WELS MINISTRY TO THE MILITARY

WELS Military Chaplain Paul Horn and his daughter Calliope (a senior at Luther Preparatory School, Watertown, Wis.) traveled to Okinawa, Japan, in January to host a retreat for WELS military members stationed in the Pacific. Four branches of the military were represented from Guam, Japan, and South Korea. The weekend was packed with events such as Bible study and Sunday school on the beach, worship (pictured) that included a teen confirmation, and fellowship activities. WELS Ministry to the Military, a part of WELS Special Ministries, provides live online worship and Bible study every weekend for those stationed in the Pacific, and future retreats are being planned. Refer WELS members in the military at wels.net/military.

WELS CHRISTIAN AID AND RELIEF

WELS Christian Aid and Relief offered several disaster relief grants to help those affected by the January fires in southern California, including a $6,000 grant to Hope, Los Angeles. Hope partnered with Pali Fire Support to operate a donation and distribution center on the congregation’s campus. While providing material aid, such as clothes, toiletries, diapers, and gift cards, the congregation’s members were also providing spiritual and emotional support to those in need. WELS Christian Aid and Relief has prepared an online library of resources to assist congregations in preparing for a variety of natural disasters. Find the resources at wels.net/relief.

WELS 175TH ANNIVERSARY PLANNING COMMITTEE

The College Choir of Martin Luther College, New Ulm, Minn., and the Seminary Chorus of Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary, Mequon, Wis., are presenting joint concerts in March as part of the synod’s 175th anniversary. “Our synod had no dependable source of pastors and teachers when it was founded. What amazing blessings have come to our synod through the ministry of our worker training schools over the years,” says Aaron Christie, director of the Seminary Chorus. “The concert is a great opportunity to recognize and give thanks for those blessings.” The concert will be offered at two locations: St. John’s on the Hillside in Milwaukee at 7 P.M., March 20, and Martin Luther College at 7 P.M., March 29. Learn more at wels.net/events.

Author: FIC
Volume: 112, Number 03
Issue: March 2025