# LCMS Convention Proceedings_St. Louis Missouri_2013_S110
# Machine transcription, uncorrected — CHI Digital Archive (demonstration)

Resolved, That the Synod encourage congregations and organizations to engage with and support the LIRS mission of welcoming
the stranger through gifts of time, talent, and treasure.
Action: Adopted (5)
(Res. 2-02 was adopted by voice vote without discussion.)

To Commend the LCMS National Housing
Support Corporation
RESOLUTION 2-04
Report 6-03-01 (CW, pp. 114–115)
Whereas, Our Lord commands us to love our neighbors as ourselves (Mark 12:31); and

To Give Thanks to God and Encourage Support
for the Ministries of Lutheran Services
in America and Lutheran World Relief
RESOLUTION 2-03A
Report 1-7; 1-7-CMO (CW, pp. 10, 26, 32, 35)
Whereas, Lutheran Services in America (LSA), an inter-Lutheran organization, creates opportunities to touch the lives of
people in thousands of communities throughout the United States
and the Caribbean through ministries of health care, aging and disability support, community development, housing, and child and
family strengthening; and
Whereas, Lutheran World Relief (LWR), an inter-Lutheran
organization, provides focused response to emergencies, relieves
suffering and poverty by working among the poorest in rural and
remote regions of over 35 countries, and promotes justice around
the world; and
Whereas, Through the faithful ministries of LSA and LWR,
the Lord extends His mercy to those in need; and
Whereas, Both LSA and LWR primarily exist through generous
material and financial support of individuals and congregations;
and
Whereas, The faithful prayers of the saints have greatly
strengthened and encouraged these ministries; therefore be it
Resolved, That the Synod in convention offer thanks and praise
to God for His works of mercy extended through these organizations; and be it further
Resolved, That the Synod commend LSA and LWR for their
faithful stewardship of the resources entrusted to them in responding to the various service needs and opportunities in the world;
and be it finally
Resolved, That the Synod encourage congregations and individuals to support the mercy ministries of LSA and LWR through
fervent prayer and generous giving of their time, treasures, and
talents.
Action: Adopted (5)
(Res. 2-03A was adopted as presented, without discussion [Yes:
952; No: 23].)

Whereas, Christ Jesus in His ministry on earth provided us the
most perfect example of living this command through His attention to both the spiritual and bodily needs of people; and
Whereas, Housing and shelter are basic human needs, present
in the communities that the Synod serves; and
Whereas, Housing and community development services can
play a vital role in revitalizing LCMS congregations in areas that
have been economically ravaged and blighted; and
Whereas, The LCMS has a rich history of providing shelter and
housing support to those in need, as exemplified in its leadership
in the Keys for Christ affordable housing campaign, the Brooklyn
Nehemiah housing project, the Saint Louis College Hill neighborhood revitalization project, and the Fort Wayne St. Peter’s Roman
Catholic/Zion Lutheran neighborhood revitalization effort; and
Whereas, LCMS housing projects have created more than a
half a billion dollars in new housing and provided homes for more
than 15,000 families since 1970; and
Whereas, The LCMS National Housing Support Corporation
(Lutheran Housing Support), the Synod’s housing intermediary since 2007, has been the beneficiary and distributor of more
than $5.7 million in grants, training, and consulting services for
the betterment, improvement, and revitalization of communities
spearheaded by LCMS entities throughout the United States; and
Whereas, Lutheran Housing Support continues the Synod’s
rich legacy of serving our neighbors’ bodily needs through housing and community development services; therefore be it
Resolved, That the Synod thank God for His blessings and gift—most specifically the opportunities that He has provided to serve
our neighbors’ needs of body and soul; and be it further
Resolved, That the Synod give thanks for the work of Lutheran
Housing Support on behalf of LCMS congregations, districts, and
recognized service organizations; and be it further
Resolved, That the LCMS continue to pray for and support housing and community development efforts; and be it finally
Resolved, That LCMS congregations, districts, and recognized
service organizations be encouraged to take leadership roles in
neighborhood revitalization efforts near LCMS congregations,
providing opportunities for Gospel proclamation.
Action: Adopted (5)
(Res. 2-04 was adopted as presented, without debate [Yes: 867;
No: 15].)

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