Photo by Jared Winter Larry Schlomer, administrator of the WELS Board for World Missions, speaks Wednesday morning during the 68th Biennial Convention at Martin Luther College in New Ulm.

NEW ULM — Nearly 400 delegates from across the country gathered at Martin Luther College this week for the 68th Biennial Convention of the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod (WELS).

The theme for this year’s convention, “Christ through us,” reflects both gratitude for the synod’s 175-year history and hope for continued ministry around the world.

The convention featured devotions, worship services, reports from church leaders, floor committees, and opportunities for fellowship. Wednesday morning, delegates heard from Larry Schlomer, administrator of the WELS Board for World Missions, who spoke about the synod’s global outreach and ongoing mission work.

Delegates came from all walks of life, pastors and teachers, each bringing a unique perspective to the event.

Joshua Nelson of Milwaukee, a 2003 MLC graduate, shared how meaningful it was to return.

“It’s been going well,” he said. “A lot has changed and a lot has stayed the same. Coming together and welcoming Christ all over the world is a beautiful thing.”

For the Rev. Matthew Rauh, a pastor in Arlington, one highlight was reflecting on the synod’s milestone anniversary.

“It’s incredible to mark the 175th anniversary of WELS,” he said. “Learning and reviewing the history of WELS and Martin Luther College last night was especially meaningful.”

Lay delegate Lee Stroschine from Sturgis, South Dakota, was particularly moved by the opening ceremony.

“Being in church with so many people who share the same faith, coming from a small church, it was outstanding to be part of something so big,” he said.

Shannon Bohme, representing missions from Winona, appreciated the chance to reconnect with the MLC campus and its community.

“MLC is a good host. I went to college here, it’s awesome to be back,” Bohme said. “My highlight was getting to worship with fellow believers. It’s been a lot of fun, readers, Bible studies, and reconnecting with people I haven’t seen in a long time.”

Brandon Thiesfeldt, a called worker from Pooler, Georgia, Expressed a similar experience.

“I’m from New Ulm and went to school here,” he said. “It’s wonderful to be back and hear about the work being done, both the impact here in the U.S. and the broader mission. Seeing old friends and meeting new people has been a blessing.”

For Steve Haring of St. Peter’s in Savanna, Illinois, retirement finally allowed him to attend. “It’s something I’ve wanted to do for years but couldn’t because of work and family commitments,” he said. “I recently retired and had more free time. This was a wonderful experience. Great Christian fellowship, knowledge, and understanding. I’m on the World Missions floor committee, and being involved and making a positive impact has been very rewarding.”