News

Apple Valley Food Pantry

Please consider helping a family in need by providing something from the list below. Monetary donations are also accepted. Checks should be made payable to Apple Valley Food Pantry and mailed to 129 S. Mason Street, Appleton, WI 54914.

Your generous donations in the form of non-perishable groceries and cash to theÂ WELS Apple Valley Food Pantry is very much appreciated! We would like to share major accomplishments in 2019Â with you:

We served 75 families every month
2,100 bags of non-perishable groceries and 800 bags of sundry items distributed. That isÂ nearly 40,000 pounds or 20 tons!
$27,000 in scrip provided to families to purchase fresh foods such as meat, dairy and produce

Our pantry hopes to continue its role in our mission of helping to supplement the grocery needs of our congregationÂ members and neighbors. And the need continues.

For collection in February, the following items are needed:Â Shampoo and conditioner, laundry soap, canned fruit, jam, cookies, all crackers, rice, rice & pasta side dishes, peanut butter,Â boxed and canned potatoes, canned pasta, all helper meals, and canned tuna..

Thank you for your continued support of our ministry!

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Â The Hope CenterÂ

Volunteers Needed: Do you have two hours a week to serve those in need in the FoxÂ Valley? The Hope Center is looking for a few more volunteers to join the team as we areÂ currently serving 60+ family units each month! Volunteers are needed to greet clients, packÂ supplies, and/or perform some easy data entry â€“ whatever gift God has blessed you with.Â Training is provided. Volunteers work on a team of 3-4 for a two-hour shift once per week.Â All shifts are currently available: Tues. 9:30-11:30, Wed. 2:30-4:30, and Thurs. 1:00-3:00. IfÂ you are interested in learning more about The Hope Center's compassion ministry to thoseÂ in need in the Fox Valley, see our website at hope-center.org.

The Hope Center's ministry offers practical assistance items along with the opportunity to show Christian love and share God's Word. Our location on the St. Matthew campus is also allowing us to build a relationship with the Pillars Day Resource Center next door. Each month we have been offering "Soup for the Soul" meals for Pillars' clients, most of whom are homeless. We also supply all the daily coffee, tea, and hot chocolate supplies for them. Recently, we have additionally begun a "move-in kit" program to provide basic household items to those getting an apartment through Pillars.Â For more info and a current "wish list" please see our new website at www.hope-center.org.

Please continue to pray for The Hope Center, our clients as well as our dedicated volunteers. If you are so blessed, please consider making a donation directly to The Hope Center at 1316 W. Lawrence Street, Appleton, WI 54914.

Bargain Garden Thrift Store

Bargain Garden Thrift Shop, 2725 N. Meade Street, Appleton | 832-8822, appreciates your donations of clothing, housewares, home dÃ©cor, jewelry, furniture (no upholstered items), novelties, new greeting cards and toys. Clean and gently used items only. Your help provides funds for the teen ministry at Fox Valley Lutheran High School. We invite you to donate, shop and volunteer at the store. Find more information online at bargaingardenthrift.com.

Resource Center Opening at St. Matthew, Appleton

A day Resource Center for those experiencing homelessness is open at St. Matthew (129 Mason St. Appleton).Â The Resource Center will bring essential services to those experiencing homelessness (like a housing navigator and guidance for employment). Homeless Connections will be staffing the Center and in charge of operations. St. Matthew is hosting the Resource Center in renovated classrooms, and will be the "Christian family" next door ready to welcome those seeking our ministry. Volunteers and donations are gladly accepted. For more information, contact Pastor Jon Kuske at St. Matthew, (920)733-0916.

New Young Professionals Network for WELS

"The Inseparable" Facebook group is intended for young professionals in WI. If you're 20's to early 30's, join the Facebook group to connect and share community events, so that you can gather together and develop strong friendships.

The name is inspired by Romans 8:39, to remind you that nothing can separate you from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus.

For more information, join The Inseparable Facebook group or text Sonya at 666-2863.

Depression / Anxiety Support Group

Meeting at St. Peter Lutheran Church, N2740 French Road, Appleton
Saturdays, 10am - 12pm (starting 9/28/2019)

What is depression really? How can it be successfully treated? What does God say about depression and anxiety? We will study the book "A New Light on Depression" for answers to these questions and many more. This group will give needed support for those who live with depression. Family members, pastors, friends, etc. are invited as well. For more information or to register visit 922ministries.com/wholeness

Christian Recovery Support Group

Christian Recovery supports those struggling with addiction....substance abuse, pornography, gambling, anxiety, etc. It is a combination of small group Bible study and fellowship. It is a Christ-centered 12-step program enhanced with Biblical references. It can be a start or help along the way to following the road to recovery. Christian Recovery will meet at 6:30 p.m. every Wednesday, beginning on September 25th at the CORE, a 922 Ministry. The CORE is located at 222 W. Franklin St. in Appleton. New faces are welcome!

Financial Peace University

Immanuel, Greenville will be offering Dave Ramsey's Financial Peace University class starting Monday, Jan 6, at 6:30. The nine-week course runs through March 2. Please register at www.daveramsey.com, contact the Immanuel office (920-757-5639) or simply show up for the first class, which is free.

Winter GriefShare Series at St. Matthew (Appleton)

St. Matthew Lutheran Church is again sponsoring the GriefShare Support Group. This practical and hope-inspiring series features biblical, Christ-centered videos and teachings that focus on grief topics associated with the death of a loved one. The 13 sessions combine a video with support group discussion of information presented during the video. There is no cost for this grief recovery series.

The next series of sessions will be held at St. Matthew Lutheran Church on Saturday mornings, 9:00 - 11:00 AM, beginning Saturday, November 23.

Please contact Joyce Schroeder at 920-585-9080 or joymarie48@yahoo.com to register or for more information.

Fit 4 Life Classes

Immanuel Lutheran Church (W7265 School Road,Â Greenville)

Held in the Christian Life Center

Exciting news!!! Starting Thursday, January 9, there willÂ be new times and we are adding another class!!!Â Zumba at 5:00 p.m., Barre at 6:00 p.m., and Flow YogaÂ at 7:00 p.m. Invite your family, friends, and neighborsÂ to these FREE classes! Must be high-school age or olderÂ to participate. (Classes will NOT meet on December 26 & January 2.)

DivorceCare
Immanuel-Greenville, Emmaus Library
Mondays, January 6-March 30, 6:30-8:30 p.m

DivorceCare is a teaching tool to support anyone who has been hurt by the pain of divorce or separation. This program offers short videos, a helpful workbook, and ample time for group discussion and support.Â Please register at www.divorcecare.org or call 920-757-5639. The cost is $20 for the workbook.

POST HOLIDAYS FAITH FIT

Are you a woman who is ready to re-start your fitness journey in the new year? Looking for a safe place to have fun on this journey? Try one of the Faith Fit group fitness class options! Beginning the week of January 6, 2020, Faith Fit Dance Fitness will move to its new night on Tuesdays and Kickboxing will return on Wednesdays, both at 5:30pm. New this session, we will offer an additional Faith Fit class on Saturday mornings after the women's small group Bible study at 10:15am. This will be a rotation of formats, which will include Faith Fit: Flow, a new strengthen and lengthen class! This is a 7-week session. Email Emily with any questions: churchoffice@bethanyappleton.org.

GriefShare at St. Luke (Little Chute)

Your Journey from Mourning to Joy begins with this 11 session support group intended for anyone grieving the loss of a loved one.Â You may attend any or all sessions. Sessions will be held beginning at 10:00 am on Saturdays from February 8 - May 2. The group meets in the narthex of St. Luke Lutheran Church, 705 E Greenfield Drive in Little Chute.Â To reserve your spot, please RSVP to https://www.griefshare.org/groups/117684, to Deb at office@stlukeslittlechute.com or simply call the church office at 920.788.4408.

Annual MeetingÂ

WELS United in the Fox Valley will be hosting their annual meeting on Tuesday, February 25, 2020 at 6:30 PM at St. Matthew Lutheran Church (129 S Mason Street) in Appleton, WI. All area WELS members â€“ men and women -- are welcome to attend and participate in the discussion. We would especially encourage at least one pastor and one layman from each of our 20 member-congregations to attend and serve as voting delegates. 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 know that your input, creative ideas, and willing hearts and hands are welcome! Please plan to attend!