Announcements for Tailgate Sunday, Feb. 8
INSIDE: Annual Tailgate & Appreciation Party • High School Gathering • Intent Card Challenge
Annual Tailgate and Appreciation Party!
All members are invited to attend First’s Annual Tailgate THIS Sunday, Feb. 8, at 11:45am. We will reflect on 2025 and look ahead to 2026, elect new Vision & Leadership Team, Clothes Closet steering committee members, Foundation members, along with Sugar Creek and Assembly delegates, and complete a variety of other business and cap it all off with appreciation of our volunteers! And since it is a tailgate, feel free to bring a side/dessert to share, but if you forget, come anyway! (First will provide the main dish). The annual report is available to pick up at the Welcome Center or download at 1stlu.org/report, and you will receive a 1-page summary with your 2025 contributions statement in the mail.
Join us for worship!
Sunday Worship, Feb. 8:
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, Feb. 11:
6:15pm: live stream at 1stlu.org/live, and in-person. Nursery available.
Christ’s Love in Action for High School
High schoolers: let’s spread kindness this Valentine’s Day! Join together on Sunday, Feb 8 at 11:30am as we create heartfelt cards for nursing home residents and those who are homebound. It’s a simple way to brighten someone’s day and remind them they are loved. All supplies and lunch will be provided—just bring your creativity and a caring heart! Friends are welcome too. Let’s make a big impact with small acts of love! Questions? Connect with Megan Olson, megan@firstlu.org.
Sugar Creek Winter Fun Day
Sled, play, and cozy up with lunch and indoor activities, Sunday, Feb. 8. Snow or no, it’s a go! $10 a person, 4 and under free. RSVPs are helpful for planning: camp@sgrcreek.org.
Snow Birds
Are you heading out? Please let us know if you'll be spending the winter somewhere else. If we know your seasonal address, we can keep in touch by sending you the monthly newsletter. Call or email the office with your winter address: 608.783.2236, office@firstlu.org.
Bible Matters
Are you looking for the connection between scripture and everyday life? Or maybe a way to dig deeper into the gospel of Matthew? If so, join Pastor Karyn for a year-long journey through the lectionary (our schedule of readings) Monday evenings, 7–8pm, meeting in the narthex. Questions? Contact karyn@firstlu.org.
Caring Cards Ministry
This is a ministry of fellowship and service that meets monthly through April, and welcomes anyone who would like to join us. NEXT: Saturday, Feb. 14, 9am in the Fireside Rm. Led by Michelle Logan. If you know a member that would like to receive a card, please let the office know: office@firstlu.org.
Intent Card Challenge
This year our big three goals have to do with engaging homebound members, nurturing the Sugar Creek experience, and alleviating local hunger. If our financial gifts increase by $30,000 in 2026, then in 2027, we will call a visitation pastor, and gift $10,000 each to Sugar Creek and the Hunger Task Force. 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 Monday, Feb. 16. 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.
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: Feb. 16 at 5:30pm, Mar. 8 at 4pm, or Mar. 19 at 12pm. The group will start immediately after Easter and gather for four sessions in April.
Ash Wednesday
Join us for worship on Ash Wednesday, Feb. 18, as we begin the season of Lent.
12:15pm in-person worship (with a light lunch offered beforehand, at 11:30am)
6:15pm in-person worship and live stream (with a light supper offered beforehand, at 5:30pm)
All services will include the imposition of ashes.
Lent Devotions and Small Groups
Small groups start February 18. This year during Lent we will "Bless the Lent we Actually Have," reading, reflecting, praying and blessing our imperfect lives. Books and devotionals will be made available February 8-15. Cost is $5. You are encouraged to sign up for a small group at 1stlu.org/next.
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: Feb. 19. Led by Carla Stanton.
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.
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.
Peru Dinner Fundraiser
Help us support the ministries of the Iglesia Luterana Del Peru, companion church of the Lacrosse Area Synod. Feb. 21, 6–8pm at English Lutheran, 1509 King Street, La Crosse. Authentic Peruvian cuisine, appetizers, salads, entrées, dessert & non-alcoholic beverages. COST: $30/person. DEADLINE: Feb. 15. Only 80 spots available, so don’t wait! Reserve your space at 1stlu.org/synod.
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.
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.
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.
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)
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.
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.
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.
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.
Co-lead our Community Garden
The Care for Creation team is looking for a volunteer co-leader for the church’s community garden. This garden grows produce in conjunction with the Kane St Garden in La Crosse, which provides to the community through the Hunger Task Force. We have one co-leader, and need another to help lead. Duties would include helping to decide what to grow, best ways to utilize the space, scheduling volunteers to water, weed, till, etc. If you have a strong interest in using God’s Creation to grow food for his people, contact the Care for Creation Team 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.
Faith Webs
Those looking to connect with and support youth in their summer ministries can still do so! Learn more about Faith Webs at 1stlu.org/webs and by stopping at the Faith Webs table in the narthex. Thank you for entering into the shared goal of raising and supporting our kids! We are building community!
Make Worship Happen!
Worship assistants make worship happen! Usher, read, bake bread, serve communion, lead projection and more. To assist with Sunday worship sign up at 1stlu.org/assistSUN.
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.
Keep Up with Changes: Update Your Contact Info
Make sure the office has your current contact info, including current address, mobile number(s), carrier info (for reminders by text), and email(s). Members can make these changes on their own at our online directory: 1stlu.org/directory. Or you can send them to office@firstlu.org.
📚 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, Feb. 8
9:15am Sunday School
Sunday, Feb. 15
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. 8 & 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.
