News
FOX CITIES JOINT REFORMATION WORSHIP
A Joint Reformation Service will be held on Sunday, November 1st at 4:00 pm in the Fox Valley Lutheran High School auditorium (5300 N. Meade Street, Appleton). Guest preacher is Pastor Mark Jeske (Senior Pastor at St. Marcus, Milwaukee). We plan to worship in person with social distance seating provided. We will follow any mask mandate in place at the time of the service. There will be no fellowship following the worship service. More information to follow regarding the live streaming of this service on the WELS United Facebook page – www.facebook.com/WELS-United.
All Federation members are invited to celebrate our gospel heritage restored to us in the Reformation of the 1500's. We are saved through GRACE alone, by FAITH alone, and according to SCRIPTURE alone. Please join us for this special worship opportunity!
Apple Valley Food Pantry
Items needed for the month of October - The pantry is collecting for items to be distributed in November for Thanksgiving. We currently are in need of: Chunky soups, tomato and chicken soups, creamed soups, canned vegetables (green beans, corn, peas), rice and pasta side dishes, boxed instant rice, boxed and canned potatoes, pancake mix and syrup, canned cranberries, pumpkin and evaporated milk, pasta/spaghetti sauces, laundry soap, dish soap and hand soap. Please note, the pantry is unable to distribute food that is dented, expired, or partially used. Thank you for continuing to support our ministry!
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!
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 The Hope CenterÂ
Volunteers Needed: Do you have two hours a week to serve those in need in the Fox Valley? The Hope Center is looking for a few more volunteers to join the team as we are currently serving 60+ family units each month! Volunteers are needed to greet clients, pack supplies, and/or perform some easy data entry – whatever gift God has blessed you with. Training is provided. Volunteers work on a team of 3-4 for a two-hour shift once per week. All shifts are currently available: Tues. 9:30-11:30, Wed. 2:30-4:30, and Thurs. 1:00-3:00. If you are interested in learning more about The Hope Center's compassion ministry to those 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. 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 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.
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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.
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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.
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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 at the CORE, a 922 Ministry. The CORE is located at 820 W College Ave. in Appleton. New faces are welcome!
GriefShare
 GriefShare Series @ St. Matthew (Appleton) to begin in September
Target Audience: Adults facing grief after the death of a loved one
St. Matthew's GriefShare Series normally offered during the summer has been canceled. It could not be offered effectively due to present circumstances. Those experiencing intense grief due to death are encouraged to contact their pastor, a therapist, or Joyce or Pastor Jon at St. Matthew Lutheran Church (info below).
St. Matthew (129 S. Mason St. Appleton) is planning to hold the GriefShare Support Group in the fall. 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. Each of the 13 sessions feature a video session followed by support group discussion.
The next series of sessions is tentatively scheduled to be held on Saturday mornings, 9:00 - 11:00 AM, beginning September 12th. More information will be shared later this summer.
Please contact Joyce Schroeder at 920-585-9080 / joymarie48@yahoo.com or Pastor Jon Kuske at 920-750-0828 / pastorkuske@stmatthewlutheran.com with any questions or for more information.
GriefShare Session Begins at St. Luke, Little Chute
Saturdays at 10am: GriefShare Journey
Eleven meetings between August 22 - November 14
Please register online at https://www.griefshare.org/groups/123967. Class size is limited to 12 to ensure social distancing. Sorry, no walk-ins. Pre-registration required. To view the schedule: https://www.griefshare.org/groups/123967#schedule