# LCMS Convention Workbook_St. Louis Missouri_2019_S88
# Machine transcription, uncorrected — CHI Digital Archive (demonstration)

88

OFFICER, BOARD, AND COMMISSION REPORTS

of the following service units is a result of the recommendations
from these reviews: Operations Service Coordination, Technology Application Group, Mail and Print Services, Reception
and Meeting Services, Facilities Management Services, and
Information Technology Desktop and Infrastructure Support
Services. In addition, the LCMS Technology Steering Committee (TSC) was formed in December 2018 to act as an advisory/
strategic body to provide oversight to the IT function. The role
of the TSC is to better align technology and the efforts of the
various IT-related groups with the goals and direction of the
organization. The primary function of the TSC includes review
of projects to assess their benefit to the organization and help
prioritize them. The chair of the TSC will then present these
recommendations as necessary to the Operations Team for final
approval. Other functions of the TSC will include advising on
proposed policy changes or additions, foster positive communications throughout the LCMS organization, and review of
periodic assessments and reports from the various IT-related
groups.

Operations Service Coordination (OSC)
Operations Service Coordination provides the communication and coordination link between the Operations Department
and the departments of the LCMS. Operations Service Coordination also ensures that policies and procedures are in place
to ensure Operations Services are delivered in a timely and efficient manner. Through regular communication, Service Coordination will make sure that the needs of the departments are
being met.

Technology Applications Group (TAG)
The Technology Applications Group is dedicated to the
Application of Technology solutions that enable the ministry
and business functions of LCMS to operate in the most innovative and cost-effective manner possible. The Technology Application Group provides technical support to the major LCMS
Business Applications: Banner Accounting, UltiPro Human
Resources Information System, LCMS Information Support
Network (LISN; formerly LRSS), Blackbaud Constituent
Resource Management System (BBCRM), SharePoint Sites,
and LCMS websites. The Technology Application Group also
provides technical support to many other department-specific
tools: Genetec Security Camera, Pinnacle Badge System, Office365 Applications, and others. The application of technology
solutions are as prioritized by the LCMS Technology Steering
Committee, with OSS providing technical expertise to approved
projects.

IT Desktop and Infrastructure Support Services
As a result of the Information Technology review, LCMS,
in collaboration with Concordia Plan Services, outsourced the
helpdesk and infrastructure-support functions to Dalechek
Technology Group. Dalechek now provides support to both
the LCMS and CPS, which resulted in financial savings for the
LCMS.

Mail and Print Services (MPS)
Mail Services handles all mailing (standard mail, express
mail, and packages) from the IC properties, including USPS,
UPS, FedEx, and DHL. The MPS staff also provide the following special services: preparation of bulk mailings, address
2019 Convention Workbook

labeling, folding, envelope/mailer inserting, bulk paper delivery
(for copiers/printers), and manages overnight package mailing
needs.
Print Services provides full-service printing to not only the
departments of the LCMS but also to Concordia Plan Services
and the LCMS Foundation. Print Services include: full-color
and black/white printing, folding, cutting, GBC plastic comb
binding, booklet making, padding, three-hole punching, lamination, photocopying, as well as personal printing services for
our employees.

Reception and Meeting Services (RMS)
Reception and Meeting Services is responsible for coordinating meetings and events that take place at the International
Center. This includes assistance with room scheduling and setup, as well as any event catering needs. Meeting and Reception
Services provides Front Desk services, ensuring that all guests
are greeted in a friendly and professional manner. The Front
Desk also ensures all building entry security policies and procedures are followed.

Facilities Management Services (FMS)
In August 2018, and as a result of the facilities management review, the International Center facility management was
transitioned to Cushman and Wakefield. Cushman and Wakefield manage numerous properties in the St. Louis metro area
and was selected from three submitted proposals. Cushman’s
expertise in property management will help ensure the LCMS
is adhering to industry best practices. The mission of Facilities
Management Services is to ensure a safe, healthy, and Christian
work environment for employees at the International Center.
A few other significant items that were accomplished include: (1) Upgraded the video surveillance system at the International Center; (2) Using a grant from AMEREN UE all
fluorescent bulbs at the International Center were replaced at no
cost with high efficiency LED bulbs; (3) In collaboration with
Concordia Plan Services and the LCMS Foundation, migrated
from our aging analog phone system to an IP-based phone system; (4) Implemented a comprehensive cyber awareness training
program for employees; (5) Transitioned all LCMS missionary
email accounts from Gmail to the LCMS Office365 platform;
and (6) Working with Rosters and Statistics, developed the
LCMS Information Support Network (LISN), which replaces
LRSS.
Joel Rivers, Executive Director, Operations Support Services
R6.2

Report of the Chief
Financial Officer
It is truly a joy to work on your behalf in the spreading
of the Gospel, through tasks of Witness, Mercy, and sharing
our Life Together. From our perspective, the task seems endless,
and the resources dwindling; yet we are confident that the task
will be accomplished in God’s own time, in accordance with His
plan, through the resources He showers upon His people.
Over the past triennium, the decline in the amount of support from congregations for the mission and ministry work of
districts and Synod has continued (see chart, below), while total