# LCMS Convention Proceedings_St. Louis Missouri_2019_S29 # Machine transcription, uncorrected — CHI Digital Archive (demonstration) everyone,” and regarding which he shared a number of details. the Florida-Georgia District by saying “Tampa” rather than “Duluth.” Harrison noted his rejoicing “to inform [the convention] that the Synod owes no creditor any money, for the first time in more than a century, as far as we can tell” and thanked the Board of Directors for its calm and unified handling of very challenging issues, “a grand blessing to the Synod.” Convention Essay: “Joy:fully Lutheran: Rejoice, Pray, Give Thanks” The President also noted the first convention floor committee on retention “and much more.” He expressed love and thanks to the Council of Presidents, the “strongest he’s ever seen it, theologically and collegially,” thanked God for the Praesidium, especially Daniel Preus, who is not standing for re-election, and for First Vice-President Herbert Mueller, “the right man at just the right time,” and his wife, Faith. “Dear brothers and sisters, ‘This is the day that the Lord has made, let us rejoice, and be glad in it!’” [The entire text of Part 3 of the President’s Report is printed elsewhere in these Convention Proceedings.] Introduction to Recognition of 125 Years of LCMS International Mission Efforts The President introduced the first of a series of videos celebrating the 125th anniversary of the Synod’s international mission efforts, recalling the history of the Synod’s mission and church-planting efforts with Native Americans and then in India, Brazil, Paraguay, Argentina, China, Nigeria, Japan, Papua New Guinea, Africa, and elsewhere, bringing the news that “God justifies the sinner” to all who need to hear it. Committee 2: International Witness Kansas District President Peter Lange introduced the work of his committee, thanking God for his grace and blessing on the Synod’s mission efforts, spanning over a century. He read Res. 2-01, “To Thank God for 125 Years of International Mission through The Lutheran Church— Missouri Synod” (TB, 1:54), and introduced it for the committee. The resolution was adopted in a rising vote, culminating with the singing of the Common Doxology and recognition of those with present and past missionary service. Welcome and Greetings from Florida-Georgia District Florida-Georgia District President Gregory Walton welcomed delegates to Tampa, noting this to be the first convention of the Synod to meet in his district. He noted the previous morning’s servant event, which helped further the missions of Redeeming Life Outreach Ministries and Amigos en Cristo on behalf, respectively, of pregnant women and their children and of migrants and immigrants needing assistance to build a solid foundation for a better future. He invoked the Lord’s blessings on the delegates gathered. In an impromptu resolution, the delegates expressed their love for Minutes [The entire text of the essay by the Rev. Dr. Herbert C. Mueller, Synod First Vice-President, is printed elsewhere in these 2019 Convention Proceedings.] Committee 1: National Witness President Harrison, following an introductory video highlighting LCMS National Mission and the new emphasis on “Making Disciples for Life,” introduced Missouri District President Lee Hagan, who introduced the work of his committee. Res. 1-02, “To Encourage the Planting of Churches” (TB, 1:48), was read and introduced by the committee. Without discussion, the resolution was adopted by the assembly [Yes: 900; No: 6]. Res. 1-03, “To Study Shared Ministry among Small Congregations” (TB, 1:49), was read and introduced by the committee. After discussion by the assembly, the resolution was adopted [Yes: 908; No: 69]. In response to a delegate’s point of order, the chairman noted that the chaplain will include “thanks to God for congregations engaged in shared ministry…and the pastors who serve them” in the subsequent prayer office. Res. 1-04, “To Support the Continuing Legacy of Dr. Rosa J. Young and Commend All Those Who Are Working to Preserve It” (TB, 1:49–50), was read and introduced by the committee. After discussion by the assembly, the resolution was adopted [Yes: 946; No: 24]. Res. 1-08, “To Give Thanks to God for 100 Years of LCMS Campus Ministry” (TB, 1:53), was read and introduced by the committee. In discussion, an amendment was moved and seconded to replace “LCMS U” in line 25 with “Concordia Historical Institute.” After discussion, it was moved and carried to close debate on the amendment [Yes: 868; No: 58]; the amendment failed [Yes: 273; No: 684]. The resolution was adopted as originally introduced [Yes: 914; No: 52]. Committee 4: Life Together The chair called for Northern Illinois District President Allan Buss, who introduced his committee with words from Ephesians 5, noting that our life together is “in the blood of Christ,” that we are “with Him,” and that “we are in this together.” Res. 4-01, “To Affirm and Celebrate 60 Years of Director of Christian Education Ministry in the Synod” (TB, 1:67), was read and introduced by the committee. Without discussion, the resolution was adopted [Yes: 887; No: 57]. Res. 4-02, “To Commend LCMS Deaconesses and Diaconal Work” (TB, 1:67–68), was read and introduced by the committee. After discussion by the assembly, the PROCEEDINGS OF THE 2019 (67TH) LCMS CONVENTION | 29