FVL is holding a Summer Job Fair for FVL students on Thursday, March 12. Interested local businesses are invited to attend. Information and registration at fvlhs.org/job-fair.
Auxiliary Bingo Night at MLC
MLC BINGO Night is Tuesday, February 10, and we're all excited to make it the best one yet. To do that, we need your help. Please consider donating a quilt or blanket, baked goods, gift cards, or a monetary gift. Drop off items by February 6. (Drop off baked goods on February 9 to assure freshness!) If writing a check, put 'Auxiliary BINGO' in the memo line. Also feel free to mail your donation: Martin Luther College, 1995 Luther Court, New Ulm, MN 56073. To donate a cash gift online, visit mlc-wels.edu. Click on "Support MLC" and then "MLC Auxiliary."
Newsies at FVL
Ticket sales open on Tuesday, January 20 for our spring musical, Disney's Newsies. Performances are Friday and Saturday, March 6 & 7 at 6:30 PM and Sunday, March 8 at 2:00 PM. Purchase tickets at fvlhs.org/newsies.
Men Of His Word Conference
Men of His Word Oshkosh is coming up on Saturday February 21st. There is a multiple registrant discount for 5 or more along with an early bird discount which lowers the price to $70 per attendee. This is a great deal for a unique opportunity for a day of fellowship and encouragement with hundreds of brothers in faith. To get registered with this group discount first go to the Men of His Word website to check out the 14 session options and select the three that most interest you. Then email Russ Wagner at wagner.russell1@gmail.com or the church office by Tuesday January 27th with your selections. Payment can be dropped off at the church office anytime prior to the event. Let's enjoy a day of inspiration and Christian fellowship.
Family Forum & Voters' Meeting
Make plans to join us for a Family Forum & Voters’ Meeting on Sunday, January 25th, after church at 10:15am.
Institutional Ministries Pastor Ed Frey preaching January 17-19
Bethany is privileged to have Pastor Ed Frey from Institutional Ministries preaching and presenting on their work next weekend, January 17-19. Please consider joining us for his message from God’s Word and presentation!
FVL Musicfest
FVL Musicfest 2026 will be held Sunday, February 1, from 1:00-4:30 PM. Admission is free for all. Join us to enjoy music, socializing, and homemade desserts. Event donations will go to support the FVL Music Department. Do you enjoy baking, or are you interested in volunteering? Consider making and donating homemade desserts or volunteering for Musicfest on February 1. Event proceeds benefit the FVL Music Program. Go to fvlhs.org/musicfest for details and to sign up.
Thank you!
A big thank you to all who donated to our Hope Center Giving Tree. Through your generous efforts, we collected over 1,300 items. Everything from garbage bags to toilet paper to cleaning supplies to toothbrushes and much more were gathered. Many thanks to the 6th-8th grade Sunday School class for sorting, counting and packing all these items for delivery. Well done everyone! Our support of the Hope Center not only provides for the physical needs of their clients but also the opportunity to provide spiritual guidance and support.
Swamp Strings is coming back!
Mark your calendars! The Swamp Strings group is coming back to beautify our evening worship on Saturday, January 10. It’s a great mix of a bunch of different stringed instruments that will bring joy to our worship service. If you're able to, please plan to join us!
Small Groups starting up the week of January 11th
Want to study God’s Word in a more relaxed environment and build fellowship? Our Small Group Bible Studies are starting up again the week of January 11th in groups of 7-12 members. Two of our groups have openings available - please see the sign-up sheets in the Welcome Area.
Discovery Day at WLC
High School and Homeschooled students and parents are invited to attend Discovery Day at Wisconsin Lutheran College on Monday, January 19. By attending our special visit event, you'll have a great opportunity to tour campus and talk with professors, current students, coaches, your admissions counselor, and have lunch on us. Reserve your place today! Register today: https://wlc.news/discovery-day, call 414.443.8811, or email admissions@wlc.edu.
Christmas Service times
Prepare the Way for and Celebrate the Newborn King!
Here are the special worship times for this holiday season.
CHRISTMAS EVE – DEC. 24th - 4:00 pm & 6:00 pm
CHRISTMAS DAY – DEC. 25th – 9:00 am
NEW YEAR’S EVE – DEC. 31st – 6:00 pm (w/holy communion)
Please Note - There will be no Monday evening services on Dec. 22nd and 29th.
FVL alumni basketball game
All alumni of FVL are invited to join us at FVL on Friday, January 2, as our FVL Foxes take on Menasha in boys basketball. Come to cheer on our Foxes and get recognized during halftime! Stop by the Alumni Table for free admission and a chance to enter to win prizes.
Retirement Planning
Join us at FVL for a free seminar on Retirement Planning, sponsored by the FVL Mission Advancement Office. Hear professionals share helpful information regarding smart planning for retirement. Go to fvlhs.org/seminar to find details and the RSVP link for the seminar on Tuesday, January 13, at 6:00 PM.
Lutheran Vanguard of Wisconsin
Information for the 2026 season for Lutheran Vanguard of Wisconsin (LVW), a WELS high school marching band, has been posted to its website. The season will begin with a preview and rehearsal camp on January 3-4 to be held at FVL. LVW is open to all WELS members in grades 8-12. The summer schedule, eligibility, cost, registration procedures, and more can be found on the JOIN page. Go to lutheranvanguard.org for the information. If you have questions, please send an email (lutheranvanguardofwisconsin@gmail.com).
FVL Christmas Concert
The FVL Choirs invite you to attend their annual Christmas Concert on Sunday, 12/14 at 2:00 PM. The concert is free, and all are invited to join with the choirs as we celebrate the birth of our Savior Jesus. It will also be livestreamed on the FVLHS YouTube Channel.
FVL Fans of Foxes Committee
The FVL Fans of Foxes Committee (work focuses on athletics) is in need of an additional 3-4 individuals that would like to be on the planning committee. If you have interest, please reach out to Tracey Ratzburg at triostooge2401@yahoo.com to discuss the position.
Pictorial Directory
To help celebrate our upcoming 85th anniversary next year, Bethany is putting out a pictorial church directory. More specifics about this to come, though we can tell you that photography is scheduled for February 19-21, 2026, with a potential make-up date for our snowbirds in April. Please help us with this by checking your contact info - and updating it, if necessary - in the basic printed directory in the Welcome Area. For those who may have privacy concerns and have not notified us yet, please email Kent Uhlenbrauck - kentuhlenbrauck@gmail.com. If you would like a copy of the basic printed directory, please contact Sarah in the church office -sbehrens@bethanyappleton.org. Thank you!
Christmas for kids!
Bethany will be hosting a “Christmas for Kids” event, Dec. 21, 2 - 3:30 pm. It’s a busy time of the year, but if interested in helping kids with crafts, watching a Christmas classic, and hearing the real meaning of Christmas with us, please sign up to volunteer on the sheet in the entry way. And of course, consider bringing your kids and grandkids! Talk to Pastor Krenke for more details.
Look for our Giving Tree!
Feel like giving back for Christmas? Bethany will be helping the Hope Center this Christmas by providing much needed essentials. Needed items are: Tissues, Body Wash, Toothpaste and Brushes, Laundry Soap, All-Purpose Cleaner, etc. These are items that if not donated, are purchased by the center, so our donations will free up funds for other needs. Please take a tag of your choice from the Tree in the Welcome area, purchase the item and return with the tag attached, no wrapping needed. We will collect items until January 1st. Thanks for your help with helping others!