Good News for May 2015

3 Same-Gender Wedding Update Summer Events4 Message from Pastor Karyn5 ELCA Malaria Campaign

5 Nepal Disaster Relief6 Finance Committee Report7 Travel to the Holy Land Small Groups Update8 Announcements Pancake Breakfast Thank You

9 Events New Liturgy Sugar Creek Events10 Serve & Give 11 First Teen Clothes Closet12 Preschool Update

13 Sunday School14 Young Youth15 OWLs Post16 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/cal

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

G O O D N E W S !M A Y 2 015

INSIDE

Continues on page 2

MESSAGE FROM PASTOR STANTON

PART IThe month of May is

typically set aside for First Lutheran celebrations; for graduates among us; for our Preschool at Springfest; our mothers on Mother’s

Day; and our beloved war dead on Memorial Day. In May our choir sings their top 5 songs, our confirmands celebrate a year of instruction completed, and on May 24 we celebrate Pentecost (wear red!). In the wake of Easter, we live into abundant life in many ways.

It may be tempting, though, this May to ignore our celebrations and the many ways God unites us and instead dwell on how First shall respond to the question, “Is God leading us to permit same gender weddings at First Lutheran?” We must admit that although there are many opportunities for growth as we consider this question, the question itself is simply divisive. First Lutheran is of one mind on many things that matter a lot. We are not, however, in unanimous agreement about the same-gender wedding question. If we are not thoughtful and wise about how to voice our opinions, about when and how to decide the question, this question holds great potential to create real problems for a church that is otherwise thriving in its witness to the gospel.

Personally, I am far less concerned with the result of our community’s discernment than I am with how our church chooses to handle our disagreements. Our culture has taught us to be consumers. When we find ourselves wronged by a service

provider, we drop them. When a restaurant gets our food to us too slow, we don’t return. When we have a bad consumer experience, we broadcast it so that everyone else knows, too.

Are we consumers of ‘Church’? Does God call us into Christian fellowship so that we enjoy a like-minded country club where we all vote the same ways, live within the same social class and are secured from

being forced to think differently than we already do? Or is ‘Church’ a messy counter-cultural community where it’s safe to vote differently, be of all social classes and share a diversity of thought? Could ‘Church’ be safe because none of those things matter nearly as much as what unites us: the love and grace of Christ given to sinners, conservatives and liberals alike.

For a significant percentage of our membership, our congregation’s response will be the opposite of their personal

feelings. I suppose an individual could choose to ignore all the ways we are made one in Christ and dwell, instead, on the fewer ways we lack unity. The result of this line of thinking could be a consumerized response: “I’m leaving for another church.” To that response I would ask, “Will you agree with that church about everything?” I have yet to hear of a church where everyone agrees on everything.

NOTE TO ALL SUGAR CREEK

CAMPERS:The final day to turn

in funds raised to cover Sugar Creek

registration expenses is Friday, May 29is ‘Church’

a messy counter-cultural

community where it’s safe to vote

differently, be of all social classes and

share a diversity of thought?

2 First Lutheran Church + Good News May 2015

Your Vision & Leadership Team is

not interested in stopping

conversation.

Another way to handle disagreement is to deny it exists. Just ignore it. Some may call this the passive/aggressive way of disagreeing. Ignore, let resentment and frustration build, ignore, let resentment and frustration build… repeat, and then repeat again… until uncontrollable emotion explodes.

A third option for how to handle disagreement within the church was presented to us by Bishop S. John Roth at our learning session April 19. He presented a handout including three points about “Disagreeing Well”.

1. Fairness. I am disagreeing well when I can state the position of the person I am disputing accurately enough that the other person recognizes that position as genuinely his/her position.

2. Intellectual integrity. I am disagreeing well when I can state the strongest, most compelling argument against my position. In other words, I am disagreeing well when I can recognize and acknowledge where my own position is most vulnerable and where a contrasting position makes valid points.

3. Honest humility. I am disagreeing well when, after thinking through my position and expressing it with true conviction, I acknowledge that as a fallen, flawed human being I myself may be wrong.

As your Pastor, this is my homework for you as you consider whether God is leading us to permit same-gender weddings at First Lutheran. First, discern your own response to the question. Consider the voices of Scripture, tradition and your own experiences. What does your brain think? What does your heart feel? What is God saying to you? Instead of simply considering your response amidst your political leanings, or your personal feelings, consider the question as a person of faith.

After discerning your own response, state the position of someone who would disagree with you. Be fair and assume the best of their intentions. Open your heart to the idea that those who disagree with you are not simply selfish, wrong-headed or ignorant.

Then, state the strongest, most compelling argument against your position. Admit that the other position is possible if you weigh the merits of this other argument more heavily.

Finally, pray to God about the possibility of you being wrong. Listen to hear how God responds to you.

The congregation deserves thoughtful individual responses grounded in faith alone. Please take the time to walk through these steps so that we can all learn how to disagree well.

PART III have written my newsletter in two parts

this month because I have two messages to share with the congregation. First and foremost: please don’t let the divisive nature of the question of whether God is leading us to permit same-gender weddings at First keep you from celebrating our Christian fellowship… in the short or long term. My second message has to do with explaining the Vision & Leadership Team’s unanimous decision to decide this question through a team vote rather than a congregational vote.

We did not come to this conclusion lightly. I have asked for advice from dozens of pastors, multiple bishops and lots of other faithful people about what serves our congregation’s future best: a congregational vote or an elected-leadership vote. Although my informal survey has gathered a variety of responses, almost everyone agrees that a congregational vote has the greatest potential for creating the greatest harm. Here’s what can happen (and usually does) when the entire congregation is asked to vote:

Sides are formed in preparation for such a vote. People stop listening to each other

and instead listen only to those who agree with them. All this makes sense, because in the end, there will be only one side that wins and another that loses. Guaranteed. And no one likes losing. So, each side feels the need to fight for victory! The entire issue fades away from being about how we should follow Jesus and instead becomes another opportunity for people to divide themselves based on conservative/progressive labels (or whatever labels we want to put on each other).

Thank God there are other—more effective—ways to hear the will of the congregation than a simple vote! A vote doesn’t encourage conversation or discussion. In fact, in Robert’s Rules of

Order, the best way to stop all conversation and discussion is to “call the vote!” Your Vision & Leadership Team is not interested in stopping conversation. To the contrary! More than anything, your elected leadership wants to talk this thing through until the time is ripe to move forward. That is why over these first couple weeks of May each member of the V&L Team as well as your pastors are making themselves available for one-on-one conversations. Expressing your discerned response to the question through words is much more meaningful to our fellowship than a simple ’yes’ or ‘no’. Please e-mail or call the V&L Team member of your choice.

In addition to these conversations, the V&L will gather information about the will of the congregation through a survey. From May 3 through May 14 surveys will be made available to all members. The question: “Is God leading

us to permit same-gender weddings at First Lutheran?” will have 3 possible responses to ‘check’: 1) Yes 2) No and 3) Undecided. There also will be three follow up questions so that you may elaborate on your response. Although optional, it is hoped that all respondents will include their name so that the V&L Team may be able to follow up with individuals to clarify comments, because this is not a vote. And none of us need to remain anonymous. First Lutheran is not a conglomeration of voting blocs. We strive to be a mature family of faith who talks our way through disagreements instead of shutting down each other’s voices through votes.

If, after the one-on-ones and after the second survey, the Vision & Leadership Team believes the time is ripe to make a decision, they will. Each person on the team was elected without any dissent. Each person, in my estimation, faithfully considers their task (burden) as a call from God. Our V&L Team has been studying Scripture, reading the ELCA Statement on Sexuality, talking about this question in monthly meetings and praying about this since last June. They have opened their hearts to people on both sides of the question while studying and praying the whole way through. I have complete confidence that any decision they choose to make will be a faithful one.

Please participate in this process! Share your perspective with a V&L Team member. Complete the survey with thoughtful comments, so that our family of faith grows stronger through this disagreement. And know that our unity rests in the grace and love of Christ who is risen indeed! Alleluia!

FROM PASTOR STANTON, CONT. FROM PAGE 1

Pastor Jason Stanton [email protected]

Summer Events

Pin this to your fridge, near your calendar, or wherever you need reminders!

WEDNESDAY WORSHIP CONTINUES!Busy summer and diffi cult to make it to worship on Sunday?Or just want an additional opportunity to worship midweek?“Meet us in the middle!” On Wednesdays at 6:30pmwe will meet for fellowship & dessert after each service,and on the third Wednesday of the month we’llgather before worship to grill up some supper!

STEWARDSHIPBlood Drive, Thur., July 9, 12:30–5:30 pmCome for Supper, Tues., July 28 at Our Savior’s Lutheran, La Crosse WIFor more opportunities visit fi rstlu.org/serve

EVENTSCourageous Men’s GroupWednesdays, 6am at the house

Coffee with Pastor KarynWednesdays, 6:30am Onalaska Perkins

Baptismal PrepSat., June 6 10am

Confi rmation CampSun.–Fri., June 14–19

Young Youth Trip to Wisconsin DellsFri., June 19

Sugar Creek Golf Tournament FundraiserMon., June 22, Viroqua Hills Golf Course

Young Youth’s Sugar Creek Explorer DayMon., June 29

National Youth GatheringWed. July 15–Sun. July 19

Middle School Mission Trip to LouisvilleSun. July 26–Fri. August 1

Sugar Creek Golf Tournament FundraiserMon., July 27, Drugan’s Castle Mound

Baptismal PrepSat., August 1 10am

Vacation Bible SchoolSun.–Thur., August 2–6

Volunteer Appreciation PicnicSunday, August 16 from noon to 2pm

Confi rmation Kick-offSat., September 12

Sugar Creek Quilt AuctionSat., September 12

Dakota Road in Concert!Sat., September 12

First Fest / Rally SundaySun., September 13

410 Main St, Onalaska WI 54650 • 608.783.2236Up-to-date information on the web www.FirstLutheranOnalaska.org

SUMMER2015

SAME-GENDER WEDDING UPDATE

Members of First Lutheran,

Most of you are aware that the congregation has been working together through a period of discernment regarding same-gender weddings at First. The Visioning and Leadership Team is committed to maintaining an open and transparent communication process during this process. Accordingly, we would like to provide you with an update so that you are aware of opportunities to participate in the discussion and better understand our path to a decision.Over the past several months, we have hosted a number of opportunities for learning and discussion. In March we hosted two pastors from regional congregations that have been working through a discernment process as a congregation. In April, we have walked together through group studies on Biblical interpretation and the relationship among Scripture, tradition and experience. Most recently, we heard from Bishop S. John Roth about theological perspectives to Biblical interpretation as well as respecting and appreciating opinions other than our own.Beginning May 3 and following through May 14, Visioning and Leadership will again survey the congregation to gauge the effectiveness of the discernment process. Upon review of the survey feedback, we will evaluate the results and decide whether to add additional group study opportunities or move toward closure and a policy decision.Regarding our decision making process: After prayerful consideration, the Visioning and Leadership team has determined that the policy decision for same-gender weddings at First will rest with Visioning and Leadership. We are unanimously committed to a belief that keeping the decision within the team is the most non-divisive approach and will avoid having congregation members feel like “winners” or “losers”—an outcome which would undoubtedly result from a congregation-wide vote. Please be reminded that each of you is encouraged to provide your feedback to the Visioning and Leadership team. In order to facilitate this process, each of the Visioning and Leadership members will be available to schedule private discussions with members who are interested in a personal conversation. These discussions will be open to occur through May 14. Contact information for each member of the team is listed below. We welcome your input and suggestions as each team member continues to prayerfully discern the most faithful way forward for First Lutheran.Yours in Christ,

Kelly Utesch, Brian Zach, Aaron McDonald

Visioning and Leadership, Same-Gender Wedding Discernment Sub-Committee

Todd Lofald [email protected] 608-780-1391Kelly Utesch [email protected] 608-799-6425Paula Skoy [email protected] 608-317-5656Aaron McDonald [email protected] 920-819-5613Mary Ann Redfearn [email protected] 608-386-1282Mark Wrolstad [email protected] 608-781-4525Brian Zach [email protected] 608-279-3577


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

MESSAGE FROM PASTOR KARYN

When I was in seminary, while doing my Clinical Education one summer,

I was introduced to the healing power of art. One whole day we spent creating art as we prayed, talking about how people could use art as a way to heal from trauma and as a way to connect with God. I was hooked. My primary paper in a class on prayer centered around how we pray using music and painting. I led youth and adults in a devotion that required them to paint images. Even as immersed in this thinking as I was, I never imagined that art would become for me the primary way I connect with my own self and with God. A little over a year ago, while in the midst of an intense week of Emotional Intelligence training, all I could think about was being in the Monet gallery at the Art Institute (I had just been there the previous October). It actually became a way for me to experience and process my learning.

Monet’s haystacks became a symbol to breathe, to allow space for emotions, to connect on a deeper level with those around me. Thus began an ongoing engagement with art in a way that I had never imagined. There is one piece in particular that haunts me in a good and surprising way. Jackson Pollock’s Greyed Rainbow at first glance looks like a mess. (view it in full color at 1stlu.org/1b6TMYt). It is one of his famous abstract paintings. You know, the kind that you look at and wonder how it is possible that this is hanging in a museum. Except, well, it is compelling in a way that other abstract paintings aren’t. Here is the description from the Art Institute gallery:

“In the late 1940s, Jackson Pollock developed a revolutionary form of Abstract Expressionism by dripping, pouring and splashing paint onto large-scale canvases. Emphasizing the expressive power of the

artist’s gestures, materials and tools, Pollock often applied paint with sticks, trowels and palette knives instead of brushes. With no apparent beginning or end, top or bottom, his works imply an extension of his art beyond the edges of the canvas. Among the last great purely abstract paintings Pollock made before his untimely death and a quintessential example of action painting, Greyed Rainbow is predominantly black, white, gray and silver; in the bottom third of the canvas, however, the artist thinly concealed orange, yellow, green, blue and violet. The title presumably refers to these grayed sections of hidden color.”

See, it is that color that compels me each and every time. I consider life, the apparent randomness of it, the pain and suffering that occurs, the hate and prejudice that never seems to go away, the needless hunger and poverty and all I see is a mess of gray and white and black on a canvas. It all is overwhelming and hopeless. Until you look closer, until you see the hints of color at the bottom, shining through. Here is the hope, here is where there is grounding for me. Because shining through the mess of life, the despair, the hopelessness, the fear, the fill in the blank with your own descriptor, is the hope of something better. The color defies the chaos, overcomes it. Once you realize it is there, it is hard not to see it.

Here is the connection then that I make to my God as I prayed through my reactions to this particular painting that compels me to visit it each time I am at the Art Institute: life is chaotic and barely in our control, even when we do everything right and there is no way to get through it without pain. That is the truth of it. Always. However, God sent Jesus. Not to make everything squeaky clean and miraculously make sense, but to assure us of his love. To be light to the world of darkness. To shine through the chaos and remind us that we are loved and never alone. It might seem like most of us have it together, that we don’t struggle: it is an easy image to project, but we know that we each carry our own darkness, our own struggle with us. God through Christ reminds us that he is present with us in those moments even

if we can’t see the light in the midst of the darkness. There is the hope. The hope that we cling to: that there is light, always.

Next month: I will talk about what it means then for us as a community to be light: for each other and for the world. Until then, explore some art, consider where God is in the emotions it evokes, pray about that and see what happens. You might be surprised.

Pastor Karyn Bodenschatz [email protected]

Jackson Pollock’s Greyed Rainbow, 1953, Oil on linen © 2015 Pollock-Krasner Foundation / Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York

L U T H E R A N D I S A S T E R R E S P O N S E

NEPAL AREA EARTHQUAKE APRIL 2015 www.ELCA.org/disaster

L U T H E R A N D I S A S T E R R E S P O N S E

NEPAL AREA EARTHQUAKE APRIL 2015 www.ELCA.org/disaster

Yes, I want to help!o Lutheran Disaster Response: Nepal Area Earthquake $__________ IDG0092

o Lutheran Disaster Response: Where Needed Most $__________ IDG0016

Name

Address

City State ZIP code

Email Address

Make your check payable to Lutheran Disaster Response and give through your congregation or send your check directly to:

Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, ELCA Gifts Processing Center, P.O. Box 1809, Merrifield, VA 22116-8009 and write “Nepal Area Earthquake”

or “Where needed most” on your check’s memo line.

Yes, I want to help!o Lutheran Disaster Response: Nepal Area Earthquake $__________ IDG0092

o Lutheran Disaster Response: Where Needed Most $__________ IDG0016

Name

Address

City State ZIP code

Email Address

Make your check payable to Lutheran Disaster Response and give through your congregation or send your check directly to:

Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, ELCA Gifts Processing Center, P.O. Box 1809, Merrifield, VA 22116-8009 and write “Nepal Area Earthquake”

or “Where needed most” on your check’s memo line.

Devastating images and stories are coming out of Nepal following a 7.8 magnitude earthquake on April 25. Sections of Kathmandu, the nation’s capital, and surrounding areas lie in rubble. More than 3,500 people have lost their lives, and the number continues to rise as officials make their way through rural communities. Historic buildings and houses have been leveled; roads are destroyed. The need for food, water, medical care, blankets and shelter is great.

Lutheran Disaster Response is already actively networking with

partners such as The Lutheran World Federation (LWF), Lutheran World Relief, and the ACT Alliance who are already on the ground. LWF’s office in Kathmandu escaped the worst of the impact of the quake and has already launched a large-scale emergency response.

Your gifts are needed now. Every gift designated to the “Nepal Area Earthquake” through Lutheran Disaster Response will be used entirely – 100 percent – to help those impacted by the quake rebuild their lives and livelihoods.

Devastating images and stories are coming out of Nepal following a 7.8 magnitude earthquake on April 25. Sections of Kathmandu, the nation’s capital, and surrounding areas lie in rubble. More than 3,500 people have lost their lives, and the number continues to rise as officials make their way through rural communities. Historic buildings and houses have been leveled; roads are destroyed. The need for food, water, medical care, blankets and shelter is great.

Lutheran Disaster Response is already actively networking with

partners such as The Lutheran World Federation (LWF), Lutheran World Relief, and the ACT Alliance who are already on the ground. LWF’s office in Kathmandu escaped the worst of the impact of the quake and has already launched a large-scale emergency response.

Your gifts are needed now. Every gift designated to the “Nepal Area Earthquake” through Lutheran Disaster Response will be used entirely – 100 percent – to help those impacted by the quake rebuild their lives and livelihoods.

#

Malaria is a leading cause of death in Africa. It claims the life of a child every 60 seconds. The 2011 ELCA Churchwide Assembly voted to approve the ELCA Malaria Campaign to help eliminate deaths from this disease—for good.

www.elca.org/malaria

!Your gifts to the ELCA Malaria Campaign will help our companion churches in Africa provide mosquito nets, insecticides, medication, mosquito control and comprehensive health education to help fight malaria. Thank you for making a gift today.

YES! I would like to help fight malaria. I have included my gift of $250.

I have included my gift of $100.

Other $____________

Please make your check payable to the “ELCA Malaria Campaign.” Place your gift in your congregation’s offering plate or mail it to: ELCA Malaria Campaign, P.O. Box 71764, Chicago, IL 60694-1764. To give online with a credit card, please visit www.elca.org/malaria.

Introducing the ELCA Malaria Campaign

Why malaria? Just one bite from an infected mosquito is all it takes for a person to come down with malaria. Almost 630,000 people die of malaria each year. But it shouldn’t be this way. We know what it takes to stop malaria. The disease is completely preventable and treatable.

Why now? Ending deaths from malaria is now a goal within our reach, thanks to a global movement of governments and international organizations. The ELCA and Lutheran churches in Africa are now part of this historic effort.

Why us? Working as a church, through churches in Africa, we already have the structure in place to reach individuals and communities that other organizations cannot reach. We already have health care providers trained to make a difference.

What’s next? We need your help. Your prayers, your leadership and your generous donations are needed to meet our fundraising goal of $15 million by 2015. Learn more at www.elca.org/malaria.

Malaria is a leading cause of death in Africa. It claims the life of a child every 60 seconds. The 2011 ELCA Churchwide Assembly voted to approve the ELCA Malaria Campaign to help eliminate deaths from this disease—for good.

www.elca.org/malaria

!Your gifts to the ELCA Malaria Campaign will help our companion churches in Africa provide mosquito nets, insecticides, medication, mosquito control and comprehensive health education to help fight malaria. Thank you for making a gift today.

YES! I would like to help fight malaria. I have included my gift of $250.

I have included my gift of $100.

Other $____________

Please make your check payable to the “ELCA Malaria Campaign.” Place your gift in your congregation’s offering plate or mail it to: ELCA Malaria Campaign, P.O. Box 71764, Chicago, IL 60694-1764. To give online with a credit card, please visit www.elca.org/malaria.

Introducing the ELCA Malaria Campaign

Why malaria? Just one bite from an infected mosquito is all it takes for a person to come down with malaria. Almost 630,000 people die of malaria each year. But it shouldn’t be this way. We know what it takes to stop malaria. The disease is completely preventable and treatable.

Why now? Ending deaths from malaria is now a goal within our reach, thanks to a global movement of governments and international organizations. The ELCA and Lutheran churches in Africa are now part of this historic effort.

Why us? Working as a church, through churches in Africa, we already have the structure in place to reach individuals and communities that other organizations cannot reach. We already have health care providers trained to make a difference.

What’s next? We need your help. Your prayers, your leadership and your generous donations are needed to meet our fundraising goal of $15 million by 2015. Learn more at www.elca.org/malaria.

That thing. Is socially responsible shop-ping or investing a thing? Find out in The Lutheran’s May issue, where some Luther-ans say love of neighbor influences their buying and investing behavior. And read “A flourishing life” to think about choosing to live life intentionally. To help your discus-sion of the May cover story, visit www.thelutheran.org for a study guide (click on “study guides” on the left-hand side).

The hub of our week? In her May column for The Lutheran, Presiding Bishop Eliza-beth A. Eaton reminds us that worship is at the heart of all we do. Despite competition, it should be the “space of our regrouping.”

Our church at work. In the May issue of The Lutheran, discover Lutherans at work locally and globally: celebrate the Namibia Nine, who received a college education thanks to the ELCA; travel back in time with a Nebraska church that archives its history; discover a multicultural minis-try in New Jersey that provides mutual learning; see how Lutheran-sponsored efforts help refugees embrace education in South Sudan; and think about celebrating “Christmas in July.”

Subscribe today: Start a group plan to The Lutheran for as little as $8.95 per sub-scriber. Visit www.thelutheran.org or call 800-328-4648.

In the May issueIn-home delivery begins Thursday, April 23

In the May issueIn-home delivery begins Thursday, April 23.

• June cover story: Young leaders (10 under 35) in the ELCA.

• Service: The pros and cons of doing youth service trips.

• Squeaky clean: California church provides showers for the homeless.

• Assemblies: Reports from annual synod gatherings.

• Gift for the generations: Synod hands over property deed to American Indian group.

• Kogi people: A look at a Lutheran ministry in Colombia.

• Road map: Lutheran youth lead the way to feeding the hungry through food drives.

• Retiring: Minnesota church helps people retire with a purpose.

• June cover story: Young leaders (10 under 35) in the ELCA.

• Service: The pros and cons of doing youth service trips.

• Squeaky clean: California church provides showers for the homeless.

• Assemblies: Reports from annual synod gatherings.

• Gift for the generations: Synod hands over property deed to American Indian group.

• Kogi people: A look at a Lutheran ministry in Colombia.

• Road map: Lutheran youth lead the way to feeding the hungry through food drives.

• Retiring: Minnesota church helps people retire with a purpose.

Promises and more. The Lutheran is a resource for adult forums and individual study. In the May issue, think about the word “Promise” with columnist Peter Marty. Go deeper into “A maturing faith” with an ELCA professor who discusses money and other matters. Think about the “The cost of fear.” Reflect on “The bene-diction.” And ponder “The Holy Spirit”—God’s promise in our baptism (to help your discussion of this article, visit www.thelutheran.org for a study guide—click on “study guides” on the left-hand side).

Connections. In the May issue of The Lutheran, see how ELCA members build relationships. Read about mothers who made a connection to last a lifetime through surrogacy. Learn how people con-nect to the church through 10w, a service “worshipers” can listen to on the Web or smartphone. And see how a Michigan con-gregation created a culture of collaboration for social justice.

Online. Visit The Lutheran’s website at www.thelutheran.org for your research and study needs. Find more than 11,000 archived articles and over 400 study guides.

Subscribe today: Start a group plan to The Lutheran for as little as $8.95 per sub-scriber. Visit www.thelutheran.org or call 800-328-4648.

Coming up ... Coming up ...

The following is a financial summary through the end of March:Actual Receipts—$187,625.70Budgeted Receipts—$201,964.99Actual Expenses—$184,200.65Budgeted Expenses—$214,591.65

Our total Receipts through the end of March fell short of the current year budgeted amount by $14,339.29. Our total Giving (Envelope Giving, Debt Reduction and other miscellaneous offerings) is down from last year’s total through this same period by $13,356.57 or 8.0% and falls short of our current year budgeted amount by $21,880.55 or 12.5%.As noted above, our expenses are less than budget through the end of March by $30,391.00. A significant portion of this

is a result of not filling positions that are currently in the budget. The remainder is due to the timing of certain expenses.In summary, we budgeted for a deficit of $12,626.66 through the end of March and have realized an actual surplus of $3,425.05. 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

$201,964.99

$187,625.70

$214,591.65

$184,200.65

2015 Budgeted 2015 Actual

$0.00

$50,000.00

$100,000.00

$150,000.00

$200,000.00

$250,000.00

$300,000.00

Receipts

Expenses

TRAVEL TO THE HOLY LANDIn this eye-opening alternative tour of Israel and the West Bank, discover the powerful connection between faith and practice while exploring the land of the Bible. From the glittering gold domes and contested holy sites of Jerusalem to the stark natural beauty of the Negev’s endangered ecosystems, join two guides, one Arab and one Jewish, for a prayerful look at the religious, political and economic issues facing the region. This trip explores the Biblical themes of reconciliation and justice. Share in fellowship with local Christians, meditate on mountaintop outlooks, and build relationships with families from the country’s Jewish, Muslim and Christian communities, in a tour that tackles the diffi cult questions of faith in a broken world. When: October 8–20, 2015. Approximate cost: $3,500. For more information contact Pastor Karyn: karyn@fi rstlu.org

SMALL GROUPS UPDATE

SUMMER, ANOTHER SEASON FOR SMALL GROUPSDo you have big plans for the summer?

Do they include your spiritual growth? Whether you have the summer off of work, need an occasional break from kid activities, or just want to do something new, summer is a great time to join with a group of fellow church members for fun, fellowship, caring conversations and study. In other words, summer is a great time to be part of a small group.

Why join a small group? It’s a great way to connect with members of the congregation. If you’ve been wanting to feel more a part of the congregation beyond worship, or get to know some other folks who can walk with you on your spiritual path, being part of a small group will help.

This summer, First will offer some new small groups starting in June (after Sunday School is finished), running through July. In May you will have the opportunity to sign up for groups including Family Fun, Food and Fun, Serving Others, along with

the traditional spiritual growth study. Start thinking about what you might be interested in doing. If you have other ideas, I’d love to talk to you.

Bridget CraveDirector of Small Group [email protected]

TRAVEL TO THE HOLY LANDIn this eye-opening alternative tour of Israel and the West Bank, discover the powerful connection between faith and practice while exploring the land of the Bible. From the glittering gold domes and contested holy sites of Jerusalem to the stark natural beauty of the Negev’s endangered ecosystems, join two guides, one Arab and one Jewish, for a prayerful look at the religious, political and economic issues facing the region. This trip explores the Biblical themes of reconciliation and justice. Share in fellowship with local Christians, meditate on mountaintop outlooks, and build relationships with families from the country’s Jewish, Muslim and Christian communities, in a tour that tackles the diffi cult questions of faith in a broken world. When: October 8–20, 2015. Approximate cost: $3,500. For more information contact Pastor Karyn: karyn@fi rstlu.org


ANNOUNCEMENTS

A WINNER!Congratulations to the knitting small group! They collected the most items in our friendly competition for the Lutheran World Relief’s Baskets of Promise. Our goal was 300 kits, and we made 380! Thanks TO EVERYONE who helped create these kits for those in need around the world!

BAPTISMAL PREPARATIONA baptism preparation session will be Saturday, June 6 at 10am in the narthex for anyone who is considering or has scheduled a baptism. To register or ask questions call the church office, 608.783.3326.

WE CELEBRATE NEW BIRTHS• Finley Garbers, child of Ben &

Nicole Garbers• Aurora Clausen, child of Sam &

Caitlin Clausen

WEDDINGSGod’s blessings to...

• Kathryn Miller & Ben Stauffer

COMMUNION STEPPING STONEAt First Lutheran, all the baptized are welcome to participate in Holy Communion as parents choose. That means that many of our 5th graders have already been communing. For some, Maundy Thursday was their first experience of the meal where we “taste and see that the Lord is good.” We connected the promises God made them to Holy Communion, God’s way of maintaining a relationship with each baptized child of God. Thank God for Holy Communion! And thank God for this year’s 5th graders as they continue to step deeper into the faith of Christ!

• Kylee Bauer• Evan Boardman• Claire Borene• Maxwell Breiling• William Chafoulias• Ava Clark• Ashley Dahlke• Lauren Ecklund• McKenna Everson• Skylar Ferguson• Victoria Goetting• Amanda Johnson• Noah Kleven• Ayden Larson• James Lee• Chloe Lichucki• Amalia Malecek• Kora Malecek• Lydia Malecek• Annika Moseng• Matthew Peterson• Ayden Root• Zoey Sander• Meredith Saner• Devyn Schmeling• Sofia Stutesman• Ava Wickstrom• Liam Williams

CHRISTIAN SYMPATHY TO THE FAMILY & FRIENDS OF:

• Jackie Hanson• Esther Small,

mother of Heidi Schmidt

GIFTS AND MEMORIALSThank you for the following memorials:

In memory of Ardis Warren• Special Music Fund: Randall & Lauri

Berg, Jason & Anita Houzenga, Lynn Sacia, Tom Skogen, Richard & Lori Zierke

In memory of Al ‘Skip’ Klein• Jane Skogen Music Fund:

Dave & Barb Skogen.• Special Music Fund: Tom Skogen• Family-bathroom project: Gloria

Cassel, Del & Phyllis Christianson, Gaylord & Esther Dolphin, Marilyn Fox, Steven & Judy Fuchsteiner, Judy Johnson, Michael & Dawne Keaveny, George & Leslie Kroker, Reid & Carol Ludlow, Teresa Mears, Nancy Nemec, Carol Peterson, Susan & Bradford Price, Malita Raymond, Kathryn Schroeder, Robert & Lorene Wehrenberg, Robert & Katy Wood, Diane Zanter

PANCAKE BREAKFAST THANK YOU

Thank you to everyone who ate at our breakfast, volunteered to work or donated food. We had 38 volunteers do a great job decorating and setting up, cooking and cleaning up after 175 people were fed. We appreciate the continued support of

our congregation helping the youth of our church raise the funds they need to attend summer ministries.Thanks again for the helping hands and generous hearts!

May 2015 First Lutheran Church + Good News 9

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

PRESCHOOL SPRINGFESTSpringfest is on Sunday, May 3, at 3pm in the narthex. Springfest provides an opportunity for preschoolers to showcase their singing talents, along with church members. Springfest is a major fund-raiser for the preschool. After the concert, there will be an ice cream social and silent auction. This event is for all family members, grandparents, friends and neighbors. Questions, call Melissa at 608.779.4504.

DRAWING FROM THE WELLNext retreat: Saturday, May 9, 6am–9pm In the Twin Cities.First Lutheran invites 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 starting in September, from 9am–1pm, and you can participate in all or part of it. Contact Pastor Karyn for more info: [email protected].

Vacation Bible SchoolSave the date! Sun. Aug 2–Thur Aug 6!For 3 years old and potty trained through 6th grade in the fall.

13141 Sugar Creek Bible Camp Rd, Ferryville, WI 54628608-734-3113 • [email protected] • www.sugarcreekbiblecamp.org

SUMMER PROGRAMMING IS OPEN!

• Strengthen faith in Christ• Develop critical thinking skills• Encourage face-to-face interaction• Allow “screen free” time in

God’s creation • Empower young people for service • HAVE A LOT OF FUN!

As winter grudgingly gives way to spring, and Lent leads us to the sorrow of the cross and beyond to the joy of Easter, new life is on our minds! 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 week fi lls up. Popular programs fi ll up fast!Register today to reserve your spot!.

ADULT BUS TRIPLake Superior North Shore/Duluth TourSeptember 14-18Tour includes: North Shore Scenic Railroad & Luncheon, Split Rock Lighthouse, Gooseberry Falls State Park, Glensheen Mansion Tour, Vista Star Cruise, Great Lake Aquarium, Duluth Guided City Tour, St. Croix Valley Boat cruise and Luncheon, Knoke Chocolates, Old Log Theater Dinner and Show, Mall of America, Daytrippers Theatre Luncheon & Show and much, much more! Call camp for a detailed fl yer and to sign up!

ADOPT-A-BUILDING

Benefi ts both Sugar Creek and your congregation

• Provides an excellent fellowship opportunity and service project for your Men’s, Women’s, Youth, or other church groups

• Helps Sugar Creek provide a welcoming atmosphere as well as basic maintenance and repairs to facilities

• Upkeep, décor enhancements and basic repairs provides congregations with a real sense of “ownership” to the ministry at Sugar Creek

What does your group do?• Come to camp before and after

the summer to prepare your building/facility, fi rst for summer camp and then for the retreat season

• Provide maintenance such as minor repairs, handyman type work as well as updating décor (curtains, furnishings, rugs, etc)

• Deep cleaning right before the summer helps get ready for our campers

• Other projects are also available such as erecting or stowing Pathfi nder tents, preparing fi re pits, light painting or staining woodwork repairing shelters

BeholdI MAKE ALL THINGS

NEWStarting on Sunday, May 3, First Lutheran will be introducing new liturgy in worship, composed by Benjamin Larson.For all who are interested, CDs of the liturgy are available to take home in order to listen to and learn the new music. Simply ask an usher for a copy of the CD.For more information about Ben and his liturgy go to firstlu.org/behold.


SERVE & GIVE

COME FOR SUPPERFirst Lutheran is assisting with Come for Supper on Tuesday, May 26, at Our Savior’s in La Crosse. First Lutheran will help with food donations and volunteering to serve and clean up. The sign-up sheets are on the Connecting Point table. Call Gloria Kubiak if you have questions: 608.498.2762.

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 MAY:

• Acolytes• Coffee servers• Communion servers• Nursery attendants• Ushers• Puppeteers

MISSISSIPPI RIVER CLEAN UP This year’s cleanup is May 9! Last year’s cleanup drew over 200 volunteers and made a big impact on keeping our shorelines clean and beautiful, and we need your help again this year. The Mississippi River Cleanup event brings volunteers together to pick up garbage and litter along the riverbanks. Afterwards volunteers are welcome to join us at the Copeland Park shelter for food and prizes! Please join us as we work to preserve the splendor of this great river for everybody to enjoy! Register today at mississippirivercleanup.com!

NEWSLETTER ASSEMBLYIt’s a relaxing way to volunteer! Thursday, May 28, at 10am, to assemble the June newsletter. See you there!

SUNDAY SCHOOL TEACHERSPlanning for 2015–2016 is underway! Needs for next year include:

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

Contact [email protected] and go to page 13 for more details.

VOLUNTEER APPRECIATION PICNICOur Volunteer Appreciation Picnic will be August 16 from noon–2pm at the first shelter in Rowe Park, for all volunteers who make Faith Alive! happen at First Lutheran. Mark the date so that we may celebrate those among us who give their time and energy to Christ’s mission!

GOD’S HANDS & FEET

GROWING BY SERVINGSpring flowers are

popping out and blooming all over. Since April, we have had in our yard white snowdrops blooming, the first to bloom

after the snow is gone. Then purple crocus’ are next and then the yellow daffodils. It just amazes me to see the flowers coming out of the ground, pushing up and growing green and strong. The colorful blooms create such beauty. The warm sunshine, water and God’s miracle of creation allows the flowers to grow so that we can thank and praise God for the beauty of his creation.

Just as beautiful, is seeing people grow in Christ by serving others. The satisfaction and joy they have in their spirit is wonderful to see. This is most obvious in the children who serve as ushers, greeters and acolytes. The younger they are, the more joy they exhibit in their faces as they serve God. These children are growing in Christ, by serving others, and my hope is that they will continue all through their lives. Not only do these children show the joy of being children of God, they spread that joy with those they serve with. Just look at the young children as they carry the basket for communion; the joy on their faces is priceless. Each of us can experience that same joy. All we need to do

is help serve those around us and within the church. Ushering, greeting, reading, serving communion, projection, just to name a few, are wonderful ways to serve and grow. When we serve, we are growing in Christ. Colossians 1:10 says, “so that you may lead lives worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him, as you bear fruit in every good work and as you grow in the knowledge of God.” Growing in knowledge and good works go hand in hand; doing them together is pleasing to God.

Spring is a wonderful time of year; new growth is happening all over, and we get to see the wonder of God’s creative hand. Let each of us grow this spring into a closer relationship with God by joyfully serving within our church. May we exhibit the joy of Christ as we serve; letting those around us see God’s growth in our lives. Grow and bloom within our church; don’t just stay in the pew, dormant, but let God’s knowledge lead you to serve doing good works and bearing fruit. May the joy of the Spirit show within our lives and faces as we serve God by serving others. If you need help to decide how you want to serve, receiving joy, I am here to help you. Talk to me after worship, e-mail me at [email protected], or call me at church. I would love to have a conversation with you and help you feel more comfortable about serving.

Kathryn PedrettiDirector of Servant [email protected]

Not only do these children show

the joy of being children of God,

they spread that joy with those they

serve with.


Bike to Worship is another way to extend Bike to Work Week into an important activity of our lives. The Driftless Region Bicycle Coalition invites and

encourages First, and all local places of worship, to participate in this fun and healthy program!

BIKE TO WORSHIP DAY WILL BE SUNDAY MAY 10! This is a great opportunity for you to encourage your

family and fellow members to do something that is healthy for them and the environment!

FIRST TEEN CLOTHES CLOSET

We have a new name, but our mission is the same: serve our teen

community in need. We have free, gently used teen clothing, including jeans, dresses, hoodies, shoes, shorts, dress shirts, dress pants, ties, purses, hats, athletic wear, toiletries and more.

Our store is located behind the church on the second floor of “The House”, 203 4th Avenue South, Onalaska. Appointments to shop can be made through the church office at (608) 783-2236. We have new brochures, posters and business cards that are ready to go into the community so more people know we are here. Also, look for articles in local newspapers and magazines about First Teen Clothes Closet in the months to come.

Over the next several weeks, we will be changing our fall/winter clothing for spring/summer wear. Involving our youth in this ministry is important. We now have a sign posted on the clothes closet door listing the tasks that need to be done. A confirmation class sorted and helped organize clothes during their class time last Sunday.

We so appreciate the ways First Lutheran members have supported us with this ministry. There are many ways you can continue to support First Teen Clothes Closet. Please keep us in your prayers, volunteer, and contribute money for toiletries and undergarments. Thank you!


What parents are saying about First Lutheran

Preschool...

“First Lutheran Preschool has been a wonderful place for all four of my children to learn and grow!”

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, Stephanie Brunkow

U p d a t e

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

Only a few spots left for the 2015-2016 School year!We’ve worked hard to develop a rich curriculum which makes learning fun as well as offer a variety of classes to meet our parents’ needs.Call or email us today for more information!Mark your calendars for the Preschool Springfest Concert and silent auction on Sunday, May 3 at 3:00.


SUNDAYSCHOOL

Contact Sunday School Superintendents Sheri Betz or Tawni O’Rouke [email protected] for information or with questions!

SUNDAY SCHOOL CALENDAR• May 17th: last day of regular

Sunday School

• May 24th: no Sunday School

• May 31st: inter-generational Sunday School gathering in Fellowship Hall

CALL FOR TEACHERS:Planning for next year’s Sunday school has already begun! The only way to maintain a dynamic and well run Sunday school program is with the help of our congregation! Please consider the reward of being a Sunday school teacher or helper next year. Many hands make light work (and reap great joy J)! You need not be able to be present every weekend to teach, nor do you need to have experience or be an “expert” at the Bible stories. One of the great rewards is working with others, and learning as you go. We have wonderful mentors and great resources!

If you are willing to consider helping with the Sunday school program in any way please contact Sheri Betz or Tawni O’Rourke at [email protected] or fill out the form on the left and turn it into the office.

In order to have a great Sunday School program, we need many volunteers. There are lots of ways to be involved! Please prayerfully consider where you can help. Thank you!!

SUNDAY SCHOOL VOLUNTEER FORMPlease return this form to the church offi ceYour Name: ___________________________________________________________E-mail: ______________________ Address: __________________________Home phone: _________________ Mobile phone: ___________________________ Sunday school opening leaders: lead 15 minute gathering session of

song and prayer. Our curriculum gives great ideas for each Sunday. List grade preference:

_____ Sunday school teacher: Teachers use our fun and easy curriculum. We realize that it is diffi cult to dedicate every Sunday, so our goal is to have 2 or 3 teachers per class so that at least one familiar face is there each week. List grade preference:

_____ Sunday school classroom helper: in our younger grades especially, it is helpful to have someone as a classroom helper as an extra set of hands.List grade preference:

_____ Sunday school teacher or helper substitute_____ Sunday school offi ce help: help with greeting, registering, Sunday

school offering, and distributing materials on Sunday mornings during Sunday school.

_____ Sunday school supply helper: throughout the year we have occasional projects we need to do shopping/sorting/distributing for.

_____ Faith Stepping Stone helper/teacher: List grade preference:_____ Help with Intergenerational Events:

_____ Thankful Sunday (November 29th)_____ Birthday Party for Jesus (December 27th)_____ Sugar Creek Weekend (February)

_____ Christmas program help: (costumes/runners/set-up/etc)_____ Bible Cover Sewer: as a gift to our kids we give each child a Bible and

Bible cover. We have a simple pattern and material, we just need talented volunteers to sew them.

Thank you so much for supporting our youth and families of First Lutheran!Please e-mail sundayschool@fi rstlu.org with any questions, or call Sheri (608.783.4994) or Tawni (608.788.8037).

#


Attention All Young Youth!!!The Lord God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to work it and keep it.—Genesis 2:15I hope everyone has been able to enjoy the warmer weather we’ve been having. Spring is always an amazing time. We have new life in Jesus’ resurrection and we are reminded of this as we watch the buds on trees begin to form, flowers burst from the ground with renewed determination, the warmth of the sun on our faces and baby animals seem to appear everywhere. God graces us with so many gifts. It’s our job to slow down and recognize all the blessings that surround us. Hopefully the young youth group will be able to do just that. I’m hoping to volunteer at Clearwater Farm where we’ll have opportunities to work with the animals and work in their garden, but I have yet to hear back from them. As soon as I hear I will post something. It would be towards the end of May.

SUMMER OPPORTUNITIES FOR THE YOUNG YOUTH:June 19th: The Young Youth will go to Noah’s Ark as a family event. This event is $18.50 a person and includes a hot dog lunch. I will have more information as the date gets closer.June 29th: The Young Youth will go to Explorer Camp at Sugar Creek Bible Camp. This event runs from 9-3 at the camp. The cost is $20 a camper and includes a lunch and a snack. We will meet at the church at 7:40 and return between 4:30 and 5. This event will act as our July activity.

I am so proud of this group for all of the service activities that we have been able to do throughout the year of service at our church. This group is such a beautiful blessing to the church. We’ve grown in size and participation this year, which is great. Thank you to the families that take time out of their busy schedules to bring their children to our group. It is greatly appreciated!All of our upcoming events will be posted to the church’s website or Facebook page. Please check for updates and information. Also feel free to contact me at anytime: [email protected]!Blessings,Katie Everson J

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!


The OWLs took advantage of the warm weather in April to make the drive to Sugar Creek for “Yesterday’s Youth.” We heard a great program by Dick Iverson about his travels with Habitat for Humanity. Dick took us to Portugal, Costa Rica and Nepal. We also enjoyed a nice lunch and musical program. The attached photo is of some of the group on the deck. The sun was shining, and the ride down and back along the river was beautiful, with many eagles sighted. For our potluck we enjoyed good food and a fun interactive discussion with Aliyah Richling about her teaching experiences at UWL.

As we look forward to more warm weather in May we will turn our thoughts and adventures to summer activities. For our potluck it’s time

again to get to know each other better through our stories. With summer approaching the theme will be “Our Favorite Summer Activities” Please come prepared to talk for 5 minutes about your favorite summer activity, a favorite summer you remember, a special trip or activity or event you are looking forward to this summer. Please bring any photo’s you would like share. The May potluck will be on Wednesday, May 20th at noon in the narthex.

After our fun trip to the museum in Winona this winter, several have asked for an encore to learn more about Winona. For our May outing, we will return to Winona and take the famous Trester Trolley tour. The tour will give us an historic and architectural overview of the city. The tour is narrated by Clarence Russell, who will delight us with facts and maybe some stretched facts (OK, stories) about the city and its colorful people. The trolley is handicap accessible and totally ours for the two-hour tour. Cost of the tour is $15 payable the day of the tour. After the tour, we will head to a local establishment for a fine lunch and conversation. But we are not done yet. Before heading home, we will stop at the historic

and beautiful Pickwick Mill. The Pickwick Mill was built from 1856 to 1858 by Thomas Grant and Wilson Davis and is one of the oldest water-powered gristmills in southeast Minnesota. Just 5 miles south of Winona it will be a great way to finish our day. We will leave from the church at 8:30 AM on Thursday, May 28 and return about 3 PM. We need to know ahead of time how many people are coming. Please contact Brian Narveson at [email protected] or 608-526-9700 by Tuesday, May 26, if you plan to attend. Feel free to invite a friend. Our cost goes down to $10 each if we have more than 15 people.

Hope to see everyone in May!

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].

MAY E

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Use these QR Codes to quickly

add our upcoming

events to the

calendar of your smart

phone or tablet

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code,hold the

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Preschool SpringfestSun, May 3

3pm

Young Youth to WI Dells

Fri, Jun 19

OWLs Trester Trolley Tour

Thur, May 288:30am–3pme

Vacation Bible SchoolSun, Aug 2–Thur, Aug 6

Drawing from the WellSat, May 99am–1pm

Young Youth Explorer Days at Sugar Creek

Mon, Jun 297:40am–4:30pm

Baptismal PrepSat, June 6

10am

Volunteer Appreciation Picnic

Sun, Aug 16noon–2pm

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.


410 Main St. Onalaska, Wisconsin 54650608.783.2236 Fax: [email protected] 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 [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] Larkin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Confirmation Administrative Assistant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . [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 CustodianMark Williams . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Assistant CustodianMary Meier . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Assistant Custodian

MUSIC STAFFJim Knutson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bell Choir Director . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . [email protected] Richling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Children’s 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 TeacherStephanie Brunkow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Preschool Assistant Teacher

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

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Good News for May 2015