Tag Archive for: Together05202025

2025 Martin Luther College commencement events

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Fri., May 16, and Sat., May 17, marked the commencement of the 2025 graduating class of WELS teachers, staff ministers, and pastoral students from Martin Luther College, New Ulm, Minn.

Friday night featured a commencement concert, and on Saturday, the synod’s college of ministry held a graduation service and a call service, where graduating teachers and staff ministers learned where they would begin their full-time ministry. Graduating pastor-track students will continue their education at Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary, Mequon, Wis.

Watch the recorded livestreams of the services and view the assignment list.

 

 

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2025 synod convention planning continues

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The 68th WELS biennial synod convention will take place July 21-24 at Martin Luther College in New Ulm, Minn. Nearly 400 voting delegates—composed of pastors, teachers, staff ministers, and laymen—will attend, along with several dozen advisory delegates.

The Book of Reports and Memorials (BORAM), which contains the information to be considered by the convention, is now available online at welsconvention.net/boram. Hard copies of BORAM have been sent to all delegates, congregations, and male called workers.

Some of the important items to be discussed or decided at the convention are:

  • The declaration of fellowship between WELS and the Africa Mission Evangelism Church (AMEC) of Tanzania. Discussions have been taking place with representatives of AMEC for several years, and those discussions have determined that WELS and AMEC are united in doctrine and practice.
  • Two proposals to change the way synod officers are elected. Both proposals involve seeking nominations prior to the convention and publicizing the final ballot in early summer before the convention convenes. This would give delegates an opportunity to learn more about the candidates and would also give nominees time to think about their decision, if elected, in advance of the actual election.
  • The synod will have the opportunity to adopt a new long-range strategic plan entitled “Christ through us,” which will serve as a guide for the synod as it carries out its mission over the next ten years.
  • Elections will be held for various positions, including first vice president and recording secretary.
  • Every area of ministry will report on its work during the past year and outline plans for the future.
  • The convention essay will be delivered by Rev. Joel Otto, professor at Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary, Mequon, Wis., focusing on the 175-year history of the synod. Prof. Paul Koelpin will also give an evening presentation on the history of Martin Luther College.
  • Several memorials (requests for convention action) will also be considered.

We pray that God will bless the decisions of the convention and will provide delegates with important information they will be able to share with their own congregation and congregations in their area.

Serving with you in Christ,
WELS President Mark Schroeder

 

 

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Virtual high school celebrates first graduation

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Amazing Grace Virtual Academy (AGVA), a fully accredited online WELS high school, celebrated a milestone May 15 with its first graduation of fully online learners.

Three students graduated high school in a virtual ceremony, participating from their homes in South Dakota, Wisconsin, and Michigan.

“This milestone to be able to issue high school diplomas to its first graduating class is yet another example of how AGVA has been extremely blessed by a gracious God over its first 14 years of existence,” says Dr. James Grunwald, AGVA’s executive director.

Amazing Grace Virtual Academy (known for a time as ALHS Online) has been offering high-quality online courses since 2011 to supplement the class offerings of WELS and Evangelical Lutheran Synod high schools and elementary schools. With more inquiries from families who didn’t have the opportunity to send their children to one of WELS’ 30 Lutheran high schools, the academy decided to expand its offerings, enrolling its first full-time students in 2022. Currently 18 students are taking classes full time and 381 are taking individual courses.

The academy serves a diverse student population, including Lutheran school students whose schools don’t offer all of the courses that meet their learning interests or specific course needs, home-schooled students, students from public schools seeking additional courses, and learners with medical or personal constraints that limit traditional schooling.

Grunwald is stepping down as the academy’s full-time executive director this year but will continue to serve part time through June 2026. “Being a part of AGVA since its beginning 14 years ago and working with extremely dedicated students, partner schools, instructors, and fellow administrators has been a true blessing,” he says. “To God be the glory!”

Learn more at amazinggraceva.org. Read more about AGVA’s first graduation at forwardinchrist.net/online-partnership.

 

 

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WELS Christian Aid and Relief cleans up after Wisconsin tornadoes

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This past Saturday, about 40 WELS Christian Aid and Relief volunteers gathered in Juneau, Wis., to clear tree branches and other debris caused by a tornado that touched down in the community on May 15. Using supplies from one of the WELS Christian Aid and Relief disaster relief trailers, along with their own tools, multiple volunteers were able to chop up the tree debris and move it out of the way. They made quick work at the home of one WELS member and then moved on to a few others.

Additional local cleanup efforts were organized, including one by Lakeside Lutheran High School, which helped to clear debris for a family from Lakeside whose farm was heavily damaged. In the midst of these hardships, it’s wonderful to see God’s people reaching out with love and compassion to assist those who are hurting.

Learn more about Christian Aid and Relief and how to volunteer at wels.net/relief.

Update provided by Rev. Daniel Sims, director, WELS Christian Aid and Relief

 

 

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