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.
Fall Work Day – Oct 11
Sat, Oct 11 / 8am-Noon
Join us for our fall work day at 8am on Sat, Oct 11. As we gather together to care for the Church’s building and property, our aim is to create a time of fellowship, serve practical needs, and have fun being together. A simple lunch for all those who helped will be served at Noon in Fellowship Hall.
Pastor Appreciation – Oct 12
Sun, Oct 12 / 9:15am / Gathering Space
Pastor Appreciation Day will be on Oct 12 to honor Pastor Michael, Pastor Jim, and Eric Engen. There will be special treats during coffee time between services and cards of appreciation from the congregation. Cards can be sent to the church (612 Randall Ave, Janesville, WI 53545) or dropped off at the church on Sunday or during the week. We hope you will join us in appreciation by giving a card.
Talk With Leadership – Oct 12
Sun, Oct 12 / 9:15am / Chapel
You are warmly invited to our next Talk with Leadership in the Chapel between services on Sun, Oct 12. This is an opportunity to share updates, and plans for the months ahead and engage in open dialog through your thoughts and questions. We really appreciate your presence and participation, and we hope you will join us.
First Steps Discipleship Course – Oct 12, 26, Nov 9, 23
(or Feb 21: Entire Course In A Day)
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.
Oct 12: A Way Worth Living
Oct 26: The Lutheran Way
Nov 9: Our Church, Our Mission
Nov 23: Made to Make A Difference
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.
Lefse Making – Oct 15 & 16
Oct 15 (6:30-7:30pm): We need one more volunteer to help prepare the potato mixture.
Oct 16 (9am-Noon-ish): We need help making the lefse.
Location: Fellowship Hall
We’re looking for 3–4 more lefse griddles.
We need 2 people per griddle—one to roll, one to cook.
If you can help, please fill out a Connect Card (found in the pews) and let the office know.
We’re also accepting ingredient donations—specific brands needed (see list below).
8-26.7 oz boxes of Hungry Jack Instant Mashed Potatoes (no substitution) – available at Walmart
8 boxes (4 sticks ea.) Salted Butter
6- One-quart Containers of Half n Half (Land O Lakes)
6- 5lb bags of Wheat Montana flour – available at Walmart
30-50 quart size Zip Lock Freezer bags (double zip)
Holiday Craft Fair – Oct 18
The Annual Holiday Craft Fair is on its way for 2025! Mark your calendars for October 18 from 9am-2pm.
Lunch will be available, we will offer pulled pork, veggies and dip, and FLC’s homemade pie by the slice, and more.
Children’s Activities: Rock painting, cookie decorating, and mini pumpkin decorating will be available. All Free!
Shopping: We fill our entire first floor, including Fellowship Hall, the hallway, and the gym, with vendors.
Crafters: Start your Christmas shopping with an original gift!
Authors: Local authors with a wide variety of original stories.
Direct Sales: a wide variety of quality items for you and your home, or for great gifts!
Bake Sale: Bring home some freshly baked goods made by the members of First Lutheran Church.
Wine Pull: $10 wine pull, and you’re guaranteed a bottle of wine!
Raffles: Many nice baskets and vendor donations! We also have a quilt raffle; the quilt was made by a member of FLC.
First Communion Class – Oct 19
Sun, Oct 19 / 5:30-7pm
Children and their parents/sponsors are welcome to register for Communion Class. Communion Class is Sun, Oct 19, at 5:30-7pm. This class is specifically designed for children who can read. A pre-reader class is available by request. At the end of class, we will set a First Communion Celebration date that is meaningful to you. Register for class before Oct 12 by contacting Renee at rengen@flcj.org.
Care Packages for Recent Grads – Oct 19
Return by Oct 19
Grab a box with the name of a recent grad from the table in the Gathering Space and fill it with microwave popcorn, hot chocolate, snacks, chap-stick, tissues, gift cards, more snacks, gum, fuzzy socks, hand sanitizer, cough drops, disinfectant wipes, and even more snacks! Plan to spend between $15-20. Include an encouraging note! Return that box by October 19.
Contact Renee with any questions.
Women’s Bible Study – Oct 19, Nov 2, 9
Join us for a 5-week study of the book It Is Well: Walking Away From Anxiety And Into God’s Word. Is there hope in Christ for us when anxiety swells within? Can we find peace in God when our circumstances are anything but peaceful? The answer to these questions is yes! Key themes: worry, anxiety, peace, hope. You won’t want to miss this study!
Location: Aubrey’s House (message church for address)
Ancora String Quartet – Oct 21
Tues, Oct 21 / 7pm / Sanctuary
Join us on Oct 21 at 7pm for a performance by Ancora String Quartet. Members Sahada Buckley, Wes Luke, Robin Ryan, and Benjamin Whitcomb will perform F.J. Haydn’s rousing quartet Op. 74 No. 3 in G minor, nicknamed “The Horsemen,” followed by Jean Sibelius’s ingenious and profound quartet in D minor, nicknamed “Intimate Voices”. Come and enjoy a special night of music!
Hymn Sing – Oct 22
Wed, Oct 22 / 1:30pm / Cedar Crest
We would love to have you join us at our monthly Hymn Sings. This month, it’s on Wed, Oct 22, at 1:30pm at Cedar Crest Assisted Living – 1706 S River Rd, Janesville. Bring your friendship and singing voice, and we’ll supply the rest! All are welcome!
Trick-or-Treating – Oct 31
Fri, Oct 31 / 5:30-7pm / Indoor Activity
Come on out for an exciting evening of indoor trick-or-treating that’s perfect for kids of all ages! Put on your favorite costume and come explore our decorated indoor space, filled with candy stations, festive photo stops, and spooky (but not too spooky!) fun. We’ll also have a Hot Chocolate Bar where you can warm up with a sweet treat after collecting your goodies. Bring the whole family and make some memories with us!
Page Turners Book Group – Nov 4, Dec 2
The Page Turners Book Club meets at 5pm the first Tuesday of each month in the Gathering Space. All are welcome.
Nov 4: All the Kings Men by Robert Penn Warren
Dec 2: The River Is Waiting by Wally Lamb
Contact Sally Schuenke for additional info. (608.754.0407)
Men of Iron – Nov 4, 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 – Nov 5
Nov 5 / 6-7:30pm / Gathering Space
Wednesdays Together kick off each new month at First Lutheran with food, fellowship, and fun for all ages. The evening begins at 6pm with a potluck dinner, followed by a chance to grow and connect among children, youth, and adults. This fall we are also adding Communion together at our tables. Come enjoy a delicious meal and great conversation—we’d love to see you there!