[m-m-online] Convention Update

[Minister to Minister online]

Dear Readers:

Please accept my apology for this late report. I sent the report last 
night only to be notified this morning that what was received was a 
single paragraph. Here is the report for Monday, July 16, 2007.

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Convention Update
Monday, July 16, 2007

Highlights of Monday's Sessions

Resolutions Approved by Delegates

Committee #3 Theology and Church Relations

3-01 To Declare Altar and Pulpit Fellowship with AALC (American 
Association of Lutheran Churches).
This fellowship agreement means that pastors from the LCMS and AALC can 
exchange pulpits and that members of the LCMS and AALC can commune in 
each other's congregations….thus….Altar and Pulpit Fellowship.

Committee #5 To Establish Specific Ministry Pastor Program

5-01 This program allows for alternate programs to become ordained as a 
pastor. Members of both seminary faculties were involved in the drafting 
of this program and the program has the full blessing of both seminaries.

Committee #8 To Adopt Amendments to the Articles of Incorporation and 
Bylaws re Resolution 7-02A

8-01 This resolution was designed to clarify proper procedure between 
the Board of Directors and the CCM.

Committee #9 Registration, Credentials, and Elections

Secretary of Synod
Rev. Raymond Hartwig

VP Finance Treasurer
Mr. Thomas Kuchta

Board of Directors
Pastors
Rev. Robert Kuhn
Rev. Don Muchow

Commissioned
Dr. Kurt Senske

Lay
Mr. Walter Brantz
Mr. Kermit Brashear
Mrs. Gloria Edwards
Mr. Curtis Pohl

Committee #6 Human Care

6-01 To Give Thanks for Disaster Relief and Support
The committee showed a video capturing numerous disasters that have 
occurred since the last Synod Convention three years ago. 
Representatives from many organizations who responded to those disasters 
were present and were given a standing ovation for their generous gifts 
of time, people and finances.

6-02 To State LCMS Position on Stem Cell Research
This resolution highlighted Synods official position against embryonic 
stem cell research and in favor of adult stem cell research.

Committee #4 Programs and Finance

4-01A To Plan Summit to Restore Harmony
This resolution urges representatives of differing opinions in Synod to 
come together to discuss differences with the hope that our church body 
will provide a God-pleasing witness of confession and practice.

4-09A To Provide Financial Support and Adopt Funding Model for Seminaries
The desire is to increase direct Synodical financial support for the 
Seminaries.

Committee #1 Missions

1-06 To Commend our Chaplains
Representatives from three branches of the military were presented to 
the convention for thanks and appreciation for their untiring efforts of 
sharing the Gospel, often in harms way. The convention responded with a 
standing ovation.

Committee #10 Nominations

Nominations were received from the floor for all offices not yet voted on.

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Again a reminder that for the first time, gavel-to-gavel coverage of the 
proceedings will be available via Internet streaming on the Synod's Web 
site, http:// www.lcms.org/convention/.

For the most timely and complete convention news as the convention is
in progress, go to Reporter Online at http://reporter.lcms.org.

And, for the status of elections and resolutions, as well as for a daily 
photo gallery, go to the convention Web site at www.lcms.org/convention.

John Goeke