Collection › LCMS Convention Workbook (St. Louis, Missouri) › 2019 · 67th Convention, Tampa › Page 157

LCMS Convention Workbook St. Louis, Missouri — 2019, Page 157

Scan: The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod

Transcription machine transcription, uncorrected

OFFICER, BOARD, AND COMMISSION REPORTS
ident, over 3,000 adults were baptized and/or confirmed. Praise
God for His work through the congregations who brought these
people to God’s Kingdom! We have welcomed urban, inner city,
and Ethiopian congregations into our fellowship. All the more
reason for joy!
The Ohio District is impressed by the quality of pastors
who are graduating from our seminaries. They want to continue
to grow in their skills and abilities so they can do a better job
serving God’s people and witnessing to those who are without
a Savior. To that end, the Ohio District sponsors their involvement in PALS, a three-year, post-seminary learning; and by
co-sponsoring a group of younger pastors in PLI, the Pastoral
Leadership Institute. Still others have grown by their participation in Doxology. We have many exemplary lay people who love
the Lord and want to see His Church prosper. They have not
backed away from difficult situations but continue to work for
the growth of God’s kingdom and have applied and been accepted in Synod’s SMP (Specific Ministry Program) where they
serve in various capacities. Our directors of Christian education and directors of family life ministry are among the best and
work to provide inspiration and educational opportunities to
our people. Our schools, especially in the Cleveland area, have
been spared, thanks to the Ed Choice program, which has enabled numerous families to enroll their children in our parochial
schools. Deaconesses continue to minister in various congregational settings around our district as well.
Finally, the Ohio District is blessed by a talented staff. Mr.
Kevin Creutz, superintendent of schools, is a recognized topnotch administrator. Karen Dutton continues to provide some
of the best youth gathering experiences that are both fun and
faithful to Scripture. Lisa Rachul serves very competently as the
district treasurer. She brings a wealth of tax knowledge. She is
eager to help our congregations understand the budget process
and provide financial reviews when asked. We are now a part
of the Lutheran Church Extension Fund and blessed with the
service of LCEF DVP Lisa Janik.
Being “Joy:fully Lutheran” is much easier with a committed and positive administrative staff. Mrs. Cheryl Ohradzansky,
administrative assistant to the district president, brings a cheerful disposition to any who call the district office for assistance
and keeps the district president on track. Deb Klusak faithfully
keeps our website and e-source blasts up-to-date and serves as a
friendly face to all who enter the Mission Support Center. Linda
Borsuk, assistant bookkeeper, always asked me for missing receipts with a smile. Sara Krek serves with distinction as administrative assistant to Kevin Creutz.
Kevin Wilson, President

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Oklahoma District
The 81 congregations of the Oklahoma District of the
LCMS met in convention April 20–21, 2018 under the theme:
“You are witnesses of these things” (Luke 24:48). The members
of our district congregations take seriously the privilege of being a witness of the risen Lord Jesus Christ. The saints of Oklahoma rejoice in the ongoing ministry, mission, and witness entrusted to them, and work to fulfill it by dependence on Christ’s
grace to change lives and eternities.

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The structure of the Oklahoma District consists of an allvolunteer staff of lay and called workers. This volunteerism
also applies to the office of the district president. Within the
district there are many dedicated and gifted people committed
to the work of the district while continuing to serve in their specific full-time calling. The only salaried and stipend positions
include an administrative assistant, an outdoor ministries director, a mission assistant, and a business manager. Whether
salaried or volunteer, the district staff is composed of people
who freely and readily share their gifts and time in extending the
work of Christ’s kingdom.
In spite of the all-volunteer staff, the ministry is being furthered and the ecclesiastical supervision defined in the Synod’s
Constitution (Article XII) and Bylaws (Bylaw 1.2.1 [i]), is being
carried out in a reasonable and timely manner. As a full-time
pastor, the district president cannot visit each congregation and
pastor within a triennium; however, his representatives make
themselves available for such contacts within the three regions
and nine circuits. The Oklahoma District works to ensure that
each congregation and professional church worker has available
to them sufficient resources to encourage them in mission and
ministry, new starts, school development, stewardship endeavors, and mission challenges. The district works to help congregations and church workers through the struggles experienced
within a parish, especially during difficult economic times. Even
though the district spans the entire State of Oklahoma, these
distances do not seem to break down a unity of spirit and purpose within the district mission. The Oklahoma District is able
to designate three-fourths of its budget for mission work, with
the remaining one-fourth used for administrative, professional
growth, and ministerial wellness. The district board of directors
steadfastly pledges one-fourth of its budget as a financial commitment to the Synod.
The district continues to promote and implement revitalization efforts for many congregations. Equipped with the effectual Word of God, many new people groups are being touched
with Christ’s grace, among which are Burmese Karen, Hmong,
Latino, and Liberian populations. The Oklahoma District is indeed a viable entity in fulfilling the mission of Christ.
In the Western Region, which includes the Enid, Kingfisher, and Panhandle circuits, outreach has continued among
the Burmese Karen people resulting in multiple Baptisms and
Confirmations, as well as new work begun among the Latino
population. Lutherhaven Retreat Center suffered a major setback when raging grass fires spread through western Oklahoma
destroying several structures at the center. Afterward, torrential
rains fell upon the denuded landscape causing extensive erosion
and damage to the earthen dam of the small lake. However, the
hard work of the saints in the Panhandle have worked to restore
and refine Lutherhaven and continue to use it as an outdoor
ministry for youth and adult groups. The hidden blessing is that
there have been needed improvements at Lutherhaven Retreat
Center.
In the Central Region, which includes the Oklahoma City,
Lawton, and Norman circuits, the Hispanic ministry continues
to grow and flourish. The district continues to finance a worker-priest for outreach to the growing Islamic community with
a special focus on the OKC metro area. The future growth of
these ministries projects exciting potential.
The Eastern Region, which includes the Tulsa, Miami, and
2019 Convention Workbook