LCMS Convention Proceedings St. Louis, Missouri — 2004, Page 22

Transcription machine transcription, uncorrected

⤓ Download .txt · copy text

22

MINUTES OF THE CONVENTION

presented Rule 6, a motion to amend the rule to change the
time designations to 15, 30, and 45 minutes was introduced. After discussion, a motion to cease debate on the
amendment carried [Y: 1,142; N: 70]. The amendment was
adopted [Y: 694; N: 519]. After further discussion of the
amended Rule 6, it was adopted [Y: 976; N: 234].
Rule 10 was adopted as presented without discussion [Y:
1,116; N: 92]. After the chair introduced Rule 15, a motion
was introduced to change to 30 minutes the rule allowing
the call of the question by the chair after 20 minutes. After
discussion and a motion to cease debate [Y: 1,121; N: 91],
the motion to amend to 30 minutes was defeated [Y: 458;
N: 754]. After a motion to cease debate on the rule as presented carried [Y: 1,057; N: 115], Standing Rule 15 was
adopted [Y: 951; N: 259].
Discussion followed regarding the interpretation of Rule
16 and the use of laptop computers for non-communication
purposes. The chair ruled that Rule 16 does not allow the
use of laptop computers. Question followed regarding the
use of cell phones. The chair ruled that cell phones are included in Rule 16 and therefore prohibited in the delegate
section of the convention.
Bible Study I
Convention Chaplain Loren Kramer introduced the
leader of the first of the convention’s Bible studies, Rev. Jeffrey Gibbs of Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, who called attention to the outline provided on page 186 of Today’s Business. Dr. Gibbs’ study focused on the theme, “Ablaze in One
Mission with Hope-Filled Hearts,” emphasizing and explaining the Christian concept of “hope,” exhorting the assembly to think as the Scriptures teach God’s people to
think and to live as the Scriptures teach God’s people to
live, with a hope that pertains to body as well as soul, that
includes all creation and not just the Church, that centers
in Christ’s second coming. Such hope stands God’s people
on their feet and equips them for battle and the opportunities that they will have to speak and give an account of the
hope that is in them, centered in Jesus as the Lord.
Dr. Gibbs’ presentation was followed by a brief small
group discussion period and concluded with the singing of
the hymn “Christ Is Surely Coming.”
President’s Report (Part III)
President Kieschnick provided the third part of his report, recalling the hardship of early Lutheran immigrants
and forefathers, demonstrating that challenges can be overcome in the hope that Christ has given. He noted the many
strengths of our Synod and also the presence of strife, all
instrumental in defining our Synod through the years. Yet
our Synod has remained true to the Holy Scriptures and its
doctrinal principles.
He provided an account of the 9/11 tragedy and the Yankee Stadium controversy that followed, offering a summary
of how related events unfolded, noting a supportive statement adopted by the Council of Presidents, and explaining
his actions on the basis of CTCR guidelines adopted by the
2001 convention. He spoke of the trust that will be required
when pastors need to make such decisions, related the content of memos in which Dr. Benke expressed dissatisfaction
2004 Convention Proceedings

with the content of his Yankee Stadium prayer, and publicly extended to Dr. Benke assurance of forgiveness.
He also noted that despite our Synod’s difficulties, there
is much that we continue to be in agreement about. He detailed his dreams for the Synod, a church body involved in
worldwide relationships, marked by unity of purpose and
confession, full of people and pastors working side by side,
known not only for what it publicly proclaims but also what
it supports and stands for in the public arena. He repeated
his own personal confession and beliefs and criticized the
misinformation that has been circulated, asking that judgmental comments cease and that a godly crusade begin
with this convention to turn things around and be about
the mission of the church, divisions welded strongly back
together by mutual love for the Lord Jesus Christ, ablaze
by God’s grace, a church on the mission to which it has
been called.
In view of shortage of time, the planned question and
answer opportunity was postponed, to be inserted at another time in the agenda.
A motion was offered “that in view of the President’s
very impassioned and apologetic speech, the Rev. Wallace
Schulz be given at least 30 minutes of time by the convention prior to elections to speak on the same issue, and that
if he chooses he may also choose other speakers or substitute speakers, and that currently scheduled items on the
agenda be moved to another appropriate time.” A motion to
amend the orders of the day not being debatable, the motion was defeated [Y: 560; N: 635].
Retired Missionaries Honored
President Kieschnick read their names and offered
words regarding their service as the following missionaries
stepped forward to be recognized: Juan and Erma Berndt
(Argentina, 1951−1956); Eugene and Bernice Bunkowske
(Nigeria and USA, 1960−present); Maynard and Shirley
Dorow (Korea, 1957−1998); John and Peggy Fajen (Nigeria
and LCMS World Mission staff, 1957−1994); Herman and
Delores Glienke (Cuba, Hispanic Missions USA, 1961−
1992); Juraine and Lorene Hornig (Philippines, USA, India,
and Africa, 1957−1997); Edward and Virginia Schmidt
(Campus Missions USA 1977−1991); and Ernest and
Shirley Wentzel (Ministry to the Armed Forces, 1953−
1991). The assembly joined in a prayer of thanksgiving for
the service of these dedicated servants of Christ.
Prior to recessing for lunch the keypads were used to
learn the wishes of the delegates regarding the temperature in the convention hall. In response to the question, “Is
the temperature too cool?” the delegates responded in the
negative [Yes: 278; No: 875].
Session 2
July 11, 2004
Call to Gather and Opening Devotion
Inspiring music by the Chamber Choir of Concordia University, Seward called the assembly to gather for the afternoon session. Chaplain Loren Kramer introduced Dr.
Orville Walz, President of Concordia, Seward, who provided
a devotion under the theme, “Making a Difference.”