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Upcoming Events
Dec. 20 - Jan. 10
Christmas Recess
Jan. 23
Evangelism Day
Feb. 4-7
Winter Carnival
Feb. 7-9
Focus on Ministry Weekend
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MLC Alumni Association's Annual Tour
has been announced.
The June 10-21 trip includes various sites in Southern California, a visit to Las Vegas, a day at the Grand Canyon, and opportunities for Christian fellowship. Costs range from $800-$1700 and availability is limited. For information, contact Steve Balza
(507-217-1731, alumni@mlc-wels.edu) or visit the MLC website.
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Early Childhood Ministry Opens Doors 
No other ministry in the United States is opening as many doors as early childhood ministry (ECM). ECMs provide a valuable service that parents are seeking, the good news that children need, and a door into a family's heart. Many congregations are seizing the outreach opportunities and opening their own ECMs. More than 400 are now in operation in WELS, 74 of them opened in just the last 10 years. To prepare the teachers needed for these local ministries to thrive, MLC is building a new Early Childhood Learning Center. Let the Children Come is our campaign to raise funds for this ministry training facility. Read more details here: Let the Children Come Casebook.
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Unified Efforts, Amazing Responses 
Recognizing the importance of early childhood ministries in WELS, the 17 members of the Ministry of Christian Giving are partnering with the MLC Mission Advancement Office to spread the word regarding this timely project. To date, they have made 2,000 visits to 1,400+ constituents. Gifts have now surpassed $1 million (see more below). In addition, a group of anonymous donors have presented a $1.25M challenge grant to encourage giving. Read more details about this challenge grant. |
Let the Children Come to Benefit Local Ministries 
Benefits from Let the Children Come will extend directly to local congregations. The new center will provide space to train sorely needed early childhood teachers and directors for congregational ECMs all over the country. More MLC students than ever before are majoring in early childhood education (rising from 62 to 115 within the last six years), but more educational space is needed to accommodate their teacher training. In addition, ECE teachers currently serving in the field will have important benefits available to them. The center will be video technology-equipped in order to provide these local ECE teachers with easy access to online instruction. |
Let the Children Come Report 
As of December 13, 2012,
total gifts received for Let the Children Come: $841,515
Challenge grant: $1,250,000
Campaign total: $2,091,515
Amount still eligible for matching grant: $902,941
MLC President Mark Zarling comments, "We marvel at how the gift of Christ so moved God's people to give generously that others might learn of Jesus." You can follow the progress of this campaign on the MLC website. |
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