christmas Eve at the time listed below…
Christmas at First
Christmas Eve worship times: 2pm, 4pm, 6pm and 11pm. All will be candlelight, and all will be with Holy Communion. Christmas Day worship time: 10am, with Holy Communion.
Blood Drive
Every day ordinary people are saved by some pretty extraordinary people. People who give blood. Your donation could be the most valuable gift you ever give. Just ask anyone who’s ever received. NEXT DRIVE: Thursday, Jan. 7, 1–6pm. Register at 1stlu.org/next. Registrations shorten your wait but are not required; walk-ins are welcome. Please bring a photo ID. Questions? Need help making an appointment? Connect with Diane Shuda: 608.386.4270
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.
New Members
By choosing to become a member, individuals and families commit to being part of a shared mission. Please let us know if you are interested in membership. One of our pastors will connect with you to find out how we may best be church together in the months and years to come. Call our office for more information at 608.783.2236 or email office@firstlu.org.
Ride to Church Ministry
If you would like a ride to church for Sunday morning, Wednesday evening, or for a ministry at any other time of the week, you can now connect with Bridget, our volunteer ride coordinator, to schedule a free ride. Do so by emailing ride@firstlu.org or by calling the church office at 608.783.2236 48+ hours in advance; rides for Sunday need to be scheduled by Thursday. More details at firstlutheranonalaska.org/ride.
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, Target, 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.WI
Sunday School
Sunday, Nov. 15
9:15am Sunday School
Sunday, Nov. 22
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.
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
Wednesday:
6:15pm Worship
7:00pm Gr 8–9 Confirmation Small Groups
More info and registration: 1stlu.org/confirm.
