“Christ Through Us” is a limited edition hardcover book exploring the complete history of WELS from 1850 to 2025. This book can be ordered NOW for $27 in a group order from Bethany which includes shipping and tax. Use the sign-up sheet at either site and place your check for $27.00, made out to Bethany Lutheran Church, in the envelope attached to the back of the sheet by 9/29. We anticipate receiving the books in early summer 2025. Questions? Call, email, or text (preferred) Glenn Erdmann at 920-213-3204 or glennlois2317@yahoo.com.
Small Group Bible Studies
Small Group Bible Studies will begin the week of Sunday, September 8. There are sign-up sheets on both campuses. If you want to know more about small groups, or are unsure if there’s a group for you – talk with Pastor Johnston to get connected!
Discipleship.101
Discipleship 101 is a starting point. This 9-week course is designed to present an overview of the main teachings of the Christian faith while also sharing what we believe and teach at Bethany Lutheran Church and Our Shepherd Childcare. If you’re new to Christianity or church, or you just want to brush up on the basics of the Christian faith, we’d love to have you join us. D.101 will be on Tuesdays at 5:15PM in the Praise Center at Our Shepherd Childcare. There is free childcare during this 1-hour class. Email Pastor Krenke to RSVP – mdkrenke@bethanyappleton.org.
Midweek Oasis Bible Study
In our Midweek Oasis Bible study, Irreconcilable!, we will take an in-depth look at the Pharisees and the teachings that brought them in conflict with Jesus. We do that, not simply as an academic study, but to fortify ourselves against the leaven of the Pharisees that often lurks within our own hearts. Ultimately in this study, we will see even more clearly how the message of salvation is not only superior through Jesus—but that his is the only true message of salvation we have. Midweek Oasis will be held weekly each Wednesday, beginning September 4, in the Parkway Campus’s lower-level fellowship hall from 10:00-11:00am.
Prayer Chain
Did you know that Bethany has a Prayer Chain? The commitment is as simple as reading an email and praying about it. CayeLynn Duchow has been coordinating the Prayer Chain since 2008. We all know that prayers work and God answers them. If you are interested in being part of this prayer chain, please contact CayeLynn via email @ cc911@new.rr.com or by phone at 920-882-0675. She will be glad to answer any of your questions.
Men's Bible Study
There is no Men’s Bible Study on Tuesday, September 3. The group will start again on Tuesdays at 7:30AM in the lower level fellowship hall on the Parkway Campus studying "10 Uncomfortable Misunderstood Bible Words God Wants You To Know"
Parkway Campus Office Hours
The Parkway church office hours will now be Monday-Friday 8AM-12PM. If you need to meet with someone outside of that time, please contact them directly.
Discipleship.101 to Begin
Discipleship 101 is a starting point. This 9-week course is designed to present an overview of the main teachings of the Christian faith while also sharing what we believe and teach at Bethany Lutheran Church and Our Shepherd Childcare. If you’re new to Christianity or church, or you just want to brush up on the basics of the Christian faith, we’d love to have you join us. D.101 will be on Tuesdays at 5:15PM in the Praise Center at Our Shepherd Childcare. There is free childcare during this 1-hour class. Email Pastor Krenke to RSVP – mdkrenke@bethanyappleton.org.
Fall Festival
Bethany and Our Shepherd’s Fall Festival will be on Saturday, October 5th from 9-11AM. Again this year, we will be looking for donations of candy for our trunks to hand out during trunk or treat. If you can donate candy for this event, please drop it off in one of the boxes at either campus. There are sign-up sheets in the welcome area on both campuses or those who would like to host a trunk
Mount Calvary, Harrison Car Show
Mount Calvary Lutheran Church (N8728 Coop Rd., Harrison) is hosting a church picnic and car show on September 8th from 11:15AM-1:30PM, and you’re invited! For more information go to Fox Valley Vehicle Enthusiasts on Facebook
Fused Glass Assistance
Do you have crafting skills? Do you like putting a smile on kids' faces? Our very own Glenn Erdmann has been conducting fused-glass classes at area WELS grade schools and churches for the past 10+ years, and he is looking for interested helpers/partners. Crosses are the primary shapes for these fused-glass 1-hour classes, and a Christian message is included. If you would like more details about the program and are interested in helping, please contact Glenn at 920-213-3204 or glennlois2317@yahoo.com.
Labor Day Schedule
There will be no Bible Study on Sunday, September 1. The Our Shepherd and Parkway offices will be closed in observance of Labor Day on Monday, September 2. There is no church on Monday, September 2.
Interested in being an Usher/Greeter?
Interested in being an usher or greeter at either the Parkway or Lynndale Campus? Want to know more about what that looks like and what the time commitment is? Contact either Royal Uhlenbrauck (for the Parkway Campus) uhlroy63@hotmail.com, 920-739-0089 or Drew Sonnenberg (for the Lynndale Campus) dsonnenberg@bethanyappleton.org or 920-733-9561.
Now Enrolling Ages 2+ at Our Shepherd
Please like and share any posts on social media, as well as help us recruit families with children 2+ years old. for enroll at Our Shepherd Childcare and Family Ministry. We have spots open as soon as September 9!
Hope Center Donations Needed
So far in 2024, The Hope Center has served over 1000 local families and we're asking for your prayerful consideration of sharing a monetary gift to help us restock our shelves. Your $20 monthly recurring gift gives one family supplies for health & hygiene needs and a one-time gift of $300 provides basic needs for a family moving from homelessness. Find an electronic giving link and a list of our most-needed items at www.hope-center.org/how-to-help. Questions? Call 920-739-0039 or email information@hope-center.org. We are grateful for your partnership with us in our mission to share help and hope to those in need.
Voters' Meeting Rescheduled - 8/25
The Voters’ Meeting that was previously scheduled for August 11 will now be held on Sunday, August 25th at 10:15AM in the sanctuary on the Parkway Campus. We’ll be voting on the 2024-2025 financial plans, as well as some changes to Bethany’s by-laws.
Our Shepherd Childcare and Family Ministry Updates
Our Shepherd Childcare and Family Ministry Updates:
1) Please help us spread the word - we are currently enrolling children ages 3 & 4 with a start date as soon as September 9. Go to ourshepherdchildcare.com and click on "enroll" or call (920) 733-3344
2) Can you help us move classrooms? On Thursday, August 29 at 3PM, we are in need of multiple individuals to help us move big items into various classrooms for the start of our “school year” Again – please contact the church office if available!
FVL Color Fun Run/Walk
Join us for a Color Fun Run/Walk in the meadows of Fox Valley Lutheran High School. Sunday, Sept 8th 12:30-4pm (Race at 2pm) Open to Individuals, High School Teens and Families! Adults $30; Students $20; 4 & under Free! Sign-Up before 8/14 includes a t-shirt! https://runsignup.com/Race/WI/Appleton/FoxesColorFunRun
Sunday School Teachers Needed
Our Sunday School program needs at least 4 more teachers for the upcoming school year. Solo teachers or teacher teams of 2 individuals are needed in both our upper (3rd-5th grade) and lower-grade (PreK-2nd grade) classrooms. The time commitment for our Sunday School teachers would be to teach 1-2 times a month (depending on the number of teachers available), help with the various Sunday School activities such as the Christmas program, and attend a mandatory meeting before the start of the school year. All lesson materials and resources are provided for each lesson. High school and college students needing volunteer hours can also help as aids or solo teachers (depending on age and previous experience). If you have questions or wish to teach or volunteer for Sunday School in another way, please contact Sammi Stegman (sammipk13@yahoo.com or 920-428-2033).
OWLS Trips
Interested in traveling with other members of our WELS/ELS faith family where daily devotion and Christian fellowship are integral parts of the itinerary? The OWLS (Organization of WELS Lutheran Seniors) is partnering with Father's World Tours to offer several upcoming trips: Spend some time in Duluth and along the amazing Lake Superior shore in September. Embark on a 2-week trip to Texas via America's Heartland in November. Or ring in the New Year on a Caribbean cruise to visit and encourage our WELS missions in St Lucia, Grenada, and Antigua. All trips originate in MN but have options to fly-in and meet the group, and are open to W/ELS members of all ages. Contact Steve Balza (steve@fathersworldtours.com or 507-217-1731) or Visit www.fathersworldtours.com