Announcements for Thank You Sunday, Feb. 22
Holden Evening Prayer
Join us for Holden Evening Prayer during our Lent worship, starting this Wednesday, Feb. 25 at 6:15pm. There will be a light supper beforehand at 5:30pm, in Fellowship Hall.
Join us for worship!
Thank You Sunday Worship, Feb. 22:
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 Holden Evening Worship, Feb. 25:
6:15pm: live stream at 1stlu.org/live, and in-person. Nursery available.
Intent Card Challenge Extended
Due to extremely slow mail delivery, and many members not receiving their intent cards until the very last weekend, we have extended the deadline to this Sunday. When we get to 200 intent cards, a challenge gift of $10,000 will be given to First Lutheran, so please return your statement of intent card by THIS Sunday. With your increased giving, we can continue to change lives because First Lutheran’s ministry welcomes all, builds community and serves our neighbors. Fill out your intent card for 2026 at 1stlu.org/intent.
Parents’ Night Out
Bring your children for an evening of fun with the middle and high school youth groups’ fundraiser! WHERE: at First Lutheran, Friday, Feb. 20, FOR: Birth–12 are welcome (Birth–3 will be in the nursery, ages 4 and up in Fellowship).
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 schol students with 2026 Sugar Creek Bible Camp and service trips. RSVP your child or sign up to volunteer at 1stlu.org/nightout.
OWLs
On Saturday, Feb. 21, our OWLs (our Older Wiser Lutherans at First, for anyone 55+), will fly to the Weber Center to see the most famous murder mystery in the world: Agatha Christie’s Mousetrap. Meet at church at 4:30pm to eat together at a local restaurant before traveling to the Weber Center for an evening of great theatre. COST: $31 for ticket; dinner cost is on your own. Brian will buy tickets ahead of time. RSVP to Brian: owls@firstlu.org / 630-816-5917.
The OWLs’ February potluck will be Wednesday, Feb. 25 at noon. Brian and Mary Narveson will be showing photos and telling stories about their trip to Europe last year. To enhance the experience bring any good German, Hungarian, Czech, or Austrian dishes you know how to cook. If you don’t know any, just bring some great winter comfort food.
Lent Devotions and Small Groups
This year during Lent we will "Bless the Lent we Actually Have," reading, reflecting, praying and blessing our imperfect lives. You are encouraged to sign up for a small group at 1stlu.org/next.
Middle School Lock-in!
Starting at 6:30pm on Saturday, Feb. 21 until 9am on Sunday, Feb. 22 (dinner & breakfast will be provided), our middle school youth will come together for a night of snacks, movies, games, and crafts! Bring a sleeping bag, blanket, and pillow invite a friend to join—all are welcome! Questions? Connect with madalyn@firstlu.org.
Winter Choir Festival
Join us for an afternoon of joyful music! Sunday, Feb. 22, 4pm, at Trinity Lutheran Church, 1010 Sill Street, La Crosse. Come hear the synod's finest choirs as they each sing one song, and then joint music. ADMISSION IS FREE! Presented by: La Crosse Area Synod. More info: Reverend Phillip Waselik & Trevor Dupej pastorphil@trinitylutheranlax.org or trevor@englishlutheran.org.
Young Youth Ice Skating @ Omni Center
On Sunday, Feb. 22, 5:30–6:30pm, Young Youth (grades K–5) will be meeting at the Omni Center for Neon Open Skate! It’s NEON Night!!! Wear bright clothes and skate under cosmic lights! COST: $5/child to skate; First will cover of skate rentals if needed. Questions? Reach out to Katie Pierre, Young Youth Events Director: katie@firstlu.org.
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.
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.
Holden Evening Prayer
Join us for Holden Evening Prayer during our Lent worship, starting Wednesday, Feb. 25 at 6:15pm. There will be a light supper beforehand at 5:30pm, in Fellowship Hall.
Newsletter Assembly
It’s a relaxing way to volunteer! Thursday, Feb. 26, at 10am, to assemble the Mar/Apr newsletter. See you there!
Here’s What We Heard from You in the MAP
You believe First Lutheran is making a real difference. Over 94% of you agree or strongly agree that our congregation is making a positive impact in people’s lives. That’s a powerful affirmation of our shared ministry.
Participation builds belonging. About 90% say the more you participate, the more connected you feel. In other words, engagement grows community—and you feel it.
You speak proudly about your church. More than 75% say you enjoy telling others about what’s happening at First Lutheran. This reflects strong identity and shared mission.
Worship and ministry energize you. Nearly 87% of respondents say that participating in the life of the congregation energizes them and strengthens their faith.
You feel part of something bigger. Almost 90% express that being part of First means being part of something larger than themselves. This is a remarkable indicator of purpose and shared direction.
Community and cohesion matter deeply. About 80% describe First Lutheran as a cohesive community—a place where connections matter and relationships are strong.
You see yourselves as integral. More than 60% of you strongly (or very solidly) identify as an integral part of our congregation’s life and ministry.
Sugar Creek Summer Reg Now Open
Sugar Creek offers 17 unique and powerful summer camp programs, plus retreat ministries for youth in elementary school, middle school, and high school – and adults and families! Located on 660 acres in the bluffs and valleys of southwestern Wisconsin. Come learn, relax, encounter Christ, and have fun at Sugar Creek! Explore sugarcreekbiblecamp.org for more information about next summer.
NEW High School Opportunity: WINGS!
WINGS (Walking In New Growth & Service) is our post-confirmation high school youth group for students in grades 10–12. WINGS is a space where students deepen their relationship with Christ, wrestle with real-life questions, build friendships, and discover what it means to live out their faith in everyday life. WINGS is a place to belong, to lead, and to take the next step in faith as young adults preparing to fly into the world. Meeting select Wednesdays, March–June. NEXT: Mar. 4, 7–8pm. Questions? Connect with megan@firstlu.org.
Sunshine Team
The Sunshine Team meets on the first Thursday of every month. NEXT: Mar. 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.
Sugar Creek Youth Retreats 2026
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.
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)
Generosity: Choosing a Life of Overflow
Ever think the Gospel invites us into a fuller life than we regularly experience? The La Crosse Area Synod is forming a short-term learning community of people interested in exploring together what a generous life might look like in our community of La Crosse. We will look to Jesus, the Scriptures, and our own experiences while looking for authentic ways to not only think differently but more importantly, live differently. Intrigued? Email Scott Gabriel at segabriel@viterbo.edu to register for an introductory Zoom session to learn more and/or ask questions. Sessions are Mar. 8 at 4pm or Mar. 19 at 12pm. The group will start immediately after Easter and gather for four sessions in April.
Preschool Open House and Registration
Join us for our open house on Thursday, Mar. 12, from 4:30-5:30pm. Come meet the teachers, see the classrooms, get class options, and registration info for the 2026-27 school year. We accept children ages 2 and up who are potty trained. Registration opens online on Monday, Mar. 16 at 8am at 1stlu.org/preschool.
Welcoming Children and Helping Adults Embrace the Changes
March 12 & 26 on Zoom, 7–8:15pm
Free
Join us for two sessions to explore more ways to engage children during worship and a model for helping adults embrace new ways of doing things, adapted from Pulling Together: A Handbook for Community Change. Organized by our synod’s Discipleship Matters and Engaging Children Initiative. Learn more and register on the synod’s website: 1stlu.org/discipleship.
Lent Chili Wednesday
Let it be declared! Wednesday, Mar. 18, is Chili Wednesday! Lent supper is at 5:30pm in the Fellowship Hall. Let us know that you plan to bring a pot/crockpot of chili or soup; sign up at 1stlu.org/next.
Graduation Milestone & Recognition Dinner
Graduates: You and your parents/guardians are cordially invited to mark the milestone of your graduation at First Lutheran’s High School Graduation Recognition Dinner on Sunday, March 22, from 5:30–8pm at the church. Let us take this opportunity to honor you and your accomplishments as you prepare to become a 2026 graduate. RSVP to the church office by March 15: office@firstlu.org / 608.783.2236.
Easter Flowers
Your gift of $20 to the Easter Fund will be used to purchase flowers to beautify the sanctuary on Easter Sunday. Remaining contributions go toward purchasing new paraments. Please make your gift by Sunday, Mar. 29. Gifts can be placed at 1stlu.org/next, or use the form in the announcements page and turn into the office.
NEW! 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 with Abby Vans. 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 1stlu.org/next.
Garden Ministry
First Lutheran has a wonderful history of producing vegetables for area food pantries throughout the summer and fall months. For this upcoming season we are looking for a new team of gardeners, willing to plan, plant, cultivate, water, and harvest our garden this year. Volunteer coordinators Steve Lind and Jennifer Peickert are ‘in,’ so you will not be doing it alone! It’s a community garden that no singular person or family is responsible for.
If you’re interested in joining our team, sign up at 1stlu.org/next and we’ll add you to the group who will get together in March as we plan out what kind of abundance to reap in the fall.
Friends of the Warming Center
The Warming Center provides shelter for the unhoused from November through April. There are many ways to serve, from taking a shift in the shelter to providing a meal. Learn more and sign up to help at cclse.org/la-crosse-warming-center.
Holy Week Schedule
Holy week is the week leading up to Easter Sunday on Apr. 5, starting with Palm Sunday on March 29. Join us for worship every day of Holy Week…
Palm Sunday, Mar. 29, worship at 8:00am & 10:30am.
Palm Sunday breakfast in Fellowship Hall.
No Sunday School nor Confirmation classes.
Monday, Mar. 30, worship at 6:15pm.
Tuesday, Mar. 31, worship at 6:15pm.
Wednesday, Apr. 1, worship at 6:15pm.
Gr. 5 Faith Building Block, bread baking, 4pm.
Maundy Thursday, Apr. 2, worship at 12:15pm (live streamed) & 6:15pm.
Gr. 5 Faith Building Block lifted up at 6:15pm worship.
Good Friday, Apr. 3, worship at 12:15pm (live streamed) & 6:15pm.
Faith Story Dinner Theater, Apr. 4, at 5:30pm. Reserve your seat at 1stlu.org/next.
Easter Sunday, Apr. 5, worship at 7am (in-person only), 8:45am, and 10:30am.
No Sunday School nor Confirmation on Easter Sunday.
The office will be closed at noon on Friday, Apr. 3, and all day Monday, Apr. 6.
Mabel Anderson Scholarship
The Mabel Anderson scholarship application is now available online at 1stlu.org/scholarship. Completed applications are due on Wednesday, Apr. 1. Students may apply if they will graduate from high school in the spring and have plans to pursue post-secondary education. The application includes writing an essay and completing an online form that reflects the student’s involvement in church activities. Contact the office with any questions: office@firstlu.org / 608.783.2236.
Jazz Worship on Maundy Thursday, Apr. 2
Mark your calendars and make sure to join us for a special worship service of jazz liturgy on Maundy Thursday, Apr. 2, 6:15pm, led by Jon Ailabouni.
Baptismal Preparation
The next baptism preparation session will be Saturday, Apr. 4, 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, Mar. 29. 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 at Coulee Golf Bowl on Thursday, Apr. 9, 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.
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: Apr. 13. Sign up at 1stlu.org/next.
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)
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 other families have 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. If you have any questions, please reach out to Michelle Renkas.
Stephen Ministry
If you know of someone who needs a caregiver, please speak with Pastor Karyn, or call the church office: 608.783.2236.
Cancellations Due to Inclement Weather
If bad weather ever makes you wonder whether your group is meeting, check our website, Facebook page, or update the office with your cell number and provider so that we can text you. The staff and leadership of First intend to ‘make the call’ by 5pm at the latest so everyone knows what to expect. Be safe this winter!
Sunday School
Sunday, Feb. 22
9:15am Sunday School
Sunday, Mar. 1
9:15am Sunday School
More info and registration: 1stlu.org/sunschool
Grade 4 Faith Alive Building Block: Apostles’ Creed
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.
Sundays, Feb. 22: parents/guardians with children
Sunday, Mar. 1: Faith Building Block lifted up in worship
Confirmation
Sunday:
9:15am Gr 6 & 7 Confirmation Classes - Fireside Rm
Wednesday:
7:00pm Gr 8 & 9 Confirmation Small Groups
More info and registration: 1stlu.org/confirm.
