The ELCA is developing a social statement on civic life and faith, the relationship of church and state, and related matters, as called for by the 2019 ELCA Church Wide Assembly. Social statements are the ELCA's primary documents to address significant social issues. They are intended to aid reflections, shape conscience, and set forth the ELCA's teaching and policy on the major social issues and questions of contemporary life. Click here to read the second of three parts. This series will continue all September. (If you missed the first part - see Sections 1 & 2 here.)

Click here to take the survey.

On Sunday, September 22, our Ministry and Discipleship Councils will be co-facilitating an adult forum between services at 9:45 on the new ELCA Social Statement on Civic Life and Faith. The draft statement is being posted each week in the E-Voice (see above) and copies are also available at the Welcome Center. At the forum there will be a short over-view of the document and then open discussion. We encourage people to both read the document and attend the forum during this critically important election season.

BACK THIS FALL: Sunday School for 2 and 3 year olds! All 2 and 3 year-old children are welcome from 10:00-10:30 in the Nursery! Class formatting includes a Bible story, activity, and a song, with a little play time thrown in as well. Parents may either join in or drop children off. Use the Sunday School Registration Form to sign your child(ren) up! Join all Sunday School students for Rally Day. First day of class in the nursery is September 15.

It's not too late - you can still register!

"Hello Friends" is a new initiative put together with the combined efforts of the Worship Council and RIC (Reconciling in Christ) Team here at ELC. This is a Greeters program we will offer to all people as they come to the doors of our church for worship. Our hope is to train Greeters to be a welcoming and helpful face to visitors and members alike. We'll work out the details in the next several months and help train members of our church in the gift of hospitality. If you are interested in this ministry please contact Cathy Walth (608-317-8768) or Kathy Hageseth (608-792-6234) by email or text.

New this fall - Chime Choir for Beginners! We'll meet on Wednesdays, 5:30–6:00pm beginning September 11 in the Music Room.

This is a beginner’s class geared to the non-music reader or early music reader. It is being developed in particular for kids and youth. We will learn to play the chimes that the English Ringers use in some of their pieces. If interested, please contact Ann Kvale.

The weekly study of I Corinthians resumes on Thursday, September 12 at 6:30pm in the South Hall. If you were not able to be part of the first semester, you are still welcome to join us. A notes outline can be provided for you, and you can also catch up by listening online or grabbing the CD's at the Welcome Center. Pastor Dennis Johnson looks forward to sharing with you this in-depth study of Paul's very important letter to the church at Corinth. Please contact Pastor Dennis with any questions!

Craft Retreats are back for the school year! Our first one is September 13-15, with future dates of:

• October - No retreat, join us at Sugar Creek!
• November 8-10
• December - No retreat, holiday break

You may come and go as you wish, and stay each day as long as you like. The main entrance will be open during business hours on Friday. On Saturday, the alley door will be open for a short time around 8AM, but otherwise will be locked and you may contact Karen Guptill or Joan Allen to get in. You can drop off your crafting items on Thursday during office hours if you wish! Meals are on your own, please feel free to bring a snack to share.

It's that time of year again for our first PACK gathering! All students entering 4-6th grades are welcome. We're going to Riverside Amusements to play mini-golf together at 6:00pm on September 13th! Cost is $10 but if cost is an issue, let us know, as we have scholarship money to help out. Please use the link to RSVP and if your child would like to bring a friend, please register them too.

Interested in joining a small group? On Wednesday nights starting September 11, from 6:15-7:30pm in the Youth Room, a group of adults gather to study, pray, and have conversations as we seek to understand more about what it means to follow Jesus in the various roles we have in our families, networks, and jobs. Childcare is offered to allow both parents to participate if they would like. Our time is informal and prioritizes relationships and connection with one another. If you have any questions or want more information, reach out to Scott Gabriel.

Senior Fun & Fellowship is going to lunch on Monday, September 23 at Olive Garden. Anyone 55+ is welcome to join this fun group! Hope to see many of you there and reconnect after the summer. RSVP with Karen Guptill by email or text 608-780-5083. We will have a potluck at church on October 28, so mark your calendars for that too!

The Franciscan Spirituality Center has a five-week, in-person grief support group starting September 18. Anyone is welcome to attend. Grief Circle meets September 18, 25; October 2, 9, 16 with facilitators Karna Marks and Sarah Hennessey, FSPA, and is held at Franciscan Spirituality Center, 920 Market St., La Crosse.