MESSAGE FROM PASTOR STANTON
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GOOD NEWS! J U L Y 2 0 16 All of this and more on the web at www.FirstLutheranOnalaska.org SEE ALSO...
facebook.com/firstlu instagram.com/1stlu pinterest.com/firstlu twitter.com/1stlu firstlu.tumblr.com 1stlu.org/cal issuu.com/firstlu #faithaliveinOna
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Update from Global Missions
First Teen Clothes Closet Update
Readings for July
Volunteer Appreciation Picnic
he weather does not feel like it’s anywhere near Thanksgiving Day, but at First Lutheran, we celebrate Thanksgiving every Wednesday and Sunday at the altar table. Giving God thanks for becoming one of us, saving us and equipping us to be a blessing to others is our ‘duty and delight.’ But God is not the only one worthy of thanks. On Sunday, July 24, the staff at First want to thank every single person who contributes their precious time toward our ministries. From those who sing in the choir to those who water the garden; from those who do the handy-man jobs around the facility to those who serve as members on a committee; from Sunday School teachers to prayer shawl knitters—you deserve to be thanked! If you have not received a formal invitation to this year’s Volunteer Appreciation Picnic at Rowe Park from 12-2 on July 24, please consider this your invitation. In years past, we have had fun with water, horseshoes and, of course, food. Bring the kids, as there are swings, slides and more right next to the shelter. And come rain or shine – which we proved a couple years ago! We still have fun. My favorite thing about the Volunteer Appreciation Picnic is that we gather for no other reason than to say thank you. A true gift is offered without any need or expectation to be recognized or rewarded. But the recipient of the gift, when he or she truly appreciates what has been offered, may feel the need to thank. This deep need to voice gratefulness in the face of generosity builds relationships and encourages even
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LWR School Kits
Meyers-Briggs Coaching: Now available Messages from Bishop Eaton
Blood Drive
First Lutheran Foundation Report
Volunteer Appreciation Picnic When: Sun., July 24 Noon–2pm Where: Rowe Park Shelter #1
It is a scientific fact that exercising our creative muscles has all sorts of health benefits. It is also a scientific fact that gathering with people has all sorts of health benefits. It seems our ancestors knew these two things together can only mean good things for individuals and communities, so we are bringing back the “sewing” circle with a modern twist. Introducing the Faith Alive Creative Circle, a gathering of people working out their creative muscles. All are welcome to bring whatever project you are working on and enjoy fellowship while doing it. We will also have, from time to time, a shared project so that we can learn new things from each other. When are we meeting, you ask? We will meet the 3rd Monday of each month from 6–9pm in the Fellowship Hall, starting July 18. Join us!
RSVP: 1stlu.org/vap
more generosity. Please consider making time for a fun church picnic where you have to do nothing but receive the thanks of First’s staff. We are grateful for all the ways we, together, make Faith Alive!
Pastor Jason Stanton jason@firstlu.org
7 Announcements 8 Sugar Creek Events 9 God’s Hands & Feet
11 Vacation Bible School 12 Middle School & High School
10 Sunday School
13 OWLs Post
Serve & Give
Young Youth
Update
Confirmation
UPDATE FROM GLOBAL MISSIONS
YOUNG ADULT WORSHIP (WEEKEND MINISTRY EXPERIENCE #2)
This past June, Aliyah had several different ministry experiences—in one weekend! This is her second post regarding that weekend; visit her blog to read all her posts: calledbythespirit.blogspot.com.
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n Saturday evening, I joined some of my students for a young adult worship at their church in Békés, a town that neighbors Békéscsaba. The congregation is comprised of people from many different backgrounds and at this worship, we had a combination of Roma and non-Roma young adults. Since we took the bus, we arrived a bit early and I was able to meet some of the young adults. (I had met some before, but I’ve learned being re-introduced helps me remember their names.) Once everyone had arrived, we gathered in the room that is considered the worship space. I say “considered” because the building used to be a discotheque. The church members remodeled it and now use the space for worships, daycare, fellowship, etc. It’s a cool building! The worship was simple. We sang some praise songs (in Hungarian, of course) and prayed, aloud or silently, together. I
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was amazed to see so many young people comfortably praying out loud. It’s something I enjoy experiencing, but it still makes this Lutheran feel a bit uncomfortable at times. (Ding ding ding! I have a blog post about that too! Check it out.) After we sang and prayed together, the youth pastor gave a talk on a few passages from the Bible. I was only able to follow half of it, but I am actually quite happy that I could understand some of it! He would ask questions of the young adults and often they would chime in, creating more of a conversation than a traditional sermon. Once the worship finished, we had some time before catching the next bus. I talked with a few of the people I had met previously and then I was invited to sit at a table with my friend Dina and her friends. Dina is a voice student of mine and her English is quite good. When I sat at the table, she informed me that she had told her friends that I am a great singer. They shyly asked if I would sing a song and they requested “O Holy Night.” So I sang. And the ice was broken! We spent the rest of the evening singing for each other and with each other and we talked about our favorite singers and bands. Vivi, who is one of the girls who sings with the praise band, mentioned that she likes to dance and became very excited when some traditional Roma music started to play. I asked if she would teach me and after a few moments, she finally agreed. Now I like to dance, but this style of dance is hard for me. All of the work is done with the feet- I like to use my entire body too much! When I watch her and one of the boys dance, I am amazed at how effortless they make it look. We spent the rest of the evening dancing, taking selfies (because selfies are a must)
What is Young Adults in Global Mission?
and laughing together. We even caught the photo at the top of this article. Here’s to hoping there will be more experiences with these young adults during the next month. Aliyah Richling Young Adult in Global Mission — Békéscsaba, Hungary calledbythespirit.blogspot.com
welcome
Aliyah home!
Aliyah returns home this month! So make plans to worship at First on Sunday, July 24. We will take time in worship to welcome Aliyah home and celebrate her return!
The Young Adults in Global Mission program of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) invites young adults to embark on a life-changing journey. Participants serve in a variety of fields in one of more than 10 countries, and experience the transformation that comes with one year of international mission service. Volunteers serve in the spirit of accompaniment — walking together with global companions in mutuality, solidarity and interdependence. Young Adults in Global Mission sends over 60 volunteers into service each August. Participants grow in faith and self-understanding as they engage in relationship and service with local host communities. Service placements vary widely, from congregational and youth ministry to alternative education and health and development projects. Volunteers are placed according to their individual interests, skills or growth areas.
For more information about YAGM and Global Church Sponsorship, please visit www.ELCA.org/YAGM
July 2016 First Lutheran Church + Good News
READINGS FOR JULY 7/3 7/6 7/10 7/13 7/17 7/20 7/24 7/27 7/31
Sunday Wednesday Sunday Wednesday Sunday Wednesday Sunday Wednesday Sunday
FIRST TEEN CLOTHES CLOSET UPDATE
Job 1: 1-22 Luke 10:1-11, 16-20 Job 3:1-10; 4:1-9; 7:11-21 Luke 10:25-37 Job 14:7-15; 19:23-27 Luke 10:38-42 Job 31:35-37; 38:1-11 Luke 11:1-13 Job 38:25-27; 41:1-8; 42:1-6
Above are the tentative readings scheduled for July. Readings used during worship are determined by the pastors on a weekly basis, and therefore are subject to change. You can also view this list online and subscribe to receive them as an email at 1stlu.org/readings.
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our generosity has us bursting at the seams! The First Teen Clothes Closet has nearly filled all of its available space at the moment, so we will only be accepting these items: • Boys jeans • Boys shorts • Girls athletic style shorts
What we would gladly accept are volunteers! We try to have volunteer hosts available for a wide range of times in order to provide flexibility in meeting the scheduling needs of our clients. Hosts sign up for times when they can be available to take appointments. Appointments will only be scheduled if two volunteers have signed up for the same time slot, so that they can work as a team. Time slots are currently available:
If you are interested in volunteering as an appointment host, contact the church office, Bridget Crave or Lori Lunney. We can arrange an orientation and try to match you up with an experienced volunteer for your first hosting experience. First Teen Clothes Closet team, Lori Lunney Shari Hegland Bridget Crave Sara Larkin Tina Nelson www.firstlu.org/clothescloset closet@firstlu.org
• 3-5 p.m. and 5-7 p.m. most weeknights, or • 9-11 a.m. & 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays.
#FaithAliveinOna
July 2016
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B a c k to s c h o o l
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Let’s fill the backpacks! We have 77 backpacks leftover from last year to fill for this year. The following are the items we need to fill these backpacks. HERE’S OUR COLLECTION SCHEDULE…
July 24: 70-sheet notebooks of wide- or college-ruled paper approx. 8x10 ½” ; no loose-leaf paper
August 7: More 70-sheet notebooks!
August 21: More 70-sheet notebooks!
MEYERS-BRIGGS COACHING: NOW AVAILABLE
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July 31: Blunt scissors (safety scissors with embedded steel blades work well)
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August 14: 30-centimeter rulers, or a ruler with centimeters on one side and inches on the other
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August 28: Boxes of 16 or 24 crayons
September 4: MORE 70-sheet notebooks!
Please only bring in items listed above. Monetary donations will be used to buy more backpacks, to cover the cost of shipping or fill items still needed by First Fest on Sunday, September 11, which is when we will put the school kits together. Make checks out to First Lutheran Church, put LWR kits in memo line. Thank you so much for all your help in making it possible for children around the world to go to school. Bring donations to the altar before/after worship or during offering. For more information contact our Director of Servant Ministries, Kathryn Pedretti: kathryn@firstlu.org.
s many of you know, in April I became a MBTI Certified Practitioner. I have had such fun working with teams these last 6 weeks become stronger and more effective as they learn to appreciate their differences and use them to the benefit of the team and organization they work with. Starting in July I will begin work toward becoming a Master Practitioner. This requires two things from me: to take an additional 40 hours of classes and to work with individuals and groups for a total of 40 hours. This is where you come in! If you would like to do an individual or couple coaching session with me where we use your Meyers-Briggs type to help you in a certain area of your life, you can sign up with me! Here is what that would look like: an introductory session that allows me to get to know you and the situation better, introduces you to MBTI and gets you set up to take the inventory. After you take the inventory, you will meet with me again as we talk through your report and set some goals. Finally, we will meet at least one more time to do some follow-up. Sound like something you would like to do? Give me a call! The cost would be simply the cost of the report, which varies depending on what report we decide would be most helpful, between $20—$60. If you are still interested, give me a call or email (608.783.2236 or karyn@firstlu.org) and we will get the ball rolling. Thanks in advance for your willingness to help me work toward Master Practitioner status.
Meyers-Briggs Type Indicator Coaching Sessions Cost of the report only $20–$60 Contact: Pastor Karyn karyn@firstlu.org 608.783.2236 More info about MBTI: 1stlu.org/mbti
Pastor Karyn Bodenschatz karyn@firstlu.org
First Lutheran Church + Good News
MESSAGES FROM BISHOP EATON
CHARLESTON SHOOTING ANNIVERSARY STATEMENT
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race and peace to you in the name of Jesus Christ. Today we join sisters and brothers the world over in observance of the anniversary of the martyrdom of the Emanuel Nine. We continue to mourn the loss of those nine precious lives, and we pray that their families may find comfort in God’s love. Over the past year we have wrestled as a nation, and as a church, with the challenges of confronting racism. Together through our various ministries, the ELCA has participated in prayerful lament, and pursued acts of racial justice and reconciliation. These have also been times of deepening engagement with our ecumenical partners, including the African Methodist Episcopal Church (AME). The AME Council of Bishops issued a powerful statement on the occasion of the Charleston anniversary. I draw your attention to three calls to action, which I invite you to consider: 1. We call upon other communions, particularly our predominantly white communions, to join with us in preaching and teaching against racism. 2. The Council of Bishops of the African Methodist Episcopal Church request that clergy across the nation, during the weekend of June 24-26, seek a pulpit exchange with another church or faith body and preach about race, diversity and inclusion. Also arrange for fellowship and interactions between local congregations. This exchange should be with a communion or interfaith organization of a different race or religion. (Please consider next weekend as the beginning of a time for such exchanges, continuing over the summer months.)
#FaithAliveinOna
3. That local clergy and interfaith organizations begin discussions with local political leaders on issues of policing, education, housing and other issues where race is a factor and impacts any group negatively.
The tragedy of June 17, 2015, embodied our church’s tangled relationship with racism. Our relationship to the shooter— Dylann Roof, who was a member of an ELCA congregation—as well as to two of the slain—the Rev. Clementa Pinckney and the Rev. Daniel Simmons, who were graduates of Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary, Columbia, S.C.—remind us of both our complicity and our calling. Together we confess that we are in bondage to the sin of racism and, at the same time, we rejoice in the freedom that is ours in Christ Jesus who “has broken down the dividing wall, that is, the hostility between us” (Ephesians 2:14). May God continue to guide us as we seek repentance and renewal, racial justice and reconciliation among God’s precious children. In Christ,
The Rev. Elizabeth A. Eaton Presiding Bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
Reproduced by permission of the ELCA.
ELCA LETTER ON ORLANDO SHOOTING June 13, 2016
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ear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, “So God created humankind in his image, in the image of God he created them.” Genesis 1:27 We are killing ourselves. We believe that all people are created in God’s image. All of humanity bears a family resemblance. Those murdered in Orlando were not abstract “others,” they are us. But somehow, in the mind of a deeply disturbed gunman, the LGBTQ community was severed from our common humanity. This separation led to the death of 49 and the wounding of 54 of us. We live in an increasingly divided and polarized society. Too often we sort ourselves into like- minded groups and sort others out. It is a short distance from division to demonization. Yesterday, we witnessed the tragic consequences of this. There is another way. In Christ God has reconciled the world to God’s self. Jesus lived among us sharing our humanity. Jesus died for us to restore our humanity. God invites us into this reconciling work. This must be our witness as the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. The perpetrator of this hate crime did not come out of nowhere. He was shaped by our culture of division, which itself has been misshapen by the manipulation of our fears. That is not who we are. St. Paul wrote, “So if anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation; everything old has passed away; see, everything has become new. All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation; that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting the message of reconciliation to us. So we are ambassadors for Christ.” (II Corinthians 5:17-20)
Those murdered in Orlando were not abstract “others,” they are us.
Our work begins now. We need to examine ourselves, individually and as a church, to acknowledge the ways we have divided and have been divided. We must stand with people who have been “othered”. We must speak peace and reconciliation into the cacophony of hatred and division. We must live the truth that all people are created in God’s image. This morning your churchwide staff came together to mourn and to pray. We prayed for those killed in Orlando and remembered the Charleston Nine killed only a year ago. We prayed for the family of the shooter, for our LGBTQ brothers and sisters and for our Muslim brothers and sisters who now face the threat of retaliation. And we prayed that the Prince of Peace will bring us to the day when we stop killing ourselves. Your sister in Christ,
The Rev. Elizabeth A. Eaton Presiding Bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
Reproduced by permission of the ELCA.
July 2016
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FIRST LUTHERAN FOUNDATION REPORT
She saves lives. So does the nurse. Emily Ewe, donor Kelly Scanlin, RN Froedtert Hospital
FUNDS GIVEN TO SCHOLARSHIPS IN 2016
We awarded six Mabel Anderson scholarships on May 26, 2016. The recipients are: Ben Davidson, Mickaela Larkin, Madison Peyer, Trevor Roes, Abby Saner and Alyssa Vinz. They received $500 each. The 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. Committee members: Steve Thinnes, Glen Vilim, Angie Mutch, Christine Sanders, Michele Burton, Todd Hanson
Save the day. Donate blood.
First Lutheran Church Onalaska Blood Drive In the Fellowship Hall
Thursday, July12, 9, 2015 Tuesday, July 2016 12:30 pm to 5:30 pm 4JHO VQ BU XXX CDX FEV GJSTUMVUIPOB PS DBMM 4BSB -BSLJO BU . "QQPJOUNFOUT FODPVSBHFE 0QFO UP UIF QVCMJD Join us for hot dogs & root beer floats #BSCFDVF TBOEXJDIFT BOE 3PPU #FFS GMPBUT XJMM CF TFSWFE
www.bcw.edu/blood
Please bring a photo ID with your birth date
VACATION? TRAVELING THIS SUMMER?
Get your gas cards at First and your vacation dollars can help raise funds for our youth Kwik Trips are found ministries! far & wide!
ANNOUNCEMENTS BAPTISMAL PREPARATION
A baptism preparation session will be Saturday, August 6, at 10am in the narthex for anyone who is considering or has scheduled a baptism. To register or ask questions call the church office, 608.783.3326.
WE CELEBRATE THE GIFT OF HOLY BAPTISM
• Henry Alan Garbrecht, son of Mark & Kendra Garbrecht • Nolan Jeffrey Nestingen, son of Kevin & Kelly Nestingen
WEDDINGS
God’s blessings to... • Jerold Yushta & Cathryn Trueblood
CHRISTIAN SYMPATHY TO THE FAMILY & FRIENDS OF: • Doral Olson
NEW MEMBERS • Gary Frahm
GIFTS AND MEMORIALS
DESIGNATED FUNDS
Thank you for the following gifts: • Piano Fund: Marilyn Fox, in memory of Howard Anderson • Fellowship Hall project: Dave & Barb Skogen • First Teen Clothes Closet: Katy Wood, Coulee Referral Group • A Chair at the Table: Edward & Lynn Kondracki; Bruce & Cindy Mathew; Kay Risberg; Jan Klein; Carol Chroninger; Rich & Bev Fuhrman; Robert & Lorene Wehrenberg; Dave & Terry Lee; Dorothy Every; Ardie Van Riper; Lyn & Sara Larkin; Carol Skoy; LeRoy & Neta Niedfelt (in celebration of their 64th wedding anniversary); Chad & Meldina Schultz; Gary Frahm; Nancy Thorson (in honor of Clay & Ginny Pollert’s 50th wedding anniversary); Frederic & Louise Zoerb (in celebration of their 59th wedding anniversary); Wayne & Pat Blanchard (in memory of their mothers); Bernice Herder (in memory of Merrill Herder); Genevieve Anderson; Todd & Mary Lofald; Wayne & Pat Blanchard (in memory of their fathers); Susan Weber (in honor of Clay & Ginny Pollert’s 50th wedding anniversary); Bev & Richard Fuhrman (in honor of Clay & Ginny Pollert’s 50th wedding anniversary); Clay & Ginny Pollert (in celebration of their 50th wedding anniversary)
HOSPITAL REMINDERS
For Gundersen: be sure to alert the hospital of your church affiliation when they ask, and they will release your name to us when we call. For Mayo/Franciscan Healthcare: it is important that you or a family member contact us at the church office: 608.783.2236. Mayo no longer lets churches know who is a patient at their hospital.
#FaithAliveinOna
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 • Fellowship Hall and Chair Funds • 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.
GO GREEN
We offer two e-mail lists for subscribing: • First Lutheran Publications: which includes e-mail 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 several updates from our website. To subscribe to either one and to cancel the deliver of this paper copy, simply visit 1stlu.org/subscribe and fill out the online form, or contact the office at office@firstlu.org.
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.
July 2016
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WISH LIST Your gift can be tax deductible, and Sugar Creek can provide you a receipt.
SUGAR CREEK GOLF TOURNAMENT FUNDRAISER
Saturday, August 27, 1–6pm Drugan’s Castle Mound
For more info the golf fundraiser, contact the camp directly (info below).
ANNUAL QUILT & ANTIQUE AUCTION, CRAFT FAIR & FUN RUN/WALK
Saturday, September 10 starting at 10am
Come on out to Sugar Creek Bible Camp for the camps annual quilt/ antique auction and celebration of our 50th summer of ministry! There will also be a crafts fair and a 5K Trail Run and a Fun Walk starting at 8am. Lots of good food including BBQ pork and lots of pies! It will be a fun day! Please see the Sugar Creek website at: sugarcreekbiblecamp.org for information and registration forms.
• Large screen TV and DVD player • Washer/Dryer: large capacity in good working order • Money for new countertops in Retreat Center • Gravel, Blacktop, or about $10,000 to complete project • Tractor/Loader (25-35hp)
VOL UNT E E RS Sugar Creek needs you! Adults and youth groups are welcome to volunteer in a variety of projects. Tuesdays are traditionally the volunteer day for adults, but we’ll take your help anytime. Please call to see how you can help. What can you do? • Maintenance Assistance/ Repairs • Building projects • Cleaning • Baking Cookies • Trail Maintenance • Help with mailings throughout the year
If you are caring for someone with Alzheimer’s or other dementia, or just want to know how you can help family and friends, come to the Vernon
County Alzheimer’s Support Group. Presenter: Lora Roling, LPN
Considering the Stages of Alzheimer’s as Gems Part 2 • Share with others
• Check out available resources
4 – 5 p.m. Monday, July11, 2016
One week later due to July 4th holiday
2nd Floor Fellowship Room, Maplewood Terrace, 620 South Garfield Ave, Viroqua, WI 608.637.2171 www.bethelhomeserices.org If you are in need of Adult Day Care for your loved one while you attend this session, contact Lynn Clark Swiggum for pre-registration to Care Cove.
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13141 Sugar Creek Bible Camp Rd, Ferryville, WI 54628 608.734.3113 • camp@sgrcreek.org • www.sugarcreekbiblecamp.org
July 2016 First Lutheran Church + Good News
GOD’S HANDS & FEET
SERVE & GIVE
JUST DUCKIE! R
ubber Duckies seem to make everyone smile. My girls loved them at bathtime, playing with them in the water with or without bubbles. Such a simple design and color makes so many people happy. When I made the decision to make Rubber Duckies my theme for the Volunteer Appreciation Picnic, everyone on staff smiled and laughed. I knew then that this would be a fun happy picnic. The Volunteer Appreciation Picnic is the church staff’s way to say thank you for all our volunteers do throughout the year. We so appreciate our volunteers, those who step up last minute to help and those who are counted on continually week after week. We give thanks for those who help out once in the year, once a month, every other month, once a week, or just whenever. The more people helping the better. I could list and list people who have helped, but I would be so sad if I had missed anyone, so I just want to say thank you to everyone who has volunteered. As 2 Thessalonians 2:13 says, “But we must always give thanks to God for you, brothers and sisters beloved by the Lord” You are not only beloved by the Lord, but by me. I truly give thanks to God for you and my love for you in Christ is heartfelt. Because so many of you sign up on a regular basis, my heart sings with joy. When someone helps for the very first time, I practically get giddy with happiness. As you can tell, it doesn’t take much to make me happy and all of you who volunteer, you make me happy. I could go on and on about all the ways that seeing all of you volunteers makes me happy. Like seeing young families usher, or serve coffee, young children ushering, reading, acolyting, or carrying the basket for communion. I just can’t help being thankful for everyone who helps out at church. I love seeing the children run up and down
#FaithAliveinOna
NEWSLETTER ASSEMBLY
Volunteer Appreciation Picnic
SERVE @ WORSHIP!
When: Sun., July 24 Noon–2pm Where: Rowe Park Shelter #1 RSVP: 1stlu.org/vap the aisles getting change for World Hunger Sundays. I love seeing our more mature members helping with confirmation, or doing what they can when they can. Seeing moms and dads helping with the young ones during VBS and in Sunday School. Every time someone signs up to help online, or on the sheet being passed around in church, it makes me happy and I smile.. I hope that you will join us on Sunday, July 24, from noon to 2 pm at Rowe Park, shelter #1,, so that we can say thank you for all your help at church. Come see all the Rubber Duckies and watch or participate in the games we will play. Join in the wonderful conversation and laughter of watching the kids play duck, duck, douse in the park, along with some great food. If you haven’t signed up yet, e-mail me at kathryn@firstlu.org, or see me between or after worship so I can get you signed up for this wonderful, fun filled picnic..
Kathryn Pedretti Director of Servant Ministries kathryn@firstlu.org
Summer is the perfect time for our young ones to be a part of our worship leadership! We are always looking for readers, ushers and acolytes for Sundays and Wednesdays. This is an easy way to be engaged in living out your faith and the ministry of First. Sign up today on our website: 1st.org/serve! If you have questions, connect with Pastor Karyn: karyn@firstlu.org / 608.782.2236. Sign up for the following & more at the Welcome Center and on your phone or computer at 1stlu.org/serve STILL NEEDED FOR JULY: • Acolytes • Coffee servers • Communion servers • Nursery helpers • Ushers
SUNSHINE BOYS
The Sunshine Boys meet at First Lutheran on the first Thursday of the month at 9am to help with outdoor or indoor projects. Rolls and coffee are supplied to replenish your reserves! Dues are free!
COME FOR SUPPER
First Lutheran is assisting with Come for Supper on Tuesday, July 26, 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 at the Welcome Center. Call Gloria Kubiak if you have questions, 608.498.2762.
It’s a relaxing way to volunteer! Thursday, July 28, at 9am, to assemble the August newsletter. See you there!
CONFIRMATION GUIDES NEEDED!!
We are on the search for faithful adults who are willing to spend an hour each week with our confirmation youth. You don’t need to know the Bible backwards and forwards and you don’t need a seminary degree! All you need is a heart for the youth of our church! Please prayerfully consider this opportunity and contact Tina for more information! tina@firstlu.org
CLOTHES CLOSET VOLUNTEERS
We try to have volunteer hosts available for a wide range of times in order to provide flexibility in meeting the scheduling needs of our clients. Hosts sign up for times when they can be available to take appointments. Appointments will only be scheduled if two volunteers have signed up for the same time slot, so that they can work as a team. Time slots are currently available: • 3-5 p.m. and 5-7 p.m. most weeknights, or • 9-11 a.m. & 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays. If you are interested in volunteering as an appointment host, contact the church office, or Bridget Crave or Lori Lunney: closet@firstlu.org. We can arrange an orientation and try to match you up with an experienced volunteer for your first hosting experience.
July 2016
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SUNDAY SCHOOL INTRODUCING SUNDAY SCHOOL SUPERINTENDENTS JOEL & BETH MILLER
Joel and I have prayerfully considered and accepted the responsibility of being Sunday School Superintendents at First. One of our goals is to equip the teachers with what they need to pass on faithful practices and actions to the students and to continue the positive work being done in the Sunday School. I have had the opportunity to go to Living Room Summit, which reaffirmed the importance for our youngsters to have faithful adults in their families, congregation and communities. Faith Families was another part of Living Room Summit. Faith Families is a family Bible story study that we look forward to implementing four times during the 2016-2017 Sunday School year. Stay tuned for more information! Joel and I have 2 children; Emery (5 years old) and Bo (almost 3). You can usually find us dancing in the aisle and creatively trying to avoid a tantrum. We have been members at First for about six years. Joel regularly attends the Courageous Men’s Group, and I am a small group leader for confirmation. We look forward to getting to know you and your family.
New registrations welcome any time of the year. Contact Sunday school superintendents Joel & Beth Miller at sundayschool@firstlu.org 10
We ask that you prayerfully consider being a Sunday School teacher or assistant. It would be a flexible commitment of about two Sundays a month! We would love to work together to provide for our little ones. If you have questions, comments or willingness to help, contact us at: sundayschool@firstlu.org or 414.856.5145 or visit next time at church! See you there! Joel and Beth Miller
Young Youth Explorer Days @ Sugar Creek Tues., July 12 An exciting 1-day adventure with games, nature, crafts, swimming, a pony ride, Bible study, singing & more! Cost: $20; includes lunch & snack. More info & RSVP at 1stlu.org/YYSCBC
July 2016 First Lutheran Church + Good News
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vacation bible school!
Registration Form (one form per family)
VBS is for kids aged 3 (and potty trained) through those entering 6th grade in the fall. To register, fi ll out the back of this form and turn it into the church offi ce, or register online at: 1stlu.org/vbs
Helpers Needed!
Make VBS a blast by helping with food, nursery, shepherds, crafts. Email vbs@fi rstlu.org to help!
Name(s), age(s) & gender: _________________ ___________________ ___________________ _________________ ___________________ ___________________ _________________ ___________________ ___________________ Parent(s)/Guardian(s) Name: ____________________________________________________________ Street address: ____________________________________________________________ City: _____________________________ State: _________ZIP: ____________________ Home phone: _______________________
Mobile: ____________________ Preferred
Mobile provider: ____________________ For text reminders
Home email address: ______________________________________________________
This summer VBS is Sunday, August 7 through Thursday, August 11 from 5:00–8:00pm Come join in the fun !
Number of family members participating in VBS: ____________ Will parents be helping in any other areas of VBS?___________ Where? ___________________________________________________________________ In case of emergency, contact: ___________________________________________ Name and phone number
Allergies or other medical conditions: ___________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________
A suggested donation of $15/child or $40/family is welcome and appreciated and will help cover VBS expenses. Thank you!
Middle School Mission Trip Sending
High School Mission Trip Sending
Help send off our middle schoolers during Sunday worship before they load into the van and take off!
Help us bless the high schoolers a week before we send them on their service trip!
July 17—All Sunday Services
Middle School Mission Trip to Quad Cities, IA July 17-22
Our middle schoolers have the awesome opportunity to travel down to the Quad Cities for a week of service projects, kids programs, and exploring the area around. Please pray for safe travels and open hearts for God to work through us!
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July 24—All Sunday Services
West Virginia Pre-Trip Summer Fun
Tuesday, July 26 from 5-8pm
For those going on the West Virginia Mission Trip: we are planning a summer gettogether a few weeks before our trip. We will be hanging out at Terry & David Lee’s (two chaperones of our trip). There will be a campfire, swimming, food, and more!
High School Mission Trip to Mingo County, WV July 31–August 6
Our second group of high schoolers will be driving to serve in Mingo County WV. We will be helping build, paint, and repair various places around the area and getting to the know the community at the same time. Please keep us in your prayers throughout the summer!
Contact Tina with any questions: tina@firstlu.org / 605.431.3421 12
Teen–relevant, age-appropriate, active, modern, and theologically sound
Mission Trip Events
Contact Tina Nelson at confirmation@firstlu.org Events subject to change; up-to-date info at firsltu.org/confirmation
CONFIRMATION
GUIDES NEEDED We are on the search for faithful adults who are willing to spend an hour each week with our confirmation youth. You don’t need to know the Bible backwards and forwards and you don’t need a seminary degree! All you need is a heart for the youth of our church! Please prayerfully consider this opportunity and contact Tina for more information!
July 2016 First Lutheran Church + Good News
The OWLs will be taking July off to enjoy summer travel and activities. We will reconvene in August. Please save Wednesday, August 10 at noon for the potluck and Sunday, August 28 at 4pm for our annual August trip to the Commonweal Theatre in Lanesboro. More to come in the August newsletter. Hope everyone has a great July! 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.
#FaithAliveinOna
July 2016
13
mmStaff Mtg of the House Women e CLOSED m Courageous Men’s Bible Study - House m AA Coffee - FS with Pastor Karyn - Panera Newsletter m Staff Mtg Assembly - NX OWLs Potluck mmStephen Ministry- Riverside Mtg - MRPark Worship m Courageous Men’s Bible Study - House m AA - FH with Pastor Karyn - Panera Coffee m Worship First Teen Clothes Closet Mtg West Virginia PreVacation Bible School Creative Circle Volunteer Share - Sugar UR m Parent Worship Young Youth Blood Drive Creative Circle Volunteer Trip Summer Fun Sun, Aug 7— Mon, July 18 Tues, JulyPicnic 12 TheCreek Explorer Day Story Small Group -Appreciation MR m Sunshine Boys Mon, July 18 Appreciation Picnic Tues, July 26 Thur, Aug 11 6–9pm Sun, July 24 12:30–5:30pm 6–9pm Sun, July 24 VeggieTales - FS12 m AA - FSTues, July 5–8pm 5–8pm nightly 12–2pm 7:40am–4:30pm 12–2pm Worship mmWorship Women of the House mmParent Share - UR e CLOSED m The Story Small Group - MR m AA - FS VeggieTales - FS mmStaff Mtg Worship mmStephen Ministry Mtg -- MR Parent Info Meeting e m Bible Study - House d Courageous Cities MissionMen’s Trip - FH mmCoffee with Pastor Karyn - Panera Women of the House First-Teen m AA FS Clothes Closet Mtg SugarVirginia Creek Golf West Virginia Pre- Days Vacation Bible School Creative Circle Volunteer West PreVacation Bible School Worship m Young Youth Explorer Trip Summer Fun Sun, Aug 7— Mon, July 18 Appreciation Picnic TripFundraiser Summer Fun Sun, Aug 7— mgar Sunshine Boys Creek Sat, August 27 Tues, July 26 Thur, Aug 24 11 Sun, July Tues, July 26 Thur, Aug 11 m AA Staff- FS Mtg6–9pm 1–6pm 5–8pm 5–8pm nightly 12–2pm 5–8pm 5–8pm nightly mmWorship Blood Drive - FH Use these QR Codes to quickly add our upcoming events to the calendar of your smart phone Parent Share m Dorcas Circle--UR UR tablet. TIPS: focus the code, hold the device still, try various distances, & use good lighting. UPCOMING EVENTS AT FIRST orNeed a scanning app?Use Try www.scan.me. The Story&Small m Worship MusicGroup Team--MR NX these QR Codes to quickly add our
STAFF DIRECTORY Jason Stanton . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Senior Pastor. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 608.386.6431. . . . . . . . . . . . jason@firstlu.org Karyn Bodenschatz. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Associate Pastor. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 608.433.6002 . . . . . . . . . . . karyn@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 6:15 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 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)
#FaithAliveinOna
Kathryn Pedretti . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Director of Servant Ministries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . kathryn@firstlu.org Bridget Crave . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Director of Small Group Ministry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . bridget@firstlu.org
YOUTH/EDUCATION STAFF Sheri Betz. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Tawni O’Rourke. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Katie Everson. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Cindy Beach. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Tina Nelson. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
SUPPORT STAFF
Tamara Schonsberg. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Andy Stutesman . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mike Peper . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mark Koenig. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Peggy Daleki. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Sunday School Superintendent. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . sundayschool@firstlu.org Sunday School Superintendent. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . sundayschool@firstlu.org Young Youth Coordinator. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . katie@firstlu.org Confirmation Administrative Assistant. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . cindy@firstlu.org Director of Discipleship for Youth. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . tina@firstlu.org Office Assistant. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 608.783.2236. . . . . . . . . . . . office@firstlu.org Communications & Marketing Coordinator. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . andy@firstlu.org Head Custodian . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . mike@firstlu.org Assistant Custodian Assistant Custodian
MUSIC STAFF
Jim Knutson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bell Choir Director. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . jim@firstlu.org Gabriel Hicks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Organist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . gabe@firstlu.org Todd Saner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Senior Choir Director & Contemporary Music Coordinator. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . todd@firstlu.org
PRESCHOOL STAFF
Melissa Rolbiecki. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Megan Colgan. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Marci Leppert. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Carrie Markos. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Preschool Director . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 608.779.4504. . . . . . . . . preschool@firstlu.org 4K Teacher Preschool Assistant Teacher Preschool Assistant Teacher
VISION & LEADERSHIP TEAM
Todd Lofald. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . President Aaron McDonald . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Vice President Jennifer Wiesjahn. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Secretary Shaun Gibbs Larry Schreiner Diane Shuda Paula Skoy
July 2016
15
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edition: July 2016
WORSHIP SCHEDULE Sunday 8:00 AM 10:30 AM Wednesday 6:15 PM
410 Main Street Onalaska, WI 54650 608.783.2236 www.FirstLutheranOnalaska.org
To stop delivery: email andy@firstlu.org or call office at 608.783.2236
ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED
PERMIT #15
ONALASKA, WI
NON PROFIT ORG POSTAGE PAID
JULY 2016
CONTENTS:
MISSION TRIPS HIT THE ROAD
MEYERS-BRIGG COACHING
VOLUNTEER APPRECIATION PICNIC
BLOOD DRIVE
LWR SCHOOL KITS
VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL
#f a ith a live in On a