# LCMS Convention Workbook_St. Louis Missouri_2023_S107
# Machine transcription, uncorrected — CHI Digital Archive (demonstration)

OFFICER, BOARD, AND COMMISSION REPORTS
with presenters presenting on good theological topics.
The pastors of the North Dakota District are faithful in Preaching Christ Crucified in their service to God’s people in all settings.
When I say all settings, I am speaking of single, double, and triple
parishes, and even one quad parish. This is ministry in North Dakota.
Arie D. Bertsch, President
R41

North Wisconsin District
The North Wisconsin District (NWD) is a corporate body consisting of the various congregations of north Wisconsin and Upper
Michigan that accept and remain true to the canonical books of the
Old and New Testaments and the sound doctrine of the Book of
Concord. Our district is independent in the administration of affairs
that concern our district only, with the understanding that what is
done here is in the best interests of the Synod. Our mission statement sums it up: “Encourage, network, and equip Lutheran congregations of the NWD—LCMS to vigorously make known the love
of Christ.”
To fulfill our mission, we in the NWD work to carry out the
three following outcomes, reflecting priorities expressed by the
2019 convention:
1. Professional church workers have been encouraged, networked, and equipped to fulfill their calls and vocations.
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Our 2022 district convention approved establishing a million-dollar endowment called “Labor of Love” to assist
church workers with their student debt.

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Annually, we have shared around $100,000 in scholarships
with future church workers.

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In the last triennium, NWD established a Wellness Worker
Task Force to support church workers during the pandemic.
NWD also shared a GracePlace book as a resource for personal or staff study.

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The district convention endorsed Set Apart to Serve with
the hope of raising the need for all—church workers and
laypersons—to encourage future church workers.

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A ministry safe sexual abuse awareness system was implemented by NWD schools.

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NWD participated in training future principals (FLAME)
to combat a shortage of school leaders.

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A team ministry workshop was offered in 2020 and 2022
to explore best practices.

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Conferences were conducted for professional church
workers, early childhood workers, principal academies,
PALS, circuit visitors, and new workers.

2. Congregations have been encouraged, networked, and
equipped to minister to the needs of all through Word
and Sacrament.
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Lay leader training was conducted to encourage, network,
and equip congregation lay leaders.

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Office support gatherings were conducted to encourage,
network, and equip those working in NWD church or
school offices.

107

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Board training was provided to help church school boards
understand their role and to help with planning. Different
models of governance and how to transition were shared
with boards.

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Adult gathering shared district information and equipped
attendees to deal with daily issues.

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Lutheran Church Extension Fund continued to help fund
congregation projects.

3. District ministry resources and aid have been identified,
and resources have been deployed to collectively carry
out Making Disciples for Life.
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NWD continues to help support and fund campus, deaf,
and chaplain ministries.

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NWD continues to support the work of a French African
congregation started in Appleton, Wisconsin.

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NWD supports the work of LCMS mission work in Peru,
participating two times a year in the FORO.

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Congregations receive mission mini grants for outreach in
their communities.

Camp Luther celebrated 75 years of ministry in 2021. It continues to focus on Christ-centered community, relationships, servant
leadership, and meaningful service for campers young and old. It
provides opportunities for young counselors to live out and share
the Gospel. It also encourages them to consider being church workers.
Soli Deo Gloria
Dwayne M. Lueck, President
R42

Northern Illinois District
“Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing
that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.” (1 Corinthians
15:58)
The Northern Illinois District of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (NID) covers the northern third of Illinois counties.
Only one of those counties, Carroll County, in western Illinois,
does not have an LCMS congregation. Here are some of our statistics:
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201 active congregations

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42 elementary schools

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2 high schools

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38 stand-alone preschool/childcare centers

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1 university (Concordia University Chicago)

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1 camp (Walcamp Outdoor Ministries and Retreat
Center, located in Kingston, Illinois)

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3 new congregations (since 2019)

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2 congregations closed (since 2019)

We rejoice that we are brought together and kept together by
our Lord Jesus Christ and His gifts given in Word, Baptism, and
the Lord’s Supper. We give thanks for the power of the Word, joy
in the Gospel, and our identity as confessional Lutherans who love
to share what we have been given by our generous God!
2023 Convention Workbook