BOARD FOR MINISTERIAL EDUCATION - 414-256-3236
Pictured is the interior of Chapel of the Christ, the new chapel being built on the campus of Martin Luther College, New Ulm, Minn. The chapel, tentatively planned for campus use in February or March, will be dedicated April 10-11. The weekend will include two dedication services—April 10 at 7 P.M. and April 11 at 2:30 P.M.—as well as seminars, campus tours, and presentations. It will also feature the "Solus Christus" juried art exhibit containing artwork from WELS/ELS members based on the theme "Solus Christus—In Christ Alone." For more information on how to submit original art, go to www.mlc-wels.edu/go/art.

BOARD FOR WORLD MISSIONS - 414-256-3233
Asia Lutheran Seminary (ALS) in Hong Kong held its first graduation on Nov. 2, 2009. Pictured are Dr. John Lawrenz, president of the seminary (center), and the four graduates: (left to right): Evangelist Eric Wong, Pastor Daniel Yeung, Evangelist Samson Wong, and Evangelist Peter Chen, all of whom already serve in congregations. Four women also graduated from the Bible Institute. In a land with more than 30 degree-granting Bible colleges and seminaries, "our first graduation was a statement that [ALS is] real, legitimate, and that we intend to stay," says Lawrenz.

The students also appreciated their experience. "Part of this graduation is a speech by one of the graduates representing the class," says Lawrenz. "Evangelist Wong Yuk Choi (Samson) gave a heartfelt testimony to the effect that he entered his program with reservations about the practicality of intense biblical study, but exited from ALS convinced that being biblical was being practical! That well near brought tears to my eyes!"

Currently 50 students are studying this semester at ALS.

SYNODICAL COUNCIL - 414-256-3201
At its meeting in November, the Synodical Council (SC) began discussing a long-range comprehensive plan that will guide the synod in its work during the next eight to ten years. A committee chaired by First Vice President James Huebner and composed of the synod president and the three area of ministry administrators will begin to outline a plan. The SC hopes to present a working document to the district conventions in 2010.

The Synodical Council also adopted new guidelines for the budgeting and use of special funds, encouraged the Board for Home Missions to continue planning for new mission efforts and to bring proposals to the SC’s February meeting, and established a new "Human Resources Oversight Committee" to assist the Human Resources director.

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