All alumni of FVL are invited to join us at FVL on Friday, January 2, as our FVL Foxes take on Menasha in boys basketball. Come to cheer on our Foxes and get recognized during halftime! Stop by the Alumni Table for free admission and a chance to enter to win prizes.
Retirement Planning
Join us at FVL for a free seminar on Retirement Planning, sponsored by the FVL Mission Advancement Office. Hear professionals share helpful information regarding smart planning for retirement. Go to fvlhs.org/seminar to find details and the RSVP link for the seminar on Tuesday, January 13, at 6:00 PM.
Lutheran Vanguard of Wisconsin
Information for the 2026 season for Lutheran Vanguard of Wisconsin (LVW), a WELS high school marching band, has been posted to its website. The season will begin with a preview and rehearsal camp on January 3-4 to be held at FVL. LVW is open to all WELS members in grades 8-12. The summer schedule, eligibility, cost, registration procedures, and more can be found on the JOIN page. Go to lutheranvanguard.org for the information. If you have questions, please send an email (lutheranvanguardofwisconsin@gmail.com).
FVL Christmas Concert
The FVL Choirs invite you to attend their annual Christmas Concert on Sunday, 12/14 at 2:00 PM. The concert is free, and all are invited to join with the choirs as we celebrate the birth of our Savior Jesus. It will also be livestreamed on the FVLHS YouTube Channel.
FVL Fans of Foxes Committee
The FVL Fans of Foxes Committee (work focuses on athletics) is in need of an additional 3-4 individuals that would like to be on the planning committee. If you have interest, please reach out to Tracey Ratzburg at triostooge2401@yahoo.com to discuss the position.
Pictorial Directory
To help celebrate our upcoming 85th anniversary next year, Bethany is putting out a pictorial church directory. More specifics about this to come, though we can tell you that photography is scheduled for February 19-21, 2026, with a potential make-up date for our snowbirds in April. Please help us with this by checking your contact info - and updating it, if necessary - in the basic printed directory in the Welcome Area. For those who may have privacy concerns and have not notified us yet, please email Kent Uhlenbrauck - kentuhlenbrauck@gmail.com. If you would like a copy of the basic printed directory, please contact Sarah in the church office -sbehrens@bethanyappleton.org. Thank you!
Christmas for kids!
Bethany will be hosting a “Christmas for Kids” event, Dec. 21, 2 - 3:30 pm. It’s a busy time of the year, but if interested in helping kids with crafts, watching a Christmas classic, and hearing the real meaning of Christmas with us, please sign up to volunteer on the sheet in the entry way. And of course, consider bringing your kids and grandkids! Talk to Pastor Krenke for more details.
Look for our Giving Tree!
Feel like giving back for Christmas? Bethany will be helping the Hope Center this Christmas by providing much needed essentials. Needed items are: Tissues, Body Wash, Toothpaste and Brushes, Laundry Soap, All-Purpose Cleaner, etc. These are items that if not donated, are purchased by the center, so our donations will free up funds for other needs. Please take a tag of your choice from the Tree in the Welcome area, purchase the item and return with the tag attached, no wrapping needed. We will collect items until January 1st. Thanks for your help with helping others!
Christmas Decorating
Helpers needed! We will be putting Christmas decorations up on Saturday morning, December 6, at 9:00 AM. This is yet another wonderful opportunity for families and individuals to serve Bethany. A sign-up sheet will be in the welcome center! Join us!
Apple Valley December Collection
Apple Valley Food Pantry News: The December collection for the pantry will be held on Saturday, December 13, 2025, from 9 -11. The items we’re currently in need of are: Adult cereals, chunky soups, chilis and stews, canned veggies, canned chicken noodle and tomato soups, 14 ox boxes instant rice, boxed/bagged mashed potatoes, peanut butter and jelly, and bathroom cleaning supplies. Thank you for your continued support of the pantry. Wishing everyone a Happy Thanksgiving.
Ushering Help for Saturdays
We are looking for more ushers at our Saturday evening services. Ask Pastor Krenke or Matt Koepsell for more info. And we’re always interested in hearing from musicians who could take part as well!
FVL Building Expansion Meetings
President Loberger will present floor plans, renderings, and details of FVL's proposed building expansion at five regional meetings around the Federation. You are all encouraged to attend to get information and ask questions. Visit fvlhs.org/news for details. Meeting schedule: NOV 20, 6:00 PM - Martin Luther-Neenah. DEC 1, 6:00 PM - Riverview-Appleton. DEC 11, 6:00 PM - St. Mark-Green Bay. DEC 14, NOON - FVL (before the Christmas concert). DEC 15, 6:00 PM - Emanuel-New London.
Upcoming Advent Event!
Ladies of Bethany, announcing an upcoming Advent event! We will gather at Bethany on Saturday, December 13, 1-3 pm for an "Afternoon of Carols & Traditions." A sign-up sheet will be available this weekend in the welcome center, so mark your calendars. Thank you!
Another volunteering opportunity
Fellow members of Bethany,
We have additional work to do on the rental property this Saturday. We need the following:
Two rooms need painting and others need touching up.
A number of light fixtures and switches need replacement.
Two bathroom sinks need replacement.
Window sashes and window sill need sanding, staining and varnishing.
Some doors, drawers and woodwork need repair.
So we are in need of painters, electrical handymen, plumbing handymen, woodworkers and cleaners. If you can help or want more information please contact Russ Wagner at 920-515-7591.
LWMS Invite
CONGREGATION INVITATION! LWMS of St. Paul-Appleton would like to invite the congregation to a presentation from Mr. Brian Zunker, teacher at FVLHS, about the FVL and MEROS project to assist in research and discovery into disabilities and youth mental health in Uganda that he helped organize and lead this summer. The presentation will be on November 20th at 6:30 PM in the church basement at St. Paul-Appleton. The LWMS group of St. Paul-Appleton will provide snacks for the presentation.
Appleton Christmas Parade
FVL and FVL Schools are again sponsoring the broadcast of the Appleton Christmas Parade! Watch for the FVL Schools and FVL commercial, and tune in for FVL Schools Executive Director Phil Punzel's live interview from downtown Appleton. The date is Tuesday, November 25 at 7:00 PM. Check it out on WFRV-TV5.
Volunteering Help Needed
The service team at Bethany is preparing the rental property on the corner of Parkway and Erb streets for new tenants. This Saturday, November 8th, we plan to paint most of the rooms as well as do some additional work. So we need not only painters but also people to clean, mask woodwork, spread floor covers and do some maintenance repairs. Please consider giving us a hand for a few hours. It would also be great to have a couple of volunteers prep some lunch for the workers. If you can help or want more information please contact Russ Wagner at 920-515-7591.
FVL Youth Sports Opportunities
Current Youth Sports opportunities include a dance camp on November 15 (girls in grades 5K-8), cheer and stunt clinic on November 16 (girls in grades 4-12). Fox Valley Saints Wresting sign-up is open (boys and girls in grades 5K-8). Go to fvlhs.org/youth-sports for details.
Snail Mail List
New to the congregation? Did you know that we have a weekly email that we send out on Wednesday that tells all the latest news, updates, and worship schedules? Not receiving it and would like to? Let Sarah know at sbehrens@bethanyappleton.org and she will put you on that email list.
Bargain Garden Thrift Store
Bargain Garden Thrift Store, 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.