Mission trips provide new perspectives and opportunities
For the past five years, teens from St. John, Wauwatosa, Wis., have hit the road each summer to drive across the country. What were they doing? Helping mission churches...
Lutheran leadership conference a success
WELS Congregational Services hosted the first ever WELS National Conference on Lutheran Leadership in Chicago, Jan. 21–23. Approximately 800 people, representing...
A new twist on vacation Bible school
Last summer, St. Peter, Modesto, Calif., decided to try something new with its summer programs for kids. The congregation had been conducting a morning soccer Bible...
Members support Vietnam outreach
In 2018, God’s grace opened the door to an unprecedented mission opportunity for our synod. The communist Vietnamese government invited WELS to build a theological...
Stories of Christian love
This month’s “This is WELS” features photos from congregations about how their members show Christian love. Here are a few stories behind the photos: St. Croix...
Dakota-Montana
Dakota-Montana Student volunteers from Great Plains Lutheran High School, Watertown, S.D., held a Christmas party for its New Friends group in the school gymnasium...
South Central
South Central The core group of WELS’ newest home mission congregation, Hope, Houston, Texas, has been meeting for Bible studies in a community room/co-working...
Minnesota
Minnesota St. John, St. Clair, Minn., celebrated its 150th anniversary on Nov. 3, 2019....
Southeastern Wisconsin
Southeastern Wisconsin St. John’s on the Hillside, Milwaukee, Wis., (pictured) celebrated its 171st anniversary on Dec. 5, 2019. St. Matthew, Port Washington,...
Arizona-California
Arizona-California Gloria Dei, Belmont, Calif., reports that it completed a “refresh” of its sanctuary in November 2019....
Proposed changes to improve retirement benefits
The WELS Retirement Strategy Committee, a special committee appointed by the Synodical Council several years ago, has announced proposed changes to the WELS retirement...
WELS news briefs: February 2020
World Missions [email protected]; 414-256-3237 The Russian Lutheran Church celebrated 25 years of God’s blessings on Nov. 3, 2019. Members gathered together...
MLC mid-year graduates
Martin Luther College, New Ulm, Minn., held its mid-year graduation on Dec. 19, 2019. Three students graduated with their bachelor of science degree, and nine students...
My Christian life: Mission opportunities in South Asia
God provides exciting new mission opportunities through a Christian from South Asia. “Put the best minds in World Missions in a room. Tell them to come up with...
Question and answer: Equipping Christian Witnesses: Part 3
In celebration of its 25th anniversary in 2020, Martin Luther College (MLC), with the approval of the Conference of Presidents, has begun a two-year capital campaign...
WELS Connections: 2020 report highlights God’s blessings
“Your gifts, God’s blessings: An annual report to our members” is available in January. The 2020 report highlights the blessings that God has showered on WELS...
New president at Martin Luther College
Richard Gurgel has accepted the call to serve as president of WELS’ college of ministry, Martin Luther College (MLC), New Ulm, Minn. He will begin his new call...
Changes in East Asia mission field
The Board for World Missions has decided to pull the East Asia Team missionaries and families out of their focus country because of security concerns. The East Asia...
Meet the editorial staff: David Scharf
Ever ask yourself, “Who are these people who write for Forward in Christ?” Through this series, you can find out. David Scharf, professor at Martin Luther College...
Question and answer about Equipping Christian Witnesses – Part 2
In celebration of its 25th anniversary in 2020, Martin Luther College (MLC), with the approval of the Conference of Presidents, has begun a two-year capital campaign...
Lighthouse Youth Center opens third location
After every school day, Lighthouse Youth Center provides safe, encouraging, Christ-centered environments to children ages 10 to 18 in Milwaukee. Through its healthy...
Question and answer about Equipping Christian Witnesses – Part 1
In celebration of its 25th anniversary in 2020, Martin Luther College (MLC), with the approval of the Conference of Presidents, has begun a two-year capital campaign...
Gospel outreach opportunities in Africa
Opportunities for gospel connections are flourishing across Africa. Christian groups in Uganda, Liberia, Mozambique, and more are learning about WELS and...
Insights into Lutheran leadership
WELS Congregational Services will host the WELS National Conference on Lutheran Leadership at the Sheraton Grand in Chicago on Jan. 21–23. Two of the presenters...