Archives for January 2026

                 Participants in the National Convention of the IELC

Pastors and lay leaders of the Confessional Evangelical Lutheran Church—Mexico (in Spanish: Iglesia Evangélica Luterana Confesional, or IELC) —enjoyed time together in Monterrey, Mexico, from November 20 to 23, 2026, together with their wives and children.

Two days were spent at a retreat center in the nearby mountains, where Professor Samuel Degner from Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary spoke on “The Mission of God” based on the book of Acts. His presentation provoked lively discussion about how members of the church can work together in carrying out God’s mission. The women who were present also met together and organized themselves in order to support the mission and ministries of their local churches and church body.

On Saturday, November 22, the national convention was held at La Santa Cruz Lutheran Church in Monterrey. Reports from the congregations were shared, and there was news of some adult confirmations and baptisms in a few of the churches. A worshipping group from Cuernavaca was officially accepted and recognized as a member of the IELC. It was noted that the majority of IELC pastors hold secular jobs to make ends meet for their families, but the finances of the IELC are stable.

            Children’s choir singing during a convention worship service

The convention was pleased to have a number of guests. Henry Herrera shared an update about Iglesia Cristo WELS Internacional (ICWI)—the new Latin American church that has applied for membership in the CELC. Matt Behmer reported on the activities of Academia Cristo in Mexico. Marli Camargo and two other women reported on the activities of Mission to the Children in Sonora and Cuernavaca. Juan Garcia and Jorge Briones reported on the work of Costa Maya Ministries in Mahahual and Chetumal. The reports were positively received, with appreciation for the shared opportunities for Gospel outreach that exist throughout Mexico.

Roman Aguilar, at age 89 (pictured left with Biendenbender), was recognized for his many years of service on the board of the IELC. Replacing him as president of the IELC is Jose Hernandez. Convention attendees thanked Jose Angel Jimenez for making many of the arrangements for the retreat and convention.

Next year’s retreat and convention are scheduled to take place from November 19 to 22, 2026, with the group from Cuernavaca offering to serve as the host.

Submitted by Pastor Paul Biedenbender, WELS liaison to the IELC

 

 

 

God willing, the Twelfth Triennial Convention of the Confessional Evangelical Lutheran Conference (CELC) will be held on Friday, May 29, 2026, through Monday, June 1, 2026, in Lusaka, Zambia.

Registration for the convention is now open through an online link that the CELC president has shared with his database of CELC church leaders. Registration is open through January 31, and it is important that all registrations are received by that date.

The CELC convention is primarily intended for the member churches of the CELC. Each member church is encouraged to send two voting delegates to the convention. Visitors who are in fellowship with the CELC through mission work of CELC churches are also welcome to attend.

If you think that you are a candidate for participation in the convention, and you have not received the email with the link for convention registration, please contact the CELC president at: president@celc.info.

The CELC Planning Committee is putting together an agenda with worship and theological study that we trust will be a spiritual blessing for all participants. There also will be some time to interact with the host church, the Lutheran Church of Central Africa—Zambia. The venue for the convention will be the Golfview Hotel, which we expect to be well-received by people from around the world.

Please make sure your registrations are received by January 31, 2026, and please pray for God’s blessing on the convention. If you have questions, contact the president at: president@celc.info.

Submitted by the CELC Planning Committee