When’s the last time you entered or departed through the side doors of First Presbyterian Church?
If it’s been a while you may not have seen the recently refreshed bulletin board of pictures and captions assembled by Alex (our Director of Youth Ministries) and Donna (our Administrative Assistant). I encourage you to go take a look the next time you come to worship, or if you stop by the church during the week.
Near the ha ll to the bathrooms, below the header Ministry in the Time of COVID-19, you will find a wonderful collection of pictures and descriptive captions sharing activities and events that we were still able to offer during the deepest throes of COVID. You’ll see pictures from drive-thru events, youth activities and more. I’m sure they’ll bring a smile to your face.
I was so encouraged as I reflected back on all the ways that we continued to invest in people and to care for our church family and our community, even in some of the most difficult of times. I think that you, too, will join me in thanking God that with inspiration and creativity we were able to pull together as a congregation and still faithfully carry out the ministries of our church in spite of the challenges of the past two years.
It’s been a lot. But God is good and God is faithful.
Each Sunday we are seeing more people return to worship, more children up front for the moment for children, and more individuals participating in various ministry activities from sacred rhythms to choir to youth gatherings. I’m excited that we will get to do some events and activities as we did them before, but that there will continue to be new and re-imagined ministry opportunities before us as well.
I thank God for you and for our staff, and all that the coming year will bring. Please pray with me that God will give each of us renewed energy to be the hands and feet of Christ in our community and world.
See you soon! Taylor
“May Day” Baskets for WAFER!
For the last few years, the first Sunday in May has been designated in our church as “May Day,” a day to help our neighbors with donations to WAFER, our local food pantry. This year May 1st comes on a Sunday so we are encouraging you to help us fill our “May Day Baskets” with food for WAFER. You can bring your donations of food, household goods and personal care products to church on Sunday May 1. We are also happy to accept cash donations.
IN ADDITION...
**You may mail a paper check to the church, indicating WAFER on the memo line.
**You may go to the church website, www.FirstPresLax.org, click on the “give” button, then “donate,” then “General Fund” and enter the amount. You can then specify WAFER in the box to the right of “General Fund.” All monetary donations, whether online or by check, will be recorded on your giving statement.
Questions? Please contact Barbara Rusterholz @ 608-784-4497
 Sunday, May 8th, 2022
Enjoy the little things in life...
for one day you’ll look
back and realize they were
really the big things.
Wishing All Mothers a
Very Happy Day!!
Church Picnic at All-Abilities Park:
Sunday, May 15, 2022
From 11:00am to 1:00pm, all are welcome to attend our church picnic at the new All-abilities (Trane) Park near the corner of 16th St. and Mormon Coulee Rd. in La Crosse, WI. Lunch will be provided for anyone who would like some food (church members, invited guests, people at the park, etc.). This park, managed by the City of La Crosse, was designed to offer unique and fun recreation for people of all ages an d abilities.
We have reserved the Outdoor Pavilion (walk in the main entrance, turn left, and pass the building), in which we will have the food as well as some tables...please bring your own seating. This is a perfect event to invite friends, neighbors, etc.! And, because it’s a City Park, there is no cost for admission!
In case of inclement weather, the picnic will be held at the church in Fellowship Hall.
Sacred Rhythms for Women
We will be meeting on May 15th (same day as the church picnic) at 4:30-6:00 pm in the Gathering area.
If you’ve been thinking of joining us, this would be a great time as we will be starting a new book, Prayer in the Night: For Those Who Work or Watch or Weep. We talk about prayer, but what exactly do we expect from all our praying? Are we honestly convinced that they are heard? If so, are they answered? Where do we find the words to use in our prayers? Let’s see if this little book may deepen our understanding.
If you have questions, feel free to contact
Louise Campbell at 608-799-4071 or Bev Ruston at 608-881-1391.
MORNING CIRCLE
Morning Circle will meet Wednesday, May 18th at 9:30 am in the Gathering Area. This will be the last lesson from "What my Grandmothers Taught me, Learning from the Women in Matthew's  Genealogy of Jesus," lesson 9, led by Merle Gustafson. The hostess will be Jane Radloff.
Questions, please call Jan 608-788-5884
Graduation Sunday…May 29th during 9:30 am Worship
As a congregation, we will celebrate the accomplishments
of our High School and College graduates!!!!!
Men's Bible Study
The Son has risen, and the men’s Bible study begins Wednesday mornings as the sun is rising (6:00 am in the Gathering Area). We are continuing to study the Gospel of Luke.
Questions? Touch base with Don Campbell...608-788-8012
CHURCH ACTIVITIES FOR CHILDREN
Children’s Church - Sunday Morning Worship…
Following the children’s moment of each worship service, children (and a parent, if the children would prefer that) are invited to exit the Sanctuary and go to the chapel for some fun activities, snacks, crafts, and a Bible Story. Youth Director Alex is usually the one leading these activities. Children will be sent back to their seats during the song that follows the sermon’s conclusion.
NOTE for Infants & Toddlers
Until further notice, the nursery is closed due to staffing shortages.
However, small children are more than welcome either inside or
outside the Sanctuary depending on their parents’ comfort.
VBS 2022…JUNE 6TH - 12TH
“MONUMENTAL … CELEBRATING
GOD’S GREATNESS”
In-person event for children
entering Pre-K to 5th graders.
Meets on Sunday mornings in the Library (on the second-floor, near the church’s back door) following worship. This group is currently following a program that takes them through the entirety of the Bible.
Summer Music
There will be special music each Sunday this summer. Please contact me if you are willing to share your gift of music. It could be a vocal or instrumental solo, or a small ensemble. I will work with you to help select and rehearse the music.
Contact Sue at 608-637-3619
saguaropipes@hotmail.com
Or talk to me on Sunday morning!
Organ Recital Sunday
Sunday June 12th at 3 pm, Molly Van Appledorn and I will present an organ recital at First Presbyterian. We are playing some of our favorite compositions. The recital could potentially be more than 40 hours long, but we gleaned it down to an hour. There will be more information in the June newsletter.
The recital is sponsored by the Riverland Chapter of the American Guild of Organists. Molly and I are both active members of the chapter.
Sue Walby Director of Music/Organist
JUNETEENTH…SATURDAY, JUNE 18, 2022
Please join us for the 2022 La Crosse Juneteenth Celebration. First Presbyterian Mission and Social Action Committee are planning to participate and volunteers are welcome. The event will be held in Riverside Park on Saturday, June 18th.
Juneteenth celebrates the emancipation of enslaved people of the United States. The holiday was first celebrated in Texas on June 19, 1865. Volunteer opportunities include helping with set up, clean up, kids games, bike corral, and more. The majority of activities are from noon to 5 pm, with 2 hour sign-up slots, but this could vary depending on what you are interested in helping with.
If you would like to volunteer, please email Willa at wilmac61@icloud.com
The event is being sponsored by Hope Restores, B.L.A.C.K., Black Student Leaders, and Enduring Families Project.
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