LCMS Convention Workbook St. Louis, Missouri — 2001, Page 85

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SYNODICAL REPORTS 85

ing more multicultural ministries (Burmese and African immigrant
have joined the many other ministries). We have gone over the 100
mark in schools (preschools, elementary, secondary). And our con-
gregations are being very generous in giving their gifts to the mis-
sion of the Lord, either directly or through District and the Synod.

Last year, to the tune of $9 million, our congregations built or
added on to their facilities through the Lutheran Church Extension
Fund, a sure sign of growth throughout the District. Our District has
grown in baptized and communicant membership, which is an in-
dication that our people continue to proclaim Christ and live Christ
for the people around them, and the Spirit has done His work.

Assistance

Another aspect of our mission statement is that we wish to as-
sist our church workers and congregations by providing them with
resources to carry out the mission of our Lord.

People resources are of greatest assistance. We continue to mar-
vel at the ministry and work of the CSAs that have been mobilized
by Gene Brunow. This group of gifted people live throughout the
District and are available to the congregation to assist them in plan-
ning and other aspects of their work. They have at their disposal
all the resources necessary for a congregation to use in growing in
the task.

When | speak of assistance I would be remiss if I did not men-
tion the tremendous gifts from God that we have from the support
staff here in the District office and our resource center and our
radio station. It has been said that without our secretaries, the work
would not get done. They are all professional, caring, and dedicated
to the mission of the District.

A great amount of assistance comes to the church workers of
our District in the form of our ministerial health workers. This
committee provides resources for help in the area of physical and
emotional needs. We have excellent Christian counselors available.
We also have Reconcilers who are ready and willing to work with
congregations and people when things just don’t go too well.

The Vice-Presidents and Circuit Counselors must be singled out
for the fine work that they do. These pastors are the unsung heroes
who are on the front lines and willing to be of assistance when the
needs arise. Twenty-three Circuit Counselors and four Vice-Presi-
dents usually get the first call for help when a congregation loses its
pastor, and also are able to see the signs leading to difficulties. I
cannot say enough about these men of God and the fine ministry
they carry out.

Timothy E. Sims, President

R7-05-08
Iowa District East

The Iowa District East (IDE) convention theme was “Jesus
Christ the Same Yesterday, Today and Forever” (Heb. 13:8).

In light of Gal. 1:8, “If we or an angel from heaven should
preach a gospel other than the one we preached to you, let him be
eternally condemned!” and Matthew 28:19, “Go, therefore, and
make disciples of all nations ...” it is our goal in Iowa District East
to “keep the message straight” and “get the message out.”

On June 7, 2000, Dr. Curtis Moermond, President of IDE, re-
signed from office, and the First Vice-President, Rev. Gary M. Arp,
assumed the office of President. On June 23 the IDE convention
elected Rev. Arp as District President.

During the past three years the District strove to serve the con-
gregations and pastors of the District in carrying out their mission
and ministry.

Rev. Wayne Knolhoff has served as our District executive for
stewardship, missions, evangelism, and church extension fund.

The Mission Committee of our District has encouraged ethnic
and specialized ministries during the past triennium. God has
blessed our congregations with increased outreach to Sudanese in
Cedar Rapids and Marshalltown, to Hispanic in Ottumwa and Dav-
enport, to Bosnian immigrants in Waterloo, and to Asian-Indians
in Cedar Rapids, lowa City, and Dubuque. A new deaf congrega-
tion is taking shape in Davenport, and campus ministry has begun
in Decorah.

The Stewardship Committee has presented workshops to con-
gregations and provided educational materials in the form of
monthly bulletin inserts and newsletter articles. In addition a num-
ber of “listening posts” have been conducted in Circuits to hear the
concerns of pastors as they deal with this important part of their
ministry.

The Evangelism Committee has also presented numerous work-
shops designed to help people share their faith in everyday situa-
tions. We have also been involved in encouraging congregations
to participate in the “Tell the Good News about Jesus” emphasis
of our Synod.

In December 2000 Rev. Knolhoff accepted a call out of our Dis-
trict.

in August 1998 Rev. Norm Rehmer accepted the call to serve
IDE in the areas of Education, Youth, and Human Care, filling the
office left vacant with the retirement of Rev. Larry Schmidt.

The District is continuing to emphasize education ministry, es-
pecially for the younger children and families. A series of booklets
to help parents with Christian training was written and distributed
to all congregations. Also, four preschools and one day-care center
were started in the last two years. Workshops were given to assist
the professional workers of the District for the purpose of continu-
ing education and the wellness of the worker and his family. A Dis-
trict Web site was also developed to provide current information
for the professional workers.

The Youth Committee of the District concentrated on assisting
the youth leaders, both full time and volunteer leaders, in having
successful youth programs by providing conferences and retreats
at Camp IoDisECa. Activities to provide growth and fellowship for
the youth of our congregations continued with the District youth
gathering, retreats for various age levels, and opportunities to par-
ticipate in recreational activities.

Expanding special ministries was the emphasis of the District
Human Care Committee. A pastor has been called to serve at the
correctional facility in Ft. Madison, and workshops were held to as-
sist pastors in their ministry to members who are in correctional in-
stitutions. A deaconess was also called by the District to assist the
Chaplain at the University of lowa Hospital. The committee also
provided assistance to congregations with needs in the rural con-
gregations and workshops to help establish parish nursing programs.

Gary M. Arp, President

R7-05-09
Iowa District West

The Lord instituted the harvest festival, the Feast of Taberna-
cles, and told His ancient people, “For seven days celebrate the
Feast to the Lorb your God at the place the LorbD will choose. For
the LorD your God will bless you in all your harvest and in all the
work of your hands, and your joy will be complete” (Deuteronomy
16:15).

Iowa District West is an agricultural District. Every year we see
around us the farmers preparing the soil, planting the seed, and har-
vesting the grain. The Lord provides the growth and continues to
bless us with bountiful harvests. He fills our hearts with thanksgiv-
ing and joy!

2001 Convention Workbook