The Organization of WELS Lutheran Seniors (OWLS) reached a milestone this year: 40 years of helping WELS seniors serve in God’s kingdom.

To WELS members throughout the United States, OWLS offers a sense of active purpose to those who are retired and/or 55 years old by providing fellowship, support, life enrichment activities, and opportunities to show the love of Christ to others.

The milestone anniversary inspired the theme for the annual Lutheran Convention for Seniors, which is sponsored by OWLS. In October, WELS seniors gathered in Omaha, Neb., under the theme “40 Years of Service.” Convention goers enjoyed presentations, worship, fellowship, and a tour of the U.S. Strategic Command at nearby Offutt Air Force Base.

In reflecting on God’s blessings the past 40 years, the convention offered an opportunity to look at the group’s future. During an open forum, attendees discussed 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 Joel Gaertner, director of WELS Special Ministries. “They contributed a great list of ideas for service opportunities and ways to support synod-related ministries.”

He adds, “OWLS has been a blessing to seniors, and the service they’ve given has been a tremendous blessing. It’s a good time to 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 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.”

Learn more about OWLS at wels.net/owls.

Author: FIC
Volume 111, Number 12
Issue: December 2024