Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities – SMILES

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SMILES is a worship model which integrates special needs individuals and their families or caregivers into the fabric of a local congregation.

SMILES provides opportunities for participants to interact with the entire congregation. This is the great appeal of this plan of worship and fellowship. For this reason, SMILES should be offered in conjunction with a regular worship service.

Access Video Resources

 

Welcome to SMILES

This video is intended to give an overview of the SMILES program.

SMILES Margo Schmidt Testimonial

Hear from Margo Schmidt, who created the SMILES program with her husband, Rev. Steven Schmidt.

 

Ministry to the Military – Military Member Resources

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This resource center contains items that will assist military members in staying close to God while in the military and guidance about witnessing to their faith.

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Staying Close to God’s Word While in the Military

Staying close to God’s word while in the Military for WELS high school juniors and seniors who are planning on going into the military after graduation, and to others who look to continue to support their spiritual welfare such as their parents and pastors.

How to Have Religious Services on Base

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OWLS Senior Convention

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Don’t miss the 2025 Lutheran Convention for Seniors

Sponsored by the Organization of WELS Lutheran Seniors (OWLS)

You Are Welcome!

Some people feel sidelined after they retire, reach a certain age, or become empty nesters. Have you ever felt as though your life no longer has purpose? That’s not how God sees his redeemed people. You are called to be a blessing to others. You’re invited to an event for Lutheran seniors to learn more!

All seniors who are members of a WELS or ELS congregation are encouraged to attend the Lutheran Convention for Seniors (sponsored by the OWLS). The 2025 convention will be held October 14-17 in Oshkosh, Wis., at the Oshkosh Marriott Waterfront Hotel & Convention Center.

The theme for this year’s OWLS convention: “Jesus Savior, Pilot Me.”

Why attend the OWLS Convention for Seniors?

  • It’s a great opportunity for fellowship and finding new friends in the faith.
  • In addition to the traditional services and programs, attendees will be offered the opportunity to tour the Paine Art Center or the Exerimental Aircraft Museum.
  • You’ll find workshops on a variety of topics.

The agenda and registration materials are downloadable at the links below.

Attendees will need to book their own lodging at the Oshkosh Marriott Waterfront Hotel & Convention Center, 1 N. Main Oshkosh, WI 54901

Book your hotel room online

Guidelines for Prison Ministry Projects and Donations

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Individuals and groups can do much to support our sharing of Jesus with people impacted by incarceration. The resources found here give guidelines for ways to support and provide materials for this gospel outreach.

Resource Descriptions

  • Prison Mission Projects –WELS Prison Ministry operates because God’s people pray for us, volunteer their time, and give generously from their worldly treasure. Only 10 percent of our funding is provided from the WELS regular budget. Follow these guidelines to support the spread of God’s Word to hurting souls as an individual or a group.
  • Guidelines for Meditation donations – WELS Prison ministry redistributes gently used (less than one year old) Mediations, Time of Grace, and other devotional booklets. Please follow these guidelines.
  • Guidelines for cards, artwork, school projects. Inmates LOVE receiving encouragement from their younger brothers and sisters in Christ. Many have been abandoned by their families and have little if any contact with anyone, let alone children. These guidelines lay out ways anyone, including children, can share the love of Jesus.

Prison Ministry – Supplemental Printed Resources

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In addition to our correspondence course material, WELS Prison Ministry offers a variety of additional resources that we offer free of charge to inmates and chaplains. Descriptions can be found in the document list below. Download sample portions of the documents from the package using the links below. Order copies of the supplemental material using the order form below.

Resource Descriptions

  • Scripture passages and prayer –Bible verses and prayers arranged by topics that apply to people affected by incarceration and other life crises. The downloadable sample is the chapter on forgiveness.
  • Facing Freedom – A wealth of spiritual and practical reminders and encouragement for soon to be released or released inmates. The downloadable sample is the chapter on decision making.
  • New Testament in Everyday American English. This translation of the original Greek text into everyday American English has been very popular among inmates and chaplains. The downloadable sample is John Chapter 3.
  • Water of Life Printed Bible Studies – A series of 30 Bible studies (6 modules of 5 lessons each) intended for recently released inmates (either individually or as a group) with a mentor or spiritually mature leader. Includes both participant sheets and leader guides printed together in a spiral bound notebook. Samples are available in the Ministry to the Released section.
  • La Promesa – A Summary of God’s Plan of Salvation in Spanish. The downloadable sample is “La Promesa – Tú tienes la paz” (The Promise – You Have Peace).

Use the order form to order printed copies of the Bible courses and other resources.

Order Form