We're a little behind, as we need roofers to come to finish the restroom venting but it's been a little rainy the last week! Our contractor would like to finish and open the new ADA all-gender restroom before shutting down the men's and women's restrooms in the narthex. The nursery bathroom will also be completed in conjunction with the remodel of the old bathrooms. Check out photo progress.

At worship on Sunday, we will introduce Melissa Elsen, our new Administrative Assistant! Melissa has been with us for a week and is already doing a great job learning the ropes. Melissa will be the warm welcome you receive whether it is in person in our office or over the phone. She will be primarily responsible for worship bulletins, member communications, coordinating volunteers, and providing general administrative support. Jennifer will continue to handle donations, accounting, and building/office management. Welcome, Melissa, and we are so glad you're here! You can reach her at 608.784.9335 or melissa@englishlutheran.org!

ELC Joint Council is hosting a Ministry Fair on Sunday, October 11! Join us for a cup of coffee after worship and wander around the Fellowship Hall to see how you can get involved at ELC. There is something for everyone - including but not limited to:

• Music
• Youth
• Fellowship Events
• Ministry
• Education

Join us and find your fit at ELC!

During September, Ministry Council focused on our support of Monday Ministries at Trinity Lutheran Church on the northside. Thank you to all that donated toys, clothing, and food to the Kids' Clothes Closet and From the Heart Food Pantry. On Monday, October 5, our work continues with ELC providing its fifth meal in 2026 for Monday Meals. We collected 28 toys/games, 18 books, 75 pieces of apparel, and 79 food items! Thank you! The bins are back in the Donation Center. Please continue to support Trinity's ministry as they are a lifeline to many who struggle to make ends meet.

During October, donated food items are for WAFER. Our focus ministry will be the Jail Ministry.

After prayerful deliberation, the Vision Board is calling a Congregational Meeting on SUNDAY, OCTOBER 4 to form our Call Committee. Note: this is a change from the date that was printed in our September/October newsletter.

The Vision Board will present a slate of candidates for the Call Committee to the congregation for approval. Forming a Call Committee is an exciting and significant moment for us as a congregation in this seasons of transition. Please join us!

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.

Due to the ongoing construction project, the nursery will be temporarily relocated to Room 104 for the duration of the project. We do our best to staff the nursery during the summer, but even if no one is there, please feel free to utilitize it with your little ones if they need a break from worship! We also created a "Little Lutheran" space right outside the sanctuary with activity bags, books, and sensory toys (for all ages!) in the narthex.

We live in a time marked by loneliness, social isolation, and polarization. The effects show up in our personal well-being and in the well-being of our communities at large. As people of faith, we have an opportunity to play a crucial role in building trust, strengthening relationships, and nurturing communities where everyone feels a sense of belonging and mattering. Please join the Lutheran Office for Public Policy in Wisconsin for an online book club meeting 9-10am on Wednesdays in October (10/7, 10/14, 10/21, 10/28). Learn more and register here.

Celebrate the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi with your pets! Our annual Blessing of the Pets is Sunday, October 4 at 1:00pm in the Bell Tower Courtyard. Bring your dog, cat, fish, lizard, or chicken for a short worship service and individual pet blessing by Pastor Steve. We have a photo booth for you and your pets every year too! St. Francis of Assisi was a 12th century monk and the founder of the Franciscan Order. As a young man he renounced his fortune and spent the rest of his life in service and poverty. He is remembered for his humility and his deep sense of kinship with all creation, which is why his commemoration on October 4 is often celebrated with a blessing of the animals.

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, and our youth Chime Choir will be providing special music. It will be a fun day!

Our 3rd Grade Class will meet in Room 106 on Sunday, October 11 during their class time to meet with Jared and Pastor Steve to prepare to receive their new Bibles! Bibles will then be presented to children for 3rd Grad and the Pre-K class during worship on Sunday, October 18. If you can't be present for either date, please let Jared Kronback know and we can make alternative plans!

On October 4 and 11, Sunday School will be a little different! On October 4, the students will meet in the Music Room for a short 15 minute lesson and then childcare will be provided in Room 104 (temporary nursery) for those adults who want to attend the congregational meeting. Please stay tuned for an announcement for where to meet on October 11 as we work out the details.

October is Faith Build Month for Habitat for Humanity of the Greater La Crosse Area. 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 English Lutheran Church.) If the 22nd does not work for you, you can volunteer on another day! Team Builds can be a minimum of 2 people up to 10 people.

Washburn House, 946 Division Street, La Crosse

Scope of work: Building projects inside the home

Washburn Garden, 928 Division Street, La Crosse

Scope of work: Preparing garden plots, spreading mulch and soil, building fencing, and planting

Contact Kelly at 608-785-2373 ext 103 to sign up for the 22nd or another day!

We've been a little behind sharing Financial Reports. We're working on wrapping up September's numbers. Below, here are links to the last three months. We had a little dip in the summer with expenses outweighing offering, but August ended in the black. Thank you for your patience as we get caught up!

June

July

August

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.

Wednesday Night Programming has begun! Here's the schedule:

• 5:00-6:00 Dinner (FH)
• 5:30-6:30 Vocal Choir (SAN)
• 5:30-6:30 Chime Choir (MUS)
• 6:15-7:30 Christlers (103)
• 6:15-7:30 9 Confirmation (106)
• 6:15-7:30 7/8 Confirmation (SH)
• 6:15-7:30 Parent Group (MPR)
• 6:30-7:30 Bell Choir (MUS)

Dinner menu will be announced! Donations of $5/person or $20/family are appreciated!