Pastoral brief on critical theory available

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In recent years there have been concerns about the nature and underlying principles of what has been called “critical theory” (CT), which includes narrower subsets such as critical race theory (CRT).

The 2023 synod convention responded to these concerns by passing a resolution that asked the Conference of Presidents to prepare a pastoral brief that would evaluate critical theory and provide guidance for our called workers and members as they are confronted with these and other related issues. A pastoral brief is an explanation—not necessarily brief in length—intended to provide pastoral and evangelical guidance. The brief is entitled “A pastoral brief on critical theory (especially critical race theory)” and is available for you online.

This particular brief goes into great detail and depth regarding the history and philosophical foundations of CT and CRT. It was shared with WELS pastors a few weeks ago so they would have an opportunity to become familiar with it prior to a wider release to our synod members. The brief is lengthy and detailed because this is a complicated and controversial subject. A helpful summary of the brief is included as an introduction. God’s blessings as you consider the thoughts shared on this important matter.

Serving together with you in Christ,
WELS President Mark Schroeder

 

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WELS 175: Christ through us

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Most institutions, including churches, celebrate anniversaries at quarter-century increments. This marks about a generation. The same is true for WELS. Throughout its history, it has celebrated quarter-century anniversaries. 2025 will mark the 175th anniversary of the founding of the Wisconsin Synod at Salem Lutheran Church on the northwest side of Milwaukee. The Lord of the Church has blessed the proclamation of Christ’s saving work to and through the Wisconsin Synod for 175 years. Much has happened since May 26, 1850. Much has happened since the last time the synod marked its anniversary in 2000.

To help the members and congregations of WELS learn about God’s blessings to our church body for 175 years, various resources and events are being planned.

  • A new book narrating the history of WELS, Christ Through Us: A Pictorial History of the Wisconsin Synod, 1850-2025, has been written and will be released in the summer of 2025.
  • A revised and expanded edition by John Brenner of Edward Fredrich’s The Wisconsin Synod Lutherans will be available in the spring of 2025. This is a more scholarly and detailed look at the synod’s history.
  • Monthly print-ready bulletin inserts will cover key turning points and events in WELS history. The text and images will also be available as short articles for use in newsletters or social media posts.
  • An interactive timeline of WELS history will highlight key events with images and links to other information.
  • Monthly videos will feature interviews with WELS historians and also explore interesting aspects of WELS history.
  • WELS Connection videos will highlight the history of our synod and our current and future gospel ministry efforts.
  • Various presentations on WELS historical topics will be offered throughout the year sponsored by WELS Historical Institute.
  • Worship resources are being developed for WELS congregations to celebrate the anniversary, the new ten-year strategic plan, and the Reformation as a three-week series at the end of October.
  • Forward in Christ will feature the synod anniversary in various ways throughout the year.

Most of these resources will be available at welshistoricalinstitute.org/175th.

An anniversary like this can help congregations and members remember and give thanks for God’s many blessings that he has showered on us through the gospel. We can learn about how God has brought our church body through challenging times so that WELS is what it is today: a church body committed to the truth of God’s Word, striving to faithfully proclaim Christ throughout the world.

By Prof. Joel Otto, chairman of the 175th anniversary committee and dean of students at Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary, Mequon, Wis.

 

 

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Blessings, challenges, and opportunities in WELS schools

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WELS Commission on Lutheran Schools completed the annual Lutheran school statistics collection from all WELS schools for the 2024-25 school year. On the surface, the numbers are very close to a year ago, with preparatory and area Lutheran high school enrollments increasing by 103 for a total of 7,484 students, Lutheran elementary school enrollments increasing slightly to 28,361 students from 28,081 in 2023, and the number of students served by early childhood ministries decreasing to 11,338 from 11,799. The number of called teachers has grown by 49 to 3,108.  

The following insights come through close examination of trends in our schools over the past 3, 5, and even 15 years. Even though early childhood ministries and Lutheran elementary schools have continued to open, a much greater number have closed. When compared to the 2010 statistical report, the number of early childhood ministries has decreased from 388 (225 connected to a Lutheran elementary school and 163 standalone) to 345 (241 connected to a Lutheran elementary school and 104 standalone), though total enrollment has increased by 13 percent. The number of Lutheran elementary schools has decreased from 328 in 2010 to 276 currently, though during that period total enrollment has increased by 17 percent. The number of area Lutheran high schools has grown by four, including a fully accredited WELS online high school enrolling 14 students, with overall area Lutheran high school enrollment increasing by 23 percent since 2010.  

Although enrollment overall has been at record numbers the last two years due to increased interest in Christan education, fewer but larger schools are a result of mergers, consolidations, and closures due to the reality of rising costs and decreased enrollments, making it more difficult for smaller schools in smaller congregations with fewer supporters to continue to exist. 

The Commission on Lutheran Schools stands ready to provide consulting guidance and onsite support for schools dealing with fiscal sustainability challenges, declining enrollment, and merger considerations. Thanks to generous gifts toward utilizing schools for outreach, funds are now available to review, provide guidance for, and help all schools develop and implement effective harvest strategies for the growing number of unchurched and community members enrolling in our schools. It is our prayer that every school is effectively using a harvest strategy to connect more families to the gospel. Please contact [email protected] for further information. 

View the WELS Commission on Lutheran Schools statistical report. 

In Christ,
Mr. James Rademan, director, Commission on Lutheran Schools 

 

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WELS students praise God through song

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Almost 350 students from 13 area Lutheran high schools participated in the West Regional Choral Festival Nov. 15-17 hosted by St. Croix Lutheran Academy, West St. Paul, Minn. This was the second of two regional choral gatherings for WELS high school students; the remaining 11 high schools met Nov. 8-10 at Illinois Lutheran High School, Crete, Ill., for the East Regional Choral Festival.  

The mission of WELS Choral Fest is to “foster Christian fellowship among WELS high school students as they prepare, rehearse, and perform choral music, so that with one heart and voice they may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ (Romans 15:6).” Amidst a weekend of rehearsals, students participate in a pops concert on Friday before gathering together again for a sacred concert on Sunday.  

Thirty-six students from Luther Preparatory School (LPS), Watertown, Wis., attended Choral Fest this past weekend. “My favorite part of Choral Fest is talking to new people,” says Greta Boettcher, an LPS senior who is a member at Prince of Peace, Taylorsville, Utah. “I also love hearing the progress throughout the weekend, when the songs start coming together. It is amazing to hear 300 high school students singing the praises of Jesus at the top of their lungs.”  

Music has long been a priority at WELS Lutheran high schools, including Luther Preparatory School, one of WELS’ two ministerial education high schools. At Luther Prep, every student is enrolled in music education classes for all four years, 85 percent of students participate in one of three mass choirs, and 80 percent of students are enrolled in keyboard instruction. Students are also involved in band, handbells, and other instrumental ensembles. “We take music very seriously because it is so important to Christ’s church,” says Rev. Matthew Crass, LPS president.  

The school is looking to enhance its campus and fine arts offerings for its students by building a new music center. Currently students practice, perform, and attend music classes in a 112-year-old building that used to serve as a gymnasium. “The building has gone through many renovations and modifications over the years to accommodate our huge music program,” says Crass. “But sharing space is no longer an option. We have maximized our ability to adapt.”  

The new proposed center would include a performing arts theater with sloped seating, designated band and choir spaces, right-sized classrooms, piano studios, and practice rooms.  

“Music is part of our heritage,” says Crass. “Because of [LPS’s] purpose—more than half of our students become pastors or teachers—they are going to use that gift [of music] in the public gospel ministry.” And, Crass stresses, using the gift of music is also true of students who serve as laypeople in WELS congregations. “They are going to be using these gifts to proclaim our Savior’s name—to magnify his name, to make his name known among all the nations—whether they are here in Watertown or in Wausaukee or in West Virginia or wherever they might be.”  

Boettcher, who plays piano and sings in various choirs at Luther Prep, appreciates the focus Luther Prep puts on music: “Singing and playing piano is a great way to lay it all on Jesus,” she says. “LPS’s music program has made me more confident in my musical abilities and given me many opportunities to praise God. Whether that be in the concerts, or simply singing with my peers in chapel, music is very special at Luther Prep.”  

Learn more about the proposed new music center at Luther Preparatory School at lps.wels.net/magnify.  

Watch concerts from both choral festivals.  

East regional pops concert  
East regional sacred concert  
West regional concerts 

 

 

 

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20 years of WELS schools accreditation

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WELS Schools Accreditation (WELSSA) is marking 20 years of helping WELS schools provide the assurance of a quality, Christ-centered education to families.  

Mr. Paul Patterson, associate director of the WELS Commission on Lutheran Schools, says, “Accreditation is really about assurance. You’re being assured that you’re doing the things that good schools should be doing and that you are meeting the needs of students. It’s assurance that the ministry aspect of what you’re doing is active and working, so that the gospel is spread.”  

The WELSSA accreditation process reviews and evaluates a school’s mission and if it’s faithful to that mission, the business and administration practices of the school, policies (such as safety), curriculum, the facility itself, and how student services are being offered.  

Patterson explains: “Accreditation is a two-part improvement process that a congregation would go through. The first part of accreditation is a self-study. A self-study is a congregation looking at a set of standards and identifying if they have or are doing the things listed in those standards. The second part of accreditation is a peer review. So, you bring in people from nearby schools or from other parts of the United States who verify that self-study. If a school is meeting 85 percent of our standards, then we recommend that the Commission on Lutheran Schools, WELSSA’s governing board, accredits the school.”  

While the initial accreditation process takes about 15 months, it is not a program to simply put a stamp on a school to declare it “good,” but rather it’s a process of continual improvement and ongoing evaluation.  

Once a school is accredited, it provides annual reports of the school’s progress on the recommended improvement plans and is re-evaluated every six years. To begin the WELSSA accreditation process, school leaders can contact the office of the Commission on Lutheran Schools to get started.  

Currently, 162 WELS schools are accredited by WELSSA—about 50 percent of Lutheran elementary schools and high schools and about 25 percent of early childhood programs. Due to the regulatory and accreditation policies in some states, some WELS schools also receive accreditation from other agencies. In total, 60 percent of WELS elementary schools, 85 percent of high schools, and 40 percent of early childhood programs are accredited through a recognized agency in their state.  

“The benefit of WELSSA is that we have standards in place that help schools remain distinctively Lutheran, and we want to encourage our schools to embrace the beauty of the truths we have in our Lutheran Confessions and our understanding of how God comes to us in the means of grace,” says Patterson.  

He concludes, “We are so thankful for God’s grace for the 20 years he has allowed this program to exist. We pray that his grace would continue to help schools improve so that families who send their kids to our schools can know their kids are getting a great education and they are being connected to Jesus.” 

 

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2024 graduation at Asia Lutheran Seminary

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In October, Asia Lutheran Seminary, Hong Kong, celebrated the graduation of 13 students. Nine of the students received certificates in either Greek or Hebrew, two received an associate of arts degree in theology, and two were awarded a diploma of Christian Studies. We praise and thank God for the opportunity to teach his Word to brothers and sisters around the world. Learn more about mission work in Asia at wels.net/asia.

 

Asia Lutheran Seminary

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Conference of Presidents fall 2024 meeting

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The Conference of Presidents (COP) held its fall meeting Oct. 8-11. Items discussed or decided include:  

  • The COP adopted a statement on critical theory in keeping with a request from the 2023 synod convention. This paper will provide information on what critical theory is and how our pastors and members can evaluate it and respond to it. The paper will be released in the coming weeks.  
  • The COP discussed a suggestion that the synod convention be changed from a biennial convention to a triennial convention. After receiving input from the district conventions last summer, the COP decided not to bring this proposal to the 2025 synod convention.  
  • Rev. Steven Wiebe, who serves an independent Lutheran congregation in Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada, applied for colloquy into WELS. After a thorough process, his colloquy request was granted, and he is now a member of the WELS ministerium.  
  • In reviewing the pastoral vacancies in the synod, the COP noted that there are 151 vacancies for parish pastors, 1 foreign missionary, 1 professor, and 2 other pastor-trained positions. These numbers are similar to the number of vacancies one year ago.  
  • The COP will release guidelines for congregational governance. Several models will be provided for congregations of different sizes. Release is scheduled for early 2025. Meetings will be planned for district constitution committees so they are familiar with these guidelines.  
  • The COP received a report from Curriculum Coordinator Melanie Giddings, which outlines the progress and plans for the new theology curriculum for K-12 currently in development.  
  • The COP issued a divine call for a national coordinator of early childhood ministries. The position will become vacant upon the retirement of Mrs. Cindi Holman, who has served in the role since 2011. The call was extended to Miss Jennifer Mehlberg, who currently serves at Martin Luther College.  
  • The COP appointed Mr. Jon Thibaudeau to serve as a lay member on the Commission on Lutheran Schools.  
  • The COP will submit a recommendation to the 2025 synod convention to change the way synod officers (president, first and second vice presidents, and secretary) are elected. Currently, nominations for these positions are made by the delegates at the synod convention. This proposal would have the delegates submit nominations prior to the convention. When a final ballot is determined, that ballot would be published prior to the convention.  
  • A committee was formed to develop a shared philosophy of ministry for WELS schools to elementary and secondary students and families active in other Christian churches.  
  • The COP reiterated the synod policy that says that any church worker who is directly involved with the means of grace should be called, not hired.  
  • Martin Luther College has proposed a three-part strategy to increase the number of ministry-certified teachers in our synod. The COP approved the plans.  

Serving with you in Christ,
WELS President Mark Schroeder 

 

 

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WELS seniors gather to celebrate past blessings and reimagine future

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WELS seniors gathered in Omaha, Neb., Oct. 14-17, for the annual Lutheran Convention for Seniors, sponsored by the Organization for WELS Lutheran Seniors (OWLS). Under the theme “40 Years of Service,” this special gathering celebrated four decades of conventions and seniors serving in God’s kingdom.  

One of the highlights of the convention was a Zoom presentation and Q&A with Rev. Robert Weiss, the WELS European civilian chaplain, who is stationed in Spiesheim, Germany. Weiss serves WELS military members and citizens living abroad in Europe. Each year, OWLS provides substantial financial support to the European chaplaincy.  

Another keynote featured Rev. Dan Sims, director of WELS Christian Aid and Relief. Sims gave an update of the organization’s compassion ministry, which helps to bring physical and spiritual blessings to people in need locally and in mission fields worldwide.  

Rounding out the keynotes was a presentation by Rev. Joel Gaertner, director of WELS Special Ministries. Gaertner gave an overview of the eight areas of Special Ministries and the wide array of resources available to help share the gospel with those may not have access to it through traditional channels.  

In addition to the keynotes, convention goers enjoyed breakouts, worship, fellowship, displays from WELS partner organizations, and a tour of the U.S. Strategic Command at nearby Offutt Air Force Base.  

The convention also included an open forum to discuss the future of OWLS, including a potential reimagining of the organization for a new generation of seniors. “The group asked, ‘What does the next generation of seniors want? What are ways seniors can serve their Savior?’ ” reports Gaertner. “The group contributed a great list of ideas for service opportunities and ways to support synod-related ministries.”  

He adds, “OWLS has been a tremendous blessing to seniors, and the service they’ve given has been a tremendous blessing. It’s a good time to now evaluate what the next 40 years can be.”  

“OWLS has provided a means for retirees to serve their Lord and their fellow members for 40 years,” says Mr. John Paulsen, outgoing OWLS executive director. “I’ve been the executive director since 2014, and it’s time for new ideas for the next generation. I look forward to what the new OWLS may look like.”  

The 2025 Lutheran Convention for Seniors will be Oct. 14-17 at the Oshkosh Waterfront Hotel & Convention Center, Oshkosh, Wis. The convention is open to all seniors 55 and older in WELS and the Evangelical Lutheran Synod.  

Learn more about OWLS at wels.net/owls. 

 

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Upcoming synod convention to look at the past and the future

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The 68th biennial convention of the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod will be held at Martin Luther College, New Ulm, Minn., July 21-24, 2025. About 400 voting delegates from around the country will attend the convention.  

The theme of the 2025 synod convention is “Christ through us.” This theme highlights both God’s blessings to the synod as it celebrates its 175th anniversary in 2025 as well as God’s continued work through WELS in years to come. A new strategic plan that establishes synodical, congregational, and individual objectives and strategies will be introduced at the convention.  

“The convention provides grassroots input to the plans and priorities of the work we do together as a synod,” says WELS President Rev. Mark Schroeder. “I think that past delegates will tell you that attending a synod convention is an informative, uplifting, and memorable experience. Delegates hear reports from all areas of the synod’s ministries and gain a new appreciation for the opportunities and blessings that God provides.”  

The Book of Reports and Memorials, which will be available in May 2025, details information and items of business that will be discussed at the convention, including any memorials. A memorial is a formal request to the convention to take action on a specific matter or proposal. Synodical entities (boards, commissions, and other duly constituted groups); congregations; circuits; conferences; districts; pastors; male professors, teachers, or staff ministers; and voting members of WELS congregations may submit a memorial to be considered for inclusion in the printed Book of Reports and Memorials; the deadline is Jan. 15, 2025. Memorials submitted after Jan. 15 and approved for convention consideration will be posted on the convention website if they are received by June 15, 2025. Find more information and submission details at welsconvention.net.  

The synod in convention also will elect qualified individuals for various synod boards and commissions. A nomination alert for potential candidates for the synod Nominating Committee to consider for the ballot is currently open. All nominations must be received by Nov. 30, 2024. The list of candidates will be posted online by May 15, 2025. Keep up to date with synod convention updates at welsconvention.net. 

 

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Encouragement and guidance regarding “Scriptural Principles of Man and Woman Roles”

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In 1993, the WELS synod convention adopted a doctrinal statement entitled “Scriptural Principles of Man and Woman Roles.” The statement is a faithful and comprehensive summary of what Scripture teaches about the God-given roles of men and women. 

By 2019, it became apparent that there was a need to provide clarification and additional context regarding the meaning and application of the statement. For that reason, the WELS Conference of Presidents (COP) initially determined that a restatement of the doctrine should be composed, not as a replacement for the 1993 statement, but as a supplement to it. The COP believed that additional clarification and context would help to answer questions and resolve possible misunderstandings and misapplications. 

As the COP worked to craft a restatement, it became clear that a better approach would be to compose a pastoral letter rather than an official restatement. Such a letter would be “pastoral” not because it was intended only for pastors, but because it is pastoral in nature by providing evangelical guidance. It is intended for all called workers and laypeople as they seek to understand fully and correctly this biblical doctrine and its principles as they apply the doctrine in their lives. 

With a full commitment to the truth of God’s Word, the COP shared this pastoral letter with pastors about two weeks ago to give them an opportunity to become familiar with it. Now the COP is making the letter available to all members of the synod. We do this with the prayer that God would use it to foster widespread discussion and a clear and faithful understanding of the beautiful principles of God’s design for man and woman as we live our lives in service to him and to one another.  

View the letter 

Serving with you in Christ,
WELS President Mark Schroeder 

 

 

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Hurricane Milton and Hurricane Helene updates

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This weekend, Oct. 12 and 13, the WELS Christian Aid and Relief assessment team traveled to Florida and spent two intensive days viewing damage and talking to pastors, members, and church leaders. The team visited WELS congregations in Sarasota, Tampa, and Seminole. Northdale Lutheran in Tampa had a large tree on its school that needed to be removed as well as water damage to its sound system. Ascension in Sarasota had soffit damage. Thankfully damage to church buildings is light and should be repaired quickly. 

The team also visited several members of WELS churches with varying levels of damage to their personal properties. Some have extensive damage from storm surge entering their homes. There is also quite a bit of tree damage and debris that needs to be cleaned up in the area of impact. Christian Aid and Relief is thankful to report that all members of our churches are safe with no reports of injury or loss of life. 

Currently, Christian Aid and Relief is working to set up a deployment to help with the work that needs to be done. Local volunteers will be utilized as much as possible, but volunteers with special skills will be brought in as needed. To sign up as a disaster relief volunteer, please visit welsdisasterrelief.org. Christian Aid and Relief will keep you updated on its deployment plans. 

In addition to the work in Florida, Christian Aid and Relief is in touch with WELS pastors in North Carolina and is working to help several families in need.  

We couldn’t do any of this without your support. We are grateful for God’s people in WELS who have offered many prayers and abundant financial gifts to help those in need. Thank you so much! 

Rev. Dan Sims, director, WELS Christian Aid and Relief 

Visit wels.net/relief to learn more about the work of WELS Christian Aid and Relief.

 

 

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Online Bible study connecting teens to Christ and one another

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Just two months after WELS teens joined together for the biennial WELS International Youth Rally in Colorado, more than 100 WELS teens found a way to connect with one another again—this time online. Rev. Dr. Phil Huebner, campus pastor at Wisconsin Lutheran High School (WLHS), Milwaukee, Wis., led the first National Online Teen Bible Study in September. 

Huebner worked with Oliva Hermanson, a 2024 WLHS graduate with a heart for bringing teens together for faith and fellowship. “I recognized that there are teens across the country who do not have the opportunity to go to a school with almost a thousand people who share their faith,” Hermanson explains. “I was looking for a way to bring Christian teens together on a regular basis, create a space where we can discuss our faith, and make connections that are meaningful.” 

Hermanson brought her idea for a national online teen Bible study to Huebner, who connected her with Rev. Donn Dobberstein, director of WELS Discipleship. WELS Discipleship has been actively working to support churches in engaging their teen populations.  

Dobberstein explains, “God has blessed WELS with about 16,000 souls in the 14- to 17-year-old age group. At the same time, the size of congregations has trended down, meaning fewer teens are in churches today than in past decades. Many churches don’t have the critical mass of youth as they did in the past.” 

After the 2022 youth rally, WELS Discipleship began considering how it might help churches enhance their youth ministry efforts between biennial youth rallies. “First, we developed resources for ‘Youth Night,’” explains Dobberstein. “It’s a series of three youth-focused events during the school year to bring high school youth from area churches together . . . to encourage faith, fun, and fellowship.”  

The WELS National Online Teen Bible Study accomplishes similar goals as teens from across the world gather digitally to study the Word. “Geography is no longer a barrier,” says Dobberstein. “It’s about connecting them at a critical time in their life to Christ and with each other.”  

Hermanson played an active role in planning and executing the event, and Huebner selected the first topic: the parable of the prodigal son. “I chose a topic that I thought teens would relate to well and that would touch their hearts with God’s compassionate love,” says Huebner. In addition to hearing this relevant message, attendees dug deeper into the topic in small discussion groups. 

For Hermanson and so many other Christian teens, staying plugged in to their faith community can be hard. “If [the study] showed just one struggling teen that they are not alone and built them up in their faith, then it served its purpose,” she says. “I praise God that he worked through me to help do that.” 

She continues, “We are all learning so much about ourselves and what God has planned for us in our teenage years, and it is so important to have faith-based discussions about what we are struggling with.” 

Going forward, the National Online Teen Bible Study will take place on a quarterly basis and feature messages from a variety of WELS pastors. The next study is scheduled for Nov. 10 at 6 p.m. (Central). 

Learn more and register for the next online teen Bible study at wels.net/events. 

Learn more about Youth Night events  

Read more about churches implementing Youth Night events  

 

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New director joins WELS Communication Services

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Mr. Dan Nommensen started as the new director of WELS Communication Services on Oct. 1, following the retirement of previous director Mr. Lee Hitter.  

For the past year, Nommensen had been serving the synod as operations manager for WELS Congregational Services, working closely with Communication Services as new programs and services were launched. Previously he spent 25 years with Christian Family Solutions, working not only as a Christian counselor but also in an operations capacity with roles in marketing, communications, donor development, information technology, and leadership development.  

“I thoroughly enjoy getting to know everything that our synod provides to our congregations and schools,” he says. “The resources we offer through our synod are timely and help the members of our church body move forward with the gospel to impact people in our homes, neighborhoods, and throughout the world. I am looking forward to helping our audiences receive information about these great resources.”  

Nommensen notes that he has seen in a personal way how these resources can make a difference after a family member received a cancer diagnosis. “Later that day she read her daily devotion. It was called ‘It is all under control.’ It helped her set her focus on her Savior as she prepares for the many things that she will face that are indeed out of her control,” he says. “Our synod cares and brings resources like Daily Devotions right in front of people, and the Lord uses the Word to bring comfort at just the right time. I’m privileged to have the opportunity to be part of a synod that puts Christ first.”  

As director of communications, Nommensen serves under the Conference of Presidents and reports directly to the synod president. He is responsible for coordinating all internal and external communications for WELS, including assisting areas of ministry, synod schools, and district leaders in planning and developing communication strategies and tools.  

Nommensen, a member at Christ Alone, Thiensville, Wis., is married and has two children. 

 

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Christian Aid and Relief responds to Hurricane Helene

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Hurricane Helene roared ashore on the evening of Sept. 26 bringing a huge swath of destruction in her path from the Big Bend region of Florida all the way to southern Appalachia. The death toll from this terrible storm stands at 120 and is rising. Millions are still without power or water.

WELS Christian Aid and Relief has been in contact with district leaders and pastors in the impacted areas to ascertain needs. I am pleased to report that none of our churches experienced major damage and none of our members lost their lives. However, many experienced extensive damages to their properties. Some even lost their homes entirely. Many of our brothers and sisters are in need.

I am working with our pastors to provide immediate financial assistance to those who need it. In addition, our assessment team will soon visit congregations in North Carolina, Georgia, and Tennessee to assess needs before potential deployments to the region.

Many of you have reached out to ask how you can help. Currently, the best way to help is to give a donation through our disaster relief fund. You can do that by visiting wels.net/CARgift. You can also send a check to the following address:

WELS Christian Aid and Relief
N16W23377 Stone Ridge Drive
Waukesha, WI 53188-1108

Thank you for your compassion, support, and generosity.

In Christ, our compassionate Savior,
Pastor Dan Sims
Director, WELS Christian Aid and Relief

Update from South Atlantic District President Rev. Charles Westra

Thanks to all of you for your prayers for our brothers and sisters affected by Helene. Our prayers continue for the many affected.

At this point, we still have no reports of loss of life among our WELS congregations. Many of our congregations celebrated “Michael and all angels” last Sunday. We give thanks to our God for his protection among us.

Pastor Paul Zell in Hendersonville, N.C., shared that communication has been very difficult because cell service is spotty at best. He has spoken to most of his members, and all are safe, but there are many in the greater Asheville, N.C., area that are still missing. Widespread flooding and mudslides were a severe threat. Many members suffered significant damage to homes and property. WELS Christian Aid and Relief representatives will be in Asheville on Saturday to do assessment and begin the coordination of assistance.

Pastor Jonathan Neumann in Martinez, Ga., told me this morning that they are on day five without power. A shortage of drinking water is also a problem for many. Extensive cleanup is needed on the church property. Many members have suffered significant damage to homes and property. WELS Christian Aid and Relief will be on site there early next week.

Pastor David Priebe shared that six families at Bay Pines, Fla., have been displaced from their homes on the barrier islands due to the storm surge. Most of the damage was confined to the narrow strip of Pinellas County along the beach. Three families from Living Savior in Valrico, Fla., also suffered significant damage to their homes. Pastor Priebe also reported that two families from Peace in Trinity, Fla., lost all the contents of their homes.

 

 

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Preparing new home missionaries

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“May the favor of the Lord our God rest on us; establish the work of our hands for us—yes, establish the work of our hands” (Psalm 90:17).

For millennia this has been the prayer of God’s people; any success in our mission efforts comes only because of God’s favor and blessing. Now, in year two of the 100 Missions in 10 Years initiative, we give great thanks to the Lord our God for his many blessings:

  • With the addition of one new start (Cypress/Waller, Texas) and one enhancement (Barre/Montpelier, Vt.) in September, the Board for Home Missions has approved a total of 16 new missions and 18 enhancements toward the goal of starting 100 new missions and enhancing 75 ministries from 2023–2033.
  • All ten new mission starts approved in 2023 have a home missionary, and three of the six new mission starts approved in 2024 have a home missionary.
  • Of those 13 home missionaries, 8 pastors accepted calls from the field to new home missions and 5 Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary graduates were assigned.
  • New missions in Marquette, Mich.; North Collin County, Texas; and Wichita, Kan., launched weekly Sunday worship in September.
  • Generous gifts to Home Missions in September will enable Home Missions to approve 10-plus new home missions in 2025.

As Home Missions plants new churches throughout North America, we take great care in preparing new home missionaries. This past August, seven home missionaries and their wives attended the Church Planter Intensive at Carbon Valley Lutheran, Firestone, Colo.

View photos from the Church Planter Intensive in Colorado

WELS Home Missions - Church Planter Intensive - August 2024

I was able to attend the training and see firsthand the blessing it is for new missionaries. They learn not only the essential aspects of church-planting but also the systems and processes that will help prepare them to launch and establish a new mission. By the time the missionary goes home from the Church Planter Intensive, he has a basic ministry plan for the next 18 to 24 months. Each missionary is also paired with a coach, who is a church planter himself. During the next two years, the coach and missionary meet monthly. The coach helps the missionary troubleshoot issues and challenges that arise and provides encouragement and accountability.

The Church Planter Intensive and coaching program have been well received by many home missionaries. I give great thanks for the many experienced missionaries who have helped make the program what it is today.

In the end, why do we do all this? “Christ’s love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all” (2 Corinthians 5:14). As a result of Jesus’ death and resurrection, we have peace that the world is seeking but is only found through Christ. Through the work of our home mission congregations, more people are finding this peace as we see the Lord blessing our efforts. We thank God for this. As we continue our work together as a synod, our prayer continues, “May the favor of the Lord our God rest on us; establish the work of our hands for us—yes, establish the work of our hands.”

Rev. Mark Gabb, administrator, WELS Home Missions

WELS 100 missions in 10 years

“It was amazing. It was the greatest thing . . . just to know that Jesus still loved me and still cared about me and wanted me to be part of his family again. That meant the world to me.”

The 100 Missions in 10 Years effort is all about sharing the kind of peace that only Christ offers. Sean O’Doherty found that peace at Cross of Christ, a home mission congregation in Nampa, Idaho.

 

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Three home missions launch weekly worship

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Three home missions launched weekly worship services in September: Divine Savior—North Collin County, Celina, Texas; Anchor Church, Marquette, Mich.; and Victory, Wichita, Kan.

“A grand opening is important in the life of a mission church because it signals that from here on out you are fully operational for worship,” says Rev. Joseph Lindloff, home missionary at Anchor Church. “It’s like the gun going off at the beginning of a marathon. It signals that we can now get to work reaching one soul at a time as a full-fledged church, bringing people regularly into the house of God and before the means of grace. What a joy that we get to do this work, joining Jesus on his mission!”

Divine Savior—North Collin County, Celina, Texas: Seventy-one people attended the launch service on Sept. 8. Divine Savior’s core group has been meeting for planning and Bible studies since 2021; it was approved as a mission site in 2023. Celina, a northern suburb of Dallas, is the fastest growing city in the United States.

Following the launch service, the real work begins, says Rev. Caleb King, home missionary at Divine Savior—North Collin County. “The reality is we’re a church of about 25 adults and a handful of children. We could sit and ‘play church’ and think that we made it, or we can recognize that the launch was a great milestone but not the mountain peak. The next step, then, is to continue to engage people one by one with the gospel so that they can know the Savior who changes their life; to care for individual souls in ways that the rest of the world doesn’t.”

Anchor Church, Marquette, Mich.: On Sept. 15, 75 people (including 20 visitors) attended the grand opening under the theme “Hope in Christ, Firm and Secure.” Approved as a mission site in 2023, Anchor Church has a 24/7 ministry space in downtown Marquette where it hosts community service events, Bible studies, youth ministry, and now weekly worship.

Lindloff says that the community has been welcoming to the concept of a new church: “We are right where we need to be, downtown in the heart of Marquette, serving it spiritually and physically.”

Victory, Wichita, Kan.: Started as a home mission in 2022 as part of a multisite effort for Messiah, Wichita, Kan., Victory launched worship at its second location on Sept. 15, with a full day’s worth of events. More than 100 people attended, including 15 first-time visitors.

While the festivities and food were a hit, the message is what made an impact. Rev. Jacob Jenswold, Victory’s home missionary, shares this reaction from a visitor who hadn’t been in church for months and had never been in a conservative Lutheran church. “He told me, ‘This felt different. The service felt more focused, like everything came back to God’s words for me. I like that. I want to come back for that.’ We will see if he comes back for that, but that’s what we are going for! Jesus for you!”

All three missionaries are thankful for the continued support of Home Missions and WELS members. “Our mission’s work and ministry wouldn’t be possible without you,” says King. “You may never meet a person that is impacted by the work you support. But you will meet them in heaven someday. . . . Keep us in your prayers as we hold on to God’s promises in his Word.”

WELS is committed to starting 100 new missions in the next 10 years. Learn more about this initiative at wels100in10.net.

 

 

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New director named for WELS Church Extension Fund

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Mr. Brian Roser has been named the new executive director of WELS Church Extension Fund, Inc. (WELS CEF). Roser started in the position in July 2024, after the retirement of Mr. Scott Page.

Roser brings a wealth of experience to the role, having served in both the corporate and non-profit worlds in the past. His prior banking experience included management roles in client relations, consumer lending, and loss mitigation. He also served as executive administrator for Lutheran Association for Church Extension, Inc., for six years. Roser has been with WELS CEF since 2016, working as a loan manager.

Roser says that he appreciates being part of the mission of WELS CEF, which is to support the spreading of the gospel primarily by providing loans and grants to WELS Home Missions congregations. “When you work in the corporate world, it’s a job to support yourself. Working in the non-profit world has a whole different feeling. It becomes a part of who you are,” he says. “There’s a higher meaning to it than just a job. I feel blessed to be working for WELS.”

An active member at Star of Bethlehem, New Berlin, Wis., Roser hopes to build on his years of serving as a church volunteer to help him communicate and work through the process with church treasurers and building committees. “I just pray that I can use whatever skills God has given me for the good of the church,” he says.

WELS CEF helps provide financing to mission congregations so they can purchase land and either build or renovate a worship facility. It also works with established congregations on building projects as funds are available. Loan demand has been high the last few years, according to Roser, with more than $40.8 million of loans disbursed for new construction, facility expansion or purchase, or land purchase in the fiscal year ending June 30, 2024.

Almost 2,800 WELS members, congregations, and affiliates have entrusted WELS CEF with $111 million in member investments. Operational surpluses over the years have enabled WELS CEF to provide $48 million in matching grants to mission congregations and $15.8 million in special grants to Home Missions since 1993.

WELS mission congregations recognize the significance of WELS CEF in getting a building project off the ground. Started as a mission in 2018, Sure Foundation, Brandon, S.D., recently broke ground on a 7,500 sq. ft. facility, which includes a worship space that seats 200, a gathering space, a multi-purpose room, a kitchen, and two classrooms. WELS CEF provided the congregation a grant and loan to purchase land and then another loan to build the church facility. “I appreciate the work of CEF because it allows us to do something that we would never otherwise be able to do—have a permanent space,” says Rev. Craig Wilke, pastor at Sure Foundation. “In our context, a permanent space is a big deal. And while a building will not convert souls, it will give us more opportunities to preach the gospel and connect with people.”

Learn more about the work of WELS CEF at wels.net/cef.

 

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The charitable gift annuity: “The best thing since sliced bread!”

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Marvin and Marilyn Hoepken first learned about the benefits of a charitable gift annuity (CGA) through American Cancer Society mailings: a tax deduction, quarterly annuity payments for life, and a final gift to charity after the Lord takes you to heaven.

Marvin talked to his pastor, Don Patterson, about using a CGA to support WELS ministry, and Pastor Patterson contacted their local WELS Christian giving counselor for help. After speaking to the giving counselor, Marvin was very pleased with the payment rate he’d receive as an 85-year-old, saying, “This is the best thing since sliced bread!”

Ultimately the Hoepkens’ CGA will support WELS Christian Aid and Relief, Martin Luther College, Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary, and their home congregation, Holy Word in Austin, Texas. But Marvin’s favorite part (besides the great rate) is that, instead of taking the quarterly annuity payments, he can give those away as well.

“With a CGA the quarterly distributions can go to whomever you want them to go to,” he explained. “So you can already give things away while you’re still alive.” The Hoepkens plan to use the payments to provide financial assistance to students preparing for ministry (like Martin Luther College students, pictured above).

Their pastor shared that the Hoepkens remind him of the Macedonians in 2 Corinthians 8: “They gave themselves first to the Lord and then begged for an opportunity to share in this work. Because they live for Jesus, it was easy for them to decide to share their blessings with gospel ministries after they find their place in heaven.”

You can fund a gift annuity for yourself, a loved one, or a friend. And you can direct the remainder of the gift to your church, school, synod, area Lutheran high school, or other WELS-affiliated ministry.

To determine whether a charitable gift annuity could be a good way for you to support the ministry or ministries that you love, you can run a personalized gift illustration.

For personal guidance—whether you’d just like to learn more or move forward with setting up a CGA—call WELS Ministry of Christian Giving at 800-827-5482, or e-mail [email protected].

Encouraging opening enrollment numbers at WELS synodical schools

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Fall classes have begun at the four synodical schools. The opening enrollments at the schools are encouraging.

The best news comes from Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary, Mequon, Wis., which opened with a total enrollment of 154, compared to 134 last year. First-year student enrollment is 49, a significant increase from last year’s total of 37.

The enrollment at Martin Luther College, New Ulm, Minn., showed only a slight decrease in total enrollment. This year’s enrollment is 614 compared to 620 last year. But the 2024–25 freshman class of 174 is significantly larger than last year’s class of 150, an encouraging sign for a growing enrollment in the coming years.

Luther Preparatory School, Watertown, Wis., began the school year with 415, a small increase compared to last year’s opening enrollment of 412. The size of the freshman class increased from last year’s 102 to 112 this year. For the first time in some time, the boys in the freshman class outnumber the girls (63 boys and 49 girls). This is significant because that high number of boys is likely to translate into more candidates for the pastoral ministry.

Finally, enrollment at Michigan Lutheran Seminary, Saginaw, Mich., is at 190, down only slightly from 192 in 2023. This year’s freshman enrollment is 49, the same as last year.

These numbers are evidence of God’s blessings on our recruitment efforts—efforts not only undertaken by the four synodical schools but also by pastors, teachers, parents, and grandparents in our congregations. Given the significant shortage of both pastors and teachers, our commitment to encourage young people to prepare for the public ministry needs to continue and increase in the years to come. Continue to ask God to send workers into his harvest field. He will hear and answer those prayers.

Serving with you in Christ,
WELS President Mark Schroeder

 

 

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Kids Connection celebrates 30 years

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Nearly 30 years ago, Kids Connection was born out of a desire to encourage young children to “stay connected to Jesus.” Modeled after its adult counterpart WELS Connection, this monthly video gives school children a glimpse into interesting ministries, stories, people, and programs from around the synod—with the goal of illustrating how kids too can live lives of faith in Jesus.

A ministry of WELS Discipleship, Kids Connection is produced by Mr. Steve Boettcher and Mrs. Kris Snyder, each of whom has been with the program since the very beginning. When they were just getting started, Snyder explains, “we wanted to provide a way for kids to see other kids serving Jesus by serving others and to use the gospel to connect them to each other, to others in WELS, and, most importantly, to Jesus.”

Together with Rev. Tony Schultz, who has been creating and sharing memorable Scripture lessons on-screen since the very beginning, the Kids Connection team has reached kids across multiple generations. Now, as this unique children’s ministry embarks on its milestone 30th season, the team is eager to continue encouraging kids in their walks of faith.

The newest season of Kids Connection introduces two new teen hosts—Ty and Erika. Both are looking forward to acting as role models for their younger peers. “I am most excited about the fact that I get to share God’s Word with students through humor and videos,” says Ty. “It is an awesome opportunity to let my light shine and share the good news with others.” Erika adds, “Having the opportunity to be a role model for Christian kids brings me so much joy just thinking about it. To know that the work that I am doing will help kids connect to their Savior is so special to me.”

While the program currently reaches about 95 percent of WELS schools, the producers ultimately hope to be in every WELS church, school, and early childhood center. They share multiple ways this seven-minute video can be used:

  • Play it during an all-school chapel.
  • Play it in each classroom or at the early childhood center during lunch.
  • View it in church on a different week from WELS Connection.
  • Share it with families with young children who do not attend a WELS school.
  • Share it with homeschooling families.
  • Keep a copy in the church or school library for families to check out for home use.
  • Watch it in after-school programs and youth group gatherings.

Says Snyder, “We pray our audience is using Kids Connection to share the love of Jesus, to inspire each other, to learn, to produce fruit of faith, to grow in faith, to be encouraged, and to ‘stay connected to Jesus.’ ”

Learn more and subscribe at wels.net/kidsconnection.

Kids Connection wants to connect with you!

The production team is compiling a video to celebrate 30 years of ministry. Whether you’ve seen all 30 seasons or just discovered it recently, what is your most memorable Kids Connection moment? How has Kids Connection impacted you, your school, your students, or your ministry? Send your one-minute video, photo, or e-mail to [email protected] by Dec. 31, 2024.

 

 

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2025 VEBA open enrollment and rate changes

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The WELS VEBA Commission will offer a limited open enrollment this fall for eligible workers at participating organizations to join the WELS VEBA health plan, effective Jan. 1, 2025. Limited open enrollment materials will be mailed to eligible workers and organizations by the end of October.

Due to the rising costs of health care and prescription drugs, 2025 VEBA rates will increase by seven percent for all plan options. This inflation-driven increase is in line with projected average national increases in 2025 and is necessary to ensure that the VEBA plan remains well funded to provide benefits for called workers and their families. In addition, new geographic rate regions and rating factors—determined now by zip code rather than state—will be implemented beginning in 2025. This means that the total 2025 VEBA rate change for an organization will be determined by its location and will comprise a combination of the overall seven percent increase and the organization’s regional rating factor. Total 2025 VEBA rate changes will vary from a 0.7 percent decrease to an 18.9 percent increase, depending on the rating factor that applies to a particular region.

The WELS VEBA Commission approved the new rate regions and rating factors so that WELS VEBA rates will better reflect current health care costs across the country. The new regional rating factors will be implemented over three years (2025 through 2027) to ease the financial impact to organizations. With the three-year transition period, the regional rating factor that applies to an organization’s rates for 2025 will also apply to that organization’s rates for 2026 and 2027.

Learn more about the 2025 rate change and find the 2025 VEBA rates for your organization.

 

 

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Musical energy and talent a highlight at the National Worship Conference

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The following summary of the recent WELS National Festival for Worship, Music, and the Arts, held July 31–Aug. 2, in Kenosha, Wis., was written by Rev. Bryan Gerlach. He has served as the director of the WELS Commission on Worship since 1996 and was involved in the development of the new WELS hymnal. He will be retiring this month. He has provided steady and solid leadership in the area of worship, emphasizing the importance of worship that is Christ-centered, focused on law and gospel, and retains the principles of faithful Lutheran worship while incorporating variety and freshness in the liturgies and hymns used in our congregations. We thank God for this gift to his church, and we thank him for his faithful service. —WELS President Mark Schroeder

After a seven-year hiatus, rather than the three-year pattern that began in 1996, it’s not surprising that this year’s conference unleashed a lot of musical energy and talent. One first-time attendee said, “I had heard it would be awesome, but it far exceeded my expectations.” Some regular past attendees said “best ever” about the caliber of the orchestra . . . and the superb cafeteria menu choices.

The conference theme was “Sing to the Lord a New Song.” While the song of the gospel is always new, this conference made extensive use of new songs from the 2021 WELS hymnal suite and beyond, accompanied by a wide variety of instruments in different styles.

Those who couldn’t attend can still enjoy concerts and services at welsworshipconference.net/media. This link also includes service folders, some presentation handouts, and photos. While the impact from these videos isn’t the same as being present with 1,000 people (like a photo of the Grand Canyon can’t compete with standing at the rim), viewers can still enjoy these events. Here are some “not to miss” items:

  • Festival concert: Don’t miss the thrilling final movement of Saint Saens’ “Organ Symphony” and excellent choral music from a 115-voice choir.
  • Plenary address: Jonathan Bauer presented “Lutheran Worship: What Now?” In a context of rapid change, Bauer demonstrates how, as we, confessional Lutherans, are fully equipped to answer this crucial question. It’s available in both video and print.
  • Morning “Alive in Christ” sermons: Hear sermons by Prof. Aaron Christie (Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary), President Richard Gurgel (Martin Luther College), and President em. Paul Wendland (Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary).
  • Closing concert: A rendition of “Amazing Grace” starts with a whisper from the children’s choir (50 voices singing with beautiful tone) accompanied by harp, handbells, and flute. It keeps building until the last stanza, a sonic roar from 1,200 people, full orchestra with lots of percussion, and a kilt-clad bagpiper. (The hymn begins at 1:15 in the video)

The conference wasn’t only for musicians and pastors. Non-musical laypeople from congregations of all sizes selected from many presentation topics. A first-time non-musical attendee said, “My wife twisted my arm to come, but I won’t miss another!”

View all the materials and presentations online.

Note: This conference marked the retirement of Rev. Bryan Gerlach, who has helped plan all nine worship conferences. Conference planning committee chair Rev. Jon Zabell presented Gerlach with a collection of organ music commissioned in thanks to God for his years of service. Gerlach said, “This conference has been quite the going away party. But, seriously, these conferences have been a highlight of my ministry.”

 

Attendees share their edifying experiences at the 2024 WELS National Conference on Worship, Music, and the Arts

 

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WELS endowment funds continue to provide ongoing ministry support

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Thanks to the generosity of God’s people, WELS Foundation distributed $1.4 million for our Savior’s gospel ministry in July from the WELS endowment funds. Established by delegates at the 2005 synod convention, these funds provide ongoing, dependable support for the Lord’s work in WELS Ministerial Education and WELS Home, World, and Joint Missions.

The WELS Joint Missions Endowment managed by WELS Foundation provides support to cross-cultural ministry efforts like the Vietnamese outreach ministry at King of Kings, Garden Grove, Calif. Missionary Trung Lê was installed at King of Kings in August 2023 after graduating from the Pastoral Studies Institute at Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary. Lê leads the congregation’s ministry to its Vietnamese community, which makes up about 40 percent of Garden Grove’s population.

King of Kings shows its love to its Vietnamese-speaking neighbors in a number of ways, including offering U.S. citizenship classes, after which the students are invited to stay for Bible study. Lê has also begun providing English as a Second Language classes twice per week. In addition, he leads two Bible information classes in Vietnamese and is working to form a core group, with the prayer that within the next year or two, he will begin a Vietnamese worship service. “Everything is in God’s will,” Lê says, “but we try our best and see what can happen.”

Lê is grateful for the support provided to the Vietnamese ministry at King of Kings from the Joint Missions Endowment: “It has been a wonderful blessing to have such wonderful help from WELS Joint Missions,” says Lê. “I praise the Lord for that.”

WELS Foundation also manages endowments that are set up by individuals, congregations, and other WELS-affiliated ministries. In total, WELS Foundation distributed $4.5 million from more than 375 endowments this year, providing ongoing financial support for Christ’s gospel work throughout WELS.

“An endowment fund can provide a source of predictable financial support for ministry like the Vietnamese outreach being done in Garden Grove for years to come,” says Mr. Jim Holm, executive director of WELS Foundation. “That’s what makes endowments so impactful and such a blessing to gospel work.”

There are a variety of ways to give to an endowment: cash or appreciated assets; through a will, trust, or beneficiary designation on a retirement account; or with insurance proceeds. To learn more about adding to an existing endowment or establishing a new endowment for a ministry that you love, contact your local WELS Christian giving counselor at wels.net/giving-counselors or call 800-827-5482.

Read more about Trung Lê and the ministry in Garden Grove in Forward in Christ:

https://forwardinchrist.net/huu-trung-le/

https://forwardinchrist.net/one-campus-three-languages/

 

 

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New pictorial book will highlight synod history

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As WELS prepares to celebrate the 175th anniversary of its founding in 2025 under the theme “Christ through us,” Northwestern Publishing House is producing a special book entitled, Christ Through Us: A Pictorial History of the Wisconsin Synod, 1850-2025. In seven chapters, the synod’s history will be told in a fresh and engaging way with over 600 images and numerous short vignettes about important people, places, and events in the history of the Wisconsin Synod.

“The past has shaped who we are,” says Rev. Joel Otto, chairman of the WELS 175 Committee and coauthor of the book. “Learning about God’s work through us and among us leads us to appreciate his grace. And it helps us see where we also fit into his answers to the prayers of his people for new generations of faithful witnesses.”

A special preorder sale for this pictorial history is going on through the end of September. Place your order today to guarantee delivery of this unique volume and receive a 20 percent discount. Find sample pages and ordering information at online.nph.net/175annivbook. Order deadline is Sept. 30, 2024.

This book is just one way that WELS is planning to commemorate its founding. Numerous other resources are being produced to help congregations and individuals celebrate this anniversary and learn more about WELS history, including:

  • documentary-styled videos to accompany the pictorial history;
  • an update of The Wisconsin Synod Lutherans, a book recording the history of the Wisconsin Synod;
  • an online interactive timeline of the synod’s history;
  • worship resources for anniversary services; and
  • multiple articles in synod publications like Forward in Christ, Wisconsin Lutheran Quarterly, and the WELS Historical Institute Journal.

Learn more about WELS’ 175th anniversary at welshistoricalinstitute.org.

 

 

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The Obadiah Lutheran Synod expresses its thanks

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Last January, I had the privilege of attending a special worship service of the Obadiah Lutheran Synod (OLS) in Uganda. Nearly 1,000 members of the Obadiah Lutheran Synod, some traveling for hours, attended this special service celebrating the fellowship that had been declared between our two church bodies at WELS’ 2023 synod convention.

Our synod does not provide operational support for the Obadiah Lutheran Synod. But thanks to special gifts received from WELS members, we are able to help with pastoral training, church building projects, and other special programs.

As you might expect, travel in Uganda can, at times, be very difficult due to bad weather and roads that can become nearly impassable. Since Pastor Makisimu Musa, the president of the synod, spends much time visiting the various congregations and pastors of his synod, reliable transportation is a vital necessity. Thanks to generous gifts from WELS members, the Obadiah Lutheran Synod was able to purchase a used Toyota Land Cruiser.

Pastor Musa would like to express thanks from his entire church body for this gift. He wrote, “It is my pleasure again to say thank you, brother, for your gift of the vehicle to the OLS. This is helping us a lot to do church ministry work in Uganda. Please extend our heartfelt appreciation to the brothers and sisters in WELS for the gift. The gift (vehicle) reminds me of the day you visited us in Uganda to attend our celebration of fellowship and unity in the faith. Thank you for blessing our ministry of the Word in this region of Africa. May the Lord of the church Jesus Christ continue blessing you all for your generous support to the OLS.”

We pray that the gospel ministry being carried out by our brothers and sisters in Uganda will continue to be blessed richly by the Lord.

Serving with you in Christ,
WELS President Mark Schroeder

 

View a short video from the service.

 

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Conference aims to empower women to share God’s Word

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More than 450 women gathered at the Ingleside Hotel in Pewaukee, Wis., from July 28–30 for the WELS Women’s Ministry Conference. Focused on the book of Acts, the conference theme, “Empowered to proclaim: You will be my witnesses,” was carried out in the conference’s worship, Bible study, and presentations.

“The intent of our conference this year was to mobilize women through the work of the Holy Spirit to spread God’s Word and share the saving message of Jesus in their homes, communities, workplaces, local congregations, and anywhere else God has placed them,” explains Dawn Schulz, chair of WELS Women’s Ministry Committee.

Interest in this conference continues to grow since the initial conference in July 2007. This year women came from 25 states and four countries to hear about ministry topics that are relevant to Christians today. Fifteen breakout sessions (with time for each attendee to attend four) complemented the four keynote presentations as well as the opening worship service and three devotions. Conference organizers put together a five-week reading schedule to encourage all attendees to read the entire book of Acts before the conference.

As one attendee noted, “I loved the focus around the Word.”

Learn more at welswmconference.net. Videos of the conference’s keynote presentations and opening worship service will be released there in the coming months.

Reactions from those who attended the National Conference on Worship, Music, and the Arts will be published in the Aug. 20 edition of Together.

Watch highlights of the Women’s Ministry Conference in this Together video update:

 

View photos from the Women’s Ministry Conference:

2024 WELS Women's Ministry Conference

 

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WELS summer events involve thousands

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For a church body the size of WELS, our synod is blessed to be able to provide a wide variety of spring and summer events. Each of those events presents opportunities for worship, spiritual growth, supporting the synod’s mission, training for service in various ways, and Christian fellowship. Some of the events held in 2024 feature all five elements.

Two of the synod’s summer events happen next week:

  • WELS Women’s Ministry Conference
    The WELS Women’s Ministry Conference will be held July 28-30 at the Ingleside Hotel, Pewaukee, Wis. It is a sold-out conference with 450 attendees planning to come.

Several other events occurred earlier this summer:

  • Taste of Missions
    Nearly 500 people attended the annual Taste of Missions on June 15 at Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary, Mequon, Wis., for a day of food, fellowship, fun, and learning about WELS mission work. The event kicked off with a special worship service in the morning, during which nine new home and world missionaries were commissioned.

2024 WELS International Youth Rally

  • WELS International Youth Rally
    From June 25-28, WELS teens had the opportunity to worship together, learn and study God’s Word, grow in faith and fellowship with one another, as well as enjoy recreation and entertainment at the 2024 WELS International Youth Rally. Around 2,200 teens and 600 adults convened at Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colo. This was the second largest rally ever, second only to the 2005 rally in Orlando, Fla.
  • Lutheran Women’s Missionary Society convention
    The 61st annual convention of the Lutheran Women’s Missionary Society (LWMS) in Sioux Falls, S.D., on June 27-30 drew more than 1,000 people for the opening service. This year’s convention theme was “Being Built into a Spiritual House.” Convention highlights included the presentation of more than $100,000 to support WELS Home and World Missions projects and an opportunity to hear about the latest developments from mission administrators. In addition, the LWMS kids c.a.r.e. program received more than $43,000 in 2023–24 to support annual retreats for children of world missionaries who assimilate back to American culture.
  • WELS Night at the Brewers
    More than 2,000 members from around the Midwest enjoyed an evening of fellowship, fun, and baseball at the annual WELS Night at the Brewers on July 12.

    Rev. Paul Lindhorst sang the national anthem at WELS Night at the Brewers.

In addition to those synodwide events, summer is also the time throughout the synod when district or regional gatherings are held. Those include such things as district conventions, Sunday school workshops, marriage retreats, Lutheran summer camps, handbell festivals, and lay leadership retreats.

The popularity of these events indicates that we are a synod whose members are willing to give their time to events that support the mission of the synod and provide them with opportunities to grow in their knowledge and be equipped for service.

Learn more about upcoming events at wels.net/events.

Serving with you in Christ,
WELS President Mark Schroeder

 

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Apache congregations look to offer aid after fire

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Two WELS congregations and one school—Grace Lutheran Church, San Carlos, and Peridot-Our Savior’s Lutheran Church and School, Peridot—were spared any damage when a wildfire swept through parts of the San Carlos Apache Reservation in Arizona on July 11, burning more than 2,000 acres. The fire destroyed 15 homes, displacing 75 people in those communities.

Larger relief organizations provided immediate aid with food, clothing, and personal items to those affected by the fire, but more help will be needed in the weeks and months following the fire. “Now the Lord is giving us an opportunity to help those who aren’t part of our church,” says Rev. Dan Rautenberg, team leader of the Native Christians One Team, who could see the fire burning from his back porch in Peridot.

He continues, “You can’t build a home that quickly. Some of these families will be displaced for quite a length of time. We’re part of the community, and we want to be there and be part of the ongoing support as they get back to their lives.”

Rautenberg says that after reaching out to the families to talk about their needs, the congregations are looking to provide cleaning supplies, tools, and transportation help as these families get back on their feet. They also are working to put together community seminars with counseling for the victims.

The Native Christians One Team will be working closely with WELS Christian Aid and Relief. “In the immediate aftermath of a disaster there is always a lot of help, often more than can be used. Later, interest often wanes and with it the needed assistance,” says Rev. Dan Sims, director of WELS Christian Aid and Relief. “We are excited to be partnering with our Native Christians Mission Team to provide ongoing support to those in need.”

Learn more about Native American Missions at wels.net/missions.

 

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LWMS meets in South Dakota for annual convention

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“We are here tonight, and we are here this weekend to remember and to rejoice again that God too has a long-range building plan. And that includes me and you and every single person that our ministries might touch.”

Rev. Jonathan Schroeder from Sharpsburg, Ga., set the tone for the 61st annual convention of the Lutheran Women’s Missionary Society (LWMS) in Sioux Falls, S.D., with those words from his sermon in the convention’s opening service.

More than 1,000 people gathered for the opening service. Among them was Paula Pease from Maitland, Fla. Attending her first convention, Pease noted, “The opening service was just phenomenal. Hearing a thousand people singing was just very—I’m going to say it—inspiring.”

This year’s convention theme was “Being Built into a Spiritual House.” Attendees learned about the expanding outreach by One Europe and Native Christians Network mission teams.

Conifer Berg presented information on his work as a missionary to the United Kingdom. He explained the importance of attending the convention—his first: “Our church is a group of maybe 70 people, and they feel really alone. So, I think for them to know that there are 1,000 people in this room who believe the same things they do, it’s huge! It’s like we’re not doing this ministry alone. It really is everything to have that support.”

“The convention,” Berg said, “is such a warm event. It’s like a big hug.”

In addition to world missionaries, home missionaries also shared experiences on outreach in Brandon, S.D., and West Des Moines, Iowa.

Workshops included: The Impact of Indigenous Art and Music on Missions, Trends in Engaging Your Community, Navigating Changes with an Unchanging God, The Real Missionary Wives—A Panel of Current and Former Missionary Wives, and a special Zoom presentation: The Lord Is With You, Mighty Warrior from a missionary in Boston, Mass.

Jacky Stoll from Oconto Falls, Wis., the current president of LWMS, marveled, “How amazing it is to hear from the missionaries in the field, engage with them and their families directly, and network with fellow believers from all over the United States and really the world!”

Convention highlights included the presentation of more than $100,000 to support WELS Home and World Missions projects and an opportunity to hear about the latest developments from WELS Home and World Missions administrators. In addition, the LWMS kids c.a.r.e. program received more than $43,000 in 2023-24 to support annual retreats for children of world missionaries who assimilate back to American culture.

For Mary Watson of Tucson, Ariz., the convention did more than inform her about missionaries who serve where she cannot go in person. She remarked, “What impressed me was just how many missions there are and how many of them just start with a single person connected with another single person, and—maybe that’s what I need to learn more about—making connections with other people in my everyday life. You just don’t know where that’s going to end up.”

The 62nd annual LWMS convention is scheduled to take place June 26-29, 2025, in Tulsa, Okla.

View additional photos:
LWMS 2024

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The Word of the Lord grows—from Hong Kong to New Zealand

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The South Asian Lutheran Evangelical Mission (SALEM) is a sister church body comprised of ten congregations located in Hong Kong. This week, five members of SALEM visited our synod’s headquarters in Waukesha, Wis. They had attended the Lutheran Women’s Missionary Society convention and now were visiting various WELS sites in Wisconsin.

What made this visit especially interesting was the report this group shared about a new mission effort in New Zealand. Since 2020, about two dozen members of SALEM moved from Hong Kong to New Zealand. With the help of SALEM, they formed a new mission congregation called SALEM New Zealand Lutheran Church. In the three years since, their group has grown to about 40 Chinese-speaking members. They joyfully described the blessings of their fellowship in this new land, and they were very excited to be sharing the gospel with other Chinese-speaking people there. SALEM will be continuing its support of SALEM New Zealand in the coming years.

The WELS Board for World Missions has provided some modest funding to support their effort. In addition, Missionary Matt Doebler, located in Thailand, will also be providing additional guidance and encouragement to this group.

This is a beautiful reminder that our sister church bodies around the world are not content to keep the gospel for themselves but are also dedicating time and resources to take the gospel to new places and new people.

To get a small glimpse of their faith and mission zeal, you can watch a brief video introducing you to these brothers and sisters in Christ.

Serving with you in Christ,
WELS President Mark Schroeder

 

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