LCMS Convention Proceedings St. Louis, Missouri — 1981, Page 113

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Dr. August Suelflow, director of Concordia Historical
Institute, was the appointed chaplain for the conven-
tion. He opened almost every session with a historical
vignette outlining some phase of the Synod’s mission
and ministry in its early development in order to carry
out the theme of “In Remembrance.” Each session was
then closed with a devotion conducted by an appropriate
staff person who stressed the “Forward” aspect of that
particular ministry of the Synod.

Among the subjects covered were military chap-
laincy, theological integrity, partner churches, Indian
missions, higher education, elementary education,
presidential leadership, social ministry, blind and deaf
ministry, missions, evangelism, Black ministry, home
missions, ministry to the youth, Hispanic ministries.
Those conducting the closing devotions were Dr. M.
§. Ernstmeyer, Dr. Sam Nafzger, Dr. Johannes Gedrat
of our sister church in Brazil, Dr. Walter Rosin, Dr.
Victor Constien, Dr. Robert Sauer, Dr. Leslie Weber,
Prof. Dan Pokorny, Dr. Erwin Kolb, Dr. Richard
Dickinson, Rev. Roger Leenerts, Mr. Richard Bimler,
Rev. Carlos Puig (Friday morning devotion).

It is hoped that the historical vignette devotions
developed by Dr. August Suelflow will be reprinted in
the Concordia Historical Institute Quarterly (member-
ship price, including subscription: $10.00, 801 De Mun
Ave., St. Louis Mo. 63105).

Mention should also be made of the fact that the
opening devotion of the convention was conducted by
President J. A. O. Preus, as well as the closing devotion
Friday at 1:00 p.m.

On Sunday morning, for the benefit of those who

If you still have your Bibles with you, there’s a
passage that I’ve used in other conventions. I can think
of nothng more appropriate to use at the close of this
convention.

Paul wrote a letter to the Philippians. It’s often called
his “love letter.” It’s sort of interesting that the Gospel
was preached in Philippi in the 50s of the first century
and through all of these 1,930 years the church has
remained alive in the city of Philippi. There has been a
continuing existence of the Christian church in that
important and interesting city.

And he writes, in the first chapter, beginning in the
third verse:

I thank my God for you every time I think of you; and

every time I pray for you all, I pray with joy because of the
way in which you have helped me in the work of the Gospel

DEVOTIONS

Daily Devotions

were not attending churches in the St. Louis area, a
Bible class was conducted in the convention hall by Dr.
Richard J. Schultz, as well as a worship service with
Rev. Marcus Zill as the preacher.

Dr. August Suelflow, chaplain

Closing Devotion

(Excerpts from Transcription)

from the very first day until now. And so I am sure that
God, who began this good work in you, will carry it on until
itis finished on the day of Christ Jesus. You are always in
my heart! And soit is only right for me to feel as I do about
you. For you have all shared with me in this privilege that
God has given me, both now that I am in prison and also
while I was free to defend the Gospel and establish it firmly.
God is my witness that I tell the truth when I say that my
deep feeling for you all comes from the heart of Christ Jesus
Himself. I pray that your love will keep on growing more
and more, together with true knowledge and perfect
judgment, so that you will be able to choose what is best.

This devotion is not entirely a devotion, but I wanted
to say these closing words in that setting, if you will
permit.

I think that I’ve chaired six conventions. The worst
chairing job was done at Milwaukee in 1971. But I’ve
learned a few things, and I have to say that the most

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