LCMS Convention Proceedings St. Louis, Missouri — 1983, Page 47

Transcription machine transcription, uncorrected

⤓ Download .txt · copy text

inthe singing of “Isaiah, Mighty Seer.” Following this,
‘gnvexchange took place between the essayist and the
mvention delegates for the purposes of clarification
‘and edification.

Announcements

“Pr. Joseph Lavalais, the Vice-President who had
chaired the opening portion of the session, was thanked
+ his'services and was wished the blessing of the Lord
ereturned to his home congregation during this day
‘of the session.

“President Bohlmann announced that the delegates
‘would have to make a decision regarding an evening
sion which would most likely be required to complete
‘business of the convention. Vice-President Sauer
nounced that action had been completed on 54 of 164
golutions amounting to approximately 33% of the
ork. In a final announcement President Bohlmann
called the attention of the delegates to astatement of the
“ral counsel for the Synod which was related to a
olution which the convention had previously adopted
garding the classification of church workers.

; nt of Privilege

Responding to a point of privilege, a delegate madea
‘atement from the floor regarding the necessity of
noving forward with the business of the convention
aiid concluded his remarks with a short prayer.

Administration and Program Implementation

Chairman Schlecht of the Floor Committee on Ad-
‘ministration and Program Implementation introduced
‘Res. 4-03 (TB 93) which would amend Bylaw 2.621a to
clude in the Handbook the formula for the number of
mbers of The Lutheran Church Exension Fund. The
délegates adopted this resolution as presented. They
‘also adopted Res. 4-04A (TB 175) which restated and
clarified the Lutheran Church Extension Fund—Mis-
uri Synod loan policies. It is the policy of the Board for
hurch Extension to assist congregations with the
Necessary capital funds under existing loan policies
Msistent with prudent management. Districts are
ésponsible for the review of all loan applications,
sultations with the congregations, and recommen-
ations to the Lutheran Church Extension Fund—
ssouri Synod. Prior to January 1, 1984, the Board for
hurch Extension is to arrange a meeting to include all
Districts for discussion of the present Board for Church
Extension policies and to develop procedures as these
ffect those Districts not currently members of the
utheran Church Extension Fund—Missouri Synod.
Discussion was begun of Res. 4-05 (TB 94). By
pting this resolution the convention affirmed the
‘concept of a balanced synodical budget, commended the
Board of Directors for its efforts in managing the deficit
and operating the Synod at a drastically reduced “real
dollar” income level, expressed its concern about cer-
tain Districts balancing their budgets by reducing the
‘percentage shared for national programs, and about the
iod balancing its budget by decreasing support to

MINUTES OF THE CONVENTION 47

partner churches, colleges, and seminaries and thus
increasing their deficits or curtailing their ministries.
The resolution also resolved that Districts and national
conventions not add or increase programs without
participating in the planning cycle and stipulating a
source of funds and authorized the Board of Directors to
continue its present policies of funding the accumulated
operating deficit until it is repaid from increased income
and/or the 1986 major appeal. During the discussion
the delegates declined an amendment which called for
the addition of the words “or by sharing a very low
percentage of their budgets for national programs”
after the words “national programs” in line 41 (7B 94).

Special Recognition

In a special presentation of Res. 4-26 (TB 227) the
delegates joined in the reading of the resolution which
expressed thanks to God for the ministry of retiring
Secretary of the Synod, Dr. Herbert Mueller, for the past
18 years and 12 conventions at which the Synod had
enjoyed his capable services as Secretary. They ex-
pressed their gratitude to God by rising and joining in
the singing of, “Now Thank We All Our God.” Dr. and
Mrs. Mueller were presented to the convention and were
given an overview of some of the major events in their
lives with the use of visuals. In a brief response,
Secretary Mueller, also known as “Mr. Synod,” ex-
pressed his thanks to the convention for the opportunity
to serve in the capacity as Secretary. He also asked the
delegates to give special recognition to his wife, who
had been an inspiration and support during his entire
ministry.

Point of Order

Responding to a point of order, the chairman re-
minded delegates that they must identify themselves to
the convention prior to speaking from the floor.

Administration and Program Implementation

In continuing action on resolutions from the Floor
Committee on Administration and Program Implemen-
tation, the convention adopted Res. 4-06 (TB 94) which
resolved that the Board of Directors should continue its
current practice of using Forward in Remembrance
funds as they are needed for distribution or until the
deficit is paid. The delegates also adopted Res. 4-07 (TB