ChristmasD E C E M B E R 2 0 1 4

MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM ALL OF US AT FIRST!WELCOME TO CHRISTMAS EVE WORSHIP AT FIRST LUTHERAN!

THIS IS JUST SOME OF OUR STAFF… BUT THEY REPRESENT ALL IN SAYING MERRY CHRISTMAS!

First Lutheran’s staff loves to laugh, so we thought we’d share with you our ugly sweater picture. I know beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but some of those sweaters require a pretty blind eye to see much beauty! Throughout the season of Advent our preparations are centered around this year’s image of stones encircling a candle, which is meant to

symbolize our call as Christians to serve one another as Christ serves us. The image is on our front door windows, in the sanctuary, on the altar and if you made it to worship during Advent, you were invited to take home a set of stones and a candle (along with a lengthier explanation). I pray that the image will be as powerful a reminder of God’s love and

purpose for your life as the many that come to mind this time of year: a star above a manger, a nativity scene or a simple lit candle which all remind us of the miracle of God becoming human. We are blessed to be First Lutheran together! Merry Christmas!Pastor Stanton & Pastor Karyn

CONNECT WITH FIRST LUTHERAN! Check out our website at

www.FirstLutheranOnalaska.org to learn about our programs and

staff, to see our events calendar or the latest newsletter (and so much more).

You can also stop by the Connecting Point near the

main doors in the narthex or give us a call to find out how to

connect with First!

FAITH ALIVE! RESOURCE CENTER

Looking for a great gift? Want to dig a little deeper in your personal faith journey? Need a way to open up faith discussion in your family? We can answer these questions and much more at our Faith Alive! Resource Center. With books, music, and tools available for purchase to help enhance your faith journey, it’s worth it to take a moment to stop and check it out!

Parent ShareSundays, 9:15 AM in the Upper Room As parents we all have shared experiences of joy and frustration. There is no one person who holds all the answers for ‘perfect’ parenting. Instead God has given us the gift of community. Join our Passing on Faith Coordinator Carla Stanton in the Upper Room every Sunday, 9:15-10:15 while the kids are at Sunday School. The nursery is available, too, for all the pre-Sunday School aged kids. We hope to see you there!

First’s Annual Potluck!Sunday, February 15, 11:45am All members are invited to First’s Annual Potluck where we will eat together and our kids will play together, all while the adults share our greatest faith stories from the past year. God is doing all kinds of things at First Lutheran, so our Annual Potluck will be a celebration of what has been and a look ahead to what will be. Save the date so you can share in the fun!

Senior ChoirThe Senior Choir typically sings every Sunday morning, alternating between the 8:00 & 10:30 services. The group practices each Wednesday evening from 7:15–8:15 and is open to members of high school age and up. New members are ALWAYS welcome, just come and join us on a Wednesday night!

Praise BandThis musical group brings a contemporary feel and high energy to both services one Sunday per month. The rehearsal schedule is varied so interested musicians should contact Todd Saner (todd@firstlu.org) for rehearsal times.

BellsRingers rehearse on Tuesdays at 5:30. This group performs once a month. We welcome widely varied musical backgrounds. No experience necessary! We’ll begin with the basics and learn to work together. Musical ability is a skill that can be taught. Do you want to be involved? Ring ‘dem Bells!

Youth Praise BandThe Youth Praise Band is re-grouping to start up again in January. We are especially looking for a bass guitarist, rhythm guitarist and two or more singers. All youth 18 or younger are welcome. Experience playing with a group is NOT needed. Rehearsal days and times will be decided in January. For more information contact Dick Daleki: dick@firstlu.org.

2015 LENTEN DEVOTIONJESUS’ VOCATION AS SUFFERING SERVANT THROUGH LECTIO DIVINA IN SMALL GROUPSLectio divina is a way of praying through the scriptures. During last year’s theme of Prayer, over 100 members at First not only read their Bible as a Lenten discipline, but meditated and prayed while they read. Experiencing Scripture in this way increases knowledge of the stories, but is also a way of receiving God’s wisdom, grace and love. In 2015, in response to popular demand, we’re going to do lectio divina again, only this time our theme will center around Jesus’ vocation as suffering servant.

Sign up at the Connecting Point with the small group of your choice, based on time or other preferences. When your group meets, a lectio divina trained facilitator (fellow member at First) will lead your group through reading a resource developed by our own membership including art and readings centered on the suffering servant.

Lent at First has always been a great way to get to know others, come closer to God and learn something new. Join a small group this year so that you may be fully prepared to receive the gift of Easter!

PRESCHOOLFirst Lutheran Preschool provides developmentally appropriate early childhood education in a warm child-centered Christian environment. We offer Christian preschool sessions in the morning on Mon/Wed/Fri, Tue/Thur and Monday-Friday for ages 30 months and up. We are also a partner with the Onalaska School District and we are a site for the 4 year-old-preschool (4K). 4K runs Monday-Friday in the morning and includes busing. In addition there is Lunch Bunch Monday-Friday.

Take a tour at our Open House on March 12th! Please call or email First Lutheran Preschool Director Melissa Rolbiecki with any questions: 608.779.4504 / preschool@firstlu.org

Check us out on Facebook: facebook.com/flponalaska

Birthday Party for Jesus!

The first Sunday after Christmas, December 28th, we will have a

Birthday Party for Jesus during the education hour! ALL AGES WELCOME!

If you are able to volunteer or help with this event please e-mail sundayschool@firstlu.org

Strategic Plan2014

First Lutheran is a congregation of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA)

410 Main StreetOnalaska, Wisconsin608.783.2236 Fax: 608.783.3741office@firstlu.org www.FirstLutheranOnalaska.org firstlu.tumblr.com facebook.com/firstlu twitter.com/1stlu

First’s five-year strategic plan will guide our

ministries and guide our conversations.

MEMBERS: DON’T FORGET TO

PICK UP YOUR COPY OF THE

STRATEGIC PLAN, available at the main entrance. And if you

know of any members you could deliver one too, please feel free to pick it up and deliver it—this personal touch is much appreciated!

Women’s Retreat: Practicing Your CallFebruary 19–22 at the Heartwood Conference Center and RetreatGet away to a place of peace and beauty for four days of spiritual renewal and growth. We will study various call stories as we consider God’s call for our life at any age. There will be time for rest and for play, for laughter and tears, for good food and good conversation. Cost: $300 (includes housing, meals and program)

To reserve your spot a deposit of $60 is required. Space is limited, so sign up today!

THE MARRIAGE YOU’VE ALWAYS WANTEDFacilitated by Carla Stanton and her husband, Pastor Stanton, this small group experience gives couples the essential tools they need to improve and enrich their marriage. Each session will include a DVD clip from Dr. Gary Chapman, author of The 5 Love Languages, followed by conversation and discussion regarding key topics such as: Communication 101, Understanding and Expressing Love, Initiating Positive Change, Making Sex a Mutual Joy and How to Share the Things that Bug You. We’ll meet Wednesdays, January 7, 14, 21, 28 and February 11 after worship from 7:15 til 8:00pm. Whether you have been married for decades or months, this study will evoke great conversation to grow your marriage. Sign up online at our website, at the Connecting Point table, or give the office a call at 608.783.2236.

FROM BUSYNESS TO OPENNESSA FIRST LUTHERAN DAY RETREAT AT SUGAR CREEKBeing busy isn’t necessarily a bad thing. It’s a blessing and a privilege to be able to lead a full, active, committed life. Yet many of us lament that we feel overwhelmed by a sense of obligation to tasks and activities. Busyness is affecting our capacity to gather for worship, grow in faith, respond to God’s calls in our lives, serve the neighbor, and work for the common good.

If we are to experience change and newness, we need something much greater than strategies, tools and advice. We need a new way of being — a way of greater openness to God, to others, and to our deepest selves. This way can be described as a contemplative approach to life. It can also be described as the way of Jesus.

Come hear Pastor Amy Larson lead a conversation about how God calls us in seven essential ways into a different way of being rather than the same old ways of doing, doing, doing.

Saturday, April 25 at Sugar Creek from noon–6pm

$10 per person. Lunch, supper and snacks are included. Come early to explroe the camp. Or course, there will be breaks throughout the afternoon to enjoy the smell of spring in the air!

New MembersFirst Lutheran welcomes all people to participate in Christ’s mission through our ministries, worship and programs, whether you are a member or not. Membership does, however, benefit both those new to us and our congregation. By choosing to become a member, individuals and families commit to being part of a shared mission—and in one way, answer Jesus’ call to “come follow me.” We get to know you, and can more easily provide you with ministry opportunities and invitations to offer your gifts to the rest of this family of faith. We are offering two more New Member Sessions this year to acquaint new members with First and a small group of other newcomers: one in the winter and one in spring. These gatherings are from 11:45am–2:30pm. The nursery is available for use, but children are welcome.New Member Sessions this year are:

• January 25 with New Member Sunday on February 1

• April 12 with New Member Sunday April 19

To register or for questions call 608.783.2236.

OUR YOUTHLITTLE LEAPS

Little Leaps is our birth to 3 year old class that meets the last Sunday of each month at 9:15am in room 102. Come with your child to learn how your family can start to grow in faith right from the beginning! Contact Passing On Faith Coordinator Carla Stanton at carla@firstlu.org.

SUNDAY SCHOOLSunday School classes meet each Sunday from 9:15–10:15. Children ages 3 years through 5th grade are welcome. Kids need not be a member to attend; just let the teacher know if you are new and they will help get you connected! If you would like more information contact our Sunday School superintendents Sheri Betz and Tawni O’Rourke at sundayschool@firstlu.org.

YOUNG YOUTHOur Young Youth Group, grades 2–5, meets regularly for a variety of fun and exciting events. From swimming parties, to movie nights, to service projects of all kinds! Stay up to date by checking our newsletter, or contact our Young Youth Coordinator Katie Everson at katie@firstlu.org.

MIDDLE SCHOOL YOUTHMiddle school youth will serve this summer at Louisville, KY, from July 26–August 1. Please keep them in your prayers!

HIGH SCHOOL YOUTHHigh school youth will head to Detroit, MI this summer, July 15–19, for the churchwide National Youth Gathering, where they will join thousands of other youth from around the U.S. in worship, service and community.

YOUNG ADULTOur young adults who are away at college, military service or starting a job away from home will be connected with their church family through the Caring Connections ministry. Sunday school classes, confirmation students, high school students, and adult members of the congregation keep them connected through letter writing, e-mailing, texting and phone calls. If you would like your young adult to receive correspondence through this ministry, contact the office at office@firstlu.org.

WINTER FUN DAYSJan. 11, 25, Feb. 15, & Mar. 1 1–5pmThese fun afternoons at Sugar Creek include snow tubing (they have the tubes), cross country skiing, ice skating, broom ball, snow shoeing, relaxation by the fire, hot chocolate, good food, and fun with friends! Bring the whole family!

Make your reservation at 608.734.3113 or camp@sgrcreek.org.

HIGH SCHOOL RETREATJanuary 17–19You asked for it you got it! A retreat designed just for high school aged youth! Bring a friend, or just come and join in the fun! This high energy retreat will be filled with great music, faith-building time, and lots of surprises! The retreat is filled with fun, winter activities! Cost: $75 (includes 5 meals). Retreat runs from 7:00pm Friday to 1:00pm Sunday.

COUPLES’ RETREATFebruary 13–15Enrich your relationship with your spouse and enjoy some time away together at Sugar Creek. You will share in some wonderful meals, fun activities, and a program designed to strengthen your relationship. You will stay in one of our beautiful log cabins or a private room in our Koinonia Lodge.

Go to www.sugarcreekbiblecamp.org for event brochure and registration form.

13141 Sugar Creek Bible Camp Rd, Ferryville, WI 54628

608.734.3113 • camp@sgrcreek.org

TRAVEL TO THE HOLY LANDIn this eye-opening alternative tour of Israel and the West Bank, discover the powerful connection

between faith and practice while exploring the land of the Bible. From the glittering gold domes and contested holy sites of Jerusalem to the stark natural beauty of the Negev’s endangered ecosystems, join two guides, one Arab and one Jewish, for a prayerful look at the religious, political, and economic issues facing the region. This trip explores the Biblical themes of reconciliation and justice. Share in

fellowship with local Christians, meditate on mountaintop outlooks, and build relationships with local families from the country’s Jewish, Muslim, and Christian communities, in a tour that tackles the difficult

questions of faith in a broken world. When: October 8–20, 2015. Approximate cost: $3,500. Informational meeting at First Lutheran on Sunday, January 11, 2015 at 9:30am.