# LCMS Convention Proceedings_St. Louis Missouri_1977_S210
# Machine transcription, uncorrected — CHI Digital Archive (demonstration)

210 RESOLUTIONS

Resolved, That the many blessings derived from our
joining together as a Synod be the theme of this day;
and be it further

Resolved, That the special offerings on this day be
designated for the use of the Synod to embrace the
programs of the Synod; and be it finally

Resolved, That the Board of Stewardship coordinate
the activities of this Sunday and offer its services
supported by District stewardship leaders.

Action: Adopted (6).

To Accept Reports
of Treasurer and Assistant
Treasurer/ Acting Controller

RESOLUTION 13-06
Report 13-01 (CW, pp. 337—356)

Resolved, That we accept the reports of Milton
Carpenter, Treasurer, and Norman Sell, Assistant
Treasurer and Acting Controller, as audited by Emst
and Emst, and that we thank them and their office
staffs for their efficient service.

Action: Adopted (9).

(Discussion was started in Session 6).

To Help Toward the Goal
of a Balanced 1977 Budget

RESOLUTION 13-07
Report 13-02 (CW, pp. 357—388)

The Lord of the church has said to all of us, “You are
My witnesses.” It is not only an honor to be called
witnesses but places upon us a responsibility which
requires our best resources of people and money.

The opportunities to bear witness have come in a
multitude of ways. In addition to the opening of many
doors for mission work in overseas fields, there are the
crying needs of our Higher Education Department, the
needs of our Parish Education Department, and the
unfulfilled needs of the other ongoing ministries.

WHEREAS, Total requests from  synodical

departments came to over $31 million; and

WHEREAS, These requests exceeded District pledges
and other anticipated income by some $6,500,000; and

WHEREAS, After prayerful deliberation, this total
request was cut to a budget of $27,255,000 by the Board
of Directors, a figure supported by the Fiscal Con-
ference but still exceeding anticipated income by
$2,750,000; and

WHEREAS, The Board of Directors was led to adopt
this budget which exceeds anticipated income because
of the pressing opportunities for mission and ministry
which the Lord of the church has set before the Synod;
and

WHEREAS, The conferees attending the Fiscal
Conference and all officers, boards, and commissions of
the Synod are committed to reach the $27,255,000

income goal; therefore be it

Resolved, That the following two-part program be
approved to achieve this end:

1. All Districts be requested to develop and conduct
Circuit Counselor Conferences designed to bring
congregational giving up to the congregation’s existing
pledge level or higher; and

2. Nov. 6, 1977, be designated as Synodical Sunday,
with services of thanksgiving for the manifold
blessings which the Lord of the harvest has showered
upon us and also with a special offering to enable
congregations to gather additional funds for the
synodical programs to help toward the goal of a
balanced 1977 budget; and be it finally

Resolved, That the Department of Stewardship
coordinate both activities and make available its
services as well as those of the Board of Directors and
of stewardship leaders within the Synod to any District
desiring them.

Action: Adopted (9).

(An amendment was defeated to change the first resolve to
read: “. . . conduct circuit conferences using the pastoral and
lay delegates of this convention to bring .. .”

To Establish 1978—79 Work Program

RESOLUTION 13-08A
Report 13-02 (CW, pp. 357-388)

WHEREAS, The members of the Synod have agreed to
walk together in developing programs of mission and
ministry in order more effectively to respond to the
commission of our Lord; and

WHEREAS, The material blessings showered on our
members by a gracious and loving Father have far
surpassed our personal needs; and

WHEREAS, Inflation in the U.S. and abroad has
diminished the ability of our monetary gifts to carry on
programs which the members of the Synod in years
gone by agreed to undertake; and

WHEREAS, It has become necessary to provide
orderly procedures for dealing with the distribution of
gifts which have been shared; and

WHEREAS, The Ad Hoc Committee to Revise Bylaws
for Budget Preparation has studied this concern since
1973 and has made recommendations to effect changes
in the process of communicating needs and of es-
tablishing priorities of work within the Synod;
therefore be it

Resolved, That the recommended 1978 budget
amount of $30,057,306 and the recommended 1979
budget amount of $32,921,269 for general synodical
work, which provide for the continuance of present
programs and activities, with necessary adjustments
for inflation, be adopted; and be it further

Resolved, That such recommended budgets as
concern individual departments be considered as
tentative, so that necessary flexibility is retained to