Announcements for Sunday, Apr. 12
INSIDE: “Palm Sunday” Breakfast Fundraiser • High School Party • Wed Night Study Group
“Palm Sunday” Breakfast!
Join us for breakfast and fellowship this Sunday, between services, one of fundraisers for summer youth ministries and a great idea for all the Faith Webs!
Join us for worship!
Sunday Worship, Apr. 12:
8am: live stream at 1stlu.org/live, and in-person. Nursery available.
No Sunday School classes.
9am: “Palm Sunday” Breakfast fundraiser in Fellowship Hall
10:30am: live stream at 1stlu.org/live, and in-person. Nursery available.
Wednesday Worship, Apr. 15:
6:15pm: live stream at 1stlu.org/live, and in-person. Nursery available.
RESCHEDULED: “Palm Sunday” Breakfast Fundraiser
Due to emergency repairs that took place in the Fellowship Hall kitchen, the Palm Sunday Breakfast has been rescheduled to THIS Sunday, Apr. 12. Fundraiser for youth going on mission trips and to Bible camp. No coffee hour nor Sunday School between services (Confirmation will meet as scheduled). 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.
High School: Easter/Spring Party
High schoolers! On Sunday, Apr. 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.
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.
OWLs Fly to Yesterday’s Youth
The OWLs (our Older Wiser Lutherans at First, for anyone 55+) will fly to Sugar Creek Bible Camp for their Yesterday’s Youth event. The morning program will be a presentation on Scandinavian art and literature presented by Susan Brantley, widely recognized for her expertise in 19th‑century Scandinavian literature, Swedish modernism, and major Nordic authors. After a delicious lunch we will be entertained by the Guthries, a driftless duo who sings both the timeless and new. DATE: Monday Apr. 13, leaving church at 8:15am. COST: $15/person (covers lunch and goodies at coffee time). If you are interested in joining this fun day out, RSVP to volunteer coordinator Brian Narveson: 630-816-5917 or owls@firstlu.org.
The OWL’s April potluck will feature the second half of the Haygood’s show, the number 1 show in Branson, Missouri.
DATE: Wednesday, April 15, at noon, in Fellowship Hall. Come as you are, bring a dish to pass, and enjoy some great food, fellowship, and entertainment.
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.
Wednesday Night Study Group
Pastor Stanton and Pastor Karyn continue to lead their Wednesday Night Study Group, which will renew again on Wednesday, Apr. 15, 7pm in Fellowship Hall. The class will start fresh with Faith and Civic Life Social Statement, a theologically grounded document from the ELCA that guides Lutherans in civic engagement, aiming to help shape conscience and inform faithful action in public life. This study will run for six weeks.
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: Apr. 16. Led by Carla Stanton.
Discipleship Matters: Spring Sessions
Thursdays, Apr. 16, 23, and 30. All Classes are In-Person at Good Shepherd Lutheran, 4141 Mormon Coulee Rd, La Crosse. COST: Free. Register at 1stlu.org/discipleship.
Theological Perspectives, 7:15–8:30pm
Apr. 16: Womanism / Queer Theology - Lizzy Hoversten & Rev. Kathyrn Thompson
Apr. 25: Liberation Theology – Gregg Attleson
Apr. 30: Eye toward Environment - Rev. Ben Morris
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!
Caring Cards
A ministry of fellowship and service that welcomes anyone who would like to join. NEXT: Saturday, Apr. 18, 9–11am, Fireside Rm. If you know a member that would like to receive a card, please let the office know. Questions? Connect with Michelle Logan.
Be a Part of the Synod’s Women of the ELCA
On Saturday, April 18, Coon Valley Lutheran Church will be hosting the La Crosse Area Synod Women of the ELCA Spring Convention. It’s going to be a wonderful day of fellowship and inspiration. Our keynote speaker is Bishop Emerita, the Reverend Dr. April Ulring Larson, who will be speaking on the powerful theme: Perfect Love Casts Out Fear. The day kicks off with registration at 8am, followed by a special worship service at 9am with Pastor Ben Morris and Assistant to the Bishop, Pastor Dione Stepanek.
A few quick things to know:
The Food: We have a delicious lunch planned, and yes—it includes ice cream!
The Offering: We are collecting bathroom tissue for the Bethel Butikk food pantry in Westby. Please bring your donations with you to the convention.
Registration: Because the date is fast approaching, please email or call Mona Van Riper directly to get on the list so we have an accurate lunch count: monavanriper@gmail.com. You can pay at the door when you arrive.
It’s going to be a great turnout and a beautiful day in Coon Valley. We hope to see you there!
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.
Wartburg Wind Ensemble Concert
Sunday, Apr. 19, 7:30pm at First Lutheran. Free and open to the public. Freewill donations will be accepted to support scholarship and future tours.
Jazz Worship on Wednesday, Apr. 22
Mark your calendars and make sure to join us for a special worship service of jazz liturgy on Wednesday, Apr. 22, 6:15pm, led by Jon Ailabouni.
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. 22, 7–8pm. Questions? Connect with megan@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.
Multi-Faith Earth Day Service Invites Community to Celebrate “Rooted Together” @ The Nature Place
The Driftless Region is invited to gather and celebrate our shared value of caring for the earth at a special Multi-Faith Earth Day Service themed “Rooted Together.” This free, community-oriented event will be held on Thursday, Apr. 25 at The Nature Place, with festivities beginning at 4:00pm.
The afternoon kicks off with a free community concert featuring local folk band, Prairie Smoke, starting at 4:00pm. Following the music, at 5:00pm, a multi-faith and spiritual worship service will bring together people of all backgrounds to honor our individual roots of faith, spirituality, and values practices around Creation. The service will include ritual, song, and reflection, celebrating the sacredness of our shared home and the connections that bind us all to the earth. At the start of the service, Mayor Shaundel Washington-Spivey of La Crosse will share a mayoral proclamation.
Special music will be provided by the St. Francis Choir from Viterbo University. All are welcome to participate in this unique gathering that honors and celebrates the Earth through diverse traditions and shared intentions.
The event is free and open to the public. It is sponsored by Lutheran Campus Ministry (LuMin), Franciscan Spirituality Center (FSC), Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration (FSPA), Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of La Crosse, and Viterbo University.
Event Details:
When: Saturday, April 25th
4:00pm: Free Community Concert with Prairie Smoke
5:00pm: Multi-Faith Earth Day Service featuring the St. Francis Choir
Where: The Nature Place, La Crosse, WI
Cost: Free and open to all
Join us as we come together in community to celebrate, honor, and care for our common home. Together, we are rooted in hope and united in action.
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.
Middle School Picnic and Park
FOR: All middle school youth
RESCHEDULED: Sunday, Apr. 26, 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.
Preschool Springfest Donations
Are you a local business owner or artisan? Our First Lutheran Preschool is looking for donations for its Springfest silent auction fundraiser. Sponsors and silent auction gift baskets are needed. Bring donations to the church office by Tuesday, Apr. 21, noting the value of the donation if it’s not obvious. Questions? Contact melissa@firstlu.org.
Springfest, on Sun, Apr. 26, at 3pm, is our preschool’s major fundraiser and provides an opportunity for preschoolers to showcase their singing talents. After the concert, there is an ice cream social and silent auction. For all family members, grandparents, friends and neighbors! All bids support the ministry of First Lutheran Preschool… so consider any bid over face value as a donation to the preschool’s ministry (and a good way to lock in that bid)!
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.
Focus Forward Update
First Lutheran is moving from a season of listening into focused next steps. Through the MAP Survey, Community Leader Gathering, and Cottage Meetings, we’ve gained valuable insight into both our strengths and the opportunities before us. On Apr. 8, the Strategic Planning Support Team got together to distill this input and refine key Mission and Ministry Initiatives, helping to shape our direction and next steps—including the formation of Initiative Teams. In the weeks ahead, members will be invited to engage and participate as this work begins to take shape. This is an exciting and hope-filled time as we move forward together in faith and purpose. Learn more at 1stlu.org/focusforward.
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.
Blessing Graduates
First Lutheran will bless graduates in worship on Sunday, May 3, and Wednesday, May 6. Join us on those days for a special blessing to celebrate this milestone. Graduates will receive more details about this service in the coming days. Also for seniors… please share a senior picture with us for our grad board in the narthex! We are happy to display a wallet size (preferable) or the next size up. Simply drop off a picture in the office during the week or on a Sunday morning.
Funeral Planning Workshop
Sponsored by the Foundation Fund Committee, this special event on Sunday, May 3, at 11:45am will focus on thoughtful funeral planning. Pastors Stanton and Karyn will lead the presentation and discussion on how each of us can make decisions now that will bless our loved ones after our death. If you would like to know more about thoughtful funeral planning, this session is important for you! Lunch will be provided. We encourage all adults (regardless of age) to join us. RSVP at 1stlu.org/next.
Spring 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.
One Worship, Sunday May 17
There will be only one service on Sunday, May 17, at 9:30am. After worship, we’ll have a potluck and celebration of Sunday School, Confirmation, and Faith Webs. First will provide brats, hot dogs... we encourage members and guests to bring a side or dessert to share! See you there!
Blood Drive
Monday, June 1, noon–5pm. 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. Walk-ins welcome; appointments encouraged, schedule yours at 1stlu.org/blooddrive. Please bring photo ID. Questions? Connect with Diane Schude.
Baptismal Preparation
The next baptism preparation session will be Saturday, June 6, 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, May 31. Min. attendance required: 2 families.
Synod-wide Worship @ Riverside Park
On Sunday, June 7: Worship at 8am will be at First. Worship at 10am will be at Riverside Park with the entire synod. Stay for the picnic and fellowship after worship!
Outdoor Worship and Potluck
First will worship outdoors on Fifth Ave for the second service once a month during the summer, on the following Sundays, weather permitting…
June 29, 10am
July 27, 10am
August 24, 10am
Bring your own lawn chairs, perhaps a hat to shade your eyes, and a side dish to share at the potluck (though everyone is welcome at the potluck even if you don’t bring anything!). If the weather's bad that day, we'll move inside. NOTE: There is no live stream of the 10am outdoor service.
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, Mar. 29–Apr. 12
No Sunday School; resumes Sunday, Apr. 19
More info and registration: 1stlu.org/sunschool
Confirmation
Sunday:
9:15am Gr 6 & 7 Confirmation Classes - Fireside Rm
Wednesday:
5:05pm Confirmation Class
7pm Gr 8 & 9 Confirmation Small Groups
More info and registration: 1stlu.org/confirm.
