Announcements for Palm Sunday, Mar. 29
INSIDE: Palm Sunday & Holy Week • Palm Sunday Breakfast Rescheduled
Palm Sunday!
Prepare ye’ the way! Join us for Palm Sunday worship THIS Sunday, at 8am or 10:30am (pancake breakfast has been reschedule to Apr. 12). And then join us for worship every day throughout Holy Week as we prepare our hearts and minds for the good news of Easter Sunday!
Join us for Holy Week!
Palm Sunday, Mar. 29, 8am & 10:30am worship.
Prayer Walk, all day: download guide at 1stlu.org/prayerwalk.
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.
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 THIS Sunday, Mar. 29. Gifts can be placed at 1stlu.org/next, or use the form in the announcements page and turn into the office.
RESCHEDULED: Palm Sunday Breakfast Fundraiser
Due to emergency repairs taking place in the Fellowship Hall kitchen, the Palm Sunday Breakfast has been rescheduled to Sunday, Apr. 12. 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.
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.
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.
Support Crisis Response in the Middle East
The news from the Middle East is heavy and unrelenting, marked by escalating conflict and devastating humanitarian consequences. The costs, as Presiding Bishop Yehiel Curry has stated, “will be borne by those least able to avoid it — children, families, and those without the means to flee. Its deadly toll has been, and will continue to be, paid with the lives of our neighbors, including our siblings in Christ in the Middle East.”
These are not just headlines — they are the stories of families like yours, who deserve safety, security, and the chance to rebuild their lives. More than 1 million people are displaced in Lebanon alone, and many are sleeping in the streets because they have nowhere else to go.
Lutheran Disaster Response is working with our companions on the ground, including the Middle East Council of Churches, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land, and the Lutheran World Federation, to provide critical assistance
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 firstlutheranonalaska.org/ride.
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.
High School Group: 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: Apr. 8, 7–8pm. Questions? Connect with megan@firstlu.org.
Sunshine Team
The Sunshine Team meets on the first Thursday of every month. RESCHEDULED TO: Apr. 9, 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.
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
High School: Easter/Spring Party
High schoolers! On Sunday, April 12, 11:30am–2:30pm, celebrate the season of sunshine, flowers, and fun! Join us for a Spring Party full of games, food, and time to hang out with friends. We’ll have outdoor activities (weather permitting), snacks, and plenty of ways to enjoy the fresh air and good company! Bring a friend and come ready for laughter, community, and a great time together! Questions? Connect High School Events Director, Megan Olson: megan@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.
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, Apr. 17, 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.
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.
Eco-Faith Summit: From Fear to Courage
When: April 18
Where: Duluth, MN
Cost: $30 (Ages 30 & Under: free)
Join people of faith from across the Upper Midwest for a day of inspiration and action in-person or online. Moving from the gloom of the tomb to the courage of the Resurrection, this summit features keynote speakers, hands-on action stations, and community exhibits. Childcare is FREE and available for children ages 3-5th grade and will have Creation Care programming throughout the day. Register here.
Faith Webs Spring Game Day!
All current Faith Webs are invited to get together with their households on Sunday, April 19, at 11:45 am to have fun, enjoy lunch and each other’s company over a couple of games, hosted here at First, after the second service in Fellowship Hall. Questions? Connect with volunteer coordinator, Carla Stanton.
Middle School Picnic and Park
FOR: All middle school youth
WHEN: Sunday, Apr. 19, 11:30am–3:30pm
WHERE: Seven Bridges Park
Plan a day of fun, food, and Play at Seven Bridges Park. Invite a friend to join—all are welcome! Questions? Connect with madalyn@firstlu.org.
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!
Rescheduled: Young Youth Picnic & Painting
NEW DATE! Sunday, Apr. 26, 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 can be ordered in advanced, kids need to be signed up by Apr. 19.Questions? Connect with katie@firstlu.org.
Chicken Dinner!
Tickets are now available for sale by youth through Apr. 22, or in the office, M–F, 9am–2:30pm, through Apr. 29. Meals cost only $14 presale before Apr. 29, Tickets will be $15 at the door while they last. And most importantly, all funds raised go to support youth going on mission trips and to Sugar Creek Bible Camp! Meals are provided by Premier Catering, and will be available for pick-up at First Lutheran on Thursday, Apr. 30, 11am–6pm. FOR YOUTH: You can checkout ticket packets to sell in the office; Tickets packets are due back to the church office WITH THE MONEY by 7pm on Apr. 22. Youth and families can sign up for a shift to help with takeouts at 1stlu.org/next.
Nosh with Neighbors: City Hall, Firefighters, & Police Dept.
Nosh with Neighbors for our city hall workers, firefighters, and police officers will be on May 14. Help set up, serve, clean up, and/or donate food. Monetary donations would be greatly appreciated as well.
This is a wonderful opportunity to thank those who are under appreciated and for all the hard work they do for our community. Watch for sign up coming in April to help and donate.
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.
410 Prayers
Join Kathryn for a time of prayer, every Monday–Friday, at 4:10pm, on our Facebook page.
Happy Birthday!!
If you have received a birthday postcard from First in the last several months and still have it, bring it into church Mon–Fri, 9am–3pm and pick up a small gift.
Help Those in Need
If you are looking for ways to help locally, go to the Ugetconnected site to find a variety of needs, from writing letters or drawing pictures to seniors, to delivering pre-packaged meals or sewing. It's hard to keep track of all the various organizations, so this is a great spot to find out how you can help. Go to 1stlu.org/needs.
Sunday School
Sunday, Mar. 29–Apr. 12
No Sunday School
Sunday, Apr. 19
9:15am Sunday School resumes
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.
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:
5:30pm Lent Supper - Fellowship Hall
6:15pm Holy Week worship
No Gr 8 & 9 Confirmation Small Groups
More info and registration: 1stlu.org/confirm.
