A Rural Congregation Near Appleton
Freedom Moravian Church sits along Center Valley Road in the countryside just outside Appleton, Wisconsin. A tree-lined property and a modest sanctuary anchor a small, multigenerational congregation that has gathered in this stretch of Outagamie County for more than 150 years. Whether someone is just passing through or looking for a new spiritual home, the welcome at Freedom is the same: a single Sunday service at 10 a.m., shared in person or on a YouTube livestream.
Worship and Open Communion
Sunday worship begins at 10 a.m. on the first, second, fourth, and fifth Sundays of the month in a traditional Moravian style, and shifts to a contemporary format on the third Sunday. The first Sunday of each month also brings the congregation to the communion table. The Moravian Church practices open communion, meaning anyone who feels moved by their faith is welcome to partake; no prior church membership is required. During the communion service, members exchange the right hand of fellowship at the start and close, and hymns are sung as the bread and cup are distributed.
A social hour with refreshments is held at 9 a.m. on the first Sunday of each month, giving visitors and longtime members a chance to catch up before the service. Ushers, scripture readers, and hosts all rotate by sign-up sheets posted in the narthex.
A Moravian Heritage Going Back to 1457
Freedom Moravian belongs to a denomination whose roots stretch back to 1457 and the teachings of John Huss, whose reforms of the Catholic Church predated the Protestant Reformation. The worldwide Moravian Church now includes churches in 24 organized provinces, and 16 Moravian churches call Wisconsin home. Freedom itself has been a part of that landscape for well over a century and a half, and its members carry forward the same essential principle that has guided Moravians for generations: in essentials unity, in non-essentials liberty, in all things love.
The Moravian tradition centers on two sacraments: baptism and holy communion. Baptism is usually performed by sprinkling water on the forehead in the name of the Triune God, and children may be baptized as a sign of Christ's promise. The church does not try to define the mystery of Christ's presence in the communion elements but recognizes that the believer participates in a unique act of covenant with Christ and with other believers.
Congregational life is shaped by personal prayer, family devotions, study, and a sense of stewardship over time, talents, and financial resources. Freedom Moravians see all of life as a sacred trust and place special emphasis on mission work and outreach to those in need.
Pastor Greg Behrend and the Joint Board
Pastor Greg Behrend leads Freedom Moravian and keeps regular office hours on Tuesdays from 12 to 3 p.m. The congregation is served by a Joint Board made up of elders and trustees. The elder team includes Sami Petit, Diane Brugger (vice chair of the elders), Samantha Merkel-Johnson, Alyssa Zeimet, and Pete Pfundtner. The trustee team includes John Merkel, Bruce Eggert, Norm Blohm (chair), Rob Sprister (vice chair), and Ron Gady. Quarterly congregational meetings are held after church on the first Sunday of March, June, September, and December to update the congregation on board work.
Chimes, Mary and Martha, and Youth Nights
There are many ways to get involved at Freedom Moravian. The Chimes Choir plays at select services throughout the year, and no prior music experience is required; the church teaches newcomers how to play. The Mary and Martha circle coordinates food donations to the Freedom Food Pantry, runs the church rummage sale, and supports other projects that strengthen congregational life. Youth Group is open to all young people and meets on select Friday nights from 5:30 to 7:30, with a meal served at each gathering. Vacation Bible School is held in conjunction with You Belong and West Side Moravian. Each Sunday, volunteers also sign up to read the scripture lesson for worship.
Members are invited to serve on one of four boards - elders, trustees, the Worship Committee, or the Christian Education Committee - with elections held each January.
Weddings on a Tree-Lined Property
Freedom Moravian also opens its doors as a wedding venue. The rustic sanctuary and tree-lined grounds offer a quiet, affordable backdrop for couples. A non-member wedding includes a $100 non-refundable deposit to reserve the date, a $200 security deposit returned after the event, a $550 building fee, a $150 wedding coordinator fee, and a $25 custodian fee. Optional organist and pastor fees bring the total to $1,475. Couples may also request a guest pastor. Inquiries go to freedommoravian@gmail.com.
From the Christmas Eve candlelight service to the chili supper and squirt-gun baptisms on Holy Humor Sunday, Freedom Moravian is a congregation that takes its 500-year-old heritage seriously and its community life lightly. Worship, communion, youth nights, and a chime or two still echo through the trees along Center Valley Road each week.