As of this Wednesday (October 14), fixtures have been installed in the ADA restroom, electricity is almost done, and the nursery bathroom is almost finished too! All of our bathrooms on the east side of the building are now also connected to the new sewer line. We are very close to starting on the men's and women's restrooms in the narthex, and will have signage up when those are closed off. Painting is in progress across all bathrooms. The finish line is in sight! Check out photo progress.

We're bringing the Adult Forum Back! Join us on Sunday, October 18 after worship in the South Hall for a special guest speaker from Pathways Home. The City of La Crosse and La Crosse County have developed a new coordinated homelessness action plan called Pathways Home. The goal is to achieve Functional Zero homelessness in La Crosse by 2029. The city and county have identified a need for a sustainable, data-driven and coordinated response to homelessness. At present, homelessness response is often fragmented and lacks clear goals. This plan will pool resources, learn from what has worked elsewhere, and have accountable leadership.

Matthew 25:36: Jesus said, "I was in prison and you came to visit me.” Jesus explained that whenever people help someone in prison, they do it for him. In response, English has supported the La Crosse Jail Ministry through donations, as well as through visits and conducting worship services in the past. In this space and through the display in the narthex during October, the Ministry Council will focus on how you can help us continue to support the Jail Ministry. To get an idea of how the ministry helps those who are inmates and ex-inmates, watch this video. You’ll see some familiar faces leading worship.

On October 18 at our 9:00am worship service, our youth students will be leading worship - come and support the youth and their faith formation! Confirmation students will be leading worship, our Sunday School students will sing, our youth Chime Choir will be providing special music, and some of our young people will be receiving Bibles. Come and join in this fun day of worship!

On October 4, this congregation elected the following individuals to serve on the Call Committee for our next pastor:

• Tom Davey
• Scott Gabriel
• Maren Heckman
• Lorri Lobeck
• Bonnie Martin
• Mike Quam
• Brad Quarberg
• Irene TenEyck

October is Faith Build Month for Habitat for Humanity. ELC Member Lisa Jacobson scheduled a team build for Thursday October 22. Shifts are 8am-noon and noon-4pm. (Please let Habitat know you are from ELC!) If the 22nd doesn't work, volunteer another day! Team Builds can be 2-10 people. Contact Kelly at 608-785-2373 ext 103 to sign up!

Washburn House, 946 Division Street

--Work: Building projects inside the home

Washburn Garden, 928 Division Street

--Work: Building gardens, fencing, and planting

The Discipleship Council is looking for feedback on how to deepen and expand our current small group options for the congregation. Can you take 10 minutes and complete this survey to help us to understand the needs and dreams of the congregation? Click here to fill out the form! Paper copies of this survey are available at the information desk if you would prefer that over the digital option.

A follow-up meeting regarding the Saturday evening worship service forum will be on Saturday, October 17 after the 5:00pm service. If you weren't able to attend the first meeting, we had an opportunity back in September for members to share thoughts or feelings about the current liturgy being used on Saturday evenings. If you'd like to submit a last-minute addition, feel free to email Pastor Steve (please know your name and input might be shared with the group).

Have an announcement for worship? Email voice@englishlutheran.org! Include your name, the announcement, and the dates of announcements. Announcements at worship should be kept to 150 words (about a minute in length), and direct people to find more information in the E-Voice, newsletter, at the Welcome Center. You can also use voice@englishlutheran.org to also send information for the weekly E-Voice, or the church newsletter that is published every other month.

Pastors continually strive to shepherd their flock, just as God promises in Jeremiah 3:15:

"And I will give you pastors according to mine heart, which shall feed you with knowledge and understanding."

October is Pastor Appreciation Month. If you'd like to give a note or card of thanks for Pastor Steve and Pastor Lisa, there is a basket at the Welcome Center.

Pastors are called to serve in many roles, including teachers, counselors, and spiritual leaders of the church. Their hard work goes beyond preaching each Sunday to other meaningful opportunities like mission work and mentorship. Our pastors have been there for us during life's major moments, from the joy of new beginnings to the sorrow of loss.

This month, we especially give thanks for Pastor Steve and Pastor Lisa for being with us during this time of transition, as well as many other wonderful pastors who have served this congregation through the years, and the interns this congregation has supported on their path to becoming pastors.

Our next "New to English" Gathering is Sunday, November 8. If you are new to our congregation, please join us for a special brunch and to learn more about our congregation. This gives you a chance to meet our pastors and some staff members and make connections among other newcomers. There is an opportunity for those who wish to make plans to join the church - but no pressure! To RSVP, please contact the church office at 608.784.9335. Children are welcome, and we also provide childcare for those who needed it.

Reformation Weekend is October 24 & 25 - wear red to church that weekend! We are adding a second service at 10:45am on October 25 to celebrate the Affirmation of Baptism for our 9th grade students.

Every fall, Lutheran churches across the world gather for Reformation Sunday, a day that marks the moment in 1517 when Martin Luther posted his Ninety‑Five Theses and sparked a movement that reshaped Christianity. Reformation Sunday is a celebration of the Gospel’s freedom, the courage of conviction, and the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit in the Church.

Taylor could use a few things in the kitchen! If you have any of these items that you don't use anymore and can donate, please let Taylor know.

• Ice cream buckets WITH matching lids
• Immersion blender
• Food processor
• Hand mixer

We want to give clarity on our normal fall stewardship campaign. Earlier this fall, a Roadmap approved by the Vision Board was sent to every household indicating a change in our normal approach to a fall stewardship campaign. Specifically, there will be no fall campaign this year. The reason for this is simple. The next stewardship campaign, which will be conducted after Easter, is so important to our future ministry that we need more time to prepare for it.