The venting in the ADA restroom is done! More work is coming to get the electricity and fixtures installed, and we have an inspection coming up next week. The nursery bathroom is almost finished as well! Stay tuned because this means as soon as the ADA bathroom is approved by the city, we will shut down the men's and women's restrooms in the narthex. Check out photo progress.

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!

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

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

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!

This weekend, Sunday School will be a little different! Students should stay in the sanctuary after worship for a short music practice. Children will then be dismissed to grab a cookie on their way to class.

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

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

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 18 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.

Matthew

Mark

Luke

and whooooo?????

They were so close......