# LCMS Convention Workbook_St. Louis Missouri_2023_S47
# Machine transcription, uncorrected — CHI Digital Archive (demonstration)

OFFICER, BOARD, AND COMMISSION REPORTS

A. Operations Service Coordination (OSC)
Operations Service Coordination provides the communication
and coordination link between the Operations Department and the
departments of the LCMS. OSC also ensures that policies and procedures are in place so that operations services are delivered in a
timely and efficient manner. Through regular communication, OSC
ensures the needs of the departments are being met. Service coordinates work closely with Concordia Plan Services to manage the
help desk team that supports both organizations.

B. Technology Application Group (TAG)
The Technology Application 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 costeffective manner possible. TAG provides technical support to the
major LCMS business applications: Banner Accounting, UltiPro
Human Resources Information System, LCMS Information Support Network (formerly LRSS), Blackbaud Constituent Resource
Management System, M365 toolset, and LCMS websites. TAG 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
prioritized by the TSC, with OSS providing technical expertise to
approved projects.

C. IT Desktop and Infrastructure Support
Services
Concordia Plan Services provides the network and infrastructure support for the LCMS. This includes outsourcing the help desk
and many infrastructure support functions to Dalechek Technology
Group, Oakwood Technology Group, and Tierpoint.

D. 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 provides the following special services: preparation of bulk mailings, address labeling, folding, envelope/mailer inserting, bulk paper delivery (for copiers/
printers), and management of 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, large format printing, envelope printing, folding,
cutting, GBC plastic comb binding, booklet-making, padding,
three-hole punching, lamination, photocopying, and personal printing services for our employees. We are also expanding these services to local LCMS congregations and schools.

E. Reception and Meeting Services (RMS)
Reception and Meeting Services is responsible for coordinating
meetings and events that take place at the International Center (IC).
This includes assistance with room scheduling and set up and any
event catering needs. RMS 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.

F. Facilities Management Services (FMS)
The LCMS is continuing its facility management partnership
with Cushman and Wakefield at the IC. Cushman’s expertise in

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property management will help ensure the LCMS is adhering to
industry best practices. The mission of FMS is to maintain a safe,
healthy, and Christian work environment for employees at the IC.

G. Significant Accomplishments
(1) During the COVID-19 lockdown, we were able to successfully provide the services necessary to support work from
home and the hybrid work environment. This included preparing and deploying over 45 laptops and various peripheral
devices and facilitating printing as well as mail pick-up and
delivery.
(2) The building’s HVAC automation system was upgraded.
This resulted in a $75,000 incentive rebate from Ameren and
should help reduce energy costs over time.
(3) Using the functionality available with our Zoom subscription, we replaced the meeting room scheduling system, saving over $15,000 annually in subscription costs.
(4) Working with the LCMS OPS team and TSC, a records retention policy was finalized and approved. It is in the process of being implemented.
(5) A comprehensive cyber awareness training program for all
employees continues.
(6) Post-COVID-19, the IC’s full-service cafeteria was replaced
with a self-serve emart. This resulted in significant savings
in subsidies.
(7) Multifactor Authentication and Advanced Threat Protection
were implemented to better protect LCMS data and resources.
(8) The TopDesk employee portal for IT trouble ticket tracking
was implemented, which streamlined approval processes
and eliminated paper forms.
(9) Working with Rosters and Statistics, OSS continues to expand the LCMS Information Support Network (LISN) to
meet the needs of the LCMS.
Joel Rivers, Executive Director
R5.2

Chief Financial Officer
Greetings to you in the name of Jesus. I am humbled and privileged to have been selected to serve as the Chief Financial Officer
of the LCMS. I pray that God would use me for the furtherance of
His Church here on earth and ask for your prayers of support and
encouragement in this endeavor.
“The Synod is in its best financial position in decades, maybe
ever.” This was President Harrison’s bold statement during the
2022 district conventions, and it is true across much of the Synod,
including at corporate Synod. The last few years evidenced God’s
ability to work through means that are not always clear to us.
I will not minimize the impact of COVID-19 on the social,
physical, mental, and spiritual health of many. The full toll will
never be known. Contrast this with the financial impact: global asset values soared, “stimulus” rained down from governments, and
reported unemployment rates reached record lows. The members
of the LCMS unselfishly used these benefits outside of themselves,
supporting our Synod in a record way. In 2021, for the first time
in the history of our Synod, funds given per confirmed member
2023 Convention Workbook