Organization of WELS Lutheran Seniors (OWLS)
The Lutheran Convention for Seniors
Sponsored by the OWLS
October 13-15, 2026
Sheraton Milwaukee Brookfield Hotel
375 S Moorland Rd Brookfield, WI 53005
Registration for the convention is now open!
The Organization of WELS Lutheran Seniors (OWLS) offers an active alternative to inactivity for people retired and/or 55 years old. To hundreds of members throughout the United States, this organization provides a sense of active purpose. Through involvement, fellowship, mutual support, life enrichment activities and service to others, OWLS members are encouraged and helped to be all that they can be. Interested in joining? Contact the OWLS National Office at 507-217-7671.
The Lutheran Convention for Seniors
Convention Topics and Speakers
Keynote: Pastor Frank Italiano, “Faith Unleashed”
Pastor Frank Italiano serves as the Lead Pastoral Consultant for Faith Unleashed. Pastor Italiano became the Pastor of Discipleship at St. Paul’s Lutheran in Muskego, Wisconsin in 2025. He served at Trinity Lutheran Church in Crete, Illinois for 26 years prior. He is passionate about motivating and equipping members of his church to use their musical gifts and abilities. Recognizing the blessings of getting the right person in the right place in all areas of ministry, Pastor Italiano wants to share what a powerful impact this can have in spreading the Word of God.
Keynote: Jason Spurgin, “Builders for Christ”
Builders for Christ volunteers make it possible for churches and organizations to reach more people with God’s word across the United States and internationally. From helping congregations and schools renovate or build their facility to post-disaster rebuilding and emergency repairs, Builders for Christ volunteers make it their mission to use their construction and building skills to help further God’s kingdom. Many are retired individuals with a passion to share God’s love with others in need.
Workshop: Janis Sierra, “Using a Passion for Flying to Help and Serve Others”
Janis Sierra joined the Army just after high school graduation. She was the only female in her flight school class but quickly added experience, certifications, and “firsts” to her aviation resume. Years later, she would later return to serve as a contract instructor to teach new Army aviators. In April, 1987, Janis became the first female Emergency Medical Services helicopter pilot in the United States and joined Flight for Life Emergency Medical Transport. She will share how she got there and why she went back up in the air after retirement from flying in the military. Janis is a member of Morning Star Lutheran Church in Jackson Wisconsin.
Workshop: Tom Metzger, “Elder Care Ministries”
Mr. Tom Metzger is the Executive Director of Martin Luther Elder Care Ministries in Michigan. In June 2013, Martin Luther Elder Care Ministries (MLECM) began the implementation of a new Elder Care Ministry in the Benton Harbor/St. Joseph area. The Lord has certainly blessed this program. Today, the Elder Care Ministry includes 40 pastors who together serve 94 different elder care facilities with weekly worship services. These elder care facilities are located across Lower Michigan. Total weekly attendance exceeds 1,000 people, many of whom are not WELS members. They are providing unique experiences in serving seniors and involving seniors in service.
Workshop: Pastor Jonathan Fischer, “Distinctive Religious Group Leaders”
Distinctive Religious Group Leaders (DRGL) is a program designed to meet the spiritual needs of WELS members in the military. Pastor Fischer is pastor at Our Savior in Grafton and has been involved in this program for several years. The goal of the program is to bring Lutheran services to military members in smaller units such as the National Guard. One of the ways the military allows WELS to provide Word and sacrament to members on military bases is to train WELS pastors and laypeople to be religious lay leaders. Pastor Fischer will share his experiences in the program and in training service members for this role.
Workshop: Susan Willems, “WELS Archives”
In 2016, Susan was hired as WELS first full time professionally trained archivist for the synod. In the past the archives was managed by volunteers most of whom were retired pastors or teachers for the synod. She assisted as WELS began moving the synod archives from Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary, Mequon, Wis., to a purpose-built archival space, designed to preserve and organize historical WELS documents, books, and artifacts at the WELS Center for Mission and Ministry, Waukesha, Wisconsin. In conjunction with the archives, a visitor’s center was built to help show the history and mission of WELS. Materials from the archives also are on display.
Workshop: Lisa Olsen and Fay Boelk, “Second Impressions Thrift Store”
Second Impressions is located in Fond du lac, WI. This Christian based retail thrift store strives to repurpose lightly used clothing, furniture, and house-ware products. Our mission is for residents of Fond du Lac and the surrounding areas to have access to good quality, affordable products, in a clean, comfortable, Christian atmosphere. Profits that are generated from these sales are used to support Winnebago Lutheran Academy as well as other charitable organizations throughout East Central Wisconsin. It is a special place for all generations to volunteer, socialize, and find great bargains.
Entertainment: WISCO Kids
WISCO Kids is an auditioned co-curricular show choir of 10-12th graders from Wisconsin Lutheran High School in Milwaukee, Wisconsin combining high energy vocals and choreography. WISCO Kids has a long-standing tradition of performance excellence, as this year marks the 50th anniversary of the ensemble.
Tuesday, October 13
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 10:30 a.m. | Registration begins |
| 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. | Board meeting (OWLS Officers & Directors) |
| 12:30 – 1:30 p.m. | Opening Convention Service |
| 2:00 – 3:00 p.m. | Keynote #1: “Faith Unleashed” – Pastor Frank Italiano |
| 3:00 – 4:00 p.m. | Hotel check in, Silent Auction open for bidding, visit exhibits |
| 4:00 – 5:00 p.m. | Open Forum |
| 5:00 – 6:00 p.m. | Happy Hour, Silent Auction open for bidding, visit exhibits |
| 6:00 – 7:15 p.m. | Dinner |
| 7:30 – 8:30 p.m. | OWLS Annual Meeting |
Wednesday, October 14
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 6:30 – 8:00 a.m. | Breakfast – Provided by Sheraton for registered hotel guests |
| 8:15 – 8:45 a.m. | Morning Devotion |
| 9:00 – 10:00 a.m. | Keynote #2: “Builders for Christ” – Jason Spurgin |
| 10:15 – 10:45 a.m. | Update on the European Civilian Chaplaincy by Pastor Gaertner |
| 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. | Workshop #1: “Passion for Flying to Help/Serve” – Janis Sierra |
| 12:15 – 1:30 p.m. | Convention Lunch |
| 1:30 – 2:30 p.m. | Workshop #2: “Elder Care Ministries” – Tom Metzger |
| 2:45 – 3:45 p.m. | Workshop #3: “Distinctive Religious Group Leaders” – Pastor Jonathan Fischer |
| 4:00 – 5:30 p.m. | Happy Hour, Silent Auction viewing/bidding, view exhibits |
| 4:45 – 5:30 p.m. | Silent auction bidding closes. Payment and pickup of items. |
| 5:30 – 7:00 p.m. | Banquet |
| 7:15 – 8:30 p.m. | Entertainment – WISCO Kids |
Thursday, October 15
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 6:30 – 8:00 a.m. | Breakfast – Provided by Sheraton for registered hotel guests |
| 8:00 – 8:10 a.m. | Morning Devotion |
| 8:15 – 9:15 a.m. | Workshop #4: “WELS Archives” – Susan Willems |
| 9:20 – 10:20 a.m. | Workshop #5: “Second Impressions Thrift Store” – Lisa Olsen & Faye Boelk |
| 10:30 a.m. – 10:40 p.m. | Closing Convention Devotion and installation of officers |
| 10:40 – 11:00 a.m. | Hotel check out |
| 11:15 – 11:45 a.m. | Board Meeting |
More About OWLS
The Organization of WELS Lutheran Seniors (OWLS) offers an active alternative to inactivity for people retired and/or 55 years old. To hundreds of members throughout the United States, this organization provides a sense of active purpose. Through involvement, fellowship, mutual support, life enrichment activities and service to others, OWLS members are encouraged and helped to be all that they can be. Interested in joining? Contact the OWLS National Office at 507-217-7671.
Why become a member?
Being a part of OWLS will provide opportunities for Christ-centered involvement that will enrich your life.
Nursing home ministry
The nursing home ministry is an outreach program to the un-churched in nursing homes. This is an opportunity to share the Word with the promise of a Savior who died for all sinners and ensures a heavenly home for all believers. Instructions and devotions will be provided to chapters and members-at-large who would like to participate.
Gospel outreach
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16). This is reason enough to be involved in evangelistic outreach. In word and deed, members of this organization share the gospel through individual and group efforts and by supporting the evangelism work of the congregation and synod.
Crossing generations
Christians with lots of life experience have much to offer young people and can also find great blessings in working with them. You can request a booklet, “Crossing Generations” which is full of suggestions for young people and older members to benefit from each other and be a blessing across generations.
Prison ministry
OWLS chapters and individual members support WELS Prison Ministry financially and through volunteer participation. Activities include distributing materials, serving as pen pals, correcting tests, and making greeting cards and bookmarks for prisoners. The organization’s spiritual advisor writes a special letter every few months to prisoners who have no pen pal. Some congregations collect used copies of Meditation devotions and forward them to the WELS Prison Ministry office. There volunteers prepare them to be distributed to thousands of waiting prisoners.
European chaplaincy
OWLS is justly proud to be the major supporter of the WELS Civilian Chaplaincy to military and civilians living in Europe. Every year OWLS members and OWLS chapters raise enough money to fund the salary of the Civilian Chaplain who visits our service people and civilians who are in Europe.
Endowment
When a person has used and enhanced his or her gifts and abilities over the course of many years, it is not only good stewardship but an extension of godly love to share such skill and knowledge with others. Wills and estate planning and charitable gifting are part of Christian stewardship and God-given opportunities to put love and faith into action for one’s family as well as for the Lord.
Spiritual growth
This organization is keenly aware of the need for continual spiritual growth. Hostel, retreats, and workshops all provide a rich source of encouragement, fellowship, and information that is part of that growth. The organization’s spiritual advisor writes a message for each issue of the newsletter, New Horizons, mailed to members four times each year.
Cultural growth
An active and fulfilling life involves the whole person. The mind as well as the body and should must be fed. Tours like the “arm-chair” tours at convention or vacation tours planned with a Christian agency provide members with God-pleasing activities that contribute to the nourishment of the mind.
Personal growth
The OWLS know how to have fun and appreciate the lighter side of life as much as anyone. Recreational activities are a regular part of its activities. Hobbies, collectibles, and items from the past are shared at conventions, and new ideas for personal growth are presented at workshops and hostels and in the newsletter where a good joke can always bring a laugh.
Sharing
When a person has used and enhanced his or her gifts and abilities over the course of many years, it is not only good stewardship but an extension of godly love to share such skills and knowledge with others. This organization makes a practice of counseling and coaching especially in the area of finance.
Fellowship and Friendship
In local chapters and across the nation, involvement in OWLS provides opportunities to make new friends and deepen relationships, as OWLS not only serve together but learn and relax together. A high point of OWLS fellowship and friendship building is the annual OWLS Convention for Seniors. Read about our most recent Convention for Seniors.