Good News for October 2014

MESSAGE FROM PASTOR STANTON “In preparing for battle I have always found that plans are useless, but planning is indispensable.”

Dwight D. Eisenhower

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GOOD NEWS! O C T O B E R 2 0 14 All of this and more on the web at www.FirstLutheranOnalaska.org SEE ALSO: firstlu.tumblr.com facebook.com/firstlu twitter.com/1stlu pinterest.com/firstlu issuu.com/firstlu 2.firstlu.org/flipboard 2.firstlu.org/cal COVER PHOTO by Rev. Catherine MacDonald Learn more about this image and it’s meaning throughout worship in October!

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Nuts & Candy Sale

American Girl Style

Lutheran Campus Ministry Table Talk Blood Drive

ave truer words ever been uttered? I think I was attracted to this quote for two reasons: 1) I have spent a good portion of my month pouring over First Lutheran’s strategic plan and 2) tomorrow I get to accompany a veteran to Washington DC for a freedom honor flight where he will visit the memorial that was built for him and his comrades in arms. (I say tomorrow because I write this Sept. 19 so that it can appear in

the October newsletter.) So, an Eisenhower quote about plans and planning really spoke to me today.

It is with great satisfaction that I can proclaim with deep confidence that you will be presented with First Lutheran’s longawaited Strategic Ministry Plan this month!

You’ll hear more specifics about it either on the 19th or 26th, depending on when we can get it printed. But once it’s printed, you and every other member will be invited/ encouraged to attend a cottage meeting where you can ask any question you’d like.

We’ll offer them Sundays between worship, some during the day, and some during the weeknights so that no one feels left out. As

PASSING ON FAITH So the Lord said to Moses, “Gather for me seventy of the elders of Israel…and they shall bear the burden of the people along with you so that you will not bear it all by yourself. ~ Numbers 11:16-17.

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elcome to the year of Service and fellowship at First Lutheran!

I am very excited about this emphasis. Many of you have found great joy and growth in the past years with emphasis on Biblical literacy, stewardship and prayer. But this year is where we get to get our hands dirty and stretch beyond our walls to connect

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don’t like waiting much. A little waiting is okay, but more than a little and I start getting antsy. I have begun to wonder about that. When did waiting for anything become so hard? I am old enough that I remember life before computers, microwaves and endless number of channels on the TV. In my childhood waiting was a part of life.

Even at amusement parks, waiting in lines was when most of the memories were made as the anticipation of the thrill built and conversations happened and laughter often ensued.

Last Thanksgiving I was visiting a friend who had a French press. For those of you who don’t know what this is, it pre-dates

the percolator, the grounds are placed in a container with the hot water and allowed to steep for a certain amount of time before being pressed to the bottom so one can enjoy the wonderfully, tasty complex flavor of the coffee. The French Press is all about waiting. Hurry it along and you get a bad cup of coffee—and we all know how much I love my coffee.

So each morning when I awoke and made my way upstairs to the kitchen my friend would begin the process of making coffee. And it was a process. Beans needed to be ground, water heated up and grounds needed to steep. Lots of waiting happening, but here is what I found would happen during this process: conversation would happen, really good, sitting at the table kind

of conversation, fun was planned and silence was sacred because there was no rush, we were waiting for the coffee. Those moments, maybe twenty minutes in all, led to a deeper and more meaningful relationship as we got to know one another better and explored topics we wouldn’t have necessarily explored had we had coffee ready for us.

I now have my own French press (although not as fancy as my friend’s) and I enjoy using it. Last night as I was doing dishes and getting ready for bed I realized I hadn’t used my French press in quite a while. Usually it is toss some iced coffee already made and ready in a cup as I hurriedly get ready. But today was a holiday so there was nothing but time. I woke to the

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Finance Committee Report

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12 Middle School & High School

Thank You

9 Preschool Update 10 Sunday School 11 Young Youth

MESSAGE FROM PASTOR KARYN

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Announcements

7 Events

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Sugar Creek Events

Serve & Give

God’s Hands & Feet Stephen Ministers

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Highlights

13 OWLS 14 Quick Add Events / QR Codes

FROM PASTOR JASON,

As you know in your own life, there are so many worthy causes.

How do we decide which efforts to contribute our time and treasure?

Our strategic plan will guide our conversations.

we begin this program year of service and fellowship, this is a great conversation for us to have. Let me give you an example of one of our initiatives that addresses one of our greatest desires: to become a church centered more on community service….

Initiative: Engage members of First Lutheran Church in work that serves those in need locally.

Goal 1) Recruit passionate disciples to lead the Community Outreach Action Team (COAT) Goal 2) Create Operating and Training Plan for Community Outreach Action Team.

Tactic 1) Create criteria for forming a partnership with any community organization.

Tactic 2) Decide on levels of support that may be offered in terms of money, time from volunteers, use of our space etc.

Tactic 3) Determine criteria for forming partnerships with other churches.

Tactic 4) Determine how team will accept applications from organizations for support.

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CONT. FROM PAGE 1

There are two other goals, and many more tactics in this initiative, but I want to save the rest. Currently, we don’t have any criteria for who to support, how to make and whether to keep partnerships. We just kind of fly by the seat of our pants, which has worked for a long time, but as our desire increases to focus more attention on community service, we need to come up with a more robust process for partnering with other organizations. As you know in your own life, there are so many worthy causes. How do we decide which efforts to contribute our time and treasure? Our strategic plan will guide our conversations.

I sincerely hope you not only read the plan once you receive it, but that you participate in a cottage meeting conversation to answer any questions or concerns that arise.

But we all need to remember the spirit of Eisenhower’s quote. Planning is indispensable. We have learned SO much about ourselves this past year. We have prayed and received clear vision for so many great things that God will do through us in the coming years. In all, over 500 people have contributed to the conversation and more than 50 helped to sit down and write the thing. The process itself has built us up, even before we have produced a single final page.

Once the plan is made, it will guide our ministries. I hope it doesn’t become ‘useless’ as Eisenhower says, but we’ll need to remember it is there to serve us… not the other way around. Your congregational patience has been great! Thank you for waiting these many months, but I believe when you see the finished product you’ll agree, it was worth our time.

Pastor Jason Stanton jason@firstlu.org

First Lutheran Church + Good News

October 2014

FROM PASTOR KARYN, CONT. FROM PAGE 1 This year is an invitation and a gift to stop and listen to the voice of God calling you into a life of service for the sake of the world. soft grey of rain clouds in the early morning and the sound of rain falling outside, there couldn’t be a more perfect morning for the slow process of making coffee via a French press. In the still quiet of my home I turned on the heat under the tea kettle and as the water was heating up I remembered my grandfather whose kettle I was using and I imagined passing on this kettle some day to the next generation. Soon the water was ready and I poured the hot water onto the coarsely ground beans. More waiting. Quiet stillness. Holy moments. While the beans and water did their thing I took time to consider the scripture that had been read the day before in worship. “Let love be genuine; hate what is evil, hold fast to what is good; love one another with mutual affection; outdo one another in showing honor. Do not lag in zeal, be ardent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice I hope, be patient in suffering, persevere in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints; extend hospitality to strangers.

Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with one another; do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly; do not claim to be wiser than you are. Do not repay anyone evil for evil, but take though for what is noble in the sight of all. If it is possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.”

All good things to remember, all good things to do, all hard to do when we are so busy we can barely keep track of things.

When we are so tired, we sleep as long as we can and jump out of bed and rush to get ready, driving through somewhere to get what passes for a meal. When we get to the end of the day and can’t remember more than the rushed movement from one place to next and the idea of serving or praying or trying to do any of those things listed above seems impossible. “Easy and quick” replaces thoughtful and involved. And we all lose something. The intentionality of a faithful life is lost. Relationships suffer and we are exhausted.

What my French press continues to teach me is that waiting is worth it. The more involved process provides bountiful, worthwhile fruit. Timesaving is not always my friend, because in the waiting, things grow, I grow.

Our Year of Service and Fellowship may seem like just one more thing to do, but it is not so far off from the Year of Prayer. Our Year of Service and Fellowship offers a time for us to slow down and be intentional about the things we choose to do. To wait, in a sense, while things grow, to nurture, to enjoy what happens in the waiting, to learn about ourselves and our relationship with God and those around us. This year is an invitation and a gift to stop and listen to the voice of God calling you into a life of service for the sake of the world. Not to do every event, every activity, every study, but to listen to your spirit and discern where God is asking you to serve and study. In many ways discerning God’s will is like making coffee in a French Press; you gather the prepared ingredients and you put them together and wait. When the time is right, you sift out the stuff that is no longer needed and what is left is beautiful and ready to be used to the glory of God.

Pastor Karyn Bodenschatz karyn@firstlu.org

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with one another and with those in our community. This is going to be an active year and a year where we will have constant tangible signs of God at work among us.

I think that this year will boldly address two things that are constants in our lives.

The first is that Jesus tells us, “the poor will always be among us” and scripture also tells us that as Christians we are called to serve those who are in need. The second constant is that as humans we are all seeking to be known and to be loved. Through intentional acts of fellowship and service we will come to better know our members and to care for those who are in need. I am positive that through these acts of service and fellowship God will be changing lives and that is something to celebrate!

My excitement however is somewhat tempered by the daunting task of determining which service projects to begin and how to gather a congregation of our size into meaningful fellowship. When I am feeling overwhelmed I turn to Scripture and as usual I found my strength in the stories of our faith ancestors. The scripture on page one comes from the Old Testament book of Numbers. In the chapter right before this verse, Moses is crying out to God for help.

He is tired of the people complaining in the wilderness and feeling as though he can not possible tend to all of them alone. Look again at the instructions God gives Moses.

I love that God says, “Gather for ME”. God does not fire Moses and look for a more competent leader. Nor does God say “Gather for you”. These people are being called for the sake of continuing God’s mission. Moses was never expected to do it alone… and neither are we!

There are going to be many approaches to service and fellowship offered to us over the upcoming year. One of the goals is to have a monthly service project, and a monthly fellowship event in which our congregation can participate. In the spirit of “sharing the mantel” as Moses was instructed we would like to assemble two teams. Each team will be made up of 12 people (just like the disciples) with one focusing on service projects and one focusing on fellowship events. With 12

I am positive that through these acts of service and fellowship God will be changing lives and that is something to celebrate! people on each team, each person would be responsible for leading only one event.

The teams will brainstorm and decide on the projects/events gathered from their collective wisdom. In short, many hands make light work.

Do you have an idea for fellowship or a community need that you are aware of. Can you offer your support for one event this year? If you are interested in being a part of these teams or want to talk more about what is involved call or email me at carla@firstlu.org. I pray you will take the time to pray about this and consider God calling you to this team for the sake of God’s mission? And as you consider this call to serve I leave you with this verse from one of my favorite poems:

Awaken your spirit to adventure; Hold nothing back, learn to find ease in risk; Soon you will be home in a new rhythm, For your soul senses the world that awaits you.

For a New Beginning by John O’Donohue.

Carla Stanton Passing On Faith Coordinator carla@firstlu.org

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PASSING ON FAITH,

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, & fixing 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 office or mail it in by October 26th.

First Lutheran Church 410 Main Street Onalaska, WI, 54650 Orders will be available to pick up starting November 9 Questions? Call Bev Manske at 783-2535, Nancy Holthaus at 783-2003, or the church office at 783-2236.

Help out with

LUTHERAN CAMPUS MINISTRY’S TABLE TALK On Thursday, October 23 First Lutheran will be hosting an evening meal and faith conversation for Lutheran Campus Ministry at Common Ground on 1334 Pine St, in La Crosse.

This commitment is to help Lutheran Campus Ministry in the absence of a campus pastor as they go through the call process for a new campus pastor.

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.

Tuesday, November 11, 2014 Attention all mothers, grandmothers, aunts and everyone with these interests: American Girl-style doll clothes will be sold in the narthex in late October or early November.

ALL sale proceeds go to the Women’s Fund of our congregation.

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First Lutheran Church + Good News

October 2014

In the October issue In-home delivery begins Thursday, Sept. 25.

Older adults. The Lutheran’s October

Coming up ...

• November cover story: Leaders say 40 percent of ELCA clergy are expected to retire within the next 10 years.

This promises to make a major change in the denomination.

• Hospitality: How can congregations welcome retired clergy into their midst?

• Special higher education issue: 22 pages of ELCA colleges, universities, seminaries and campus ministries.

• Food: Can pantries meet the ever-growing demand?

• Last words: Writing your own obit. Hear from The Lutheran’s readers.

• December cover story: Advent—how are Christians maintaining a hold on the preChristmas season?

issue looks at the trend of more and more older adults, rather than younger, occupying church pews. Read “Older adults: The church’s challenge” to see how congregations are using the assets of this generation. And discover what one 104-year-old taught her family in “Glimpses of Linda’s grace.” To help your discussion of this cover story, visit www.thelutheran.org for a study guide (click on “study guides”).

Brothers and sisters. In her October col-

umn for The Lutheran, Presiding Bishop Elizabeth A. Eaton says the church can model respectful dialogue. When on the giving or receiving end of less-thangraceful communication, she suggests reciting Luther’s explanation of the Eighth Commandment. By doing this, congregational meetings might actually be fun!

Our churches at work. Get ideas for

mission in The Lutheran’s October issue: travel to North Dakota, where a congregation grows crops to serve others … go to the mat with an Ohio congregation that transforms plastic bags into sleeping mats … sip wine and sing some hymns in Virginia … give people some Christmas cheer … or lose your shoes at church.

Subscribe today: Start a group plan to

The Lutheran for as little as $8.95 per subscriber. Visit www.thelutheran.org or call 800-328-4648.

FINANCE COMMITTEE REPORT

In the October issue

$600,000.00 $543,496.80

$550,000.00 $500,000.00

$498,346.64

$400,000.00 $350,000.00 $300,000.00 $250,000.00

$150,000.00 $100,000.00 $50,000.00 $0.00

$510,155.86

$513,836.41

Need resources? Look to The Lutheran

$450,000.00

$200,000.00

In-home delivery begins Thursday, Sept. 25.

Coming up ...

• November cover story: Leaders say 40 percent of ELCA clergy are expected to retire within the next 10 years.

This promises to make a major change in the 2014 Budgeted denomination.

for all your study needs. In the October issue, discuss “Sunday morning segregation” with columnist Peter Marty, who says reversing church color linesReceipts Expenses is the Jesus thing to do. Go deeper into living generously and stewardship. Learn what Martin Luther had to say about income inequality. Or discuss the situation in El Salvador by reading “As children flee, Lutheran families, churches speak out” (find a study guide for this article at www.thelutheran.org and click on “study guides” on the left-hand side).

2014 Actual

The following is a financial Lutherans In summary, budgeted for amembers deficit of in theweworld.

ELCA

• Hospitality: How can summary through the end of $45,150.16 through the end of August and live out their faith in the world. In The congregations welcome August: have realized an actual deficit of $3,680.55.

Lutheran’s October issue, see what retired clergy into their Actual As always, full details of this report are midst? a pastor learned in Ferguson, Mo. Receipts—$510,155.86 lessons available by request in the church office—

simply to speak with Jane. Also, … travel toask Washington where art and faith everyone is welcome to attend a finance collide … learn from a 20-something as committee meeting—we meet every month, she comes to terms with her on the second Wednesday at floundering noon in the faith Thomas … go toRoom.

Indonesia with a pastor who Budgeted Respectfully, helped Lutherans renew worship … and • Food: Can pantries Expenses—$543,496.80 Finance Committee meet an ELCA member who got fed up meetthrough the ever-growing Our total Receipts the end of August exceeddemand? the current year budgeted and is doing something for food banks.

• Special higher Budgeted education issue: 22 Receipts—$498,346.64 pages of ELCA colleges, Actual universities, seminaries Expenses—$513,836.41 and campus ministries.

amount by $11,809.22.

OurWriting total Giving • Last words: Online: Visit The Lutheran’s website at (Envelope Giving, Debt Reduction and your own obit. Hear other miscellaneous offerings) is up from www.thelutheran.org for your research The Lutheran’s last year’s totalfrom through this same period byand study needs. Find more than 11,000 readers. $22,757.14 or 5.3% and exceeds our current archived articles and 400 study guides. year budgeted amount bycover $8,701.01 or 2.0%.

• December story: are As noted above, our Advent—how expenses are less Subscribe today: Start a group plan to than budget through themaintaining end of August by Christians The Lutheran for as little as $8.95 per $29,660.39. The majority this is due to the a hold on theofpretiming of certain expenses. subscriber. Visit www.thelutheran.org or call Christmas season?

800-328-4648.

ANNOUNCEMENTS BAPTISMAL PREPARATION

A 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 SESSIONS

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 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, January 25, 2015 from 11:45am–2:30pm, with New Member Sunday on February 1. 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

• Amelia Suzanne Hicks, daughter of Gabriel & Jennifer Hicks • Kolten Carl Opsahl, son of Peter & Kassi Opsahl

CHRISTIAN SYMPATHY TO THE FAMILY & FRIENDS OF: • Lloyd Breitsprecher

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THANK YOU GIFTS AND MEMORIALS Thank you for the following gift: • Designated gift for the Security System: Randy & Judy Eddy

DESIGNATED FUNDS

Each 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.

SUBMITTING NEW ANNOUNCEMENTS

To 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 Church + Good News

October 2014

GO GREEN

We offer two e-mail lists for subscribing: • First Lutheran Publications: which includes e-mails links to our e-newsletter, so if you request to stop receiving this paper in your hands, this will save natural resources, and helps First save money on supplies and postage.

• First Lutheran Updates & Publications: all of the above plus updates from our Facebook page—it’s a great way to get our Facebook updates without having to sign-up for Facebook!

To subscribe to either one and to cancel the deliver of this paper copy, simply visit http://2.firstlu.org/enews and fill out the online form, or contact the office at office@firstlu.org

Sugar Creek Bible Camp wants to “thank you” for being so kind to donate to their auction, volunteer or make quilts! Thank you, thank you! ~ Sugar Creek staff 2014 Auction raised $19,297.16 Country Store: $1,4095.05 Sale of Food: $2,651.11 Quilts: $11,895.00 5K Walk & Run: $445.00 Arts & Crafts Booth Fees: $270.00 Other Auction Items: $2,541.00

facebook.com/firstlu

EVENTS Register for most events that are happening at First Lutheran on our website at http://2.firstlu.org/reg

facilitates community grief support groups.

She has been a pastoral caregiver in hospital and hospice settings for the past 11 years.

DRAWING FROM THE WELL

ATTENTION MOMS!

Next retreat: Sat., October 11, 9am-1pm It is no secret that we are a people who juggle many things at the same time. It is also no secret that those moments when we can step out of our normal routines and spend some time with others for a few hours or a few days provides for us a time of renewal and refreshment. The spiritual discipline of retreat is one that is often overlooked and under used. Yet it is by far one of the most powerful.

First Lutheran is inviting 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 or with questions: karyn@firstlu.org.

CAREGIVERS CONNECT

Saturday, October 11, 9 a.m.-noon Presenter: Susan Moss Investment: $25, includes lunch Registration deadline: October 1 Caregivers for parents, spouses, friends and loved ones are invited to this new monthly gathering. There will be time for a brief presentation on a caregiving topic, sharing of concerns, information on community resources and self-care, and lunch. Come meet others in the community who are walking the same path, and receive support and information for the challenging work of caregiving.

Topic for this October meeting is Embracing Transitions. Susan Moss is chaplain and bereavement coordinator for Saint Jude Hospice in La Crosse, Wisconsin, and

For moms of all seasons of motherhood, Hearts at Home is a great time to get together to feel refreshed, learn from other moms, and take a break from it all. It takes place in Rochester, MN November 7-8.

You can come for one day or both. Look for registration details and more information at their website (hearts-at-home.org).

Early deadline to register is October 22 to get the discount pricing. For any questions, talk to either Pam Anderson or Becky Runde (bpulkrabek@hotmail.com or 507.259.0295), both who have attended this in the past. Let them know if you will be attending so you can get together as a group there!

ONE YEAR TO LIVE:

MEN’S RETREAT FROM LUTHERAN MEN IN MISSION

Fri-Sun, Nov. 7-9, MacKenzie Center, Poynette, WI Men of all ages yearn for real friendships and a closer relationship with Christ. Join us and be…

• Adventurous and courageous • Genuine and spiritual Look forward to…

• Banding together and being challenged • Examining your life and making decisions Be prepared for a spiritual boot camp.

This 45-hour experience is not for the faint of heart! More info at http://1stlu.org/1mJtLUz

MENS’ RETREAT

October 3–4 We will gather on Friday for an evening of fellowship! Saturday will be a fun-filled day starting with devotions, then move into a couple of Pentathlon events and a keynote presentation.

Afterwards have lunch and enjoy some relaxation! We reconvene in the afternoon to complete our Pentathlon events, a final keynote, and finish with our awards dinner!

YESTERDAY’S YOUTH

Monday, October 6, 2014 9am to 3pm Join 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 RETREATS

October 10–12 Ladies, this retreat is just what you need: time away from the stresses of work and home in intentional fellowship with other women. Our women’s retreats offer meaningful session with topics pertinent to today’s Christian women. Come away to Sugar Creek’s relaxed environment— meet other women, go for a hike, curl up by the fire with a good book, and more!

CRAFTER’S RETREAT

November 20-23 Calling all stampers, scrappers, quilters or whatever your craft! Get away for a weekend dedicated to working on your craft and enjoy some of our programming like campfires, devotions, worship, and more. We’ll give you half of an 8 ft table, plenty of good food and a place to lay your head. Just bring yourself, bedding, toiletries and all your supplies. We’ll have 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!

ADULT BUS TRIP TO SMOKY MOUNTAIN— BILTMORE MANSION CHRISTMAS TOUR

November 9-16

13141 Sugar Creek Bible Camp Rd, Ferryville, WI 54628 608-734-3113 • camp@sgrcreek.org • www.sugarcreekbiblecamp.org

October 2014

First Lutheran Church + Good News

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SERVE & GIVE NEWSLETTER ASSEMBLY

It’s a relaxing way to volunteer!

Thursday, October 30th, at 10am, to assemble the November newsletter.

See you there!

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

SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES

Sign-up for the following & more at the Connecting Point and on your phone or computer at http://2.firstlu.org/volunteer STILL NEEDED FOR OCTOBER: • Communion Servers • Acolytes • Nursery Attendents • Puppet Volunteers

GOD’S HANDS & FEET WOULD YOU LIKE TO BE A STEPHEN MINISTER?

Our church has been so blessed with a wonderful Stephen Ministry program. Thanks to Pastor Karyn, we are up and running and always looking for people in need for a Stephen Minister’s expert skills of listening and caring. We are thinking of starting a new class for training Stephen Ministers. What we need from the congregation is an idea of who would be interested in becoming a Stephen Minister.

If you are interested in becoming a Stephen Minister, or want more information about Stephen Ministry please contact Pastor Karyn, Gloria Kubiak, Stephen Leader, 608-498-2762 or Randy Nedrelo, Stephen Leader, 608406-0542. Thank you for your interest and caring.

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SHOWING HOSPITALITY

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have a wonderful friend who opens her house up to our small group almost every Thursday. We knock, letting ourselves in, making her dog bark, and piling our shoes in the entry way. On really, really cold nights, like last winter, she has her husband start a fire for us, so we would have a toasty warm room to have our Bible study in. My friend has the gift of hospitality and it shows every time we meet at her house. Another friend also has the gift of hospitality in church.

While she ushers, she greets everyone and talks to as many people as she can.

Most of the time she isn’t standing by her door giving out announcement pages, but standing out in the narthex, making sure everyone is greeted and welcomed to church. She can talk to complete strangers as though they are like family or long lost friends. What a wonderful gift of hospitality my friends have.

These are just two examples of hospitality that show how we as Christians should act toward others. Each one of us has the gift of hospitality, only some more than others. Everyone can welcome someone they don’t know during giving of the peace, or just saying “I’m glad your worshiping with us today.” One area our church needs

First Lutheran Church + Good News

October 2014

One area our church needs to work on is hospitality and it is up to everyone to do it, not just a few out in the narthex or by a door.

to work on is hospitality and it is up to everyone to do it, not just a few out in the narthex or by a door. Each person in worship need to greet those around them, and if you don’t know them, introduce yourself and ask them who they are. It can go like this, “Hello, my name is ___ and you are?” It’s as simple as that. This way we can get to know each other my name, as God knows us each by name. When we show hospitality to others especially strangers we are showing

the mark of a true Christian. As Romans 12:13 says, “Contribute to the needs of the saints, extend hospitality to strangers.”

Wouldn’t it be nice to show this kind of hospitality to all who arrive at church, not just as they come into our building but also extending out into our church parking lot before worship. Helping people get out of their cars, holding doors, directing traffic, and giving a hand to parents with small children, or an arm to lean on when it’s snowy and icy. What a generous love we can give to all on a Sunday morning, when we are able to help and give a warm welcome.

I hope that as we talk about service and fellowship through out this year, each person can take time to be a greeter, not just in the narthex, but anywhere you are in church, in the parking lot, or in the education building. Showing hospitality is a mark of true Christianity, so may our church exhibit hospitality to all.

Kathryn Pedretti Director of Servant Ministries kathryn@firstlu.org

First Lutheran Update The preschool is feeling so blessed this year! We have amazing children, wonderful families and the best staff. We are starting this school year with two new staff members. Megan Colgan is our new 4K teacher and Stephanie Brunkow is our new MWF teacher assistant and Lunch Bunch teacher. We are so excited to have them join our preschool!

Registration for the 2015-2016 school year starts in March.

September kept us busy with teaching children preschool routines and learning to be a good friend.

We held an offering in Church in September and all the money raised will go towards a scholarship for a preschool family. Thank you for all the support!!!

First Lutheran Preschool

410 Main Street, Onalaska, WI 54650 608.779.4504 (608) 779-4504• preschool@firstlu.org • preschool@firstlu.org Preschool Director: Melissa Rolbiecki 4K Teacher: Megan Amy Colgan Preschool Teacher: Joley Preschool Assistant Teachers: Marci Leppert, Stephanie Brunkow Laura Johnson

October 2014

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SUNDAY SCHOOL

Bibles

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 Service 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 anytime through out the year (see below for contact info).

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, just e-mail sundayschool@firstlu.org, or stop by the church office to register.

OCTOBER SUNDAY SCHOOL CALENDAR:

• • • •

Sunday September 28th: 3rd grade Stepping Stones Sunday October 5th: 3rd grade Stepping Stones Sunday October 12th: 3rd grade Stepping Stones in worship Sunday October 19th: K, 1, and 2 sing at 10:30 worship

OTHER “GOOD TO KNOW” DATES FOR THE FALL SUNDAY SCHOOL SEMESTER:

• Sunday November 30th, Thankful Sunday: extended opening followed by packaging of food drive collections during Sunday school.

• Wednesday December 17th, Christmas Program during 6:30pm worship: followed by treats and fellowship in the Narthex afterwards!

• Sunday December 28th, Birthday Party for Jesus: All ages welcome to a birthday party for Jesus event in the Fellowship Hall in place of regular Sunday school class.

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

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If you have questions, feedback, or suggestions regarding Sunday school, please e-mail sundayschool@firstlu.org 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.

First Lutheran Church + Good News

October 2014

imagine!

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

Contact Katie Everson at katie@firstlu.org, 608.786.4826 for information or with questions!

All are welcome!

Attention Young Youth!!!!

I hope you all had a wonderfully blessed summer and were able to jump into the school year refreshed and ready to start a great year. Remember that God is always present with you and will guide you as you proceed through this year. May you find freedom to express and be yourself with the young youth group. We have some new activities planned for this year along with some of our favorites such as movie night. I’m so excited to meet some new friends as well as hanging out with our friends that have been a part of the group from the past. It will be an amazing year blessed by God’s grace!

CHILDREN’S

CH0IR!

Our first big event will be the Rake N Run, taking place on Oct. 22nd from 4:30-7pm. We have done this service project in the past and it’s always a success and very rewarding. We go around to the neighboring houses around First Lutheran and rake their yards for them. Then we come back to the church to eat, do a devotional, and some kind of project with pumpkins. It’s such a remarkable night for all involved!

UPCOMING EVENTS: • • • •

November—service project at the humane society December—decorating cookies for the nursing homes January—movie night February—Sugar Creek Winter Fun Days

I hope you can make it to some or all of our events.

The more the merrier!

May God’s blessings be with you, Katie Everson October 2014

For 2nd–5th grades, rehearsing Sundays, October 5 & 19 from 11:30am–12:15pm.

More info at firstlu.org/music.

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11

HI GH SCHO OL

Highlights

Louisville, Kentucky July 26 through August 1, 2015 Secure your spot!

$60 deposit due to the office

by October 15 Questions?

Contact Pastor Karyn karyn@firstlu.org

ALL YOUTH CURRENTLY IN GRADES 8–12

The ELCA National Youth Gathering registration deadline is Sunday, October 12.

An informational meeting (exactly like the one on Sept 24) will be held for anyone who is interested on Sunday October 5 after the 2nd worship service at 11:45 in the narthex. Contact Pastor Stanton with any questions.

KWIK TRIP SCRIP Clean Up Your Acts!

If you are going on a Mission Trip, to the NYG, or to Sugar Creek it is never to late to sell/buy Kwik Trip Cards.

10% of all your sales will go towards camp and trips.

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First Lutheran Church + Good News

October 2014

High School Youth: we are in need of many hands as we change from our summer season to the winter season at the clothes closet. Pizza will be served!!! Head to the house on Sun., October 12 from 11:30am–2:30pm! Thanks!

September started the program year with a bang for the OWL’s. Several of us made the trip to Madison to visit the capital and Olbrich Gardens. It was little rainy but we had a great time viewing our wonderful Capital building and lunch at an authentic Irish Pub across the street of the capital.

Photos are attached. Our potluck was well attended with great food and a fun team competition to answer bible and 50’s -60’s music /TV questions. Fun was had by all.

We will kick off October with a beautiful drive down the river to “Yesterday’s Youth” at Sugar Creek Bible Camp on Monday, October 6th. They have two programs scheduled in the morning, “Remembering the Battle of Midway” and “Building the Alaskan Highway” both presented by Dick Campbell. After a delicious lunch the program will be “Live Life Laughing” by Pastor Laura Gentry October 2014

(Laughing Laura). Come enjoy the Fall splendors of the bluffs and valleys of Sugar Creek Bible Camp. We will leave the church at 8AM on Monday, Oct. 6 and will return by 4PM. Cost of the day including lunch is $10.

By popular demand our October potluck will feature Ron Nowland, who gave us a fantastic presentation on the Mississippi last February. On this visit Ron will present a program entitled “Michigan Lighthouses.” Ron is an excellent speaker and always entertaining. So Ron can use the projector we will meet in the fellowship hall downstairs. Don’t miss the fun, join us at noon in fellowship hall on Wednesday October 15th.

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.

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events toTips: the focus the code, calendar of hold the your smart device still, try various phone or distances, tablet & use good lighting.

Tips: focus the Need a scanningcode, app? www.scan.me hold the device still, & try various distances Need a scanning app? scan.me

OCT OING BER EVENT EV E NT SS AT ST UP COM ATFIR FIRST

Use these QR Codes Use these to quickly add our upcoming QR Codes events to the to quickly calendar of your add our smart phone or tablet upcoming

Baptismal Prep Sat, October 4 10am

OWLs Fly to Sugar Creek Mon, October 6 8am–4pm

Drawing from the Well Sat, October 11 9am–1pm

Clean Up Your Acts Sun, October 12 11:30–2:30pm

OWLs Potluck Wed, Oct 15 Noon–2pm

Young Youth’s Rake N Run Wed, October 22 4:30–7pm

Lutheran Campus Ministry’s Table Talk Thur., October 23 5–7pm

Blood Drive Tues, November 11, 12:30–5:30pm

STAFF DIRECTORY Jason Stanton . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Senior Pastor. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 386-6431. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . jason@firstlu.org Karyn Bodenschatz. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Associate Pastor. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 433-6002 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . karyn@firstlu.org Marlene Pankonin. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Visitation Pastor. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 781-5026. . . . . . . . . . . . . marlene@firstlu.org 410 Main St. Onalaska, Wisconsin 54650 608.783.2236 Fax: 608.783.3741 office@firstlu.org www.FirstLutheranOnalaska.org

WORSHIP SCHEDULE Sunday 8:00 & 10:30 AM Wednesday 6:30 PM SUBMITTING NEW ANNOUNCEMENTS To 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)

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

YOUTH/EDUCATION STAFF Sheri Betz. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Tawni O’Rourke. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Katie Everson. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Sara Larkin. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

SUPPORT STAFF

Jane Frick . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Tamara Schonsberg. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Andy Stutesman . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Mike Peper . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Mark Koenig. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Mark Williams . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Mary Meier. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MUSIC STAFF

Gabriel Hicks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Jim Knutson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Dick Daleki. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Todd Saner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

PRESCHOOL STAFF

Melissa Rolbiecki. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Megan Colgan. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Marci Leppert. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Stephanie Brunkow. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Sunday School Superintendent. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . sundayschool@firstlu.org Sunday School Superintendent. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . sundayschool@firstlu.org Young Youth Coordinator. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . katie@firstlu.org Confirmation Administrative Assistant. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . sara@firstlu.org Office Manager/Accountant. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . jane@firstlu.org Office Assistant. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 783-2236. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . office@firstlu.org Communications & Marketing Coordinator. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . andy@firstlu.org Head Custodian . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . mike@firstlu.org Assistant Custodian Assistant Custodian Assistant Custodian Organist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . gabe@firstlu.org Bell Choir Director. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . jim@firstlu.org Youth Praise Band Director . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . dick@firstlu.org Senior Choir Director & Contemporary Music Coordinator. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . todd@firstlu.org Preschool Director . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 779-4504. . . . . . . . . . . . preschool@firstlu.org 4K Teacher Preschool Assistant Teacher Preschool Assistant Teacher

VISION & LEADERSHIP TEAM

Todd Lofald. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . President Paula Skoy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Vice President Kelly Utesch. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Secretary Aaron McDonald Mary Ann Redfearn Mark Wrolstad Brian Zach

October 2014

First Lutheran Church + Good News

15

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410 Main Street Onalaska, WI 54650 608.783.2236 www.FirstLutheranOnalaska.org

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INSIDE

STRATEGIC MINISTRY PLAN

YEAR OF SERVICE & FELLOWSHIP

STEPHEN MINISTERS