LCMS Convention Workbook St. Louis, Missouri — 1998, Page 89

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SYNODICAL REPORTS 89

* “Lutherans in Housing Ministry” video and discussion guide
completed to promote local and regional efforts.

Next Triennium Goals and Challenges
¢ $1 million added to the Low Income Housing Loan Fund.
¢ All Districts involved in housing ministry.

¢ 15 percent of all LCMS congregations support housing ministry
activities, including local Habitat for Humanity projects.

* 375 families gain decent, affordable housing through Low In-
come Housing Loans to eligible projects.

b. Task Force on Older Adult Ministries—responds to the
growing number of older adults (who the U.S. Census Bureau pro-
jects will account for 13 percent of the U.S. population in the year
2000) by
* sensitizing congregations to the increasing need and opportunity

for ministry to, with, and for older adults,

* providing resources to congregations to intentionally develop ef-
fective ways older adults’ time, skills, and gifts can be used in
church and society.

Past Triennium Accomplishments

* 269 LCMS volunteers trained to help congregations intention-
ally enhance older adult ministry through three-year program
funded by Aid Association for Lutherans.

More than 1,000 people attended older adult ministry presenta-
tions at the 1997 Great Commission Convocation.

* 1,500 participants annually attended older adult gatherings held
by Districts.

* More than 1,000 people from 250 congregations participated in
workshops/presentations in cooperation with social service agen-
cies, Districts, Circuits, and congregations to enhance older adult
ministry.

* Some 300 people gleaned older adult ministry news and re-
sources through “Building the Network” quarterly newsletter.

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Next Triennium Goals and Challenges

* A vision of older adults in service and ministry throughout their
remaining life spans.

¢ The church’s educational sector responsive to the tasks of min-
istry with older adults.

* Trained volunteers for ministry to, for, and with older adults.

c. Children at Risk Task Force—heightens awareness of crit-
ical needs of children and issues that must be addressed so all chil-
dren daily experience the Gospel in their lives.

Past Triennium Accomplishments

* Church, education, and social ministry leaders brought together
to address critical needs of at-risk children and share successful
models at Children at Risk/Children of Promise National Sym-
posium (March 1998, Atlanta, Ga.).

* Awareness raised of at-risk children through on-site visits to min-
istries, including visits to a day care center serving low-income
families, with task force members accompanied by LCMS Pres-
ident A. L. Barry; a training center for homeless families; and a
social ministry organization serving at-risk children and low-in-
come families.

* Congregations encouraged to get involved with ministries to at-
risk children through: “Taking Steps” Reporter newspaper insert
(March 1997), articles and resources published in “Human Care
News” newsletter, and stories to District publications.

Insightful meeting with State of Michigan Ombudsman for Chil-
dren (May 1996) on children/family issues involving government
intervention.

Next Triennium Goals and Challenges

¢ District teams/task forces share strategies from Children at
Risk/Children of Promise National Symposium with congrega-
tions, schools, and social ministry organizations.
¢ Professionals and.laity more informed about growing needs of
at-risk children.
d. Task Force on Domestic Violence and Abuse—raises
awareness of family violence, especially violence aimed at women,
and provides violence prevention resources.

Past Triennium Accomplishments

* Video Bible study completed on domestic violence and abuse.

¢ Raised awareness of domestic violence and child abuse and
abuse prevention resources through “Taking Steps” Reporter in-
sert (March 1997) and articles in “Human Care News” newsletter
and District publications.

Next Triennium Goals and Challenges
¢ Training materials to help professional church workers address
domestic violence and abuse.

e. Task Force on Alcohol and Substance Abuse—provides
leadership in developing programs that encourage healthy atti-
tudes/practices with regard to alcohol and other chemical sub-
stances subject to abuse.

Past Triennium Accomplishments

Awareness raised of alcoholism and resources through “Taking
Steps” Reporter supplement (September 1996).

Resource provided for congregations starting a ministry to fami-
lies affected by alcohol abuse through “Lutheran Support Team
Ministry” materials.

Ongoing support provided to the Fellowship of Recovering
Lutheran Clergy, including promoting the group’s toll-free num-
ber (1-800-528-0842).

Russian Lutheran clergy and LCMS missionaries stationed in
Russia among those attending alcoholism seminars in Russia and
Finland.

« Awareness of alcoholism raised at workshops presented to Indi-
ana District Fall Pastors’ Conference, midwest District presidents
and ministerial health commissions, and Central Illinois District
clergy.

Next Triennium Goals and Challenges

* Congregations show compassion, Christian love, acceptance, and
support to individuals and families affected by alcoholism or
other chemical addictions.

¢ Professional church workers and laypeople better understand al-
coholism and other addictions.

f. Task Force on the Church and Welfare Reform—raises
awareness of welfare reform and need for congregations to respond
more to struggling individuals and families as government provides
less.

Past Triennium Accomplishments

* Awareness raised of welfare reform and congregational response
through “Sharing Our Blessings,” (October 1997, River Forest.
Ill.), first District-sponsored conference on the church and wel-
fare reform.

¢ Awareness raised of welfare reform issues and mode! ministries
through articles in Reporter and “Human Care News” newsletter.
Next Triennium Goals and Challenges
* Strategic plan to help congregations respond to increased needs
of low-income families.
IL. Social Ministry Organizations

Extends the ministry of congregations and Districts by seeking
to meet the human needs of those who are vulnerable and power-