Fox Valley UU Fellowship, 2600 E Phillip Ln, Appleton
Rising Together 2025: Lessons on Healing from the Front Lines of Activism
As we look ahead to 2025, many of us are feeling anxiety, dread, or at least trepidation about the political moment we are heading towards. But we also know that, in community, we can find a different path forward filled with possibilities, support, and hope! If you're looking for spiritual sustenance, community connections, and opportunities to deepen your skills for making change, please plan to join us here at the Fellowship for Rising Together: Lessons on Healing from the Front Lines of Activism on Saturday, January 25th from 9 am - 1 pm.
Notify ESTHER by June 6 if you want to be part of an ESTHER table of 10 at this celebration. See info below.
Join friends of WISDOM as we mark a milestone of impact, resilience, and progress! For the past 25 years, WISDOM has stood at the forefront of the fight for social justice, advocating for equity, dignity, and opportunity for all in Wisconsin. Together, with the unwavering support of our community, we have transformed communities, challenged inequities, and ignited lasting change.
WISDOM invites you to celebrate this remarkable journey: 25th Anniversary Banquet "Celebrating 25 Years of WISDOM: Empowering Through Unity"
An evening of reflection, inspiration, and hope for the future. Come honor the partnerships and passion that have fueled our mission, and help us continue building a brighter tomorrow.WISDOM is celebrating 25 years AND we are honoring David Liners for his service to WISDOM as executive director.
Please leave a message on the ESTHER office phone 920-843-8083 or email office@esther-foxvalley.orgby June 6 if you are interested in making arrangements through ESTHER to be part of a table for 10 (discounted at $675 for a table of 10) at this event. Click here if you want to register directly. Individual banquet tickets are discounted at $75 per ticket through June 7. After June 7, tickets will increase to $100 per banquet ticket.
Fox Valley Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, 2600 E. Philip Ln, Appleton
An Evening of Folk Dance, Food & Justice Move Together, Rise Together
Join ESTHER and the Folk Dancers of the Fox Valleyon August 18 for a joyful evening of connection, movement, and purpose! People of all abilities are welcome. Learn or enjoy watching simple, fun folk dances from around the world—no experience needed—and enjoy a delicious spread of fresh sandwiches and sides. Also, consider participating in our 50/50 Raffle.
All proceeds support ESTHER’s community organizing for racial equity, justice system reform, and affordable housing. We will not be having a fall banquet fundraiser this year. This is one of the events that will take its place.
Let’s dance, dine, and rise together for justice.
5 pm: Doors Open, 5:30 pm:
Meal, 6:15: Program, 6:30 - 7:30 pm: Dancing
Come solo, with friends, or bring the whole family—everyone’s welcome! Recharge, refresh, renew! RSVP or Questions? 920-843-8083
Folk Dancers of the Fox Valley meet each Monday from 6:30 - 8:00 pm at South Greenville Grange, W6920 County Road BB, Appleton. Come join us anytime! We know hundreds of dances and it is so much fun!
Lawrence University Memorial Chapel, 510 E College Ave, Appleton
Lawrence University and Fox Cities partners invite the wider community to join in celebrating the legacy of Dr. Margin Luither King, Jr. – the 35th annual Fox Cities commemoration.
Keynote speaker: Dr; Sam Coleman, Assistant Superintendent of Instruction, Oshkosh Area School District
Bridgewood Resort Hotel, 1000 Cameron Way, Neenah, WI
Theme: World on Fire
Keynote speaker: Jeffrey A. Mandell, Co-founder, President and General Counsel, Law Forward, Madison, WI
As we look around our communities and our nation, it's easy to feel like the world is on fire. Yet throughout ESTHER's 22-year history, we have learned that even in difficult times, hope grows when people come together to organize, build relationships, and act for justice.
Join us for the ESTHER Banquet 2026 as we celebrate 22 years of empowering leaders, strengthening communities, and creating meaningful change across the Fox Valley. This year's theme, “World on Fire,” invites us to reflect honestly on today’s challenges while recommitting ourselves to the work of building a more just, compassionate, and equitable future.
We're honored to welcome as our keynote speaker, Jeff Mandell, Co-Founder of Law Forward. Jeff will share insights on protecting democracy, advancing justice, and why community action matters now more than ever.
Whether you've been part of ESTHER’s journey for years or are just getting to know our work, we’d love to celebrate with you. Together, we can meet the challenges of our time with courage, compassion, and the collective power to create lasting change.
Save the date now - ticket and registration info will be available soon!
A Letter to the Fox Cities Community from
Some of the Palm Sunday Path Participants
(This letter was sent to the Appleton Post Crescent in hopes it could be published as a letter to the editor. It was, however, rejected by the Post-Crescent due to their policy of not publishing group letters. So we are sharing it here in order that the Fox Cities [and wider] community may become aware of it.)
March 25, 2026
When clergy and people of faith from across the Fox Cities gather at Houdini Plaza on March 29 (1 pm), we will continue what began at our respective congregations’ Palm Sunday celebrations. A day when Christians remember Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem, not on a warhorse, not a conquering king, but humbly riding a donkey and filled with compassion. Together, we will lament the harms done to our immigrant neighbors, shine Christ’s light of truth and justice, and proclaim faith in Christ, who came not to be served but to serve.
First Congregational UCC, Fellowship Hall, 724 E South River St, Appleton
You are invited to continue the path we started on March 29. As we move, our next steps invite us to better understand how county government shapes daily life and how proposals like HR 1 (“Big Beautiful Bill”) affect local services and the future of our communities. This is an opportunity not only to be informed, but to become engaged locally in shaping a more compassionate and healthy community for all.
The Palm Sunday Path continues- and everyone has a place on the journey. Join us: 5:15PM-8PM with a gathering meal and following a program. Meal Registration Closes on May 23.
Prince of Peace Lutheran Church ELCA, 2330 E Calumet St, Appleton
Imagine rooms full of people from many faiths — sharing food, conversation, and fellowship — reflecting together on what makes this country worth celebrating. WIVEC is hosting community gatherings like this in May and June, leading up to July 4th, where neighbors read and discuss America's most inspiring founding words. It's a once-in-a-generation chance to counter division and build unity together.
In Appleton, WIVEC is partnering with ESTHER and Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in hosting Faith 250, a national movement (see https://faith250.org) to make this anniversary a time of shared civic renewal, rather than one of division or conflict. Reflect on spiritual and moral questions, while encouraging civic (not political) engagement. Build lasting relationships between local leaders and institutions that care about our country’s future, grounded in pride, patriotism, empathy, and unity.
These Fox Cities gatherings will be in-person or virtual. Please register in advance:
Lawrence University and Fox Cities partners invite the wider community to join in celebrating the legacy of Dr. Margin Luither King, Jr. – the 35th annual Fox Cities commemoration.
Theme: World on Fire
When clergy and people of faith from across the Fox Cities gather at Houdini Plaza on March 29 (1 pm), we will continue what began at our respective congregations’ Palm Sunday celebrations. A day when Christians remember Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem, not on a warhorse, not a conquering king, but humbly riding a donkey and filled with compassion. Together, we will lament the harms done to our immigrant neighbors, shine Christ’s light of truth and justice, and proclaim faith in Christ, who came not to be served but to serve.
Imagine rooms full of people from many faiths — sharing food, conversation, and fellowship — reflecting together on what makes this country worth celebrating. WIVEC is hosting community gatherings like this in May and June, leading up to July 4th, where neighbors read and discuss America's most inspiring founding words. It's a once-in-a-generation chance to counter division and build unity together.
