The holidays can be so stressful as we try so hard to make it picture-perfect inside and outside of our homes. I know I tried that picture-perfect look, especially when my girls were young. The pressure to do it all and have it all affects most of us. I have had to cut back on doing a lot of things that I did when my girls were young, but one of the things I will not give up is an advent study, wreath and/or calendar. It helps me remember what the season is all about.

Wider Welcome, Deeper Love

What does this mean? This is a question that I have gotten a lot in the last couple of months. So often we want solutions…

Since First Lutheran’s Call Committee formed in May of 2021, we have been excited, disappointed, surprised and anxious to name just a few of the feelings we’ve processed together. It’s been a while since we’ve provided an update on our search for a Youth & Family minister, so I thought I’d share our current status. It is familiar territory for the Call Committee, at this point.

INSIDE: Confirmation Sunday, Trunk-or-Treat, All Saints worship on Tuesday

INSIDE: Choir rehearsal starts for All Saints Sunday • Parents’ Night Out • Women’s Retreat at Sugar Creek, led by Carla Stanton

INSIDE: Caring Ministries Info Mtg THIS Sunday • OWLs Potluck & Movin’ to the Musicals • New Member Social

INSIDE: Outdoor Worship at Sugar Creek • Coulee Region Hunger Walk • Job Opening: Assistant Custodian

INSIDE: Play Days @ Sugar Creek reg deadline THIS Friday, Sept. 30, Coulee Region Hunger Walk, Opening: Nursery Attendant

INSIDE: Outdoor Worship at 10:30am this Sunday

INSIDE: Middle School Milestone • First Teen Clothes Closet 10th Anniversary • First Fest Part 2!

INSIDE: First Fest this Sunday • Worship at 8am & 10:30am • Masking changes start this Sunday • Access to Online Member Directory

INSIDE: Masking Changes Start Sept. 11

INSIDE: THIS SUNDAY: Blessing Backpacks & Devices / Students & Staff • Worship Outdoors at 10am • Sunday School Teacher & Volunteer Orientation

INSIDE: One More Listening Session for ELCA Task Force on Civics and Faith Social Statement • OWLs Float on the Mighty Mississippi • Nosh with Neighbors • Website Update

INSIDE: Listening Session for ELCA Task Force on Civics and Faith Social Statement • Confirmation Orientation • OWLs Potluck

INSIDE: Listening Session for ELCA Task Force on Civics and Faith Social Statement • Confirmation Orientation • OWLs Potluck

You’re lucky. Let me tell you a story about why.

As I consider the upcoming program year being a “Year of Welcome”, I have been tasked with considering how this theme (and core value) can be carried out in worship and in our Caring Ministries.