# LCMS Convention Workbook_St. Louis Missouri_2007_S202 # Machine transcription, uncorrected — CHI Digital Archive (demonstration) 202 PROGRAM AND FINANCE loan, and service opportunities and can do so with greater effi- ciency and effectiveness when all LCMS districts become mem- bers of the national program; and WHEREAS, Such consolidation has only been accomplished with 28 districts and greater efficiency is feasible (a 1/16th percent re- duction in loan rates would result in a savings of $1 million) and joining organizations would achieve workload reductions at the dis- trict level and the potential for earnings distribution that averaged $50,000 per district in 2006; and WHEREAS, The LCMS Foundation exists to serve the entire church, and can do so more efficiently and effectively when all or- ganizations utilize the services; and WHEREAS, The LCMS Foundation currently has Partner Mem- ber relationships with 18 LCMS districts, 9 universities/seminaries and 12 other synodical auxiliaries and RSOs; and WHEREAS, The Foundation has helped and continues to help in- dividuals establish direct and planned gifts for congregations and other entities within all 35 LCMS districts, for all 10 colleges and universities, for both seminaries and for virtually all ministries of the church; therefore be it Resolved, That the LCMS in convention encourages all govern- ing boards and committees to review their responsibilities and their opportunities to demonstrate our “walking together” and multiply current and future benefits for their congregation, district, and the whole church body; and be it further Resolved, That upon completion of such review, they demon- strate their support for “walking together” during the coming tri- ennium. Concordia Plan Services Lutheran Church Extension Fund LCMS Foundation 4-31 To Give Thanks and Praise to God for LCMS Foundation’s 50 Years of Service WHEREAS, Following the 1956 LCMS convention, the Synod’s Board of Directors appointed a special committee to engage in pre- liminary planning for a foundation to serve the needs of the con- gregations and organizations of the Synod; and Whereas, Based upon the committee’s recommendation, the Synod’s Board of Directors established The Lutheran Church— Missouri Synod Foundation in December 1958, which action was ratified by the 1959 LCMS convention; and Wuereas, The LCMS Foundation will observe its 50th an- niversary in 2008; and WHEREAS, Throughout its history the LCMS Foundation has served-congregations, organizations, and individuals with steward- ship training, direct and planned gifts for ministry and family, and the administration of endowed gifts and custodial funds; and WHEREAS, The LCMS Foundation has processed over $1 bil- lion in direct and planned gifts since its inception in 1958; and WHEREAS, The LCMS Foundation continues to serve the church under its mission “Linking Christians with Giving Opportunities”® and its vision of “Every Christian with a Lifetime Plan for Giving”; therefore be it Resolved, That the 2007 LCMS convention acknowledge the 50th anniversary and give thanks to God for the work of The LCMS Foundation with a doxology of praise; and be it further Resolved, That the Synod receive a brief video report on the work of the LCMS Foundation; and be it finally Resolved, That the Synod encourage congregations and organi- zations to engage the Foundation through its local representatives for assistance in the cultivation and stewardship of direct, planned, and endowed gifts to support family and ministry today, tomorrow, and forever. Board of Trustees The LCMS Foundation 4-32 To Amend Bylaw 3.8.2.5.5 (i)(2) re Financial Management WHEREAS, Bylaw 3.8.2.5.5 (i)(2) is part of the list of the re- sponsibilities of the institutional boards of regents. The Bylaw re- flects a period in the history of higher education in which the Synod Treasurer provided all operational funds for institutions of higher education from a pool of Synod dollars. Tuition and gifts received at an institution were transferred to the Synod treasury and drawn out as needed to maintain the operation of the institution. Today, institutions of higher education are largely responsible for their own financing of operations, either from tuition or donor gifts. A line of credit supports their operations during the months be- tween tuition receipts. The amendment that follows places the re- sponsibility for managing cash flow on the institution. Resolved, That Bylaw 3.8.2.5.5 (i)(2) be amended to read as fol- lows: PRESENF/PROPOSED WORDING Receiving of all gifts by deed, will, or otherwise made to the seminary institution and delverne-them-te-the-Hiee-Presi- sinister managing the same, in accordance with the terms of the instrument creating such gift and in accordance with the poli- cies of the Beard-efDireeters-efFhe-butheran-Chureh—M4is- seurt-Syned board of regents. . Board for Pastoral Education 4-33 To Amend Bylaws 3.8.3.6.4 (e)(2) and 3.8.3.6.4 (i)(2) re Financial Management Rationale Bylaws 3.8.3.6.4 (e)(2) and 3.8.3.6.4 (i)(2) are part of the list of responsibilities of the institutional boards of regents. These two by- laws reflect a period in the history of higher education when the Synod Treasurer provided all operating funds for higher education institutions from a pool of Synod dollars. Tuition and gifts received at an institution were transferred to the Synod treasury and drawn out as needed to maintain the operation of an institution. Today, institutions of higher education are largely responsible for their own financing of operations, either from tuition or through donor gifts. A line of credit through the Office of University Education supports their operations during the months between tuition re- ceipts, The Office of University Education pools any excess oper- ating funds to maintain the line of credit for institutional support when needed. This approach places the responsibility for managing cash flow upon the institution and the Office of Higher Education (Concordia University System). Therefore, be it Resolved, That Bylaw 3.8.3.6.4 (e)(2) be amended to read as follows: PRESENT PROPOSED WORDING All surplus institutional funds above an adequate working balance shall be leposited with the ¥+ee-Pres- ‘ : mcordia Universi em for investment. Earnings from such investments shall be credited to the depositing institution. and be it further Resolved, That Bylaw 3.8.3.6.4 (i)(2) be amended to read as fol- lows: , PRESENT PROPOSED WORDING