July 18-20, 2025
St. Paul Lutheran Church, Lake Mills, Wis.
“See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands” (Isaiah 49:16).
God became a man so he could use his hands to serve us. He used his hands to heal the sick. He used his hands to feed the hungry. And best of all, he used his hands to win for us salvation. Not only were his hands nailed to a cross, where he suffered and died for us, but his hands now hold us and keep us safe in his church, so that no one, not even Satan himself, can harm us. What comfort it is that we are engraved on the palms of his hands.
Now that we are engraved on the palms of his hands, God will use all of us as his hands here on earth to serve one another in love. Whether you are deaf, hard of hearing, or hearing; whether you are a pastor or teacher; whether you are an interpreter or have only had limited connections with the deaf or hard of hearing, God can and will use all of us as his hands to serve each other in love and proclaim the gospel to each other, regardless of your ability, skill, or language. Christ died for ALL to save ALL.
Conference goal
The conference aims to provide the Deaf and Hard of Hearing with informative and usable knowledge on how to serve God’s church and how others can support their “hands”.
Who should attend?
Our conference is designed to serve the deaf and hard of hearing community and anyone who offers services to them. We want to provide a setting where all can learn how God used his hands to save us and how we now get to be the hands of God in various ways to serve one another in love.
ASL interpreters, captioning, and hearing loops will be provided at the conference as well.
About WELS Mission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing
WELS Mission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (MDHH) seeks to help congregations share the gospel of Jesus Christ with members of WELS and others who are deaf or hard of hearing. Learn more about MDHH through the links below.
Keynote presentation: Rev. Daniel Frey, “Hands of God”
In Isaiah 49:16, the Lord says through the prophet Isaiah, “See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands.” During the keynote, attendees will focus on two parts of this theme passage.
First, we will focus on the fact that God now has hands since he took on human flesh in the womb of his virgin mother. He has hands that were nailed to a cross to save you. He has hands that have pulled you out of your sins and brought you into his family. He has hands that are holding you safely in his family, protecting you from all harm and danger. You are engraved on the palms of his hands. This means that he loves you and has saved you.
Second, we will focus on how God now uses all of us as his hands here on earth. God wants to give blessings to his people. And he uses all of us—deaf, hard of hearing, interpreters, pastors, and lay members—to give out those blessings. In all our various vocations, whether it is in our family or at work or in our everyday life, God will use us, as his hands, to bless other people. We will especially focus on how God uses us as his hands to serve the deaf and hard of hearing with the gospel. You are engraved on the palms of his hands. This means that he will use you to show love to and serve one another.
Registration cost
$100-$120/attendee
Breakout sessions
Benjamin Olson, "Tech Devices in Church for the Deaf/Hard of Hearing"
Breakout session: “Tech Devices in Church for the Deaf/Hard of Hearing”
in this session, discover how churches are using technology to create more inclusive worship experiences for Deaf and Hard of Hearing individuals. This interactive workshop explores a range of tools—from assistive listening systems and real-time captioning to live-stream interpreting and visual worship aids. Whether you’re a church leader, tech volunteer, or member of the Deaf community, you’ll gain practical insight into how technology can foster connection, participation, and accessibility in faith settings. Join us to learn, share, and be inspired by real-life success stories and creative solutions.
Bio:
Ben Olson, a CODA and founder of CODA Brothers Interpreting, has lived in Loveland, CO, since July 2024. Originally from the Twin Cities, he moved to be near his wife’s family. A former ASL instructor at St. Croix Lutheran Academy and teacher for the Deaf/Hard of Hearing, Ben and his brother Andy are active in Living Hope Lutheran Church, which offers signed services online (bllh.org). Their deaf father passed away in May 2021. Ben’s wife is a nurse, and they have three children.
Living Hope Lutheran, part of Bloomington Living Hope Lutheran, has a strong commitment to the Deaf and signing community. During COVID-19, the church expanded its video ministry, making ASL-interpreted services more accessible. Ben is actively involved in a Deaf Bible study, which meets both in-person and virtually. Ben long envisioned online, ASL-interpreted split-screen sermons, now featured on gospelhands.net as ASL Signing Sermons. His CODA Brothers YouTube channel blends ASL interpreting, Deaf culture, and the CODA experience with humor and education.
Pastor Dan Frey, "How to Welcome Deaf/Hard of Hearing Guests at Church"
Breakout session: “How to Welcome Deaf/Hard of Hearing Guests at Church”
The devil is always trying to prevent people from hearing the gospel, since the gospel takes away his power and brings people into the family of God. So the devil will do whatever he can to cause stumbling blocks to arise so that all people, including those who are deaf or hard of hearing, can’t hear the gospel.
During this workshop, we will focus on doing whatever we can to welcome the deaf and hard of hearing into our congregations so they can hear the gospel. We will also talk about what stumbling blocks could prevent the deaf and hard of hearing from hearing the gospel. We will especially focus on how the gospel has the power to overcome any stumbling block to bring the deaf and hard of hearing to saving faith in Christ, so that all God’s people, whether they are hearing, deaf, or hard of hearing, can be united in the holy Christian church.
Bio:
Pastor Dan Frey is a 2004 graduate of Martin Luther College and a 2008 graduate of Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary. Upon graduation from the seminary, he was assigned to Gethsemane Lutheran Church, Lee’s Summit, Mo., where for the past 17 years he has been a pastor.
For the last ten years, Pastor Frey has been working with the deaf to proclaim the gospel to them. He has learned a little bit of sign language and is able to communicate with his deaf members one on one. Currently Gethsemane has four adult deaf members and several deaf children. All its services are interpreted for the deaf.
Pastor Frey is originally from Michigan. He is blessed with a wife, Angela, and three kids, Anna (15), Molly (14), and Silas (11). He enjoys spending time with his family. In his spare time, he enjoys all sports, especially rooting for all of his Michigan teams. He is looking forward to presenting at the Hands of God Conference.
Monica Brandt, "Gospel Hands"
Wendy Hughes, Nicki Barbas, and Keri Decelles, "Understanding Deaf Culture"
Breakout Session: “Understanding Deaf Culture”
Learn the basics of Deaf culture, their language, and how to approach them in an appropriate (Deaf-friendly!) way The session will also discuss the differences between English and ASL.
Bios:
Wendy Hughes,(Deaf), is a member of St. Peter Ev Lutheran church, Schofield, WI. Wendy has worked for 10 years as a Deaf Mentor at Northcentral Technical College under the Sign Language Interpreting Education program.
Nicki Barabas, (Deaf), attended Martin Luther College and has been teaching first grade (hearing) at Grace Lutheran, St. Joseph, MI for the past six years. Nicki grew up Deaf with her hearing family (except her sister who is Deaf). She grew up lipreading and mainstreaming and started picking up sign language in high school and college.
Keri Decelles, (Deaf), is a 2010 graduate of Gallaudet University. Keri worked at the University of Connecticut as a research assistant with the Linguistics department related to sign languages from 2013-2015. She is currently working as a Deaf-on-Deaf Interpreter at Ft Myers High School since 2016. She is a member of Abiding Love Lutheran Church, Cape Coral, FL.
Pastor Joel Gaertner, "Understanding Religious Symbols & Terms"
Breakout session: “Understanding Religious Symbols & Terms”
Just as we have signs on the side of the road, on buildings and in other places to give us information and directions, the Christian Church has had symbols and terms to help give visual representation and also a pictorial understanding of our Christian faith and things related to it. In this workshop, Pastor Gaertner will give an overview of some of the more important and well-recognized religious symbols and terms which we use to share our faith in a visual or pictorial way.
Bio:
Pastor Joel Gaertner served as a parish pastor for 23 years serving congregations in Florence, KY; Algoma, WI, and Fond du Lac, WI. From 2013-2023 he served as Vice President of Ministry for The Lutheran Home Association and National Director of Jesus Cares Ministries. Since June of 2023 he has served as the Director of WELS Special Ministries supporting the work of the Mission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing as well as the other seven areas of WELS Special Ministries. He and his wife, LuAnn have two married children and four grandchildren.
Pastor Aaron Duve, "Introduction to Martin Luther"
Breakout session: “Introduction to Martin Luther”
Have you ever wondered why we are called Lutherans? What about a guy who lived 500 years ago who would make people still today identify themselves with his name? Join Pastor Duve as we look back to see who Martin Luther was and more importantly what he had to say.
Bio:
Pastor Aaron Duve was born in Saginaw, Michigan. He attended public school until he enrolled at Martin Luther College in New Ulm, Minnesota. During his elementary school years, he attended his local school which also happened to be the county’s mainstream school for the deaf. When it came time for high school Pastor Duve chose American Sign Language as his foreign language. While at Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary, Pastor Duve joined the Mission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing and served on the committee for six years. Currently, Pastor Duve serves a congregation in Port Huron, Michigan.
Panel Discussion, "How Deaf Share Their Faith"
Benjamin Olson, "How to Set up a Deaf Bible Study in Your Congregation"
Breakout session: “How to Set up a Deaf Bible Study in Your Congregation”
This session features a comprehensive workshop designed to help you establish a Deaf-only Bible study group within your congregation, starting from the ground up.
The workshop will guide participants through key considerations and practical steps, including:
- Choosing the Right Curriculum: Exploring various Deaf Bible study curriculum options tailored to meet the needs of the Deaf community.
- Structuring Your Sessions: Determining the ideal length and frequency of Bible studies for maximum engagement.
- Online vs. In-Person: Weighing the benefits and challenges of virtual and face-to-face gatherings.
- Understanding “Deaf-Only”: What it means to create a space specifically for deaf individuals and why it matters.
- Designing Deaf-Friendly Spaces: Tips for arranging your environment to support visual communication and accessibility.
- Hands-On Experience: Participate in a brief, condensed Deaf Bible study session to see it in action.
Join us to learn how to build an inclusive and meaningful spiritual space for the Deaf community within your congregation.
Bio:
Ben Olson, a CODA and founder of CODA Brothers Interpreting, has lived in Loveland, CO, since July 2024. Originally from the Twin Cities, he moved to be near his wife’s family. A former ASL instructor at St. Croix Lutheran Academy and teacher for the Deaf/Hard of Hearing, Ben and his brother Andy are active in Living Hope Lutheran Church, which offers signed services online (bllh.org). Their deaf father passed away in May 2021. Ben’s wife is a nurse, and they have three children.
Living Hope Lutheran, part of Bloomington Living Hope Lutheran, has a strong commitment to the Deaf and signing community. During COVID-19, the church expanded its video ministry, making ASL-interpreted services more accessible. Ben is actively involved in a Deaf Bible study, which meets both in-person and virtually. Ben long envisioned online, ASL-interpreted split-screen sermons, now featured on gospelhands.net as ASL Signing Sermons. His CODA Brothers YouTube channel blends ASL interpreting, Deaf culture, and the CODA experience with humor and education.
"Interpreter Round Table: Learning Together”
Breakout session: “Interpreter Round Table: Learning Together”
Whether you’re a seasoned professional, a novice, or somewhere in between, this session is for you! This discussion is open to both hearing and Deaf interpreters and offers a non-judgmental and collaborative safe space. No question or topic is prohibited. There’s so much we can learn from each other when we all come together. Bring a question or just come as you are! Discussion topics include:
- Personal reflection on spiritual interpreting
- Sermon and worship preparation
- The spirit of teaming and collaboration
- Real-world challenges and solutions in religious settings
“Making Church Music Deaf-Friendly”
Breakout session: “Making Church Music Deaf-Friendly”
Learn how to bring worship music to life for Deaf and hard of hearing congregants! Discover fresh ways to prepare and interpret worship songs while making them accessible and engaging for the Deaf community. This training will help you:
- Transform worship music into dynamic worship pieces
- Interpret instrumentals creatively
- Use poetic parameters to add depth and artistry
- Build stage presence and confidence
- Increase awareness of cultural needs
Friday, July 18, 2025
| Activity | Time |
|---|---|
| Check-in/Registration | 5:00 p.m. |
| Entertainment and Fellowship | 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. |
Friday entertainment and fellowship
Game Show
Join us for Name the Board Game! This fun game show will be presented by Wendy Hughes.
Presented by HOWL
Hands of Worship and Light (HOWL) is a non-profit organization whose mission is “Strengthening access to Jesus for Deaf, Deaf Blind, and Hard of Hearing people and the communities that serve them.” We are a fellowship of individuals united in faith and passionate about sharing God’s love with the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, as well as the Interpreter Community. Since our launch in 2023, we have offered livestreamed Nights of Worship on Facebook, workshops, training, daily devotions for the Deaf Blind, round tables, HOWLfests, and ministry support. We help establish, sustain, and grow programs serving Deaf and Hard of Hearing communities nationwide.
“Come and Share Your Hands of Worship and Light”
Join us for a memorable evening of worship and fellowship to kick off the 2025 WELS MDHH “Hands of God” conference. Hands of Worship and Light (HOWL) will lead a powerful night of worship featuring signing and praise to our great Creator through the music of our souls. Collectively, we will open our hearts and lift our hands to the Lord.
If you have a specific song request, please send it in advance to Torri at [email protected]
Carpe Diem Opportunity!
Prepare a song and share it. Yes! You too can lead others in worship! HOWL is ready to support you with captions, increased volume, sign support, and whatever else you might need to help you share worship. You can send your song selection to HOWL in advance by emailing Torri.
Let our hands be used by Him!
Saturday, July 19, 2025
| Activity | Time |
|---|---|
| Check-in/Registration | 8:00 a.m. |
| Opening Devotion | 8:30 a.m. |
| Keynote Presentation | 9:00 – 10:30 a.m. |
| Break | 10:30 a.m. |
| Breakouts Session 1 | 11:00 a.m. |
| Lunch (provided) | 12:00 p.m. |
| Breakouts Session 2 | 1:00 p.m. |
| Break | 2:00 p.m. |
| Breakouts Session 3 | 2:15 p.m. |
| Break | 3:15 p.m. |
| Breakouts Session 4 | 3:30 p.m. |
| Fellowship/Dinner (provided) | 4:30 p.m. |
| Jesus Movie | 6:00 p.m. |
| Closing | 9:00 p.m. |
Movie Description
"Jesus: A Deaf Missions Film"
Jesus: A Deaf Missions Film is a groundbreaking portrayal of the life of Christ, presented entirely in American Sign Language (ASL). Created by deaf producers, actors, and crew, this film offers an authentic, visual-first experience of the Gospel designed specifically for deaf audiences. With rich storytelling and powerful performances, Jesus brings the message of hope, love, and salvation to life in a way that resonates deeply with the Deaf community. Whether you’re deaf, hard of hearing, or hearing, this film is a unique opportunity to experience the story of Jesus through the heart and hands of the Deaf world.
Sunday, July 20, 2025
| Activity | Time |
|---|---|
| Worship Service Interpreter/Audio Loop | 8:00 a.m. |
| Jesus Movie Q&A | 9:15 a.m. |
| Worship Service Interpreter/Audio Loop | 10:30 a.m. |
Travel information
Comfort Suites Johnson Creek Conference Center WI127
Comfort Suites Johnson Creek Conference Center WI127
Phone number: (585) 205-7058
Address: 725 Paradise Lane, Johnson Creek, WI 53038
King or 2 Queens – $113
Best Western Plus in Jefferson
Best Western Plus in Jefferson
Phone number: (920) 541-3900
Address: 1409 W Junction Rd, Jefferson, WI 53549
Standard double queen – $169
Standard king – $159
Comfort Suites Cottage Grove
Comfort Suites Cottage Grove
Phone number: (608) 839-0366
Address: 1607 Landmark Drive, Cottage Grove, WI, 53527
King or 2 Queens – $149
Days Inn by Wyndham Johnson Creek
Days Inn by Wyndham Johnson Creek
Phone number: (920-699-8000)
Address: W 4545 Linmar Lane, Johnson Creek, Wisconsin, 53038
2 queens – $119
Standard king – $109
DAILY DEVOTIONS
Read today’s daily devotion or browse the archive, which has several months’ worth of devotions to uplift and encourage you with the Word.
SYNOD EVENTS
Interested in attending choir concerts, leadership conferences, and retreats? View upcoming synod-level events and attend an event in your area.