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.
The Conference of Presidents (COP) held its fall meeting Oct. 8-11. Items discussed or decided include:
Serving with you in Christ,
WELS President Mark Schroeder
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.
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.