LCMS Convention Proceedings St. Louis, Missouri — 2016, Page 189

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To Improve Disclosures Related to Financial
Gifts from God’s Stewards for Special Appeals
RESOLUTION 9-04A
Overture 9-01 (CW, p. 379); President’s Report, Part 2 (TB, pp.
21–31)
Whereas, Monies for special appeals requested by corporate
Synod (e.g., following natural disasters) are reported only in part
in Synod publications (e.g., Reporter and The Lutheran Witness)
and sometimes only annually; and
Whereas, Donors and members of the Synod are interested in
the impact of funds raised for special appeals and will appreciate
improved disclosure of results; therefore be it
Resolved, That the Synod in convention commend the various financial offices of corporate Synod for their efforts to date to
improve financial disclosure; and be it further
Resolved, That the financial offices of corporate Synod continue
to recognize the desire of donors and members of the Synod to
improve processes of reporting and work to provide clear, timely,
and transparent accounting for all funding and special appeals, so
that the Body of Christ may experience the joy of Gospel-centered
mission and ministry beyond the local context or community; and
be it finally
Resolved, That the Synod in convention encourage The Lutheran
Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS) Board of Directors and national
leadership team to pursue all reasonable avenues to enhance such
reporting through its varied communication channels, including
the dissemination of an official Synod annual report (in addition
to the annual “State of the Synod” issue of The Lutheran Witness).
Action: Adopted (7)
(Without objection from the assembly, the convention voted
immediately by voice vote to adopt Res. 9-04A as presented.)

To Commend Work of LCMS Foundation
RESOLUTION 9-05
Overture 9-02 (CW, p. 379); President’s Report, Part 2 (TB, pp.
21–31)
Whereas, The Lord of the Church has placed before our Synod
many remarkable opportunities for Gospel testimony, both at home
and abroad; and
Whereas, The LCMS Foundation was incorporated in 1958 to
promote the growth of our church body by receiving special gifts on
behalf of the church, including its congregations, districts, schools,
RSOs, auxiliaries, and other organizations; and

Whereas, The LCMS Foundation was created to offer “programs of deferred giving … [for] the Synod and its districts,
colleges, seminaries, and other agencies” (Bylaw 3.6.5.3) and to
provide for immediate and future work in our Lord’s kingdom
through proper estate planning, using such devices as unitrusts,
annuities, life reserve, and life income agreements to transfer cash,
securities, and real estate to the church; and
Whereas, Since its incorporation, the LCMS Foundation has
distributed over $1 billion from gifts provided by generous and
Spirit-moved donors to ministries of the LCMS; and
Whereas, The LCMS Foundation earnestly endeavors to
continue serving our church body and its entire membership by
channeling additional support to the missionary, educational, and
other activities of the Synod; therefore be it
Resolved, That the Synod commend the LCMS Foundation to
our congregations and their membership, urging them to utilize
the Foundation’s services in making special gifts available for our
work at home and abroad; and be it further
Resolved, That the 2016 Synod convention express deep appreciation to the generous donors who have elected to utilize the channel
of the LCMS Foundation in the exercise of their Christian stewardship; and be it further
Resolved, That all members of the LCMS be encouraged to use
estate planning also to provide additional resources for the extension of Christ’s Church in the future; and be it further
Resolved, That the LCMS Foundation seek to expand its various
deferred giving programs within the LCMS for the promotion of
the Church’s mission and ministry; and be it further
Resolved, That the Synod give thanks to the Lord for His gifts
and the ability to use them to His glory and the welfare of His
Church; and be it further
Resolved, That the official boards of all districts, Synod schools,
affiliated agencies, and congregations make themselves aware of
and be encouraged to utilize the LCMS Foundation’s various services and, where feasible, use the LCMS Foundation in establishing
their own endowment funds; and be it finally
Resolved, That the LCMS in convention assembled implore the
overflowing blessing of the Lord of the Church on the continued
activities of the LCMS Foundation, so that under divine benediction it may continue to be a powerful help in the expansion of our
Synod’s work.
Action: Adopted (7)
(Without objection from the assembly, the convention voted
immediately on the resolution, and Res. 9-05 was adopted by voice
vote as presented.)

Whereas, The LCMS Foundation offers investment management services for planned gifts, endowments, and trust funds of
the Synod and its agencies, striving to offer competitive returns in
a low-cost model; and
“9. Finance”

U P O N T H I S R O C K • Resolutions

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