A year ago this month, the ULMA Commission had its first official
meeting in Chicago. Many ideas were laid out, plans discussed, and
prayerful consideration given to our goal. That goal is rather basic—
to spread the Good News of Jesus Christ. Our desire is to help
establish and support confessional, conservative Lutheran missions as
was done in the days of old, with strict adherence to true doctrine
and practice.

Tinley Park, Illinois was the site for this year's summer meeting.
Our thanks go out to the gracious hosts at Gloria Dei Lutheran
Church. It was a delight to be among fellow Lutheran Christians of
like mind and focus. Thank you to the visiting pastors and laymen who
joined us in our meeting. It was a good time for reviewing the past
year, adjusting procedures and goals, and laying the groundwork for
expansion.

Last November the first mission of the ULMA was established in
Milwaukee, Wisconsin. On August 6th their called pastor, Rev. James
Behling, will be installed at a special worship service. (See prior
News Releases for the details.) The mission is now a church. They
have a Constitution & Bylaws, officers, members, a pastor, and a
name. We encourage people to visit Sola Scriptura Evangelical
Lutheran Church when in the Milwaukee area.

The ULMA has firmly established its own Constitution, Bylaws, and
Constitutional Guidelines for Mission Congregations. The Association
has also developed presentation materials for our representatives to
show to congregations interested in supporting and/or joining the
ULMA. Please contact us, and we will be happy to discuss getting
together with you so that you can learn more about us and how you can
become involved in mission support.

A concentrated effort is under development for "getting the word out"
about the ULMA amongst the Lutheran laymen and clergy who are looking
for confessional, conservative Lutheran missions. Besides the above-
mentioned presentation program, we will be reaching beyond the
Internet and email lists to Lutheran publications and other
information outlets.

Based on feedback and our own experiences, the Commission members
realize that many laymen are unaware of the state of today's American
Lutheranism. Their experience may be limited to their own
congregation and those of their extended families and friends. Upon
learning that the choices are few for holding on to what they're used
to, many become discouraged. We were formed by congregations who wish
to remain faithful to the Word and Lutheran Confessions instead of
drifting away from true doctrine and practice. We offer a mission
association led by confessional, conservative Lutheran laymen who
operate in a non-bureaucratic, "Mission First" format, contrary to
what has developed in some other settings. The interest and
involvement we have from those of LCMS, WELS, ELS, and Independent
Lutheran backgrounds shows the need for the ULMA.

One of the most exciting items to come out of this past weekend's
meeting was the start of discussions and investigation into a
Missionary at Large program. The basic concept is the calling of a
pastor by a member congregation of the ULMA to serve as a missionary
in the establishment of ULMA mission congregations. Details are still
being fleshed out, but the initial process is underway. Once all the
fine-tuning is done, we will be looking for ordained pastors with a
desire for mission work. Stay tuned!

As always, feel free to contact us with any questions.