Commission on Youth Discipleship
414-256-3274; cyd@sab.wels.net
The WELS International Youth Rally, under the theme “Follow the path, Lead the way,” will be held July 8-11, 2009, at Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa. The theme is based on 1 Timothy 4:12: “Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity.” Several district youth rallies also are planned for 2008. To learn more about the 2009 International Youth Rally and the 2008 district rallies, go to www.welsyouthrally.net.

Commission on Worship
414-256-3226; worship@sab.wels.net
The WELS National Conference on Worship, Music & the Arts will be held July 28-31 at Gustavus Adolphus College, St. Peter, Minn. The new WELS hymnal supplement, published in summer 2008, will be the centerpiece of the conference. Along with new hymns, psalms, and liturgical elements, worship at the conference will feature four new concertatos based on supplement hymns and a WELS-commissioned setting for handbells of “In Christ Alone” by Getty/ Townend. Other highlights include a Festival Choir and Orchestra concert; exhibitors and music publishers, and more than 50 presentations and workshops. “Presenters at the conference feature several younger and ‘first time’ presenters—the next generation taking its place in WELS musical and worship leadership,” says Bryan Gerlach, administrator for the Commission on Worship. For more information or to register, go to archive.wels.net/jump/worship-conf.

These updates are from the offices of the synod administration building at 2929 N Mayfair Rd, Milwaukee WI 53222-4398.