Jonathan Rundman performs in a free, outdoor concert on Saturday, September 6 at 5:30pm, and will lead First in worship on Sunday, September 7 for First Fest. All events are FREE and open to the public!

Sunday school at First Lutheran kicks off Sunday, September 7th with “Rally Day” on First Fest Sunday! Sunday school registration is from 9:15–10:15am in the narthex. There will not be Sunday school class this day, however parents and kids are encouraged to come register, see their classrooms, meet their teachers, and receive their registration packets.

Sunday school teachers are still needed! See page 10 for all the ways you can help with this ministry!

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

ALSO AT:firstlu.tumblr.comfacebook.com/firstlutwitter.com/1stlupinterest.com/firstluissuu.com/firstlu2.firstlu.org/flipboard2.firstlu.org/cal

G O O D N E W S !S E P T E M B E R 2 014

MESSAGE FROM PASTOR STANTON

BAPTISM: OUR DAILY BUCKET CHALLENGE!

More than 30 years ago, my great-aunt Joanie

died after a painfully slow and terrible bout with ALS, known only to me then as “Lou Gehrig’s disease”.

Over the last month just about everyone I know has been challenged to dump a bucket of ice/water over their head as a way to raise awareness and money for research so that it may be a disease of the past. What has amazed me is the amount of criticism that accompanies the challenge. It is mere

‘stunt fundraising’ according to one writer. It is self-congratulatory, ‘focusing on fun rather than donating to a charity in need’ according to another. A British paper calls it a ‘middle class wet T-shirt contest for armchair clicktivists’. I suppose the sarcastic saying may be true: “No good deed shall go unpunished.”

The high profile of the challenge and its amazing popularity have made me think quite a bit, though, about acts of service. I’ve actually been thinking of service

INSIDE

MESSAGE FROM PASTOR KARYN

“They need not go away; you give them something to eat.” ~ Jesus speaking to the disciples before the feeding of the five thousand.

I used to be a jump in the pool with both feet kind of

girl, but now I find myself entering slowly. While that change causes me to pause,

what I have found is entering the pool slowly leaves room for reflection. Have you ever noticed the ripples of a water that occur when something disturbs the smooth surface? Even the littlest of disturbances cause infinite ripples, such as a toe dipping in to test the water. As I sat at the edge of the pool, my toes getting accustom to the cool

water, I watched the gentle ripples move along the water and considered the past couple of months, couple of years. I wonder sometimes as I work for the kingdom of God if what I do makes a difference. I am no Billy Graham (although wouldn’t that be fun?) or Rob Bell who preach the gospel in such compelling ways that they have hundreds of thousands of people listening and following them. I am no Mother Teresa or Martin Luther King Jr. who work tirelessly for the poor and oppressed. I am me, the toe dipper.

As I entered the pool more deeply I noticed that the ripples were not so gentle, bigger and with more impact. This, of course caused me to ponder once again but more

3 ChurchWomenUnited Form for Nut & Candy Sale4 First Lutheran Foundation Report FinanceCommitteeReport5 Announcements

6 Serve & Give 6 CaringConnections God’sHands&Feet7 Color Run Sugar Creek Events8 MiddleSchoolHighlights

8 HighSchoolHighlights9 SundaySchool10 SundaySchoolVolunteers11 OWLS12 QuickAddEvents/QRCodes

Continues on page 2

Continues on page 2

SUNDAYSEPT. 7

2 First Lutheran Church + Good News September 2014

about how people enter life, live life and the impact they have on those around them. I am pretty sure each of the people mentioned above were people fully immersed in their calling and the ripples they left are long lasting. As I began to swim laps, of course the water is agitated but I was swimming laps, so there wasn’t much reflection going on. Until the noise started. The jackhammer noise. Now, I swim because I love being in the water and it is so very peaceful. It had been a long day that particular day and being in the pool is what I looked forward to all day. The jackhammer going off was not welcome in the least.

Ever feel like you are going about your life and suddenly the noise of the world is drowning out any real thought or ability to enjoy where you are? That is what I realized that afternoon in the pool. Life had gotten too noisy. These peaceful thirty minutes I was spending in the pool was my

way trying to get the stillness of life back, but it was completely interrupted by the jackhammering happening four floors down! Their actions impacted my peace. Ripples.

I tried to swim underwater to drown out the noise, and it helped a little bit, but not completely. Well, it helped the work out and provided me with my favorite feeling in the world; being surrounded and held by water.

We are embarking this year on a Year of Service—a year dedicated to our neighbors near and far. Some of us will dip our toe in and other will jump in with both feet. What that day at the pool reminded me is that each type of person has an impact. So whether you choose to visit someone on a regular basis or raise millions of dollars for a worthy cause, each is important and each will impact lives is ways we will never know. After all, the construction guys fixing the parking garage had no idea they were disturbing my peaceful swim.

And when the noise of life and the pressure of being a follower of Christ becomes to much, the Body of Christ is here, gathering every week to praise God and support each other. To be strengthened for the work they are called to do—toe dipper and jump right inner alike. Just like being under water helped dim the noise of those pesky jackhammers and remind me of my favorite place, the Body of Christ reminds us that we are surrounded and held by God and for a little while the noise of the world is dimmed.

It is my hope that as we begin this new year, we all find ways that serve our neighbor that stretch us and that give us hope for the world. If Jesus is our guide, how can it be anything but? Looking forward to serving with and for you.

Pastor Karyn Bodenschatz karyn@firstlu.org

FROM PASTOR KARYN, CONT. FROM PAGE 1

Just like being under water helped dim

the noise of those pesky jackhammers

and remind me of my favorite place, the Body of Christ

reminds us that we are surrounded and

held by God and for a little while the noise of

the world is dimmed.

Living baptized means a daily return to that

bucket challenge where service is

not an event, but a lifelong practice.

a lot for the last six months, ever since we received our results from the Church Assessment Tool (CAT) Survey. The survey we took last Spring as a congregation named ‘service’ as one area in which we wanted to do much better. We have talked to area organizations and institutions about what they are already doing and how we may contribute. A team of writers has created a service outreach initiative for our long range plan including lots of ideas for how to get more of our members offering more hours to those in need. Mission trips have long been a great opportunity for service for our kids, and this summer was no exception as our own kids visited Cincinnati and Pine Ridge. The questions that have always accompanied these acts of service are the same ones being brought up with the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge: are these acts of service done for the recipient or are they actually being done to make the ‘servant’ feel better about themselves? Why send someone up to a mountain top experience just to have them crash down on the other side? Isn’t ‘volunteering’ just another guilt-laden burden placed on us by the Church?

In response to last spring’s CAT results, and even more done in response to our baptism where our parents, sponsors and congregation promised to help us to, “proclaim Christ through word and deed,” First Lutheran is launching a Year of Service & Fellowship. Notice! We are not seeking to make ourselves feel better by offering

some spare time or money to others in need. Your pastors are not interested in pushing your guilt buttons. And we don’t want you to simply volunteer at an event. ‘Event service’ is how inspiration and commitment fade away like a dream. Living baptized means a daily return to that bucket challenge where service is not an event, but a lifelong practice. We will spend the year defining service as something more broad than activities and events, or giving money to worthy charities. Those all count, of course, but so does making time to sit down with your elderly neighbor who just needs a listening ear. So does sitting on a community board who needs your leadership and perspective. So does you doing your daily work well. You may get paid for it—you may not… but whatever you do all day could be done with a servant heart!

We will be following a model called ‘service learning’ instead of just volunteering. There are four parts to service learning: 1) Preparation 2) Action 3) Reflection 4) Celebration. Typically, we at First have been pretty good at #1 and #2. We have not, though, excelled at reflection or celebration. That’s why this year won’t just be a year of “Service” It will include “Fellowship” too, because service was never meant to feel like a burden or a ‘have-to’. Our service is meant to be reflected upon through story-telling, conversation, creative expressions and more. Service is also meant to be celebrated. We need to have more fun with each other! (Do I really need to convince you of that?)

Baptism is a bucket challenge that goes on every day of our lives. We are called to serve, as Christ served. I look forward to all our preparations, actions, reflections and celebrations this program year!

FROM PASTOR JASON, CONT. FROM PAGE 1

Pastor Jason Stanton jason@firstlu.org

#

Nut & Candy Sale — ORDER EARLY!While there will be no bazaar this fall, the nut and candy sale will go on as planned! Please help support the purchase of non-budgeted items needed for the church! Over the past year this group has helped purchase new lighting for the parking lot, new blinds & window repair in fellowship hall & education wing, & fi xing the handicap walk-way.

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. $9.00____ Light Walnut Halves & Pieces 1 lb. $9.00____ Whole Almonds 1 lb. $8.00____ Giant Salted Whole Cashews 1 lb. $9.00____ Colossal Natural Pistachios 1 lb. $9.00____ Spanish Peanuts - Roasted & Salted 1 lb. $4.00____ Deluxe Mixed Nuts - No Peanuts 1 lb. $9.00____ Praline Pecans 1 lb. $9.00____ Sweet & Salty Trail Mix 1 lb. $6.00____ Spicy Party Mix 1 lb. $6.00____ Milk Chocolate Bridge Mix 1 lb. $7.00____ Dark Chocolate Bridge Mix 1 lb. $7.00____ Milk Chocolate Pecan Clusters 9 oz. $5.00____ Dark Chocolate Sea Salt Caramels 8 oz. $5.00____ Dark Chocolate Mint Patties 8 oz. $5.00____ Gummi Bears 1 lb. $5.00____ Kaywos Cleaning Cloth each $3.00

Please return your order form to the church offi ce or mail it in by October 26th.

First Lutheran Church410 Main StreetOnalaska, WI, 54650

Orders will be available to pick up starting November 9Questions? Call Bev Manske at 783-2535, Nancy Holthaus at 783-2003,or the church offi ce at 783-2236.

Nut & Candy Sale — ORDER EARLY!While there will be no bazaar this fall, the nut and candy sale will go on as planned! Please help support the purchase of non-budgeted items needed for the church! Over the past year this group has helped purchase new lighting for the parking lot, new blinds & window repair in fellowship hall & education wing, & fi xing the handicap walk-way.

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. $9.00____ Light Walnut Halves & Pieces 1 lb. $9.00____ Whole Almonds 1 lb. $8.00____ Giant Salted Whole Cashews 1 lb. $9.00____ Colossal Natural Pistachios 1 lb. $9.00____ Spanish Peanuts - Roasted & Salted 1 lb. $4.00____ Deluxe Mixed Nuts - No Peanuts 1 lb. $9.00____ Praline Pecans 1 lb. $9.00____ Sweet & Salty Trail Mix 1 lb. $6.00____ Spicy Party Mix 1 lb. $6.00____ Milk Chocolate Bridge Mix 1 lb. $7.00____ Dark Chocolate Bridge Mix 1 lb. $7.00____ Milk Chocolate Pecan Clusters 9 oz. $5.00____ Dark Chocolate Sea Salt Caramels 8 oz. $5.00____ Dark Chocolate Mint Patties 8 oz. $5.00____ Gummi Bears 1 lb. $5.00____ Kaywos Cleaning Cloth each $3.00

Please return your order form to the church offi ce or mail it in by October 26th.

First Lutheran Church410 Main StreetOnalaska, WI, 54650

Orders will be available to pick up starting November 9Questions? Call Bev Manske at 783-2535, Nancy Holthaus at 783-2003,or the church offi ce at 783-2236.

4 First Lutheran Church + Good News September 2014

FINANCE COMMITTEE REPORT

The following is a financial summary through the end of July:Actual Receipts—$466,459.59Budgeted Receipts—$452,458.31Actual Expenses—$455,838.55Budgeted Expenses—$479,508.45

Our total Receipts through the end of July exceed the current year budgeted amount by $14,001.28. Our total Giving (Envelope Giving, Debt Reduction and other miscellaneous offerings) is up from last year’s total through this same period by $20,731.39 or 5.4% and exceeds our current year budgeted amount by $10,770.51 or 2.7%.

As noted above, our expenses are less than budget through the end of July by $23,669.90. The majority of this is due to the timing of certain expenses.In summary, we budgeted for a deficit of $27,050.14 through the end of July and have realized an actual surplus of $10,621.04.As always, full details of this report are available by request in the church office—simply ask to speak with Jane. 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

$452,458.31 $466,459.59

$479,508.45

$455,838.55

2014 Budgeted 2014 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

Receipts

Expenses

FIRST LUTHERAN FOUNDATION REPORTThe Foundation Fund was established with gifts to enable further growth of our church, its ministries and stewardship. A maximum of 5% of the Fund’s assets may be spent in any year. Gifts of any size are welcome. First Lutheran’s Foundation is supported by donations of all kids, especially by legacy gifts of estate planning. If you would like to support First Lutheran through your estate, contact the office and ask to speak with Jane.Committee members are: Mary Ryan, Allan Ohm, Patty Shephard, Angie Mutch, Christine Sander, Steve Thinnes, and Michele Burton.

FUNDS GIVEN TO COMMUNITY OUTREACH FROM THE FOUNDATION FUND IN 2013Salvation Army $400.00Holmen Area Youth Partnership $400.00St. Claire Health Mission $600.00New Horizons $500.00Onalaska Food Pantry $600.00TLC Center $500.00

September 2014 First Lutheran Church + Good News 5

ANNOUNCEMENTS

SENIOR CHOIR NEEDS YOUR VOICE! The First Lutheran Senior Choir will begin weekly practices on Wednesday, Sept. 3 at 7:15pm in the sanctuary. The Senior Choir is open to all people ages 14 and up. The choir alternates between the 8:00 and 10:30 services each week. There is no audition and no formal training required, just a desire to enhance worship through the beauty of music! For more information, please contact Todd Saner: todd@firstlu.org... Thanks!

NEEDED: TREASURER FOR FOOD BASKETThe Onalaska-Holmen Food Basket is looking for a new Treasurer starting January 2015. This is a volunteer opportunity for someone who has experience in this field. Also a desire to be of service to others is needed. Below is a job description of what is required for this position.• Board member and regular attendance at

board meetings. (we meet 4 times during the year.)

• Maintain Financial records.• Pay monthly bills.• Deposit donations.• Complete and submit applicable tax

forms.• Maintain records of monetary donations.• Pick up mail at the Post office each

week.• Present quarterly income statement at

board meetings.• Knowledge of Excel.

Please contact Terry Wrolstad at 781-4525 for more information.

NO FALL BAZAARThere will be no bazaar this fall. Please direct all donations to Goodwill, the Good Steward, or the Salvation Army. Thank you!

WANTED: SNAPSHOTS FROM VBS! If you have snapshots from VBS, please share them with the church so we can add them to our photo archive. Send them to andy@firstlu.org. Thanks!

BAPTISMAL PREPARATIONA baptism preparation session will be held Saturday, October 4th at 10am in the narthex for anyone who is considering or has scheduled a baptism. Questions, please contact the church office.

NEW MEMBER SESSIONSFirst 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 our congregation. By being a member we know your contact information, can more easily provide you with ministry opportunities and invite you to offer your gifts to the rest of this family of faith. We offer several new member sessions each year in order to acquaint new members with First and a small group of other newcomers. The next new member session will be Sunday, September 28 from 11:45am–2:30pm, with New Member Sunday on October 5. The nursery is available for use, but children are also welcome to be present. To register your family or ask questions please call our church office at 608.783.2236 or email office@firstlu.org.

WE CELEBRATE THE GIFT OF HOLY BAPTISM

• Alexander John Kloss, son of Mark & Laura Kloss

• Kiera Jo Messick, daughter of Erik &

Keri Messick• Stella Rose Sires, daughter of Tim &

Kim Sires• Evan Christoper Schmid, son of

Christopher & Angie Schmid• Evan Charles Zach, son of Brian &

Karie Zach

WEDDINGSGod’s blessings to...

• Nicole Zimmerhakl & Jason Kuechenmeister

CHRISTIAN SYMPATHY TO THE FAMILY & FRIENDS OF:

• John Cushman

GIFTS AND MEMORIALSThank you for the following memorials:

In Memory Of: Allison Cecil• Designated for the Organ: Willard &

Helen Halverson, Nancy Beguin, Bev Manske

THANK YOU

Dear Pastors Stanton and Bodenschatz, and Members of First Lutheran Church,Thank you very much for the check recently received by the synod from your congregation allocating $891.65 in restricted giving. These gifts were designated as $508.33 for Sugar Creek Bible Camp, $341.66 for Lutheran Social Services of Wisconsin and $41.66 for Common Ground Campus Ministry. Your generosity toward these important ministries of the ELCA and partnership ministries of our synod are very much appreciated. Thank you for living out “God’s Work, Our Hands” across our synod.In Christ,Jim Arends, Bishop

Are you open to trying something new? JOIN THE FUN—RING BELLS! Thisgroupperformsonceamonth.Wewelcomewidelyvariedmusicalbackgrounds.Noexperiencenecessary!We’llbeginwiththebasicsand learn to work together. Musicalabilityisaskillthatcanbetaught. Do you want to be involved? Ring ‘dem Bells!Bell Choir begins Tuesday, September 2nd at 5:30pm.

6 First Lutheran Church + Good News September 2014

Continues on page 7

SERVE & GIVE

NEWSLETTER ASSEMBLYIt’s a relaxing way to volunteer! Thursday, September 29, at 10am, to assemble the October newsletter. See you there!

SCHOOL SUPPLIES NEEDED FOR ACTS 20:35During August and September the ACTS 20:35 Clothes Closet will to start collecting school supplies for high school kids visiting the clothes closet. Place donations in the ACTS 20:35 tote out in the narthex. Thanks!

WANTED: OLD SMART PHONEDo you have an old Android or Apple smart phone lying around? Consider donating it to the church! Why? It would be a great tool for us to take photos and shoot video and share them more readily on our social media! The donation would be a tax write off, and therefore you would receive a receipt. Contact andy@firstlu.org. Thanks!

YOUNG ADULTS & PARENTS:

CARING CONNECTIONSYoung adults and parents: it’s that time of the year to update us with your new address for the fall! Whether you are college-bound or not, please stop in the church office or email grads@firstlu.org your new address so that we can keep you connected in our Caring Connections Ministry!

COME FOR SUPPERFirst Lutheran is assisting with Come for Supper on Tuesday, September 23, at Our Savior’s in La Crosse. First Lutheran will help with food donations and volunteering to serve and clean up. The sign up sheets are located on the Connecting Point table. Call Gloria Kubiak if you have questions, 498-2762.

SUNSHINE BOYS NOW MEET TWICE A MONTHThe Sunshine Boys now have the opportunity to come to First Lutheran on the first Thursday or the first Friday of each month to help with outdoor or indoor projects. Rolls and coffee will be supplied each day. You pick the day that works for you. Helpers can come both days if they wish. Meeting times this month will be Thursday and Friday September 4th and 5th, at 9am each day.

SERVICE OPPORTUNITIESSign-up for the following & more at the Connecting Point and on your phone or computer at http://2.firstlu.org/volunteerSTILL NEEDED FOR SEPTEMBER:

• Ushers• Communion Servers

GOD’S HANDS & FEET

IT’S THE PEOPLEPastor Karyn really had a

system down for making root beer floats during the Volunteer Appreciation Picnic this summer. She lined up the glasses, put a little bit

root beer in the bottom, added a scoop of ice cream and then topped it off with more root beer. It was beautiful to watch her with such efficiency and the those waiting in anticipation for such goodness. It was a blessing and joy to thank our volunteers

at the picnic, watching them enjoy the wonderful food and delicious root beer floats.

I asked our volunteers why they keep volunteering and it was very insightful, but not surprising to learn the answers. Some answered, “It’s fun,” others, “I like to help out,” while still more said, “It makes me feel good”. The majority said, “The people,” or “Meeting people,” which really doesn’t surprise me at all. Volunteering at church is the best way to meet people and get to know

others. There are so many ways to volunteer at church: on Sundays, Wednesdays, during the day, and for special events. Families can volunteer together through ushering, greeting, serving coffee among many other things. There are one time commitments, weekly or yearly commitments, all depending on your availability. We have a new tool to help people sign up to help with worship, it’s called “Sign Up Genius.” It’s

Help out with LUTHERAN CAMPUS MINISTRY’S TABLE TALKOn two Thursdays, September 25 and October 23, First Lutheran will be hosting an evening mealandfaithconversationforLutheranCampus Ministry at Common Ground on 1334PineSt,inLaCrosse.ThiscommitmentistohelpLutheranCampusMinistryintheabsenceofacampuspastorastheygothroughthecallprocessforanewcampuspastor.HOW CAN I HELP? Sign up at the Connecting Point to help with a portion of the meal, or to help set up and serve.

September 2014 First Lutheran Church + Good News 7

GOD’S HANDS & FEET, CONT. FROM PAGE 6

13141SugarCreekBibleCampRd,Ferryville,WI54628608-734-3113•camp@sgrcreek.org•www.sugarcreekbiblecamp.org

ANNUAL QUILT & ANTIQUE AUCTION, CRAFT FAIR & FUN RUN/WALKSaturday, September 6 starting at 10amComeonouttoSugarCreekBibleCampforthecampsannualquilt/antiqueauctiononSept6,2014startingat10am.Wearealsohostinganewcraftfairstartingat9amandarelookingforexhibitors/booths.Additionally,wearehostinga5KTrailRunandaFunWalkstartingat8am.There will also be lots of good food includingBBQporkandlotsofpies!Bringyouryouthgroups,women’sandmen’sgroupsaswelltokickoffournewtrailrunandfunwalk.Itwillbeafunday.PleaseseetheSugarCreekwebsiteat:sugarcreekbiblecamp.orgfor information and registration forms.

ADULT BUS TRIPHershey, Philadelphia and New York September 14-21Join your Sugar Creek friends on oneofourwonderfuladultbustrips!There’snobetterwaytoseethecountryandenjoyallkindsofgreatshows!Alltripsarebyamotorcoachbus with a bathroom. Devotional time,movies,anddelicioussnacks(courtesyofChefGene)areallprovided during the ride. Sugar Creek host, Sheila Champlin, will serve as yourtourguideandtakecareofallthe arrangements. Cost is based onsingle,double,tripleorquadoccupancyunlessotherwisenoted.Priceincludesluggagehandling.Contactcampforspecificcostsofeachtrip.

CRAFTER’S RETREATSeptember 18-21Callingallstampers,scrappers,quiltersorwhateveryourcraft!Getawayforaweekenddedicatedtoworkingonyourcraftandenjoysomeofourprogramminglikecampfires,devotions,worship,andmore.We’llgiveyouhalfofan8fttable,plentyofgoodfoodandaplacetolayyourhead. Just bring yourself, bedding, toiletriesandallyoursupplies.We’llhave morning and evening devotions andaworshipserviceonSunday.Costis$150perpersonforThurstoSunor$125perpersonforFritoSun.Complete and send in registration formwithatleasta$25deposit,orpayinfull,toreserveyourspace!

YESTERDAY’S YOUTHMonday, October 6, 2014 9am to 3pmJoin others from the region for a day ofexcellentspeakers,music,agreatmealandfellowshipwithover100guests.Calltoreserveyourspace!

WOMEN’S RETREATOctober 10–12, 2014Ladies,thisretreatisjustwhatyouneed: time away from the stresses of work and home in intentional fellowship with other women.

RunwithFirst’steamnamed“LightUptheWorld”on

Saturday, September 13! Anyonewhowantstojointhisteamcangotothewebsiteand

register!This run is being promoted by First’sDrawingfromtheWell

group, and this event will be part ofthegroup’sSeptember13th

gathering.Butyoudonotneedtobe a member of the Drawing from theWellgrouptobeapartofthe

team!Registerat www.thecolorrun.com/la-crosse

Save$5withpromocodeLACROSSE14.

easy to use and understand. I will be sending links via e-mails when help is needed, so that you can sign up right away and not have to wait for Sunday morning to sign up at the Connecting Point table. If we don’t have your e-mail address or if it has changed recently, give the church a call at 783-2236 or email the church at office@firstlu.org to let us know. We will be using Sign up Genius starting in September, so visit the website at http://www.signupgenius.com and watch for links in your e-mail.

We will still have the sign up sheet at the Connecting Point table and continue to pass them around during worship, but signing up on line is the most efficient way for everyone. When you sign up on line you will get a notice via e-mail to remind you of when you serve. If you need help finding a place to volunteer at church or elsewhere, I can help you with that. We have hand outs and I will love to help you find your place to serve. If you have any question feel free to give me a call at church 783-2236 , e-mail me at kathryn@firstlu.org or talk to me after worship on Sundays or Wednesdays or any time at church. I would love to help you find your place.

COLOR RUN

8 First Lutheran Church + Good News September 2014

HIGH SCHO OL

Highlights

Contact Marla Meyer High School & Young

Adult Ministry Coordinator marla@firstlu.org

PraiseHymnPraiseHymn needs young singers and musicians of all types, ages 12–18! The group performs contemporary Christian music and Christian rock once per month as part of our contemporary worship service. Learn more at an organizational meeting here at First on Sunday, September 21 at 4pm. For more info contact Dick Daleki at 608.783.1576 or email: dick@firstlu.org.

YOUNG ADULTS & PARENTS:

CARING CONNECTIONSYoung adults and parents: it’s that time of the year to update us with your new address for the fall! Whether you are college-bound or not, please stop in the church office or email grads@firstlu.org your new address so that we can keep you connected in our Caring Connections Ministry!

On Wed. September 24th at 7:15pm in the Fellowship Halltherewillbeameetingforallhighschoolyouthwhoare interested in attending the National Youth Gathering inDetroit,July15–19,2015.

September 2014 First Lutheran Church + Good News 9

SUNDAYSCHOOL

Contact Sunday School Superintendents Sheri Betz or Tawni O’Rouke sundayschool@firstlu.org for information or with questions!

One of the ways that First Lutheran chooses to help families build a foundation of faith for their children is through Sunday school. Sunday school will begin in September and go through early June. Registration for Sunday school will take place on Sunday September th from 9am to 10:15 am in the Narthex. There will not be class on this day, however we hope all families will attend, as this will be a great kick off to our new year and to First Fest!

Over the years we have made small changes in our Sunday school and other youth education programs to continuously improve and offer programs that fulfill our purpose and meet the needs of our families and congregation. The beginning of the new Sunday school year is a great time to share our layout for Sunday school, and discuss how Sunday school fits into the faith based education programs we offer for youth at First Lutheran. Below are a few of the basic details regarding Sunday school for this year.

• Sunday school is open to all children ages 3 years old to 5th grade. All are welcome, whether you are a registered member of First Lutheran or are still just getting to know us.

• Sunday school meets from 9:15 a.m. to 10:15 a.m. each Sunday between worship services. Children typically spend their first 15 minutes in large group opening, and then break out into small age based groups for the next 45 minutes. Through out the year we often have special events happening such as Faith Stepping Stones or Intergenerational Events. The details and dates of these will be distributed to families when they register.

• In class we will be using a new curriculum this year. It follows the same lessons we hear in worship each week, and is age specific for kids.

• Sunday school is donation based, meaning that donations help support our ministry however a “fee” is not required. We would never want cost to keep children from coming to Sunday school and growing in their faith!

• Register for Sunday school on Sunday September 7th from 9:00 a.m. to 10:15 a.m in the Narthex. If you cannot be there on the 7th, please stop by church office as soon as possible to fill out registration forms and receive the information you need regarding dates/times/rooms/etc.

• The first day of actual Sunday school class is Sunday September 14th from 9:15 to 10:15.

We are looking forward to a great year of faith building with all of you!

If you have any questions or are interested in helping with Sunday school, please e-mail sundayschool@firstlu.org, or call Sheri Betz (783-4994) or Tawni O’Rourke (788-8037) .

MARK YOUR CALENDARS!!! SUNDAY SCHOOL RALLY DAY IS JUST

AROUND THE CORNER!!Sunday school at First Lutheran kicks off Sunday

September 7th with “Rally Day” on First Fest Sunday, September 7th, from 9:15 to 10:15 in the Narthex.

There will not be Sunday school class this day, however parents and kids are encouraged to come register, see

their classrooms, meet their teachers, and receive their registration packets.

Parents and guardians will be able to register at First Fest Sunday, September 7th. We hope that you will find

registration to be easier than ever this year!!!

SUNDAY SCHOOL TEACHERS ARE STILL NEEDED!

Make a difference in the life of our youth, be a Sunday school teacher or helper. Our new program helps to make this a wonderful and doable experience! If you

are interested or have questions and have not yet been contacted, please contact Sheri Betz at 783-4994,

Tawni O’Rouke at 788-8037, or sundayschool@firstlu.org

THE FIRST DAY OF SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASS IS SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 14TH!

We are looking forward to a great year of faith building with all of you!!

In order to have a great Sunday school program, we need many volunteers. There are lots of ways to be involved! Please prayerfully consider where you can help. Thank you!!

SUNDAY SCHOOL VOLUNTEER FORMPlease return this form to the church offi ce or turn it in on Rally Day, Sunday September 7th at First Fest.Your Name: ___________________________________________________________E-mail: ______________________ Address: __________________________Homephone: _________________ Mobile phone: ___________________________ Sunday school opening leaders: lead15minutegatheringsessionof

songandprayer.OurcurriculumgivesgreatideasforeachSunday.Listgradepreference:

_____ Sunday school teacher: Teachersuseourfunandeasycurriculum.WerealizethatitisdifficulttodedicateeverySunday,soourgoalistohave2or3teachersperclasssothatatleastonefamiliarfaceisthereeachweek.Listgradepreference:

_____ Sunday school classroom helper:inouryoungergradesespecially,itishelpfultohavesomeoneasaclassroomhelperasanextrasetofhands.Listgradepreference:

_____ Sunday school teacher or helper substitute_____ Sunday school offi ce help: help with greeting, registering, Sunday

schooloffering,anddistributingmaterialsonSundaymorningsduringSundayschool.

_____ Sunday school supply helper:throughouttheyearwehaveoccasionalprojectsweneedtodoshopping/sorting/distributingfor.

_____ Faith Stepping Stone helper/teacher: Listgradepreference:_____ Help with Intergenerational Events:

_____ ThankfulSunday(November30th)_____ BirthdayPartyforJesus(December28th)_____ SugarCreekWeekend(February)

_____ Christmas program help: (costumes/runners/set-up/etc)_____ Bible Cover Sewer: asagifttoourkidswegiveeachchildaBibleand

Biblecover.Wehaveasimplepatternandmaterial,wejustneedtalentedvolunteers to sew them.

Thank you so much for supporting our youth and families of First Lutheran!Please e-mail sundayschool@fi rstlu.org with any questions, or call Sheri (608.783.4994) or Tawni (608.788.8037).

September 2014 First Lutheran Church + Good News 11

The OWL’s kicked off August with a well-attended potluck on August 6th. The food and fellowship was outstanding. We completed August with fun theatre outing to the Commonweal Theatre in Lanesboro, Minnesota.

The OWL’s will get the fall season started with an exciting road trip to our state capitol in Madison. We will depart the church at 8:00AM on Wednesday Sept. 10th for a beautiful ride with coffee stop through the Wisconsin country side. Upon arrival in Madison we will tour the state

capital building and grounds. If you have never toured the capitol building it is a beautiful—“Rising between the picturesque waters of Lake Monona and Lake Mendota, the majestic granite structure of Wisconsin’s Capitol building glows like a beacon, accenting the Madison skyline”. Wheel chairs are available for the tour. After our capitol tour we will have lunch at one of the fine restaurants near the capitol. To help walk off a fantastic lunch we will head to Olbrich Botanical Gardens. The gardens consists of16 acres of outdoor display gardens and an indoor, tropical conservatory. In the outdoor gardens, we will visit the Thai Pavilion and Garden. Olbrich’s Thai Pavilion is the only one in the continental United States and the only one outside of Thailand surrounded by a garden. Wheel chairs and electric scooters are available at the Gardens. Following the garden tour we will return to La Crosse

arriving home before 6 PM. The capitol tour is free, the gardens tours is an optional donation, and lunch is on your own.

Our September Potluck with be in the Narthex on Wednesday, Sept. 17th at noon. We will once again enjoy the competitive nature our group. For our program we will divide into teams and play some games. Certificates of superior knowledge will be awarded to the winning team. One of the themes for the questions will be biblical knowledge the other will be a surprise. All rulings of the judge (Brian) will be final. Let the games begin. Looking forward to seeing everyone in September!

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 owls@firstlu.org.

AUGU

ST EV

ENTS

AT 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

Sugar Creek Quilts &AntiquesAuction

Sat,Sept610am

First Day of SundaySchoolSun,Sept149:15–10:15am

First FestSun,Sept7

11:30am–1:30pm

BaptismalPrepSat, August 2

10am

Jonathan RundmanInConcertSat,Sept65:30–8pm

New Member Class Sun,Sept2811:45am–2pm

Color Run Sat,Sept13

8am

UPCO

MING

EVEN

TS AT

FIRS

TUse 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? www.scan.me

September 2014 First Lutheran Church + Good News 13

410 Main St. Onalaska, Wisconsin 54650608.783.2236 Fax: 608.783.3741office@firstlu.org www.FirstLutheranOnalaska.org

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

SUBMITTING NEW ANNOUNCEMENTSTo have your announcement in the monthly newsletter, send it to newsletter@firstlu.org, or give it to Andy in the office. Deadline for the newsletter is always noon on the 15th of the each month.To have your announcement in the weekly announcements pages handed out each weekend, send it to announcements@firstlu.org, 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 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 386-6431 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .jason@firstlu.orgKaryn Bodenschatz . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Associate Pastor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 433-6002 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . karyn@firstlu.orgMarlene Pankonin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Visitation Pastor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 781-5026 . . . . . . . . . . . . marlene@firstlu.org

Carla Stanton . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Passing on Faith Coordinator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . carla@firstlu.orgKathryn Pedretti . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Director of Servant Ministries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .kathryn@firstlu.org

YOUTH/EDUCATION STAFFSheri Betz . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sunday School Superintendent . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . sundayschool@firstlu.orgTawni O’Rourke . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sunday School Superintendent . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . sundayschool@firstlu.orgKatie Everson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Young Youth Coordinator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . katie@firstlu.orgSara Larkin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Confirmation Administrative Assistant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .sara@firstlu.orgMarla Meyer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . High School & Young Adult Ministry Coordinator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . marla@firstlu.org

SUPPORT STAFFJane Frick . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Office Manager/Accountant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . jane@firstlu.orgTamara Schonsberg . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Office Assistant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 783-2236 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . office@firstlu.orgAndy Stutesman . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Communications & Marketing Coordinator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . andy@firstlu.orgMike Peper . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Head Custodian . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . mike@firstlu.orgMark Koenig . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Assistant CustodianMary Meier . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Assistant Custodian

MUSIC STAFFGabriel Hicks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Organist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . gabe@firstlu.orgJim Knutson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bell Choir Director . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . jim@firstlu.orgDick Daleki . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Youth Praise Band Director . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . dick@firstlu.orgTodd Saner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Senior Choir Director & Contemporary Music Coordinator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . todd@firstlu.org

PRESCHOOL STAFFMelissa Rolbiecki . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Preschool Director . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 779-4504 . . . . . . . . . . . preschool@firstlu.orgAmy Joley . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Preschool TeacherMarci Leppert . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Preschool Assistant TeacherStephanie Brunkow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Preschool Assistant Teacher

VISION & LEADERSHIP TEAMTodd Lofald . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . PresidentPaula Skoy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Vice PresidentKelly Utesch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . SecretaryAaron McDonaldMary Ann Redfearn Mark WrolstadBrian Zach

Pixeldimensionsforcover:1476x2361

NO

N P

RO

FIT

OR

G

POST

AG

E PA

IDA

DD

RES

S SE

RVIC

E R

EQU

ESTE

D

ON

ALA

SKA

, WI

To s

top

deliv

ery:

em

ail a

ndy@

fisrtl

u.or

g or

cal

l offi

ce a

t (60

8) 7

83-2

236

PE

RM

IT #

15410MainStreet

Onalaska,W

I54650

608.783.2236

ww

w.Fi

rstL

uthe

ranO

nala

ska.

org

WO

RSH

IP S

CH

EDU

LESu

nday

8:00AM

10:30AM

Wednesday

6:30PM

Scantodow

nload

this

new

slet

ter t

o yo

ur s

mar

t pho

ne

or ta

blet

Gogreen!

Scantosubscribe

to th

e ne

wsl

ette

r on

line

vol.2014.09

S E P T E M B E R 2 014G O O D N E W S !

INSIDEFIRST FEST & RALLY SUNDAYCARING CONNECTIONSLUTHERAN CAMPUS MINISTRY TABLE TALK

Jonathan RundmanFree, outdoor concert!Sat., September 6, 5:30–8pm