good news for october 2015

3 First Teen Clothes Closet Update Nuts Order Form4 Blood Drive Scrip Fund-raising

5 Finance Committee Report6 Announcements7 Events Sugar Creek Events Needed: VBS Director8 God’sHands&Feet

8 Serve&Give9 Preschool Update10 Sunday School11 Young Youth12 MiddleSchool&HighSchool

Update

13 OWLs Post14 Quick Add Events / QR Codes

All of this and more on the web at www.FirstLutheranOnalaska.org

SEE ALSO...

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G O O D N E W S !O C T O B E R 2 015

MESSAGE FROM PASTOR STANTON

COME TO THE TABLEMany of us have had

jobs where we had to stay on our feet pretty much all day. Mechanics in the pit, nurses walking between rooms at a quick pace and

restaurant servers come to mind. Even more of us can think of jobs we’ve had that are labor intensive: farming, construction work, teaching… at the end of a long day at work, it feels good to sit down to the table with loved ones where you can take a deep a breath and leave the fever pitch of work and activities and life in general.

Throughout this program year at First Lutheran, we are considering the place of tables in our lives. Last month I wrote about how there is always a “Place for You” at the Lord’s Table where you are always included. I also wrote about the difference between being included and actually feeling included. It requires effort on the parts of those who are already on the ‘inside’ to make ‘outsiders’ feel included. This month, as the pace of life has quickened for many families since school started, as holiday plans start to come into focus and as lots of other worldly concerns bombard us, I want to consider

how tables provide a time and place for rest. Every time we immobilize our legs by sitting up to the table and intentionally enter into conversation with others around the table, we leave the busy-ness of our day and enter a Sabbath moment. We stop long enough to listen to the stories of our loved one’s day. We stop long enough to taste and smell food. Maybe it was microwaved, or came from a restaurant or is leftovers from three nights ago. It’s not about the food, though. It’s about the table gathering us for a time that isn’t only about me.

INSIDE

MESSAGE FROM PASTOR KARYN

This summer I decided to once again attempt

a patio garden. It has gone well, except for that one time I was away for a week

and the person who was taking care of my newly planted plants got sick. By the time I got home, the beautiful yellow and white flowers that had center stage on the patio were gone—except for the ornamental grass that was at the middle. So I kept watering it. I cut back the dead stuff and just kept watering it all because there was some life there in the grass. I was amazed to see the flowers come back two weeks later! It was an explosion of little white flowers all over again. I was elated! A similar thing happened to my poor cilantro plant that

ended up going to seed and blowing away—except that some of the seed fell in the soil and because I kept watering what was there I now have a new little cilantro plant growing. The same thing with the dill and catnip! I don’t think I will ever give up on any plant that seems dead again! This certainly got me thinking about our God, who doesn’t give up on us. Our God who provides us with the things we need to sustain us: water, food and community. There have been times in my life that have felt dry, like there was no life in me. Yet God is faithful to God’s promises and when I least expect it, there is new growth. What I have discovered is that during those periods, I need the people of God and the grace I depend on from God the

Continues on page 2

Continues on page 2

Special Congregational

Meeting: Week of October 4

There will be a special congregational meeting the week

of October 4 immediately following eachSunday&Wednesdayworship service. The single

agenda item will be the election ofnewVision&LeadershipTeammembers. Please attend this brief,

but important meeting.

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2 First Lutheran Church + Good News October 2015

most. The waters of baptism, the food of the table, the community of the faithful are what just keep watering me until the new growth appears.

This is what Come To The Table is all about this year: being fed and feeding others. We will be talking about how we are fed at our kitchen table, often the first place we learn about God, ourselves and those closest to us. We hear the stories of our ancestors, we laugh and we cry and we learn about community. We will be helping those who gather at the kitchen table, in whatever way that looks like for you, to see that home is church too, that grace is there too, that our souls are fed just as much as our bodies. We will be talking about the invitation we receive at the altar table, the place where all

our kitchen tables come together. Families are invited to set the table, tablecloths instead of paraments adorn our altar, we will be reminded again and again of the power of the cross, where the broken are made whole. Already, our artists have been busy helping us to understand this message with all our senses. Here we meet community and we hear the stories of our ancestors and allow the word of God to shape our lives as a whole. Who will we be as the body of Christ? Small groups are forming to help us all feel connected to each other. Bible studies and action teams are working to strengthen our faith and send us out to serve. A lot happens around the table of God. We will be talking about how we feed others at the mission table, that place where we listen to our neighbors and then work to fill their needs. Where we seek out the places where God is working to bring light to darkness. Where we extend the invitation to others to Come to the Table.

Throughout this year, you can expect for the Spirit to be working in you to deepen your faith at any of the tables you find yourself at. You can expect that the Word of God is going to be calling you to extend the invitation to others. You can expect that the Creator God will extend to you the invitation to be loved and to love. So, with eyes and hearts open to what God has in store for us, Come to the Table.

Pastor Karyn Bodenschatz [email protected]

FROM PASTOR KARYN, CONT. FROM PAGE 1

We will be helping those who gather at the kitchen table, in whatever way that looks like for you, to see that home is church too, that grace is there too, that our souls are fed just as much as our bodies.

What if every time your whole family somehow found a way to gather

around a table you shared your highs and lows; each person took a turn to be heard by the others;

a caring conversation was had between siblings, between parents and their children,

between guests and friends…

A few years ago, we used the season of Lent to study the idea of Sabbath together. I don’t think I can ever remind our congregation enough of how important Sabbath is to our well-being. Wayne Mueller defined Sabbath as “a way of being in time where we remember who we are, remember what we know and taste the gifts of spirit and eternity.” I’m not saying that every family meal must be some mountain-top experience where the depths of our souls are turned inside out for all around the table to see. Or am I? Can it? Would it be a good thing? What if every time your whole family somehow found a way to gather around a table you shared your highs and lows; each person took a turn to be heard by the others; a caring conversation was had between siblings, between parents and their children, between guests and friends as they gather at a bar or restaurant?

If you’ve read The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis you know that the wardrobe—at times—acted as an entrance from this world into another: Narnia. I believe our tables are able to act as similar entryways away from all that makes us busy-busy-busy and toward what makes us loving, kind and wise. It is around our tables that we truly get to know each other.

Ideas and opinions get debated there. Stories are shared.

I encourage you to not rush from your table the next time you have a chance to share it with someone else. Too often, we are thinking of the next commitment, a show on TV or getting on with our homework. Take a few extra minutes for this little Sabbath moment in your day so that you may remember who you are, what you know and taste the gifts of eternity.

FROM PASTOR STANTON, CONT. FROM PAGE 1

Pastor Jason Stanton [email protected]

First Teen Clothes Closet is a busy place. While most members may not notice

it, the upper level of “the house” next door has been visited on at least a weekly basis over the last four months by young people in need of simple clothes to get them through. More than 60 individuals have been able to find the things they need — a total of nearly 600 clothing and footwear items, plus toiletries, feminine products and items such as belts, purses and accessories. Through your donations, both of gently used age-appropriate clothing and funds to be used to purchase toiletries and undergarments, we have provided 165 shirts, more than 70 pairs of jeans and pants, 83 pairs of shorts, 55 pairs of shoes, 23 dresses and much more.

These individuals, 43 young women and 20 young men, live in our communities. Nearly half are from La Crosse, others are from Holmen, Onalaska, West Salem and as far away as Winona, Galesville and Taylor.

First Lutheran has taken on a role of helping provide this age group with the basic clothing items they need for school, work and life. We cooperate with other regional

clothes closets that focus on the needs of men, women and younger children.

As always, the Clothes Closet welcomes cash donations to be used for purchasing toiletries and undergarments. Other special needs this month include: sweatshirts or hoodies, teen pajamas in all sizes, boys’ jeans in 32 waist/34 length and “no-show” socks. We would also welcome homecoming dresses. As the closet expands, we will also be in need of sturdy clothing racks and plastic hangers. If you are interested in volunteering with the Clothes Closet as an appointment host, shopper, or inventory assistant, please contact the church office. And keep all those whom we serve in your prayers.

First Teen Clothes Closet team,

Lori LunneyShari HeglandBridget CraveSara Larkin Tina Nelson

FIRST TEEN CLOTHES CLOSET UPDATE Nuts for Carpet — ORDER EARLY!Proceeds from this year’s nuts and candy sale will go toward replacing the carpet in Fellowship Hall. The nuts will be from a fresh crop.

Your Name: _______________________________Your Phone: _______________________________

Please indicate the quantity you want on the line next to the item.Pay when you pick up your order.

____ Fancy Mammoth Pecan Halves 1 lb. $11.00____ Light Walnut Halves & Pieces 1 lb. $11.00____ Whole Almonds 1 lb. $10.00____ Whole Almonds - Natural 1 lb. $10.00____ Giant Salted Whole Cashews 1 lb. $11.00____ Colossal Natural Pistachios 1 lb. $11.00____ Deluxe Mixed Nuts - No Peanuts 1 lb. $11.00____ Praline Pecans 1 lb. $11.00____ Heart Healthy Nut Mix 1 lb. $8.00____ Sweet & Salty Trail Mix 1 lb. $7.00____ Milk Chocolate Bridge Mix 1 lb. $9.00____ Dark Chocolate Bridge Mix 1 lb. $9.00____ Mixed Chocolate Cranberries 1 lb. $7.00____ Milk Chocolate Pecan Clusters 9 oz. $7.00____ Dark Chocolate Sea Salt Caramels 8 oz. $7.00____ Dark Chocolate Mint Patties 8 oz. $7.00____ Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Melts 8 oz. $7.00____ Gummi Bears 1 lb. $5.00____ Kaywos Cleaning Cloth each $3.00

First Lutheran Church410 Main StreetOnalaska, WI, 54650

Orders will be available starting October 31Questions? Call Bev Manske at 783-2535, or the church offi ce at 783-2236.

SOLD OUT!

#


DO YOU SHOP HERE?!FIRSTLU.ORG/SCRIP

HELP SUPPORT OUR YOUTH BY USING GIFT CARDS INSTEAD OF CASH!!

A PERCENTAGE OF YOUR SHOPPING WILL GO TOWARD HELPING THE YOUTH BE ABLE TO PAY FOR THEIR MISSION TRIPS, CAMP TRIPS, AND

OTHER YOUTH MINISTRY EVENTS.

HUNDREDS OF STORES PARTICIPATING!!

IT COSTS NOTHING TO YOU — WE JUST NEED YOU TO CHANGE HOW YOU PAY. CONTACT TINA AT tina@fi rstlu.org TO FIND OUT MORE!

OR GO TO FIRSTLU.ORG/SCRIP AND REGISTER TODAY!

Without blood donation, Greg would not be able to see his kids grow up. He received eight units of blood and 10 units of platelets to treat his acute lymphocytic leukemia. Without the transfusions, Greg wouldn’t have been able to complete the chemotherapy needed for a bone marrow transplant. Now in remission, Greg and his wife, Roberta, are enjoying quality time with their children and look forward to growing old together.

Imagine the LIVES touched by yours.

1-877-BE-A-HERO | www.bcw.eduPlease bring a photo ID

Blood DriveFirst Lutheran Church - OnalaskaBarbecue sandwiches and dessert will be served.

Thursday, November 8, 201212:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.Fellowship Hall - 410 Main St.

To schedule your appointment, please call Sara Larkin at 781-0745or go online to www.bcw.edu/firstluthonaAppointments encouraged. Walk-ins welcome.

Monday, November 2, 2015

The Reformation. Start thinking about the 500th anniversary of the Reformation in 2017 by reading The Lutheran’s October issue. In the cover story, read “Then & now” to learn about the role women played during the Reformation and what that leg-acy means for today (to help your discus-sion of this article, visit www.thelutheran.org and click on “Study guides” on the left-hand side). And go deeper into Martin Luther and the “church mothers” by read-ing the “Deeper understandings” column.

What is ‘Lutheran’? Presiding Bishop Elizabeth A. Eaton asks this question in her October column for The Lutheran. What we eat, what hymns we sing, what jokes we tell, what color we are … none of this binds us together or makes us Lutheran, she says. Our theology must define us. And it’s all about God’s grace.

We are the church. The Lutheran is a resource for congregations. In the October issue, think about “5 things that happen when you get a new pastor” … learn how one congregation shares the good news over the “airwaves” … find out how one pastor solved the small-town struggle by visitation and a different kind of preaching … and consider having your youth design Christmas Eve bulletins.

Subscribe today: Visit www.thelutheran.org or call 800-328-4648.

In the October issueIn-home delivery begins Thursday, Sept. 24

In the October issueIn-home delivery begins Thursday, Sept. 24.

• November cover story: Investment—how has the philosophy of giv-ing changed among younger members?

• Special higher education section: a ministry for women from ELCA companion churches, a couple provides care to under-graduates attending Montana State Uni-versity and more.

• Bread: North Dakota couple starts bakery and provides free communion bread.

• Brain power: Can neuroscience help us better understand how kids develop an understanding of God and the church?

• December cover story: A look at favorite Bible stories or characters during the month the Word became flesh to be among us.

• November cover story: Investment—how has the philosophy of giv-ing changed among younger members?

• Special higher education section: a ministry for women from ELCA companion churches, a couple provides care to under-graduates attending Montana State Uni-versity and more.

• Bread: North Dakota couple starts bakery and provides free communion bread.

• Brain power: Can neuroscience help us better understand how kids develop an understanding of God and the church?

• December cover story: A look at favorite Bible stories or characters during the month the Word became flesh to be among us.

Witness and more. The Lutheran is a resource for adult forums and individual study. In The Lutheran’s October issue, discuss “Witness” with columnist Peter Marty, who says this lexicon of faith means revealing your part in the story of who Jesus is in the world. Think about ways to observe Halloween. And pon-der redemption with a college professor who is working on behalf of a death row inmate (to help your discussion of this article, visit www.thelutheran.org for a study guide—click on “Study guides” on the left-hand side).

Our members at work. In the October issue of The Lutheran, visit Roanoke Col-lege, where three students raised aware-ness of the Israeli-Palestinian struggle … discover how a community stayed connected while fire threatened Holden Village … learn how an ELCA-affiliated social ministry organization uses a furry friend to bring cheer to seniors … meet an ELCA pastor who wrote the book on discovering her Jewish heritage … and travel to France with an ELCA member who took a walk and raised money for ELCA World Hunger.

Subscribe today: Start a group plan to The Lutheran for as little as $8.95 per sub-scriber. Visit www.thelutheran.org or call 800-328-4648.

Coming up ... Coming up ...

The following is a financial summary through the end of August:

Actual Receipts—$495,808.94Budgeted Receipts—$543,119.64Actual Expenses—$481,743.89Budgeted Expenses—$559,169.95

Our total Receipts through the end of August fell short of the current year budgeted amount by $47,310.70. Our total Giving (Envelope Giving, Debt Reduction and other miscellaneous offerings) is down from last year’s total through this same period by $26,301.00 or 5.9%. This year we have had one extra Giving week and, as such, the actual shortfall from last year’s total Giving is closer to 8%. Finally, our current year

Giving falls short our current year budgeted amount by $53,392.96 or 11.2%.As noted above, our expenses are less than budgeted through the end of August by $77,426.06. A significant portion of this is a result of not filling (or just recently filling) positions that are currently in the budget. The remainder is due to the timing of certain expenses.In summary, we budgeted for a deficit of $16,050.31 through the end of August and have realized an actual surplus of $14,065.05.As always, full details of this report are available by request in the church office. Also, everyone is welcome to attend a finance committee meeting—we meet every month, on the second Wednesday at noon in the Thomas Room.Respectfully,Finance Committee

FINANCE COMMITTEE REPORT

$543,119.64

$495,808.94

$559,169.95

$481,743.89

2015 Budgeted 2015 Actual$0.00

$50,000.00

$100,000.00

$150,000.00

$200,000.00

$250,000.00

$300,000.00

$350,000.00

$400,000.00

$450,000.00

$500,000.00

$550,000.00

$600,000.00

$650,000.00

Receipts

Expenses


ANNOUNCEMENTS

SPECIAL CONGREGATIONAL MEETING: WEEK OF OCT. 4There will be a special congregational meeting the week of October 4 immediately following each Sunday & Wednesday worship service. The single agenda item will be the election of new Vision & Leadership Team members. Please attend this brief, but important meeting.

GOING AWAY FOR THE WINTER?If you will be leaving town for the winter, we want to make sure you still get the monthly newsletter and other mailings. Please provide us with your winter address, and the dates you will leave and come back, so that we can keep our mailing information for your household up to date. You can mail us the information, or email it to us ([email protected]), or call us (608.783.2236).

BAPTISMAL PREPARATIONA baptism preparation session will be Saturday, October 3, at 10am in the narthex for anyone who is considering or has scheduled a baptism. To register or ask questions call the church office, 608.783.3326.

WE CELEBRATE THE GIFT OF HOLY BAPTISM

• Miles William Hammes, son of Matthew & Sara Hammes

• Greg Travis Skoy-Evenson, son of Travis Evenson & Paula Skoy

WEDDINGSGod’s blessings to...

• Tina Buchal & Kelly Konrardy• Samantha Thoma & Alex McCullough

CHRISTIAN SYMPATHY TO THE FAMILY & FRIENDS OF:

• Robert Rude• Lawrence “Shorty” Roes, father of

Dan Roes and father-in-law of Jody Roes

• Joan Nedrelo, mother of Randy Nedrelo

• Alice Dempsey

CORRECTIONIn last month’s newsletter we celebrated the birth of Paula Skoy’s and Travis Evenson’s new baby... but stated it was their daughter. They actually had a boy, so it should have read their “baby son”! Our sincerest apologies to them and their new boy!

GIFTS AND MEMORIALSThank you for the following memorials:

In memory of Carol Temte• Undesignated: Edith & William Temte,

Ken Kempf• First Lutheran Foundation: Knute

“Skip” Temte and others• Bell Choir: Troy & Sharon Birdsong

In memory of John Korthals• Lutheran World Relief backpacks/

school kits: Yvonne CadeIn memory of Norma Johnson

• Fellowship Hall carpeting: William & Beverly Baum, Adrian & Doris Hagen, Arnie & Nancy Holthaus, Bev Manske, Kay Risberg

• Fellowship Hall kitchen: Olaf & Barbara Anderson, Thomas & Rita Anderson, Lyle Carlson, Barbara & Gary Dahlstrom, Richard & Helen Gates, Linda Harvey, Karen Johnson, Martin & May Moe, Shirley Otto, Louie Peter Jr., John & Helen Renstrom, Bernard Sasse, John & Margo Schuppel, Gary Skogen, Edward & Doris Soukup, Lucille & Ralph Wilcox

• Piano Fund: Janice Abraham, Nancy Beguin, Barb Burrell, John & Cynthia Dietrich, Dorothy Every, Gelene Gunhus, LeRoy & Charlotte Hougom, James & Carol Maier, Jan & Shirley Olson

• Jane Skogen Low Music Fund: Dave & Barb Skogen

• Organ Fund: Maureen & Raymond Smith

• Flower Fund: Debbie Clarkin, Ruth Lundgren

• Undesignated: Bonne Fidika Olson

HOSPITAL REMINDERSFor Gundersen: be sure to alert the hospital of your church affiliation when they ask, and they will release your name to us when we call. For Mayo/Franciscan Healthcare: it is important that you or a family member contact us at the church office: 608.783.2236. Mayo no longer lets churches know who is a patient at their hospital.

DESIGNATED FUNDSEach month, First Lutheran gives thanks for gifts offered to designated funds. If you plan to make a special gift to First, consider these options. Currently we are gathering funds for:

• Lutheran Disaster Relief• Lutheran World Hunger• Youth Fund

(supports campers & mission trippers)• Helping Hands Fund

(for First members in need)• Samaritan Fund

(for non-members in need)• Halos Project• Seminarian Fund• Sugar Creek Bible Camp• The Property & Grounds and the

Music & Worship Teams also have wish lists. Contact Pastor Stanton to inquire how your gift to either Team could support the ministry of First Lutheran.

13141 Sugar Creek Bible Camp Rd, Ferryville, WI 54628608.734.3113 • [email protected] • www.sugarcreekbiblecamp.org

YESTERDAY’S YOUTHMonday, October 5, 2015 9am to 3pmJoin others from the region for a day of excellent speakers, music, a great meal and fellowship with over 100 guests. Call to reserve your space!

WOMEN’S RETREATSOctober 9–11 Ladies, this retreat is just what you need: time away from the stresses ofwork and home in intentional fellowship with other women.Ourwomen’sretreatsoffer meaningful sessions with topicspertinenttotoday’sChristian women. Come away toSugarCreek’srelaxedenvironment –meet other women, go for a hike, curl up by the fire with a good book, enjoy a wonderful massage, and more! Cost: $85/person

ADULT BUS TRIPBranson Holiday TourNovember 2–6Join your Sugar Creek friends on one of our wonderful adult bus trips! There’snobetterwaytoseethecountry and enjoy all kinds of great shows! All trips are by a motor coach bus with a bathroom. Devotional time, movies, and delicious snacks (courtesy of Chef Gene) are all provided during the ride. Sugar Creek host, Sheila Champlin, will serve as your tour guide and take care of all the arrangements. Cost is based on single, double, triple or quad occupancy unless otherwise noted. Price includes luggage handling. Contactcampforspecificcostsofeach trip.

CRAFTER’S RETREATNovember 19–22Calling all stampers, scrappers, quilters or whatever your craft! Get away for a weekend dedicated to working on your craft and enjoy some ofourprogramminglikecampfires,devotions,worship,andmore.We’llgive you half of an 8 ft table, plenty of good food and a place to lay your head. Just bring yourself, bedding, toiletriesandallyoursupplies.We’llhave morning and evening devotions and a worship service on Sunday. Cost is $150 per person for Thurs to Sun or $125 per person for Fri to Sun. Complete and send in registration form with at least a $25 deposit, or pay in full, to reserve your space!

WISH LIST

Your gift can be tax deductible, and Sugar Creek can provide you a receipt.

• Money for new countertops in Retreat Center

• Gravel, Blacktop, or about $10,000 to complete project

• Tractor/Loader (25-35hp)• Hayforourhungryhorses!• 4 wheel drive pickup• 4 wheeler/mule or gator type• Lumber• Trees (we take all kinds!) and

perennials (sun or shade)

• Shop equipment

• Steel T fence posts

• Flat bed trailer

October 2015 First Lutheran Church + Good News 7

EVENTSRegister for most events that are happening at First Lutheran on our website at firstlu.org/reg

DRAWING FROM THE WELLNext retreat: Sat., October 17, 9am–1pm This month’s gathering will be later in the month, and led by Reverend Libby Howe. More details to be provided on the web on the Facebook group: 2.firstlu.org/drawingfromwellFirst Lutheran invites all women to participate in this discipline, where we will explore the idea of wellness. Each meeting consists of some sort of physical activity, lunch somewhere local and then, using the ELCA’s wellness wheel, we will explore one other aspect of wellness. These meetings are on the second Saturday of the month, from 9am–1pm, and you can participate in all or part of it. Contact Pastor Karyn for more info: [email protected].

SARCASTIC LUTHERAN SPEAKING AT WSU

Nadia Bolz-Weber (AKA the Sarcastic Lutheran & Tattooed Pastor) will be speaking at Winona State University on Thursday, October 15 at 7pm. The talk will be about topics found in her new book Accidental Saints: Finding God in All the Wrong People.

13141 Sugar Creek Bible Camp Rd, Ferryville, WI 54628608.734.3113 • [email protected] • www.sugarcreekbiblecamp.org

YESTERDAY’S YOUTHMonday, October 5, 2015 9am to 3pmJoin others from the region for a day of excellent speakers, music, a great meal and fellowship with over 100 guests. Call to reserve your space!

WOMEN’S RETREATSOctober 9–11 Ladies, this retreat is just what you need: time away from the stresses ofwork and home in intentional fellowship with other women.Ourwomen’sretreatsoffer meaningful sessions with topicspertinenttotoday’sChristian women. Come away toSugarCreek’srelaxedenvironment –meet other women, go for a hike, curl up by the fire with a good book, enjoy a wonderful massage, and more! Cost: $85/person

ADULT BUS TRIPBranson Holiday TourNovember 2–6Join your Sugar Creek friends on one of our wonderful adult bus trips! There’snobetterwaytoseethecountry and enjoy all kinds of great shows! All trips are by a motor coach bus with a bathroom. Devotional time, movies, and delicious snacks (courtesy of Chef Gene) are all provided during the ride. Sugar Creek host, Sheila Champlin, will serve as your tour guide and take care of all the arrangements. Cost is based on single, double, triple or quad occupancy unless otherwise noted. Price includes luggage handling. Contactcampforspecificcostsofeach trip.

CRAFTER’S RETREATNovember 19–22Calling all stampers, scrappers, quilters or whatever your craft! Get away for a weekend dedicated to working on your craft and enjoy some ofourprogramminglikecampfires,devotions,worship,andmore.We’llgive you half of an 8 ft table, plenty of good food and a place to lay your head. Just bring yourself, bedding, toiletriesandallyoursupplies.We’llhave morning and evening devotions and a worship service on Sunday. Cost is $150 per person for Thurs to Sun or $125 per person for Fri to Sun. Complete and send in registration form with at least a $25 deposit, or pay in full, to reserve your space!

WISH LIST

Your gift can be tax deductible, and Sugar Creek can provide you a receipt.

• Money for new countertops in Retreat Center

• Gravel, Blacktop, or about $10,000 to complete project

• Tractor/Loader (25-35hp)• Hayforourhungryhorses!• 4 wheel drive pickup• 4 wheeler/mule or gator type• Lumber• Trees (we take all kinds!) and

perennials (sun or shade)

• Shop equipment

• Steel T fence posts

• Flat bed trailer

NeEDeD:VBS

DIRECTORTina is looking for a director to help

lead and organize Vacation Bible

School for 2016. Responsibilities

include helping Tina plan the theme

and daily activities, and recruiting

people to help with the event.

VBS next summer is August 7-11.

[email protected].


SERVE & GIVE

SUNSHINE BOYSThe Sunshine Boys meet at First Lutheran on the first Thursday of the month at 9am to help with outdoor or indoor projects. Rolls and coffee are supplied to replenish your reserves! Dues are free!

USHER TRAININGUsher training sessions will be offered four times in the coming months; pick a Sunday to learn more about how you, and even your entire family, can serve and worship in this way! • October 4, 9:30–10:00am• October 11, 9:30–10:00am

Sign up at firstlu.org/ushertraining or at the Connecting Point table in the narthex.

CLOTHES CLOSET SEASONAL SWITCHEROOYouth and adult volunteers are needed to assist in switching inventory from summer to winter clothing. Shifts are after the 10:30 service on Oct. 4 or Oct. 11. Pizza will be provided for those who help.

GOT COUCH?Needed: gently used couches to replace the ones in the Mary room. If you have a possible donation, contact Head Custodian Mike Peper: [email protected] / 608.783.2236.

If you know of someone who needs a caregiver,

speak with Pastor Karyn or call the

church office.

SERVICE OPPORTUNITIESSign-up for the following & more at the Connecting Point and on your phone or computer at firstlu.org/assistSTILL NEEDED FOR OCTOBER:

• Acolytes• Coffee servers• Communion servers• Nursery attendants• Ushers• Puppeteers

NEWSLETTER ASSEMBLYIt’s a relaxing way to volunteer! Thursday, October 29, at 9am, to assemble the November newsletter. See you there!

GOD’S HANDS & FEET

GOD’S MODELMy daughters have

dressed up for Halloween since their first trick or treating adventure. They have been Disney princesses, woodland

fairies, characters from movies, books and TV shows. Each one plans her costume, consults with the other sister and makes their costumes on their own, sometimes with a little help from mom. My girls have such fun being creative and enjoy the time they get to spend with each other. It would be so nice if we could just put on a certain outfit and become a model for Christ, but it doesn’t work that way.

Each of us needs to be trained to model Christ, to have the fruits of the spirit and daily make a conscious effort to be like Christ. It’s not always easy to model Christ; thankfully we have the Holy Spirit to help us, to remind us and to empower us to be Christ-like. We have each other to encourage and come along side when things are hard. We have more than enough opportunities to use our gifts and talents for the good of others in what we do here at church, in our school, workplaces and community. We should be recognized as Christians by our good works. Titus 2:7 says, “Show yourself in all respects a model of good works.” This model of good works will look differently for each person. Some will be where others can see it, like singing in the choir, reading, serving communion, and many more, while others are not seen, baking bread, stuffing announcement pages, ushering, puppeteers among many other opportunities. Whether your good work is seen by others or not, it is seen by God bringing Him glory.

As adults, we are seen by children, and as most parents can tell you, children model their parents’ behaviors, attitudes and even actions. When children are small, it’s kind of cute, but what happens when the children get older? It loses its cuteness. We need to model for our children and all children what it’s like to be Christ. They need to see us

serve others, using our gifts and talents to help those around us. Having them serve with us, as ushers, greeters, serving coffee, helping with communion is so important. Children can do almost anything an adult can do, but children need the model of a parent to encourage and stand next to them.

What are some of the ways you can help serve within our church this year? How is God asking you to be a model of good works? Get out your calendar and sit down and write in times and places where you can serve at church. Then sign up online or at the connecting point table. If you have any questions about serving at church let me know, I would love to help you find your place to model.

Kathryn PedrettiDirector of Servant [email protected]

We need to model for our children and all children what it’s

like to be Christ…Having them serve with us, as ushers,

greeters, serving coffee, helping with

communion is so important.


First Lutheran Preschool 410 Main Street, Onalaska, WI 54650 608.779.4504 • [email protected] Director: Melissa Rolbiecki 4K Teacher: Megan ColganPreschool Assistant Teachers: Marci Leppert, Carrie Markos

U p d a t e

F i r s t L u t h e r a n

First Lutheran Preschool 410 Main Street, Onalaska, WI 54650 608.779.4504•[email protected] Director: Melissa Rolbiecki 4K Teacher: Megan ColganPreschool Assistant Teachers: Marci Leppert, Carrie Markos

September was a very busy month here at Preschool!! We spent the month learning classroom routines, making new friends and becoming independent. We ended the month with a field trip to Ferguson’s Apple Orchard! A big THANK YOU to the congregation for the generous offering given to the preschool!! We appreciate your support.A lot more is happening in the month of October! We are going to the fire station (MWF/4K only). We will have school pictures, thank you Heather, from Life Shots Photography! We will have our first Book Munchers! And we will end the month with our fall parties and our annual Trick-or-Treating at City Hall. Reminder: No school October 9-13. Have a great little break!There are still spots available in the MWF class. Call 608.779.4504 or email: [email protected] for more information.


imag

ine!SUNDAY

SCHOOL

Contact Sunday School Superintendents Sheri Betz or Tawni O’Rouke [email protected] for information or with questions!

Well we are off to a great year of Sunday school! Thanks so much for your support and enthusiasm! We are excited to begin our adventure as we walk through the Bible from beginning to end this year!

We have an awesome group of teachers and helpers and have had a tremendous turn out of students! The beginning of each year is always a bit of controlled chaos as we find out how many children each class has, meet new faces and do our best to arrange class groups and locations. Please be patient with us as we settle in and by all means feel free to ask questions, give feedback, or offer suggestions at any time throughout the year (see below for contact info). If you would like to help, we still have different ways available.

We are back to using the Spark curriculum. All students who do not have a Spark Bible will be receiving one this year. If your child did not receive theirs yet, please let their teacher know.

If you have not gotten a chance to register for Sunday school, come anyway! We will show you where to go. Then, when you get a chance, stop by the Sunday School office in room 206 to register and receive a calendar of the years events.

OCTOBER SPECIAL EVENTS:Sunday, October 11 3rd Grade Faith Building Block: Bibles, lifted up in worship 9:15am: 3-Year Old Faith Building Block: Praying Together (1st meeting, parents/guardians only)Sunday, October 18 9:15am: 3-Year Old Faith Building Block: Praying Together (2nd meeting, adults & children)Sunday, October 25 9:15am: 3-Year Old Faith Building Block: Praying Together (2nd meeting, adults & children)

If you have questions, feedback, or suggestions regarding Sunday school, please e-mail [email protected] anytime, or find Tawni O’Rourke or Sheri Betz on any Sunday in the Sunday school office.

You can also call Sheri at 608-783-4994 or Tawni at 788-8037 anytime.

Praying Together


imag

ine!

YOUNGYOUTHGROUP

If you are in 2nd–5th grade then this is your club!

Contact Katie Everson at [email protected],608.786.4826 for information or with questions!

All are welcome!

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge

him and he will make straight your paths. ~ Proverbs 3:5-6

Let’s pray for beautiful weather so that we can use this verse to guide and remind

us that God is always there watching over us especially as we try to find our way through

the Hidden Trails Corn Maze. The young youth will be venturing to Hidden Trails Corn Maze

on October 10th from 3-6pm. The cost is yet to be determined. It’s bound to be a fun afternoon filled with adventure!! The more the merrier so

I hope to see you there!Thank you to all the youth who attended

the Clearwater Farm event. It’s always a wonderful experience when you can help out in your own

community. Working in the garden is especially

meaningful when the church’s theme is “Come

to the Table”.Enjoy God’s blessing

as fall surrounds us.Katie Everson


Feel free to invite friends along to

every event!!

EVERY!

Upcoming Y uth EventsHS GAME NIGHT!Come join in a fun night of fellowship and games. This is a once a month get-together for those high school game nerds out there! Bring your own favorite games to share with the group!Tuesday, October 27 @ 7–8:30

SMALL GROUPSAre you and a friend looking for something more? Talk to Tina about starting up your own personal small group with her. She would love to get together, go get coffee, go for a hike, etc. Get a group together and decide today!Starting: NOW!!

Contact Tina with any questions: [email protected] / 605.431.3421

MS MOVIE NIGHT!Come join Tina in a night of movies, popcorn, candy and more! Bring friends and a blanket to share! Saturday, October 17th @ 6–8:30pm

HS In-Between Services

Come Sunday morning in between services for a small group gathering. Here we can talk about tough issues, dive into scripture, and grow together as a community.Sundays: 9:15–10:15am

HS YOUTH GROUP!Every Sunday evening there will be a youth group meeting at 6:30–8:30pm. High school youth can come hang out in a time of fellowship, food, games, and learning.

HS MOVIE NIGHT!Are you a movie buff? High schoolers, come teach Tina your ways! We will get together once a month to watch a movie and discuss after. Bring popcorn and a blanket to share!Tuesday, October 20 @ 6:30–8:30pm


September began with a fun potluck and music from the ‘40s, ‘50s and ‘60s sitting on the deck at the Narvesons. It was a beautiful day and fun was had by all. The month was completed with a tour of Mayowood Mansion and Gardens in Rochester.

September started with a lot of musical fun. For our October potluck, we will get everyone involved talking about the music they love. In September, Brian picked out the tunes. In October it’s time for everyone to remember back to the days of their youth and bring the name of one or two songs that you really enjoyed or had a special meaning to you. Brian will bring his music

machine (computer) and play a portion of each song (provided he can find it on the Internet). We will ask each person to tell a story about why this music is special to them. If you have a favorite artist or version of the music on CD, feel free to bring it and we will play the CD. Due to Mary and Brian’s trip to Europe the first part of October, the potluck will be postponed one week to the fourth Wednesday, October 28. We will meet at noon in the fellowship hall so we can use the sound system.

Music will also be the centerpiece of the October outing. On Monday, October 26 we will once again invade the Heider Center in West Salem to hear The Paragon Ragtime Orchestra. It is the world’s only year round professional ensemble recreating “America’s Original Music”. From movies, radio and TV to Disney theme music at Main St. USA, their music is universal. It promises to be a foot-stomping good time. We

will meet at the church at 4:30pm on Monday, October 26 and have dinner together at a local establishment. From there we will depart for the Heider Center. Cost of the concert is $22 for seniors. Dinner is on your own. Since tickets have to be reserved, please let Brian Narveson know if you are planning on attending by Thursday night, October 22 by emailing [email protected] or calling 608.526.9700. You can pay Brian for the tickets the night of the concert.

Hope to see everyone for a fun and musical October.

The OWLs are a group at First that welcomes anyone, First Lutheran members or not, who are 55+. For information or to ask questions, contact Brian Narveson at [email protected].

OCTO

BER

EVEN

TS A

T FI

RST

Use these QR Codes to quickly

add our upcoming

events to the

calendar of your smart

phone or tablet

Tips: focus the

code,hold the

device still, & try

various distances

Need a scanning

app? scan.me

Baptismal PrepSat, October 3

10am

Drawing from the WellSat, October 17

Young YouthatHiddenTrailsSat, October 10

3–6pm

HSMovieNightTues, October 20

6:30–8:30pm

Special Congregational Meeting

Sun, October 411:30am

MS Movie NightSat, October 17

6–8:30pm

Clothes ClosetSwitcheroo

Sun, October 1111:30am

HSGameNightTues, October 27

7–8:30pm

UPCOMING EVENTS AT FIRST Use these QR Codes to quickly add our upcoming events to the calendar of your smart phone or tablet. TIPS: focus the code, hold the device still, try various distances, & use good lighting. Need a scanning app? Try www.scan.me.


410 Main St. Onalaska, Wisconsin 54650608.783.2236 Fax: [email protected] www.FirstLutheranOnalaska.org

WORSHIP SCHEDULE Sunday 8:00 & 10:30 AM Wednesday 6:15 PM

SUBMITTING NEW ANNOUNCEMENTSTo have your announcement in the monthly newsletter, send it to [email protected], or give it to Andy in the office. Deadline for the newsletter is always noon on the 15th of the month.To have your announcement in the weekly announcements pages handed out each weekend, send it to [email protected], or give it to Andy in the office. Deadline for the weekly announcements is always noon each Wednesday.

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

STAFF DIRECTORY

Jason Stanton . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Senior Pastor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 608.386.6431 . . . . . . . . . . . [email protected] Bodenschatz . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Associate Pastor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 608.433.6002 . . . . . . . . . . [email protected]

Kathryn Pedretti . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Director of Servant Ministries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . [email protected] Crave . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Director of Small Group Ministry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . [email protected]

YOUTH/EDUCATION STAFFSheri Betz . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sunday School Superintendent . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . [email protected] O’Rourke . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sunday School Superintendent . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . [email protected] Everson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Young Youth Coordinator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . [email protected] Beach . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Confirmation Administrative Assistant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . [email protected] Nelson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Director of Discipleship for Youth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . [email protected]

SUPPORT STAFFTamara Schonsberg . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Office Assistant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 608.783.2236 . . . . . . . . . . . [email protected] Stutesman . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Communications & Marketing Coordinator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . [email protected] Peper . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Head Custodian . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . [email protected] Koenig . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Assistant CustodianPeggy Daleki . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Assistant Custodian

MUSIC STAFFJim Knutson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bell Choir Director . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . [email protected] Hicks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Organist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . [email protected] Saner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Senior Choir Director & Contemporary Music Coordinator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . [email protected] Daleki . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Youth Praise Band Director . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . [email protected]

PRESCHOOL STAFFMelissa Rolbiecki . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Preschool Director . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 608.779.4504 . . . . . . . . [email protected] Colgan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4K TeacherMarci Leppert . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Preschool Assistant TeacherCarrie Markos . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Preschool Assistant Teacher

VISION & LEADERSHIP TEAMTodd Lofald . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . PresidentPaula Skoy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Vice PresidentAaron McDonaldMary Ann Redfearn

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OCTOBER 2015

INSIDEBLOOD DRIVEVBS DIRECTORSPECIAL CONGREGATIONAL MEETING

good news for october 2015

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