# LCMS Convention Workbook_St. Louis Missouri_1998_S148 # Machine transcription, uncorrected — CHI Digital Archive (demonstration) 148 CONGREGATIONAL SERVICES 2-74 To Promote Guidance and Awareness of Immoral Movie Programming and Public Policy WHEREAS, Our Lord Jesus taught by word and action that we should live according to scriptural principles and values in a man- ner pleasing to the Father, and as the Holy Spirit guides us; and WHEREAS, The increasing immorality and lack of values and of concern for other people is often reflected and compounded by vi- olence, pornography, and abuse on television and in movie pro- duction (example: Certain Disney movies of recent date); and WHEREAS, The Synod, Districts, congregations, and agencies of the Synod can and should address basic moral issues related to pub- lic programming and policy but should not become generally in- volved in partisan politics; therefore be it Resolved, That the Synod shall in convention encourage the Family Connection, The Lutheran Witness, the Reporter, the Lutheran Women’s Missionary League, the Lutheran Laymen’s League, Lutheran Youth Fellowship, and pastors to give guidance to Districts, congregations, and individual membership in exercis- ing a responsible ministry with respect to issues of social concern and Christian morals and values; and be it further Resolved, That the Synod, Districts, congregations, and agen- cies of the Synod should encourage members as individuals to par- ticipate fully as Christian citizens as the Lord leads them. Midstate Circuit Forum Southern Mlinois District 2-75 To Make Statistical Yearbook Available WHEREAS, It is our understanding that the Statistical Yearbook will not be printed after this year; and WHEREAS, It was of value to congregations and is widely used by District workers; therefore be it Resolved, That the Synod reconsider its decision and make the Statistical Yearbook available in either electronic or written format at a nominal price. South Wisconsin District 2-76 To Resume Publication of Statistical Yearbook WHEREAS, The Statistical Yearbook was a valuable reference tool for congregations and church workers for many years; and ‘WHEREAS, The Foreword to the 1993 Statistical Yearbook noted that the Yearbook represents, so far as is possible, the current state of affairs in the congregations of the Synod; and WHEREAS, The Statistical Yearbook was helpful for congrega- tions and church workers in studying trends in membership, atten- dance, giving, school enrollments, etc., and in helping congrega- tions and church workers set short- and long-term goals; and WHEREAS, The Statistical Yearbook was useful for congrega- tions in the process of calling church workers; and WHEREAS, The Statistical Yearbook formerly assisted church workers in making informed decisions with respect to a call to a congregation; and WHEREAS, The Statistical Yearbook has not been published since the 1994 edition, and the valuable information the Yearbook once provided is no longer readily available; and WHEREAS, The Foreword to the 1994 Statistical Yearbook states that “Statistics form an important part of church life necessary for sound development or planning at the synodical level as well as the local parish”; and WHEREAS, The high cost of publishing and distributing the Sta- tistical Yearbook was a consideration in its cancellation; and WHEREAS, Many congregations and church workers desire that the Statistical Yearbook be published and be made available again; therefore be it Resolved, That annual publication of the Statistical Yearbook be resumed beginning in 1999, or sooner if possible; and be it fur- ther Resolved, That future editions of the Statistical Yearbook be sold to congregations and church workers desiring them, rather than being distributed free of charge; and be it finally Resolved, That the Statistical Yearbook be made available on the LCMS web site. Board of Directors Rocky Mountain District 2-77 To Encourage Use of “What about ...” Pamphlets WHEREAS, The Holy Spirit commands us to speak the truth in love and thus grow up into Him who is the Head, that is Christ (Eph. 4:15); and WHEREAS, There are many issues of morality facing our church which call for the truth spoken in love; and WHEREAS, President Barry has addressed some of these issues in his “What about ...” series of pamphlets; therefore be it Resolved, That the Synod in convention thank President Barry for his evangelical leadership in these matters; and be it further Resolved, That all congregations of the Synod be encouraged to obtain copies of these free pamphlets for study, discussion, and dis- tribution among their members. South Wisconsin District Circuit 16 Forum 2-78 To Commend President of Synod for “What about ...” Pamphlet Series WHEREAS, There is a great need for ongoing catechesis in the life of the church regarding all articles of our holy faith, and WHEREAS, In a time when many of the teachings and practices of the Evangelical Lutheran Church are under attack both from the world and heterodox teachers, it is imperative that we give a clear account of the doctrine which we confess on the basis of Sacred Scripture; and WueREAS, The President of the Synod has published a series of tracts to set forth the teaching of our church on several timely is- sues; therefore be it Resolved, That the Synod commend the President for publishing the “What about Series ...”; and be it further Resolved, That the pastors be encouraged to disseminate these pamphlets in the congregations; and be it finally Resolved, That the Synod encourage the President to expand this series to address other challenges to our doctrine and practice. University Minneapolis, MN 2-79 To Clarify 1995 Res. 2-11B re Youth Gatherings WHEREAS, National and District Youth Gatherings are tremen- dous opportunities to promote the development of the Christian faith of young people as they boldly confess Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior; and WHEREAS, such gatherings promote unity of the Spirit through the proper use of Word and Sacrament and provide opportunities for Christian service and leadership for youth, and