HOT TOPICS

See ELC photos

Lenten soup lunch follows the noon services this year.  Join us in the narthex for a light lunch and fellowship!

Communion servers can be any confirmed member of ELC.  If you wish to serve, please take a cross necklace from the stand in the narthex and meet in the Prayer Chapel 10 minutes before worship.  If you’ve been serving communion in the past, continue to do so by checking the stand before worship.

Cook Smart.  Eat Smart.  Live Healthy.  Ever thought you’d eat healthier if only you knew how to cook better?  This class focuses on cooking simple, healthy, inexpensive meals with an emphasis on vegetables, legumes and whole grains.  We’ll meet Thursday nights, March 11-April 1 from 6:00-8:00 p.m. in the kitchen at ELC.  There is no charge for the class, but your help in completing a food log and survey prior to the class for the purpose of medical research would be appreciated.  Please contact Sharon Stoll at 906-362-1003 with questions.  A sign up sheet is at the Welcome Center .

Attend a free retreat for those who have lost their job, Monday, March 29 through Wednesday, March 31 at the Franciscan Spirituality Center, 920 Market St. , La Crosse .  As we begin Holy Week, we invite you to a retreat filled with hope.  The retreat leader is Fr. Charlie Smiech who has experience leading retreats for the unemployed in the Chicago area.  Contact 791-5295 or fscenter@fspa.org with questions or to register.

Items still needed for Haiti relief!   We’re collecting Health and School kits through March 20 to send to Haiti .  Please see the display in the Welcome Center for a complete list of items that are needed.  We also welcome cash donations to purchase extra supplies.  Thanks for your support!

The Fellowship Council is looking for your input as we plan events for 2010.  If you missed us at the Adult Forum in January, stop by the Welcome Center and complete a survey indicating your interests.  We welcome your ideas!

WEEKLY REMINDERS

ELC Youth accept receipts from Quillin’s, Festival and Skogen’s.   We’re currently accepting receipts dated as of JANUARY 1 and you can leave your receipts at the Welcome Center .  The stores donate a percentage of the receipts to our youth program.  Over $250 is made each quarter by this fundraiser!  Thanks!

Monday Morning Men’s Bible Study meets for lively discussion each Monday morning at 6:30 a.m.  Join us for breakfast and lively conversation.  During March, we’ll discuss “Living the Faith.”

Book of Faith Small Group meets Tuesday mornings from 8:30-9:30 a.m. at the Restel’s home. Join us! Contact Eva Marie Restel at 789-4559.

Seekers Bible Study meets every Thursday at 9:30 a.m. in the Bertha Stoffel Lounge.  We’re in the middle of studying this years gospel, Luke. There’s still time to join us!

This weekend is WAFER Weekend .  Please bring your donations to the altar during the offering or drop off anytime in the WAFER cart in the narthex.

Wednesday Night Programming - March 10
12:00 p.m.   Midweek Worship/Soup Lunch
5:00-5:30     Youth Bells Rehearsal
5:00-5:30     Youth Choir Rehearsal
5:30-6:30     Dinner – Meatballs & Gravy
5:45-6:15     English Ringers Rehearsal
6:00-8:00     Christlers
6:15-7:30     Knitting Group
6:15 p.m .     Midweek Worship
7:00-7:45     7 th/8 th Grade Confirmation
7:00-7:45     9 th Grade Confirmation
7:00-7:45     Sr. High Youth Open Time
7:00-7:45     Lenten Table Talks

OF INTEREST

Do you like to scrapbook?   ELC is holding a Scrapbook Weekend for anyone who is interested in scrapping with others.  Members and non-members, pros or novice, everyone is welcome.  Mark Friday, March 19 through Sunday, March 21 on your calendar and watch for more information!  Cost is free, but bring your own supplies and a snack to share.

Vacation Bible School is Sunday, June 13 through Thursday June 17.  Mark your calendars!

Brewers Fan?   Join us for two opportunities to Miller Park this summer!  “La Crosse Area Day” is Thursday, June 24 when the Brewers play the Twins.  Sunday, July 25 is “ELC Family Day” for a Brewers/Nationals game.  Sign up with your family, friends and neighbors for one or both trips!  Trips are reasonably priced.  Cost includes bus fare, game ticket and tailgate parties with plenty of food and beverages.  Informational flyers and sign-up sheets are available at the Welcome Center .

Let’s help each other!   At the Welcome Center , you’ll find two boxes – one for “needs help” and one for “services to offer.”  Pay it forward and offer your services as a handyman or a budget consultant.  Request a companion for a family member or a babysitter so you can run errands.  All requests are confidential and stay within our ELC church family.

What is a Mission Interpreter?   It is telling the story of what God is doing through our giving, telling the story of how our offerings and gifts are transformed into effective ELCA ministries and reminding us how we make a difference for Christ’s mission and the work of our church.  Become an ELC Mission Interpreter!  Attend training at the synod office on March 13.  Contact Niki Pohnl at 784-8876 x 204 for more information.

April Events at Sugar Creek include a Yesterday’s Youth (4/12), a dinner theater trip to Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (4/14), a Weekend Woman’s Retreat ( 4/16-18) and a Intergenerational Fly Fishing Retreat ( 4/30-5/2).  Call camp at 608-734-3113 for more information and to make reservations!

Spring is coming, along with mud.   Since the pews have recently been reupholstered, please take care to keep little one’s feet clean and off the chairs.  We thank you for keeping our sanctuary beautiful!

Submit monthly announcements/requests to: TheVoiceNewsletter@hotmail.com

Weekly announcements/requests to: jenniferj@englishlutheran.org