LCMS Convention Workbook St. Louis, Missouri — 2013, Page 74

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74

SYNOD REPORTS
rament of Holy Baptism. There in those precious sacramental waters,
our Lord washes away our sin and adopts us into His family of believers.
That relationship is lived out as we become members of a local congregation, as we gather for our Lord’s blessing of Word and Sacrament at
the altar of that congregation.”

In South Wisconsin, there are 214 congregations with such an
altar. The altar is the place where we come for God’s blessing. The
altar is the place where we bring our offerings. The altar is the focal
point of our κοινωνία with our Lord and Savior. It is also the symbolic focal point of our fellowship with each other; with those in our
local parish; with those who gather at the other 214 congregations
that make up the South Wisconsin District of the LCMS; and with the
approximately 6,000 congregations that make up the LCMS throughout our country.
As part of that relationship, each of our congregations have
responsibilities and accountabilities to their sister congregations in the
Church at large and especially to sister congregations in the LCMS.
Our κοινωνία is not merely about one altar; it is rather about and with
every altar in the LCMS. Each and every congregation, large or small,
is a precious member of that fellowship.
Among the resolutions adopted by the 2012 South Wisconsin
District convention:
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RES 3-02, “To Realign SWD Circuits”
RES 4-02, “To Encourage ‘Life Together’ in the South Wisconsin
District through the Unity of Practices Regarding the Lord’s Supper
(Closed Communion).” This resolution was passed overwhelmingly
by the delegates.
RES 5-01, “To Appoint a Task Force to Develop a Process for the
Support of Missions”
RES 5-02, “To Continue District Partnership in the Dominican Republic.”
RES 6-02, “To Retain the Significance of Overtures and Resolutions
Submitted by Individual Congregations”
RES 6-04 “To Commend the Roman Catholic Church for Its Stance
on Religious Freedoms and Defense of the Rights of the Unborn.”
Resolution 6-04 was presented to Archbishop Listecki during the
confessional symposium hosted by Peace, Sussex. The archbishop
expressed his appreciation for this.

May our Lord continue to bless our confession of His name as
we witness to this sinful world! May He continue to grant us faithful pastors who stand solidly on our Holy Scripture and Lutheran
Confessions. Serving our Lord and His Bride, the Church—
John C. Wille, President
R3-03-31

Southeastern District
Till All Have Heard describes the call to mission that the 218 congregations, 89 schools, and 45 missions are answering as they seek
to connect people with Jesus.
Throughout the last triennium, the Southeastern District (SED)
continued working toward the goals based on Acts 2:42, that is, to be
disciple-making communities of teaching, fellowship, breaking of
bread, and prayer and of God’s kingdom growing daily as His people
boldly proclaim the love of Jesus Christ in word and deed (Acts 2:47).
This is being accomplished through intentional efforts in the following areas:
Spiritual Formation
Faith Sharing
New Mission Development
Congregational Vitality
Leadership Development

2013 Convention Workbook

This is most clearly seen in the area of spiritual formation. It is not
by accident that this is at the top of goals. A growing team of Mission
Prayer Partners prays regularly for mission starts and leadership on
the front line. Congregations are establishing prayer teams. Spiritual
formation retreats are being held throughout the district. The answers
to prayers that God is providing, moreover, are often astounding.
Obstacles are overcome! Doors once closed are opening!
Sharing the faith, bearing witness to Jesus, is an act in which our
congregations and schools are already engaged. Encouraging growth
and confidence in faith-sharing is a goal that will enable the district
to record 2.5 million faith-sharing conversations by 2017. We give
thanks to God for the 1,234,699 conversations that have taken place.
We continue to pray for the power of the Holy Spirit to turn these conversations into heart-changing experiences in the lives of all.
What is motivating the SED, however, is not the counting or the
numbers of these events. Rather, it’s the Word of God: “As the Father
has sent Me, even so I send you” (John 20:21). “You will be my
witnesses” (Acts 1:8). The planting of 100 new ministries and congregations in many different settings throughout the five-state region, and
the resourcing of these efforts, has occupied much time and energy
during this triennium. Since the setting of this goal, 70 new mission
starts have been initiated and are at one stage or another of development. We are currently working with a LINC ministry in Baltimore,
MD, and preparing to launch a second in Washington, DC.
“Renewal” is the term used for established congregations that are
interested in church transformation or revitalization. While 46 congregations have initiated renewal conversations, 23 congregations (or
10 percent) are in the process.
As we begin the next triennium, we are challenged to create
new networks that bring together creative partnerships that cross
circuits and regions. We will be intentional about linking opportunities for learning, serving, and resourcing leaders for ministry and
mission. One of the exciting new partnerships will be that with the
LCMS mission in Peru. This mission effort will be supported with
prayer, presence, and funds. Members of the SED look forward to
the Peruvian partnership, which will be a blessing to the work of the
Gospel in Peru as well as to local congregations as they seek to reach
out to immigrants within their own communities.
SED ministries are also involved in supporting the Lutheran
Malaria Initiative, and our schools have led the way through their
Hearts for Jesus projects. Every congregation is encouraged to step
forward and support this effort to end malaria throughout the world.
While several initiatives coming from the 2012 district convention were global in nature, the strong encouragement to support local
Gospel outreach, new ministry development, and compassionate service was affirmed.
To God be the glory! He has taken the work and gifts of His
people and multiplied them for ministry in ways we could not have
anticipated. We pray for the continued work of the Gospel within the
communities of the Southeastern District, The Lutheran Church—
Missouri Synod, and the world.
John R. Denninger, President
R3-03-32

Southern District
The 73 convention of the Southern District of the LCMS was held
at Atonement Lutheran Church and School in Metairie, Louisiana,
beginning Thursday, June 14, 2012, under the theme “It’s Time—
That They May Know Jesus” (John 17:3).
The Rev. Dr. Scott R. Murray, Fifth Vice-President of the LCMS,
preached at the opening worship service under the title, “It’s Time to
Know God in Christ” (John 17:1–5). The service included expressions
rd