Announcements for Sunday, May 10
INSIDE: Blessing Grads • Spring Nosh with Neighbors • Parents’ Night Out
Spring Nosh
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. Signup to help at 1stlu.org/next.
Join us for worship!
Sunday Worship, May 10:
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, May 13:
6:15pm: live stream at 1stlu.org/live, and in-person. Nursery available.
Blessing Graduates
First Lutheran will bless graduates in worship this Sunday, May 10. Join us for a special blessing to celebrate this milestone. 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.
Lost and Found
It’s that time of year to clear out our lost and found. Please take a moment to check out the lost and found on display in the narthex, and reclaim what is yours. All items not claimed by May 24 will be donated to a local thrift store.
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.
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: May 13, 7–8pm. Questions? Connect with megan@firstlu.org.
Wednesday Night Study Group
Pastor Stanton and Pastor Karyn continue to lead their Wednesday Night Study Group, each Wednesday at 7pm through May 20, in Fellowship Hall. The pastors are leading a discussion of the 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.
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. Signup to help 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, May 15, 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 End of the School Year Bash!
FOR: High School youth
WHEN: Saturday, May 16, 5:30pm
WHERE: First Lutheran
Questions? Connect with megan@firstlu.org.
Faith Webs Deadline
DEADLINE REMINDER: Thank you for being a part of a Faith Web! We pray these relationships in your church family continue to grow! A reminder that all donations toward the $300 commitment made at the beginning of the school year are due by May 17, 2026. Donations can be completed online at 1stlu.org/webs.
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!
Middle School Summer Kick-Off Party
FOR: All middle school youth
WHEN: Sunday, May 17, 11:30am–3pm
WHERE: First Lutheran
Come celebrate the end of the school year with outdoor games and food! Questions? Connect with madalyn@firstlu.org.
OWLs
The OWLs (our Older Wiser Lutherans at First, for anyone 55+) next potluck will be Wednesday, May 20 at noon in the fellowship hall. The theme is La Crosse County history. The program is presented by Jeff Rand on the La Crosse lumber boom from 1844–1910. Bring a dish to pass and come join the fun and fellowship!
Then on Friday, May 22 will fly to the La Crosse Area Heritage Center. Cost: $5. Meet at the church at 11am. We will have brunch at the new Hollandberry Pannekoeken restaurant, followed by a leisurely stroll discovering the delights of the Heritage Center. If you are interested in joining this local adventure, contact volunteer coordinator Brian: owls@firstlu.org / 630-816-5917.
Worship Changes for the Summer
Wednesday worship will take a summer break Memorial Day through Labor Day; last service is May 20 and resumes Sept. 9.
Sunday, June 7: Worship at 8am will be at First, and worship at 10am will be at Riverside Park with the synod (or at Good Shepherd Lutheran if there is inclement weather).
Starting June 14 thru the summer: Sunday worship will be at 8am and 10am.
Three outdoor worship services this summer (weather permitting), followed by potluck: June 21, July 26 and August 16, all at 10am.
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: May 21. Led by Carla Stanton.
Young Youth Pic and Kick
FOR: Grades K-5
WHEN: Saturday, May 30, 11:30am–1pm
Looking for a fun and relaxing way to spend a day outdoors? Join other First Lu Young Youth families for a picnic in the park along with a kickball game! Bring your family and friends, pack a picnic basket, and enjoy a day of outdoor fun and community.
Families should bring their own food for the picnic. First Lu will provide a delicious treat for after the kickball game. RSVP to katie@firstlu.org.
Current Clothes Closet Needs
The First Teen Clothes Closet has been busy! We were fortunate to have the West Salem High School National Honor Society sponsor a clothing drive for FTCC. We are still currently well-stocked and therefore, not taking clothing donations until further notice. FTCC is in need of some very specific teen-styled, new or gently used items. Please donate ONLY these items! Thanks!!
Guys and gals…
Sunglasses
Wallets
Crocs (size 7-15)
Slides (size 7-15)
Athletic leggings
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 as well as deliver the produce to the Hunger Task Force. Volunteer coordinators Steve Lind and Jennifer Peickert, along with a core team of planners, are ‘in,’ so you will not be doing it alone! It’s a community garden that no singular person or family is responsible for. Sign up for one volunteer shift or a summer full of opportunities to garden at 1stlu.org/next.
Extra space in your own home garden? Have an overabundance of produce this year? Contact Steve and Jennifer to see how you can add to the produce we are donating to the Hunger Task Force. Produce the Huger Task Force is especially seeking are items with longer shelf life and ease of handling such as:
Winter Squash
Cucumbers
Storage Onions
Cabbage
Carrots
Beets
Legumes (including green beans)
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.
Foundation Grant Applications Deadline
REMINDER: Grant applications from worthy organizations wishing to request funds from the Foundation Fund are due by June 1! More information about the Foundation Fund and the grant application, can be found at 1stlu.org/foundation.
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.
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!
Baptismal Preparation
The next baptism preparation session will be Sunday, Jun. 14, at 11:15am 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, Jun. 7. Min. attendance required: 2 families.
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: June 22. Sign up at 1stlu.org/next.
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 21, 10am
July 26, 10am
August 16, 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.
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, May 10
Sunday School
Sunday, May 17
One worship at 9:30am, followed by a celebration of Sunday School
More info and registration: 1stlu.org/sunschool
4K Faith Building Block: The Keys
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.
Sunday, May 10: parents/guardians with children
Sunday, May 17: Faith Building Block lifted up in worship
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.
