2 Thank You3 Christmas Schedule Christmas Flowers4 Butter Braids

4 Blue Christmas6 First Lutheran Foundation Report Finance Committee Report7 Announcements Job Postings8 Events

Sugar Creek Events9 Serve & Give God’sHands&Feet10 Preschool Update11 Sunday School12 Young Youth

13 OWLs Post14 Quick Add Events / QR Codes

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

SEE ALSO... facebook.com/firstlu twitter.com/1stlu firstlu.tumblr.com pinterest.com/firstlu 2.firstlu.org/calissuu.com/firstlu2.firstlu.org/flipboard

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

FAQS FROM COTTAGE MEETINGS

I’m using my newsletter this month to continue the

conversations we had through cottage meetings. Something like a dozen meetings happened with anywhere

from five to thirty participants each. In all, about 100 members took the time to hear more about the Plan and take the time to ask their questions. Thank you to those who participated! For those who were unable, I’ve included some of the most common comments and questions below:

Q: This is very ambitious. Do you really think we’re going to accomplish

everything in this Plan?

A: Pardon my sports analogy, but teams of any sport that are built to win do

not start their season saying, “How many of these games shall we lose?” The Plan has dozens of goals and hundreds of tactics. Our budget will need to continue to increase as it has the past three years. We will need to find gifted program staff to lead completely new ministries. A culture change will need to happen among our current members so that at least twice as many people choose to participate youth ministry, adult ministry, community service, hospitality, stewardship and evangelism. I do believe First has the stuff to accomplish all these goals. I am also

realistic, though, that some parts of the Plan may take longer to accomplish than others.

Q:Does adding a 3rd worship service on Sunday mean we’re getting rid of

Wednesday night?

A:No (emphatically). During the program year we are averaging over

100 worshippers on Wednesday and it gathers more and more people who can’t come on Sunday. We will continue offering a Wednesday evening service.

INSIDE

MESSAGE FROM PASTOR KARYN

O come, O come Emmanuel, and ransom captive Israel, who waits in lonely exile here until the Son of God appear. Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel has come to you O Israel.

It isn’t even Thanksgiving yet, but the planning for

Advent has begun and this ancient song has been ringing in my head for several days now. Come Immanuel. It is

the prayer that we speak during the Advent season as we wait. Come Immanuel we say, hoping for Christ’s peace to come. Come Immanuel, God among us, come and bring your love, peace, wisdom to our lives, our world. It is a prayer that rings out across the

world as people seek relief from hunger, war, political unrest, abuse, fear, anger, [insert your burden here]. And every day, God answers the people’s prayers.

During our recent Lord’s Prayer class we spent a lot of time talking about prayer, about what it is and what it does and why we do it. But we also talked about the variety of ways prayer is answered. Largely, it is answered through the people of God. Through you. As we pray for the hungry to be fed we find ourselves feeding the hungry. As we pray for the poor, we find ourselves helping the poor. As we pray for peace, we find ourselves working for peace. God’s answer to our prayer for Christ to be among

Continues on page 2

Continues on page 4

NEW CHRISTMAS WORSHIP TIMES

FOR 2014Christmas Eve

2pm, 4pm, 6pm & 8pm

Christmas Day 9am

Complete Christmas schedule on page 3

2 First Lutheran Church + Good News December 2014

So, how could we keep most everything

we already do, but build on the strengths

we already have? How do we take our

already satisfying worship experience to

the next level which will have people

“experience the presence of

God more”?

Q: This looks very dependant on lots of volunteers. What if no one steps up?

A: Then the ideas—which are those brought by members through

interviews and the CAT and through writing team members (who, again, are our members)—will not happen and First will continue to function as it already does.

Q:What will the goal of the Capital Campaign be?

A: The goal will be to enter 2020 (First’s 150th anniversary) with an updated

sanctuary, better signage (inside and out) no large facility projects looming on the horizon and no debt. The goal is to enter the next decade completely ready to grow into the next chapter of God’s vision for our Church. What will the $ number be? The best we can do right now is guess, and I’d rather not give a number that proves to be unhelpful later, whether I say a number that’s too high or too low.

Q:Why don’t we get another Pastor?

A:A Pastor is trained to primarily work with Word and Sacrament ministries.

What First needs more than that right now is someone whose entire work week is dedicated to the organization and execution of youth ministry. I’d rather not have that person also responsible for a sermon now and then, along with visitation, or any of the other tasks typically expected of a Pastor.

Q:What is our #1 priority? The timeline only tells when things are planned to

happen. Is the first thing our first priority, the second our second and so on?

A: In a 5 year Plan as ambitious as ours, we are claiming all nine of these

initiatives as ‘high priority’. Otherwise, they wouldn’t have made the Plan. Within it though, the greatest immediate needs happen in the first half of 2015 with a full time youth director leading the way. A job description is already being created. The budget for that position will be considered by the Finance Team and

Vision & Leadership Team this month. The search for that youth director has already informally begun and will formally take place beginning in January. We will treat this search much like we would for the Call of a Pastor as it will significantly affect every other staff person and a great number of members at First. We need to get that one right! The Small Group Director is another high priority for the first half of 2015, as are Action Teams connected with community service, youth and Kathryn Pedretti’s hospitality ministries.

Q: The Church Assessment Tool (CAT) said that 87% of our members are

highly satisfied with worship. Why are we doing anything to change the way we worship when it’s going so well?

A: The CAT also told us we are very low in our “value of activity beyond

worship” and ‘spiritual vitality’. Here’s the train of thought: If it’s true that more than anything else, First Lutheran’s membership identify themselves as members by worshipping (the CAT told us this too) then we need to use worship as a tool to address our low spiritual vitality. Worship—as it currently is—may ‘satisfy’ people, but

it is not creating spiritually vital people, broadly speaking. So, how could we keep most everything we already do, but build on the strengths we already have? How do we take our already satisfying worship experience to the next level which will have people “experience the presence of God more”? In quotes in this previous sentence was a question from the CAT that more of us should ‘strongly agree’ with, ideally. So, the minor changes we intend to make in worship are not meant to address any worship deficiencies. They are actually part of the effort to create more spiritually vital people who connect their faith to the rest of their lives. In addition to worship, we mean to address ‘spiritual vitality’ through adult discipleship, small groups and stewardship as well. But worship is the primary place people connect to First. So worship needs to be a part of the solution as well.

Q: This looks like a lot of work for our Pastors. How will you keep from

burning out?

A: Pastor Karyn and I each have a mutual ministry team who keep us

accountable to our own goals for self-care, including limits on how many nights we work per week (typically), how many hours per week (typically) and how often we get a Saturday off. Additionally, each of us participates in spiritual direction through a trained Director at the Franciscan Spirituality Center in La Crosse which helps to discern our spiritual wellness. But the best answer to this question is YOU! In my experience here, First Lutheran is not interested in taking more from their Pastors than they are willing to give. That kind of relationship will serve this Church well and help us succeed in amazing ways as we work our Plan!

FAQS FROM COTTAGE MEETINGS, CONT. FROM PAGE 1

Pastor Jason Stanton jason@firstlu.org

THANK YOU

BLOOD DONORS, THANK YOU FOR YOUR ACT OF KINDNESS!!We are so blessed to have donors who continue to give of themselves. I wish there was some way we could know all of the stories of the lives that have been touched and restored by all of the donations that have been given. What a story that would be!! Thank you for helping another 120 neighbors, made possible by all of you attending our recent drive. God bless each of you and have a wonderful Christmas!November drive donors: Bill Baum, Mae Aronson, Tim Weihrouch, Lois Rahn, Andy Stutesman, John Honadel, Michelle Richgels, Shari Hegland, Dave Rohde, Marlene Dewald, Arden Ross, Dan and Gail Filzen, Mike Uss, Judy Johnson, Bridget Crave, Bethany Girtier, Karen Meier, Pam McCurkle, Mike and Jody Olson, Steve Thinnes, Chris Lofald, Lloyd Hoff, Carol Pestel, Jennifer Bank, Becky Runde, Steve Klingemann, Corina Turriff, Laurie Hilden, Erin Nelson, Gaylord Dolphin, Gary Vance, Cynthia Ondrejka, Donald Sannes, Julie Stegemann, Jim Mielke, Theodore and Jean Latham, Carley Schaffner, Cheryl Johnson and Lyn Larkin.Barbecue brought by: Gaylord and Esther DolphinCanteen workers: Ardith Van Riper, Pat Mulrine and Bridget CraveGreeters: Esther Dolphin and Mickaela LarkinPumpkin bars: Ardith Van RiperWith much gratitude,Sara Larkin First Lutheran Blood Drive Coordinator

11 WOMEN’S COOKIE BAKING PARTY: 7:00pm. It’s more about the fellowship than the baking!

13 YOUNG YOUTH COOKIE DECORATING: 2:30–4:00pm, Young Youth will be decorating cookies for the carolers to give as gifts, in the Fellowship Hall.

14 GIFTS FOR THE CHRISTMAS GIVING TREE ARE DUE

CAROLING: 5pm. Meet at church, where we will all load on a bus and go around town spreading Christmas cheer! Then come back to church for a yummy meal and fellowship! Sign ups on the Connecting Point for bus and food!

17 SUNDAY SCHOOL CHRISTMAS PROGRAM:6:30pm during Wednesday worship.

21 BLUE CHRISTMAS WORSHIP: 4:30pm worship, followed by free soup supper.

24 CHRISTMAS EVE WORSHIP TIMES:2:00pm, 4:00pm, 6:00pm and 8:00pm. All will be candlelight and all will be with Holy Communion

25 CHRISTMAS DAY WORSHIP TIME:9:00am, with Holy Communion

28 BIRTHDAY PARTY FOR JESUS! 9:15am during the education hour.

Christmas at First Lutheran

NEW

TIM

ES F

OR

201

4#

Christmas Flowers for the Sanctuary

If you would like to give a rose in honor or memory of loved ones for our Christmas Eve and Christmas Day services, you may do so by filling out the form and return it to the church office. Cost is $5.00 per rose.

Order deadline is December 15.

Please print clearly. Your Name:

____________________________________________________

____________________________________________________

I would like a rose in memory of:

____________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________ I would like a rose in honor of:

____________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________

Christmas Flowers for the Sanctuary

If you would like to give a rose in honor or memory of loved ones for our Christmas Eve and Christmas Day services, you may do so by filling out the form and return it to the church office. Cost is $5.00 per rose.

Order deadline is December 15.

Please print clearly. Your Name:

____________________________________________________

____________________________________________________

I would like a rose in memory of:

____________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________ I would like a rose in honor of:

____________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________

December 14

Blue Christmas

Butter Braids will be ready for pick up/delivery

on December 12th.

us is us, the bearers of God’s light and life in the world.

That refrain that gets stuck in our heads for months because we sing it all the time, because it is that time of year, the call of “Rejoice, rejoice, Immanuel shall come to thee, O Israel? It isn’t just a promise that one day will be fulfilled, it is a call to all of us who live in Christ right now. Jesus will tell his followers in the very beginning of his ministry, “You are the light of the world!” and at the very end, “Go and make

disciples”. We are light when we break the darkness that surrounds people, we make disciples when we love and the people can rejoice, knowing that God is with them. It kind of turns this top 10 hymn on it’s head doesn’t it? No longer is it a pretty, haunting prayer, but it is a call to us as followers of Christ to be just that in a real way.

We will be singing a version of this hymn throughout Advent, the season of waiting. Yet, we will be asking you not to wait because there are broken, hurting people out there waiting for you to be the light bearers, to be Christ come into their midst. How will you serve people this Advent? How will you be Christ in the midst of the busy time of year where we forget those who are sad or grieving? How will you offer fellowship to those who struggle with loneliness in this season of the family gathering? There are many in our midst, in our community who cry of Christ to come—will you answer their prayer?

Pastor Karyn Bodenschatz karyn@firstlu.org

FROM PASTOR KARYN, CONT. FROM PAGE 1

It kind of turns this top 10 hymn on it’s

head doesn’t it? No longer is it a pretty,

haunting prayer, but it is a call to us

as followers of Christ to be [the light of the world] in a real way.

December 2014 First Lutheran Church + Good News 5

F ro m T h e i r h a n d s T o Yo u r s

The BenefitsFair Tradeof

1 ProducerProducers (farmers or artisans) grow or create the product. This step requires the most labor and skill. Coffee and cocoa farmers tend to their crops throughout the season. After harvesting, they process their beans in order to sell them.

Handcraft artisans work to design products that are desirable to international buyers. They procure all the pieces of their crafts and determine how to consistently, effectively and efficiently produce enough to fulfill orders.

the FAir trAde Process

By purchasing Fair Trade products, more of the money you spend reaches the small-scale farmers and producers who labor to create the things we enjoy every day.

The traditional (non-Fair Trade) process looks more like this. With so many steps, the producers who created the product receive less profit for their hard work.

the trAditionAl trAde Process

Added Benefit

environmenTFair Trade encourages good stewardship of the environment. Handcraft artisans are encouraged to use sustainable materials in their products. Farmers are prohibited from using the 12 most dangerous chemicals, recognizing that they contaminate water and are harmful to people. Fair Trade also provides an organic farming incentive in the form of a larger social premium.

1 Producers grow or create product.

Middlemen buy product for a fraction of the price

Processor buys product and prepares it for export2 3

Beautiful Giftsthat

Artisans around the world feel the benefit of your purchase from the LWR Handcraft Project. With more than one thousand beautiful handcrafts to choose from, you’re sure to find the perfect item for every occasion! Shop online at lwr.org/handcraft or call 888.294.9660 to receive your free LWR Handcraft Catalog.

The LWR Handcraft Project is a partnership between Lutheran World Relief and SERRV.

Dear Friends,

What do you think of when you drink your morning cup of coffee? Your “to-do” list for the day? All of your responsibilities and tasks? Do your thoughts ever turn to the farmers whose hands labored to grow those beans?

It’s hard to realize amid our current recession that many of the people who produce the goods we consume every day live in a constant state of economic crisis. Without direct access to world markets, these producers must sell their products through middlemen who eat up their profits, often leaving them with less than the cost of production.

But Fair Trade allows us to connect with those around the world who make the items we so often take for granted. That simple choice ensures that we get a high quality product, and it ensures that the people who worked so hard to make it are able to support their families.

Through LWR’s Fair Trade Coffee (lwr.org/coffee), Chocolate (lwr.org/chocolate) and Handcraft (lwr.org/handcraft) Projects, you can ensure a better life for our brothers and sisters who labor to provide us with many of the products we enjoy every day.

And now through LWR’s Coffee Project, your support of Fair Trade goes even further. LWR and Equal Exchange have teamed up to provide a new line of coffees especially for Lutherans. We’re particularly excited to bring you Organic Gumutindo, grown by a coffee cooperative LWR has worked with for two years to improve their beans (read more in the story Good Quality).

When you take a sip, follow the advice of Nicaraguan coffee farmer Noe Montegro: “When you’re drinking the coffee… think about the flavor of life you are creating for the small producer when he receives a social benefit.”

Choosing Fair Trade is a simple choice, but it’s one that makes a profound difference.

In Christ,

John A. Nunes President and CEO

LUTHERAN WORLD RELIEF’S VISION Empowered by God’s unconditional love in Jesus Christ, we envision a world in which each person, every community and all generations live in justice, dignity and peace.

g i v e u s y o u r f e e d b a c k : 700 Light Street, Baltimore, MD 21230 USA 800.597.5972 lwr@lwr.org

s

Change Lives

Gift suggestions from the ELCA GOOD GIFTS catalog for dads, grads, couples who have “everything,” and others celebrating most anything…

Gift suggestions from the ELCA GOOD GIFTS catalog for dads, grads, couples who have “everything,” and others celebrating most anything…

Call 800/638-3522 to request a free copy of the ELCA Good Gifts catalog. Visit www.elca.org/giving to view the catalog online.

ELCA GOOD GIFTS TO COMBAT HUNGER—agriculture, women and children, training and education, health care, hunger at home, water, God’s Global Barnyard, and Stand With Africa—represent the integrated and sustainable efforts funded by the ELCA World Hunger Appeal. These gift donations are used where needed most to make a life-saving difference around the world and close to home. Learn more at www.elca.org/hunger

Call 800/638-3522 to request a free copy of the ELCA Good Gifts catalog. Visit www.elca.org/giving to view the catalog online.

ELCA GOOD GIFTS TO COMBAT HUNGER—agriculture, women and children, training and education, health care, hunger at home, water, God’s Global Barnyard, and Stand With Africa—represent the integrated and sustainable efforts funded by the ELCA World Hunger Appeal. These gift donations are used where needed most to make a life-saving difference around the world and close to home. Learn more at www.elca.org/hunger

$10 covers the cost of a mosquito net

$30 brings home the bacon with a pig to raise

$50 spells out hope with adult literacy training

$75 gives enterprise a chance with a micro-credit loan

$110 cooks up 40 meals

$200 plants a community vegetable garden

$600 helps a child stand up to poverty

$7,000 lets irrigation waters flow

$10 covers the cost of a mosquito net

$30 brings home the bacon with a pig to raise

$50 spells out hope with adult literacy training

$75 gives enterprise a chance with a micro-credit loan

$110 cooks up 40 meals

$200 plants a community vegetable garden

$600 helps a child stand up to poverty

$7,000 lets irrigation waters flow

Special Christmas Season Appeal for Support of Lutheran Schools in the Holy Land (ELCJHL) 

 The La Crosse Area ELCA Synod Middle East Subcommittee approved a motion at its October meeting asking Synod congregations to consider a special appeal for support of the vital ministry of the elementary and secondary schools in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land (ELCJHL) during these very difficult days in the Middle East. 

Average tuition cost per student for a school year is under $1200. 

Members of the La Crosse Area Synod can support the whole ELCJHL school system with a donation/check made out to La Crosse Area Synod – Lutheran Schools in the Holy Land. If you wish you can designate a gift to a particular school, educational program, or sponsorship of a student. Just specify the school or program listed above on the check memo line. 

 

 

 

 

Special Christmas Season Appeal for Support of Lutheran Schools in the Holy Land (ELCJHL) 

 The La Crosse Area ELCA Synod Middle East Subcommittee approved a motion at its October meeting asking Synod congregations to consider a special appeal for support of the vital ministry of the elementary and secondary schools in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land (ELCJHL) during these very difficult days in the Middle East. 

Average tuition cost per student for a school year is under $1200. 

Members of the La Crosse Area Synod can support the whole ELCJHL school system with a donation/check made out to La Crosse Area Synod – Lutheran Schools in the Holy Land. If you wish you can designate a gift to a particular school, educational program, or sponsorship of a student. Just specify the school or program listed above on the check memo line. 

6 First Lutheran Church + Good News December 2014

The following is a financial summary through the end of October:

Actual Receipts—$640,298.38Budgeted Receipts—$637,743.30Actual Expenses—$643,496.15Budgeted Expenses—$678,653.50

Our total Receipts through the end of October exceed the current year budgeted amount by $2,555.08. Our total Giving (Envelope Giving, Debt Reduction and other miscellaneous offerings) is up from last year’s total through this same period by $19,167.47 or 3.6% and exceeds our current year budgeted amount by $4,091.03 or .7%.As noted above, our expenses are less than budget through the end of October by $35,157.35. The majority of this is due to the timing of certain expenses.

In summary, we budgeted for a deficit of $40,910.20 through the end of October and have realized an actual deficit of $3,197.77.As always, full details of this report are available by request in the church office—simply ask to speak with Jane. Also, everyone is welcome to attend a finance committee meeting—we meet every month, on the second Wednesday at noon in the Thomas Room.Respectfully,Finance Committee

FINANCE COMMITTEE REPORT

$637,473.30 $640,298.38

$678,653.50

$643,496.15

2014 Budgeted 2014 Actual

$0.00

$50,000.00

$100,000.00

$150,000.00

$200,000.00

$250,000.00

$300,000.00

$350,000.00

$400,000.00

$450,000.00

$500,000.00

$550,000.00

$600,000.00

$650,000.00

$700,000.00

$750,000.00

$800,000.00

$850,000.00

Receipts

Expenses

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

Category #1: Scholarships

Bethany Vinz (for 2012) $600.00Ellie Meyer (20120 $600.00Kelly Garrity (2012) $600.00Kinsley Hackman (2012) $600.00Amanda Burton (2013) $600.00(4 additional 2013 scholarships are pending)

Category #2: Community Outreach

Salvation Army $400.00Holmen Area Youth Partnership $400.00St. Claire Health Mission $600.00New Horizons $500.00Onalaska Food Pantry $600.00TLC Center $500.00

Category #3 ELCA Related Missions

Sugar Creek Bible Camp $500.00First Lutheran Milestone Ministries $500.00First Lutheran Helping Hands $250.00First Lutheran Prayer Shawls $250.00

Category #4 Capital Improvements

First Lutheran Capital Improvements (lighting) $2,500.00

Total Expenditures $10,000.00

2013 Income/Expense Statement

Opening Balances 1/1/2013 $200,125.50

Gifts Paid -$10,000.00Bank Charges -$50.002013 Interest Income $1.072013 Dividends & Fund Appreciation $30,801.16

Closing Balances 1/1/14 $220,877.73

Investments as of 12/31/13BMO Harris Bank Checking $86.97Thrivent Mutual Funds $98,810.64Edw. Jones Account (Mutual Funds) $121,980.12

$220,877.73

December 2014 First Lutheran Church + Good News 7

Christmas Giving TreeTags available on

November 23Return gifts by December 14th

If you purchase gift cards, please wrap

them in a boxCall Kathryn at 608-783-2236

ifyou’dliketoknowwhat else may be on a

person’s wish list

ANNOUNCEMENTS

NEW WORSHIP TIMES FOR CHRISTMAS EVE & CHRISTMAS DAYChristmas Eve worship this December will be at 2pm, 4pm, 6pm and 8pm. All services will be candlelight and all will be with Holy Communion. Christmas Day Worship will be at 9am, with Holy Communion. Look for our complete schedule of Christmas events to be posted on our website and available at church in mid-November.

SNOW BIRDS: KEEP US UPDATEDHad enough of snow already and about to winter in warmer climes? Keep us up to date by letting us know your winter address / contact info. Contact the church office with your updated information: office@firstlu.org / 608.783.2236.

BAPTISMAL PREPARATIONA baptism preparation session will be held Saturday, December 6 at 10am in the narthex for anyone who is considering or has scheduled a baptism.

To register or ask questions please contact the church office, 608.783.3326.

CANCELLATIONS DUE TO INCLEMENT WEATHERIf the weather ever makes you wonder whether your group is meeting for their ministry, check our website, Facebook page, or update the office with your cell # and provider so that we can text you. We’ll also notify WXOW.com, news8000.com and the La Crosse Radio Group stations: 106.3, 104.9, 102.7, 100.1, and 1490 AM. The staff and leadership of First intend to ‘make the call’ by 5:00 PM at the latest so everyone knows what to expect. Be safe this winter!

NEW MEMBER SESSIONSFirst Lutheran welcomes all people to participate in Christ’s mission through our ministries, worship and programs, whether you are a member or not. Membership does, however, benefit our congregation. By being a member we know your contact information, can more easily provide you with ministry opportunities and invite you to offer your gifts to the rest of this family of faith. We offer several new member sessions each year in order to acquaint new members with First and a small group of other newcomers. The next new member session will be Sunday, January 25 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

• Brielle Lee Heineck, daughter of Roy & Brooks Heineck

• Claire Morgan Mielke, daughter of Michael & Emilee Mielke

• Tyson Scott Trussoni, son of Shane & Elisa Trussoni

WEDDINGSGod’s blessings to...

• Whitney Welch & Nolan Schmidt

GIFTS AND MEMORIALSThank you for the following gifts:

• Designated gift for the Security System: Randy & Judy Eddy

JOB POSTINGS

CHILDREN’S CHOIR DIRECTORFirst Lutheran Church is seeking a Children’s Choir Director for kids grades 2–5. Call 608.783.2236 for more information.

DIRECTOR OF SMALL GROUP MINISTRYFirst Lutheran Church is seeking a part-time Director of Small Group Ministry who will seek to grow a ministry that results in every member feeling like they have a group where they can come to know and be known by others. Primary duties include the creation of a long range vision for this ministry, identifying and equipping leaders and organizing events to grow interest in small groups. Call 608.783.2236 for more information.

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

WOMEN’S COOKIE BAKING PARTYOn Thursday, December 11 at 7pm, the women of the church are invited to a fun-filled evening of baking and fellowship! Baked cookies will be decorated by the youth on the 13th and shared with those we are visiting during caroling!

DRAWING FROM THE WELLNext retreat: Sat., Dec. 13, 9am-1pmFirst 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.

CHRISTMAS CAROLING!Sunday, December 14th, at 5 PM. Meet at church, where we will all load on a bus and go around town spreading Christmas cheer! Then come back to church for a yummy meal and fellowship! Sign ups on the Connecting Point for bus and food!

CHRISTMAS PROGRAMWednesday, December 17th 6:30 PM during Wednesday worship.

13141 Sugar Creek Bible Camp Rd, Ferryville, WI 54628608-734-3113 • camp@sgrcreek.org • www.sugarcreekbiblecamp.org

YESTERDAY’S YOUTHMonday, December 1, 2014 9am to 3pmJoin 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!

HIGH SCHOOL RETREATJanuary 17–19You asked for it you got it! A retreat designed just for high school aged youth! Attend as a youth group, bring a friend, or just come and join in the fun! This high energy retreat will be filledwithgreatmusic,faith-buildingtime, and lots of surprises! The Novemberretreatisfilledwithfun,fallactivities! Cost: $75 (includes 5 meals) Retreat runs from 7:00 PM Friday to 1 p.m. Sunday

WINTER FUN DAYS!January 11 & 25, February 15 , March 1 (all in 2015)Come for an afternoon of family fun including down hill tubing (tubes provided) and ice skating (bring your own skates), broom ball, snow shoeing, snowman building or curl upbythefireinthelodge!Completewith hot dogs, chili, hot chocolate, etc. Bring your family, friends youth group, etc. Lunch served about 2:30 P.M.-3:30 P.M. Time: 1– 5 P.M. Cost for the day: $5.00 per person Includes lunch. Call camp for reservations for you or your group.

COUPLES’ RETREATFebruary 13–15Enrich your relationship with your spouse and enjoy some time away together at Sugar Creek. You will share in some wonderful meals, fun activities, and a program designed to strengthen your relationship. You will stay in one of our beautiful log cabins or a private room in our Koinonia Lodge.

CRAFTER’S RETREATFebruary 26 – March 1Calling all stampers, scrappers, quilters or whatever your craft! Get away for a weekend dedicated to working on your craft and enjoy some ofourprogramminglikecampfires,devotions,worship,andmore.We’llgive you half of an 8 ft table, plenty of good food and a place to lay your head. Just bring yourself, bedding, toiletriesandallyoursupplies.We’llhave 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!

O HOLY NIGHT:

THE TOUR

Holmen Lutheran Church Friday, December 6th 6:30pm

A CHRISTMAS EVENT FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY!

Featuring Songs and Stories From National Performing Artists...

Fri Dec 5th, 6:30pm at Holmen Lutheran

December 2014 First Lutheran Church + Good News 9

SERVE & GIVE

COOKIES & BAKED GOODS NEEDEDWith Christmas approaching, we are in need of many Christmas cookies and other baked goods for several of our Christmas events, such as our Christmas program. If you are baking cookies, bars or other traditional items please make an extra dozen or two and donate them to the church; just drop them off in the church office. Thanks in advance!

SALVATION ARMY BELLRINGERSTis the season! Bellringers are needed through December 24th. Bell ringing can be done in 2 hour increments, inside or outside. This is also a great opportunity for our confirmation kids to gain some service hours—and do it together! Those interested in volunteering their time during the holidays—or anytime—through the Salvation Army, please check out the Salvation Army’s website or sign up online at Bells2ring.org!.

NEWSLETTER ASSEMBLYIt’s a relaxing way to volunteer! Tuesday, December 30th at 10am, to assemble the January newsletter. See you there!

NEEDED: VOTING MEMBERSThe 2015 La Crosse Area Synod Assembly is June 12–14 (Friday–Sunday) here in La Crosse, with the main assembly at Western Technical College. There will also be a pre-assembly caucus which is typically in April. If you are interested in serving our Synod and congregation as one of First Lutheran’s five voting members, contact Pastor Stanton or the church office. It’s a great opportunity to be the Church!

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

• Bread Bakers• Communion Servers• Ushers• Treat Providers• Puppeteer

GOD’S HANDS & FEET

A CHRISTMAS WELCOMEAs a little girl, I remember

going to my mother’s parents for Christmas. The house was filled with family: my plump, white haired great-grandmother sitting in

the kitchen, my aunts and uncles all over the place, and lots of my cousins everywhere. We were welcomed with noisy love and warmth. When we would go to my father’s parents for Christmas, it was much quieter: my grandparents, my parents, my brother, my great uncle, and my slim, gray haired great grandmother sitting in her chair in the living room. We were welcomed into a home filled with a quiet love of hugs, kisses and tender talks. These are my most precious memories, different but the same: Welcome and love flowed through these homes.

Everyone needs to feel welcomed when they come through a door. It doesn’t matter if it’s a home, a business, a place of worship or an office. Here at church, we need to be

very aware of how we welcome everyone into our building. As Romans 15:7 says, “Welcome one another, therefore, just as Christ has welcomed you.” At Christmas we have people welcoming, opening the outside doors and handing out candles at the doors leading into worship. These actions make people feel welcomed, but what if we can start making people feel welcomed before they even get to the doors of our church. We can help them find a parking space, lend a helping hand as they get out of their cars or with small children. We can walk them to the doors to help them in, and if they are visitors introduce them to our inside greeters who can help them, if needed, find the nursery and then introduce our visitors to a zone greeter who can help them get settled into a pew and introduce them to others around them. Would not that make you feel welcomed? This makes me so excited to think we can make this happen. I can’t do it all by myself though or even with a few

others; we need lots of help to make this a reality.

This Christmas Eve would be a great opportunity for you to help out at the doors of church helping people feel welcomed. At all the worship services, we will need people to help between the doors opening them for those coming into church, we will need people to hand out candles at all four doors and of course ushers, readers, bread bakers, communion servers, acolytes and nursery helpers. There are so many ways we can make those who come to worship Christmas Eve and Christmas Day feel welcomed here.

Kathryn PedrettiDirector of Servant Ministrieskathryn@firstlu.org

ANNUALICICLE TOES PROJECTTHROUGH DEC 25Warm socks for folks who need them! Socks will be collected for donation to New Horizons Shelter, a community resource where people are helped during times of need. Please bring new socks for children or adults to the Icicle Toes Tree in the narthex. Thank you!

10 First Lutheran Church + Good News December 2014

F i r s t L u t h e r a n

U p d a t e

What parents are saying about First Lutheran

Preschool...

First Lutheran Preschool 410 Main Street, Onalaska, WI 54650 608.779.4504•preschool@firstlu.orgPreschool Director: Melissa Rolbiecki 4K Teacher: Megan ColganPreschool Assistant Teachers: Marci Leppert, Stephanie Brunkow

First Lutheran Preschool provides my child with a safe and loving environment to learn and thrive. The teachers enthusiasm and love for God has made a lasting impression on my child. I know that my child is loved and supported at FLP.

October was a busy month for the preschool. We went to the Onalaska fire department, meet the Onalaska fire fighters and got a tour of the fire station and fire truck. We finished up October with Trick-or-treating to Onalaska City Hall and the Church Office. We also had parents come in for Book Munchers. We made a spider web, sang a spider song and ate popcorn hands. Thanks to all the parents for coming to book munchers.

December 2014 First Lutheran Church + Good News 11

SUNDAYSCHOOL

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

It is that time of year to enjoy traditions that the Christmas season brings. One of our Christmas traditions we are busy preparing for here at First Lutheran is our Sunday school Christmas Worship. It is a wonderful time of year and a great way for our kids to spread their Christmas joy!

Below are some of the details that will hopefully help clarify any questions you may have. Please pay particular attention to the details for each age group on December 17th!

DECEMBER 7TH: Rehearsal• K through 5th graders have extended opening in their opening classrooms, then

go to class• 3 and 4 year olds will rehearse in their usual location

DECEMBER 14TH: Rehearsal• K-5th graders will have dress rehearsal in the Sanctuary, there will be no class this day,

so parents can drop off and pick up in the Sanctuary.• 3 and 4 year olds will have opening in their usual location.

DECEMBER 17TH: WEDNESDAY evening Christmas WorshipThe Sunday school Christmas Worship will take place during the 6:30pm Worship service. ALL kids should arrive by 6:20 PM. There will be refreshments in the Narthex following worship.• 3 and 4 year olds should report to their normal opening room (105)• K-2nd should report to their normal opening room (203)• 3rd-5th should report to their normal opening room (choir room)

* Parents can pick all children up in their opening rooms after worship *

DECEMBER 21ST: Sunday school as usual. Opening, followed by class in usual rooms.

DECEMBER 28TH: Birthday Party for Jesus, Intergenerational EventEveryone is invited to attend this Birthday Party for Jesus in Fellowship Hall from 9:15 to 10:15. This event replaces “usual” Sunday school, parents should pick up and drop off at the Fellowship Hall.

Wishing you a Blessed and Merry Christmas!

First Lutheran Sunday School

12 First Lutheran Church + Good News December 2014

imag

ine!

YOUNGYOUTHGROUP

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!!!In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ Acts 20:35

Come and Decorate Christmas Cookies!!!!Meet at the church on Dec. 13th from 2:30–4pm down in the Fellowship Hall to decorate Christmas cookies. The cookies will be handed out as gifts to the residents that we visit when the church goes caroling on Dec. 14th at 5pm. Parents are more then welcome, even encouraged, to attend the cookie decorating event!What to look forward to:• MP3 night (movie, pj’s, popcorn, pizza) in January• Winter Fun Days at Sugar Creek in February

We’ve had an amazing turnout for the last couple of events. Thank you so much for making our group a priority and allowing me to share Christ with your child. The children have done a wonderful job of serving others!!Blessings!Katie Everson

December 2014 First Lutheran Church + Good News 13

The cold weather did not slow the OWL’s down in November. On Friday Nov. 7th we (27 of us) took the opportunity for a Friday night out. It started with a great dinner at the Westview Inn and ended with a fun Las Vegas style show featuring the “Phat Pack” at the Heider Center in West Salem. A great time was had by all. We rounded off the month with a delicious lunch and Laura Liudahl teaching us to make turkey cupcakes at our potluck. See the photos of the events.

In December we will start the month with another fun trip to Sugar Creek Bible Camp for “Yesterday’s Youth”. The morning program is by Pastor Ron Nowland about “Greenlandic Norse”, when they lived there and why they disappeared. Ron traveled to Greenland this last summer to research this new and interesting presentation. As many of you know Ron is an excellent speaker and his talks are always highlighted with great photography. After a delicious lunch we will be treated to a delightful afternoon of great country, old-time gospel and blue grass music by the “DisChords” band. The date is Monday December 1st, and we will

leave the church at 8:30AM to insure we get there in time for coffee and cinnamon rolls. Cost of the day including lunch is $10.

December will also feature our “Christmas Potluck”. We will gather in the church narthex at noon on Wednesday, Dec. 17th to celebrate the season. If you have a favorite Christmas or Norwegian sweater please wear for a group photo. In addition to our usual fantastic meal we will have a gift exchange and play some fun Christmas games. The theme of our gift exchange is a Christmas Ornament. Please bring a wrapped ornament costing less than $10. If you bring a gift you get to take one home. Participation is voluntary. We will play a game to determine who gets to pick first. If you happen to have an extra Christmas goodie, please bring a few to share in addition to your pot luck dish.

Looking forward to seeing everyone in December.

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.

DECE

MBER

EVEN

TS AT

FIRS

TUse these QR Codes to quickly

add our upcoming

events to the

calendar of your smart

phone or tablet

Tips: focus the

code,hold the

device still, & try

various distances

Need a scanning

app? scan.me

OHolyNightChristmas Event by Agape

& Rachel KurtzFri., Dec 5, 6:30pm

atHolmenLutheranChurch

CarolingSun, Dec 14

5pm

Drawing from the WellSat, Dec 139am–1pm

Blue Christmas Worship

Sun, Dec 214:30pm

Women’sCookieBaking PartyThur, Dec 11

7pm

Christmas ProgramWed, Dec 17

6:30pm

Young Youth Cookie DecoratingSat, Dec 132:30–4pm

Birthday Party for Jesus

Sun, Dec 289:15am

UPCOMING EVENTS AT FIRST Use these QR Codes to quickly add our upcoming events to the calendar of your smart phone or tablet. TIPS: focus the code, hold the device still, try various distances, & use good lighting. Need a scanning app? Try www.scan.me.

December 2014 First Lutheran Church + Good News 15

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

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

SUBMITTING NEW ANNOUNCEMENTSTo have your announcement in the monthly newsletter, send it to newsletter@firstlu.org, or give it to Andy in the office. Deadline for the newsletter is always noon on the 15th of the each month.To have your announcement in the weekly announcements pages handed out each weekend, send it to announcements@firstlu.org, or give it to Andy in the office. Deadline for the weekly announcements is always noon each Wednesday.

First Lutheran is a congregation of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America (ELCA)

STAFF DIRECTORY

Jason Stanton . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Senior Pastor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 386-6431 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .jason@firstlu.orgKaryn Bodenschatz . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Associate Pastor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 433-6002 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .karyn@firstlu.org

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

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

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

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

PRESCHOOL STAFFMelissa Rolbiecki . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Preschool Director . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 779-4504 . . . . . . . . . . . preschool@firstlu.orgMegan Colgan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4K TeacherMarci Leppert . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Preschool Assistant TeacherStephanie Brunkow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Preschool Assistant Teacher

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

NO

N P

RO

FIT

OR

G

POST

AG

E PA

IDA

DD

RES

S SE

RVIC

E R

EQU

ESTE

D

ON

ALA

SKA

, WI

To s

top

deliv

ery:

em

ail a

ndy@

fisrtl

u.or

g or

cal

l offi

ce a

t 608

.783

.223

6

PER

MIT

#15

410

Mai

n St

reet

O

nala

ska,

WI 5

4650

608.

783.

2236

w

ww.

Firs

tLut

hera

nOna

lask

a.or

g

WO

RSH

IP S

CH

EDU

LESu

nday

8:

00 A

M

10:3

0 AM

Wed

nesd

ay

6:30

PM

Scan

to d

ownl

oad

this

new

slet

ter t

o yo

ur s

mar

t pho

ne

or ta

blet

Go

gree

n!

Scan

to s

ubsc

ribe

to th

e ne

wsl

ette

r on

line

vol.

2014

.12

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

INSIDECHRISTMAS SCHEDULEFAQS FROM COTTAGE MEETINGSJOB POSTINGS