Opening worship examines what Christ did for us

The opening worship service of the 68th Biennial Convention of WELS took place July 21, 2025, in the Chapel of the Christ on the campus of Martin Luther College (MLC), New Ulm, Minn.

Rev. Mark Gabb, administrator for WELS Home Missions, delivered the sermon. WELS President Mark Schroeder served as the presiding minister, while First Vice President James Huebner assisted as cantor.

While this year’s convention theme is “Christ through us,” the sermon Monday evening focused on what Christ has done “for us.”

Gabb said, “And the Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. Can you believe it? God became man. Can you believe it? The God who said, ‘Let there be light,’ came into this sin-darkened world for us.”

A choir of area WELS and Evangelical Lutheran Synod members—in addition to almost 20 musicians—under the direction of MLC Professor Adrian Smith, provided special music. Benjamin Foster, an MLC student, served as organist and choir accompanist.

“I’m a member of a very small church, and it’s great to hear beautiful music and beautiful singing,” comments Mr. Marty Kurth, a member at Bethany, Gibsonia, Penn. “Everybody is very excited to be here. To me, this is one of the main reasons I like to come to this.”

Mr. John Chung, a member at Bethlehem, Carmel, Ind., remarks, “I’m just floored. I don’t think I’ve ever been part of a church service like this. I truly felt blessed. I’m probably one of the youngest delegates here, and I want to keep this church going for another 175 years.”

Gabb closed his sermon by reminding worshipers, “Remember this: The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us to live for us, to die for us, and to equip us to do the work through us.”

The convention devotions on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday will focus on Christ doing his work through us in the core areas of our synodical work: publications, worker training, and missions.

Watch the archived livestream of the service.

View photos from the service