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!
Christmas Decorating
Helpers needed! We will be putting Christmas decorations up on Saturday morning, December 6, at 9:00 AM. This is yet another wonderful opportunity for families and individuals to serve Bethany. A sign-up sheet will be in the welcome center! Join us!
Apple Valley December Collection
Apple Valley Food Pantry News: The December collection for the pantry will be held on Saturday, December 13, 2025, from 9 -11. The items we’re currently in need of are: Adult cereals, chunky soups, chilis and stews, canned veggies, canned chicken noodle and tomato soups, 14 ox boxes instant rice, boxed/bagged mashed potatoes, peanut butter and jelly, and bathroom cleaning supplies. Thank you for your continued support of the pantry. Wishing everyone a Happy Thanksgiving.
Ushering Help for Saturdays
We are looking for more ushers at our Saturday evening services. Ask Pastor Krenke or Matt Koepsell for more info. And we’re always interested in hearing from musicians who could take part as well!
FVL Building Expansion Meetings
President Loberger will present floor plans, renderings, and details of FVL's proposed building expansion at five regional meetings around the Federation. You are all encouraged to attend to get information and ask questions. Visit fvlhs.org/news for details. Meeting schedule: NOV 20, 6:00 PM - Martin Luther-Neenah. DEC 1, 6:00 PM - Riverview-Appleton. DEC 11, 6:00 PM - St. Mark-Green Bay. DEC 14, NOON - FVL (before the Christmas concert). DEC 15, 6:00 PM - Emanuel-New London.
Upcoming Advent Event!
Ladies of Bethany, announcing an upcoming Advent event! We will gather at Bethany on Saturday, December 13, 1-3 pm for an "Afternoon of Carols & Traditions." A sign-up sheet will be available this weekend in the welcome center, so mark your calendars. Thank you!