Announcements for Sunday, Mar. 15
INSIDE: Events for Young Youth, Middle & High School • Prayer Vigil • Lent Chili Wednesday
Prayer Vigil For Peace
This Sunday, Mar. 15, 4pm, at Mary of the Angels Chapel, 701 Franciscan Way, La Crosse. This is an interfaith event. Participants include leaders from Jewish, Catholic, and Protestant religious traditions. People of any, all, and no religious affiliations are welcome and encouraged to attend. Learn more.
Join us for worship!
Sunday Worship, Mar. 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, Holden Evening Worship, Mar. 18:
5:30pm Lent supper, in Fellowship Hall
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, Friday, Mar. 13, 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.
High School Glow in the Dark
On Saturday, Mar. 14, 5:30–9pm, our high school youth will light up the night! Join in an unforgettable evening packed with glow-in-the-dark games, music, and fun! We’ll have glow sticks and plenty of activities to keep the night shining bright! Bring your friends for an epic night you won’t forget. Questions? Connect with megan@firstlu.org.
Young Youth Picnic & Painting
Sunday, Mar. 15, 11:30am–1pm, Fellowship Hall. Young Youth is a group for children in grades K–5. Kids should bring a sack lunch to eat for the “picnic” then we will do a canvas painting tutorial! So materials could be ordered, kids needed to have signed up by Mar. 8. Questions? Connect with katie@firstlu.org.
Middle School Playgrounds
FOR: All middle school youth
WHEN: Sunday, Mar. 15, 11:30am–4pm
WHERE: Playgrounds of La Crosse
COST: $15/person
Discover the essence of outdoor playground fun brought indoors! Activities include: jumping pillow, a triple lane ninja warrior course with timers and TV monitors, a basketball court with hoops at various heights and much more! We will eat lunch at church and then get on the bus to travel to the playground! Invite a friend—all are welcome! Questions? Connect with madalyn@firstlu.org.
Knitters
Prayer shawl knitters meet every Tuesday at 2pm in the narthex. Open to all!
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.
Holden Evening Prayer
Join us for Holden Evening Prayer during 6:15pm worship, every Wednesday during Lent. There will be a light supper beforehand at 5:30pm, in Fellowship Hall.
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, in the Mary Room. NEXT: Mar. 18, 7–8pm. Questions? Connect with megan@firstlu.org.
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: Mar. 19. Led by Carla Stanton.
OWLs
The March outing for our OWLS (our Older Wiser Lutherans at First, for anyone 55+) is to the Heider Center in West Salem to hear Lets Hang On, and ensemble of ten seasoned performers who recreate the music, harmonies, and style of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons, staying true to the classic sound while also honoring the spirit of Jersey Boys. The date of the fantastic night out is Saturday, Mar 21; leaving church at 4:30pm for dinner before the show. COST: $28, dinner on your own. RSVP to volunteer coordinator, Brian Narveson: 630-816-5917 / owls@firstlu.org.
The OWLs next potluck will be Wednesday, Mar. 25 at noon in the Fellowship Hall. In addition to the great fellowship and food they will playing a music game, an OWLs’ version of “Name that Tune” using Billboard top 10 hits from the 40’s to the 90’s. Start listening to that oldies station and prepare yourself for some great tunes and competition.
Middle East Crisis
As you know, violence in the Middle East has skyrocketed over the past week. Amid sorrow for lives lost and families caught in the conflict, many supporters have reached out, wondering if they can help. As families flee and seek safety, Lutheran World Relief meets them with compassion and critical aid, including:
Nourishing food
Clean drinking water
Essential supplies, like generator fuel to support emergency shelters
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 21, 2026: Subs and Service – Stacked High with Ways to Serve, Elementary Retreat (Grades 1-5)
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.
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.
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.
Palm Sunday Breakfast Fundraiser
Sunday, Mar. 29: Fundraiser for youth going on mission trips and to Bible camp. No coffee hour, Sunday School, or Confirmation between services. Breakfast will be served 9-10:30am. Food donations are needed, and youth can raise funds by working at the breakfast; sign up for both at 1stlu.org/next.
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.
Faith Story Dinner Theater
On Holy Saturday, between the solemness of Good Friday and the good news of Easter Sunday, join us for a Holy Week edition of Faith Story Dinner Theater, as we read and share some of the Bible stories that God has given us. WHEN: Saturday, Apr. 4, 5:30pm. Help tell the stories! Signing up as a family, Faith Web, friend group, small group or individual. All are welcome and encouraged to help share the stories of our faith on Holy Saturday! Sign up to tell a story and to your seat at 1stlu.org/next by Wednesday, Apr. 1.
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, 8am & 10:30am worship.
Prayer Walk, all day: download guide at 1stlu.org/prayerwalk.
9am Palm Sunday breakfast in Fellowship Hall between services.
No Sunday School nor Confirmation classes.
Monday, Mar. 30, 6:15pm worship.
Tuesday, Mar. 31, 6:15pm worship.
Wednesday, Apr. 1, 6:15pm worship.
4pm Gr. 5 Faith Building Block, bread baking.
7:15pm Choir rehearses for Easter Sunday.
Maundy Thursday, Apr. 2, 6:15pm worship.
Gr. 5 Faith Building Block lifted up in worship.
Good Friday, Apr. 3, worship at 12:15pm (live streamed) & 6:15pm.
10:00am Justice & Peace Stations of the Cross (starts at Rose Convent, in La Crosse).
Faith Story Dinner Theater, Apr. 4, at 5:30pm. Reserve your seat at 1stlu.org/next.
9am Easter decorating. Sign up to help at 1stlu.org/next.
Easter Sunday, Apr. 5, 7am (in-person only), 8:45am, and 10:30am worship.
No Sunday School nor Confirmation on Easter Sunday.
ASSIST WITH HOLY WEEK: To prepare our hearts for Easter Sunday, we worship every day during Holy Week. Individuals and families can assist with this holy time as readers, ushers, communion servers and more. Or help prep as part of the “stage crew!” Sign up for both at 1stlu.org/next.
The office will be closed at noon on Friday, Apr. 3, and all day Monday, Apr. 6.
Help the Salvation Army Feed Local Families
Every day, families in our community go to bed hungry. The Salvation Army, along with Hunger Task Force, have a monthly food distribution where they hand out 100–150 boxes of food to help supplement the monthly food needs for those in need. These boxes are filled with dry goods, both boxed and canned items. They also provide meat, dairy, bread eggs etc. that we may have available.
But Salvation Army has been informed that starting in March, to expect a shortage of donated food items for their monthly food distribution. The Salvation Army has reached out to First and other area churches to ask for donations. Anything helps. Together, we can put food on the table.
How you can help:
Donate items to The Salvation Army, at 223 N. 8th St., La Crosse
Drop offs can be made M-F 8am-4pm
Most needed food items:
Canned vegetables, beans & soup
Rice, pasta & cereal
15.5 oz. cans of Apricot halves, cling slice peaches, or black beans
Peanut butter & canned protein
Cooking oil & spices
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! 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 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.
Focus Forward Update
First Lutheran is moving from a season of listening into focused action. Mission and Ministry Initiatives are being refined and shared through Cottage Meetings and leadership gatherings this winter and spring. Members will soon be invited to help shape and launch this work, with broader participation opportunities coming this fall. Learn more and stay connected at the Focus Forward page on our website: 1stlu.org/focusforward.
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.
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.
Discipleship Matters: Spring Sessions
Thursdays, Apr. 9, 16, 23, and 30. All Classes are In-Person at Good Shepherd Lutheran, 4141 Mormon Coulee Rd, La Crosse. COST: $35 per class / $60 for both. Register at 1stlu.org/discipleship.
The Practice of Preaching, by Pastor Meg Hoversten, 5:30–6:45pm (Preaching the Gospels offered in February is a required prerequisite).
Theological Perspectives, 7:15–8:30pm
Apr. 9: Introduction – Bishop Felix Malpica
Apr. 16: Womanism / Queer Theology - Lizzy Hoversten & Rev. Kathyrn Thompson
Apr. 25: Liberation Theology – Gregg Attleson
Apr. 30: Eye toward Environment - Rev. Ben Morris
Volunteer Work Weekend @ First
Who says the Sunshine Team has to have all the fun! Everyone is invited to help with spring cleaning at First Lutheran on Saturday, Apr. 18, at 9am. Great opportunity for youth needing volunteer hours! Great opportunity for all to make First look nice! Refreshments are supplied to replenish your reserves!
Be a Part of the Synod’s Women of the ELCA
Do you have an interest in being part of the Synod level of the Women of the ELCA? If you are interested and/or would like to know more about the positions, contact JoAnn Salava at jams@mwt.net or Mona Van Riper at monavanriper@gmail.com. Our spring convention will be on Saturday, Apr. 18, at Coon Valley Lutheran.
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.
Neighbors Day
You may have already heard it’s that time of year: Neighbors Day! Spring yard cleanup is a chore many of us take for granted. Every year, hundreds of community members help La Crosse residents complete yard projects they can no longer do themselves. Join Habitat for Humanity on Saturday, Apr. 25 from 7:30am–1pm. New this year: instead of an afternoon shift, everyone heads to The Nature Place for a community lunch in the park to collectively celebrate our hard work! Registration includes lunch and a light breakfast. Learn more and sign up at habitatlacrosse.org/neighborsday.
Cottage Meeting
As a part of stewardship for the upcoming year, the congregation is invited to a cottage meeting after the second service on Sunday, Apr. 26, in the narthex.
What do you already love about First Lutheran?
What are our greatest opportunities as a church?
Where could we direct our generosity and energy in the future?
The leadership of First Lutheran want to hear your ideas about where God may be calling us in 2026 and beyond. Lunch will be provided. Come ready to talk about your ideas!
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!
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, 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.
Donations Supporting Ukraine
Lutheran Disaster Response is accompanying companion churches and ecumenical partners in Ukraine, Hungary, Poland, and Slovakia to respond to the crisis in Ukraine and Eastern Europe. Gifts to “Eastern Europe Crisis Response” will be used in full (100%) to assist those affected by the crisis in Ukraine and neighboring countries. Donate at elca.org/LDR.
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.
Sunday School
Sunday, Mar. 15
9:15am Sunday School
Sunday, Mar. 22
9:15am Sunday School
More info and registration: 1stlu.org/sunschool
Grade 5 Faith Alive Building Block: Communion
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, Mar. 15 & 22: parents/guardians with child
Wednesday, Apr. 1, 4–5pm: child only, baking communion bread in Fellowship Hall kitchen
Thursday, Apr. 2: Faith Building Block lifted up during Maundy Thursday worship service
Confirmation
Sunday:
9:15am Gr 6 & 7 Confirmation Classes - Fireside Rm
Wednesday:
5:05 Confirmation Class: Women Can’t Be Pastors, the Bible Tells Me So - Fireside Rm
5:30pm Lent Supper - Fellowship Hall
7:00pm Gr 8 & 9 Confirmation Small Groups
More info and registration: 1stlu.org/confirm.
