News
Apple Valley Food Pantry
Items needed for the month of August:Â Canned fruit cocktail/mixed fruit, applesauce, canned pasta, boxed potato side dishes, cream of chicken soup, canned corn (very low at this time), bar soap and hair conditioner (we have plenty of shampoos at this time). We continue to be very blessed with donations, thank you. Please note, the pantry is unable to distribute food that is dented, expired, or partially used.
If you or someone you know is currently having difficulty making ends meet, please contact your pastor for more information on obtaining assistance from the food pantry, even if it is for a short period of time. We are here to help ease your situation.
Monetary donations may be mailed to: WELS Apple Valley Food Pantry, c/o St. Matthew Ev Lutheran Church, 129 S Mason Street, Appleton, WI 54914-5246. Checks should be made payable to WELS Apple Valley Food Pantry. Thank you for continuing to support our ministry!
                                                                                           Â
Hope Center Update
April 2021
Last year presented many challenges for everyone. Thanks to our Heavenly Father's rich blessings, The Hope Center was able to remain open the entire time, handing out monthly supplies over 990 times. We served 231 families, 130 visited us for the first time in 2020, and at this current time we are seeing 90 families a month come through our doors looking for assistance. Our generous volunteers donated 1380 hours.
We continue to partner with Pillars, providing for their coffee needs, serving monthly "Soup of the Soul" luncheons and assistance to those transitioning out of homelessness and moving into their own place, we provide a "move-in kit".
Pastors Kuske and Olson from St. Matthew seek to shepherd The Hope Center families. Every week they introduce themselves to new clients and make follow-up phone calls. They work with volunteers to identify spiritual needs and nurture them with the gospel. Last year, we were blessed with 3 children's baptisms and dozens of our Hope Center families being shepherded by WELS pastors.
If you are looking for a fun and rewarding volunteer opportunity, we are in need of men or women to join our Board of Directors. The board meets once a month and provides direction for The Hope Center. Shane Herron, our Board Director, can tell you more. Email him at shaneaherron@gmail.com. If your congregation is looking to help The Hope Center, ask us how you could coordinate a supply drive in your church. If your church is having VBS this summer, share that information with us and we will include it in our monthly newsletter. You can reach us at Thehopecenter2016@gmail.com. As always we appreciate the thoughts and prayers of our area congregations as well as the generous financial support.
Bargain Garden Thrift Store
Bargain Garden Thrift Shop, 2725 N. Meade Street, Appleton | 832-8822, appreciates your donations of clothing, housewares, home décor, 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.
Â
Resource Center Opening at St. Matthew, Appleton
A day Resource Center for those experiencing homelessness is open at St. Matthew (129 Mason St. Appleton). 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.
Â
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.
GriefShare Session Available
St. Matthew Lutheran Church (129 S. Mason Street, Appleton, WI 54914) is again sponsoring the GriefShare Support Group Series. 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.
The next series of sessions is scheduled to be held on Wednesday evenings, 6:00 - 8:00 PM, beginning Wednesday, June 2 and running through August 25, 2021.
Please be advised: St Matthew follows City of Appleton statutes regarding COVID, and encourages CDC protocols regarding health and safety. Prior to our June start up, safety measures will be updated for participants at our sessions.
Pre-registration is required. Please register online at www.griefshare.org/groups/134101 or by contacting Donna Pomeroy (920-851-3140 or DonPom1977@gmail.com).
SHEEP'S HEAD CLUB
A friendly game of SchafKopf, aka., SHEEP'S HEAD
(Part of our German heritage!!)
Thursdays at St. Matthew Ev. Luth. Church (129 S. Mason Street, Appleton) from 12:30 pm - 4:30 pm. If you have questions or comments please contact Allan Hess at (920) 749-0367 or ahess1@new.rr.com
Men's Tailgating Bible Study
Our Men's Tailgating Bible Study will take place at Quarry Park (655 Cedar St, Neenah) on August 14. A charcoal and gas grill will be ready to use by 12:30pm. You are welcome to bring anything to throw on the grill to enjoy for the day or to take home for the family. But if you bring it... you grill it! Condiments, a few sides, and some beverages will be provided. However, feel free to bring something to share and your favorite lawn chair.
Food and fellowship will take place from 1pm-1:45pm. Our bible study on "Core Values" will take place from 1:45pm-2:30pm. All are welcome to stay afterward for fellowship, games, or to assist with a service project. Contact Pastor Hoff at (920) 460-7950 with any questions or to rsvp. Join us as we encourage one another in our faith while enjoying food and fellowship!
