Online services extend gospel reach
Jesus Cares Ministries is offering a way to reach out with the gospel to more individuals with special needs—through monthly livestreamed and online simplified...
Reflections on Lutheran leadership
These National Conference on Lutheran Leadership presenters offer a perspective of what Lutheran leadership means to them, helping each of us reflect on how we can...
Partnering to spread God’s Word in Kenya and Ethiopia
In October 2022, WELS President Mark Schroeder visited two of WELS’ sister synods in Africa—the Lutheran Congregations in Mission for Christ–Kenya and the...
Sewing class makes a community impact
At Wisconsin Lutheran High School (WLHS), Milwaukee, Wis., Patti Wenzel has cultivated a comfortable classroom environment that supports students as they learn to...
Using images to tell God’s story
Terry Schultz, artistic development missionary for Multi-Language Productions, is a firm believer in the adage, “A picture is worth a thousand words.” That picture...
Teens gather at area WELS Youth Nights
This past fall, almost 30 congregations hosted WELS Youth Nights, offering area-congregation teens and youth leaders opportunities to grow in God’s Word and build...
Meet FIC’s new executive editor
This month, James Pope begins as executive editor for Forward in Christ magazine. He brings a variety of experiences to this ministry, including serving parishes...
District news: January 2023
DAKOTA-MONTANA Grace, Minot, N.D., dedicated its newly remodeled worship facility on Oct. 30, 2022. This WELS home mission received support from WELS Church Extension...
Christian Worship Lectionary January 2023
January 1: Isaiah 61:1-11; Luke 1:57-80 January 2: Isaiah 62:1-12; Luke 2:1-20 January 3: Isaiah 63:1-14; Luke 2:21-40 January 4: Isaiah 63:15–65:2; Luke 2:41-52...
Psalms for the seasons of life: January
Jan. 1–7 Psalm 1 : “We often use the word law to refer to God’s commandments, in which he tells us what to do. But in this psalm and in many other passages...
Psalms for the seasons of life: A preview
Next month Forward in Christ will start a new Bible reading series focused on the book of Psalms. Over six months we will read the book from start to finish. Online...
Favorite Christmas hymns
Singing and listening to Christmas carols throughout the month of December is a highlight for many Lutherans. We asked you, our readers, to tell us your favorite...
Supporting the family of believers
In October, Baroque Plus, a Ukrainian musical group that includes members of the Ukrainian Lutheran Church (ULC), traveled to Germany to present concerts at several...
Students gain hands-on experiences in home missions—and more
“When the Board for Home Missions announced the initiative to open 100 new missions in 10 years, at Michigan Lutheran Seminary (MLS) we contemplated how we could...
Growth and partnership in Indonesia
In July 2022, WELS Friendly Counselor Gregory Bey made his first visit to Indonesia since the pandemic began. Bey attended the convention of WELS’ sister synod...
District news: December 2022
ARIZONA-CALIFORNIA On Sept. 25, Cross of Glory, Peoria, Ariz., held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for its new classrooms. NORTHERN WISCONSIN St. Luke’s, Oakfield,...
A new chapter for John Braun—and Forward in Christ
After 16 years of service as executive editor of Forward in Christ, John Braun is retiring effective Dec. 31. This is his final issue. “One of the things that...
WELS Christian Aid and Relief responds to Hurricane Ian
Hurricane Ian made landfall in Florida on Sept. 28 as a powerful Category 4 storm. Thirteen WELS congregations were in the vicinity of the storm and had varied degrees...
Congregation celebrates 200 years
This past fall, St. Paul’s, a WELS congregation in Columbus, Ohio, celebrated its 200th anniversary. While St. Paul’s is not a founding congregation for the...
Small church creates big labor of love
Many WELS churches feature stained glass windows that beautify their worship space. But not many of those churches take on the big task of designing, creating, and...
Reaching new neighbors
God planted a cross-cultural mission field right outside the doors of Our Savior, San Antonio, Texas. Across the highway from the congregation is the USAA insurance...
District news: November 2022
ARIZONA-CALIFORNIA On Aug. 20, a pickup truck crashed into Cross of Christ, Las Cruces, N.M., as member Julie Baker was practicing keyboard to prepare for worship...
Military teen confirmed virtually
As a military family, the Kassebaums have lived in 10 different locations over the past 19 years. Most recently, Colonel Paul Kassebaum was stationed in Germany...
WELS podcasts: Little Things
Podcast: Little Things Hosts: Amber Albee Swenson, a Time of Grace writer and blogger Description: “Amber Albee Swenson will help you navigate through some of...