# LCMS Convention Workbook_St. Louis Missouri_2004_S114 # Machine transcription, uncorrected — CHI Digital Archive (demonstration) 114 SYNODICAL REPORTS tinue to bless us “‘so that with one heart and mouth [we] may glo- rify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Encouraging One Another God has provided our District with a President, Outreach Exec- utive, Congregational Services Executive, and Financial Executive who share the same desire to encourage all in our District to work together in a spirit of love and trust. It is great to work with David Dubbelde, David Ebeling, and Larry Jung as we encourage each other to keep our eyes fixed on Jesus! God has worked mightily in the hearts of our people and in the congregations they serve. We are blessed to be the home District of Concordia Theological Seminary, where students and professors blend with our congregations in encouraging a biblical and God- pleasing mission. By God’s grace the Indiana District has been a leader in opening multicultural ministries. We thank God for the more than 100 schools (preschools, elementary, secondary) that minister every day to our children. The congregations of our Dis- trict are committed to faithful and generous giving to the Lord’s work on the local, District, and Synod levels. Last year, more than $10 million was spent by our congrega- tions to build or expand facilities for God’s use in mission! These funds were graciously available through the Lutheran Church Ex- tension Fund. These efforts, funds, and expansions are a wonderful demonstration of the hope and promise we celebrate in God’s love! Our District has grown and continues to grow in baptized and com- municant membership. We are humbled as the Holy Spirit contin- ues to bless our united efforts. Assistance We also assist our church workers and congregations by pro- viding them with the help to carry out the mission of our Lord. People are our greatest resources as we strive to assist and help each other! It is great to see the efforts of our CSA’s as they move among our congregations under the direction of Dr. Dave Ebeling. These folks are spread throughout our District and are available to help, teach, and support the multiple ministry efforts in our con- gregations. Last September more than 400 pastors and laypeople met at Indianapolis to learn and grow and celebrate the mission of sharing God’s forgiveness in Jesus Christ! We called it our “Car- load Conference”—each congregation was encouraged to bring a “carload” of participants to the conference. It was a very helpful and happy event that rippled across our District. All of this is effective as God combines and uses the gifts and talents of our dedicated support staff in our District office, resource center, and radio station. The blessing of our support staff is essen- tial to all that we do. They are faithful people with strong profes- sional skills dedicated to the mission of our District. We know that the world is an imperfect place with a host of challenges. We thank God for the professional staff in our District who help our church workers and our congregations at times of trouble or challenge. We have excellent Christian counselors and reconcilers who are ready and willing to work towards reconcilia- tion and unity when there is difficulty. We are forging an even greater partnership with Concordia The- ological Seminary. We have many willing and energetic profes- sional seminary people with unique gifts to share in a wide variety of settings. We look to expand those opportunities as we develop new working relationships. Finally, we thank God for the Vice-Presidents and Circuit Counselors who work with the President to provide leadership among our people. These men are tremendous gifts as they share and sense the day-to-day ministry in our large and lively District. What biessings God has showered upon us. Daniel P. May, President 2004 Convention Workbook R7-05-08 Iowa District East Our 2003 District convention was dedicated to the memory of Dr. A. L. Barry, former District President and President of the Synod. The theme was “‘Keep the Message Straight—Get the Mes- sage Out.” The main thrust of the convention was getting the Mes- sage out (“Tell the Good News about Jesus”). Rev. Dr. Arthur Scherer was the convention speaker. We had three international guests attend our convention: Rev. Joseph Omolo from Kisumer, Kenya; Rev. Darius Petkunas from Palanga, Lithuania; and John Deng, CTS student from Sudan. Rev. Petkunas addressed the convention regarding the ministry in Lithuania and their hope to build a facility in Palanga that would house a worship center, a diaconal center, and a retreat center. Rev. Matthew Harrison, Executive Director of LCMS World Relief, ad- dressed the convention regarding this project and committed $100,000 in matching funds for the project. The convention then passed a resolution setting a goal of raising $100,000 to match the LCMS World Relief funds for the construction of this facility. Iowa District East is made up of: 13 Circuits 119 Congregations 10 ~~ Elementary Schools 38 Preschools 2 High Schools 99 ‘Pastors 95 Teachers 7 DCEs For the past three years, Iowa District East supported two full- time pastors to the deaf, two full-time campus pastors, one full-time chaplain, one part-titne deaconess at the University of Iowa Hospi- tals, one part-time chaplain for the State Penitentiary in Fort Madi- son, and one missionary-at-large in the Quad Cities area. Ap- proximately 38 percent of the offerings received from IDE congre- gations have been sent on to the Synod. Rev. Dean Rothchild joined the staff as Assistant to the Presi- dent in 2002. At the end of Jan. 2004, Rev. Norman Rehmer, As- sistant to the President, retired. The Board of Directors has streamlined the organizational struc- ture of the District by reducing the number of committees and sub- committees. Gary M. Arp, President R7-05-09 Iowa District West In nearly every small town in Iowa there is a cafe with a big round table. The “regulars” meet there daily for coffee and a whole lot more. Important news and local issues are discussed. Eventu- ally, many conversations turn to farming: crops and livestock, ma- chinery and the markets. During hard times the table is a safe place to share struggles and sorrows. People may not always agree, but they listen, sympathize, and encourage one another. At planting time, there are empty seats at the table because everyone in the community senses the urgency and works passionately to get the seed in the ground. Again at harvest time, it has to be gathered in, lest any of the precious grain be lost! Then there is a celebration, with thanksgiving and joy around the table. We used this imagery at our District convention, calling our del- egates to celebrate “A Harvest of Joy in Ministry!” Psalm 126 re- calls the joy of God’s people when He set them free from captivity, restored their fortunes, and returned them to the Promised Land. It was like a dream! The Lord filled their mouths with laughter and