LCMS Convention Workbook St. Louis, Missouri — 2007, Page 112

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112 SYNOD REPORTS

In the wake of the tsunami in Asia and the storm disasters in
our country, the people and congregations of the Indiana District
have responded with a prayerful and generous outpouring of Chris-
tian love. In the year now past, more that $11,624,900 was used by
our congregations to build or expand facilities for God’s use in mis-
sion in our district. These funds were graciously available through
the Lutheran Church Extension Fund! These efforts, funds, and ex-
pansions are a wonderful demonstration of the hope and promise
we celebrate in God’s love! Our district has grown and continues to
grow in baptized and communicant membership! We are humbled
as the Holy Spirit continues to bless our united efforts!

Assistance

We also assist our church workers and congregations by pro-
viding them with the help to carry out the mission of our Lord with
faithful vigor!

People are our greatest earthly resources as we strive to assist
and help each other! It is great to see the efforts of our CSAs as
they, with zeal and great joy, move among our schools and con-
gregations. These folks are spread throughout our district and are
available to help, teach, and support the multiple ministry efforts
in our congregations!

In 2005, all of the church workers of our district met together
under the theme “Hand in Hand.” This gathering provided the op-
portunity for us to grow together in Christ. Our board of directors,
along with our circuit counselors, have a plan for a personal visit in
each congregation. These visits are designed to provide encour-
agement and support for our joint ministry efforts and strengthen
the bond we have with one another in our circuits, our district, and
the LCMS. Each congregation and circuit will be encouraged to
chart a ministry course tailored to each individual situation.

The effectiveness of these efforts is seen as God combines and
uses the gifts and talents of our dedicated support staff in our dis-
trict office, resource center, and radio station. The blessing of our
support staff is essential to all that we do. They are faithful people
with strong professional skills dedicated to the mission of our dis-
trict.

We know that the world is an imperfect place with a host of
challenges. We thank God for the professional staff in our district
that help our church workers and our congregations at times of
trouble or challenge. We have excellent Christian counselors and
reconcilers who are ready and willing to work towards reconcilia-
tion and unity when there is difficulty.

We enjoy our partnership with Concordia Theological Semi-
nary! We have many willing and energetic professional seminary
people with unique gifts to share in a wide variety of settings. We
continue to expand those opportunities as we develop new working
relationships.

Finally, we thank God for all of the elected leaders in our dis-
trict who serve as vice-presidents, circuit counselors, council mem-
bers, task force leaders, and committee folks. These people are
tremendous gifts as they share and sense the day-to-day ministry
in our large and lively district! What blessings God has showered
upon us!

Daniel P. May, President

R7-05-08
Iowa District East

Our 2006 district convention theme was “One Lord, One Faith,
One Baptism.” The Rev. Matthew Harrison, executive director of
LCMS World Relief and Human Care, was the featured speaker.

Iowa District East is made up of: 13 circuits, 119 congregations,
10 elementary schools, 38 preschools, two high schools, 99 pas-
tors, 95 teachers, and seven DCEs.

2007 Convention Workbook

For the past three years, Iowa District East supported two full-
time pastors to the deaf, two full-time campus pastors, one full-time
chaplain to the University of Iowa hospitals, and one part-time
chaplain to the state penitentiary in Fort Madison. IDE also pro-
vides support for the work of POBLO in the Cedar Rapids area.

In February of 2006, lowa District East held a district theologi-
cal conference. Dr. George Wollenburg was the presenter. Each
congregation was invited to send one pastor, one layperson, and, if
the congregation had commissioned workers, one commissioned
worker. Approximately 200 laypersons, pastors, and commissioned
workers attended. The representatives were asked to present what
they learned to their congregations.

During this triennium, Carole White joined the staff as part-time
LCEF vice-president. Carole holds the same position in Iowa Dis-
trict West. The other Jowa District East staff includes a pastor who
serves as a part-time early childhood assistant to the president, a
principal who serves as a part-time schools assistant to the presi-
dent, a full-time assistant to the president, three full-time support
staff, and a full-time district president.

Gary M. Amp, President

R7-05-09
Iowa District West

Two hundred years ago, President Thomas Jefferson envisioned
one nation that would span the North American continent. He pur-
chased the Louisiana Territory and sent Lewis and Clark on a jour-
ney to explore this new land. Along the way, the “corps of
discovery” experienced hardships and danger, but every day there
were new adventures and the joy of discovery. A pioneer spirit
burned in their hearts. When they returned home, they had a story
to tell about where they had been and what they had seen. It was a
story of undaunted courage and of a journey that changed America.

The theme of the 36th regular convention of Iowa District West
was “Joy in the Journey...with Hearts Ablaze!”

This journey began in the heart of our God. In love, He sent His
Son into this world. Jesus humbled Himself, became man, and en-
dured temptations and hardships. He often invited people, “Come
follow Me!” Many did. Peter asked Him the question that was on
all their minds, “Lord, where are You going?” He told them, “In
My Father’s house are many rooms; if it were not so I would have
told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you.” Then He as-
sured them, “I am the way, the truth and the life.” The next day,
the journey led Him to the cross. There it seemed to end. Jesus
died. There was no hope and no joy.

But the journey wasn’t over. Jesus is risen! Death could not de-
feat Him. Satan could not stop him. Sin is forgiven. Salvation is
won. This is the journey that changes everything forever! That af-
ternoon, He traveled with two of His disciples on the road to Em-
maus. He opened the Scriptures for them and set their hearts
Ablaze! That evening, He met them all, breathed the Holy Spirit
and said, “As the Father has sent me [on this journey] even so Iam
sending you.” Those disciples were “overjoyed” when they saw the
Lord. Forty days later, He met them again and sent them on a jour-
ney to be His witnesses in ‘Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and to the
ends of the earth.” Then He ascended into heaven. That’s where
the journey was heading all along. Once again, they returned to
Jerusalem with “great joy.”

On Pentecost, the Holy Spirit again set their hearts Ablaze! The
Book of Acts says, “They went, they scattered, they traveled, they
arrived, they left, they walked, they set sail.” It’s all about the jour-
ney. They traveled countless miles and endured many hardships,
and they boldly told people about Jesus.

The journey began for each of us in Holy Baptism when we
were united with Jesus in His death and resurrection. The Spirit set