# LCMS Convention Proceedings_St. Louis Missouri_1969_S35 # Machine transcription, uncorrected — CHI Digital Archive (demonstration) MINUTES OF THE CONVENTION 35 request to this Council “to explore ways of stream- lining convention procedures or of finding a substitute method for conducting the Synod’s business, because of the great and increasing cost of the conventions and in the interest of good stewardship” (TB 130, 4-19). The convention directed the Board for Higher Edu- cation to study changes necessary in the Synod’s schools for receiving federal aid and to report its findings to the 1971 convention (TB 256, 4-30). On TB 256, lines 12 and 13, in the whereas of this resolution “our coun- try” was changed to “the United States” by formal amendment. Dr. W. Harry Krieger occupied the chair for the remainder of the session. The convention requested members, congregations, and agencies of the Synod to be responsive to human needs and to support proper efforts to control pollution and asked the Board of Social Ministries to exercise the initiative in the further implementation of these resolutions (TB 135, 4-24). It declined the request to set up a temporary ad- visory committee on supervision of doctrine and prac- tice (TB 134, 4-23). However, it asked that steps be taken toward more effective supervision in these mat- ters (TB 255, 4-28). Missions Chairman Waldemar E. Meyer of Committee 1 re- turned to the resolution discussed in the second ses- sion and in the seventh session on cooperation in over- seas missions. The convention adopted this resolution (TB 36, 1-05). The convention expressed concern that the best use of resources be made in carrying out the mission of the church (TB 188, 1-09). Regional structures for missions are to be developed (TB 188—189, 1-10). The allocation of funds in the areas of special ministries are to be approved by the Board for Missions (TB 189, 1-11). The Synod instructed the Division of Communica- tions to consult with the Board for Missions and the Lutheran Laymen’s League (the latter by an amend- ment) to establish criteria, to reevaluate priorities, to develop new plans and projects, and to bring its find- ings to the 1971 convention (TB 190—191, 1-12). The Synod requested that its membership invest more heavily in the Synod’s Church Extension Fund (TB 191, 1-13). It encouraged the Board of Directors to make funds available for capital needs and advance site acquisitions (TB 192, 1-14). . In a lengthy resolution it authorized the Board for Missions to develop ways to enable the Synod’s mem- bership “to be Christ’s people” and to plan new minis- tries (TB 269, 1-15A). Closing After announcements had been made, Mr. John A. Mueller spoke the closing prayer. Session 14 J 7 i Opening uly 17, Evening The opening prayer was spoken by Dr. W. Harry Krieger. The minutes of the twelfth session were ap- proved as read. Work Program Review Rev. Carl A. Heckmann, chairman of Committee 16, presented the Work Program schedule and explained it. The recommendation of the committee to increase income by a minimum of 10% in each of the next 2 years was adopted (TB 308, 16-02). The Work Program of $30,827,100 for the year 1970 and $32,131,700 for the year 1971 was adopted after a period of questioning and discussion (TB 305—307, 16-01). This completed the work of Committee 16. Parish Education and Services Chairman H. W. Niermann of Committee 7 intro- duced the report of his committee. The Board of Directors was instructed to arrange its priorities so as to implement the 1967 resolution to appoint an editor-consultant in urban education (TB 145—146, 7-09). The concerns expressed in Resolution 7-10 (TB 146) are met by Resolution 2-08 (TB 71—72), and Resolution 7-10 was withdrawn. Elections Chairman Bruns announced the following additional elections for members of Boards of Control: St. Louis: Charles Burmeister; River Forest: A. R. Kretzmann, Kurt E. Vragel; Austin: Albert Jesse; Bronxville: Robert C. Haupt; Concordia, Mo.: Orville Bopp; Mil- waukee: Elmer A. Seefeldt; Oakland: Robert Daetz; Brazil: Antonio Oliveira. Parish Education and Services The convention resolved that the Board of Parish Education conduct seminars in family education for pastors and make biennial reports to the Synod (TB 147, 7-11). The convention asked the Division of Parish Edu- cation and Services to consider the establishment of a Center for the Study of Parish Life and Its Nurture (TB 246—247, 7-12). The congregations of the Synod were urged to study the guidebook The Edifying Word (TB 247, 7-13). A resolution of recognition and thanks for the work of Dr. Oscar Feucht and Dr. Arthur Gross was adopted (TB 248, 7-14). The convention accepted the report of the Board of Parish Education with commendation and gratitude (TB 248—249, 7-15). This completed the work of Committee 7. Youth Representatives The youth representatives at the convention shared their views and impressions of the convention with the delegates. Most of them found it an edifying expe- rience. Some impatience was expressed with the slow-