SEPTEMBER

2015

“…so he went in and took his place at the table.”

Come to the Table!When Jesus took his place at the table throughout the gospels, he sat down to be fed, to teach, to rest, to listen, to share the good news, to celebrate and to love. First Lutheran’s life together has at its center the Lord’s Table where the Meal of Thanksgiving is shared, grace is experienced and all are welcome. Families are brought together at their own table where they talk through the highs and lows of the day while enjoying each other’s company. Ideally, our congregation would be a table where those in need come for spiritual sustenance as well as actual assistance. Throughout the 2015/2016 program year, First Lutheran will invite members and encourage guests to Come to the Table. Together we will consider how God becomes truly present both at church and at

home through our tables in order to sustain us, form fellowship and create space for all to know and be known. This happens at worship, through small groups and even amidst a new social media web we hope to launch called, “The Table”. In 2014, First Lutheran wrote a long range plan that sought to make our 1,800- member congregation feel smaller. Since then, we’ve hired a small group director, Bridget Crave, and a full- time youth director, Tina Nelson. Other staff are living into new job descriptions in an effort to make more intimate connections amongst the membership of First so that we may better serve our community. How can you engage more deeply in our fellowship, our mission and our service to the community? How will you Come to the Table?

First Lutheran welcomes all people to participate in Christ’s mission through our ministries, worship, and programs—whether you are a member or not. Membership does, however, benefit both those new to us and our congregation.By choosing to become a member, individuals and families commit to being part of a shared mission—and in one way, answer Jesus’ call to “come follow me.” We get to know you, and can more easily provide you with ministry opportunities and invitations to offer your gifts to the rest of this family of faith.We offer several new-member sessions each year to acquaint new members with First and a small group of other newcomers.Our next new-member session will be on Sunday, September 27, 11:45am–2:30pm. Lunch is provided. Please call the church office at 608.783.2236 to register. New member Sunday is October 4.

Membership Education

B a p t i s m C l a s s e sParents who wish to bring their children for baptism or for adults

who wish to be baptized are asked to attend a baptism class. The next baptism class is Saturday, October 3, at 10am. Contact the church to register:

608.783.2236 / office@firstlu.org

S u n d ay S c h o o lClasses meet for ages 3 years old to 6th grade, with confirmation classes for 7th & 8th grade. Classes meet Sunday mornings from 9:15–10:15am. If you would like more information, contact Sunday School Superintendents Sheri Betz and Tawni O’Rourke at sundayschool@firstlu.org

C o n f i r m a t i o nConfirmation for 8th- & 9th-graders begins each September; small groups meet on Wednesday evenings at 7pm and classes are throughout the week. Contact Pastor Karyn with any confirmation questions: karyn@firstlu.org.

L i t t l e L e a p s Please join us to discover ways that your young family can better share faith practices in your home. This is a time for children ages 0-3 years old AND their parents to come and play together, dance together, pray together and learn about faith development even among our youngest Christians. We meet on the last Sunday of each month from 9:15–10:15am in room 102. Come with your own child, your grandchildren, your godchildren, or even your neighborʼs children. Please register for this class at the Sunday School registration tables. Our next class will be September 27. Hope to see you there!

F i r s t L u t h e r a n P re s c h o o lFirst Lutheran Preschool is a site for Christian preschool sessions and for the Onalaska public 4-year-old preschool (PreK).Classes meet:• Tuesday/Thursday class,

held from 8:30am-11:00am for $95 per month• Monday/Wednesday/Friday class,

held from 8:30am-11:00am for $135 per month• Monday through Friday class,

held from 8:30am-11:00am for $230 per month• Onalaska 4K: Monday through Friday class,

held from 8:25am-11:05am (Includes busing)• Lunch Bunch: Monday through Friday, held 11:00am-12:00pm for $5 a day

We also offer dual enrollment, Monday through Friday mornings. Call or email First Lutheran Preschool Director Melissa Rolbiecki to schedule a visit or to ask more questions: 608.779.4504, preschool@firstlu.org

COMMUNION CARDS are inserted into this handout. They are not required to participate in Holy Communion, but they help us know who is worshiping with us. Please fill out a communion card and hand it to an usher just before communion, or place it in an offering plate. Thanks!

Holy Communion First Lutheran Church, Onalaska WI All are welcome to the Lord’s Table where

we believe Christ is truly present through

wine and bread. This includes children,

as parents choose, and Christians of all other denominations.□ Member(s)□ Veteran□ In need of a Stephen Minister

□ Interested in becoming a Stephen Minister

□ Visitor(s): Please complete other side alsoToday’s Date: Name(s):

□ NOTE FOR: □ Pastors □ Church Offi ce

□ PRAYER REQUEST □ VISIT REQUEST

Requested by:

Small GroupsSmall-group studies abound at First Lutheran! We are happy to get you connected to a group that can meet your schedule or interest.

Making Sense of the Christian Faith

• September 23–November 11• Wed. nights 6:30–8pm at church• Child care is available in the nursery• 8-week study• All are welcome

Written in a dialog format between a person asking faith questions, and another person helping answer those questions, and both learning from each other as they dialog. This may be a perfect time for parents of confirmation students.

The Gifts of Imperfection

• September 24–December 17• Thur. nights 6:15–8:15pm at church• 12-week study• For women

Let go of who you think you’re supposed to be and embrace who you are. Studying the book by Brene Brown.

The Greatest Story: Bible Introduction

• September 22–January 12 • Tues. nights 6:15–8:15pm• 16-week study• Open to all

You won’t read every word of the Bible during 16 weeks, but you will cover the major themes and stories. This is a mix of DVD telling stories of the Bible through sand art, some Bible reading on your own, and conversation.

The Story • Starting September 20• Sundays between worship services,

in the Mary room• 31-week study• All are welcome

A DVD-based walk through the Bible, that reads like a novel. This study replaces Bible Bits.

NEW Women’s Small Group

• Beginning September 21• Tues. 7:15–8:30am at the house

Initially planning to study a book of the Bible for eight weeks.

Courageous Men • Wed. mornings at 6am at the house• For men

Typically discuss DVD-based studies with a participant guide.

Coffee with Pastor Karyn

• Wed. mornings at 6:30 at Panera• Open to all

Currently reading The Radical King, a collection of writings, speeches and sermons of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The group rotates between studying books of the Bible and reading about other topics of social concern.

Drawing from the Well• Second Sat. each month, Sept–May,

8:30am–1pm at the church• For women

Each meeting consists of lunch and using the ELCA’s wellness wheel to explore an aspect of wellness.

Women’s CirclesJoin us for prayer, for service, for joy!

• Elizabeth Circle: 3rd Mon. 1pm in members’ homes

• Naomi Circle: 3rd Tues. 9am in members’ homes

• Dorcas Circle 2nd Tues. 11:45am lunch, 1p.m. at church

• Rebbekah Circle: Every other Wed. 9:30am at Perkins

• Deborah Circle: 3rd Thur. 9am at Panera, 10am at church

For more info about any of these small groups, contact our Director of Small Group Ministry, Bridget Crave: bridget@firstlu.org

PARENT SHARESundays at 9:15am In the Upper Room (rm 201)As people of God, we know that the children God trusts us to raise are precious gifts. How are we giving and receiving support to each other as we answer this call? The basis for First Lutheranʼs Parent Share is simple. As parents, we all have shared experiences of joy and frustration. There is no one person who holds all the answers for ʻperfectʼ parenting. Instead God has given us the gift of community. When we come together over a cup of coffee and agree to set aside our judgments, open our hearts and share our learned wisdom we will experience the Holy Spiritʼs guiding hand in this journey we call parenting. There is no lesson plan, agenda or curriculum. For our parent share, we simply come together to pray and talk about raising our children faithfully. Join Carla Stanton while the kids are at Sunday School. The nursery is available, too, for all the pre-Sunday School aged kids. We hope to see you there!

Upcoming Y uth EventsHS Small Group DevotionsDo you need a mid-week break, high-schoolers? Come join Tina after Wednesday night worship for a time to de-stress and refocus on God. Starting: Wednesday, Sept. 9, @ 7pm—8pm

HS YOUTH GROUP!NEW!! Every Sunday evening there will be a youth group meeting at 6:30pm—8:30pm. High school youth can come hang out in a time of fellowship and learning.Starting: Sunday, Sept. 13

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.Starting: Sunday, Sept. 13

HS

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!Monday, Sept. 14 @ 7pm—8:30pm

LOCK-INS!!!Stay up all night hanging out with fellow youth! Tina will have games, a camp-style worship, movies and more!! (Will return youth to parents ready to sleep for an entire day!)High school: Sept. 19 @ 7pmMiddle school: Sept. 26 @ 7pm

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! Monday, Sept. 28 @ 7pm

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!!

Questions about middle or high school ministries & events? Contact Tina Nelson, our Director of Discipleship for Youth, at tina@firstlu.org

Feel free to invite friends along to

every event!!

YOUNGYOUTHGROUP

Young Youth is a club of 2nd–5th graders who get together once a month to laugh, learn, serve, be silly, talk and grow in a Christ-centered environment. Our goal is to provide our young youth with fun opportunities, spending time together growing in their faith journey, and to build relationships with each other, their mentors, and Christ. All are welcome! Contact katie@firstlu.org.

Caring

Ministries

Stephen MinistryStephen Ministry equips lay people to provide distinctively Christian, one-on-one care to those in our congregation and in our community who are experiencing all kinds of life needs and circumstances. Stephen Ministers receive 50 hours of initial training in important caring ministry skills and concepts and are then commissioned to service. Participants in past classes regularly describe this ministry as life changing—for the one who is served, but especially for the Stephen Minister serving. If you know of someone who needs a care giver, speak with Pastor Karyn, or call the church office.

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, 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!

VisitationWe know it is difficult for some members to get to church because of health or mobility issues. If you or someone in your family would like to be visited or want to receive communion, call the church office at 608.783.2236.

You have many ways to praise God with the gift of music!

Jo i n T h e F u n . . . R i n g B e l l s !

Ringers rehearse on Tuesdays at 5:30. This group performs once a month. We welcome widely varied musical backgrounds.

No experience necessary! We’ll begin with the basics and learn to work together. Musical ability is a skill that can be taught. Do you want to be involved? Ring ‘dem Bells! Contact Bell Choir Director Jim Knutson for more information: jim@firstlu.org.

P r a i s e B a n dOur praise band has been together for several years, and is always open to new talent. The rehearsal and performance schedule varies;

contact Contemporary Music Coordinator Todd Saner for more information: todd@firstlu.org.

P r a i s e H y m nThe youth praise band is looking for youths ages 10 to 18 who can sing or play an instrument. Bass guitar, rhythm guitar, piano and

singers are especially needed. The first rehearsal is Sunday, Sept. 13, at 11:30am and every Sunday at 11:30am after that; performing in church on contemporary-worship Sundays. Contact Youth Praise Band Director Dick Daleki for more info: dick@firstlu.org.

S e n i o r C h o i r 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 Senior Choir!Meets every Wed. at 7:15 PM in the sanctuary. The choir sings each Sunday, alternating between the 8am and 10:30am services. Contact the Senior Choir Director Todd Saner for more information: todd@firstlu.org.

Make a

Joyful Noise!

THIS WEEK: August 30–September 6August 30–September 6SUN 30 BLESSING OF THE BACKPACKS FIRST FEST & RALLY SUNDAY

8:00am Worship9:15am Sunday School Registration9:15am Bible Bits - Mary Rm9:15am Parent Share - Upper Rm10:30am Worship11:30am First Fest!11:45am School Kit Assembly

MON 31 6:30pm Photography Class - FH7:00pm AA - FS

TUES 1 9:00am Quilters - FS1:30pm Staff Mtg5:30pm Executive Mtg6:30pm Stephen Ministry Mtg - Mary Rm

WED 2 6:00am Courageous Men’s Bible Study - House6:30am Coffee with Pastor Karyn - Panera5:30pm Bell Choir Rehearsal6:00pm Knitters - NX6:15pm Worship7:15pm Senior Choir Rehearsal - SN

THUR 3 9:00am Sunshine Boys6:00pm Stephen Ministry Cls - Mary Rm6:15pm NarAnon - FS

FRI 4 7:00pm AA - FHSUN 6 8:00am Worship

9:15am Sunday School Registration9:15am Bible Bits - Mary Rm9:15am Parent Share - Upper Rm10:30am Worship

ROOM KEY:CR = Choir Room FH = Fellowship Hall FS = Fireside Room NX = Narthex SN = Sanctuary TR = Thomas RoomFor more information, visit our website at www.FirstLutheranOnalaska.org

ROOM KEY:CR = Choir Room FS = Fireside Room FH = Fellowship HallNX = Narthex SN = Sanctuary TR = Thomas Room

For more info, visit our website at www.FirstLutheranOnalaska.org

SUNDAY SCHOOL UPDATESunday, August 30• 9:15am Rally Sunday & First Fest: Register for

Sunday School in the narthex. If your child was in Sunday School last year, look for your pre-filled registration form and all you need to do is double check to make certain there are no changes.

Sunday, September 6• 9:15am Registration for Sunday School

continues in the narthex.Sunday, September 13• 9:15am First day of Sunday School classes.

3 NEW PEOPLE NEEDED FOR VISION & LEADERSHIPFirst Lutheran is looking for three members to join the Vision & Leadership Team. This team is responsible for developing the congregation’s mission and vision and for creating strategies to ensure the spiritual, emotional and physical wellness of First’s members. The team also provides support to the staff and members as they grow in faith and ministry. A full job description is available online or upon request in the office. A special election will be held early this fall for. Contact Pastor Stanton or Todd Lofald if you are interested.

PHOTOGRAPHY CLASSOpen to all members of First and their friends. Special equipment is not required. Techniques taught can be used with a point-and-shoot camera or a smart phone. The class will meet three times in the fellowship hall from 6:30–9pm on the following Mondays: Aug. 31, Sept. 14 and Sept. 28. Cost: $25 for all 3 classes. More information and registration at firstlu.org/photoclass.

WED WORSHIP TIME CHANGEStarting Sept. 2, Wednesday’s service will start at 6:15pm (instead of 6:30pm).

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLEPlease take time before worship & go to the narthex to write down any prayers

you want to lift up, so we can be certain to include them in worship today!

Flowers in the sanctuary are in honor of Kurt & Angie Breiling’s

20th wedding anniversary

ASSIST WITH WORSHIP! OPENINGS FOR NEXT WEEK: Acolytes, Bread Bakers, Coffee Servers, Communion Servers, Nursery Attendants, Puppet Volunteers & Ushers For the above opportunities & many others sign up at the Connecting Point table or on your phone or computer at firstlu.org/assist

It takes the church community to help with all the different aspects of worship—making certain worship is welcoming and runs smoothly. Adults and youth are welcome and can serve in many ways. Sign up today at the Connecting Point and see Kathryn Pedretti, our Director of Servant Ministries, with any questions.

DO YOU SHOP HERE?!

SHOPWITHSCRIP.COM

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@firstlu.org TO FIND OUT MORE! OR GO TO SHOPWITHSCRIP.COM AND REGISTER TODAY!

SERVING: Pastor Jason Stanton, Pastor Karyn Bodenschatz Organist: Gabe Hicks; Nursery Attendant: Crystal Miller; Bread Baker: Peggy Daleki; Treat Providers: Bob & Lorene Wehrenberg, Cindy Mathew, Darylann WilliamsSUNDAY, AUGUST 30, 8:00amCommunion Servers: Gary & Jeri Metzig; Reader: Sharon Kjos; Projectionist: Randy Nedrelo SUNDAY, AUGUST 30, 10:30amCommunion Servers: Paula Skoy & Travis Evenson; Reader: Nancy Beguin; Ushers: Gloria Kubiak; Projectionist: Doug Shupe WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 6:15pmCommunion Server: Beverly DiNicola; Reader: Beverly DiNicola; Usher: Dorothy Every; Nursery Attendant: Madalyn Olson; Projectionist: Brian Wittkop

FIRST LUTHERAN CHURCH410 Main St, Onalaska WI 54650www.FirstLutheranOnalaska.org • office@firstlu.org608.783.2236 • Fax: 608.783.3741Office hours: Monday–Friday 8am–4pmSenior Pastor: Jason Stanton jason@firstlu.org • 608.386.6431Associate Pastor: Karyn Bodenschatz karyn@firstlu.org • 608.433.6002Director of Servant Ministries: Kathryn Pedretti, kathryn@firstlu.orgSunday School Superintendents: Sheri Betz & Tawni O’Rourke sundayschool@firstlu.orgYoung Youth Coord.: Katie Everson, katie@firstlu.orgDirector of Discipleship for Youth: Tina Nelson, tina@firstlu.orgDirector of Small Group Ministry: Bridget Crave, bridget@firstlu.orgCommunications & Marketing Coord.: Andrew Stutesman, andy@firstlu.orgHead Custodian: Mike Peper, mike@firstlu.org

READINGS For Sunday, August 30A Sinful Woman Forgiven, Luke 7:36-38 Pew Bible: p. 840, Spark Bible: p. 1139 Jesus Denounces Pharisees and Lawyers, Luke 11:37-41 Pew Bible: p. 846, Spark Bible: p. 1148 Institution of the Lord’s Supper, Luke 22:14-20 Pew Bible: p. 857, Spark Bible: p. 1163

For Wednesday, September 2The Tradition of the Elders, Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23 Pew Bible: p. 818, Spark Bible: p. 1108

PRAYERS & CAREHospital: Madelyn Payne, Esther DolphinHome: Robert Rude, Don HickokPlease contact the office if you have any prayers to be lifted up: office@firstlu.org or 608.783.2236

NURSERY AVAILABLEMembers and visitors: our nursery is available for children newborn through age 4. The nursery is staffed Sunday mornings during and between services, and on Wednesday evenings during service and programming. Please bring your diaper bag. It will also be staffed during some church events and will be advertised as such when available. We hope you take advantage of our services while here at First.

HOSPITAL REMINDERSFor Gundersen: be sure to alert the hospital of your church affiliation when they ask and they will then release your name to us when we call. For Mayo/Franciscan Healthcare: it is important that you or a family member contact us directly at the church office: 608.783.2236. Mayo no longer gives out information regarding who is hospitalized.

DO YOU SHOP AT THESE STORES?! FIRSTLU.ORG/SCRIPHelp support our youth by using gift cards instead of cash!! A percentage of your shopping will help the youth pay for 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@firstlu.org to find out more! Or go to firstlu.org/scrip and register today!

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 in this way! Sept. 13, 27, Oct. 4, 11 all from 9:30–10am. Sign up online or at the Connecting Point table.

The OWLs, our group at First that welcomes anyone 55+, will have their next potluck on Wed., Sept. 16, at noon, but not at the church! At the Narvesons: W7572 Price Ct., Holmen WI. The next outing will be to the Mayowood Mansion & Gardens on Thur., Sept. 24, leaving church at 10am and arriving back by 5pm. Questions? RSVP to Brian Narveson: owls@firstlu.org.

NEEDED AT THE TEEN CLOTHES CLOSETLater this month, youth and adult volunteers will be needed to assist in switching inventory from summer to winter clothing. Youth can sign up with Tina for shifts after the 10:30 service on Sept. 27, Oct. 4 or Oct. 11. Adults are asked to contact the office if they are available to assist on those days.The First Teen Clothes Closet has also put out a call for these donated items: • men’s deodorant• gently used backpacks• guy’s jeans• pajamas • shampoo.

To learn more about these and other announcements, head to our website at www.FirstLutheranOnalaska.org

SARCASTIC LUTHERAN SPEAKING AT WSUNadia 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.

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

facebook.com/firstlu twitter.com/1stlu firstlu.tumblr.com pinterest.com/firstlu

2.firstlu.org/cal issuu.com/firstlu 2.firstlu.org/flipboard

THE QUEST FOR OUR WORK THAT MATTERSTuesday, September 22, 7pm Viterbo Fine Arts Center Free presentation. No reservations required. Attendees are invited to gather for conversation regarding this presentation on Wednesday, September 23, after worship.To learn more, visit www.wesmoore.com.

The Franscican Spirituality Center offers a number of programs during September, including a program titled Prayerful Decision-Making Practices Friday, September 18, at 7pm to Saturday, September 19 at 4pm. Registration deadline: September 3This program introduces you to three practices of prayerful decision-making using your intuition. You will record a dream and learn how to discern its wisdom, walk a labyrinth to ponder the Sacred voice within and rest in nature to know God through your senses.To register for this and many other programs visit www.fscenter.org/