# LCMS Convention Proceedings_St. Louis Missouri_1979_S38 # Machine transcription, uncorrected — CHI Digital Archive (demonstration) 38 MINUTES OF THE CONVENTION continue the procedure which had previously been adopted. By the adoption of Res. 4-06 (TB 109) the Board of Managers—Concordia Welfare Plan was asked to give careful consideration to post-65 benefits, to bring such benefits even with the objectives of full medical coverage, including government Medicare, for those on fixed incomes. In approving Res. 4-07 (7B 109) and Res. 4-08B (TB 275) the convention authorized the construc- tion or purchase of a synodical headquarters building and requested The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod Foundation to make every effort to obtain sufficient gifts so that the entire project might be debt free at its completion. If this could not be done, the Treasurer of the Synod was authorized to obtain suitable financing for costs not covered by the gifts. The site for the new headquarters building is to be on the campus of Concor- dia Seminary, St. Louis. In the event it cannot be constructed at that location, the Board of Directors was empowered to select another location in the St. Louis metropolitan area. Recognition Following the passage of the previous resolutions, Dr. Norman Sell, Treasurer of the Synod, introduced Dr. J. David Heino, Executive Director of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod Foundation. Dr. Heino re- quested Pastor Ervin Lemke, the pastor of Mrs. Marcella Neimann, to introduce her to the delegates. Mrs. Nei- mann had provided the seed money for the headquarters building for the Synod. After she had briefly addressed the convention, President Preus expressed the thanks of the entire Synod for her generosity. Closing Devotion Closing devotion for the session was conducted by Rev. Henry Koepchen, a member of the Board of Directors of the Synod, and consisted of a hymn, a reading from the Book of Acts, and prayer. Session 8 July 10, Evening Opening Devotion Opening devotion for the evening session was con- ducted by the chaplain for the convention, Dr. Gerhardt Nitz, who led the delegates in the singing of “Jesus, Thy Blood and Righteousness.” This was followed by a devotion based on a section from 1 Cor. 12 and prayer. Special and Sundry Matters Chairman Arthur Kuehnert of the Floor Committee on Special and Sundry Matters introduced Res. 9-03(TB 154), which called for the improvement and emphasiz- ing of conferences. By adopting this resolution the delegates encouraged attendance at conferences by those for whom they were organized as a means for growth. They adopted Res. 9-04 (TB 155) and thereby amended Bylaw 15.51, which dealt with the transfer of official records to the Concordia Historical Institute. Prior to adopting this resolution, Dr. August Suelflow, Archivist of the Synod, pointed out that Concordia Historical Institute serves three purposes. It serves asa depository for manuscripts, as the historical library, and as a museum area. The Bylaws were amended in order to help prevent the loss of important historical documents, as well as to bring the Bylaws into harmony with present practice. By adoption of Res, 9-05 (TB 156) the convention urged the resolution of concerns ex- pressed in Overture 9-11 (CW 243) by encouraging the parties involved to expedite efforts towards a God- pleasing solution to any difficulties. Prior to adoption of Res. 9-06 (7B 157), calling for support of the ministry of the Armed Forces Commission, the convention was addressed By Dr. Milton Ernstmeyer, executive secre- tary of the commission. In his remarks he expressed thankfulness for the continued generous support by pastors and congregations of the LCMS in providing a Lutheran ministry to members in the military service, as well as to their families and civilian members overseas. He also expressed thankfulness for the faith- ful ministry of more than 100 pastors serving on active duty as chaplains, for the special ministry performed by 125 pastors who are reserve chaplains, and for the sincere interest in pastoral care of ministers and con- gregations who have provided the names of members who are serving in the military or are civilian members overseas. Resolution 9-06 (7B 157) was adopted as presented. Discussion was begun on Res. 9-07 (TB 157), which called for the provision of adequate maintenance for church workers. A motion was made and seconded to consider an amendment which would place before the words “‘to see toit” the words “to remind congregations” in line 64 (7B 157). Time for discussion expired before action on the resolution could be completed. Elections Chairman Simon of the Floor Committee on Elec- tions reported the following election results: Concordia Publishing House TEACHER Board of Directors Schmidt, Donald E. TEACHER Board of Control, Fort Wayne Laesch, Roger C. TEACHER Board of Youth Ministry Bultemeyer, Richard L. LAYMAN Board of Control, Selma Krueger, Rick PASTOR Board of Control, Austin Foard, Howard A. PASTOR LAYPERSON Lehnhardt, Marvin H. Saunders, Nancy He also reported that additional elections would be needed for the Board of Missions and the Commission on Theology and Church Relations. Ballots for the remaining positions to be filled were then distributed to the voting delegates. Social Ministry Before introducing the resolutions relating to social ministry, Chairman Arthur H. Ziegler of the Floor Committee on Social Ministry introduced Dr. Leslie Weber, Executive Secretary of the Board of Social