Mons from 8-8:30pm via Zoom
Centering prayer, also known as the prayer of silence, helps you quiet your mind from the constant thoughts and impulses, and frees your true self to experience more of God’s love in the very core of your being. You will gain inspiration, rich insight, and practical knowledge of a contemplative prayer practice that can open you up to deep experiences of inner healing and peace. Everyone is welcome to take part.
Login Link: https://tinyurl.com/2p89n5sc
Meeting ID: 816 1696 9038
Passcode: 224107
The BG’s – Tuesdays
Tues from 8-11am in Fellowship Hall Lounge
The BG’s are a group of 6-10 (mostly retired) guys that gather every Tuesday at 8am for coffee, socializing, and to handle the many outdoor and indoor miscellaneous maintenance needs around First Lutheran. If you are interested in joining this group stop by Tuesday as we are always looking for new people to join our team!
Knitters – Tuesdays
Join us Tuesdays at 9am in the Gathering Space for smiles, laughs, and lots of knitting!
Mission Sew – 1st, 3rd & 5th Wednesdays
Help Mission Sew with cutting, sewing, tying, and pining quilts for Lutheran World Relief. These quilts are distributed to struggling neighbors across the globe. For more info contact Margaret Drinkwater, by contacting the church at 608.752.7434.
Bible Study – Wednesdays
Wednesday at 10am in Rm 302
Please join our Wednesday Bible Study as we begin a new unit using A is for Alabaster: 52 Reflections on the Stories of Scripture by Anna Carter Florence. This 2023 book received great reviews from many well-known theologians. In the coming weeks, we will be jumping into both Old Testament and New Testament stories through the 52 doors opened by this insightful author. We can be found in Room 302 almost every Wednesday morning from 10-11am.
Second Harvest Food Pantry
Third Thurs of the Month from 3:30-5:30pm
Distribution is outdoors. Please call Mary Gallup at 608.755.1399 so she knows if she has enough help. Set-up begins at 2:30pm.
Blood Drive – Tues, Dec 2
Join the First Lutheran Church Blood Drive on Tues, Dec 2, from 2:30-7pm in Fellowship Hall. Every donation helps save lives — and as a special thank you, all donors who give blood at any mobile drive between Dec 1–14, 2025, will be entered for a chance to win a $250 Southwest Airlines voucher! Appointments are preferred.
SIGN-UP: tinyurl.com/ym88yjf6
Page Turners Book Group – Tues, Dec 2, Jan 6
The Page Turners Book Club meets at 5pm the first Tuesday of each month in the Gathering Space. All are welcome.
Dec 2: The Extraordinary Life of Sam Hell by Robert Drugoni
Jan 6: Breathing Lessons by Ann Tyler
Contact Sally Schuenke for additional info. (608.754.0407)
Men of Iron – Tues, Dec 2, Jan 6, Feb 3, Mar 2, Apr 7, May 5
Open to men and boys of all ages. We will use “The Chosen” TV series and curriculum to discuss and explore the Bible in a unique way. Meal provided!
Wednesdays Together – Dec 3, 10, 17
6-7:30pm / Gathering Space
Wednesdays Together is a special time for our First Lutheran community to come together for food, fellowship, and connection.
During this Advent season, we’ll meet not only on our regular first Wed, Dec 3, but also on Dec 10 & 17.
Dec 3 – Join us at 6pm for our usual potluck dinner, followed by opportunities for children, youth, and adults to learn, grow, and strengthen relationships.
Dec 10 & 17 – We’ll gather at 6pm for a potluck dinner, followed by an Advent Evening Prayer service at 7pm.
Come share in the spirit of Advent as we celebrate community, faith, and fellowship together.
Young Adults – Thurs, Dec 4, 11, 18
Cookie Decorating – Sat, Dec 6
Join us at 10am in Fellowship Hall for a fun, family-friendly morning of cookie decorating! All supplies will be provided, so bring your creativity and enjoy a sweet time together.
Cookie Walk – Sun, Dec 7 starting at 7:30am
The Community Connections Team is excited to host the 5th Annual Cookie Walk on Dec 7, beginning at 7:30am! It’s the perfect chance to pick up a beautiful assortment of holiday cookies to enjoy or share with loved ones. From 7:30am through the end of the second service, fill a box with your favorites—your box will be weighed, and you’ll pay by the pound.
We’re also looking for plenty of cookie donations! As you plan your holiday baking, consider making an extra few dozen for the church. All proceeds support our youth and their upcoming mission trips.
Christmas Bingo Night – Thurs, Dec 11
Marimba Concert – Sat, Dec 13
Christmas for All Ages – Sun, Dec 14
Join us on Sunday, December 14 at 9:30 a.m. for a special one-service Sunday as we celebrate Christmas for All Ages: A Light in the Dark! This joyful service invites everyone—young and old—to come together and rejoice in the hope and light that Jesus brings to our world, both then and now.
Experience the wonder of Christmas as members of all ages from First Lutheran share their gifts in a heartwarming worship celebration. Our Sunday School children will bring the timeless Christmas story to life through song and drama, accompanied by beloved Christmas hymns, special solos, and music from the Chancel Choir. Communion will also be served.
Christmas Caroling – Tues, Dec 16
Join us for Christmas caroling at First Apartments! We will meet at First Lutheran’s carport entrance at 5:45pm, then walk across the parking lot to the First Apartments.
Bring your favorite instrument (guitar, violin, flute, VOICE, kazoo!, tambourine) and your good cheer! We will have refreshments and merriment! This is family-friendly, so bring friends of all ages, and your littles! All are welcome to celebrate the joy of Christmas! Email Amy Hartsough with any questions: amyh@flcj.org.
Christmas Eve Worship – Wed, Dec 24
Poinsettia Delivery – Dec 24-31
Spread some Christmas cheer by delivering poinsettias to our homebound members. After the 7:30pm Christmas Eve worship through Dec 31, you can take our poinsettias to one of our shut-ins. Cards with names and addresses will be set out in the Gathering Space with boxes. Grab some cards and then deliver the poinsettias to the people on the cards. Thank you for spreading the spirit of Christmas! The church will be closed on Dec 26. Questions call the church office 608.752.7434 x10.
Building Closed for the Holidays
First Lutheran will be closed for the holidays on
- Dec 24, 25, 26 closed, will be open for Christmas Eve Worship at 4pm & 7:30pm
- Dec 31 closed at Noon
- Jan 1 & 2 closed
We hope time spent with family and friends over the holidays is a blessing to you, and we look forward to serving with you in 2026.
Living With Dementia – Sun, Jan 25
9:15am / Chapel
Please join us in the Chapel as we focus on positive, effective strategies for caregivers and for individuals living with dementia. Our ever-evolving discussion group welcomes newcomers, as those who are impacted by dementia are ever-changing.
Led by Peg Haeger
First Steps Discipleship Course-One Day Retreat – Sat, Feb 21: 9am-3pm
We invite you to join us for First Steps, a welcoming and engaging discipleship course designed to help you grow in your relationship with Jesus, deepen your understanding of the Christian faith, and find your place in the life of the church. No matter where you are on your spiritual journey, these classes offer a solid foundation and a supportive community to walk alongside you.
Feb 21, 9am-3pm: One-Day Retreat Option at Lutherdale
Prefer to take all four sessions in one day? Join us for a special retreat experience where we’ll explore each class together, enjoy community, and share a meal—lunch included
To register, use the link below or contact Renee at 608.359.9685 or rengen@flcj.org.