La Crosse Area Synod
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
Living in God's amazing grace

Upcoming  (Click on each line below to see more links for that topic.)

• Flood Relief in our Synod

  • See a list of FEMA activities, contact information, and deadlines, or ways that you can  volunteer for flood relief.

  • Read a message from Presiding Bishop Mark Hanson about the floods and other disasters across our country today, and an update from Lutheran Disaster Response after the floods of early June 2008, and a challenge from Thrivent to help rebuild parks and playgrounds.

  • Join Lutherans across the state in the Flood Appeal. Hear Bishop Larson's appeal on behalf of the flood victims, and read the appeal from Bishop Stumme-Dier of the Greater Milwaukee Synod.  Share these in your congregation.

  • Information provided by Lutheran Disaster Response (LDR), Pastor Gary Grindeland, coordinator (414-659-4327) about DONATIONS NEEDED:

    - to "LDR" to support its general humanitarian work within the territory of the La Crosse Area Synod, including Crawford, Vernon, La Crosse, and Houston Counties in Wisconsin and Minnesota (read more)

    - to "Flood Relief" to support any other special needs that arise, such as flooded congregations in distress.  Please send these in care of:  La Crosse Area Synod, ELCA, 3462 Losey Blvd. S., La Crosse, WI  54601.

  • See a list of emergency food and thrift resources for those in need of help.

  • PROJECT RECOVERY to provide emotional support for flood survivors - read an update

  • BACKGROUND:  In cooperation with Lutheran Disaster Response and Lutheran Social Services, our synod is providing immediate assistance and long-term relief and recovery operations for those harmed by the flooding of Saturday, Aug. 18, 2007, and Sunday, June 8, 2009. 

  • See pictures of the flooding in the Chaseburg area or in Gays Mills - html version (click the photos to enlarge) or pdf version (copy-ready on white background). 

• Our new synod building

  • This fall, Lutheran Social Services (LSS) will move into newly renovated space next to the synod office.  Volunteers are needed to insulate and frame the interior.  Join the list of volunteers who have already helped!  See a report on the renovation progress.  Please call 608-788-5000 or office@lacrosseareasynod.org to volunteer or for more information.

  • Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center has offered a $50,000 challenge grant on a $1 for $1 basis.

  • Together we have met the Green Renovation Challenge!  Generous people gave $33,000 for the new synod building, and Thrivent Financial for Lutherans gave $11,000.  This totals $44,000, which saves another $44,000 in mortgage interest, which means $88,000 is available for Christ's mission and ministry.  Read more about this challenge grant, or see a photo of the delivery of the first half this grant.  Learn of the "Green" Improvements that have been done to increase energy efficiency and to reduce the impact on the environment. 

  • Make a donation on-line or with a pledge form.  See a list of donors.

  • Sponsor a brick or granite Paver for the sidewalk of our new synod building.  See a list of sponsors.

  • Each congregation will have a Congregational Paver in honor of the  81 congregations of our synod, and in commemoration of the 20th anniversary of the La Crosse Area Synod, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.  See a list of congregations that have already sponsored their pavers.

  • Interested in this project?  Check out an introductory letter and pictures.  View a PowerPoint presentation.  See pictures or the program from the open house on April 27.  Read and share the introductory letter and Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about our new synod building. 

  • The new address of the synod office is:  2301 South Ave, La Crosse, WI  54601.  The phone number and e-mail addresses will remain the same.  The synod office will occupy a third of the new building.  Renovation continue on the exterior and the remainder of the building.

• *Disaster Relief Teams to the Gulf Coast, On-going ministry

  • Update on Jan. 17, 2008

  • Initial Letter from Bishop Larson

  • Background Materials

  • Program Guidelines

  • Registration

  • List of congregations and ministries that have sent teams

  • May Hope Rise out of Tragedy Hymn

  • Pictures and reflections from previous teams

• Global Mission Event, July 17-20, 2008, at UW-L

  • For information see www.elca.org/gme or contact ELCA Global Mission at (800) 638-3522, extension 2642.  Register at the door at the UW-L Rec Center on La Crosse Street.

  • Share these promotional articles or flyer.

• Lutheran Men in Mission (LMM) Gathering "Visions and Dreams", Aug. 1-3, 2008

• Lutheran Youth Organization (LYO) retreat, Aug. 17-18, 2008

• Bike 4 Hunger, Aug. 23, 2008

  • Download a pledge form or a large poster

• Faith Forum "Stop Running in Circles:  A Look at Labyrinth Spirituality" Sept. 14, 2008

• Bishop Larson's last day in office, Sept. 30, 2008

• Bishop-elect Arend's first day in office, Oct. 1, 2008

• Hunger Jeopardy event, Oct. 11, 2008

  • Download a flyer, a bulletin insert, and a letter from Bishop Larson

• Installation service of Bishop-elect Arends, Oct. 18, 2008

• Faith Forum "Green Theology", Oct. 19, 2008

• Fall Theological Conference, Oct. 19-21, 2008

• 2009 ELCA Youth Gathering in New Orleans

   

Other upcoming events are listed in the current issue of the Coulee Courier or Leaders’ Mailing

* Note: These events require an Adult Volunteer Application or a Youth Permission and Release Form