# LCMS Convention Workbook_St. Louis Missouri_2004_S122 # Machine transcription, uncorrected — CHI Digital Archive (demonstration) 122 SYNODICAL REPORTS and doctrine expressed in the writings of the Holy Scriptures and summarized in the confessions of the Evangelical Lutheran Church as contained in the Book of Concord of 1580. By the grace and mercy of God these congregations have been able for many years to live and work together as a family, relating to each other with love and respect. This is a very great blessing. At its convention in 2003, this family, without dissent, adopted four mission affirmations to guide its work and effort for the present tri- ennium. The affirmations are part of a larger document titled “Ripe for Harvest” and is based on John 4:35, “J tell you, open your eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest.” The four affirmations: 1. Every District congregation is planted in a field that is ripe for harvest. 2. Every member of the congregation has a part to play in gathering in the harvest. 3. Every congregation must prepare itself carefully to receive the harvest. 4. Since the harvest is ripe, it is urgent that it be gathered in now before it is too late. Ripe for Harvest is simply one aspect of the broader vision for the District that has been in place for several years now. The vi- sion pictures a healthy District, that is, a District that works to- gether under the direction and blessing of God to build and main- tain healthy congregations in every member parish; a District in which the member congregations relate to each other like a healthy family in which the members love and respect each other; and a District in which the congregations work together within the syn- odical union united in faith and doctrine but respecting the diversity and variety of ways in which the Great Commission and the New Commandment are addressed and implemented. The basic element in this vision is the healthy congregation that we in North Wisconsin describe in this way: The healthy congre- gation is one that works to build and maintain a community of faith within itself that (1) centers its life and work in the Gospel of Jesus Christ (Center); (2) holds fast to the Word of God and the Lutheran Confessions (Confession); (3) gathers regularly around Word and Sacrament in worship (Celebration); (4) reaches out boldly to win the lost to Jesus Christ (Cause); (5) grows vigorously toward ma- turity as full-committed followers of Christ (Community); (6) serves compassionately to help those in want or need (Concern); and (7) manages its business affairs prudently and efficiently (Cor- poration). North Wisconsin is also home to Camp Luther, an outdoor and retreat ministry that continues to grow and to strengthen the church through its varied programs of Christian growth and renewal. Re- cently, the District welcomed its first pastor of Hmong descent, a graduate of the DELTO program who presently serves a worship- ing community in Green Bay. , The North Wisconsin District family is blessed with a caring and able group of professional workers. Under the leadership of these men and women, our District continues to address the oppor- tunities and challenges God has laid before us. We cherish the ties of love and faith that bind us together within this family. We are fully committed to the faith of our church as set forth in the Holy Scriptures and the Lutheran Confessions. We work together to carry out the Great Commission and the New Commandment. Above all, we are determined, under the blessing of God, to pass on to our children the Evangelical Lutheran Faith that we received from our fathers and mothers in Christ. To this end may God con- tinue to bless our District and the entire Synod. Arleigh L. Lutz, President 2004 Convention Workbook R7-05-22 Northern Illinois District The Northern Illinois District treasures the fact that our Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod was founded here. The congre- gation in which the original 12 congregations signed the charter, First St. Paul, is still alive and weil today, and is one of the 240 congregations comprising that portion of The Lutheran Church— Missouri Synod known as the Northern IIlinois District. Today we serve over 148,000 members. The Northern Illinois District has a wide diversity of cultures, ethnic groups, and eco- nomic levels. Worship services are offered in no less than eight dis- tinct languages every Lord’s Day. As a District we include the Chicago metropolitan area with its population of over eight mil- lion, its stock markets and vibrant business community, its vast urban and inner-city areas involved in processes of renewal and restoration, its large suburban communities of daily commuters, its small-town communities and rural areas with some of the most serene communities and productive farmland in the Midwest. The Northern Illinois District is blessed with great gifts. We count as blessings: ¢ 240 congregations * 75 elementary schools (69 of which include preschools) ¢ 54 preschools not attached to Lutheran elementary schools. ¢ 7 Lutheran high schools ¢ 20,209 students preschool through high school ¢ 1,374 teachers preschool through high school ¢ Concordia University, River Forest * 398 pastors In the midst of these blessings and this diversity and with a heartfelt desire to maximize opportunities for harvest, the North- ern Illinois District developed a process of congregational input and review to arrive at a new District mission statement, adopted at its 2003 convention. The process involved representatives from over 100 congregations in focus-group input and over 90 elected leaders in a weekend of review of focus material and data. The process was led by Mr. Les Stroh of Cornerstone Ministries. We are grateful for his leadership and expertise in designing and im- plementing the process. The new Mission Statement reads: The mission of the Northern Illinois District of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod: To work together as congregations and lead- ers to support, encourage and assist each other in extending the min- istry of proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ. In addition, four critical targets and goals were adopted by the convention: 1. Congregational Ministries—That congregations have relevant ministries that seek, welcome, nurture, and incorporate all members of the congregation and community into their family of faith. 2. Leader Development—That congregations provide professional and lay leaders with training, support, and encouragement for the ministry of equipping God’s people. 3. Partnerships—That congregations foster partnerships at all levels (local, Circuit, District, and Synod) in order to expand the work of their congregation and the church-at-large. 4. Mission Multiplication—That congregations and Circuits start - and support new missions and ministries to reach unchurched people. These critical targets now drive all of the activities of the Dis- trict in pursuing the Great Commission of our Lord. Each board, committee, and ministry team is responsible for carrying out those four critical targets in each of their respective areas of responsibility.