# LCMS Convention Workbook_St. Louis Missouri_2004_S107 # Machine transcription, uncorrected — CHI Digital Archive (demonstration) SYNODICAL REPORTS 107 at a reduced cost. Upon investigation it was determined that con- tinued occupancy of the IC provided the best economic result, even when compared to less-desirable office space. Utilization of the Synod’s Assets The Board continues to review how effectively and economi- cally the Synod’s assets are being used in furtherance of our mis- sions and ministries. As part of this review, the Board is evaluating whether certain assets should be converted to liquid assets (cash and cash requirements). This project is ongoing. Communications Some members of the church body have expressed concerns and questioned the Board’s motives in making certain decisions. The Board is sensitive to these concerns and has attempted to com- municate with the church body in a straightforward manner. These communication tools are being used by the Board: LCMS Board Web Site Board E-News Board Briefs Statements to the Church The Board understands the importance of ongoing communica- tions with the church body. , Partnering Activities The Board recognizes the need of walking together with Synod- wide corporate entities, boards, and commissions in fulfilling its re- sponsibilities. To ensure that the Board is collegial in its dealings with others and is adequately informed about the various initiatives and op- portunities of the Synod, it meets regularly with boards, commissions, and executive directors. For example, in order to better understand the challenges facing our seminaries, universities, and colleges, the Board met with the Board for Higher Education/Concordia University Sys- tem (BHE/CUS) on two different occasions. Also in analyzing some opinions issued by the Commission on Constitutional Matters (CCM), the Board or some of its members met with the CCM twice. Recently the Board met with the Council of Presidents to discuss funding and legal matters. Property Matters The Board has been monitoring on a continuing basis compli- ance with policies on property matters by the agencies of the Synod. Specifically, compliance reviews are being performed of their governing documents and/or the instruments of ownership. Changes are being recommended and made in order to obtain com- pliance with the policies. BHE/CUS The national Synod has guaranteed the financial performance of Concordia University, Irvine, (Irvine) and Concordia University, River Forest, (CURF) in connection with $53,000,000 of tax-exempt bond issues. These guarantees have enabled Irvine and CURF to re- duce their annual interest costs by approximately $2,000,000. Also during this triennium the national Synod has deposited $6,000,000 into a risk-endowment fund for the benefit of those col- leges or universities facing unusual financial challenges. In the current fiscal year $1,850,000 was distributed from the fund to CURF. Further, in the past two fiscal years it was necessary for the national Synod to represent to the external auditors that it would continue to fund the risk-endowment fund and provide a cash sub- sidy to BHE/CUS. If the representations were not made, those schools would have received qualified audit opinions. Conclusion The Board wishes to express its thanks to The Lutheran Church— Missouri Synod, its many entities, and all of its people for the privi- lege of serving the Lord, His church, and the LCMS. Robert T. Kuhn, Chairman R7-04-01 General Services General Services is charged with “developing and administer- ing building, office, information, and electronic support services to the entities of the LCMS International Center properties and other corporate organizations of the church in their support of the LCMS mission and ministry objectives.” In October 2001, a number of LCMS service units were con- solidated into General Services: The Church Information Center, Electronic Media, and Planning and Research. At the same time, General Services was reorganized into five operational units: Busi- ness Services, Facility Services, Information Services, Purchasing Services, and Travel and Meeting Planning. Most of these service units are joint operations of the four corporate and trust entities housed in the LCMS International Center buildings, and are oper- ated under the authority of the Facilities and Services Management Board. Business Services combines units in General Services that sup- port the IC organizations’ business activities. The Rosters and Statistics unit maintains the rosters of LCMS professional church workers and congregational lay leaders, as well as a list of LCMS high school youth. It also maintains demographic and statistical information on LCMS congregations and schools. All activities are done in compliance with the requirements of the Synod Handbook. Information is available from the Rosters and Statistics database to all congregations, schools, Districts, and boards as well as other approved organizations. Data is also pro- vided to Concordia Publishing House for a number of purposes, in- cluding its production of the Lutheran Annual. The staff of Rosters and Statistics interfaces regularly with people at all levels within the LCMS in order to collect and disseminate this data. The LCMS Rosters Statistical System (LRSS), created in 2000, is the tool used to maintain data. Enhancements during the past three years include District office access, automated data entry, and the ability for Districts and individuals to submit data via the Internet. Scheduled for 2004 is a test of the Web update feature, which will allow church workers to maintain certain information electronically. IC Services provides mail and document reproduction support for the LCMS International Center organizations. The Mail Center staff manages the internal and external mail deliveries, including those between offices, buildings, and Synod entities such as Con- cordia Publishing House, the Missouri District office; Lutheran Hour Ministries, and Concordia Seminary. The Mail Center also handles USPS, UPS, FedEx, and DHL pick up and delivery. In ad- dition, staff also prepares bulk mailings, provides address labeling, manages central supplies, and makes package deliveries throughout the day. The Copy Center provides a suite of services, including print- ing, digital imaging, color-network printing, and other print-finish- ing services (folding, 3-hole punching, stapling, binding, etc.). During the past three years, the Synod’s microfilming operation has been replaced by digital imaging equipment. This new process facilitates the creation of compact discs (CDs), each conceivably containing hundreds of documents. This system has allowed us to significantly reduce the number of files and file cabinets while pro- viding access to information more readily. 2004 Convention Workbook