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Neighbors Day

You may have already heard it’s that time of year: Neighbors Day! Spring yard cleanup is a chore many of us take for granted. Every year, hundreds of community members help La Crosse residents complete yard projects they can no longer do themselves. Join Habitat for Humanity on Saturday, Apr. 25 from 7:30am–1pm. New this year: instead of an afternoon shift, everyone heads to The Nature Place for a community lunch in the park to collectively celebrate our hard work! Registration includes lunch and a light breakfast. Learn more and sign up at habitatlacrosse.org/neighborsday.

Jazz Worship on Sunday

Make sure to join us for a special worship service of jazz liturgy THIS Sunday, Apr. 26, at both services, led by Jon Ailabouni.

Cottage Meeting

As a part of stewardship for the upcoming year, the congregation is invited to a cottage meeting after the second service THIS Sunday, Apr. 26, in the narthex.

  • What do you already love about First Lutheran?

  • What are our greatest opportunities as a church?

  • Where could we direct our generosity and energy in the future?

The leadership of First Lutheran want to hear your ideas about where God may be calling us in 2026 and beyond. Lunch will be provided. Come ready to talk about your ideas!

Rescheduled: Young Youth Picnic & Painting

NEW DATE! Sunday, Apr. 26, 11:30am–1pm, Fellowship Hall. Young Youth is a group for children in grades K–5. Kids should bring a sack lunch to eat for the “picnic” then we will do a canvas painting tutorial! So materials can be ordered in advanced, kids need to be signed up by Apr. 19. Questions? Connect with katie@firstlu.org.

Middle School Picnic and Park

  • FOR: All middle school youth

  • RESCHEDULED: Sunday, Apr. 26, 11:30am–3:30pm

  • WHERE: Seven Bridges Park

Plan a day of fun, food, and play at Seven Bridges Park. Invite a friend to join—all are welcome! Questions? Connect with madalyn@firstlu.org.

Preschool Springfest

Springfest, THIS Sun, Apr. 26, at 3pm, is our preschool’s major fundraiser and provides an opportunity for preschoolers to showcase their singing talents. After the concert, there is an ice cream social and silent auction. For all family members, grandparents, friends, and neighbors! All bids support the ministry of First Lutheran Preschool… so consider any bid over face value as a donation to the preschool’s ministry (and a good way to lock in that bid)!

Love Out Loud Rally

Community rally on Sunday Apr. 26, 2–4pm, on the corner of Losey Boulevard and State Road in La Crosse, to show support for the LGBTQIA community in the La Crosse Area. Co-sponsored by The Center: 7 Rivers LGBTTQ Connection and the UW-La Crosse Pride Center. If you would like an opportunity to create a poster to use at the event, meet from noon–1:30pm at the Center (230 Sixth St. South, La Crosse). Pizza will be provided as well. Questions? Contact us: laxaffirmingchristians@gmail.com.

Newsletter Assembly

It’s a relaxing way to volunteer! Tuesday, Apr. 28, at 10am, to assemble the May newsletter. See you there! 

Courageous Men’s Group

The Courageous Men’s Group are men of all ages who meet weekly on Wednesdays at 6am in the Fireside Room for a time of fellowship and study. Contact Jim Knutson or the church office for more info: jim@firstlu.org.

High School Group: WINGS

WINGS (Walking In New Growth & Service) is our post-confirmation high school youth group for students in grades 10–12. WINGS is a space where students deepen their relationship with Christ, wrestle with real-life questions, build friendships, and discover what it means to live out their faith in everyday life. WINGS is a place to belong, to lead, and to take the next step in faith as young adults preparing to fly into the world. Meeting select Wednesdays, March–June, in the Mary Room. NEXT: Apr. 29, 7–8pm. Questions? Connect with megan@firstlu.org.

Wednesday Night Study Group

Pastor Stanton and Pastor Karyn continue to lead their Wednesday Night Study Group, each Wednesday at 7pm through May 20, in Fellowship Hall. The pastors are leading a discussion of the Faith and Civic Life Social Statement, a theologically grounded document from the ELCA that guides Lutherans in civic engagement, aiming to help shape conscience and inform faithful action in public life.

Sing!

Do you like music? Do you enjoy singing, even if it’s in the shower? Do you appreciate the power of music in worship? Then put all of these things together and join the First Lutheran Choir! Practice is in the choir room most Wednesdays, at 7:15pm. Everyone 14 and older are welcome… there is no audition and no formal training required, just a desire to enhance worship through the beauty of music! For more info contact Corissa at corissa@firstlu.org.

Discipleship Matters: Spring Sessions

Thursday, Apr. 30. All Classes are In-Person at Good Shepherd Lutheran, 4141 Mormon Coulee Rd, La Crosse. COST: Free. Register at 1stlu.org/discipleship.

  • Theological Perspectives, 7:15–8:30pm, Eye toward Environment - Rev. Ben Morris

Chicken Dinner!

Tickets are still available for sale in the office, M–F, 9am–2:30pm, through Apr. 29. Meals cost only $14 presale before Apr. 29, Tickets will be $15 at the door while they last. And most importantly, all funds raised go to support youth going on mission trips and to Sugar Creek Bible Camp! Meals are provided by Premier Catering, and will be available for pick-up at First Lutheran on Thursday, Apr. 30, 11am–6pm. Youth should have turned in their ticket packets and money collect this past Wednesday, Apr. 22. Youth and families can sign up for a shift to help with takeouts at 1stlu.org/next.

Current Clothes Closet Needs

The First Teen Clothes Closet has been busy! We were fortunate to have the West Salem High School National Honor Society sponsor a clothing drive for FTCC. We are still currently well-stocked and therefore, not taking clothing donations until further notice. FTCC is in need of some very specific teen-styled, new or gently used items. Please donate ONLY these items! Thanks!!

Guys and gals…

  • Sunglasses

  • Wallets

  • Crocs (size 7-15) 

  • Slides (size 7-15) 

  • Athletic leggings 

Focus Forward Update

First Lutheran is moving from a season of listening into focused next steps. Through the MAP Survey, Community Leader Gathering, and Cottage Meetings, we’ve gained valuable insight into both our strengths and the opportunities before us. On Apr. 8, the Strategic Planning Support Team got together to distill this input and refine key Mission and Ministry Initiatives, helping to shape our direction and next steps—including the formation of Initiative Teams. In the weeks ahead, members will be invited to engage and participate as this work begins to take shape. This is an exciting and hope-filled time as we move forward together in faith and purpose. Learn more at 1stlu.org/focusforward.

Sugar Creek Summer Reg Now Open

Sugar Creek offers 17 unique and powerful summer camp programs, plus retreat ministries for youth in elementary school, middle school, and high school – and adults and families! Located on 660 acres in the bluffs and valleys of southwestern Wisconsin. Come learn, relax, encounter Christ, and have fun at Sugar Creek! Explore sugarcreekbiblecamp.org for more information about next summer.

NEW! Ride to Church Ministry

If you would like a ride to church for Sunday morning, Wednesday evening, or for a ministry at any other time of the week, you can now connect with Bridget, our volunteer ride coordinator, to schedule a free ride. Do so by emailing ride@firstlu.org or by calling the church office at 608.783.2236 48+ hours in advance; rides for Sunday need to be scheduled by Thursday. More details at firstlutheranonalaska.org/ride.

Garden Ministry

First Lutheran has a wonderful history of producing vegetables for area food pantries throughout the summer and fall months. For this upcoming season we are looking for a new team of gardeners, willing to plan, plant, cultivate, water, and harvest our garden this year. Volunteer coordinators Steve Lind and Jennifer Peickert are ‘in,’ so you will not be doing it alone! It’s a community garden that no singular person or family is responsible for.
If you’re interested in joining our team, sign up at 1stlu.org/next and we’ll add you to the group who will get together as we plan out what kind of abundance to reap in the fall.

Blessing Graduates

First Lutheran will bless graduates in worship on Sunday, May 3, and Wednesday, May 6. Join us on those days for a special blessing to celebrate this milestone. Graduates will receive more details about this service in the coming days. Also for seniors… please share a senior picture with us for our grad board in the narthex! We are happy to display a wallet size (preferable) or the next size up. Simply drop off a picture in the office during the week or on a Sunday morning.

Funeral Planning Workshop

Sponsored by the Foundation Fund Committee, this special event on Sunday, May 3, at 11:45am will focus on thoughtful funeral planning. Pastors Stanton and Karyn will lead the presentation and discussion on how each of us can make decisions now that will bless our loved ones after our death. If you would like to know more about thoughtful funeral planning, this session is important for you! Lunch will be provided. We encourage all adults (regardless of age) to join us. RSVP at 1stlu.org/next.

Stained Glass Tour of Historical Churches

In partnership with the La Crosse Historical Society, the Franciscan Spirituality Center and Explore La Crosse, this is a first-ever, ecumenical, stained glass tour of five historical churches in La Crosse. The one-day only tour occurs on Sunday, May 3, 1pm–4:30pm. Whether you decide to ride the trolley for a more organized tour or go at your own pace with the self-guided ticket purchase, you will encounter artistic and historic stained glass of renowned beauty. Among the 5 churches are works from Tiffany, Bavarian glass from the FX Zettler Art Institute, and Connaught stained glass. The tour includes Mary of the Angels Chapel, San Damiano Chapel, First Lutheran Church, Christ Episcopal Church and St. Joseph the Workman Cathedral. Spend an afternoon viewing breathtaking craftsmanship. All proceeds from ticket sales will benefit WAFER Food Pantry. Register for the event HERE.

Sunshine Team

The Sunshine Team meets on the first Thursday of every month. NEXT: May 7, 9:30am. Various jobs: cleaning, sweeping, mopping, vacuuming, washing windows and cleaning carpets. Help make First look nice! Refreshments are supplied to replenish your reserves! Dues are free! Questions? Contact Dan at dan@firstlu.org.

Spring Nosh with Neighbors: City Hall, Firefighters, & Police Dept.

Nosh with Neighbors for our city hall workers, firefighters, and police officers will be on May 14. Help set up, serve, clean up, and/or donate food. Monetary donations would be greatly appreciated as well. This is a wonderful opportunity to thank those who are under appreciated and for all the hard work they do for our community. Watch for sign up coming in April to help and donate.

Parents’ Night Out

Bring your children for an evening of fun with the middle and high school youth groups’ fundraiser! WHERE: at First Lutheran, Friday, May 15, FOR: Birth–12 are welcome (Birth–3 will be in the nursery, ages 4 and up in Fellowship).

  • Registration from 4:45pm-5:30pm

  • Followed by dinner and activities till 8pm (parents can pick up early if needed)

COST: Monetary donations will assist the middle and high schol students with 2026 Sugar Creek Bible Camp and service trips. RSVP your child or sign up to volunteer at 1stlu.org/nightout.

One Worship, Sunday May 17

There will be only one service on Sunday, May 17, at 9:30am. After worship, we’ll have a potluck and celebration of Sunday School, Confirmation, and Faith Webs. First will provide brats, hot dogs... we encourage members and guests to bring a side or dessert to share! See you there!

Blood Drive

Monday, June 1, noon–5pm. Every day ordinary people are saved by some pretty extraordinary people. People who give blood. Your donation could be the most valuable gift you ever give. Just ask anyone who’s ever received. Walk-ins welcome; appointments encouraged, schedule yours at 1stlu.org/blooddrive. Please bring photo ID. Questions? Connect with Diane Schude.

Synod-wide Worship @ Riverside Park

On Sunday, June 7: Worship at 8am will be at First. Worship at 10am will be at Riverside Park with the entire synod. Stay for the picnic and fellowship after worship!

Monday Night Community Meals

For many years, Trinity Lutheran Church on the north side of La Crosse has hosted a meal on Monday nights. First Lutheran helps with this important community ministry, by preparing a meal, serving the food, and cleaning up. We need people to plan and prepare the meal to feed 150-200 people, and folks to serve the meal (5-6pm) and help with cleanup. Meal prep can be done at your convenience. Many times people prepare the main course a week ahead, freeze it, and reheat it. Food for the meal can be gotten at no charge from the Hunger Task Force in La Crosse. New for 2026: Cookie bakers! Help bake a batch of 4 dozen cookies! NEXT: June 22. Sign up at 1stlu.org/next.

Outdoor Worship and Potluck

First will worship outdoors on Fifth Ave for the second service once a month during the summer, on the following Sundays, weather permitting…

  • June 21, 10am

  • July 26, 10am

  • August 16, 10am

Bring your own lawn chairs, perhaps a hat to shade your eyes, and a side dish to share at the potluck (though everyone is welcome at the potluck even if you don’t bring anything!). If the weather's bad that day, we'll move inside. NOTE: There is no live stream of the 10am outdoor service.

All-Ages Service Trip to Duluth

  • When: July 8–12, 2026

  • Where: Duluth, MN

  • For: Everyone... really and truly everyone is invited! (minors must be accompanied by an adult)

What is an All-Ages Service Trip? It is an opportunity for members of our congregation to experience serving side by side across all ages. When other families have gone on similar trips, the ages of participants were as young as 4 through upper 70s. We learn, serve, and grow in faith together plus have a whole lot of fun. If you have any questions, please reach out to Michelle Renkas.

Prayer Shawls

If you have a friend, relative, neighbor or co-worker who is going through cancer, medical issues or grieving, we have a prayer shawl for you to give them. Please come into the church office so you can choose a prayer shawl for them and you take it to the person who needs it; you can pick one up before, between or after any worship service. Questions? Connect with kathryn@firstlu.org.

Stephen Ministry

If you know of someone who needs a caregiver, please speak with Pastor Karyn, or call the church office: 608.783.2236.