good news for june 2016

2 Volunteer Appreciation Picnic Readings for June3 First Teen Clothes Closet Update4 Finance Committee Report

5 Announcements Thank You6 Summer

Blood Drive7 God’sHands&Feet Serve&Give

8 Sugar Creek Events9 Preschool Update10 Vacation Bible School11 Young Youth12 Mission Trip Update Peer Ministry

Confirmation13 OWLs Post14 Quick Add Events / QR Codes

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

SEE ALSO...

facebook.com/firstlu instagram.com/1stlupinterest.com/firstlu twitter.com/1stlu firstlu.tumblr.com 1stlu.org/cal issuu.com/firstlu

#faithaliveinOna

G O O D N E W S !J U N E 2 016

INSIDE

MESSAGE FROM PASTOR KARYN

Last month I promised a summer of art

contemplation, and we are going to begin with one of my favorites. I hope this

helps you see God, yourself, the world and art in a new light.

Georgia O’Keeffe first drew my attention as a young woman because of her bold use of color and the beauty of the flowers she painted. It wasn’t until later in my life that I realized that she did more than flowers! When I was in my late twenties, a friend gifted me with a print of “Church Steeple,” and I was again taken with O’Keeffe’s bold use of color and clean lines. She continues to be one of my favorite American artists as I explore more of her work and learn about her life. (Did you know that she was born in Sun Prairie?)

The piece that I would like to consider this month is Ms. O’Keeffe’s “Black Cross, New Mexico” (view full image online at 1stlu.org/artic)

It has been my habit these past few years, to take some Sabbath time

following Easter Sunday. It is typical for me to head to Chicago for that time and enjoy at least a day at the Art Institute. This past post Easter Sabbath time, I was particularly struck by this piece that I have looked many times before. The darkness of the cross, which dominates most of the picture, the brilliance of the sun setting and the moon

so small yet there, ready to provide light during the night reached out to me. It was the moon in particular that drew me in this time, which would make sense in the days following Easter, the ultimate festival of light overcoming darkness. With the coming of night, the moon gives us hope and faith that night is but for a moment.

I love the show Madam Secretary. It is smartly written and expertly executed, it draws me in and makes me laugh and cry and everything in between. This past week, as the season came to a close, one of the last things said has stuck with me. The Secretary’s speech writer has to give a commencement address that she was supposed to give and quickly assures the crowd that he knows he is far from what they had hoped for. He says, “I mean, honestly, this is probably the first moment in my adult life that I’ve stood in the spotlight. Truth be told, it’s probably gonna be the last. Why? Because I’m one of those people who works in the dark. I know what you’re thinking. As soon as my Etsy page is discovered, uh, I’ll invent my own job title on Buzzfeed and livestream my Christopher Walken impression as I hoverboard to the Soylent dispenser in the playroom and I don’t blame you. In this world of relentless self-promotion, we’ve all been raised to think that the limelight is the only light worth seeking. But that isn’t the case. And if I can impart one thing today, a small, simple truth to carry with you as you walk through those gates, it’s this: Achievement is often anonymous. Some of the greatest things have been done by people you have never heard of… quietly dedicating their lives to improving your own.” I was watching this episode with friends who are pastors and

we all started looking for paper and pen to write this down because that is what it means to be a follower of Christ, it means that we work in the dark. Just like the moon that shines the brightest at night, providing light for those who find themselves traveling through the dark.

The promise of the moon in Black Cross is the promise of light, just as the promise of the cross is that light shines in the darkness and the darkness does not overcome it. That is the promise of Jesus’ death and resurrection, the promise we live into and out of. As baptized children of God, we are light in the world. Often times anonymous, quiet, shining in the dark of people’s lives to remind them that they are loved, just as we are loved, by God through Jesus.

I invite you, over the next few weeks, to spend some time with Black Cross, New Mexico, during your devotion time, or at the dinner table and think about what it is that you see. What emotions does this painting evoke? What do those emotions or thoughts tell you about yourself, God or your relationship? What Bible stories does this remind you of? Relax, have fun and ponder this piece. I would love to hear what you saw, so please do share.Black Cross

by Georgia O’Keeffe

Pastor Karyn Bodenschatz [email protected]

http://www.firstlutheranonalaska.org/calendar

issuu.com/firstlu

2 June 2016 First Lutheran Church + Good News

READINGS FOR JUNE

6/1 Wednesday Luke 7:1-10 or Luke 1:39-576/5 Sunday 2 Corinthians 4: 1-156/8 Wednesday Luke 7:11-176/12 Sunday 2 Corinthians 4:16-5:106/15 Wednesday Luke 7:36-8:36/19 Sunday 2 Corinthians 5: 11-216/22 Wednesday Luke 8:26-396/26 Sunday 2 Corinthians 8: 1-156/29 Wednesday Luke 9:51-62Above are the tentative readings scheduled for June. 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.

CONFERENCE TOPICS:• Best practices and contemporary therapies for grief• Mental health and spirituality of the dying and grieving• Caregiving for diverse populations• Children’s grief• Conflict management and communication during grief• Managing caregiver stress• Social justice and grief

WHO SHOULD ATTEND:• Palliative care providers• Hospice providers• Funeral service directors• Program directors• Case managers• Counselors

University of Wisconsin-La Crosse1725 State St. La Crosse, WI 54601

UW-La Crosse is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer and is in compliance with Title IX and Section 504.

www.uwlax.edu/conted

University of Wisconsin-La Crosse Presents

INTERNATIONAL Death, Grief and Bereavement Conference 2016Blue Ribbon Care: Hospice and Mental HealthProviding the best evidence-based holistic care to the dying and the grieving

June 6-8, 2016 | La Crosse, Wis.Pre-conference Workshop: June 5, 2016 www.uwlax.edu/conted/dgb




Why should you attend the 2016 International Death, Grief, and Bereavement Conference?• Share in intimate and

transformative educationalexperiences

• Foster new relationships andconnections to stay with youthrough your career

• Gain insight and grow to newlevels both personally andprofessionally

“It was a spiritual and uplifting experience, because, besides the excellent material shared at the conference, there was a special bond among the attendees who came from different places.”

– Ligia Houben, MA, FT,FAAGC, CPC, CHT, The Centerfor Transforming Lives,Miami, Florida

2016 International Death, Grief and Bereavement Conference

Blue Ribbon Care: Hospice and Mental HealthProviding the best evidence-based holistic care to the dying and the grieving

June 6-8, 2016 | La Crosse, Wis.Pre-conference Workshop: June 5, 2016

www.uwlax.edu/conted/dgbtoll-free 1.866.895.9233

Register byMay 2 and$ave $100

• Nurses• Social workers• Educators• Individuals dealing with personal loss• General public Recognized by the following for continuing education CE credit/hours/units:

• American Psychological Association (APA)• University of Wisconsin-Extension• Association for Death Education and Counseling®• National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC)

CO-PROVIDERS: Gundersen Health System, University of Wisconsin-La Crosse Center for Death Education & Bioethics and Continuing Education and Extension

CONTRIBUTING SPONSOR: Centering Corporation

Continuing Education Units/Hours for 2016 conferenceThis educational offering is recognized by the following for continuing education units/hours:• Continuing Education Units (CEUs) are a means of recognizing and recording satisfactory participation in non-degree

programs. University of Wisconsin-Extension (UW-Ex) awards one CEU for each 10 contact hours in a continuing education experience. Actual contact hours are recorded. CEUs are offered at no additional charge, through the UW-Ex. In order to receive a certificate, participants need to sign up for CEUs at the time of registration.

o UW-Ex CEUs fulfill continuing education requirements for many professionals, agencies and organizations. Professionalassociations may have specific licensing requirements. Individuals should contact their licensing association before assuming UW-Ex CEUs will fulfill all requirements.

• The Association for Death Education and Counseling® (ADEC) has deemed this program as counting toward continuingeducation requirements for ADEC CT and FT programs.

• University of Wisconsin-La Crosse (UWL) is approved by the American Psychological Association (APA) to sponsorcontinuing education for psychologists. UWL Continuing Education and Extension maintains responsibility for the program and its content.

• UWL has been approved by the National Board of Certified Counselors (NBCC) as an ApprovedContinuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 6303. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. UWL is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs.

• Chaplains: The provider of this educational event has designed the program so that it may beconsidered by participants for use as continuing education to enhance the professional knowledge and pastoral competency of chaplains certified through the Board of Chaplaincy Certification Inc., an affiliate of the Association of Professional Chaplains.

CONFERENCE TOPICS:• Best practices and contemporary therapies for grief• Mental health and spirituality of the dying and grieving• Caregiving for diverse populations• Children’s grief• Conflict management and communication during grief• Managing caregiver stress• Social justice and grief

WHO SHOULD ATTEND:• Palliative care providers• Hospice providers• Funeral service directors• Program directors• Case managers• Counselors

University of Wisconsin-La Crosse1725 State St. La Crosse, WI 54601

UW-La Crosse is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer and is in compliance with Title IX and Section 504.

www.uwlax.edu/conted







Why should you attend the 2016 International Death, Grief, and Bereavement Conference?• Share in intimate and

transformative educationalexperiences

• Foster new relationships andconnections to stay with youthrough your career

• Gain insight and grow to newlevels both personally andprofessionally

“It was a spiritual and uplifting experience, because, besides the excellent material shared at the conference, there was a special bond among the attendees who came from different places.”

– Ligia Houben, MA, FT,FAAGC, CPC, CHT, The Centerfor Transforming Lives,Miami, Florida

2016 International Death, Grief and Bereavement Conference

Blue Ribbon Care: Hospice and Mental HealthProviding the best evidence-based holistic care to the dying and the grieving

June 6-8, 2016 | La Crosse, Wis.Pre-conference Workshop: June 5, 2016

www.uwlax.edu/conted/dgbtoll-free 1.866.895.9233

Register byMay 2 and$ave $100

• Nurses• Social workers• Educators• Individuals dealing with personal loss• General public Recognized by the following for continuing education CE credit/hours/units:

• American Psychological Association (APA)• University of Wisconsin-Extension• Association for Death Education and Counseling®• National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC)

CO-PROVIDERS: Gundersen Health System, University of Wisconsin-La Crosse Center for Death Education & Bioethics and Continuing Education and Extension

CONTRIBUTING SPONSOR: Centering Corporation

Continuing Education Units/Hours for 2016 conferenceThis educational offering is recognized by the following for continuing education units/hours:• Continuing Education Units (CEUs) are a means of recognizing and recording satisfactory participation in non-degree

programs. University of Wisconsin-Extension (UW-Ex) awards one CEU for each 10 contact hours in a continuing education experience. Actual contact hours are recorded. CEUs are offered at no additional charge, through the UW-Ex. In order to receive a certificate, participants need to sign up for CEUs at the time of registration.

o UW-Ex CEUs fulfill continuing education requirements for many professionals, agencies and organizations. Professionalassociations may have specific licensing requirements. Individuals should contact their licensing association before assuming UW-Ex CEUs will fulfill all requirements.

• The Association for Death Education and Counseling® (ADEC) has deemed this program as counting toward continuingeducation requirements for ADEC CT and FT programs.

• University of Wisconsin-La Crosse (UWL) is approved by the American Psychological Association (APA) to sponsorcontinuing education for psychologists. UWL Continuing Education and Extension maintains responsibility for the program and its content.

• UWL has been approved by the National Board of Certified Counselors (NBCC) as an ApprovedContinuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 6303. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. UWL is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs.

• Chaplains: The provider of this educational event has designed the program so that it may beconsidered by participants for use as continuing education to enhance the professional knowledge and pastoral competency of chaplains certified through the Board of Chaplaincy Certification Inc., an affiliate of the Association of Professional Chaplains.

#FaithAliveinOna June 2016 3

Thanks to the generosity of our donors, the time

of our volunteers and the willingness of other local organization to work together, in May, the First Teen Clothes

Closet was able to specifically outfit more than two dozen teens in business appropriate apparel to prepare for job interviews.

Fifteen of those young people were participants in the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater La Crosse Career Launch program. Volunteers from the First Teen Clothes Closet turned the program into a traveling closet for a day, taking dress pants, shirts, skirts, dresses, shoes, ties and accessories to La Crosse to provide 10 boys and 5 girls with the clothes they need as they finish up an 8-week program designed to prepare them to interview for jobs.

For six weeks, teens from three of the BGC locations had discussed topics such as interpersonal skills, career goals, building a resume, filling out job applications and interviewing, as part of the program held in partnership with the BGC and Express Employment and Tim Vondrasek, the Operations Manager with Norwinn Company. On May 16, they received a special boost from the First Teen Clothes

Closet with interview-appropriate clothing and accessories to help them prepare for their “exit” interview opportunities with local professionals the next week.

“The Teen Clothes Closet in collaboration with our Career Launch program at the Boys and Girls club provided an opportunity for youth in our community to experience how professionals present themselves and obtain professional attire to help them prepare for the workforce,” said Britton Slowey and Andy Kiel, teen directors for the Boys & Girls Clubs.

Clothes Closet committee member Lori Lunney said the evening was a “feel good” opportunity, watching the teens choose the clothes they needed, as her husband, Pat, taught the boys how to tie their neckties. “The kids enjoyed it and there was so much excitement,” she said.

She noted that pulling off the joint effort was a result of the time of many individuals and groups, including volunteers from the congregation who organized the clothing to take, youth group members who loaded it into the church van and the staff of the Boys and Girls Club who assisted at their location. “It felt very shared,” she said.

A separate group from Onalaska High School, also focused on preparing for the

workplace, arranged a special visit to the Clothes Closet in May as well, with about 10 more teens finding items they needed to complete their job search outfits.

Lunney said that relationships with other organizations, such as the schools and the Boys & Girls Club, are great ways to expand the Clothes Closet’s reach throughout the community. “I’m pleased we are able to figure out ways to meet their needs,” she said, noting that the partnership with BGC will likely continue for the next session of the Career Launch program.

In addition to the Closet’s partnerships with other organizations, the mission has been blessed with donations from other non-profit groups and churches to provide additional support.

These special opportunities to reach teens are in addition to the individual appointments scheduled through the church office with volunteer hosts. Fifteen appointments were hosted in April. Anyone interested in volunteering as a host, or in assisting with other aspects of the Clothes Closet’s operations such as sorting clothing or shopping for essentials (undergarments, toiletries, etc.) can contact Bridget Crave or the church office. Appointment hosts work

with a partner to help guests find the items they need and complete inventory forms.

Donations of teen-appropriate clothing, shoes and accessories are also welcome and may be dropped off in the shopping cart located in the church entrance. Always needed are boys’/men’s jeans and shoes.

Keep up with the First Teen Clothes Closet on Facebook or Twitter by searching @1stteencloset.

First Teen Clothes Closet team,

Lori LunneyShari HeglandBridget CraveSara Larkin Tina Nelson

www.firstlu.org/clothesclosetfacebook.com/[email protected]

FIRST TEEN CLOTHES CLOSET UPDATE


FINANCE COMMITTEE REPORTThe following is a financial summary through the end of April:Actual Receipts—$251,113.75Budgeted Receipts—$262,459.00Actual Expenses—$227,088.72Budgeted Expenses—$242,461.00

Our total Receipts through the end of April fell short of the current year budgeted amount by $11,345.25. Our total Giving (Envelope Giving, Debt Reduction and other miscellaneous offerings) falls short of our current year budgeted amount by $10,752.98 or 4.2%.As we head into the summer (in which our giving is typically down) please consider continuing your giving as this will help

alleviate any potential cash flow problems that could be encountered during that time.As noted, our expenses are less than budgeted through the end of April by $15,372.28. A significant portion of this is due to the timing of certain expenses.In summary, we budgeted for a surplus of $19,998.00 through the end of April and have realized an actual surplus of $24,025.03.As always, full details of this report are available by request in the church office. 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

#FaithAliveinOna

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All summer long!Between services!

For all kids aged 3 (and potty trained) through

6th grade

From June–August, join us in the Fellowship Hall every Sunday between services, 9:15–10:15am, for a fun Bible story told by some popular, talking veggies!

ANNOUNCEMENTS

BAPTISMAL PREPARATIONA baptism preparation session will be Saturday, June 4, 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

• Elise Anne Thrower, daughter of Michael & Jennifer Thrower

• Sage Trygve Wieman, son of Susan Wieman & Trygve Zielke

CHRISTIAN SYMPATHY TO THE FAMILY & FRIENDS OF:

• Violet Weiss• Raymond Paisley,

husband of Bonnie Paisley

GIFTS AND MEMORIALSThank you for the following memorials:

In memory of special mothers• A Chair at the Table Fund: Ardith van

RiperIn memory of Adolph Daleki

• Piano Fund: Lyn & Sara Larkin & family, Todd & Mary Lofald, Nancy Beguin, Peg Hickok & family

HOSPITAL REMINDERSFor 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.

SUBMITTING NEW ANNOUNCEMENTSTo have your announcement in the monthly newsletter, send it to [email protected], 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 [email protected], or give it to Andy in the office. Deadline for the weekly announcements is always noon each Wednesday.

GO GREENWe 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 [email protected].


Save the day. Donate blood.

She saves lives. So does the nurse.

Emily Ewe, donorKelly Scanlin, RNFroedtert Hospital

www.bcw.edu/blood Please bring a photo ID with your birth date

First LutheranChurchOnalaskaBloodDriveIn the Fellowship Hall

Thursday, July 9, 201512:30 pm to 5:30 pm

.

Tuesday, July 12, 2016

SUMMER BLOOD DRIVE

First Lutheran will be hosting its community blood drive in partnership

with Blood Center of Wisconsin on July 12, 2016 from 12:30–5:30pm in the fellowship hall.

Simple and safe, donating takes only an hour. This includes registration, a mini health assessment, a 6–10 minute donation period and time to join us for hot dogs and root beer floats.

Every day in Wisconsin cancer patients, people in need of surgery and those involved in auto and other accidents, rely on a ready supply of blood—provided by the donations of generous volunteers.

Look for sign-up sheets in the narthex, go online to www.bcw.edu/firstluthona or call Diane Shuda at 608.783.4977 to schedule an appointment. Sign up to save lives!

Diane SchudaBlood Drive Volunteer Coordinator

Join us for hot dogs & root beer floats

KWIK TRIP CARDs

FOR GRADS!Get all your grad gift shopping done at First and help raise funds for our youth ministries by picking up Kwik Trip cards as grad gifts!

THANK YOU

THANK YOU SUNDAY SCHOOL TEACHERS!To all of the volunteers who made Sunday school possible! It’s you who made this ministry happen, and we hope to see you again next year!


SERVE & GIVE

PROVIDE A CHAIR AT THE TABLE! All year we have been talking about how God shows up when we Come to the Table. As we renovate the Fellowship Hall, where milestones, meals and more happen, we need new chairs to safely rest upon our new floor. Please consider making a special gift to the Fellowship Hall Fund. A quality banquet chair costs about $75, but gifts of all sizes are, of course, welcome. Thank you for providing a “Chair at the Table.”

SERVE @ WORSHIP!Sign up for the following & more at the Welcome Center and on your phone or computer at 1stlu.org/serveSTILL NEEDED FOR JUNE:

• Acolytes• Bread Bakers• Coffee servers• Communion servers• Nursery helpers• Readers• Ushers

SUNSHINE BOYSThe 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!

NEWSLETTER ASSEMBLYIt’s a relaxing way to volunteer! Wednesday, June 29, at 9am, to assemble the July newsletter. See you there!

SUNDAY SCHOOL TEACHERSPlanning for 2016–2017 is under way! Opportunities for next year include:

• teachers• classroom helpers• office helpers• supply shoppers• opening leaders• substitute helpers• Faith Stepping Stone teachers• more!...

Contact [email protected].

If you know of someone who needs a caregiver,

speak with Pastor Karyn or call the

church office.

GOD’S HANDS & FEET

HEATING UP OUR HOSPITALITY

Summer is heating up and we are on our

way into sun-filled fun and activities. So much is going on during the summer, with family, friends, graduations,

weddings and numerous community festivals. Not only that, many children have one or more camps they attend and assorted activities to do all summer long. Sometimes we get so wrapped up into getting it all in and done over the summer that we forget about taking some quiet time, a rest from it all and come to church. Church is a great place to re-energize, to focus on the goodness of God and give thanks for all we have.

This summer, I will focus on heating up our hospitality. Hospitality is a vital part of our church. It makes visitors want to return, members want to use the gifts God has given them and the lost feel at home. Hospitality is welcoming all who enter, helping them feel appreciated, helping them feel connected to others and to God. This cannot be done by just one person or even a couple of people. We need a team of people to help spread hospitality to all. Hospitality doesn’t just include greeters, but our ushers, coffee servers, welcome center staff and every member of our congregation. We are all involved in hospitality, for the good of others. Each one of us must take some time to reflect on how we see and respond to someone we don’t know who comes to sit in our pew or enters the church narthex. Some might look away hoping the new person doesn’t see us or talk to us. Some take it upon themselves to go over and talk to that new person. Some of us don’t even notice because we are so concerned about other things. We need to realize that what we do and do not do have a great effect on those around us. Making others feel welcomed is a job for us all. We might not feel comfortable doing it, but the more we do, the more comfortable we become welcoming others. Being shy is not an excuse for not

welcoming others. A shy person can go around with a coffee pot filling coffee cups or taking a person to the education building. We all have a role in hospitality. I pray that each and every person finds their place.

I would love to know how many angels I have welcomed into our church since I started working here. I hope that I have, and better yet, I hope my welcoming has brought others into our church, finding their home here. Hebrews 13:2 says, “Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by doing that some have entertained angels without knowing it.” I would just love to welcome an angel here into our worship space, helping them feel comfortable worshiping here as they do in heaven. I also love to see others helping strangers navigate around our church, sitting with them, inviting them to coffee after worship or inviting them back to worship with us the next Sunday. We each have a gift of hospitality to use here at church; let us discover what yours is and put it to good use.

Kathryn PedrettiDirector of Servant [email protected]

Hospitality is a vital part of our church.

It makes visitors want to return, members

want to use the gifts God has given them

and the lost feel at home.


Aubrey Flick Kara & Perry West

Kelly GarsonKaden & Liam

Brandon & Rachel King, Eva, Micah & Miles

W E L C O M E N E W M E M B E R S !

I rejoiced with those who said

to me, “Let us go

to the house of the LORD.”

Jim & Sue Richason

NOT PICTURED:James & Tammy Yohn,

Charlotte

We extend a warm welcome to our new members of First Lutheran, who were formally received on Sun., May 8.

We encourage members to cut this section out of the newsletter & add it to their directory.

For up-to-date member info sign-up for access to our online directory at 1stlu.org/directory

13141 Sugar Creek Bible Camp Rd, Ferryville, WI 54628608.734.3113 • [email protected] • www.sugarcreekbiblecamp.org

REGISTRATION FOR ALL SUMMER PROGRAMMING IS OPEN!Your child or grandchild can have an amazing new experience this summer with the caring staff and beautiful creation of Sugar Creek! Now is the time to register, before your desired weekfillsup.Popularprogramsfillupfast! Register today to reserve your spot!

ANNUAL QUILT & ANTIQUE AUCTION, CRAFT FAIR & FUN RUN/WALKSaturday, September 10 starting at 10amCome 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.

WISH LIST

Your gift can be tax deductible, and Sugar Creek can provide you a receipt.

• 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)

VOLUNTEERS

Sugar Creek needs you! Adults and youth groups are welcome to volunteer in a variety of projects. Tuesdays are traditionally the volunteerdayforadults,butwe’lltake 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• Helpwithmailingsthroughout

the year


What parents are saying about First Lutheran

Preschool...

First Lutheran Preschool 410 Main Street, Onalaska, WI 54650 608.779.4504•[email protected] Director: Melissa Rolbiecki 4K Teacher: Megan ColganPreschool Assistant Teachers: Marci Leppert, Carrie Markos

U p d a t e

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

First Lutheran Preschool has exceeded my expectations. The teachers are outstanding educators and a great example for the children. The preschool is so lucky to have the staff that they do.

Only a few spots left for the 2015-2016 school year!We’ve worked hard to develop a rich curriculum that makes learning fun as well as offer a variety of classes to meet our parents’ needs.Call or email us today for more information!

imag

ine!

10 June 2016

vacation bible school!

This summer VBS is Sunday, August 7

through Thursday, August 11

from 5: 00–8: 00pmCome jo in in the fun !

VBS is for kids aged 3 (and potty trained) through those entering 6th grade in the fall.

Toregister,filloutthebackofthisformandturnitintothechurchoffice,orregisteronlineat:

1stlu.org/vbs

Helpers Needed!Make VBS a blast by helping with food,

nursery, shepherds, crafts. [email protected]!

A suggested donation of $15/child or $40/family is welcome and appreciated and will help cover VBS expenses. Thank you!

Name(s), _________________ ___________________ ___________________

_________________ ___________________ ___________________

_________________ ___________________ ___________________

Street address: ____________________________________________________________

Parent(s)/Guardian(s) Name: ____________________________________________________________

City: _____________________________ State: _________ZIP: ____________________

Home phone: _______________________

Mobile provider:

____________________

Home email address: ______________________________________________________

Number of family members participating in VBS: ____________

Will parents be helping in any other areas of VBS?___________

Where? ___________________________________________________________________

In case of emergency, contact: ___________________________________________

Allergies or other medical conditions: ___________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________

Name and phone number

(one form per family)

age(s) & gender:

Registration Form

For text reminders

Mobile: ____________________Preferred

#


imag

ine!

YOUNGYOUTHGROUP

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

Contact Katie Everson at [email protected],608.786.4826 for information or with questions!

All are welcome!

vacation bible school!

This summer VBS is Sunday, August 7

through Thursday, August 11

from 5: 00–8: 00pmCome jo in in the fun !

VBS is for kids aged 3 (and potty trained) through those entering 6th grade in the fall.

Toregister,filloutthebackofthisformandturnitintothechurchoffice,orregisteronlineat:

1stlu.org/vbs

Helpers Needed!Make VBS a blast by helping with food,

nursery, shepherds, crafts. [email protected]!

Attention All Young Youth!!!SUMMER OPPORTUNITIES FOR YOUNG YOUTH:We have some summer events planned so mark your calendars. We’ll be going back to Noah’s Ark on June 14. The park is open from 10am-6:30pm. We will plan to meet at the park and ride in West Salem around 8:30am and caravan down to the park. This is a family event that costs $18 a person. This price includes lunch and parking. Our event for July is Sugar Creek’s Explorer Camp. It will be on July 12. It’s an all day camp that costs $20 a camper. We will take the church van down but depending on the amount of campers that sign up, I might need help getting campers down to Sugar Creek by parents. There will be no event in August.I hope many of you are able to attend some or all of our upcoming events. I look forward to sharing in God’s word with you.Blessings,Katie Everson J


Mission Trip

Cortez, Colorado June 25—July 2

A group of high schoolers will travel to Cortez, CO for a week of hard work, service, and experiencing God in new ways. We are very

excited to partner with and serve the people of Cortez!

••••Last meeting

before departure: June 19 @ 11:30am

(for parents and students)

Contact Tina with any questions: [email protected] 605.431.3421 Te

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CONFIR

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ION CONFIRMATION

CAMP AT SUGAR CREEK

June 12–17Our upcoming

confirmation students get a chance to start their confirmation journey in the beautiful valley of Sugar Creek. We will learn in faith together while

we do Bible study, horseback riding, hiking, swimming, campfires,

and so much more! (For kids going into 8th grade.)

A HUGE THANK YOU TO our confirmation small group guides—without them confirmation wouldn’t be

possible. They spent an hour each week, talking, teaching, and caring for our 8th-

and 9th-graders. They are wonderful examples of Christ’s love in action!

Thank you to Glen Vilim, Larry Schreiner, Brian Wittkop, Collin Magner, Beth Miller,

Dorothy Every, Curt Jacobson, Mark Koenig, Bob Hayter, Mary Every, Teesha

Willinger, and Renee Thies.

Peer Ministry CONGRATS We want to give a big shout-

out to our 10th-graders who went through our Peer Ministry program this last year. They worked hard,

learning skills to deal with tough situations, to build

better relationships, and to help others in times of need.

Lindsey BrayWill Brewer

Katie ChafouliasParker Clark

Elisa DabrowskiKate DabrowskiJaxon Dobbins

Alex DurenJacob Follansbee

Danny GarrityJaiceeHagen

Grace JohnsonKatie LarkinAllison LeeOlivia LeppertNathan LowreyCarter MelbyRyan MillerLaura MunsonCollin RoesCarson SchultzEmily Wittkop


In May we had one fantastic potluck. Lots of great food as usual but also an outstanding selection of desserts. It was better than Christmas. We celebrated several birthdays and many anniversaries, congratulations to all. Thank you to everyone who brought the delectable delights.

In June we plan a road trip to visit several area attractions. We will travel north along the river and begin with a stop to see the sculpture art at the Prairie Moon Sculpture Garden. Located near Cochrane, the garden is considered Buffalo County’s premiere folk art site. It is an outdoor sculpture park done by a single artist. See the above winter photo (I promise no snow in June). From there we will seek a local establishment for

a delicious and nutritious lunch. After lunch we will stop in Alma at the Wings Over Alma Nature and Art Center. The center features artwork by local and regional artists. During June the exhibit is called “Art On the Rocks.” Remaining in Alma, we will finish the day with a visit to the Castlerock Museum of Arms, Armor and Art. On display are authentic arms and armor worn and used by the Greeks, Romans, Dark Age Warriors, Vikings and Knights in Shining Armor, along with period art. Admission to the Castlerock museum is $6.00, and lunch is on your own. Each of the Alma attractions are fairly small and not a lot of walking is required. We might even have time for an ice cream stop and still make it home by 4:30. This most excellent adventure will be on Friday, June 10. We will leave from the church at 9:30 AM. Please contact Brian at 526-9700 or [email protected] by Thursday, June 9, if you plan to attend.

We are going to have a PICNIC. Instead of the usual potluck at the church, we plan to enjoy the great summer weather at Riverside

Park. Picnic tables will be set up just north of the bandstand. We will barbeque some hot dogs and enjoy the warm summer breezes while watching the river traffic go by. We will meet at the park; please go directly there. We ask everyone to bring their favorite picnic food to share and a lawn chair if you would rather not sit at a picnic table. Due to Brian’s travel schedule, this event will be on Wednesday, June 29, at noon. After lunch, we will play a few picnic games, including the famous Norwegian game Kubb. In the event of inclement weather, we will meet in the narthex.

Looking forward to seeing everyone in June!

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 [email protected].

Prairie Moon Sculpture Garden

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.

May 29–June 14SUN 29 SUGAR CREEK FUND RAISING: FINAL DAY

8:00am Worship9:15am Little Leaps - Rm 1029:15am Parent Share - UR9:15am The Story Small Group - MR10:30am Worship11:30am Colorado Mission Trip Mtg - FH11:45am Women of the House

MON 30 OFFICE CLOSED7:00pm AA - FS

TUES 31 9:30am Staff MtgWED 1 6:00am Courageous Men’s Bible Study - House

6:30am Coffee with Pastor Karyn - Panera8:30am First Teen Clothes Closet Mtg6:15pm Worship

THUR 2 9:00am Sunshine BoysFRI 3 7:00pm AA - FHSAT 4 10:00am Baptismal Preparation - NXSUN 5 8:00am Worship

9:15am Parent Share - UR9:15am The Story Small Group - MR10:30am Worship11:45am Women of the House

MON 6 7:00pm AA - FSTUES 7 9:00am Staff Mtg

6:30pm Stephen Ministry Mtg - MRWED 8 6:00am Courageous Men’s Bible Study - House

6:30am Coffee with Pastor Karyn - Panera12:00pm Finance Team Mtg6:15pm Worship

THUR 9 7:00pm Welcome Basket TeamFRI 10 9:30am OWLs Fly to

Prairie Moon Sculpture Garden7:00pm AA - FS

SUN 12 CONFIRMATION CAMP AT SUGAR CREEK8:00am Worship9:15am Parent Share - UR9:15am The Story Small Group - MR10:30am Worship11:45am Women of the House

MON 13 7:00pm AA - FSTUES 14 9:00am Young Youth Trip to WI Dells

9:30am Staff Mtg1:00pm Dorcas Circle - UR3:30pm Worship & Music Team - NX5:30pm Community Dinner at United

Methodist ChurchCR = Choir Room FH = Fellowship Hall FS = Fireside RoomMR = Mary Room NX = Narthex SN = Sanctuary TR = Thomas Room UR = Upper RoomFor more information, visit our website at www.FirstLutheranOnalaska.org

Subscribe to our calendar at 1stlu.org/calsub

Vacation Bible SchoolSun, Aug 7—Thur, Aug 11

5–8pm nightly

Volunteer Appreciation Picnic

Sun, July 2412–2pm

Blood DriveTues, July 1212:30–5:30pm

Young Youth Sugar Creek Explorer Day

Tues, July 127:40am–4:30pm

Young Youth to WI Dells

Tues, June 149am–7pm

Baptismal PrepSat, June 410am–Noon

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.

Need a scanning app? Try Scan.Me or QR Code Reader.



















5–8pm nightly































5–8pm nightly































5–8pm nightly














410 Main St. Onalaska, Wisconsin 54650608.783.2236 Fax: [email protected] www.FirstLutheranOnalaska.org

WORSHIP SCHEDULE Sunday 8:00 & 10:30 AM Wednesday 6:15 PM

SUBMITTING NEW ANNOUNCEMENTSTo have your announcement in the monthly newsletter, send it to [email protected], 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 [email protected], 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 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 608.386.6431 . . . . . . . . . . . [email protected] Bodenschatz . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Associate Pastor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 608.433.6002 . . . . . . . . . . [email protected]

Kathryn Pedretti . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Director of Servant Ministries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . [email protected] Crave . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Director of Small Group Ministry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . [email protected]

YOUTH/EDUCATION STAFFSheri Betz . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sunday School Superintendent . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . [email protected] O’Rourke . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sunday School Superintendent . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . [email protected] Everson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Young Youth Coordinator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . [email protected] Beach . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Confirmation Administrative Assistant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . [email protected] Nelson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Director of Discipleship for Youth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . [email protected]

SUPPORT STAFFTamara Schonsberg . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Office Assistant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 608.783.2236 . . . . . . . . . . . [email protected] Stutesman . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Communications & Marketing Coordinator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . [email protected] Peper . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Head Custodian . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . [email protected] Koenig . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Assistant CustodianPeggy Daleki . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Assistant Custodian

MUSIC STAFFJim Knutson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bell Choir Director . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . [email protected] Hicks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Organist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . [email protected] Saner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Senior Choir Director & Contemporary Music Coordinator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . [email protected] Daleki . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Youth Praise Band Director . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . [email protected]

PRESCHOOL STAFFMelissa Rolbiecki . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Preschool Director . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 608.779.4504 . . . . . . . . [email protected] Colgan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4K TeacherMarci Leppert . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Preschool Assistant TeacherCarrie Markos . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Preschool Assistant Teacher

VISION & LEADERSHIP TEAMTodd Lofald . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . PresidentPaula Skoy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Vice PresidentJennifer Wiesjahn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . SecretaryShaun GibbsAaron McDonaldMary Ann Redfearn Larry Schreiner

Cover graphics by the following thenounproject.com contributors: Cengiz SARI, Luis Prado, Icon Island, Christopher T. Howlett, Eric Milet & Alfredo Hernandez

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JUNE 2016

#fa i tha l ive inOna

First Lutheran Onalaska WI summer forecast 68º

June 12–17, Confirmation CampDress for horseback riding, hiking, & swimming

June 14, Young Youth Trip to WI Dells100% chance you’ll get wet

Three Summer Mission TripsExpect days of service & seeing God

July 12, Blood DriveGood chance of saving lives

July 12, Young Youth Sugar Creek Explorer Day100% fun, with a good chance of a pony ride

July 24, Volunteer Appreciation PicnicFood, fellowship, and scattered rubber ducks

August 7–11, Vacation Bible SchoolLots of Egyptian fun, with possible silliness

good news for june 2016

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