Last Sunday may have started with overcast skies in Wauwatosa,
Wisconsin, but you wouldn't know it in the Conference Room at the
Holiday Inn Express. At 9:00 AM the United Lutheran Mission
Association held the initial worship service of its first mission
startup.

The Divine Service, Bible Study, and Informational Meeting were led
by ULMA representatives from Pilgrim Lutheran Church, Decatur,
Illinois. Not counting those from Pilgrim, there were 24 in
attendance at the worship service, which was presided over by Pr.
William Abbott. His inspiring Law/Gospel sermon was on Ezekiel
18:4, "I Am Owned by God." Music was provided by Dr. Ron Yadeau, an
ULMA Commission member.

Following the service, 18 people stayed for the Bible Study Class and
Informational Meeting. The class went very well, with eager
participation from the attendees. Pr. Abbott focused the class on Dr.
C.F.W. Walther's essay, "The Sheep Judge Their Shepherd", and related
texts from Scripture.

The Chairman of the ULMA, Mr. Alan Ruwe, led the Informational
Meeting. There were many good questions from the meeting attendees.
Over half of the class expressed an interest in getting involved with
the mission start. They also wanted to know when the next service
would be held so they could bring others.

The next service will be at the same location this coming Sunday,
November 27, led by Pr. Brock Abbott of Pilgrim – Decatur. Plans are
also underway for subsequent services, and details on location and
times will be forthcoming.

The Lord of the Harvest has blessed us with a promising start in the
Milwaukee area. In the meantime the ULMA has been contacted for other
mission startups. We pray that He blesses our humble efforts as we
strive to proclaim Christ and Him crucified.