# LCMS Convention Proceedings_St. Louis Missouri_1944_S328
# Machine transcription, uncorrected — CHI Digital Archive (demonstration)

328 , Financial Matters (

D.' Promotion |

This our sad experience is not the rule in the Missouri Synod,.
and we do not hold the rank and file of our brethren responsible, _
Our method of promotion was faulty. In the first place, we told.-
our men and congregations in 1937, after the plan had been unani-
mously adopted, they should now carefully consider this matter, etc.
When our duly elected representatives after careful consideration
have decided to erect a three million dollar institution, the con-
" gregations and individuals are not asked to “carefully consider”
whether they wish to participate. That has been done at the proper
time and place, and the moment for action has arrived. The
pension plan had been before Synod for twenty years when it
was instituted.

But since a pension system must operate under a set of rules
and regulations, we should have followed the example of other -
«churches and for a certain period engaged a number of fully
informed full-time field men, as we now do for a number of
ventures that certainly are not more important than the Pension,
This should be done even now. , ;

It will not be necessary, however, to adopt so costly a measure
if the leaders among us all unite in a concerted effort. We members
of the General and the 32 District Boards, our District Presidents
and Circuit Visitors (51 have not joined), neighboring pastors,
teachers, and councilmen have ‘not yet done our best. In the first .
place, let everyone of us set his own house in order, and then we
shall be able to speak convincingly to our friend, brother, and
neighbor. For that purpose we have made available the names
of the non-members in the various Districts (even as the participa-
tion of the congregations in raising the budget is published) to
give the respective brethren opportunity to provide information
and encouragement where it is most needed. Also the editors
of our periodicals and District papers will gladly give space to
Pension items if we supply the copy.

E, Social Security Act

A bill has been ‘introduced in Congress to exclude from the
S.S.A. only duly ordained ministers and members of religious
orders. We have taken steps that also parochial school teachers
be exempted. .

F. Wills — Annuity Gifts — Memorials

1. When a Christian disposes of his earthly goods, he remembers
that the most necessary and the most useful institution on earth
is the Church of the pure Word and Sacrament. Whatever he will .
bequeath to the Board of Support and Pensions will be used to