From cfwlibrary@CRF.CUIS.EDU Fri Jul 21 15:02:00 1995 Date: Sun, 16 Jul 1995 17:59:29 -0500 (CDT) From: "Walther Library -- Concordia Theo. Seminary" To: Walther Library Subject: Convention Report:Opening Worship Service (fwd) ---------- Forwarded message ---------- Date: Sun, 16 Jul 1995 15:11:42 -0600 (CST) From: IC_ZEKERTCR To: LCMSNEWS@CRF.CUIS.EDU Subject: Opening Worship Service UPDATE 59th Regular Convention The Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod Contact: Bruce Kueck (314) 342-5314 July 16, 1995 #S1 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE BARRY URGES MISSOURI SYNOD TO SHARE GOSPEL WITH WORLD ST. LOUIS -- Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod (LCMS) President A.L. Barry has urged delegates and attendees at the 2.6 million-member church body's 59th Regular Convention to "go now and tell the King's people the good news" of the Gospel. Barry's remarks were made July 15 at the 7:30 p.m. opening worship service of the triennial convention. The gathering is being held July 15-21 at the Cervantes Convention Center in America's Center in St. Louis. Using God's word from the Biblical book of Kings as a text, Barry recounted for the approximately 2,000 worshipers the story of several lepers who, in approximately 800 B.C., found themselves caught in a difficult situation. Because of their leprosy, they could not seek sanctuary within the walls of the besieged city of Samaria; and they dared not present themselves to the surrounding Armenian army for fear of being killed. Finally, seeing no alternative, the four men decided to go into the camp of the Armenians. To their surprise, they discovered that God had caused the Armenians to flee during the night, leaving their possessions behind. Although the lepers' first thoughts were of looting the camp, they realized their obligation was to tell the king's people the good news that they enemy was routed. "Is it really so difficult for you and I to see what God is trying to tell us through His Word," said Barry. Good news is to be shared, he said, adding that "through faith in Him (Jesus Christ), we have forgiveness in God. Now that's good news!" Barry went on to explain that "forgiveness in God" means that "all of the hate ... all of the punishment" mankind deserves because of our sinfulness has been removed by the suffering, death and resurrection of Christ "and you are forgiven ... and at peace with God. Now that's good news!" But, "what are you going to do with this good news, Missouri," asked Barry, referring to the Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod. Certainly, our first response should be to thank God, Barry told the gathering. But, "it can't just stop there," he added. Our response, said Barry, must be the one found in the Biblical text. Like the lepers who said, "Let us go now and tell the king's people the good news," we must "go now and tell the King's people the Good News." Also participating in the celebration was the adult choir, orchestra and adult handbell choir of Immanuel Lutheran Church, St. Charles, Mo. Assisting at the communion service were presiding minister Rev. Allen W. Schade, and assisting ministers Rev. Michael J. Schuessler and Vicar William G. Rusnak, all of Immanuel. Communion was distributed by members of the LCMS' Council of Presidents. From IC_ZEKERTCR@STL Fri Jul 21 15:03:47 1995 Date: Mon, 17 Jul 1995 11:40:50 -0600 (CST) From: IC_ZEKERTCR To: lcmsnews@CRF.CUIS.EDU Subject: Release Correction UPDATE 59th Regular Convention The Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod Contact: Bruce Kueck (314) 342-5314 July 17, 1995 #S1C FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CORRECTION TO PRESS RELEASE #S1 ST. LOUIS -- A press release dated July 16, 1995, and concerning remarks by Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod President A.L. Barry at the opening worship service of the 59th Regular Convention of the church body on July 15, 1995, incorrectly refers in paragraphs 3 to the "Armenian army" and in paragraph 4 to the "Armenians." Paragraph 3 should refer to the "Syrian army" and Paragraph 4 should refer to the "Syrians." From cfwlibrary@CRF.CUIS.EDU Fri Jul 21 15:06:11 1995 Date: Sun, 16 Jul 1995 20:34:28 -0500 (CDT) From: "Walther Library -- Concordia Theo. Seminary" To: Walther Library Subject: Convention Report: Barry, Kuhn Election | Rev. Robert E. Smith | CFWLIBRARY@CRF.CUIS.EDU | | Public Services Librarian |"A man will turn over half a library | | Concordia Theological Seminary | to make one book" | | Ft. Wayne, Indiana | -- Samuel Johnson | ---------- Forwarded message ---------- Date: Sun, 16 Jul 1995 18:06:44 -0600 (CST) From: IC_ZEKERTCR To: lcmsnews@CRF.CUIS.EDU Subject: Barry, Kuhn Election UPDATE 59th Regular Convention The Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod Contact: Karen Eggemeyer (314) 342-5314 July 16, 1995 #S2 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE BARRY AND KUHN ELECTED TO BE LCMS PRESIDENT, FIRST VEEP ST. LOUIS -- Delegates to the 59th Regular Convention of The Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod (LCMS) re-elected on July 16 Dr. A.L. Barry to his second three-year term as president of the 2.6 million-member church body. Barry, 63, was elected on the first ballot. Barry received 754 votes (64.9 percent) of the votes cast. Dr. Richard Kapfer, president of the Missouri Synod's Iowa District West, received 290 votes (25.0 percent). Other candidates for the presidency included Dr. John F. Johnson, president of Concordia Seminary, St. Louis; Dr. Dale E. Meyer, Lutheran Hour speaker; and Dr. Robert T. Kuhn, president of the church body's Central Illinois District. Delegates then elected Kuhn, 58, to be LCMS first vice president. Kuhn, who was elected on the second ballot, was elected over incumbent Dr. August T. Mennicke, who has served the Synod as first vice president since 1986. On the second ballot, Kuhn received 604 votes (51.9 percent); Mennicke received 468 votes (40.2 percent). Other nominees for first vice president included Dr. Robert H. King, Synod second vice president and pastor of Pilgrim Lutheran Church, Freedom, Mo.; Rev. Raymond L. Hartwig, South Dakota District president; and Dr. John L. Heins, Michigan District president. There were 585 pastoral delegates and 579 lay delegates registered to vote as of 9 a.m., Sunday, July 16. Following his re-election, Barry spoke to the convention: "For the past three years, I have tried to be for our church body a spiritual leader, a pastoral leader, a confessional leader and a mission leader," said Barry, adding that he expects to retain those same four characteristics during his upcoming term. He said he hopes "that God would bless me in that capacity." Barry asked those who want to help him to "hold before the people of God the five-fold vision statement ... that we become a church ... more and more that is strongly in the Word, a very caring church body, a church body that is boldly reaching out with the Gospel of Jesus Christ, faithful to the Scriptures and Lutheran Confessions, and at peace in unity in Jesus Christ." He also urged delegates to "select a team of people to work with me who share the goals and aspirations that the president has in leading this church body forward" and to "pray that God would give me the wisdom over the next three years to lead our church aright." Barry attended Bethany Lutheran College in Mankato, Minn., and Concordia Seminary, Springfield, Ill. He was ordained in 1956 after finishing his pastoral training through the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Seminary at Thiensville, Wis. In 1960, he requested a transfer of pastoral membership to the Missouri Synod. He has a Mastor of Theology degree from Luther Seminary in St. Paul, Minn., and in 1986 was awarded an honorary doctor of divinity degree by Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne, Ind. Barry has served as pastor of several congregations in Minnesota, and served as executive secretary of the LCMS Board for Missions from 1975 to 1977. He was elected to his first term as LCMS president at the synod's 1992 convention in Pittsburgh, Pa. He and his wife, Jean, have three children. Kuhn, following his election, said: "I truly give thanks to the confidence the delegates placed in me. I pray that you would pray with me that I'd be able to give positive support to the individual that you have elected as president of this church, [and] that he and I together would be able to lead the Church in order that -- in the words of John the Baptist -- "The the Lord would increase but we would decrease." Robert Kuhn graduated from Concordia Senior College in Fort Wayne, Ind., in 1959; and from Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, in 1963. He has served as pastor of several congregations in Illinois, and as development officer of Concordia College, River Forest, Ill. From cfwlibrary@CRF.CUIS.EDU Fri Jul 21 15:09:47 1995 Date: Sun, 16 Jul 1995 18:00:52 -0500 (CDT) From: "Walther Library -- Concordia Theo. Seminary" To: Walther Library Subject: Convention Report: Sunday Worship Service (fwd) | Rev. Robert E. Smith | CFWLIBRARY@CRF.CUIS.EDU | | Public Services Librarian |"A man will turn over half a library | | Concordia Theological Seminary | to make one book" | | Ft. Wayne, Indiana | -- Samuel Johnson | ---------- Forwarded message ---------- Date: Sun, 16 Jul 1995 15:33:01 -0600 (CST) From: IC_ZEKERTCR To: lcmsnews@CRF.CUIS.EDU Subject: Sunday Worship Service UPDATE 59th Regular Convention The Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod Contact: Paula Ross (314) 342-5314 July 16, 1995 #S3 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE WORSHIP SERVICE HIGHLIGHTS 100 YEARS OF DEAF MINISTRY, OTHER ANNIVERSARIES ST. LOUIS -- Deaf ministry within The Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod was featured July 16 at a morning worship service of the church body's 59th Regular Convention here, as a "deaf choir" of more than 60 hearing-impaired Lutherans from the United States, Canada and Australia used sign language to sing hymns and pray. As if to repeat an event that occurred nearly 100 years ago, liturgist Rev. Jerold D. Munz, pastor of Peace Lutheran Church for the Deaf in Indianapolis, "signed" as he led some 2,700 convention delegates and visitors in worship. At the church body's convention in 1896, Rev. Augustus Reinke signed his sermon, and the following day delegates adopted a resolution to begin deaf ministry. Today, 42 full-time workers serve the church in deaf ministries throughout the United States and abroad. A centennial of deaf ministry was one of three Synod anniversaries highlighted by the worship service. The other anniversaries are 100 years of overseas mission work, begun in India; and 75 years of campus ministry, carried out among students at U.S. colleges and universities. Worship leaders at the service included Rev. Wilfred Eckhardt, a campus pastor at the University of Iowa; Rev. Dan Kunkel, a missionary in West Africa who has begun a ministry among deaf people there; and Dr. Luther Meinzen, who served for 40 years as a missionary in India. In his sermon, Rev. Douglas Rutt, a missionary in Guatemala, tied the "desires and hopes" of convention delegates to those of God, who desires that His "Word would be preached to all the nations." But today, when many people are hesitant to tell others how to live, "truth has become an ambiguous and obscure object," Rutt said, and one of the "biggest challenges" to carrying out Christ's Great Commission. "We are here because of the desires of God that all would be saved by the truth of His Word," Rutt said, and he urged convention-goers to "take the Good News to others." The United States is besieged with immigrants "looking for a better life," he said. "What better life do we have to offer than the life lived in Christ?" Rutt, told of a Guatemalan woman named Maria who had given up a good living as a fortune-teller when she embraced Christianity. Now, living in poverty, Maria insists she is better off. She tells others, according to Rutt, that "I have the peace and joy that I never had before." Hearing testimonies like Maria's is "the real joy of being a missionary," Rutt said, and he encouraged others to experience it by sharing their faith. "Sent forth to be a blessing -- that's what it's all about," he said, paraphrasing the convention theme "Sent Forth by God's Blessing." Offerings collected at the service have been designated for mission work in India -- where the Synod's first overseas missionary began serving in 1894. The money will be used by the India Evangelical Lutheran Church, a "partner church" of The Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod (LCMS), to start congregations, train church leaders and support human-care programs. The total amount of those offerings, which includes gifts from LCMS congregations represented by convention delegates, is expected to be announced during the July 17 session of the convention. Elizabeth Deutsch, a delegate from Elmwood Park, Ill., who has been hard-of-hearing since birth, said she appreciated the sign-language interpretation at the service. "It makes me feel a part of it, it makes me feel connected," she said. Deutsch, 29, wears two hearing aids and is a signer and "speech-reader." But a number of convention-goers -- including older people -- are hearing-impaired and don't use sign language, Deutsch noted. She offered a suggestion to planners of future conventions: include "closed" and "live" captioning on the video screens "to help them understand what's going on." From IC_ZEKERTCR@STL Fri Jul 21 15:09:48 1995 Date: Mon, 17 Jul 1995 11:57:33 -0600 (CST) From: IC_ZEKERTCR To: lcmsnews@CRF.CUIS.EDU Subject: Release Race Txt UPDATE 59th Regular Convention The Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod Contact: Roland Lovstad (314) 342-5314 July 17, 1995 #S4 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE SYNOD ADOPTS VISION STATEMENT, CONSIDERS RACE-RELATED ISSUES ST. LOUIS -- A five-fold vision statement was commended for use by Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod congregations as the 59th Regular Convention of that church body considered congregational services in its first business session Sunday (July 16). Congregations, circuits and districts of the Synod were encouraged to put the vision statement into practice. It is based on a similar vision- statement outlined by Dr. Alvin L. Barry, president of the Synod. The five points envision a church body that is: -- strong in the Word, -- people-centered and people-sensitive, -- reaching out boldly with the Gospel, -- faithful to the Scriptures and the Lutheran Confessions, and -- marked by peace and unity. The convention also commended for study in the church a document, including a minority report, on racism. The document was written by the Synod's Commission on Theology and Church Relations. The resolution called for the congregations to provide responses and comments to the Synod president so they can be integrated into a later report. The convention first rejected, but then decided to reconsider, a resolution to grant board status to the Commission on Black Ministry. It will be reconsidered during the coming week. The change in status would give the commission a stronger role in policy-making and programmatic activities. From IC_ZEKERTCR@STL Fri Jul 21 15:09:48 1995 Date: Mon, 17 Jul 1995 12:05:00 -0600 (CST) From: IC_ZEKERTCR To: LCMSNEWS@CRF.CUIS.EDU Subject: exit UPDATE 59th Regular Convention The Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod Contact: Roland Lovstad (314) 342-5314 July 17, 1995 #S5 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE BARRY ENCOURAGES CONVENTION TO PURSUE CONFESSIONAL COURSE, STRESSES OUTREACH ST. LOUIS -- Delegates to the 59th Regular Convention of The Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod were encouraged to take actions that will keep the church on a course that is faithful to the historic Lutheran confessions, while it reaches out with the teachings and forgiveness God gives through Jesus Christ. In remarks to the first business session on Sunday (July 16), Synod President Alvin L. Barry called for two priorities -- faithfulness and outreach. "We do not have to imitate others," he said. "We can both do our mission work and at the same time remain faithful and confessional Lutherans. In fact, this we must do." Barry said the priorities continue the theme -- "Keep the message straight, Missouri; get the message out, Missouri" -- that he outlined following election to his first term as president in 1992. Barry said the Synod must be totally committed to remaining faithful to the doctrine and teachings of the Lutheran Church as contained in the Book of Concord of 1580, which contains the writings that outline Lutherans' understanding of the teachings of Scripture. "We can't give up service to the Confessions or we won't be the church body our Lord would have us to be," Barry stated. At the same time, the Synod president encouraged the convention -- and the church body -- to reach out to people who don't know about Jesus Christ. He said the opportunities are everywhere -- in the home, the community, districts and the world. Citing the Synod's celebration of 100 years in world mission, Barry said, "Now is the time of unprecedented opportunity and challenge in the Lord. We have been sent forth by God's blessing to be a blessing. We have a very unique and special message for the world. It is the pure teaching of the Gospel of Jesus Christ." The president also offered comments on some resolutions expected to come before the convention as it meets through July 21. He said he: -- supports a proposal to refine the conflict-resolution process in use in the Synod to allow for appeal of decisions, and to establish guidelines for the process; -- urges more study of a theological document on the service of women; -- has concerns about establishment of a single Board for Congregational Services that would bring together several existing boards. He suggested that the convention should elect all or a majority of members of the board; -- urges keeping the existing Commission on Worship independent, rather than incorporating it into a Congregational Services board; -- believes it best to decline a proposal from the Synod's Board for Higher Education to revise bylaws related to colleges and universities; -- supports full financial disclosure, saying, "We need to demonstrate a genuine willingness to answer all questions when asked, not merely provide information as required by state laws"; -- urges reaffirming the Synod's positions on Scriptures and its Confessions, as well as on altar fellowship and the Synod's practice of "close" communion; -- urges studying "Church Growth" teachings, in order to help congregations use the helpful aspects, while avoiding those that are problematic. From IC_ZEKERTCR@STL Fri Jul 21 15:09:48 1995 Date: Mon, 17 Jul 1995 12:22:14 -0600 (CST) From: IC_ZEKERTCR To: lcmsnews@CRF.CUIS.EDU Subject: news release S6 UPDATE 59th Regular Convention The Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod Contact: David Mahsman (314) 342-5314 July 17, 1995 #S6 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE MISSOURI SYNOD FORMALIZES FELLOWSHIP WITH PARAGUAY, SOUTH AFRICA CHURCHES ST. LOUIS -- Church fellowship between The Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod and Lutheran church bodies in Paraguay and in South Africa was formally recognized Sunday afternoon by delegates to the Missouri Synod's 59th Regular Convention here. In separate resolutions, the convention formally acknowledged altar and pulpit fellowship with the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Paraguay and with the Free Evangelical-Lutheran Synod in South Africa. Based on complete agreement in doctrine and practice, such fellowship permits pastors to preach from each other's pulpits and for members to receive the Lord's Supper at each other's altars. Synod President A.L. Barry called the moment "one of the high points of the convention." Barry signed protocol documents outlining the relationship between the Missouri Synod and each of the two other church bodies. Present and signing for their churches were Presidents Eugenio Wentzel and Peter Ahlers of the Paraguayan and South African churches respectively. "I am a very happy man today," Ahlers told the convention. He explained that the possibility of fellowship between his church body and the Missouri Synod was first raised five years ago. He said that finding agreement in doctrine is cause for joy. The members of FELSISA, as Ahler's church body is known, are largely white, many of them the descendants of German immigrants. The Missouri Synod also is in fellowship with the largely black Lutheran Church in Southern Africa (LCSA). Both South African church bodies have their origins in the work of 19th century German Lutheran missionaries. LCSA Bishop David Tswaedi, also at the convention, told delegates that the two South African church bodies "wish to speak with one united voice." He said that Missouri Synod fellowship with both bodies will help them toward that end. FELSISA has some 3,000 members in 17 congregations. The LCSA has 33,000 members in 221 congregations. The Evangelical Lutheran Church of Paraguay had its origin in 1938 through the missionary efforts of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Argentina, a sister church of the Missouri Synod, and has been independent since 1983. It has 60 congregations, 11 pastors and 4,200 members. From IC_ZEKERTCR@STL Fri Jul 21 15:09:49 1995 Date: Mon, 17 Jul 1995 15:11:58 -0600 (CST) From: IC_ZEKERTCR To: LCMSNEWS@CRF.CUIS.EDU Subject: Release S7 UPDATE 59th Regular Convention The Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod Contact: Greg Fairow (314) 342-5314 July 17, 1995 #S7 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE ESSAY "GROW IN THE WORD" SEEKS TO MOTIVATE LCMS ST. LOUIS -- "Whatever God says to us, he says through the Bible," says Dr. Richard J. Shuta, Professor of Religion at Concordia College, Ann Arbor, Mich. Shuta's remarks are part of his essay, "Grow in the Word," which he presented here July 17 at the 59th Regular Convention of The Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod (LCMS). "Lutherans have always held that Scripture is the sole source of what we believe," Shuta said. "Because God's Word is eternal, it is always contemporary," said Shuta. "I need to see the correlation between what I read in the Bible and what I read in the newspaper." Shuta said the purpose of his essay was to motivate the delegates to grow in God's Word, not graduate from it. "As we move into the twenty-first century, all churches may have satellite dishes on their roofs, but they will still need to have the Word of God proclaimed from their pulpits," Shuta said. "We never outgrow our need to listen to God and go on and obey." Shuta said the Bible is like the setting for a diamond. "If the diamond isn't in the center, (God's Word) is just a book of moral laws," he said. "The Bible is, first and foremost, the Word of the One who sacrificed for us. Because Christ is our diamond, our lives mean more than a mere hyphen between two dates on a tombstone." "We need the guidance and comfort that can only come from His Word," said Shuta. From IC_ZEKERTCR@STL Fri Jul 21 15:09:49 1995 Date: Mon, 17 Jul 1995 15:33:48 -0600 (CST) From: IC_ZEKERTCR To: LCMSNEWS@CRF.CUIS.EDU Subject: Release S8 UPDATE 59th Regular Convention The Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod Contact: Carla Dubbelde (314) 342-5314 July 17, 1995 #S8 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONVENTION ADDRESSES ISSUE OF PHYSICIAN-ASSISTED SUICIDE ST. LOUIS -- Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod delegates in convention here July 17 voted to speak out against "any attempt to legalize physician- assisted suicide and encourage its pastors and people to do the same." The resolution, which says that attempts to legalize assisted suicide are an "affront to the Lord who gives life," directs that the Synod express its "objection to medical personnel having any part in actively inducing death, even at the patient's request." The resolution states, however, that "We respect the individual's right to refuse treatment or to forbid life-support systems by a prior directive and to be allowed to die." From IC_ZEKERTCR@STL Fri Jul 21 15:09:49 1995 Date: Tue, 18 Jul 1995 09:24:16 -0600 (CST) From: IC_ZEKERTCR To: LCMSNEWS@CRF.CUIS.EDU Subject: Release Correction Text UPDATE 59th Regular Convention The Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod Contact: Bruce Kueck (314) 342-5314 July 18, 1995 #S8C FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CORRECTION TO PRESS RELEASE #S8 ST. LOUIS -- A July 17 report that delegates to the 59th Regular Convention of The Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod had adopted a resolution to speak out against assisted suicide was in error. Final action on the resolution has not yet taken place and currently is scheduled for Wednesday afternoon, July 18. The delegates did vote to amend the resolution that was before them. The adopted amendment states, "We respect the individual's right to refuse treatment or to forbid life-support systems by a prior directive and to be allowed to die." The convention news staff apologizes for the error. From IC_ZEKERTCR@STL Fri Jul 21 15:11:17 1995 Date: Wed, 19 Jul 1995 09:03:24 -0600 (CST) From: IC_ZEKERTCR To: lcmsnews@CRF.CUIS.EDU Subject: Release S9 UPDATE 59th Regular Convention The Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod Contact: Linda Hoops (314) 342-5314 July 19, 1995 #S9 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE LCMS DELEGATES REAFFIRM COMMITMENT TO URBAN, CROSS-CULTURAL MINISTRIES ST. LOUIS -- Delegates to the 59th Regular Convention of the Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod have reaffirmed the church's commitment to urban and cross-cultural ministries and encouraged outreach efforts to immigrants and international students attending U.S. high schools and colleges. The reaffirmation, in the form of resolutions, came July 17 at the convention, held here at the Cervantes Convention Center in America's Center. Citing the early church's work in large cities, a resolution on urban and cross-cultural ministry notes that congregations in urban settings are in the process of being abandoned by many mainline churches, just as new opportunities for ministry are increasing. "The cities of our nation and world are among the fields that 'are ripe for harvesting,'" the resolution stated, quoting from John 4:35. The delegates agreed to offer resources and training for supporting current congregations and for planting new congregations and cross-cultural missions in cities. The delegates encouraged the Synod's congregations to become actively involved in outreach to the more than 9 million immigrants that have entered the United States in the last decade. Likewise, campus ministries are urged to spread the Gospel to international students, many of whom are from countries closed to Christian missionaries. From IC_ZEKERTCR@STL Fri Jul 21 15:11:47 1995 Date: Tue, 18 Jul 1995 14:18:16 -0600 (CST) From: IC_ZEKERTCR To: lcmsnews@CRF.CUIS.EDU Subject: release.s10_txt UPDATE 59th Regular Convention The Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod Contact: Bruce Kueck (314) 342-5314 July 18, 1995 #S10 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE LCMS DISTRICT PRESIDENTS ENCOURAGED IN PASTORAL ROLE ST. LOUIS -- Presidents of The Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod's 35 districts were encouraged in their pastoral role by actions of the church body's 59th Regular Convention, meeting here July 17. Convention delegates voted to "reaffirm the pastoral relationship of the district presidents with all members of the Synod in their districts." Several delegates drew a distinction between the pastor of a congregation and the elected leader of a district. "A district is not the church. A district is man-made. A president is not a pastor of pastors. This confuses doctrine," said one delegate. A member of the floor committee that proposed the resolution explained that the resolution referred to "a pastoral relationship rather than the pastoral office." "They are to act pastorally," he said. Rev. Melvin Weseloh, a member of the committee, said the intent of the action is "to stress how the president deals with people, not as a CEO or a judge, but dealing pastorally in every situation." In other actions related to structure, planning and administration, the convention amended bylaws dealing with the Synod's auxiliary organizations and Recognized Service Organizations. An action related to the International Lutheran Laymen's League, the International Lutheran Women's Missionary League and Lutheran Church-Canada refines ways auxiliaries in the United States and Canada coordinate their work with that of the Missouri Synod. New language in the bylaw calls for "regular sharing and contact" among representatives of synodical boards and auxiliaries. "Recognized Service Organization" status may be granted to a service organization that extends the mission and ministry of the Synod, according to an addition to the bylaw that defines their status. Committee Chairman Robert Kuhn pointed out that some cooperative work is accomplished with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod through Recognized Service Organization. This bylaw protects LCMS doctrine and practices, he said, and assumes these partners will respect them. Granting formal recognition "signifies that a service organization, while it is independent of the Synod, fosters the mission and ministry of the church, engages in program activity that is in harmony with the programs of the boards of the Synod, and respects and does not act contrary to the doctrine and practice of the Synod." The convention also affirmed President A.L. Barry with a "vote of appreciation and thanksgiving to God." The action called upon the Synod to "support President Barry in his role as chief executive officer and supervisor for the doctrine of our church body." From IC_ZEKERTCR@STL Fri Jul 21 15:13:38 1995 Date: Mon, 17 Jul 1995 19:28:05 -0600 (CST) From: IC_ZEKERTCR To: LCMSNEWS@CRF.CUIS.EDU Subject: VP ELECTIONS UPDATE 59th Regular Convention The Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod Contact: Karen Eggemeyer (314) 342-5314 July 16, 1995 #S11 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE LCMS DELEGATES ELECT FOUR VICE PRESIDENTS ST. LOUIS -- Delegates to the 59th Regular Convention of The Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod July 17 re-elected Dr. Robert H. King, 73, of Jefferson City, Mo., to his third term as second vice president. King previously served the Synod as third vice president from 1986-89. King was re-elected on the first ballot, receiving 932 votes. A total of 553 votes were needed for election. On the next valid ballot, with 557 votes needed for election, the other vice presidents were elected. They are: * Dr. Dale A. Meyer, 48, of Collinsville, Ill., who has served as Lutheran Hour speaker for the last six years. He was elected third vice president, with 648 votes. * Dr. Eugene Bunkowske, 60, of Fort Wayne, Ind., a seminary professor, was re-elected to his third term as fourth vice president, with 598 votes. * Dr. Wallace Schulz, 51, of Pacific, Mo., who has served as associate Lutheran Hour speaker for the past 18 years, was elected fifth vice president, with 569 votes. From IC_ZEKERTCR@STL Fri Jul 21 15:13:38 1995 Date: Tue, 18 Jul 1995 14:23:34 -0600 (CST) From: IC_ZEKERTCR To: lcmsnews@CRF.CUIS.EDU Subject: release.s12-txt zUPDATE 59th Regular Convention The Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod Contact: Roland Lovstad (314) 342-5314 July 18, 1995 #S12 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE ST. LOUIS -- Worship is so important to the church that a free- standing commission should continue to provide counsel and materials that lead, teach and assist members in this critical part of church life. With that reasoning, delegates to the 59th Regular Convention of The Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod on July 17 voted to retain a free-standing Commission on Worship. The commission reports to the Synod president, who appoints its seven members. Until recently, worship was proposed to become a function under a new Board for Congregational Services. The convention has yet to act on the proposed congregational services board, which would be elected by the synodical convention. As part of their action on the Commission on Worship, the delegates made minor changes to synodical bylaws, but the overall effect was to retain the commission and its functions in much the same form as it has existed in the past. In other worship-related action, the convention encouraged the Synod's 6,000-plus congregations to celebrate Holy Communion every Sunday. From IC_ZEKERTCR@STL Fri Jul 21 15:13:38 1995 Date: Tue, 18 Jul 1995 14:28:31 -0600 (CST) From: IC_ZEKERTCR To: lcmsnews@CRF.CUIS.EDU Subject: Release.s13_txt UPDATE 59th Regular Convention The Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod Contact: Ron Nelson (314) 342-5314 July 18, 1995 #S13 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE LCMS DELEGATES APPROVE FULL FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE ST. LOUIS -- Delegates to the 59th Regular Convention of The Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod July 18 defined and approved "full financial disclosure" for "the Synod and all of its entities and agencies," including district offices. The resolution was approved by a 92 percent affirmative vote of the assembled delegates. Rev. Thomas Queck, Annandale, Minn., one of the delegates who also represents congregations who have been spearheading a "full financial- disclosure" effort, spoke in favor of the resolution. The resolution also had the support of the Synod's Board of Directors. The resolution, which is binding on "each corporate agency of the Synod," defines "full financial disclosure" as "all information (including, but not limited to, information required to be made available under state law) recorded in any fashion" with some exceptions. Exceptions include areas of donor confidentiality, confidential personnel information (but not including salaries of elected Synod officers), information that relates to in-process financial negotiations, disclosures that breach legal obligations or affect pending litigation, and preliminary information that is not in final form. The resolution was written so that disclosure is not limited to what is required by current Missouri law, but permits disclosure beyond the limits of corporate law in Missouri, as well as that of other states. The Accounting Department of Synod is directed to publish in official church periodicals an annual invitation to request full, audited financial statements and summary operating budgets of the Synod and all entities and agencies. Requests for information are to come in writing from LCMS-member congregations as a result of an official resolution of their voting assemblies, stating what records are desired and the time period covered. Other than information already prepared for publication, the actual cost of researching and preparing any documentation will be borne by the requesting congregation. Requests for information may be declined if it can be demonstrated "by clear and convincing evidence" that the request has the specific intent to cause harm to the Synod or one of its entities or agencies or if it has "the sole intent of disrupting the operations" of the Synod. Any such declination is to be explained in writing. Challenges to a declination of information may be reviewed under the Synod's dispute-resolution process. From IC_ZEKERTCR@STL Fri Jul 21 15:13:38 1995 Date: Tue, 18 Jul 1995 14:36:33 -0600 (CST) From: IC_ZEKERTCR To: lcmsnews@CRF.CUIS.EDU Subject: Release S14_txt UPDATE 59th Regular Convention The Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod Contact: David Mahsman (314) 342-5314 July 18, 1995 #S14 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE LUTHERAN CHURCH--MISSOURI SYNOD JOINS INTERNATIONAL LUTHERAN COUNCIL ST. LOUIS -- The 2.6 million-member Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod voted Monday (July 17) to formally join the International Lutheran Council (ILC), a world-wide organization of Lutheran church bodies that are committed to the authority of Scripture and to the historic Lutheran confessional writings. Delegates to the Missouri Synod's 59th Regular Convention, meeting here through Friday, voted 1,028 to 58 to join the ILC. The ILC was established as an organization of church bodies in 1993 at a meeting in Guatemala of Lutheran presidents and bishops who had been meeting every two or three years as the International Lutheran Conference. At their 1991 meeting in Hong Kong, the Lutheran leaders had expressed the need for stronger ties and witness than provided by the periodical conference. The Missouri Synod "rejoices over everything which advances unity among Lutheran churches which are committed to the authority of Holy Scripture and to the Lutheran Confessions," the convention said. The Lutheran Confessions are the 16th century writings that state the Lutheran understanding of the teachings of Scripture. From IC_ZEKERTCR@STL Fri Jul 21 15:13:39 1995 Date: Tue, 18 Jul 1995 14:40:49 -0600 (CST) From: IC_ZEKERTCR To: lcmsnews@CRF.CUIS.EDU Subject: release.S15_txt UPDATE 59th Regular Convention The Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod Contact: David Mahsman (314) 342-5314 July 18, 1995 #S15 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE MISSOURI SYNOD REAFFIRMS POSITION ON WOMEN VOTING IN CONGREGATIONS ST. LOUIS -- Resolutions reaffirming the Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod's position on women voting in congregational meetings and calling for continuance of its Commission on Theology and Church Relations were adopted with relatively little debate Monday (July 17) by the church body's 59th Regular Convention. Delegates reaffirmed the Synod's position, taken in 1969, that "Scripture does not prohibit women from exercising franchise in congregational assemblies." The convention noted that "some members of the Synod continue to believe that woman's suffrage is not in the realm of Christian freedom, but is contrary to the Scriptures and that the Synod was in error when in 1969 it changed its position" on the issue. Delegates urged these members to make use of established procedures for dissent as outlined in Synod bylaws. They also voted that "the Synod declare that honest Christian conscience can and does exist on both sides of this issue, but such difference of opinion is not divisive of Christian fellowship." Quoting a Synod bylaw, they added that "we beseech the members of the Synod, by the mercies of God, to honor and uphold its resolutions 'until such time as the Synod amends or repeals them.'" In another action, the convention voted that the Synod's Commission on Theology and Church Relations (CTCR) "continue to provide theological guidance and leadership," but to begin an internal review of its procedures and of issues it can best handle, in order to streamline its operations. There had been a proposal from some quarters of the church body that the commission be abolished and its work turned over to the faculties of the Synod's seminaries. Delegates asked the CTCR to conduct its procedural review "under the oversight of the President of the Synod" and to report its results to the next Synod convention, which will meet in 1998. From IC_ZEKERTCR@STL Fri Jul 21 15:13:39 1995 Date: Tue, 18 Jul 1995 16:10:15 -0600 (CST) From: IC_ZEKERTCR To: LCMSNEWS@CRF.CUIS.EDU Subject: Release.16_txt UPDATE 59th Regular Convention The Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod Contact: Ron Nelson (314) 342-5314 July 18, 1995 #S16 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE LCMS CONVENTION REVISES CONFLICT OF INTEREST POLICY ST.LOUIS -- Delegates to the 59th Regular Convention of The Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod July 18 overwhelmingly voted to revise and expand the church body's bylaw on conflicts of interest. The new language not only prohibits conflicts, but also calls for their disclosure and applies to "every board, commission, officer and staff member of Synod and to every agency or entity of the Synod." Those covered must disclose receipt of any honoraria or payments made for services rendered to Synod, its entities or agencies; must not carry out any activities or disclose information that could be detrimental to the Synod; may not vote on any transaction in which the individual could receive financial gain; and must disclose any gifts, entertainment or favors in excess of $100 per year. Each individual must sign a statement of compliance with the policy at the time of employment or election, as well as annually. The bylaw also requires that one's conduct of responsibilities reflect the "highest degree of integrity and honesty consistent with the Scriptures, the Lutheran Confessions, the synodical Handbook, board policies and civil laws," so that activities do not "give offense, cause confusion in the Synod or create public liability." From IC_ZEKERTCR@STL Fri Jul 21 15:13:39 1995 Date: Tue, 18 Jul 1995 16:25:01 -0600 (CST) From: IC_ZEKERTCR To: LCMSNEWS@CRF.CUIS.EDU Subject: Release 17 UPDATE 59th Regular Convention The Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod Contact: Paula Ross (314) 342-5314 July 18, 1995 #S17 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE LCMS CONVENTION DELEGATES OK PAID TUITION FOR SEMINARIANS ST. LOUIS -- Seminary students in The Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod (LCMS) owe an average of $15,000 for their education when they graduate as pastors. They may soon get a "free ride" at LCMS seminaries. A resolution adopted July 18 by delegates to the Synod's 59th Regular Convention calls for an "ingathering of funds sufficient to cover the cost of all tuition" for every seminary student training to become a pastor in the 2.6-million member church body. The resolution also asks the church body to "renew its commitment to the education of pastors" and directs the church's Board for Higher Education and two seminaries to increase their student-aid endowments for seminarians. The free-tuition idea is nothing new, according to Dr. Roger Pittelko, president of the Synod's English District and chairman of the convention floor committee on higher education, which presented and endorsed the resolution. In the 1950s, when Pittelko himself was attending an LCMS seminary, all that students paid for were books and room and board, he said. Speaking in support of the resolution prior to the vote, Dr. John Johnson, president of Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, said 95 percent of students at his institution receive some financial assistance, and 85 percent graduate with educational debt. This year's graduates owed an average of $15,495, Johnson said. Pastors, unlike the church's other professional workers, are required to complete four years of graduate study, including a 12-month vicarage, or internship. In addition to Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, the Synod owns and operates Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne, Ind. From IC_ZEKERTCR@STL Fri Jul 21 15:13:39 1995 Date: Wed, 19 Jul 1995 14:21:12 -0600 (CST) From: IC_ZEKERTCR To: LCMSNEWS@CRF.CUIS.EDU Subject: Release S18 UPDATE 59th Regular Convention The Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod Contact: Bruce Kueck (314) 342-5314 July 19, 1995 #S18 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE SELL, ROSIN RE-ELECTED LCMS TREASURER, SECRETARY ST. LOUIS -- Delegates to the 59th Regular Convention of The Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod (LCMS) have re-elected Dr. Norman D. Sell to be the Synod's vice president--finance/treasurer and Dr. Walter L. Rosin to be the church body's secretary. Sell received 613 of the 1,132 votes cast by delegates on Tuesday (July 18). Dr. John Gerber, president of Concordia Publishing House, received 519 votes. Sell, 56, of St. Louis, Mo., has served as the Synod's treasurer for the past 18 years. Prior to that, he served two years as the Synod's assistant treasurer and one year with the Synod in the area of planning and budgeting. The Synod's Board of Directors had earlier nominated Sell for the position. Gerber, also of St. Louis, Mo., had earlier announced he is resigning his publishing house position, effective Aug. 1. He was nominated for the position from the convention floor. Rosin received 575 of the 1,122 votes cast, compared with the 547 votes cast for Rev. Raymond L. Hartwig, president of the Synod's South Dakota District. Rosin, 66, of Ballwin, Mo., has served as the Synod's secretary for the past 12 years. Prior to that, he served three years as executive secretary of the Synod's Board for Higher Education. Hartwig, of Sioux Falls, S.D., has been district president since 1988. He has also held a number of Synod-related positions, including serving as a member of the Sanctity of Life Task Force and on the Commission on Ministerial Growth and Support. The results of the voting were announced today (July 19). Earlier in the convention, delegates took a number of actions aimed at strengthing the church, including: * defining and approving "full financial disclosure" for "the Synod and all of its entities and agencies." The resolution was written so that it complies with, and permits disclosure beyond, what is required by current Missouri or other state law. * encouraging LCMS congregations to put into practice a five-fold vision statement based on a similar statement outlined by Dr. Alvin L. Barry, president of the Synod. The five points envision a church body that is: -- strong in the Word, -- people-centered and people-sensitive, -- reaching out boldly with the Gospel, -- faithful to the Scriptures and the Lutheran Confessions, and -- marked by peace and unity. * calling for an "ingathering of funds sufficient to cover the cost of all tuition" for every seminary student training to become a pastor in the 2.6-million member church body. * reaffirming the church's commitment to urban and cross-cultural ministries and encouraging outreach efforts to immigrants and international students attending U.S. high schools and colleges. * formalizing altar and pulpit fellowship with the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Paraguay and with the Free Evangelical-Lutheran Synod in South Africa. Based on complete agreement in doctrine and practice, such fellowship permits pastors to preach from each other's pulpits and allows members to receive the Lord's Supper at each other's altars. * voting to formally join the International Lutheran Council, a world- wide organization of Lutheran church bodies that are committed to the authority of Scripture and to the historic Lutheran confessional writings. From IC_ZEKERTCR@STL Fri Jul 21 15:13:39 1995 Date: Wed, 19 Jul 1995 15:36:08 -0600 (CST) From: IC_ZEKERTCR To: LCMSNEWS@CRF.CUIS.EDU Subject: Release S19 UPDATE 59th Regular Convention The Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod Contact: David Mahsman (314) 342-5314 July 19, 1995 #S19 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE MISSOURI SYNOD BEGINS 150TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION ST. LOUIS -- "It's time to light the candles and celebrate!" With those words and a video clip of exploding fireworks, the 59th Regular Convention of The Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod Tuesday (July 18) kicked off a three-year celebration of the church body's 150th anniversary. "We don't live in the past; we celebrate the past," Dr. Karl Barth, chairman of the celebration, told delegates. "And we are standing on the shores of tomorrow." The Missouri Synod was founded in 1847 and has grown from a handful of congregations to more than 6,000 with 2.6 million members. This year's triennial convention, meeting here through Friday, marks the beginning of a celebration to climax at the Synod's next convention, in 1998. This year's convention and the celebration both have the theme, "Sent Forth by God's Blessing." LCMS President A.L. Barry read and signed a proclamation setting 1995 to 1998 as "jubilee years of congregational celebration," commending the observance "to all our people," and declaring Sunday, May 19, 1996, as "a day of repentance, prayer and commitment in all our congregations. ..." Delegates then adopted with a standing vote and a hymn of praise to God a resolution also commending the anniversary observance "to all our people, so that under God's continuing blessing we may grow in His Word, in aggressive outreach, and in the stewardship of His bountiful gifts -- all to the glory of His name." This resolve reflects a three-fold emphasis on growth that has been adopted for the celebration. The only way this growth can happen, Barth said, "is in the daily life of God's people in the congregations of the Synod" -- not because a convention resolution says so. He also emphasized that the celebration will be congregation-based and that congregations will set their own growth goals. An emotional moment in the anniversary presentation came as Oanh Heiser, a Vietnamese immigrant who submitted the basic design for the anniversary (and convention) logo, shared her story, including her conversion to the Christian faith through the witness of her husband, Tom. Her voice cracked as she told how she had never heard the word "love" growing up -- but learned through Tom that the Triune God is a God of "unconditional love." From IC_ZEKERTCR@STL Fri Jul 21 15:13:40 1995 Date: Wed, 19 Jul 1995 17:01:28 -0600 (CST) From: IC_ZEKERTCR To: LCMSNEWS@CRF.CUIS.EDU Subject: Release 20 UPDATE 59th Regular Convention The Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod Contact: Bruce Kueck (314) 342-5314 July 19, 1995 #S20 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONVENTION SEEKS TO FINE TUNE DISPUTE-RESOLUTION PROCESS ST. LOUIS -- Delegates to the 59th Regular Convention of The Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod (LCMS) July 18 sought to "fine tune" the church body's dispute-resolution process put in place at the last LCMS convention, in 1992. Among bylaw changes adopted by the convention is provision for adding to the process a "review panel," an additional possibility for appealing a decision that, until now, would have been final. In a related resolution, delegates asked the task force that designed the three-year-old system to develop guidelines for use by panels involved in hearing the disputes brought to them. "It is apparent that some fine-tuning is necessary in order to provide clarification or to deal with factors that were not anticipated," says one of the two resolutions. Disputes that arise in the Synod and are taken to the dispute- resolution system are heard first by a trained "reconciler." If there is no resolution at that level, three reconcilers may be selected to form a "dispute-resolution panel" to seek a solution. Until this year's changes, such a panel could be asked to reconsider but ultimately made the final decision in a case. The changes add a "review panel" comprised of three district presidents, which will now have the final word. Efforts are to be made throughout the process to bring reconciliation to those involved in a dispute. The system, adopted in 1992, replaced a system that resembled a courtroom model for adjudicating disputes. Some of the debate surrounding the additional layer of appeal centered on whether or not the change would make the new system more "adversarial." The convention floor committee that brought the dispute-resolution issue before the delegates proposed appointing a special committee to develop guidelines for dispute-resolution and review panels. It also proposed a resolution that would have dismissed the Task Force on Dispute Resolution, which designed the new system. But the convention adopted a substitute resolution that gives the job to the existing task force. From IC_ZEKERTCR@STL Fri Jul 21 15:13:40 1995 Date: Wed, 19 Jul 1995 17:53:19 -0600 (CST) From: IC_ZEKERTCR To: LCMSNEWS@CRF.CUIS.EDU Subject: Release.S_21 UPDATE 59th Regular Convention The Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod Contact: David Mahsman (314) 342-5314 July 19, 1995 #S23 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONVENTION: LAYMEN WHO ACT AS PASTORS MUST SEEK ORDINATION ST. LOUIS -- Laymen who are licensed by their districts to carry out Word and Sacrament ministry will be required to apply for admission into the pastoral ministry, based on action taken today (July 19) by the 59th Regular Convention of The Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod. After considerable debate, the convention voted 634-499 to adopt a procedure by which licensed laymen will be called and ordained into the Synod's ministerium. Applicants will be permitted to continue to serve a congregation while undertaking a course of theological study designed for him by one of the Synod's seminaries. Montana District President George Wollenburg, chairman of the floor committee that brought the resolution to the convention, told delegates that the procedure does not address the validity of pastoral acts performed by laymen, but the matter of "order in the church." The Synod's 1989 convention authorized district presidents to license certain laymen to perform pastoral functions under the supervision of an ordained minister when no local pastor is available. The new procedure will give those so licensed two years to apply for admission to a program leading to ordination. If a licensed laymen declines to apply, the district president is to allow his license to lapse. The procedure does provide that "in extreme and unusual circumstances, the district president, with the consent of the Council of Presidents, may extend this grace period beyond two years." Among those who spoke in opposition to the resolution were Dr. John Heins, chairman of the Council of Presidents, and Synod First Vice President August T. Mennicke. Heins cited the case of a licensed layman who serves a congregation on an isolated island in northern Michigan that is accessible only six months a year. "He doesn't have the funds or time to pursue this," Heins said. "If this passes, we will lose that congregation." Wollenburg, however, said that the provision for dealing with unusual circumstances, as well as use of technology for distance-learning, would take care of such concerns. From IC_ZEKERTCR@STL Fri Jul 21 15:13:40 1995 Date: Wed, 19 Jul 1995 18:01:02 -0600 (CST) From: IC_ZEKERTCR To: LCMSNEWS@CRF.CUIS.EDU Subject: Release S_22 UPDATE 59th Regular Convention The Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod Contact: Roland Lovstad (314) 342-5314 July 19, 1995 #S22 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE LCMS DELEGATES CREATE BOARDS FOR CONGREGATIONAL SERVICES, BLACK MINISTRY ST. LOUIS -- Attempting to provide more effective service to its 6,000-plus congregations and 35 districts, the 59th Regular Convention of The Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod established a new Board for Congregational Services. During sessions Wednesday (July 19), the convention also gave board status to the Synod's Commission on Black Ministry. The change gives both boards voting representation in administrative councils of the Synod. The Board for Congregational Services brings together functions and staff of former boards for evangelism, youth and parish services and the Council on Stewardship. It will have 11 members who will be elected before the convention closes on Friday (July 21). Plans for the congregational services board were laid during the past three years, including the appointment of an executive director. The board's service areas will include adult ministry, child ministry, evangelism, family, leadership development, schools, stewardship and youth. Rev. Lyle Muller, executive director for congregational services, said the intent of planners is to continually evaluate and change the service areas as needs of congregations change. He added that the staff energies will be focused on helping districts provide services to congregations. The resolution to establish the Board for Congregational Services also formalized a Conference of Congregational Services that was begun by the 1992 convention. The conference, with 74 participants, will have representatives from districts, seminaries, colleges and national staff, plus the congregational services board. Meeting once a year, the conference is intended to receive information about the service needs of congregations and districts. In its resolution to change the Commission on Black Ministry to a board, the convention also called for the Board for Congregational Services and the Board for Mission Services to continue to develop ways to address future ministries to other ethnic and cultural groups. The Board for Black Ministry will now have a vote on the Synod's Council on Mission and Ministry and on the Council of Administrators. Dr. Bryant Clancy, executive director of the Board for Black Ministry, reminded the convention that the Synod has been involved in ministry to African-Americans for 118 years. About 300 of the Synod's 6,000 congregations minister primarily in black communities. "The resolution strengthens this resolve," Clancy said. From IC_ZEKERTCR@STL Fri Jul 21 15:15:21 1995 Date: Wed, 19 Jul 1995 17:50:40 -0600 (CST) From: IC_ZEKERTCR To: LCMSNEWS@CRF.CUIS.EDU Subject: Release S_23 UPDATE 59th Regular Convention The Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod Contact: David Mahsman (314) 342-5314 July 19, 1995 #S23 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONVENTION: LAYMEN WHO ACT AS PASTORS MUST SEEK ORDINATION ST. LOUIS -- Laymen who are licensed by their districts to carry out Word and Sacrament ministry will be required to apply for admission into the pastoral ministry, based on action taken today (July 19) by the 59th Regular Convention of The Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod. After considerable debate, the convention voted 634-499 to adopt a procedure by which licensed laymen will be called and ordained into the Synod's ministerium. Applicants will be permitted to continue to serve a congregation while undertaking a course of theological study designed for him by one of the Synod's seminaries. Montana District President George Wollenburg, chairman of the floor committee that brought the resolution to the convention, told delegates that the procedure does not address the validity of pastoral acts performed by laymen, but the matter of "order in the church." The Synod's 1989 convention authorized district presidents to license certain laymen to perform pastoral functions under the supervision of an ordained minister when no local pastor is available. The new procedure will give those so licensed two years to apply for admission to a program leading to ordination. If a licensed laymen declines to apply, the district president is to allow his license to lapse. The procedure does provide that "in extreme and unusual circumstances, the district president, with the consent of the Council of Presidents, may extend this grace period beyond two years." Among those who spoke in opposition to the resolution were Dr. John Heins, chairman of the Council of Presidents, and Synod First Vice President August T. Mennicke. Heins cited the case of a licensed layman who serves a congregation on an isolated island in northern Michigan that is accessible only six months a year. "He doesn't have the funds or time to pursue this," Heins said. "If this passes, we will lose that congregation." Wollenburg, however, said that the provision for dealing with unusual circumstances, as well as use of technology for distance-learning, would take care of such concerns. From IC_ZEKERTCR@STL Fri Jul 21 15:16:07 1995 Date: Thu, 20 Jul 1995 10:32:20 -0600 (CST) From: IC_ZEKERTCR To: lcmsnews@CRF.CUIS.EDU Subject: Release S_25 UPDATE 59th Regular Convention The Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod Contact: Bruce Kueck (314) 342-5314 July 20, 1995 #S25 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE RUSCH PRAISES JOINT EFFORTS OF MAJOR LUTHERAN CHURCHES Rev. William Rusch, director of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America's (ELCA) Department of Ecumenical Affairs, told delegates to the 59th Regular Convention of the Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod that, despite differences, common ground still exists between the two church bodies. "Those of us who claim with pride the label 'Lutheran' cannot forget that we ... share a common history and heritage, a deep commitment to the Gospel understood as that message of justification by grace through faith, and a subscription to those Lutheran Confessions that articulate that Gospel. "Is not that commonality reflected in the theme of your convention, 'Sent Forth by God's Blessing,' and in the theme of the upcoming churchwide assembly of the ELCA in Minneapolis, 'Making Christ Known'?" Rusch asked. He suggested the themes could be combined as "Sent Forth by God's Blessing to Make Christ Known!" "As you know, in many places there are good contacts between your districts and our synods and in many parishes across this land," Rusch added. He cited the work the two churches do together through the Committee on Lutheran Cooperation, Lutheran World Relief and Inter-Lutheran Disaster Response. "We value our joint ventures with you in the face of human need and disaster," Rusch said. "The simple fact is that we do work together, and we in the ELCA give high regard to that cooperative work and partnership." From IC_ZEKERTCR@STL Fri Jul 21 15:17:13 1995 Date: Thu, 20 Jul 1995 10:42:33 -0600 (CST) From: IC_ZEKERTCR To: LCMSNEWS@CRF.CUIS.EDU Subject: Release S_26 UPDATE 59th Regular Convention The Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod Contact: David Mahsman (314) 342-5314 July 20, 1995 #S26 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONVENTION PAYS TRIBUTE TO J.A.O. PREUS ST. LOUIS -- Dr. J.A.O. Preus, who was president of The Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod during stormy days of controversy in the 1970s, was "a man who took his position seriously, but never took himself seriously." Dr. Robert Sauer, the Synod's fourth vice president and long-time assistant to Preus, reflected Wednesday on the late former president Preus in a tribute at the Synod's 59th Regular Convention meeting here. Preus died last August. "To some, he was an uncaring politician," Sauer said of Preus, who steered the Synod during a controversy that came to a head at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, and resulted in about 100,000 members leaving the 2.6 million-member church body. But they were wrong, he said. "He cared." The controversy was a painful period for the Synod, not least for Preus. "A lesser man would have cracked in those stormy days," Sauer said. He concluded his tribute with a quote from the writer of the Biblical Letter to the Hebrews: "Remember your leaders who spoke the Word of God to you. ... " From IC_ZEKERTCR@STL Fri Jul 21 15:17:13 1995 Date: Thu, 20 Jul 1995 11:49:07 -0600 (CST) From: IC_ZEKERTCR To: LCMSNEWS@CRF.CUIS.EDU Subject: Release S_27 UPDATE 59th Regular Convention The Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod Contact: Carla Dubbelde (314) 342-5314 July 20, 1995 #S27 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE ST. LOUIS -- Officials of several worldwide partner church-bodies of The Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod (LCMS) brought greetings from those bodies to the Missouri Synod as the church assembled in convention here July 18. Gathered on the convention dais were Dr. Hae-Chul Kim, president of the Lutheran Church in Korea; Rev. Isaac Moon, president of the India Evangelical Lutheran Church; Dr. Jobst Schoene, bishop of the Independent Evangelical Lutheran Church, in Germany; and Rev. Chao Chien, president of the China Evangelical Lutheran Church, in Taiwan. Kim, speaking through an interpreter, said that he was "honored and privileged to thank Lutheran workers in Korea for establishing outreach" there 37 years ago. Commenting then on the convention hall banners that represent various countries where the LCMS has missionaries or where partner church-bodies are located, Kim said that he "hopes that soon there will be flags from many different countries flying at meetings of the Lutheran Church in Korea." His remarks were a reference to missionary work in North Korea and mainland China that the Lutheran Church in Korea hopes to undertake as part of its Lutheran Mission 2000 program. Moon reported that pastors, teachers, schools and laypeople in his land join in one voice to give "a big vote of thank you for 100 years" of mission work in India. According to Moon, India is home to one-fifth of the world's population and is a country with many social and economic problems. "I really thank God for His faithfulness to us," Moon said. Schoene was especially grateful for LCMS assistance in recent years in Germany. Concluding his greetings, Schoene presented Dr. Glenn O'Shoney, executive director of the Synod's Board for Mission Services, a check for 5,000 German marks (approx. $3,600 U.S.) as a gift of thanks. Chien extended thanks for LCMS involvement in Taiwan. Chien said that of the 21 million people in Taiwan, only 3 percent are Christian; the rest are Buddhist. But, thanks to LCMS efforts, more and more students are becoming interested in learning about Jesus Christ. Now, "about 600 attend worship services every Sunday morning," Chien said. A group of missionary students from Eastern Europe present at the convention was also recognized. From IC_ZEKERTCR@STL Fri Jul 21 15:17:13 1995 Date: Thu, 20 Jul 1995 14:08:15 -0600 (CST) From: IC_ZEKERTCR To: LCMSNEWS@CRF.CUIS.EDU Subject: Release S_28 UPDATE 59th Regular Convention The Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod Contact: Roland Lovstad (314) 342-5314 July 20, 1995 #S28 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE LCMS CONVENTION DELEGATES ADDRESS YOUTH GATHERING, WORSHIP ISSUES ST. LOUIS -- Youth gatherings and worship materials received attention from delegates to The Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod's 59th Regular Convention as it dealt today (July 20) with congregational services-related topics. The convention expressed thanks to God for the 1995 Youth Gathering, held July 2-6 in San Antonio, and pledged the Synod's support for the 1998 gathering, to be held in Atlanta, Ga. In related action, the convention resolved that "sound Biblical and doctrinal theology and practice" be evident in activities of national and district youth gatherings. The resolution calls for the Synod or district president to approve all speakers, preachers and officiants. In the same resolution, delegates also called for all service materials and procedures be approved by the LCMS Commission on Worship, or by equivalent district committees. Youth gatherings received a strong endorsement as representatives of youth delegates spoke to the convention. The youth received standing applause from the 2,500 attendees. "Youth gatherings enhance parish life as nothing else can," said Lori Lanning, Stuart, Fla, representing the Florida-Georgia District. Lanning cited several numbers from the 1995 gathering, attended by some 28,000 youth and adults. They received an offering of $131,000, contributed five tons of food and participated in community service projects ranging from housing repairs to painting trash cans for the City of San Antonio. Kansas District youth representative Ed Doris, of Shawnee, encouraged the convention and the Synod to reach out to youth with time, talents and love. "Young people of our nation are a primary mission field," he stated. In actions on worship topics, the convention asked the LCMS Commission on Worship to develop guidelines "to give congregations practical assistance to foster worship consistent with Lutheran theology and practice." It asked the commission to consult with the Commission on Theology and Church Relations and seminary faculties in developing the guidelines. The resolution calls on the worship commission to provide the guidelines by the fall of 1997 for use in district conferences and forums. In another resolution, the convention encouraged use of synodically approved hymnals. It asked the worship commission to evaluate other worship resources and to develop new musical and textual materials to supplement present worship resources. From IC_ZEKERTCR@STL Fri Jul 21 15:17:13 1995 Date: Thu, 20 Jul 1995 18:14:22 -0600 (CST) From: IC_ZEKERTCR To: LCMSNEWS@CRF.CUIS.EDU Subject: Release S_29 UPDATE 59th Regular Convention The Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod Contact: Karen Eggemeyer (314) 342-5314 July 20, 1995 #S29 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONVENTION DELEGATES ELECT LCMS BOARD OF DIRECTORS ST. LOUIS -- Delegates to the 59th Regular Convention of The Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod (LCMS) today completed balloting to elect members of the LCMS Board of Directors. Two clergymen, one teacher and four members of the laity were elected to six-year terms. On the first ballot, teacher candidate Clifford Dietrich was re- elected to his second term on the LCMS Board of Directors with 554 votes. A total of 542 votes was needed for election. Dietrich, 59, is superintendent of Fort Wayne Lutheran Schools, Fort Wayne, Ind. Roy Kaiser, 63, of Rochester, Mich., received 283 votes and Edsel Tieman, 56, of Decatur, Ill., nominated from the floor, received 246 votes. Also on the first ballot, layman Christian Preus, 35, an attorney from Plymouth, Minn., was elected to his first term on the board. He received 622 votes, with 539 needed for election. On the second ballot, two additional lay members were elected: Dean Bell, 48, a farmer and lay minister from Hendrum, Minn., with 526 votes; and Dr. Jean Garton, 66, of Benton, Ark., president of Lutherans For Life, who was nominated from the floor and was elected with 530 votes. Both will be serving their first terms on the board. It took three additional ballots to elect the remaining lay board member: Edwin A. Trapp Jr., 63, of Dallas, Texas. Trapp is a retired corporate president. Lay incumbents Robert Hirsch, Yankton, S.D., and Gilbert LaHaine, Lansing, Mich., were not returned to the board. Other candidates for the lay positions included Walter Daman of Lafayette, Calif.; Ted Kober of Billings, Mont.; Thomas Kuchta of Chicago, Ill.; and Robert Welk of Rochester, N.Y. Pastoral candidate Dr. Arnold Kuntz, 68, of Garden Grove, Calif., was returned to another term of the board. He received 736 votes. Rev. Ulmer Marshall, 47, of Mobile, Ala., was elected with 692 votes to his first term on the board. Both men were elected on the third ballot. Other pastoral candidates included Revs. Jack R. Baumgarn of St. Francis, Minn.; Harlan Harnapp, of Broomfield, Colo.; and John D. Fritz and Laurence White, both of Houston, Texas. Baumgarn was declared ineligible after a lay nominee was elected from the Minnesota South District. Bylaws prohibit more than one LCMS Board of Directors member from each district. Both Harnapp and White were nominated from the floor. From IC_ZEKERTCR@STL Fri Jul 21 15:18:34 1995 Date: Thu, 20 Jul 1995 17:07:19 -0600 (CST) From: IC_ZEKERTCR To: LCMSNEWS@CRF.CUIS.EDU Subject: Release S30 UPDATE 59th Regular Convention The Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod Contact: David Mahsman (314) 342-5314 July 20, 1995 #S30 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONVENTION ADDRESSES CONCERNS RAISED BY RULING ON BYLAWS, CONSTITUTION ST. LOUIS -- The 59th Regular Convention of The Lutheran Church-- Missouri Synod has taken legal steps deemed necessary to provide time to study ramifications of a ruling that certain bylaw changes made in 1992 are in conflict with the Synod's Constitution. In March, the Synod's Commission on Constitutional Matters (CCM) ruled unconstitutional certain bylaws adopted by the 1992 Synod convention to clarify relationships between the Synod's Board of Directors and other Synodwide corporate boards. A resolution adopted Wednesday (July 19) by this year's convention says the ruling "raised significant legal questions" about operations of Lutheran Church Extension Fund--Missouri Synod, the LCMS Foundation and "other Synodwide corporate entities." At the urging of the Synod's legal counsel, Board of Directors and President A.L. Barry, the delegates voted to: * withdraw from the Bylaws provisions of 1992 Resolution 8-01A that were declared invalid by the CCM, replacing them with the pertinent 1989 Bylaws; * affirm the separate corporate existence and responsibilities of each Synodwide corporate or legal entity; and * refer questions raised by the CCM opinion to a Blue Ribbon Committee on Structure that has been appointed by Barry. That committee is to bring recommendations on the matter to the next Synod convention, in 1998. From IC_ZEKERTCR@STL Fri Jul 21 15:23:26 1995 Date: Thu, 20 Jul 1995 16:53:40 -0600 (CST) From: IC_ZEKERTCR To: LCMSNEWS@CRF.CUIS.EDU Subject: Release 31 UPDATE 59th Regular Convention The Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod Contact: David Mahsman (314) 342-5314 July 20, 1995 #S31 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONVENTION ADDRESSES COMMUNION PRACTICE, WOMEN IN ALL CONGREGATIONAL OFFICES ST. LOUIS -- Addressing theological issues Thursday (July 20), the 59th Regular Convention of The Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod voted to reaffirm the church body's practice of "close" communion and to urge the Synod to study two reports on the service of women in all congregational offices. The convention reaffirmed resolutions on the practice of Holy Communion adopted by two previous conventions: * a 1967 action that LCMS pastors and congregations "except in situations of emergency and in special cases of pastoral care, commune individuals of only those synods which are now in fellowship with us," and * a 1986 resolution that LCMS pastors and congregations "continue to abide by the practice of close communion, which includes the necessity of exercising responsible pastoral care in extraordinary situations and circumstances...." The resolution considers such circumstances "relatively rare." Lutherans believe that with the bread and wine in communion, they also receive the true body and blood of Jesus Christ. "Since fellowship at the Lord's Table is a confession of faith in the Lord's promises professed at our altar, it would not be truthful for those who affirm Christ's gift of His body and blood in the bread and wine and those who deny it to join one another at the table," says the preamble to the convention resolution. The delegates said that "any members of the Synod who advocate a different practice of Holy Communion be fraternally reminded of the commitment all the members of the Synod make to one another by subscribing the Constitution of Synod to honor and uphold its doctrine and practice and, where there is disagreement, to follow the proper channels of dissent" as outlined in the Synod's Bylaws. Montana District President George Wollenburg, chairman of the convention floor Committee on Theology and Church Relations, noted that most Christians worldwide belong to churches that practice close communion. In another action, the convention voted to urge Synod members to study a Commission on Theology and Church Relations (CTCR) report on "The Service of Women in Congregational and Synodical Offices" together with a dissenting opinion signed by five of the commission's 16 voting members. That request is in line with a unanimous recommendation of the CTCR, including those who signed the dissenting opinion. The delegates also asked Synod members to comment to the CTCR on the two reports. They asked the CTCR to give the topic of the reports "the highest priority" and to take responses from Synod members into account as it continues to study the issue, in consultation with the faculties of the Synod's two seminaries. Finally, the resolution calls on members to abide by the Synod's position as stated in a 1970 opinion of the Commission on Constitutional Matters. That opinion said that women may hold all congregational offices except chairman, vice chairman, elder or any other board or policy-making committee chairmanship that the congregation may wish to restrict to men. An attempt to delete that final provision failed by a 493-626 vote. From IC_ZEKERTCR@STL Fri Jul 21 15:23:26 1995 Date: Thu, 20 Jul 1995 18:16:40 -0600 (CST) From: IC_ZEKERTCR To: LCMSNEWS@CRF.CUIS.EDU Subject: Release S32 UPDATE 59th Regular Convention The Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod Contact: Linda Hoops (314) 342-5314 July 20, 1995 #S32 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE LCMS CONVENTION REVISES PASTORAL COLLOQUY RULES ST. LOUIS -- Bylaws pertaining to admission to the pastoral ministry by colloquy have been revised by delegates attending the 59th Regular Convention of The Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod. The convention is being held here at the Cervantes Convention Center in America's Center. The rationale behind the changes was outlined in the resolution, which was passed Thursday (July 20): "Over the years, colloquy has come to include many things other than the traditional M.Div. (Master of Divinity) program," the resolution said. "Our church does not believe in evolution, but we have allowed colloquy to evolve," added Dr. August Mennicke, chairman of the Synod's colloquy committee. The revisions would limit colloquy to two categories: One, ministers who are in good standing in other Christian church bodies, are graduates of established seminaries and have served at least three years in a recognized ministry of their church body; and Two, lay men who have carried out the full responsibilites of the pastoral ministry for at least 10 years, who are currently licensed for such ministry by a district president and who have been recommended by a congregation holding Synod membership. The resolution states that other applicants for the ministry would participate in special theological education under the direction of the seminaries. From IC_ZEKERTCR@STL Fri Jul 21 15:23:26 1995 Date: Thu, 20 Jul 1995 18:55:43 -0600 (CST) From: IC_ZEKERTCR To: LCMSNEWS@CRF.CUIS.EDU Subject: Release 34 UPDATE 59th Regular Convention The Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod Contact: Carla Dubbelde (314) 342-5314 July 20, 1995 #S34 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE LIFE ISSUES COME BEFORE LCMS CONVENTION DELEGATES ST. LOUIS -- Delegates to the 59th Regular Convention of The Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod addressed Thursday (July 20) issues concerning the sanctity of life and physician-assisted suicide. Delegates resolved that the Synod express "its objection to medical personnel having any part in actively inducing death, even at the patient's request or the request of the patient's family." The delegates amended the original resolution to include the Synod's intent to "respect the individual's right to refuse treatment or to forbid life-support systems by a prior directive and to be allowed to die." In a separate resolution, delegates reaffirmed the Synod's position that human life begins at conception while also putting the Synod on record "as deploring, renouncing and repudiating in the strongest terms any use of violence as a means of protest." Discussion of the resolution prior to adoption included a suggestion that the Synod explore efforts to prevent the need for abortions by promoting educational opportunities and pregnancy counseling. In other human-care issues, delegates adopted resolutions to: * ask the Board of Directors of the Synod to convene a task force to address "the issue of providing adequate and affordable insurance coverage" for full-time church work students and their dependents, while they are in college or seminary and on vicarage or serving an internship. * encourage the Board of Managers for the Synod's health care-plan to explore all options in providing the best and most cost-effective health care coverage for LCMS workers. From IC_ZEKERTCR@STL Fri Jul 21 15:23:27 1995 Date: Thu, 20 Jul 1995 18:59:27 -0600 (CST) From: IC_ZEKERTCR To: LCMSNEWS@CRF.CUIS.EDU Subject: Release S_35 UPDATE 59th Regular Convention The Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod Contact: Karen Eggemeyer (314) 342-5314 July 20, 1995 #S35 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE LCMS CONVENTION ELECTION RESULTS Following are elections results, as of 6:30 p.m. (CDT) Thursday (July 20). THE FOLLOWING CONTAIN PARTIAL RESULTS: Board for Congregational Services 3 parish pastors; 3 commissioned ministers (teachers); 3 laypeople; 2 members-at-large FINAL Clergy: Victor Belton, Decatur, GA (FG) (six year term) Dar Karsten, Eureka, MO (MO) (six year term) John Pless, Minneapolis, MN (MNS) (three year term) NOT FINAL -- ONE YET TO BE ELECTED Teachers/Commissioned Ministers: David Held, Seward, NE (NE) Debra Herman, Bartlett, IL (NI) (elected to six year term) Patricia A. Hoffman, Irvine, CA (PSW) (elected to six year term) Jennie J. Waters, Windsor, CT (NE) Jean Weidler, Tampa, FL (FG) Richard Wenz, Davenport, IA (IE) NOT FINAL -- ONE YET TO BE ELECTED Laypersons: Daniel R. Hegg, Fort Atkinson, IA (MNS) Arleen Keyne, El Granda, CA (CNH) Kay McCreery, Montgomery, AL (SO) (elected to six year term) Ruth Otten, Brookfield, IL (NI) Donald J. Pegosh, Tinton Falls, NJ (NJ) (elected to six year term) Marlin Roos, Lincoln, IL (CI) Paul Wegele, Ness City, KS (KS) FINAL At-Large Members: Naomichi Masaki, Ridgewood, NJ (NJ) (elected to three year term) Jonathan E. Shaw, Springfield, IL (MO) (elected to three year term) THE FOLLOWING ARE FINAL RESULTS: President Clergy: Alvin Barry, Ballwin, Mo. (MO) First Vice President Clergy: Robert Kuhn, Springfield, Ill. (CI) Praesidium: Clergy: SECOND VP: Robert King, Jefferson City, Mo. (MO) THIRD VP: Dale Meyer, Collinsville, Ill. (SI) FOURTH VP: Eugene Bunkowske, Fort Wayne, Ind. (IN) FIFTH VP: Wallace Schulz, Pacific, Mo. (MO) Secretary 1 clergyman to be elected: Clergy: Walter L. Rosin, Ballwin, Mo. (MO) Vice President-Finance/Treasurer 1 layperson to be elected: Norman D. Sell, St. Louis, Mo. (MO) Board of Directors 2 clergy; 1 teacher; 4 laypeople to be elected Clergy: Arnold Kuntz, Garden Grove, CA (PSW) Ulmer Marshall, Mobile, AL (SO) Teachers: Clifford Dietrich, Fort Wayne, IN (IN) Laypersons: Dean Bell, Hendrum, MN (MNN) Jean Garton, Benton, AR (MDS) Christian Preus, Plymouth, MN (MNS) Edwin A. Trapp Jr., Dallas, TX (TX) Board for Higher Education Serivces 2 clergymen, 1 teacher to be elected Clergy: Steven C. Briel, Maple Grove, MN (MNS) Paul L. Maier, Grand Rapids, MI (MC) Teachers: William Ludwig, Kalispell, MT (MT) Board for Mission Services 2 clergymen, 1 teacher and 2 laypersons to be elected Clergy: Kenneth Greinke, Menno, SD (SD) James P. Johnson, Santa Barbara, CA (PSW) Teachers: Laurence Meissner, Hutto, TX (TX) Laypersons: Herman W. Jensen, Ida Grove, IA (IW) Emily Moore, St. Paul, MN (NI) Commission on Theology and Church Relations: 1 clergyman, 1 layperson to be elected Clergy: George Dolak, Natrona Heights, PA (S) Laypersons: Raymond Moldenhauer, Long Prairie, MN (MNN) Board of Directors, CPH: 4 laypersons to be elected Laypersons: Ruth Brighton, Malvern, PA (EA) Businesspersons: Jack Fleischli, Mission Viejo, CA (PSW) Norman Kleinschmidt, Jacksonville, IL (CI) Robert Rodefeld, Littleton, CO (RM) BOARDS OF REGENTS: Concordia Ann Arbor, Michigan: 1 clergyman, 1 teacher, 3 laypersons to be elected Clergy: Douglas M. Christian, Monroeville, IN (IN) Teachers: Edwin F. Kuerschner, Lapeer, MI (MC) Laypersons: Walter W. Kayser, Stanwood, MI (MC) Gerald Kluck, Saginaw, MI (MC) Richard Krueger, Grand Rapids, MI (MC) Concordia College Austin, Texas: 1 clergyman, 1 teacher, 3 laypersons to be elected Clergy: Steve Wagner, Carrollton, TX (TX) Teachers: Wayne Charles Kramer, Crosby, TX (TX) Laypersons: Derrell W. Bulls, Denton, TX (TX) Jim Burghard, San Antonio, TX (TX) Puddin' Krueger, Houston, TX (TX) Concordia College Bronxville, New York 1 clergyman, 1 teacher, 3 laypersons to be elected Clergy: Timothy D. Knapp, Southampton, MA (NE) Teachers: Weldon W. Endorf, Lake Ariel, PA (AT) Laypersons: Alice Bruening, Richmond, VA (SE) Herbert Israel, Ithaca, NY (EA) Gary Praetzel, Amherst, NY (EA) St. Paul's Concordia, Mo. 1 clergyman, 1 teacher, 3 laypeople to be elected Clergy: Steven Theiss, Rochester Hills, MI (MC) Teachers: Ben Schumacher, Florissant, MO (MO) Laypersons: Elizabeth Decker, Laramie, WY (WY) Vernon Grefe, Concordia, Mo (MO) Wayne E. Krueger, Springfield, IL (CI) Concordia Theological Seminary Fort Wayne, Indiana 2 clergymen, 1 teacher, 1 layperson to be elected Clergy: David L. Anderson, Park Rapids, MN (MNN) Mark Grunst, Billings, MT (MT) Teachers: Louis B. Herring, North Judson, IN (IN) Laypersons: Walter Dissen, Chesapeake, VA (SED) Concordia University Irvine, California 1 clergyman, 1 teacher, 3 laypeople to be elected Clergy: Richard Allsing, San Diego, Calif. (PSW) Teachers: Paul Hillmann, Terra Bella, CA (CNH) Laypersons: Daniel Krueger, Arvada, CO (RM) Eleanor Kruse, Fortuna, CA (CNH) Melvin Olsen, San Jose, CA (CNH) Concordia Universty Wisconsin Mequon, Wisconsin 1 clergyman, 1 teacher, 3 laypersons to be elected Clergy: Paul Grime, West Allis, WI (SW) Teachers: Frank L. Wegner, Shawano, WI (NW) Laypersons: Robert L. Gehrt, Embarrass, WI (NW) John G. Jaeger, Coon Valley, WI (SW) Donna J. Streufert, South Bend, IN (IN) Concordia College Portland, Oregon 1 clergyman, 1 teacher, 3 laypersons to be elected Clergy: Phil Streufert, Spokane, WA (NOW) Teachers: Gary Gable, Renton, WA (NOW) Laypersons: Charles Brondos, Spokane, WA (NOW) Richard Hyde, Modesto, CA (CNH) Char Kroemer, Newberg, OR (NOW) Concordia University River Forest, Illinois 1 clergyman, 1 teacher, 3 laypersons to be elected Clergy: David Steuernagel, Chicago Heights, IL (NI) Teachers: David Krause, Saginaw, MI (MC) Laypersons: Dorothy Hildebrandt, Roselle, IL (NI) Alan C. Klaas, Appleton, WI (NW) Connie Strand, Tinley Park, IL (NI) Concordia Seminary St. Louis, Missouri 2 clergymen, 1 teacher, 1 layperson to be elected Clergy: Richard Schlect, Rochester Hills, MI (MC) Edward A. Westcott Jr., Sun City, AZ (PSW) Teachers: Allen Loesel, St. Charles, Mo. (MO) Laypersons: Conrad Kercher, Laramie, WY (WY) Concordia College St. Paul, Minnesota 1 clergyman, 1 teacher, 3 laypersons to be elected Clergy: Daniel J. Decker, Laramie, WY (WY) Teachers: Dennis Dirks, Rochester, MN (MNS) Laypersons: Marie Biesenthal, Ballwin, MO (MO) Gary C. Reinke, Fargo, ND (ND) Donald Schiebe, Huron, SD (SD) Concordia College, Selma, Alabama 1 clergyman, 1 teacher, 3 laypersons to be elected Clergy: Jimmy McCants, New Orleans, LA (SO) Teachers: Donna Behnken, Huntsville, AL (SO) Laypersons: Alvin Foster, Grand Rapids, MI (MC) Stanley Jordan, St. Louis, MO (MO) Jean King, Jefferson City, MO (MO) Concordia College Seward, Nebraska 1 clergyman, 1 teacher, 3 laypersons to be elected Clergy: Wayne C. Schroeder, Cedar Rapids, IA (IE) Teachers: Dennis L. Hintz, Topeka, KS (KS) Laypersons: Susan Dumke, Lakwood, CO (RM) William Hartman, Seward, NE (NEB) Mark Kolterman, Seward, NE (NEB) From IC_ZEKERTCR@STL Fri Jul 21 15:24:21 1995 Date: Fri, 21 Jul 1995 13:21:52 -0600 (CST) From: IC_ZEKERTCR To: LCMSNEWS@CRF.CUIS.EDU Subject: Release.S_36 UPDATE 59th Regular Convention The Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod Contact: Roland Lovstad (314) 342-5314 July 21, 1995 #S36 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE DELEGATES VOTE TO SEND FLOWERS TO JEAN BARRY, LCMS PRESIDENT'S WIFE ST. LOUIS -- Two dozen red roses -- an expression of love and concern -- are scheduled to be delivered Friday (July 21) to the suburban St. Louis County home of Jean Barry. They are symbolic of the love and prayers of 2,000 people attending the 59th Regular Convention of The Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod. The roses were directed to the Barry household by a unaimous vote of the delegates. Jean Barry is the wife of Synod President A.L. Barry. She is suffering from cancer and has been unable to attend the convention. President Barry described his wife's illness on Wednesday, explaining that she would not attend the traditional President's Reception at the convention. From IC_ZEKERTCR@STL Fri Jul 21 15:25:10 1995 Date: Fri, 21 Jul 1995 14:16:37 -0600 (CST) From: IC_ZEKERTCR To: LCMSNEWS@CRF.CUIS.EDU Subject: Release.S_41 UPDATE 59th Regular Convention The Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod Contact: Roland Lovstad (314) 342-5314 July, 21 1995 #S41 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE LCMS DELEGATES: MEMBERSHIP GROWTH IS ONLY ONE MEASURE OF EVANGELISM ST. LOUIS -- Growth in membership is not the only measure of success in evangelism and church work, according to a resolution passed here Friday (July 21) by delegates to the 59th Regular Convention of the Lutheran Church -- Missouri Synod. The measure reminds the Synod, its districts and congregations that "the gaining of converts must be accomplished by the Holy Spirit, who works through Word and Sacrament rather than through a variety of human techniques." The resolution also encourages thorough instruction in the Word before individuals are accepted into church membership. In other actions related to congregational services, the convention: -- Called on pastors and congregations to provide thorough Lutheran instruction to children and to adult applicants for membership through use of the Holy Scriptures, Luther's Catechisms and a Lutheran hymnal. -- Made bylaw changes to state that records of synodical officers, boards, commissions, task forces and other entities are the property of the Synod and should be handled under guidelines of the Department of Archives and History. One new bylaw specifies that records of retiring officers be transferred to the archives department within six months after they leave office. -- Commended Concordia Historical Institute, calling on delegates to tell their congregations about the institute. The resolution also encouraged donations and increased synodical subsidy for the institute. From IC_ZEKERTCR@STL Fri Jul 21 15:26:04 1995 Date: Thu, 20 Jul 1995 15:44:14 -0600 (CST) From: IC_ZEKERTCR To: LCMSNEWS@CRF.CUIS.EDU Subject: Release S_24 UPDATE 59th Regular Convention The Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod Contact: Linda Hoops (314) 342-5314 July 20, 1995 #S24 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONCORDIA UNIVERSITY SYSTEM BOARD ASKED TO REVIEW GOALS, INITIATIVES ST. LOUIS -- The Board for Higher Education/Concordia University System (BHE/CUS) has been asked by delegates to the 59th Regular Convention of The Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod to review the goals and strategic initiatives of the university system. The action was taken here Wednesday (July 19). The resolution instructs the board to "review its goals and strategic initiatives ... in light of the original purpose for these church-sponsored colleges and universities." The original purpose, as stated in the resolution, is to "recruit and train pastors, teachers and other professional workers." 0ne delegate who did not want to limit the university system to only that purpose, said two of her children had attended college in the Concordia University System. "Neither one is working for the church, but both will benefit throughout their lives from a strong Lutheran education," she said. She said the Synod should ensure that Lutheran schools be available for all children, not just those considering church-related careers. Rev. John W. Meyer, chairman of the BHE/CUS Board of Directors, said the historic purpose of the colleges and universities has never changed. He said, however, that in response to the Synod in prior conventions, the purpose has been broadened to include the preparation of "committed, consecrated laity who will serve the church as strong members of local congregations." The board, he said, is always in the process of reviewing its goals and initiatives. "We gladly accept the direction of the conventions and will respond during this triennium and to the 1998 convention," Meyer said. The resolution also asked that the Board for Higher Education respond to other concerns such as capital indebtedness, percentage of non-Lutheran students enrolled and the cost of education for future church workers. The Board is requested to respond to these issues at the Synod's 1998 convention. From IC_ZEKERTCR@STL Wed Jul 26 10:13:55 1995 Date: Tue, 25 Jul 1995 10:01:37 -0600 (CST) From: IC_ZEKERTCR To: LCMSNEWS@CRF.CUIS.EDU Subject: S_44.txt UPDATE 59th Regular Convention The Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod Contact: Bruce Kueck (314) 965-9917 Ext. 1232 July 25, 1995 #S44 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONVENTION DIRECTS STUDY OF FINANCIAL-OFFICER POSITION ST. LOUIS -- The Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod, in its 59th Regular Convention held here Friday (July 21), directed Synod President A.L. Barry to consider changes related to the synodical office of Vice President--Finance/Treasurer. The matter will be referred for study to a Blue-Ribbon Committee on Structure. Some members of the church have questioned whether the duties of the treasurer and chief fnancial oficer are better combined in a single office or split between different offices. Convention Resolution 4-06 directs the Committee on Structure to bring any recommendations "regarding significant changes to the office" before the 1998 convention.