From an unusual childhood to an unsung ending, Samuel had the distinction of serving as the last Judge of Israel. In this new Sunday Studies series, “Samuel, The Last Judge of Israel,” we will focus on God’s work through his servant to bring much-needed leadership to a spiritually floundering people. Beginning March 2 @ 10:15am, please join us each week in the lower-level fellowship hall of the Parkway Campus for this opportunity to grow in God’s Word together!
FVL Student Art Exhibit
Student Art Exhibition is in the small gym Friday through Sunday, March 7 (3:30-9:30 PM), March 8 (5:30-9:30 PM), March 9 (1:00-4:00 PM). See over 100 pieces of art created by FVL students.
FVL General Board Meeting
The FVL General Board meets Monday, February 24 at 7 PM in the FVL Media Center (use the tower entrance-Door A). Important issues include early work on the 2025-26 budget. The meeting is open to parents and Federation members.
WELS United
WELS United in the Fox Valley will be hosting their annual meeting on Tuesday, March 4, 2025, at 6:00 PM at Trinity Lutheran Church (407 Oak Street) in Neenah. All area WELS members are welcome to attend and participate in the discussion. We would especially encourage at least one pastor and one layperson from each of our 20 member-congregations to attend and serve as voting delegates and consider running for one of our open offices - Secretary, Education / Worship Coordinator, Support / Benevolence Coordinator. WELS United is a cross-congregational ministry devoted to the simple concept that we can accomplish more working together than we can alone. If you would like to learn more about the work of WELS United and the many possibilities for serving through one of our shared ministries, please plan to attend and know that your input, creative ideas, and willing hearts and hands are welcome! For more information, visit http://www.welsunited.org.
Lenten Suppers
Ash Wednesday is on March 5 and kicks off the Lenten season of the church year. Here at Bethany we have midweek Lenten services at 4:30PM & 6PM at the Parkway Campus. We also typically have a group from church that serves a meal between those services. If you would like to assemble a group for one of the Wednesdays in Lent (still need groups for March 12, 19, & 26 as well as April 2 & 9) please contact churchoffice@bethanyappleton.org
Thank You!
Thank you to all who helped move classrooms at Our Shepherd this past week. What a blessing to partner together on this ministry!
Hope Center Volunteers Needed
The Hope Center, a compassion ministry of WELS United located in Appleton, is currently serving more than 180 families every month with practical needs and the good news of Jesus. We are currently in need of additional volunteers Tuesdays (8:30-11:30am), Wednesdays (2-5pm), and Thursdays (12:30-3:30pm). Volunteers with every gift are needed for various roles from packing supply bags to greeting clients to basic office work. Time commitment can vary from once a month to weekly. For more information, contact Jon Pellinen at 920-739-0039 or email information@hope-center.org.
DivorceCare at Immanuel, Greenville
Immanuel, Greenville will be running another session of the DivorceCare ministry starting February 25 running through May 20th from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM. DivorceCare is a bible-based 13-week program designed to help those who are separated or divorced deal with life challenges that come with their current situation. The sessions cover topics like anger, depression, loneliness, financial survival, childcare, and forgiveness to name a few. All are welcome to attend. Go to www.welsunited.org/programs/divorcecare to register.
Leadership Team Installation
Bethany’s Leadership Team for 2025 will be installed this Sunday during the 9AM worship service:
Matt Koepsell – President, Todd Healy – Vice President, Rick Buser – Service Lead, Kent Uhlenbrauck – Growth Team, John Yale – Elders Lead, Caleb Bentz – Worship Lead, John Behrens – Sharing Team
Little Blessings Playgroup
Little Blessings Playgroup will meet on February 8th at 9AM at the Little Chute Library in the small room off the main play area. If you’re a parent with young children, please join us for this community building connection!
Our Shepherd Closed February 13 & 14
Our Shepherd Childcare will be closed on February 13-14 for its teachers to attend the Northern Wisconsin District Teachers’ Conference at Emanuel in New London.
FVL Announcements
· FVL Musicfest 2025 will be held Sunday, February 2, 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. Find out more at fvlhs.org/musicfest
· FVL is holding a Summer Job Fair for FVL students on Tuesday 3/11. Interested local businesses are invited to attend. Information and registration at fvlhs.org/job-fair.
Ticket sales open on Monday, January 20 for FVL’s spring musical, Tarzan. Performances are March 7 & 8 at 6:30 PM and March 9 at 2 PM. Purchase tickets at fvlhs.org/tarzan.
Food Pantry Volunteers
Did you know that the Apple Valley Food Pantry is helping 73 families a month and supported by 23 WELS congregations? To do all that amazing work, the Apple Valley Food Pantry is looking for 2 regular volunteers that can help once a month during Pantry week on a Tuesday from 8:30am - 11:30am or Saturday from 9am - 12pm. If you are interested please contact Kathleen Gauger jkgauger1@gmail.com.
Our Shepherd Room Moves - Help Needed
We at Our Shepherd have gotten approval from licensing to move our "baby" rooms back to where they were! We will need volunteers to help move all items from 7 different rooms to their new locations during the week of February 11th to 15th according to the schedule below. Your help would be much appreciated, even if it is for only an hour! Please contact Judy Priebe to volunteer or for more information. Phone or Text: 847-244-7668 - Email: jpriebe417@gmail.com
o Tuesday, 2/11 - 1:00PM to 6:00PM - Current Room 7 & Current Multipurpose Room to the Praise Center
o Wednesday, 2/12 - 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM – Current Room 1 to Current Room 7 & Current Room 2 to Current Multipurpose Room
o Thursday, 2/13 - 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM - Move all Multi-Purpose Room items from the Praise Center to the Multi-Purpose Room.
o Friday, 2/14 – 8AM-10AM - Room 8 to New Room 7 & Room 10 to Room 8
o Saturday, 2/15 - 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM - All remaining items from the Praise Center to Room 10
Family Forum & Voters' Meeting - January 26
Join us for a Family Forum & Voters’ Meeting on Sunday, January 26 after the 9AM worship service. We will give updates on our current ministry and budget as well as vote for a Service Team Lead replacement.
FVL Announcements 1/17/2025
· FVL Musicfest 2025 will be held Sunday, February 2, 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. Find out more at fvlhs.org/musicfest
· FVL is holding a Summer Job Fair for FVL students on Tuesday 3/11. Interested local businesses are invited to attend. Information and registration at fvlhs.org/job-fair.
Parkway Office Closed - January 20
The Parkway Office will be closed on Monday, January 20. The pastors will be attending their conference in Sturgeon Bay, Drew will be on vacation, and Emily will be at Our Shepherd. Please plan accordingly.
Pathways to Christ Women's Retreat
Joy in the Journey –“For the joy of the Lord is your strength.” Nehemiah 8:10c This is the theme for the 2025 Pathways to Christ Women's Retreat held in Oshkosh, WI on February 28-March 2, 2025. We are pleased to announce that registration for 2025 Pathways to Christ Retreat is now open! Please go to our website https://pathwaystochrist.org/ for more information about speakers, topics, accommodations, and more! On our website you have the choice to download and print a PDF registration form to mail in, or there is an additional link to our eventbrite link to register online. Please reach out via email at pathwaystochristretraet@gmail.com with any questions.
Discipleship.101 To Begin
Discipleship.101, Bethany’s 9-week Bible basics class, will be held on Thursdays at 5:30PM in the Praise Center at the Lynndale Campus beginning on January 16. All are welcome to join this class, in fact – bring a friend! Contact Pastor Johnston for more information.
Parkway Campus Undecorating
The Parkway Campus “undecorating” will happen on Saturday, January 11 at 9AM. If you are able to help take down our beautiful Christmas decorations, please join us!