Corrected2015 CONVENTION PROCEEDINGStxlcms.org/.../08/2015-CONVENTION-PROCEEDINGS.Final_.pdf · 2016-08-08 · 2015 CONVENTION PROCEEDINGS 60 th Convention of the Texas District June

2015 CONVENTION PROCEEDINGS

60th Convention of the Texas District June 4-6, 2015

Embassy Suites Hotel and Conference Center 3101 South IH35

San Marcos, TX 78666 512-805-5322

TABLE OF CONTENTS

I. Convention Minutes ...........................................................................................................................2

II. Report of the President of the Texas District .....................................................................................4

III. Membership of Synod ........................................................................................................................7

IV. Milestones ........................................................................................................................................ 13

V. Election ............................................................................................................................................ 20

VI. Roster of Officers, Boards and Committees ..................................................................................... 22

VII. Table of Resolutions ........................................................................................................................ 23

VIII. Resolutions ...................................................................................................................................... 24

IX. Report of the Credentials and Registration Committee .................................................................... 39

X. Convention Roster ........................................................................................................................... 40

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60th Convention

of The Texas District of

The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod

June 4-6, 2015

Preface The delegates of the Texas District gathered in their triennial convention in San Marcos, TX to conduct the business of the District. From the opening worship service to the gavel of adjournment, the assembly was led to open their eyes "The Mission Eyes of Jesus.” These Proceedings, along with the Convention Workbook, are prepared to provide an accurate account of the actions taken by the Texas District in Convention so that the business of the Church in this place might be preserved decently and in order for those who follow us. May God continue to guide the District to serve with "The Mission Eyes of Jesus.” In His Service, Rev. John Davenport Secretary of the Texas District

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I. Convention Minutes The 60th Convention of the Texas District of the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod took place June 4-6, 2015, at the Embassy Suites Hotel and Conference Center in San Marcos, Texas. The theme of the Convention was “The Mission Eyes of Jesus.” Registration began at 9:00a.m. on the 4th alongside Floor Committee Open Hearings ([#1] Mission and Ministry, [#2] Administration and Theology). Forty-seven vendors made available their products, resources and encouragements to the delegates and guests. A Prayer Room was available each morning beginning forty-five minutes before the Opening Devotion; the room was open throughout the duration of the Convention. On the Convention floor, fifteen minutes was set aside for singing before each day’s business began. President Reverend Ken Hennings gaveled the Convention to order moments after 1:00p.m. on Thursday (6/4) “in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.” President Hennings offered opening remarks, including profound thanks to God for His abundant blessings on the Texas District – missional growth, congregational growth and generous financial support. The President reminded the assembly that officers would be elected, reports received and resolutions considered. Hennings also quoted Synod’s Bylaws stating the reasons for District Conventions are to “afford opportunities for worship, nurture, inspiration, fellowship and the communication of vital information. They are the principal legislative assemblies, which amend the District’s Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws, consider and take actions on reports and overtures, and handle appropriate appeals.” Convention Chaplain Rev. Carlos Boerger was introduced and offered an opening prayer. The Convention welcomed San Marcos Mayor Daniel Guerrero to the podium, and the Mayor brought greetings from the city leadership to all in attendance. The opening devotion was led by Rev. Dr. Abjar Bahkou. Then followed the first presentation by Convention Essayist, Rev. Greg Seltz, Speaker of the Lutheran Hour. Following this first segment of Seltz’ essay, President Hennings commented, “Thank you, Greg, for getting us started on our Biblical journey of “The Mission Eyes of Jesus.” District First Vice-President Rev. Ralph Hobratschk walked attendees through a “primer” on Parliamentary Procedure. Rev. Walt Pohland familiarized the delegates with the keypads and technological delivery of voting results. The next order of business was to move to elections. Incumbent President Ken Hennings was elected on the first ballot. After receiving the warm congratulations of the assembly, Hennings expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to lead the District through the next triennium. He also took a moment to welcome to the podium (District “First Lady”) his wife, Val. The Convention expressed their affection and support with a standing ovation for Mrs. Hennings. Moving on to the elections of the District Vice-Presidents, unopposed incumbent VP (Area A) Rev. Dale Snyder was re-elected by acclamation. Incumbent VP (Area B) Rev. Eloy Gonzalez was re-elected. Incumbent VP (Area C) Rev. Mark Barz was re-elected, as was incumbent VP (Area D) Rev. Ralph Hobratschk. The Convention ranked the Vice-Presidents as follows: 1st Hobratschk; 2nd Gonzalez; 3rd Barz and 4th Snyder. President Hennings then gave his report to the delegates and guests. Included were details on demographic changes in the state of Texas, District staff changes, District website and finances. Throughout his moments at the microphone, President Hennings re-emphasized “God is guiding the mission and ministry of the Texas District.” Registrar Rev. Don Fraker updated the Convention on registration specifics. Chaplain Boerger led the assembly in prayer before Board and Committee elections. Rev. Kevin Westergren, chair of the Nominating Committee, led the Convention through these election processes. Re-elected to the District Board of Directors were Commissioned Minister Tim Miesner, Lay Person (Area C) Ron Lammert, and Lay Person (Area D) Karisa Schepmann. Lay Person (At large) Mr. Glenn Hurta was also elected. Newly elected to the Board of Mission Administration was Rev. Mark Junkans. Re-elected were Commissioned Minister Amber Schraeder and Lay Person Stephen Inglehart. Re-elected to the Concordia University Texas Board of Regents was Rev. Allen Doering and Lay Person Dr. Max Kiesling. Newly elected Regents were Commissioned Minister Cassandra Schermbeck and Lay Person Dr. Ted Crofford. Elected to the 2018 District Nominating Committee were Rev. Brian Hesse, Rev. Michael Mattil, Dr. Bill Knippa and incumbent Dr. David Bahn. Commissioned Ministers elected to the Nominating Committee were

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incumbents David Bangert and Steve Glandorf. Lay Persons elected to the Nominating Committee were incumbents Angela Newton and Glenn Pittsford and newcomer Mr. Louis Pabor. Elected as new District Secretary was Rev. Larry Krueger. Following the closing prayer by Chaplain Boerger, delegates and guests enjoyed dinner before returning for Convention Worship with Holy Communion. The preacher was Rev. Dr. Scott Murray, Vice-President of the LCMS. Then followed a Convention reception in the Spring Lake Ballroom. Friday, June 5, 2015, began Day Two of the Convention. The Prayer Room was open along with the vendors’ area. After a bit of singing, Rev. Pete Mueller led the opening devotion and Essayist Rev. Greg Seltz continued his presentation on “The Mission Eyes of Jesus.” At 9:30 a.m. Registrar Rev. Don Fraker reported in attendance 200 Clergy delegates, 208 Lay delegates and 112 guests/visitors for a total of 520 participants. The business of the day began with ratification of the slate of Circuit Visitors (appended) and the passing of the Omnibus resolution. Floor Committee #1 (Mission and Ministry, Chair Rev. Michael Mattil) successfully brought a total of five resolutions (appended) to the Convention Floor. Concluding this time at the Convention was a presentation to Mr. Michael Fuchs, outgoing Director of Texas Partners in Mission. Friday morning at the Convention saw President Hennings take a personal moment to introduce former Texas District Presidents and family members in attendance. Recognized were Rev. Dr. Jerry Kieschnick and wife Terry, Rev. Dr. Glenn O’Shoney and wife Sandra, and Jean Linderman (widow of the late President Jim Linderman). Also introduced were Delores Pabor (widow of the late President Louis Pabor), and Mrs. Ruth Wiederaenders (widow of the late President Roland P. Wiederaenders. Invited to the stage at this time, too, were the current Texas District Vice-Presidents and each one’s spouse. Business resumed and the Convention moved, seconded and approved to read only the “Resolved” portions of subsequent resolutions. Floor Committee #2 (Administration and Theology, Chair Rev. Larry Krueger) successfully brought ten resolutions (appended) to the Convention floor. The Committee also brought District Preamble and Bylaw changes to the assembly in consultation with the Synod Commission on Constitutional Matters. Friday afternoon the Convention welcomed to the microphone Synod President Rev. Matthew Harrison. After comments on the mission energy, financial challenges and overall health of the LCMS, President Harrison fielded questions from the floor. Concluding his remarks, President Harrison departed to attend two other District Conventions. Pastor Greg Seltz concluded on Friday afternoon his Essayist presentations and Chaplain Boerger closed the day’s business with prayer. Circuit caucuses were scheduled as needed; all vendors concluded their transactions and closed their displays. Saturday, June 6, began day three of the Convention. The Prayer Room was available and, after some singing, Rev. Aaron Lytle led the opening devotion. Before the Anniversary Recognition (wherein significant yearly milestones of Ordained and Commissioned workers are celebrated), Rev. Mark Nuckols was presented the bronze St. Martin of Tours medal recognizing his 20 years as a military chaplain. The assembly gave him a warm rising vote of thanks. Then followed the closing worship service led by President Ken Hennings. The Convention was gaveled to a Trinitarian conclusion by President Hennings just after 11:00a.m. Respectfully submitted, John M. Davenport District Secretary (2003-2015)

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II. Report of the President of the Texas District

Rev. Ken Hennings

60th Regular Convention San Marcos, TX

Introduction God has blessed the Texas District over the last three years. He is faithful and generous. He has placed into the DNA of the District His heart’s desire that all come to know Him and His Son, Jesus. From the very beginning of the Texas District in 1906, the focus of this District has been about the mission of God. There was population growth in 1906, and it continues today. The state of Texas is experiencing a very rapid increase in its population. A recent statement from demographers said that Texas would double its present population by 2050. It is my belief that God has put us here for just a time like this. He has blessed us in the past so that our focus is sharp for mission. This is His work, and we worship Him and obey Him in His call for the expansion of the Gospel proclamation. Theme “The Mission Eyes of Jesus” is an encouraging theme for us in a state experiencing much growth. The theme is based on John 4:35. This verse comes toward the end of Jesus’ encounter with a woman at Jacob’s well in Sychar. After recognizing Jesus as the promised Messiah, through a series of conversations started and guided by Jesus, the woman believes Jesus is the promised Messiah. She goes back into the city and shares her faith and changed life with the people of the town. A large number believe her message and go out to meet Jesus. It is during this time that Jesus tells his disciples to open their eyes and see that the fields are ready for harvest. The fields are ready for harvest in Texas. The Gospel message is being proclaimed by 390 congregations and mission stations connected with the Texas District. We thank God for His blessings and for His promise to be with us in the future work in His name. The harvest is great, and we need to pray for workers for the harvest field and to heed God’s call for each of us to connect with our community and neighbors sharing the love of God through Word and deed. We are again blessed to have President Matthew Harrison with us for a part of our convention. A number of districts are holding their conventions at the same time as ours, so President Harrison will only be with us for a very short time. I appreciate the effort he is making to be with us. He will address our convention Friday afternoon. Our regional Vice President, Rev. Dr. Scott Murray, will be the proclaimer during our worship service Thursday evening and will with us for the entire convention. Please thank President Harrison and Vice President Murray for their ministry among us. District Staff The Texas District experienced a number of staff changes since our last convention in 2012. Retirements and a move outside of Texas allowed the District to hire a professional company to help us take a look at where we’ve been and to explore options as we move forward. This exercise was very beneficial, and many of the suggestions have already been incorporated in the District office. The Rev. Dr. John Hirsch retired at the end of June last year. John had served the District as Congregation and Worker Care for 18 years. We thank God for the blessings John provided to many workers and congregations. He continues, on a limited basis, to assist the President’s office with congregational call lists as well as assessing potential mission planters. He will not be present with us at this convention because he is serving as the major presenter at the Kansas District Convention. Mr. Paul Krentz , who served as Mission and Ministry Facilitator (MMF) for Area B of our District, retired at the end of December 2014. Paul was one of the original staff called to serve as MMF. He has been a hard worker over the years and has blessed many professional workers, congregations, and ministries in Area B and throughout the District. Until a new MMF is on board, Paul continues to handle Director of Christian Education call lists and requests. Mr. Michael Fuchs will retire at the end of June 2015. He has served as Executive Director of Texas Partners in Mission since 2007. During his tenure with the District, he has put a visual face on our mission work. He has shared stories about our missionaries and has raised our awareness of God’s many blessings among us. Texas Partners in Mission has raised an annual average of $400,000 in gifts over the last three years from individuals and organizations. These gifts have been a great blessing to the mission of the District.

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There will be a time on Saturday morning to recognize and thank God for the ministries of John, Hirsch, Paul Krentz, and Michael Fuchs. All of these people have been a blessing to many. Early this year God called to glory two people who had spent many years working in the District office. Dr. Keith Loomans who formerly served many years in the Parish Services Department and later became one of our first MMFs died on February 5, 2015. The second person, Helen Hagood, served as an administrative assistant for 37 years and died on March 10, 2015. She had the privilege to serve with five Texas district presidents. The MMFs, Jon Braunersreuther, Mike Newman and Steve Misch have assisted congregations and mission networks to begin new Word and Sacrament ministries. The District continues to plant more new congregations than any other district in Synod, and rightly so. The influx of new people moving to Texas shows no sign of slowing. In addition to new congregations, our District has been blessed with a number of new mission networks. These networks have a mission vision for starting ministries that can lead to a Word and Sacrament congregation. The MMFs are giving good leadership to both congregations and networks as we follow God’s mission heart. The District Treasurer, Linda Hagge, oversees the gifts of God’s people that are given to the District. She is conscientious about managing our resources so that support to congregations and the mission expansion are funded. Her office also assists many congregational treasurers in carrying out their responsibilities on the local level. You will want to read her report. The Texas District has also been blessed with Dr. Bill Hinz, who supports over 100 congregations with an early childhood center or elementary/secondary school. He and his office assist in the placement and calls for commissioned ministers and the support of principals. Our early childhood centers and schools provide a special opportunity to share the Gospel with children and parents. The Texas District has been blessed from its beginning with a Church Extension Fund ready to assist congregations with building and land needs. Executive Director Steve Block, Directors Pam Herber and Bill Siegrist, and the other staff members serve many and have added new services. Say a "Thank You" to them for the duffle bags distributed at the convention registration tables. As mentioned above, Michael Fuchs, will retire at the end of June. Lanny Moore is stepping into the role of Executive Director of Texas Partners in Mission. He served for many years in the development department of Concordia University Texas and is known by many people in Texas. He is available to share the story about the Texas District mission movement and about how Texas Partners in Mission makes a positive impact on the mission. Gwen Hohle serves as the administrative assistant in the president’s office. Her years of church and ministry experience as a commissioned minister are a blessing to church workers and members of congregations. She also oversees the handling of the forms required by Synod. She is joined by the new office manager, Meredith Wright and Carole Stevenson, another administrative assistant, to make up the President’s Team. This team’s focus is serving people and ministries on the front line throughout the District. Keith Howanitz keeps the district office and staff productive with computer services. Electronic communication is vital to communications today, and as System Administrator Keith keeps up with the latest in the field and the real threats that come with this communication. The support staff at the District is comprised of dedicated workers who understand and support the mission of the District. They are working at adapting to new demands and challenges in their respective areas. It is truly an honor and joy to work with such dedicated people! The Texas District has also been blessed with auxiliary ministries that support the mission. Concordia University Texas, Lutheran Social Services, Lutheran Outdoor Ministries of Texas, Lutheran Foundation of Texas, Lutheran Women's Missionary League, Lutheran Laymen's League, and Lutherans for Life all contribute to the vital support of mission and ministry to congregations and their members. Web-Site The Texas District's web-site provides a wealth of information for individuals and congregations. There are a variety of forms and check lists to assist congregations experiencing a vacancy or other ministry needs. The web-site has a vast amount of information regarding the mission movement in Texas, including educational pieces on mission planting. Information on up-coming District events, where and how to register, and agendas can also be found on the site. Resources on stewardship, calling of a pastor, Mission and Ministry Facilitators, Texas Partners in Mission, CEF, school ministry, and other areas are available. The web-site provides an opportunity for people to sign up for our mission prayer ministry to receive a weekly prayer updates about missionaries and ministry. Links to web-site of Synod, Concordia University Texas, Lutheran Outdoor Ministries of Texas, Lutheran Social Services of the South, and many other sites will provide more helpful information. The Texas District web-site's address is: www.txdistlcms.org.

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District Finances The treasurer's report can be found in another part of this convention workbook. It shows that congregations continue to be challenged by the cost of ministry at the local level. Total revenue from all sources is slowly decreasing. Expenses have been below expectations which means that the District operated in the black the last three years. Over the years, the Texas District has sought to develop funding from other sources. Without these additional income sources, the District would struggle in supporting new mission work in our state. Even though the amount of dollars to Synod has decreased, the percentage that we give from the unrestricted funds has basically stayed the same. We were able to send in more money than we anticipated in 2014. Thank you for walking together with the District and our support of Synod. Income to the District comes from five main sources. By and large, the largest income is from congregations. They have been and will continue to be the backbone of the District's ability to begin new congregations and support existing congregations. Vice Presidents/Circuit Visitors We have truly been blessed to have dedicated men to serve as vice presidents and circuit visitors. All of them are an extension of the president's office and have graciously given many hours over the years. The vice presidents carry out all of the pre-seminary interviews, and they attend, preach and/or officiate at many ordinations, installations, funerals, major congregational events, and support professional church workers in their area. Meeting one day before the Board of Directors' meeting, they have given council and support to the district president. It has been a joy and honor working with such great churchmen. I also appreciate and thank God for the circuit visitors of our District and the commitment they have given through their office. Circuit visitors work closely with vacant congregations along with the Mission and Ministry Facilitators. They meet regularly with the pastors of their circuit for mutual support and growth. They are usually the first ones to know of congregational issues or professional church worker challenges and act in appropriate ways to bring encouragement and support. These men have been very supportive of the president's office and the District. Convention Offering The District has had an opportunity to designate a special ministry to receive the offering taken at our communion service. Congregations are encouraged to take a special offering for their delegates to bring to this worship service. This year’s offering will go to Concordia University Texas for the building of a chapel on campus. Mr. Ed Trapp was a successful business person who was very generous to Lutheran causes while he was alive. The Lord called him to his heavenly home in 2014. Ed served on a number of different ministry boards during his lifetime including the Board of Directors of Lutheran Social Services of the South and the Board of Directors of the Synod. Ed arranged his estate to be a blessing for a number of ministries including a gift of $1,400,000 for the building or ongoing support of a chapel on the campus of Concordia University Texas. Our offering this year will enable Concordia to take another step toward eventually building this facility which would be a landmark of Christ centered living and worship. Thank you for the offering you give to help accomplish this needed facility! Conclusion Jesus called His disciples, in John 4:35, to open their eyes and see “that the fields are white for harvest.” My prayer is for each of us to have the mission eyes of Jesus as we live our lives and engage in mission and ministry in Texas. Hundreds of thousands people are living in Texas who do not know of Jesus’ love, forgiveness and newness of life given in His death and resurrection. We might have the tenancy to see them as people who wouldn’t be interested in our Gospel message. Many might have thought the same about the Samaritan woman at the well, but Jesus saw her in a different way. Jesus came into this world even for her. May we have this view of people living in our communities! “Father, give us the mission eyes of Jesus.”

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III. Membership of Synod

RECEPTION INTO MEMBERSHIP WITH THE SYNOD

The following new congregations were received into membership with the Synod as reported to the Convention by the Board of Directors.

2012

Austin, Acts Church, Lakeway, March 28

San Angelo, Joy Lutheran Church, March 28

2013

Coppell, SoulThirst Church , May 29 Fresno, Trinity Lutheran Church, Missouri City , December 3

Gonzales, Abiding Word , July 30 Grapevine, The Vine , October 1

Houston, Our Redeemer (Telegu) , December 3 Liberty Hill, Mission Liberty Hill , March 26

Victoria, Christ The King Lutheran Church, Mission Valley , December 3

2014

Hurst, The Antiochian Apostolic Church , July 22 Houston, Oikos Lutheran Church , December 2

NEW CHURCH STARTS

2012

Lake Worth, The Edge , April 8

Dallas, The Crossing Church , March 25 Fairfield, Family of Faith Multisite , September 9

Grapevine, The Vine , October 1 Houston, Centro Cristianno Adulam , July 1

Houston, Redeemed People Church , October 1 Leakey, Leakey Mission , February 5

Sealy, Lifebridge Lutheran Church , November 4

2013

Cuero, Christ the King , December 3 Dallas, Iglesia Santa Cruz , March 24

Houston, Iglesia Cristiana Emanuel , June 8 Houston, Palabra de Restauracion y Vida , December 22

Hurst, The Antiochian Apostolic Church , May 31 Leander, ACT Church , May 5

Pasadena, Casa de Oracion , March 10

2014

Carrollton, Comunidad Cristiana de Fe , August 3 Galena Park, Centro Evangelistico Jehova Jireth , April 15

Houston, Centro Cristiano Familiar , January 26 Houston, Fellow-Citizens in Christ , February 2

Houston, Adelphos Bible Church , March 15 Houston, Memorial Telegu Church of Houston , July 6

Houston, NewSong Communities , September 7 Houston, Beautiful Savior (North Campus) , October 12

Houston, Community of Hope Church Northwest , December 7 Kenedy, Eagle Ford Church , May 6

Missouri City, Crossroads Lutheran Church , September 28

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CONGREGATIONS REMOVED

2012

Belton, Prince of Peace , January 17

2013

Bastrop, Prince of Peace , December 17

2014

Portland, Fishers of Faith , February 19 San Angelo, Joy , October 30 Watauga, Zion , September 29

The following new pastors were reported to the convention as having been ordained and installed, and have signed the Constitution of Synod for full recognition as official members of The Lutheran Church─Missouri Synod.

ORDAINED AND INSTALLED

2012

Rev. James A. Autry , (SMP) Ordained January 22 by Rev. Ken Hennings at Trinity, Odem, and installed January 22 at Trinity, Odem, by Rev. Ken Hennings to serve Trinity, Odem, as Pastor

Rev. Douglas L. Bielefeldt , (SMP, St. Louis) Ordained May 27 by Rev. David Schroder at Shepherd of the Hills, San Antonio, and installed May 27 at Shepherd of the Hills, San Antonio, by Rev. David Schroder to serve Shepherd of the Hills, San Antonio, as Associate

Rev. Kermit C. Bostelman , (Fort Wayne) Ordained June 24 by Rev. Peter Marcis at St. Paul, Napoleon, Ohio, and installed July 29 at Zion, Anderson, by Rev. Ralph Hobratschk to serve Zion, Anderson as Pastor

Rev. Benjamin Braun , (St. Louis) Ordained June 24 by Rev. Dr. Wayne Braun at Lamb of God, Flower Mound, and installed July 15 at Mt. Olive, Austin, by Rev. Ken Hennings to serve Mt. Olive, Austin as Associate

Rev. David Alan Brockhouse , (St. Louis) Ordained March 18 by Rev. Ken Hennings at Mt. Olive Evangelical, San Antonio, and installed March 18 at Mt. Olive Evangelical, by Rev. Ken Hennings to serve Mt. Olive Evangelical, San Antonio, as Pastor

Rev. Seth Thomas Davidson , (St. Louis) Ordained June 10 by Rev. Ralph Hobratschk at Holy Cross, Nederland, and installed June 10 at Holy Cross, Nederland, by Rev. Ralph Hobratschk to serve Holy Cross, Nederland as Associate

Rev. Timothy P. Eden , (St. Louis) Ordained June 30 by Rev. Eric Tritten at Good Shepherd, Lake Orion, MI, and installed July 8 at Our Savior, Sulphur Springs, by Rev. Dr. Wayne Renning to serve Our Savior, Sulphur Springs, as Pastor

Rev. Aaron D. Goeke , (SMP, St. Louis) Ordained January 8 by Rev. Ken Hennings at Messiah, Boerne, and installed January 8 at Messiah, Boerne, by Rev. Richard C. Pfaff to serve Messiah, Boerne, as Associate

Rev. Travis M. Hartjen , (SMP, St. Louis) Ordained January 15 by Rev. Ken Hennings at Water's Edge, Allen, and installed January 15 at Water's Edge, Allen, by Rev. Ken Hennings to serve the Water's Edge, Frisco Mission, as Pastor

Rev. Nathan Wade Hill , (St. Louis) Ordained June 10 by Rev. Ken Hennings at Tree of Life, Garland, and installed June 24 at St. Michael's, Winchester, by Rev. John Schmidt to serve St. Michael's, Winchester, as Pastor

Rev. James C. Jarrett , (Ft. Wayne) Ordained February 12 by Rev. Dr. Robert Preece at Water of Life, Forney, and installed February 12 at Water of Life, Forney, by Rev. Dr. Robert Preece to serve Water of Life, Forney, as Pastor

Rev. Robert "Gabe" Kasper , (St. Louis) Ordained June 3 by Rev. Dr. Robert E. Kasper at St. Peter, Macomb, MI, and installed July 1 at ACTS Church Lakeway, by Rev. Michael Newman to serve the Texas District Board of Mission Administration as Missionary

Rev. Lannon Martin , (Ft. Wayne) Ordained June 3 by Rev. Paul Grime at St. Paul, Grafton, WI, and installed July 15 at Alive in Christ, Big Spring, by Rev. Robert Pase to serve Alive in Christ. Big Spring, as Pastor

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Rev. Craig D. Meissler , (St. Louis) Ordained May 27 by Rev. David Schroder at Shepherd of the Hills, San Antonio, and installed May 27 at Shepherd of the Hills, San Antonio, by Rev. David Schroder to serve Shepherd of the Hills, San Antonio, as Associate

Rev. Stephen Nathan Misch , (St. Louis) Ordained July 8 by Rev. Steve Misch at Lord of Life, Corpus Christi, and installed July 8 at Lord of Life, Corpus Christi, by Rev. Kevin Jennings to serve Lord of Life, Corpus Christi, as Pastor

Rev. Tyler Moore , (St. Louis) Ordained June 24 by Rev. Wally M. Arp at St. Lukes, Oviedo, Florida, and installed July 29 at Good Shepherd, Cedar Park, by Rev. Dr. John Hirsch to serve Good Shepherd, Cedar Park, as Associate

Rev. John David Mull , (St. Louis) Ordained August 5 by Rev. Eloy S. Gonzalez at St. Peter, Roanoke, and installed August 5 at St. Peter, Roanoke, by Rev. Robert Balduc to serve St. Peter, Roanoke, as Church Planter

Rev. David G. Nielsen , (St. Louis) Ordained March 18 by Rev. Ken Hennings at Grace Evangelical, Del Rio, and installed March 18 at Grace Evangelical, Del Rio, by Rev. Ken Hennings to serve Grace Evangelical, Del Rio, as Pastor

Rev. Weslie Thomas Odom , (Ft. Wayne) Ordained July 15 by Rev. Dale Snyder at Grace, Burkburnett, and installed July 15 at Grace, Burkburnett, by Rev. Dale Snyder to serve Grace, Burkburnett, as Pastor

Rev. Nelson Rodriguez , (St. Louis) Ordained March 18 by Rev. Donald Black at Comunidad de Garcia (LINC), Houston, and installed March 18 at Comunidad de Garcia, Houston, by Rev. Donald Black to serve Comunidad de Garcia, Houston, as Pastor

Rev. Andrew David Roettjer , (St. Louis) Ordained June 10 by Rev. Mark Koch at St. Mark, Houston, and installed June 10 at St. Mark, Houston, by Rev. Mark Koch to serve St. Mark, Houston, as Associate

Rev. Aaron A. Tilt , (SMP, St. Louis) Ordained May 27 by Rev. David Schroder at Shepherd of the Hills, San Antonio, and installed May 27 at Shepherd of the Hills, San Antonio, by Rev. David Schroder to serve Shepherd of the Hills, San Antonio, as Associate

Rev. Donald N. Welmer , (St. Wayne) Ordained June 24 by Rev. Michael Welmer at Epiphany, Houston, and installed July 22 at Messiah, Plano, by Rev. Dr. Victor J. Kollmann to serve Messiah, Plano, as Associate

Rev. Samuel S. Wirgau , (Ft. Wayne) Ordained June 24 by Rev. Roger Rohde at Redeemer, Ft. Wayne, IN, and installed July 8 at Immanuel, Harrold, by Rev. Larry Knobloch to serve Immanuel, Harrold and Trinity, Iowa Park, as Pastor

Rev. Nathan Wollenberg , (St. Louis) Ordained July 8 by Rev. James Kuerulainen at Holy Trinity, Terryville, CT, and installed July 22 at St. Paul, McAllen, by Rev. Ken Hennings to serve St. Paul, McAllen, as Associate Rev. Juan Antonio Zamora , (St. Louis) Ordained April 1 by Rev. Ken Hennings at Our Redeemer, Irving, and installed April 1 at Our Redeemer, Irving, by Rev. Dr. Robert Preece to serve Our Redeemer, Irving, as Associate

2013

Rev. Dr. Abjar Bahkou , (Colloquy) Installed September 22 at Peace, Hewitt, by Rev. Steve Rynearson, to serve Peace, Hewitt, as Assistant

Rev. Timothy R. Carter , (SMP) (St. Louis) Ordained December 1 by Rev. Ken Hennings at Salem, Tomball, and installed December 1 at Salem, Tomball, by Rev. Ken Hennings to serve Salem, Tomball, as Associate

Rev. Adam Douthwaite ,(St. Louis) Ordained June 16 by Rev. William Douthwaite, III at Shepherd of the Coast, Palm Coast, FL, and installed July 7 at Our Redeemer, Dallas, by Rev. Ken Hennings to serve Our Redeemer, Dallas as Associate

Rev. Dustin Keith Kear , (St. Louis) Ordained June 16 by Rev. Donald Neidigk at Calvary, Rio Rancho, New Mexico, and installed July 7 at Calvary, Rio Rancho, NM, by Rev. Mark Barz to serve St. Paul, Harlingen as Associate

Rev. William Kyle Kirk , (St. Louis) Ordained January 20 by Rev. David Bergman at Trinity, Tyler, and installed January 20 at Trinity, Tyler, by Rev. Art Hill to serve Trinity, Tyler, as Specific Ministry Pastor

Rev. Micah D. Miller , (St. Louis) Ordained June 30 by Rev. John Kunze at Messiah, Lincoln, NE, and installed July 28 at Prince of Peace, Carrollton, by Rev. Dr. Luther Biggs to serve Prince of Peace, Carrollton, as Associate

Rev. Jacob Daniel Parsons , (St. Louis) Ordained February 24 by Rev. Ken Hennings at Peace, Hurst, and installed February 24 at Peace, Hurst, by Rev. Walt Waiser to serve Peace, Hurst, as Associate

Rev. Benjamin I. Scheck , (SMP) (St. Louis) Ordained January 6 by Rev. Ken Hennings at Crown of Life, Colleyville, and installed January 6 at Crown of Life, Colleyville, by Rev. David R. Jung to serve Crown of Life, Colleyville, as Assistant, Specific Ministry Pastor

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Rev. Benjamin J. Schrank , (St. Louis) Ordained June 23 by Rev. Dr. Jeffery T. Schrank at Christ Church, Phoeniz, AZ, and installed July 14 at Concordia, San Antonio, by Rev. William H. Tucker to serve Concordia, San Antonio, as Assistant

Rev. Doug D. Widger , (SMP) (St. Louis) Ordained January 13 by Rev. Eloy Gonzalez at St. Paul, Ft. Worth, and installed January 13 at St. Paul, Ft. Worth, by Rev. John Messmann to serve St. Paul, Ft. Worth as Assistant Rev. Jimmy L. Wright , (Pastoral Colloquy) installed April 14 at Grace, Snyder by Rev. Dale Snyder to serve Grace, Snyder as Pastor

2014 Rev. Kyle L. Backhaus , (Fort Wayne) Ordained June 29 by Rev. Thomas P. Gudmundson at St. Paul, Sheboygan, WI., and installed August 24 at Vineyard of Christ, Rosanky, by Rev. Ken Hennings to serve Vineyard of Christ, Rosanky, as Pastor

Rev. Andrew P. Bartholomew , (St. Louis) Ordained June 22 by Rev. Richard Bartholomew at Alive in Christ, Big Spring, and installed June 22 at Alive in Christ, Big Spring, by Rev. Robert Pase to serve Alive in Christ, Big Spring, as Pastor

Rev. William R. Brimer , (SMP) (St. Louis) Ordained June 29 by Rev. J. Patrick Miller at SoulThirst, Coppell, and installed June 29 at SoulThirst, Coppell, by Rev. J. Patrick Miller to serve SoulThirst, Coppell, as SMP

Rev. William Michael Cody , (SMP) (St. Louis) Ordained December 7 by Rev. Dale Snyder at Good Shepherd, Iowa Park, and installed December 14 at Good Shepherd, Iowa Park, by Rev. Dale Snyder to serve Good Shepherd, Iowa Park, as Pastor

Rev. Theodore A. Doering , (St. Louis) Ordained July 6 by Rev. Allen Doering at Christ the King, Kingwood, and installed July 27 at Faith, Georgetown, by Rev. Mark Barz, to serve Faith, Georgetown, as Church Planter Rev. Timothy D. Fraker , (St. Louis) Ordained July 27 by Rev. Donald Fraker at Cross, New Braunfels, and installed August 3 at Trinity, Weatherford, by Rev. Craig Schinnerer to serve Trinity, Weatherford, as Pastor

Rev. Joe Gonzalez , (SMP) (St. Louis) Ordained January 5 by Rev. Ralph Hobratschk at Epiphany, Pearland, and installed January 5 at Epiphany, Pearland, by Rev. Ralph Hobratschk to serve Epiphany, Pearland, as Associate

Rev. Michael A. Heckmann , (St. Louis) Ordained July 6 by Rev. John Heckmann at St. Paul, The Grove, Gatesville, and installed July 20 at St. Paul, Plainview, by Rev. David Symm to serve St. Paul, as Pastor

Rev. Bradley Wayne Jurischk , (SMP) (St. Louis) Ordained December 6 by Rev. Ken Hennings at St. Timothy, Houston, and installed December 6 at St. Timothy, Houston, by Rev. Steve Henze to serve St. Timothy, Houston, as SMP

Rev. William Robert Kemp , (Colloquy) Ordained November 2 by Rev. Ken Hennings at Water’s Edge, Frisco, and installed November 2 at Water’s Edge, Frisco, by Rev. Mark Schaefer to serve Water’s Edge, Frisco, as Associate

Rev. Wilson Irfan Mahmood , (Alternate Route Pastor) (St. Louis) Ordained November 9 by Rev. Dr. Wayne A. Renning at Concordia, Garland, and installed November 9 at Concordia, Garland, by Rev. Dr. Wayne A. Renning to serve the Texas District Board of Mission Administration, as Missionary Rev. Antonio Mercado , (Alternate Route Pastor) (St. Louis) Ordained February 16 by Rev. Ralph Hobratschk at Redeemer, Baytown, and installed February 16 at Redeemer, Baytown, by Rev. Ralph Hobratschk to serve LINC Houston, as Missionary at Large

Rev. David Murillo , (St. Louis) Ordained September 14 by Rev. Ken Hennings at St. Paul, San Antonio, and installed September 14 at St. Paul, San Antonio, by Rev. Carlos P. Boerger to serve St. Paul, San Antonio as Associate

Rev. Clint O. Thorson , (St. Louis) Ordained July 13 by Rev. Eloy S. Gonzalez at Tree of Life, Garland, and installed July 13 at Tree of Life, Garland, by Rev. Paul Ferguson to serve Tree of Life, Garland, as Pastor

ORDAINED REINSTATED AND INSTALLED

2012

Rev. James Jeffrey Baxter, to Pastor, Our Redeemer, Palacios, August 19 by Rev. Robert LeBlanc

2013 & 2014 (none)

11

The following new educators were reported to the convention as having been commissioned and installed, and have signed the Constitution of Synod for full recognition as official members of The Lutheran Church─Missouri Synod.

COMMISSIONED AND INSTALLED COMMISSIONED MINISTERS

2012

Nathan Bahr , River Forest, Lutheran South Academy, Houston, August 17, Rev. Aaron Kalbas Lindsay Bartling , Seward, Zion, Dallas, August 19, Rev. Dr. Robert Preece Kristin Becker , Austin, Lutheran High, San Antonio, August 24, Rev. Mark Barz Erin Busch , Seward, Camp Lone Star, LaGrange, Commissioned/Installed Mt. Calvary, LaGrange, September 23, Rev. William Qualman Nicole Carmines , Austin-Colloquy, Concordia, San Antonio, March 25, Rev. William Tucker Matthew Cattau , Seward, Salem, Tomball, August 26, Rev. Wayne Graumann Marilyn DeWulf , Austin, Salem, Tomball, January 29, Rev. Wayne Graumann Rosemarie Duffy , Austin, Concordia, Tomball, August 22, Rev. Steven Henze Lauren Eickemeyer , Seward, LEAH/Westlake Prep, Richmond, Commissioned/Installed at Immanuel, Houston, September 9, Rev. Dr. Donn Williams Brett Ellis , Austin-Colloquy, Epiphany, Houston, October 14, Rev. Michael Welmer Kristen Erixon , River Forest, Zion, Dallas, Commissioned Salem, Jacksonville, IL, June 10, Rev. Peter Brechbuhl Installed Zion, Dallas, August 19, Rev. Dr. Robert Preece Rebeca Gibson , Austin-Colloquy, LEAH/Westlake Prep, Richmond, Commissioned/Installed at Crosspoint, Katy, November 3, Rev. Bill Woolsey John Hanson , DCE, Austin, Fishers of Men, Sugar Land, June 3, Rev. Jerry McNamara Kacie Krause , Austin, Prince of Peace, Carrollton, August 12, Rev. Dr. Luke Biggs Kelly Landstrom , River Forest, Zion, Dallas, Commissioned Trinity, Lisle, IL, July 29, Installed Zion, Dallas, August 19, Rev. Dr. Robert Preece David Lang , Austin-Colloquy, Prince of Peace, Carrollton, August 12, Rev. Dr. Luke Biggs Kimberly Lauder , Austin-Colloquy, Salem, Tomball, January 29, Rev. Wayne Graumann Matthew Lee , DCE, Austin, Messiah, Plano, June 3, Rev. Victor Kollmann Robert Lunak , River Forest, St. Paul, McAllen, July 22, Rev. Kenneth Hennings, Pres. TX Dist Kevin Moerbe , DCE, Austin, St. Peter, Roanoke, June 24, Rev. Robert Balduc Elizabeth Mossbarger , Austin, St. Paul, Thorndale, June 27, Rev. James Mann Kimberly Mueller , Seward, Prince of Peace, Carrollton, January 15, Rev. Luke Biggs Eric Oblinger , Austin-Colloquy, Concordia, Tomball, August 22, Rev. Steven Henze Emily Owen , DCO, St. Paul, Concordia, San Antonio, November 11, Rev. William Tucker Michael Palomaki , Seward, Concordia, Tomball, August 22, Rev. Steven Henze Sarah Radtke , Mequon, Concordia HS, Round Rock, Commissioned/Installed King of Kings, Round Rock, August 12, Rev. Richard Mittwede Perla Gil de Rodriguez , Deaconess, St. Louis, Inter-City Network Coalition, Houston, Commissioned/Installed Comunidad de Gracia, Houston, March 18, Rev. Donald Black Brittany Sawyer , Seward, St. Paul, McAllen, July 22, Rev. Kenneth Hennings, Pres. TX Dist Heidi Schatte , Austin-Colloquy, Salem, Tomball, January 29, Rev. Wayne Graumann Emilie Schultz , Seward, St. Paul, McAllen, July 22, Rev. Kenneth Hennings Steve Stiegler , Principal, Austin-Colloquy, Grace Lutheran, Arlington, March 18, Rev. Russell Hildenbrandt Jaimie (Gerard) Thomas , Austin, LEAH/Lutheran South Academy, Houston, August 17, Rev. Aaron Kalbas Linda Whitson , Austin-Colloquy, Salem, Tomball, January 29, Rev. Wayne Graumann Alma Zamora , Deaconess, St. Louis, Our Redeemer, Irving, Commissioned-April 1, Rev, Ken Hennings, Installed- April 1, Rev. Robert Preece

2013

Kathryn Amendt , DCE, Austin, Word of Life Fellowship, Schertz, June 30, Rev. Kenneth Mitschke Sarah Baker , Austin-Colloquy, Concordia University, Austin, February 1, Rev. Kenneth Hennings, Pres. TX Dist Jennifer (Cannon) Barr , Austin-Colloquy, St. Paul, Ft. Worth, February 17, Rev. Dr. John Messmann Jacqueline M. Britton , Mequon, Trinity, San Angelo, August 25, Rev. Randall Wehmeyer William Brusick , Dir of Parish Music, Chicago, Trinity-Klein, Spring, April 14, Rev. Richard Noack Katelyn Butts , Seward, Prince of Peace, August 15, Rev. Micah Miller Rebecca Cavage , Austin, St. Paul, Harlingen, August 18, Rev. Nathan Wendorf Anthony Celia , Dir. of Parish Music, Austin, Water’s Edge, Frisco, May 12, Rev. Mark Schaefer Kadie Cleveland , DCE, Austin, First Lutheran, Texarkana, July 7, Dr. Barry Kolb Elizabeth Farren , Seward, LEAH/Lutheran South Academy, Houston, August 23, Rev. Daniel Schepmann Jonathan Fraker , Austin, Zion, Georgetown, September 22, Rev. John Davenport Joseph Gastler , Dir. of Parish Music, Austin, Trinity, Woodway, March 10, Rev. James Menke Jennifer Gross , DCE, Austin, St. Paul, Ft. Worth, September 22, Rev. John Messmann Aaron James , DCE, Austin, Our Savior, McKinney, August 11, Rev. Timothy Radkey

12

Tracy (LeMaster) King , Austin, Trinity-Klein, Spring, April 14, Rev. Dr. Richard Noack Teshia Krause , Austin, Epiphany, Houston, August 18, Rev. Jeffrey Muchow Elizabeth Miller , River Forest, Our Savior, Houston, August 18, Rev. Laurence White Ross Owens , DCE, Austin, Gloria Dei, Houston, July 7, Rev. Dan Schepmann JoAnna Pugh , Irvine, Our Redeemer, Dallas, August 18, Rev. Brent McGuire Rachel Schlie , Music Dir, Mequon, Resurrection, Fredericksburg, January 6, Rev. Willis McCall Jesse Schaefer , DCE, Austin, Bd. of Mission Admin, Austin, Commissioned/Installed ACTS, Leander, November 10, Rev Gabe Kasper Jane (Martin) Tauscher , Austin, St Paul, Ft. Worth, February 17, Rev. Dr. John Messman David Thomson , Austin, LEAH/Lutheran South Academy, Houston, August 23, Rev. Daniel Schepmann Jason Wallingsford , DCE, Austin, Crosspoint, Katy, September 29, Rev. Steve Wiechman Rebecca Warsinski , Irvine, Prince of Peace, Carrollton, August 15, Rev. Micah Miller Michael Weil , River Forest, Concordia HS, Round Rock, Commissioned/Installed Faith, Georgetown, September 15, Rev. Walter Pohland Abby (Klein) Whitaker , Seward, Prince of Peace, Carrollton, August 15, Rev. Micah Miller Levi Wiseman , Seward, Lutheran High, San Antonio, November 13, Rev. William Tucker Katherine (Cox) Wollenberg , Mequon, St. Paul, McAllen, August 11, Rev. Dr. Robert Holaday

2014 David Angerman , Dir of Parish Music, Austin-Colloquy, Bethany, Austin, August 3, Rev. William Knippa Kimberly Angerman , Dir of Parish Music, Austin-Colloquy, Bethany, Austin, August 3, Rev. William Knippa Joanne Antrim , Asst. Professor, Austin, Concordia University, Austin, February 10, Rev. Kenneth Hennings, Dist. Pres. Cherie Auger , Deaconess, Concordia Theological Seminary, Ft. Wayne, IN, Commissioned/Installed Christ Lutheran, Ft Worth, TX, August 10, Rev. Kenneth Hennings, Pres. TX Dist, International Missions Matthew Boyer , Seward, Dallas Lutheran, Dallas, Commissioned/Installed Our Savior, Rockwall, September 14, Rev. Paul Ferguson, Jr. Andrea Carrabia , River Forest, LEAH/Lutheran South Academy, Commissioned/Installed Gloria Dei, Houston, August 17, Rev. Daniel Schepmann Tanner Evans , DCE, Austin, Board of Mission Admin, Austin, Commissioned/Installed, ACTS, Leander, August 17, Rev. Gabe Kasper Lori Everitt , Austin, Trinity-Klein, Spring, August 10, Rev. Chris Singer Jennifer (Zoch) Hartmann , Austin-Colloquy, LEAH/Lutheran South Academy, Commissioned/Installed Gloria Dei, Houston, August 17, Rev. Daniel Schepmann Julia (Alice) Mailand , Austin-Colloquy, Trinity-Klein, Spring, August 10, Rev. Chris Singer Kelsey Martinez , Seward, St. Paul, Harlingen, September 14, Rev. Nathan Wendorf Rosaura Martinez , Deaconess, St. Louis, Lutheran Inter-City Network Coalition, Houston, Commissioned/ Installed Trinity-Klein, Spring, March 30, Rev. David Kim Kelly Moore , EC Dir., Austin-Colloquy, Holy Cross, Arlington, September 14, Rev. George Lowrey, Jr. Cora Nash , EC Dir., Austin-Colloquy, The Family of Faith, Houston, September 7, Rev. Douglas Krengel Joshua Patterson , Dir. Of Outreach, Water’s Edge, Frisco, December 28, Rev. Travis Hartjen Tracy Rabb , Austin-Colloquy, Trinity, San Angelo, August 24, Rev. Randall Wehmeyer Carl Repp , DCE, Austin, Immanuel, Giddings, July 13, Rev. Keith Aschenbeck Lori Roesel , Austin-Colloquy, Trinity, Houston, August 24, Rev. Michael Dorn Joel Schildwachter , Austin, Redeemer, Austin, August 17, Rev. David Schroder Chelsea Schleicher , Seward, Trinity-Klein, Spring, August 10, Rev. Chris Singer Benjamin Steffen , River Forest, Concordia, Tomball, August 20, Rev. Ryan Neuhaus Nick Taylor , Austin, Dir of Parish Music, Crosspoint, Katy, September 28, Rev. Steve Wiechman Chelsea Volk , Seward, St. Paul, Giddings, Commissioned St. Paul, Oak Lawn, IL, July 13, Rev. John Moeller, Installed St. Paul, Giddings, September 17, Rev. John Schmidt Becky Ward , Austin-Colloquy, Salem, Tomball, September 7, Rev. Timothy Niekerk Jaclyn Wiebold , DCE, St. Paul, The Family of Faith, Houston, September 7, Rev. Doug Krengel

REINSTATED AND INSTALLED COMMISSIONED MINISTERS

2012

Rachel Braunersreuther , Reinstated 2/12, Salem, Tomball, August 26, Rev. Wayne Graumann

2013

Jan (Heupel) Brennan , Reinstated 2/13, Trinity-Klein, Spring, April 14, Rev. Dr. Richard Noack

2014 (none)

13

IV. Milestones

Significant anniversaries, beginning with the 25th, are observed at the District Convention for the three years beginning with the last convention year. Therefore, in 2015, we observe anniversaries in 2012, 2013, and 2014.

Anniversaries for 2015 will be observed at the District Convention in 2018.

Ordained Ministers' Anniversaries Celebrated in 201 2-2014

65th Anniversary

Walter Fisher 1949

John Fritz 1949

Edward Schneider 1949

60th Anniversary

George Luecke 1952

Alfred Scholz 1952

Harold Wageman 1952

Herbert Kluck 1953

Whitfield McMillan 1953

Richard Wagner 1953

James Bomba 1954

Richard Nelson 1954

Leonard Ristow 1954

Harold Schroeter 1954

55th Anniversary

Robert Cardaro 1957

David Ebert 1957

David Ebs 1957

Alvin Franzmeier 1957

Elmer Hohle 1957

Robert Kuhlmann 1957

Mark Steege 1957

Henry Stoeppelwerth 1957

Otto Urban 1957

Donald Black 1958

Charles Froehlich 1958

J. C. Henning 1958

David Joeckel 1958

Alvin Meissner 1958

Alvin Musgrove 1958

Ben Rathgeber 1958

Ray Reich 1958

Milton Riemer 1958

Thomas Sorensen 1958

John Freed 1959

Ronald Halamka 1959

Walter Harms 1959

James Shaw 1959

Wilbert Sohns 1959

Gerald Thiele 1959

Waldemar Wehmeier 1959

50th Anniversary

Thomas Baden 1962

John Fibelkorn 1962

James Haupt 1962

Donald Muchow 1962

Glenn O'Shoney 1962

Alfred Schubert, Jr. 1962

Walter Dube 1963

Reuel Gauger 1963

Robert Greene 1963

Paul Hartfield 1963

Dale Lehfeldt 1963

Wilbern Michalk 1963

David Schultz 1963

David Zersen 1963

Victor Atsinger 1964

Harold Fleischhauer 1964

George Gibson, Jr. 1964

Kenneth Holdorf 1964

Howard Kramin 1964

Clifford Olsen 1964

Peter Steinke 1964

14

45th Anniversary

Fred Gersch 1967

Charles Houska 1967

Steve Kappler 1967

Richard Schroeder 1967

Frank Starr 1967

Norman Stoppenhagen 1967

Donald Berg 1968

Keith DuBois 1968

B. Hughey 1968

Dennis Schurter 1968

Roy Kieschnick 1969

David Londenberg 1969

Richard Mayerhoff 1969

Chester McCown 1969

Donald Peymann 1969

John Vavroch 1969

40th Anniversary

Neil Bockelmann 1972

Gilbert Franke 1972

Paul Howe 1972

Kenneth Klaus 1972

Paul Muench 1972

I.Melvin Newman 1972

David Schroder 1972

William Dasch 1973

Ned Dobberfuhl 1973

Kenneth Hennings 1973

John Hirsch 1973

William Knippa 1973

Vincent Larson, Jr. 1973

Donald Little 1973

John Miller, III 1973

Dewayne Nelson, Jr. 1973

Donald Olson 1973

Gary Pohl 1973

Robert Preece 1973

Charles Rogers 1973

Jerome Teichmiller 1973

Stephen Wagner 1973

Michael Welmer 1973

Wayne Graumann 1974

Karl Kuenzel 1974

Gary Martin 1974

Richard Mohr 1974

Marcus Mueller 1974

Richard Noack 1974

Jack Schneider 1974

Laurence White 1974

35th Anniversary

Allen Bauer 1977

Gerald Boerger 1977

Charles Boerger 1977

Tom Hadley 1977

David Hintze 1977

Laverne Janssen 1977

G. Donald Loudenback 1977

Elder McCants 1977

Donald Rosentreter 1977

Curtis Schneider 1977

Dennis Tegtmeier 1977

Robert Case 1978

Ruben Dominguez 1978

Michael Frick 1978

M. J. Meyer 1978

Carlos Puig 1978

Jay Simonsen 1978

Ahlert Strand, Jr. 1978

Bryan Sullivan 1978

David Adler 1979

David Bahn 1979

David Bergman 1979

Roger Hotopp 1979

Willie Lucas 1979

David McKnight 1979

Paul Puffe 1979

William Qualman 1979

Mark Seeger 1979

15

30th Anniversary Donald Bahr 1982

Mark Barz 1982

Robert Boyce 1982

Dennis Bragdon 1982

Kenneth Burkhard 1982

Timothy Dinger 1982

Jock Ficken 1982

Alfred Gallmeier 1982

Randall Haedge 1982

Art Hill 1982

Richard Holz 1982

Douglas Kabell 1982

Donald Kasper 1982

Rolf Larsen 1982

Steven Misch 1982

Steven Morfitt 1982

Paul Neumann 1982

John Raddatz 1982

Wayne Schueler 1982

Richard Schuller 1982

Thomas Waynick 1982

Mark Brunette 1983

Mark Dankis 1983

John Davenport 1983

Allen Doering 1983

Donald Fraker 1983

Paul Harris 1983

Steven Larsen 1983

James Menke 1983

Chad Miller 1983

Scott Murray 1983

Richard Nelson 1983

Richard Pfaff 1983

Ely Prieto 1983

William Reagan 1983

Craig Schinnerer 1983

Carlos Segovia 1983

Steve Simon 1983

Roy Southard 1983

Thomas St. Jean 1983

David Symm 1983

Wayne Braun 1984

David Jung 1984

Donald Kirklen 1984

David Loeffler 1984

Michael Mattil 1984

Gerald Peterman 1984

David Rohde 1984

Kurt Rutz 1984

Landon Schkade, Jr. 1984

Francis Schroeder 1984

Stephen Sohns 1984

James Sturgis 1984

Robert Wagner 1984

Craig Whitson 1984

25th Anniversary

James Craver 1987

Richard Goodwill 1987

Lawrence Lieder 1987

Jerry McNamara 1987

Paul Neuberger 1987

Michael Newman 1987

Stephen Rynearson 1987

Bill Tucker 1987

Kevin Westergren 1987

Bill Woolsey 1987

Bryan Cary 1988

Bruce Drees 1988

Wayne Hamit 1988

Dwayne Johnson 1988

Kenneth Krippner 1988

Kenneth Mitschke 1988

Walter Pohland 1988

Timothy Rosenthal 1988

Ken Stroud 1988

Richard Turner 1988

Dale Bohm 1989

Jon Braunersreuther 1989

John DeYoung 1989

Gregory Finke 1989

Curtis Giese 1989

Robert Holaday 1989

Matthew Jacobs 1989

Clyde Kieschnick 1989

Sun Moon Lee 1989

James Martin 1989

16

Mark Nuckols 1989

Robert Pase 1989

Jon Salminen 1989

John Stennfeld 1989

Commissioned Ministers' Anniversaries Celebrated in 2012-2014

70th Anniversary

Ruth Braun 1942

65th Anniversary

Ruth Doering 1947

Ruby Mueller 1947

Martin Mueller 1948

60th Anniversary

Harold Rutz 1952

Norman Beyer 1953

George Zehnder 1953

Rollin Cattau 1954

Leroy Hohle 1954

Robert House 1954

Robert Lunz 1954

Lester Zimmerman 1954

55th Anniversary

Brice Kuhlmann 1957

Betty Dorn 1958

Laura Simon 1958

Burge Smith 1958

Melvin Zoch 1958

Vernon Clausen 1959

Jonathan Fischer 1959

Leland Frese 1959

Dalton Noack 1959

Eloise Roskavich 1959

Theodore Zoch 1959

50th Anniversary

Edward Gallmeier 1962

Elisabeth Gallmeier 1962

Katherine Gerdes 1962

John Goeke 1962

Cherry Hammon 1962

Lois Lange 1962

Pauline Miller 1962

Darrell Schepmann 1962

David Schultz 1962

Carolyn Wilke 1962

Elisabeth Bennett 1963

Angie Bielefeldt 1963

Helen Germann 1963

Gary Lohmeyer 1963

Jay Musfeldt 1963

Karen Netherton 1963

Sharon Richter 1963

Richard Wismar 1963

Ina Diepenbrock 1964

Ray Diepenbrock 1964

Laura Dinda 1964

William Driskill 1964

Evelyn Kreimeyer 1964

Curtis Riske 1964

Dr. James Stevenson 1964

Lee Stocker 1964

Eva Zoch 1964

17

45th Anniversary

Jerome “Gayle” Berry 1967

Janet Brunette 1967

Lowell Goecker 1967

Janice Kueckstuhr 1967

Eloise Kuhlmann 1967

Daniel Palisch 1967

Melvin Schiwart 1967

Kenneth Schmidt 1967

Carolyn Shaver 1967

Dr. Donald Zielke 1967

Beverly Bernhardt 1968

Carol Bradley 1968

Dr. Paul Buchheimer 1968

Roy Capdeville 1968

Michael Held 1968

Carol Helms 1968

Nancy Hoffschneider 1968

Wayne Karcher 1968

Jean Kirby 1968

Joyce Kokel 1968

Dr. Lawrence Meissner 1968

Janet Meyer 1968

Margaret Schaefer 1968

Bruce Schaller 1968

Rita Schaller 1968

James Schroeder 1968

Betty Schulze 1968

Garry Stuhr 1968

John Zacho 1968

Carol Aufdemberge 1969

Thomas Couser 1969

Eunice Hendrickson 1969

Paulette Kamprath 1969

Alice Klement 1969

Allan Paluch 1969

Kenneth Robbins 1969

Mary Lou Sentesi 1969

Mary Thiede 1969

Marjorie Tracy 1969

Cheryl Wildauer 1969

Larry Wissner 1969

40th Anniversary

Steven Allmon 1972

Gary Einem 1972

Dr. Wayne Kramer 1972

Norbert "N.J." Malenke 1972

Sharon Mueller 1972

Joel Robinson 1972

Deborah Baacke 1973

Mark Baacke 1973

Robert Holliday 1973

Carolyn Keys 1973

Glen Kieschnick 1973

Barbara Krause 1973

Naomi Matthys 1973

Randall Moerbe 1973

Carol Mycock 1973

Michael Naleieha 1973

Linda Noyd 1973

Donn Trautner 1973

Cathlyn Deutsch 1974

Mary Heath 1974

Timothy Miesner 1974

Susan Moerbe 1974

Jane Anne Pohl 1974

Larry Saafeld 1974

Paul Stuenkel 1974

18

35th Anniversary

Christine Eilers 1977

Deborah Beisert 1977

Annette Boehnke 1977

Suzanne Braun 1977

Denise Dash 1977

Russell Dash 1977

Connie Devine 1977

Lynette Eickemeyer 1977

Pamela Hight 1977

Ann Jung 1977

Carolyn Koslan 1977

David Lundin 1977

Dr. James McConnell 1977

Cynthia Melcher 1977

Deborah Merkord 1977

Lanny Merkord 1977

Julia Sawhill 1977

Richard Allman 1978

David Bangert 1978

Jean Bangert 1978

Rob Gerlach 1978

Dr. William Hinz 1978

Sharon Messman 1978

David J. Mueller 1978

David Rahberg 1978

Wyatt Schultz 1978

Barbara Selking 1978

Kathy Bodin 1979

Victoria Cordt 1979

Lois Frischmann 1979

Connie Gatlin 1979

Melinda Heine 1979

James House 1979

Dr. Jonathan Leonard 1979

Eunice Meyer 1979

Carol R. Mueller 1979

Kurt Niebuhr 1979

Kimberly Pfaff 1979

Theresa Reagan 1979

Kevin Schlichting 1979

Timothy Weber 1979

Carlene Wolfram 1979

30th Anniversary

Elizabeth Alyea-Brooks 1982

Kimberly Appel 1982

Virginia Axtell 1982

Mark Bahr 1982

Mary Dahn 1982

Sue Davis 1982

Judith Friesenhahn 1982

Keith Goedecke 1982

Nancy Horton 1982

Pamela Krause 1982

Thomas Menke 1982

Cindy Miller 1982

Linda Miller 1982

Richard Ryan 1982

Daniel Schaefer 1982

Susan Schaefer 1982

Ellen Stamp 1982

Michael Becker 1983

Joel Bode 1983

Julia Burgess 1983

Kathleen Fischer 1983

Sheryl Hansen 1983

Gwen Hohle 1983

Detlef Kemnitz 1983

Julie Lierbo 1983

Jonathan Loesch 1983

Penny Schimank 1983

Andrew Bilich 1984

Rachel Braunersreuther 1984

Robert Burgess 1984

Catherine Evert 1984

Pamela Knotts 1984

Richard Knotts 1984

Sandra Leger 1984

Carol A. Mueller 1984

Carrie Reber 1984

Gordon Stoneburner 1984

19

25th Anniversary

Kathryn Entzenberger 1987

Nancy Hurst 1987

Dr. Paul Keiper 1987

Amy Lunsford 1987

Carolyn Rouse 1987

Donna Rupp 1987

Melissa Sindlinger 1987

Bethel Sticklus 1987

Craig Swanson 1987

Lea Zimmerman 1987

A. LaNell Buchhorn 1988

Jennifer Hipp 1988

Alicia Knippa 1988

Richard Leslie 1988

Rebecca Manssen 1988

Bonnie Moore 1988

Lisa Quickel 1988

Sheryl Seybold 1988

Phillip Wilke 1988

Robert Williams 1988

Suzan Winkelman 1988

Christina Wuensche 1988

Stephen Brennan 1989

Dr. Gertrude Keiper 1989

Jeffrey Kroemer 1989

Alice McDonald 1989

Lisa Schmidt 1989

Rose Marie Stoermer 1989

William Wenthe, Jr. 1989

20

V. Elections

DISTRICT PRESIDENT - Ballot 1 ____Voting____ Ken Hennings 267 75.2% Mark Barz 88 24.8%

________________________________________________________________________________________________

VICE PRESIDENT AREA A ____Voting____ Dale Snyder 370 97.9% Elected by Acclamation 378

__________________________________________________________________________________________________ VICE PRESIDENT AREA B ____Voting____ Jason Galler 54 14.8% Eloy Gonzalez 247 67.7% Elected by Acclamation John Heckmann __ 64 17.5% 365

__________________________________________________________________________________________________ VICE PRESIDENT AREA C - Ballot 1 ____Voting____ Mark Barz 185 52% Don Fraker 31 8.7% Mark Nuckols 15 4.2% Walt Pohland 19 5.3% Steve Wagner 106 28.8% 356

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ VICE PRESIDENT AREA D - Ballot 1 ____Voting____ Ron Bogs 92 25.4% Ralph Hobratschk 270 74.6% 362

___________________________________________________________________________________________________ RANKING OF THE VICE PRESIDENTS - Ballot 1, First __ __Voting____ Mark Barz 115 32.7% Eloy Gonzalez 76 21.6% Ralph Hobratschk 109 31.0% Dale Snyder 52 14.8% 352 RANKING OF THE VICE PRESIDENTS - Ballot 2, First __ __Voting____ Mark Barz 151 40.2% Eloy Gonzalez 53 14.1% Ralph Hobratschk 172 45.7% 376 RANKING OF THE VICE PRESIDENTS - Ballot 3, First __ __Voting____ Mark Barz 165 43.9% Ralph Hobratschk 211 56.1% 376

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________ RANKING OF THE VICE PRESIDENTS - Ballot 1, Second__ __Voting____ Mark Barz 158 42.4% Eloy Gonzalez 164 44.0% Dale Snyder 51 13.7% 373

RANKING OF THE VICE PRESIDENTS - Ballot 2, Second _ ___Voting____ Mark Barz 175 46.9% Eloy Gonzalez 198 53.1% 355

RANKING OF THE VICE PRESIDENTS - Third and Fourth ___Voting____ Mark Barz 187 50.7% Dale Snyder 182 49.3% 369

21

CIRCUIT VISITORS RATIFIED Circuit 1 Joe Andrajack Circuit 2 David Symm Circuit 3 Circuit 4 Robert Pase Circuit 5 Randall Wehmeyer Circuit 6 Clyde Kieschnick Circuit 7 Larry Knobloch Circuit 8 Circuit 9 David Jung Circuit 10 Craig Schinnerer Circuit 11 Joel Shaltanis Circuit 12 Paul Ferguson Circuit 13 Circuit 14 Dennis Bragdon

Circuit 15 Robert Hemmsath Circuit 16 Brian Cummins Circuit 17 John Heckmann Circuit 18 Larry Krueger Circuit 19 Bobby Niemtschk Circuit 20 Mel Newman Circuit 21 Circuit 22 Carl Roth Circuit 23 John Schmidt Circuit 24 Don Fraker Circuit 25 Jeff Doria Circuit 26 Thomas W. Winter Circuit 27 Kevin Jennings Circuit 28 Robert Holaday

Circuit 29 Carlos Boerger Circuit 30 L. Dean Hempelmann Circuit 31 Wayne Schueler Circuit 32 Chris Richardson Circuit 33 David Quail Circuit 34 Tim Dinger Circuit 35 Jonathan Meyer Circuit 36 Alan Taylor Circuit 37 Jerry McNamara Circuit 38 John Davis, Jr. Circuit 39 Stephen Sohns Circuit 41 Mark Koch Circuit 43 Don Black

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VI. Roster of Officers, Boards and Committees

DISTRICT SECRETARY ____Voting____ Floor Nomination Sam Wirgau 230 63.4% 133 36.6% 363 DISTRICT SECRETARY ____Voting____ Larry Krueger 182 51.0% Steve Sohns 86 24.1% Sam Wirgau 89 24.9% 357 ______________________________________ BOARD OF DIRECTORS COMMISSIONED MINISTER ___Voting____ Brett Bortnem 98 30.2% Tim Miesner 227 69.8% 325 LAY PERSON, AREA C ____Voting____ Ron Lammert 210 65.0% Allan Moritz 113 35.0% 323 LAY PERSON, AREA D ____Voting____ Noreen Linke 135 59% Karisa Schepmann 212 61.1% 347 LAY PERSON, AT LARGE ____Voting____ Glenn Hurta 186 55.2% Ed Kasper 151 44.8% 337 ______________________________________ BOARD OF MISSION ADMINISTRATION ORDAINED ____Voting____ Mark Junkans 204 60.7% Ryan Neuhaus 132 39.3% 336 COMMISSIONED ____Voting____ Kevin Pieper 131 38.2% Amber Schraeder 212 61.8% 343 LAY PERSON ____Voting____ Stephen Inglehart 179 53.3% David Meade 157 46.7% 336

CONCORDIA UNIVERSITY TEXAS BOARD OF REGENTS ORDAINED ____Voting____ Allen Doering 232 68.0% Zachary McIntosh 109 32.0% 341 COMMISSIONED ____Voting____ Mary Beth Gaertner 150 45.0% Cassandra Schermbeck 183 55.0% 333 LAY PERSON ____Voting____ Ted Crawford 218 65.3% Max Kiesling 226 67.6% Constantine Vlisides 138 41.3% Betty Voshage 76 22.8% 334 ______________________________________ 2018 DISTRICT NOMINATING COMMITTEE ORDAINED AREA A ____Voting____ Robert Budewig 147 46.5% Brian Hesse 169 53.5% 316 ORDAINED AREA B ____Voting____ Michael Mattil 175 53.2% Jim Menke 154 46.8% 329 ORDAINED AREA C ____Voting____ Peter Heckmann 87 25.4% Bill Knippa 136 39.8% Nathan Wendorf 119 34.8% 342 ORDAINED AREA C, Ballot 2 __ Voting___ Bill Knippa 198 57.2% Nathan Wendorf 148 42.8% 346 ORDAINED AREA D ____Voting____ David Bahn 219 65.4% Ryan Neuhaus 116 34.6% 335 COMMISSIONED (2) ____Voting____ David Bangert 225 65.2% Steve Glandorf 236 68.4% Steven Janke 203 58.8% 345 LAY PERSON (3) ____Voting____ Wesley Krueger 180 52.5% Patricia Kym 133 38.8% Angela Newton 216 63.0% Louis Pabor 213 62.1% Glenn Pittsford 246 61.6% 343

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VII. Table of Resolutions

FLOOR COMMITTEE - MISSION AND MINISTRY 01-01-15 To Encourage congregations and the Texas District LCMS to Coordinate Mission Efforts 01-02-15 To Encourage Local and Regional Church Planting Efforts and Partnerships 01-03-15 To Encourage Texas District Congregations to Continue to Support District Mission Efforts 01-04-15 To Memorialize the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod in Convention to Encourage Church Planting Throughout the Synod 01-05-15 To Give Thanks to God for the Ministries of Michael Fuchs, John Hirsch and Paul Krentz FLOOR COMMITTEE - ADMINISTRATION & THEOLOGY 02-01-15 To Overrule CCM Opinion 14-2724 02-02-15 To Amend Synod Bylaws 3.8.3 AND 1.1.1 02-03-15 To Give Thanks For The Members On, And To Retain The Current Structure Of The Board of Regents of The Concordia University System 02-04-15 To Promote Professional Church Worker Health and Wellbeing 02-05-15 To Encourage Our Congregations to Prepare and Respond in Times of Disaster 02-06-15A To Study Classical Christian Education 02-07-15A To Provide Support for Professional Church Workers Who Have Lost Their Calls 02-08-15 To Encourage Support of Veterans of The Cross 02-09-15A To Provide Pastoral Care for Smaller, Financially Struggling Congregations 02-10-15 To Respectfully Decline Certain Overtures OMNIBUS RESOLUTION B FLOOR COMMITTEE - CONSTITUTION AND BY-LAWS CCM Request for 2015 Handbook Changes

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VIII. Resolutions

FLOOR COMMITTEE - MISSION AND MINISTRY RESOLUTION: 01-01-15 RE: OVERTURES 01-01-15, 01-02-15 SUBJECT: TO ENCOURAGE CONGREGATIONS AND THE TEXAS DISTRICT LCMS TO COORDINATE MISSION EFFORTS WHEREAS, Resolution 01-03-12 of the 59th Convention of the Texas District (Lubbock, Texas), encouraged congregations, circuits, and other local and regional partnerships to work with each other to establish new Word and Sacrament ministries in the Texas District; and WHEREAS, the word "Synod" refers to congregations and pastors walking together; and WHEREAS, the Texas District LCMS is assisting in planning and funding new mission starts in the State of Texas; and WHEREAS, the policy of the Texas District LCMS Board for Mission Administration (BMA) states: "The BMA desires to partner with local congregations in the starting of new ministries and will be pro-active and aggressive in this endeavor" (BMA Policies, 3.1.1), and "New ministries will emphasize reaching the unchurched and undiscipled as a priority over against creating a new ministry exclusively with or for Lutherans" (BMA Policies, 3.1.4); and WHEREAS, the BMA-approved "Church Planting Steps for Mission Partners" (available through the Texas District website - instituted in August of 2009 and updated in March of 2013) emphasizes asking and answering the following questions in the church planting location evaluation process:

A. How many existing churches are in your target area? B. How many of them are effectively reaching the same kinds of people you plan to target? C. What are the closest LCMS churches to your target area? Share your church planting plans with congregations that are close to your anticipated church plant. D. What has been the response of those churches (if applicable);

Therefore be it Resolved, that any LCMS congregation considering a new church plant be encouraged to abide by these policies and steps by giving notice to, seeking the cooperation of, and respecting the ministry of any other existing LCMS congregation in the area contemplated for the new church plant; and be it finally Resolved, that the Texas District LCMS, upon becoming aware of such church planting efforts by one or more LCMS congregations, advise the church planting congregation that such notice should be given to, such cooperation sought, and such respect for the ministry of any other LCMS congregation in the area be given; and that the Texas District LCMS, follow up and continue to encourage those efforts by the church planting congregation.

Rev. Michael Mattil, Chairman Mr. Michael Zieschang, Secretary

RESOLUTION: 01-02-15 RE: OVERTURES 01-03-15, 01-04-15 SUBJECT: TO ENCOURAGE LOCAL AND REGIONAL CHURCH PL ANTING EFFORTS AND PARTNERSHIPS WHEREAS, Christ, our Lord commands us to "go and make disciples of all nations" (Matthew 28:19); and WHEREAS, He also declares that His disciples will be His witnesses beginning in their local communities first (Acts 1:8), and then "to the ends of the earth;" and WHEREAS, planting new churches is a priority of our work together in the Texas District LCMS; and WHEREAS, effective church planting has been demonstrated by the combined efforts of churches, church planters, and local networks; therefore be it Resolved, that Texas District LCMS circuits and congregations be encouraged to work in partnership with each other, with church planters, and with local networks to establish new Word and Sacrament ministries in their neighborhoods and regions.

Rev. Michael Mattil, Chairman Mr. Michael Zieschang, Secretary

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RESOLUTION: 01-03-15 RE: OVERTURE 01-05-15 SUBJECT: TO ENCOURAGE TEXAS DISTRICT CONGREGATIONS TO CONTINUE TO SUPPORT DISTRICT MISSION EFFORTS WHEREAS, God is bringing millions of new residents to Texas; and WHEREAS, demographic data shows that a majority of those new residents may not know Jesus or may not be connected to a church; and WHEREAS, the Texas District LCMS is committed to starting 200 Word and Sacrament ministries by 2017; and WHEREAS, the combined efforts of congregations of the Texas District LCMS have already established ninety-nine new Word and Sacrament ministries since 2004; therefore be it Resolved, that Texas District LCMS congregations be encouraged to continue to support the Texas District LCMS mission efforts in prayer and through financial giving.

Rev. Michael Mattil, Chairman Mr. Michael Zieschang, Secretary

RESOLUTION: 01-04-15 RE: OVERTURE 01-06-15 SUBJECT: TO MEMORIALIZE THE LUTHERAN CHURCH MISSOU RI SYNOD IN CONVENTION TO ENCOURAGE CHURCH PLANTING THROUGHOUT THE SYNOD WHEREAS, The Lutheran Church Missouri Synod averaged one new church plant every week for its first 100 years; and WHEREAS, the starting of new churches has been a foundational method of Kingdom expansion for the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod throughout its history; and WHEREAS, starting new churches continues to be an effective way to reach new people with the Gospel; therefore be it Resolved, that the Texas District LCMS memorialize the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod in convention to encourage church planting throughout the Synod.

Rev. Michael Mattil, Chairman Mr. Michael Zieschang, Secretary

RESOLUTION: 01-05-15 RE: OVERTURE 01-07-15 SUBJECT: TO GIVE THANKS TO GOD FOR THE MINISTRIES OF MICHAEL FUCHS, JOHN HIRSCH, AND PAUL KRENTZ WHEREAS, Michael Fuchs has served the Lord Jesus faithfully in the Texas District LCMS as the Director of Texas Partners in Mission from 2008-2015; and WHEREAS, John Hirsch has served the Lord Jesus faithfully in the Texas District LCMS as the Director of Congregational and Worker Care from 1996-2014; and WHEREAS, Paul Krentz has served the Lord Jesus faithfully in the Texas District LCMS as Mission and Ministry Facilitator in Area B from 1994-2014; and WHEREAS, their ministries have impacted God's people, enriching individuals' lives and their faith in our Lord; therefore be it Resolved, that the 2015 Texas District Convention delegates rise and sing the Common Doxology giving thanks to God for the ministries of these faithful servants.

Rev. Michael Mattil, Chairman Mr. Michael Zieschang, Secretary

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FLOOR COMMITTEE - ADMINISTRATION AND THEOLOGY RESOLUTION: 02-01-15A RE: OVERTURES 02-04-15, 02-05-15, 02-06-15, 02-07-15, 02-08-15, 02-09-15, 02-10-15, 02-11-15, 02-12-15, 02-13-15 SUBJECT: TO OVERRULE CCM OPINION 14-2724 WHEREAS, the Word of God (Acts 13) clearly reveals that in the first century of the New Testament, a local congregation of believers in the Lord Jesus, assembled in Antioch, after much prayer and under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, freely consecrated and sent missionaries, notably Barnabas and Saul, into mission fields; and WHEREAS, Article III. 2 of the Constitution of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod identifies an objective of the Synod as to “Strengthen congregations and their members in giving bold witness by word and deed to the love and work of God, the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, and extend that Gospel witness into all the world;” and WHEREAS, Article VII of the Constitution of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod states, “In relation to its members, the Synod is not an ecclesiastical government exercising legislative or coercive powers, and with respect to the individual congregation’s right of self-government it is but an advisory body”; and WHEREAS, Article XIV of the Constitution states, “The Synod in convention may adopt bylaws that are consistent with and do not contradict the Constitution of the Synod, which controls and supersedes such bylaws and all other rules and regulations of the Synod”; and WHEREAS, 2010 Synod Convention Res. 8-32B encourages the Synod to study Article VII of the Constitution, including study of “Congregations and Synod, Background Material on the Advisory Nature of the LCMS” along with opinions of the Commission on Constitutional Matters related to this topic (including CCM Opinion 09-2573 listed in a “Whereas” paragraph in Resolution 8-32B); and WHEREAS, 1983 Synod Convention Res. 5-10A in a “Resolved” clause states that The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod reaffirms that its synodical polity is essentially and principally congregational in nature; and WHEREAS, CCM Opinion 09-2573 states in part that “. . . there is a common understanding that a congregation exercises its self-government . . . in carrying out . . . its own ministry programs and financial affairs . . . ”; and WHEREAS, Synod Bylaw 3.8.3 deals only with who has authority to send ministers of religion and other workers into Synod foreign mission fields, and prior bylaws have been careful not to restrict congregational activity specifically relating to whom congregations could send funds overseas, and nothing in the current bylaws restrict or could restrict the right of member congregations to (a) fund ministries in foreign countries, or (b) send/fund congregation members for service with organizations seeking to share the Gospel; and WHEREAS, 1983 Synod Convention Res. 5-37 amending the bylaws only dealt with who on behalf of Synod as a whole could send missionaries at the expense of the Synod, and where the restriction applied, it being a sending bylaw only, clearly not applicable to congregations in any event; and WHEREAS, CCM Opinion 14-2724 referring to 2013 Synod Convention Res. 1-08, “To Work Together in Mission,” called for a two-fold response: First, “Resolved, That the Synod, by the next convention, develop and provide a mission best-practices policy document for districts and congregations engaged in mission projects to assist them to better carry out their mission and their life together”, indicating that districts and congregations have and are recognized to have mission work and practices of their own, and because they have their own mission work and practices, the Synod should assist and support those efforts by developing a best-practices policy; and second, “that these best practices include encouragement to districts and congregations to communicate their international mission activities to the Synod’s Director of Church Relations and Offices of National and International Mission for the purposes of healthy coordination and stewardship” (underlined portions indicate emphasis added), indicating that districts and congregations can have their own mission activities and when they do they are encouraged to communicate these activities to the Synod for coordination and good stewardship; and WHEREAS, CCM Opinion 14-2724 states in part, “Congregations may not send funds to mission societies and non-Synod entities for work in foreign areas without taking into consideration policies developed and determined for this purpose by the Board of International Mission as the only sending agency;” and WHEREAS, CCM Opinion 14-2724 incorrectly restricts the mission outreach of congregations and others to give bold witness by word and deed to the love and work of God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, and extend that Gospel witness into all the world; therefore be it Resolved, that the congregations of the Texas District and of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod be encouraged, with much prayer and under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, to send missionaries to foreign areas; and be it further Resolved, that the Texas District affirms and encourages congregations, auxiliaries, recognized service organizations, districts, and individual members of the Synod, in their efforts to give bold witness by word and deed, to the love and work of God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, and extend that Gospel witness to all the world; and be it further Resolved, that nothing in the bylaws of Synod should ever be interpreted to limit efforts by congregations, auxiliaries, recognized service organizations, districts, and individual members of the Synod, to give bold witness by word and deed to the love and work of God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, and extend that Gospel witness to all the world, but only be interpreted as requesting information which might allow Synod to support (and to assist in connecting potential support for) congregations and individual members, to assist in connecting potential mission partners, and to provide best practices information which could assist the efforts; and be it finally

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Resolved, that the Texas District in convention memorialize the Synod in convention to adopt this resolution and to overrule CCM Opinion 14-2724, to be thereby declared null and void and of no effect.

Rev. Larry Krueger, Chairman Rev. Brian Hesse, Secretary

RESOLUTION: 02-02-15A RE: OVERTURES 02-04-15, 02-05-15, 02-06-15, 02-07-15, 02-08-15, 02-09-15, 02-10-15, 02-11-15, 02-12-15, 02-13-15 SUBJECT: TO AMEND SYNOD BYLAWS 3.8.3 AND 1.1.1 WHEREAS, in the history of the Synod, the Synod and its districts have never discouraged the efforts of congregations, auxiliaries, recognized service organizations, districts, and other agencies of the Synod from engaging in outreach of the Gospel, both domestically and in foreign fields; and WHEREAS, each district of the Synod has the responsibility as Synod in its place to support and encourage the congregations, auxiliaries, recognized service organizations and other agencies of the district and Synod within its area of responsibility, and has done so historically; and, WHEREAS, CCM Opinion 14-2724 indicates that 1981 Synod Convention Res. 1-05A "instructed that districts consult with the Board for Missions before directly funding a synodical overseas mission", it clearly means that districts can directly fund synodical overseas missions, but when they do they must consult [for coordination, not for permission] with the Board for Missions; and WHEREAS, when CCM Opinion 14-2724 indicates that the 1981 Synod Convention "greatly expanded the bylaw section governing the Board for Mission Services" which resulted in newly adopted Bylaw 2.213 requiring the Board for Mission Services to "formulate, recommend, review, and supervise the mission policies of the Synod [“Synod” defined in Bylaw 1.2.1(u) as referring collectively to the association of self-governing Lutheran congregations and all its agencies, and not including individual members, congregations, auxiliaries nor recognized service organizations], recommend and monitor budgets, review organizational effectiveness, and provide for an aggressive and united mission effort for the Synod" it clearly means that other agencies of the Synod connected to the Synod may have their own foreign mission efforts, but such agencies should inform and consult with the Board for Mission Services about their efforts to the end that there will be a "united mission effort for the Synod,” and such bylaw does not address at all the mission efforts of congregations, auxiliaries and recognized service organizations; and WHEREAS, when CCM Opinion 14-2724 indicates that the 1981 Synod Convention expanded the role of the Board for Mission Services, requiring the Board for Mission Services to "call, appoint, assign, withdraw, and release missionaries (pastors and teachers) and other workers for the ministries and areas within its direct responsibility (emphasis added),” it clearly means that other agencies of the Synod may have their own foreign mission efforts within their own direct responsibility (emphasis added), and such bylaw does not address at all the mission efforts of congregations, auxiliaries and recognized service organizations; and WHEREAS, CCM Opinion 14-2724 concludes “that for the sake of good order and effectiveness, the Board for International Mission is to serve as the Synod’s only sending agency through which workers and funds are sent to the foreign mission areas of the Synod” but it does not include the words from 1981 Handbook Bylaw 2.213, to “call, appoint, assign, withdraw, and release missionaries (pastors and teachers) and other workers for the ministries and areas within its direct responsibility, always safeguarding the rights of the partner churches and workers involved” (emphasis added), which language limits the authority of the Board for Missions for the mission workers within its direct responsibility; and WHEREAS, CCM Opinion 14-2724 referring to 2013 Synod Convention Res. 1-08, “To Work Together in Mission,” called for a two-fold response: First, “Resolved, That the Synod, by the next convention, develop and provide a mission best-practices policy document for districts and congregations engaged in mission projects to assist them to better carry out their mission and their life together”, indicating that districts and congregations have and are recognized to have mission work and practices of their own, and because they have their own mission work and practices, the Synod should assist and support those efforts by developing a best-practices policy; and second, “that these best practices include encouragement to districts and congregations to communicate their international mission activities to the Synod’s Director of Church Relations and Offices of National and International Mission for the purposes of healthy coordination and stewardship” (underlined portions indicate emphasis added), indicating that districts and congregations can have their own mission activities and when they do they are encouraged to communicate these activities to the Synod for coordination and good stewardship; and WHEREAS, CCM Opinion 14-2724 Section C. Congregations and Foreign Missions, referring to the Task Force II Report to the 1981 Synod Convention indicates “two basic functions guiding the Synod in its restructuring at that time,” both of which indicate the Synod has no “control” over congregations (in this area the Synod is not hierarchical, but congregational in polity), first “In support of the congregation,” where the Synod is to “help” the congregations and “assist” the congregations in their mission and ministry,” and second “In behalf of congregations,” where the Synod serves “in behalf of the congregations by enabling congregations to do together that which individual congregations could not do by themselves or could not do very well, such as foreign mission work and the training of pastors and teachers at colleges and seminaries,” and which clearly indicates (“could not do very well”) that congregations can and are free to do foreign mission work, albeit perhaps not as well as when assisted by the Synod; and

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WHEREAS, CCM Opinion 14-2724 continues with the two basic functions being “closely reflected in paragraphs (a) and (b) of current Bylaw 1.1.1 (2013 Handbook, p. 23): (a) The Synod functions in support of its member congregations by providing assistance as congregations conduct their ministries locally, as well as their ministries at large and (b) The Synod on behalf of its member congregations administers those ministries that can be accomplished more effectively in association with other member congregations through the Synod. In this way member congregations utilize the Synod to assist them in carrying out their functions (underlined portions indicate emphasis added) of worship, witness, teaching and nurture, service and support,” which in no way indicates the Synod has the authority to control the congregations; and WHEREAS, CCM Opinion 14-2724 then refers to Constitution Art. VII, drawing its own conclusions in regard to it, which interpretation would be better conducted only after the Synod has studied Article VII as 2010 Synod Convention Res. 8-32B, “To Study Article VII of Synod’s Constitution,” calls upon the Synod to do; and WHEREAS, in regard to Auxiliaries and Foreign Missions, CCM Opinion 14-2724 correctly uses the bylaw words that auxiliaries are required to “operate with freedom and self-determination as a ministry…while complying with the responsibilities outlined (Bylaw 6.1.2 [c]),” then lists those responsibilities as “coordinat[ing] plans and programs with those of the Synod through regular sharing and contact” (Bylaw 6.1.2 [d], to “report annually to the President of the Synod, provide an annual program report to the Synod, keep the Synod advised of any new program under consideration, honor and uphold the doctrine and practice of the Synod, and, while operating with freedom and self-determination in their mission independent of control by the Synod, respect protocol documents that exist between the Synod and her partner churches (Bylaw 6.1.3)” (underlined portions indicate emphasis added), does not give the Synod control, but rather denies control on the part of the Synod; and WHEREAS, in regard to Recognized Service Organizations and Foreign Missions, CCM Opinion 14-2724 correctly indicates “Therefore Bylaw 3.8.3 does not apply to recognized service organizations,” but it incorrectly adds “per se” after that phrase, for Bylaw 3.8.3 simply does not apply to recognized service organizations, regardless of any other bylaw wording that the CCM might incorrectly conclude in regard to the Board of International Mission (a policy-making board in regard to congregations, districts, auxiliaries, and recognized service organizations, as well as to colleges, universities and seminaries, even though Opinion 14-2724 does not refer to colleges, universities and seminaries) or the Office of International Mission, for neither the Board or the Office of International Mission is given any “control” over these entities connected to the Synod; and WHEREAS, the interpretation of the constitution and bylaws of CCM Opinion 14-2724 indicates a need for a clarification of the bylaws; therefore be it Resolved, that the last paragraph of Bylaw 3.8.3 be amended to read: “Upon the recommendation of the Office of International Mission, the board shall serve as the only sending agency through which workers and funds are sent to the foreign mission areas on behalf of National Synod or the agencies of National Synod of the Synod, including the calling, appointing, assigning, withdrawing, and releasing of missionaries (ministers of religion–ordained and ministers of religion–commissioned) and other workers for the ministries in foreign areas. However, the Office of International Missions shall issue all such calls as may be requested by other agencies of the Synod acting on behalf of National Synod in the areas of their responsibility. Districts may continue to issue such calls on behalf of Districts and agencies of the Districts. Nothing shall prohibit or restrict the right of auxiliaries, recognized service organizations, and congregations to call workers to any mission field, although each is requested to cooperate with the Board for International Mission in advising the Board for International Mission of such efforts;” and be it further Resolved, that Bylaw 1.1.1. be amended to add subsection:(c) Neither the Synod nor any board, commission, or agency on its behalf shall adopt any policy or practice which may inhibit or restrict individual members or congregations, or members of member congregations, in giving bold witness by word and deed to the love and work of God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, and extend that Gospel witness into all the world; and be it further Resolved, that the Synod in Convention declares its understanding that the calls issued pursuant to Bylaw 3.8.3 by the Board for International Mission refer to calls issued also on behalf of the agencies of the Synod, not otherwise recognized theologically as having the ability to issue a call, so as to provide a proper theological underpinning for such calls, and not as a restriction on the ability of agencies to send workers into foreign mission fields or financially support such mission efforts within their areas of responsibility; and be it further Resolved, that nothing in the Bylaws of Synod shall ever be interpreted so as to limit efforts to give bold witness by word and deed to the love and work of God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, and extend that Gospel witness into all the world, but shall only be understood as requesting information which might allow Synod to support, to assist in connecting potential support, congregations and individual members, to assist in connecting potential mission partners, and to provide best practices information which could assist the efforts of individual members and congregations; and be it further Resolved, that the Synod in Convention recognizes its duties to support and assist recognized service organizations, auxiliaries and all others as long as their efforts support the objectives of the Synod, while never inhibiting such efforts, and reaffirms the partnership in the Gospel of the Synod with all such organizations, and reaffirms that the Synod shall never inhibit the mission of such recognized service organizations and auxiliaries; and be it further Resolved, that the Synod in Convention recognizes the need to coordinate the actions of auxiliaries and recognized service organizations are fulfilled by the auxiliaries’ duty to report to the President of the Synod pursuant to Bylaw 6.1.3(a), and the recognized service organizations’ compliance with Bylaw 6.2.3; and be it further Resolved, that the President of the Synod promptly fulfill his responsibilities under 2010 Synod Convention Res. 8-32B regarding a Synod-wide study of Article VII; and be it finally

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Resolved, that the Texas District in convention memorialize the Synod in convention for the adoption of this Resolution.

Rev. Larry Krueger, Chairman Rev. Brian Hesse, Secretary

RESOLUTION: 02-03-15 RE: OVERTURE 02-01-15 AND OVERTURE 02-02-15 SUBJECT: TO GIVE THANKS FOR THE MEMBERS ON, AND TO RETAIN THE CURRENT STRUCTURE OF, THE BOARDS OF REGENTS OF THE CONCORDIA U NIVERSITY SYSTEM. WHEREAS, the universities and colleges of our Synod continue to be blessed by God and are growing in their enrollment of students and faculty; and WHEREAS, the universities and colleges of our Synod which are located throughout our synod can best understand the unique opportunities and challenges that they face in their location; and WHEREAS, Synod in convention in 2007 carefully considered the composition of the Board of Regents of our colleges and universities and adopted the current composition of the Boards of Regents (2007 Resolution 5-04); and WHEREAS, the qualifications for serving on the Boards of Regents is spelled out carefully in the bylaws of Synod (3.10.5.2); and WHEREAS, all members of the Board of Regents are to be members of the congregations of the LCMS; and WHEREAS, the maximum number of members of the Board of Regents is seventeen with the majority of those members to be elected by the district conventions and synod conventions (Four elected in national conventions, four elected in the district convention, plus the president of the district in which the institution resides); and WHEREAS, the District President serving as a voting member of the Board of Regents is charged to represent the Synod in his district (4.4.2); therefore be it Resolved, that the Texas District in convention give thanks for the service of those who are serving the church on the various Boards of Regents of our colleges and universities, especially Concordia University Texas; and be it further Resolved, that the Texas District memorialize the Synod in convention to give thanks for the service of those who are serving the church on the various Boards of Regents of our colleges and universities; and be it finally Resolved, that the Texas District memorialize the Synod in convention to retain the current bylaws governing the election and responsibilities of the Board of Regents of our colleges and universities.

Rev. Larry Krueger, Chairman Rev. Brian Hesse, Secretary

RESOLUTION: 02-04-15 RE: OVERTURE 02-14-15 SUBJECT: TO PROMOTE PROFESSIONAL CHURCH WORKER HEA LTH AND WELLBEING. WHEREAS, the Committee on Ministerial Health and the Committee on Prayer and Spiritual Formation recognize the need to be proactive in responding to the spiritual, emotional, psychological and relational needs facing professional church workers; and WHEREAS, the Texas District of the LCMS has 38 elementary schools and 8 high schools with a total enrollment of 17,507 students (Report by Dr. William Hinz, Director of School Ministry, School Ministry Administrators Conference, July 21-23, 2014); and WHEREAS, there are over 1000 teachers, administrators and personnel in our schools; and WHEREAS, there are over 700 pastors in the Texas District, of which more than 500 are active and more than 200 are retired; and WHEREAS, the Texas District Committee on Ministerial Health conducted an exhaustive study in 2010 assessing health issues of it pastors; and WHEREAS, this study reported that, “Based on responses to the survey, risk factors for cardiovascular disease have a high prevalence in our population. Obesity, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels are elevated in a large portion of men and exercise rates are low. Compared to recommended population rates for the US from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the rates of overweight/ obesity, high blood pressure, and cholesterol are very high (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services);” and WHEREAS, this study revealed that, 27% of pastors “agree” or “strongly agree” that fatigue and irritation are a part of their daily experience. In the 30 days prior to the survey, 16% of pastors have often felt downhearted and depressed, 26% of pastors have “often” or “very often” felt worn out; and 18% of pastors “agree” or “strongly agree” that they feel negative or cynical about the people whom they serve. However 86% gain a lot of personal satisfaction from working with people in their congregation; and

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WHEREAS, financial, emotional and relational issues in the world, our nation, our cities, our communities and our families can negatively impact the lives of the church workers and the schools and/or churches they serve; and WHEREAS, along with the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives, the overall health and well being of our church workers is of prime importance in fulfilling the work God has called us to do; therefore be it Resolved, that the Texas District promote professional church worker health and wellbeing during the next triennium; and be it further Resolved, that professional church worker health and wellbeing be promoted at gatherings such as professional church worker conferences, Circuit Visitor conferences, retreats, etc.; and be it finally Resolved, that the District President working through and by means of the District Committees on Ministerial Health and Prayer and Spiritual Formation develop a plan and strategy to implement this resolution.

Rev. Larry Krueger, Chairman Rev. Brian Hesse, Secretary

RESOLUTION: 02-05-15 RE: OVERTURE 02-19-15 AND OVERTURE 02-20-15 SUBJECT: TO ENCOURAGE OUR CONGREGATIONS TO PREPARE AND RESPOND IN TIMES OF DISASTER WHEREAS, People of God turn to the church in times of disaster; and WHEREAS, An important part of disaster response is meeting the spiritual needs of the church and the community; and WHEREAS, Our congregations should be prepared to assist their members in times of disaster; and WHEREAS, In times of disaster the Church responds in mercy and love to our neighbors in need; and WHEREAS, LCMS Disaster Response Ministry provides resources to help congregations prepare to respond to disaster; and WHEREAS, Disaster response training programs exist, such as Lutheran Early Response Training (LERT), and LERT Certification is available to those congregations and members interested in reaching out to those affected by disaster; and WHEREAS, Disaster preparedness resources exist such as “Mercy in Action: a Guide for Pastors in the Midst of Disaster,” published by The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod, to help equip pastors when extraordinary events occur; therefore be it Resolved, that the Texas District in convention encourage its congregations to develop a disaster plan; and be it further Resolved, that the Texas District provide information about where to find training and resources to assist congregations in developing a disaster plan; and be it further Resolved, that the Texas District will appoint a volunteer Area Disaster Coordinator for each Area of the Texas District to assist the District Disaster Coordinator in working with congregations to accomplish these goals; and be it finally Resolved, that the Texas District in convention give thanks to the District Disaster Coordinator, the Rev. Steve Misch, for his work in this area.

Rev. Larry Krueger, Chairman

Rev. Brian Hesse, Secretary

RESOLUTION 02-06-15A RE: OVERTURE 02-03-15 SUBJECT: TO STUDY CLASSICAL CHRISTIAN EDUCATION PREMABLE: The term "classical education" has been used in Western culture for several centuries, with each era adding its own selection of topics. Classical education has emphasized the seeking after of truth, goodness, and beauty and the study of the liberal arts and the great books. The liberal arts are grammar, logic, rhetoric (the verbal arts of the trivium), arithmetic, geometry, music, and astronomy (the mathematical arts of the quadrivium). This approach to education also includes the study of Latin. The classical approach teaches students how to learn and how to think and depends on a three-part process of training the mind. The early years of school are spent in absorbing facts, systematically laying the foundations for advanced study. In the middle grades, students learn to think through arguments. In the high school years, they learn to express themselves. This classical pattern is called the trivium. In short, classical education is language-focused; learning is accomplished through words, written and spoken, rather than through images (pictures, videos, and television). WHEREAS, a number of LCMS congregations and their schools already offer Classical Christian Education; and WHEREAS, the Concordia University System is the primary training facilitator for the educators and administrators of our LCMS Schools but does not presently offer a specific classical track for the training of teachers and administrators to fill the need in Classical Christian Schools; therefore be it

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Resolved, that the Board of Directors of Concordia University System appoint a committee or assign an existing committee to examine the philosophy and methodology of Classical Christian Education and the feasibility of adding a classical track for the training of teachers and administrators in the Concordia University System and subsequently to report its findings to the 2019 Synod in Convention; and be it finally Resolved, that the 2015 Convention of the Texas District to memorialize the above resolution to The Lutheran Church Missouri Synod for consideration in its 2016 convention.

Rev. Larry Krueger, Chairman Rev. Brian Hesse, Secretary

RESOLUTION 02-07-15A RE: OVERTURE 02-15-15 SUBJECT: TO PROVIDE SUPPORT FOR PROFESSIONAL CHURC H WORKERS WHO HAVE LOST THEIR CALLS WHEREAS, professional church workers who have lost their calls face financial need; and WHEREAS, professional church workers are not typically eligible for unemployment benefits because congregations, schools, RSOs and other calling agencies are exempt from carrying unemployment benefits for their workers; and WHEREAS, congregations may not understand the plight of displaced church workers and may not provide or be able to provide reasonable severance packages for their called workers; and WHEREAS, professional church workers and their families would benefit from having the peace of mind offered by such financial assistance should they lose their calls; and WHEREAS, the Synod desires to encourage a loving environment for church workers and their families that their service in the Lord may be a joy and that they may serve for many years making the best use of the substantial investment made in their training and experience; and WHEREAS, the Texas District and the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod recognize the challenges faced by professional church workers who have lost their calls and have developed programs to assist them, such as Soldiers of the Cross and the Texas District Church Worker Support Fund; therefore be it Resolved, that the Texas District, via the annual District Salary Guidelines, inform congregations, schools, RSOs, and other calling agencies regarding the current unavailability of professional church workers’ unemployment benefits and that consideration should be given to them if they are displaced; and be it further Resolved, that the Texas District in convention encourage congregations to utilize Concordia Plan Services for guidance in these situations; and be it further Resolved, that the Texas District in convention request Concordia Plan Services to analyze and estimate the benefits and costs for provision of unemployment benefits for professional church workers in the Texas District; and be it further Resolved, that, the Texas District encourage congregations to prayerfully and financially support District and Synod agencies and programs that assist professional church workers who have lost their calls; and be it finally, Resolved, that the District President, Vice-Presidents, Mission and Ministry Facilitators, and Circuit Visitors provide affirming pastoral care to professional church workers who have lost their calls.

Rev. Larry Krueger, Chairman Rev. Brian Hesse, Secretary

OVERTURE: 02-08-15 RE: OVERTURE 02-16-15 SUBJECT: TO ENCOURAGE SUPPORT OF VETERANS OF THE C ROSS WHEREAS, the Lord of the Church has blessed His people with faithful servants of His Word; and WHEREAS, some of these retired workers now find themselves financially struggling; and WHEREAS, The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod’s Veterans of the Cross helps veteran church workers and their spouses in financial crisis, supplementing low or inadequate pensions of retired pastors or their widowed spouses to help them afford the cost of necessities such as medication, food and utility bills; therefore be it Resolved, that the congregations of the Texas District be encouraged to support Veterans of the Cross with financial contributions.

Rev. Larry Krueger, Chairman

Rev. Brian Hesse, Secretary

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RESOLUTION 02-09-15A RE: OVERTURE 02-17-15 SUBJECT: TO PROVIDE PASTORAL CARE FOR SMALLER, FIN ANCIALLY STRUGGLING CONGREGATIONS WHEREAS, Many smaller congregations with inadequate financial resources struggle to afford pastoral care; and WHEREAS, These congregations need and desire pastoral care and leadership; and WHEREAS, Word and Sacrament ministry needs to be provided for these congregations; therefore be it Resolved, That the Texas District consider and develop new ways and/or programs to provide pastoral care for smaller, financially struggling congregations; and be it finally Resolved, That the Texas District in convention memorialize the Synod in convention to consider and develop new ways and/or programs to provide pastoral care for smaller, financially struggling congregations

Rev. Larry Krueger, Chairman Rev. Brian Hesse, Secretary

RESOLUTION: 02-10-15 RE: OVERTURE 02-18-15 SUBJECT: TO RESPECTFULLY DECLINE CERTAIN OVERTURES WHEREAS, The floor committee has considered all overtures assigned to it and has concluded, for various reasons, that certain overtures should be declined, therefore be it, Resolved, that the following overture be respectfully declined for the reason given: Overture Subject Reason 02-18-15 To Reimburse Circuit Visitor’s Expenses Policy already in place: Ref. Synod Bylaw 5.2.3(l)

Rev. Larry Krueger, Chairman Rev. Brian Hesse, Secretary

OMNIBUS RESOLUTION RESOLUTION B WHEREAS, A number of issues have been presented through overtures to which the District or Synod in convention has previously spoken; and WHEREAS, After careful consideration of these matters, there appears to be no valid reason to change or alter the stated position of the District or Synod; therefore be it Resolved, that petitioners offering the following overtures be referred to previous action as indicated. Overture Subject Previous Action 02-21-15 To Improve District Communication Of Changes 2012 Convention of Both In Pastors’ and Other Rostered Worker’s the Texas District Relationships and In Their Status (Resolution 02-06-12) 2013 Convention of the Synod (Resolution 3-10A) Synod Task Force on 3-10A

Rev. Larry Krueger, Chairman Rev. Brian Hesse, Secretary

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FLOOR COMMITTEE - CONSTITUTION AND BY-LAWS

THE PREAMBLE to

THE BYLAWS Article III. Goals 3. Boards, Commissions, and Agencies of the District, on behalf of its congregations, actively pursue the fulfillment

of the Great Commission in Texas and in all the world by

A. expanding world missions through District and Synod, B. special emphasis on ethnic ministries, and C. utilizing Commissioned Pastoral Assistant Programs.

Article IV. Objectives

8. to recognize that the Objectives of the Synod (Constitution Art. III) are also those of this Corporation. Article V. Voting Power

This Corporation shall consist of the accredited pastoral and lay delegates of the congregations and parishes, as provided by the Bylaws hereafter enacted, each congregation or parish being entitled to one pastoral and one lay delegate in such meeting; only such delegates shall be entitled to vote

Article VI. Officers The officers of this Corporation shall be :

a President, four area Vice Presidents, a Secretary, a Treasurer, and a Circuit Counselor Visitor elected from each District Circuit.

The President, Vice Presidents, and Secretary shall be Ordained Ministers of Religion (hereafter called Ordained Ministers or Pastors).

Article IX. Bylaws

This Corporation shall have and make such Bylaws as may appear necessary to accomplish the purpose of its

organization and shall create such committees as may seem desirable for the attainment of its general and special objectives. These Bylaws shall not contradict the Constitution and Bylaws of the Synod.

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B Y L A W S

of the

Texas District of

The Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod

I. THE DISTRICT: Organization and Administration

The Bylaws of The Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod (the “Bylaws of Synod”) are referenced throughout these Bylaws and any and all applicable sections as referenced are incorporated herein. Any amendments to the Bylaws of Synod enacted after the date of these Bylaws shall automatically be incorporated herein except as precluded by law because the Synod Bylaws are the primary Bylaws document for the district. These Bylaws and the Bylaws of Synod shall be construed so as not to conflict to the maximum extent allowed, but in the event of an irreconcilable conflict the Bylaws of Synod shall control.

1.007 Other Boards and Officials

All other officials, boards and committees of the District shall be appointed, called, or engaged as follows:

a. Appointed by the President, subject to the approval of the District Board of Directors (their terms to coincide with his): An Assistant Secretary An Assistant Treasurer An Archivist An Editor of the Texas Messenger An Assistant Editor of the Texas Messenger A Director of Public Relations A Convention Manager

1.045 Nominations

Nominations for the office of Area Vice President of the Texas District shall be made in the following manner: a. Each voting congregation shall be entitled to nominate for its area (A, B, C, and D) two ordained ministers for Vice President from the clergy roster of the Synod from the clergy roster of the district with residence in the designated region. b. The Secretary of the District shall mail to each voting congregation of the District ballots for nominating these candidates

F. The District Secretary (See current Handbook of the Synod) 1.059 Election

a. The District Secretary shall be elected from the clergy roster of the Synod district according to established District procedure.

H. The Assistant Treasurer

The Assistant Treasurer shall: a. be appointed by the President and ratified by the Board of Directors, and b. shall render such reasonable assistance as the Treasurer may request from time to time.

B. Circuit Counselors Visitors and Duties 2.005 Nomination, Election, and Ratification (for circuit counselors visitors)

a. Nomination and Election

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The circuit counselor shall be elected in the following manner: Every voting congregation of each circuit shall, through its chairman or president, nominate from the clergy roster of the Synod two ordained ministers as candidates for the office of circuit counselor. The elected circuit counselor shall be a member of a member congregation of the district upon assuming office and during the course of his tenure. The nominations shall be made at least seven months prior to the elections and shall be submitted to the nominating committee through the Secretary of the District. If no candidate has received a majority, the District Secretary shall mail to each congregation in that Circuit a ballot containing the names of the two men receiving the highest number of votes. The Nominating Committee shall arrange a slate containing the first choice for circuit counselor from each Circuit, provided that man is still available, or the second choice of the Circuit if he is not. (See the current Handbook of the Synod)

The circuit visitor shall be elected in accord to the provisions of the current Handbook of the Synod

3.003 Constitution, New and Revised

a. See the current Handbook of the Synod b. Congregations may extend voting privileges to members who are 18 years of age. However, in

the State of Texas, the incorporators and anyone signing a legal document for the congregation must be at least 21 years of age.

c. The constitution of a congregation could well include a clause stating that in case of dissolution of the congregation the property of the congregation, after payment of all just claims, shall by decision of the Voters' Assembly, be conveyed to the Texas District of The Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod or religious 501(c)(3).

4.003 Representation

(See the Preamble to The Bylaws, Art. V) (See current Handbook of the Synod)Advisory members a. Called commissioned ministers, according to the regulations of Synod, are required to attend the

District Conventions. b. Where there are no called commissioned ministers in a school, the educators of the school may

appoint one to represent them as a guest at the Convention. c. Contract commissioned ministers are encouraged to attend the District Conventions, but are not

required to do so. 4.009 Convention Committees a. The district president shall refer all matters which are to be presented to the convention to

convention committees appointed by him from among the accredited delegates and official representatives in order to voting delegates, advisory delegates, and official advisory representatives of the convention in order to expedite the transaction of business. The District President shall arrange for adequate personnel, which may include non-voting delegates, to serve as counters for the election committee. After due consideration of the matters referred to them, these committees shall report their findings and recommendations to the convention. If the president deems it advisable, he shall be empowered to convene any such committees prior to the opening of the convention.

V. CONFERENCES

A. Official Conferences of Ordained Ministers and Commissioned Ministers

(See current Handbook of the Synod concerning the guidelines of the Synod regarding Conferences) 5.001 Official Conferences

a. In the Texas District there shall be an official conference for its ordained ministers and commissioned ministers. Each official conference shall consist of all clergymen and commissioned ministers on the district roster and shall meet in plenary sessions at least once a year, and may meet more frequently in major sections as shall be established by the district in convention. All such major sectional meetings shall be regarded as sessions of the official conference.

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b. All ordained and commissioned ministers on the district roster are expected to attend meetings of their official conference or present a valid excuse.

c. The plenary and sectional meetings of both conferences may adopt and submit overtures to the conventions of the district and the synod.

d. Official District Conferences shall include:

1. District Professional Church Workers Conferences 2. District Commissioned Ministers Conference 3. District Ordained Ministers' Conference 4. Annual Principals Conference 5. Conference for Directors of Christian Education

5.003 Conference Calendar

Professional Workers Conferences a. A district professional church workers conference shall meet in the fall (September, October, or

November) of the years in which there is neither a convention of the district nor the synod. b. A district commissioned ministers conference shall meet in the fall (September, October, or

November) of the year in which the district convention meets, and in the fall of the year in which The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod holds its triennial delegate convention.

c. A district Pastors ordained ministers conference shall meet in the fall (September, October, or November) of the year in which the district convention meets, and in the fall of the year in which The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod holds its triennial delegate convention.

5.007 Annual Missionaries’ Conference

The Texas District shall board of mission administration may annually conduct a conference for church planters, district missionaries, and district congregations interested in church planting, designed especially to further learning and provide encouragement for church planting.

VI. BOARD OF DIRECTORS

6.001 Personnel

a. The president, the vice presidents, the secretary, five laypersons (one from each administrative area of the district and one "at large") and two commissioned ministers shall be voting members of the board of directors.

b. The district staff and the treasurer are invited to attend meetings of the board of directors in an advisory capacity but are not obligated to attend after they have presented their reports.

c. The District Director of Public Relations and the Editor of the Texas Messenger may attend meetings of the Board of Directors at the invitation of the President as observers and reporters.

6.009 Functions and Duties

g. Be authorized to extend calls in behalf of the Synod and the Texas District for Lutheran Social

Services of the South which are filled by ordained and commissioned ministers of our Synod. Such calls shall be extended when all provisions concerning the selection of such staff members have been fulfilled according to bylaws of the Lutheran Social Services of the South. non-RSOs that provide mission and ministry support to the district.

VII. MISSION ADMINISTRATION

A. Board of Mission Administration

7.003 Function

The Board shall:

j. give attention to the need for new approaches and forms of ministry to meet special needs; assist congregations in understanding the need for special ministries in an area, and, as necessary, give counsel and guidance in establishing such ministries; where necessary, provide financial assistance; and collaborate with synod's Board of Missions office of national missions in planning and establishing such ministries;

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7.009 Organization

a. The board shall normally meet bi-monthly meet at least three times a year. Special meetings may be called by the chairman or by a majority of the members. Members shall be duly notified of all meetings.

C. Church Extension Fund

8.009 Regulations

c. Ownership The ownership of the Texas District Church Extension Fund and the ultimate administrative

jurisdiction thereof shall rest solely in the Texas District of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, a Texas corporation, and in conformity with policies established by the synod’s board of church extension.

X. AGENCIES AND SUNDRY AREAS

A. Lutheran Witness Supplement (See current Handbook of the Synod) 10.001 Texas Messenger

The Texas Messenger, as the official church publication of the Texas District, shall be published as Part II of the monthly Lutheran Witness according to the congregation "blanket" subscription plan offered by Concordia Publishing House for the Witness.

10.003 Personnel

The editor of the Texas Messenger and an assistant shall be appointed for a three-year term by the district president with the approval of the board of directors of the district. b. The editor may be invited by the District President to attend meetings of the District Board of

Directors as an observer and reporter. B. District Archivist

10.017 Space and Funds

Space, necessary help, and appropriate funding for the binding, storing, preservation, and display of archive materials shall be allocated as determined by the board of directors.

10.019 Use of Materials

a. No material that is part of the archives shall be sent out. b. The following rules shall govern the use of the archives:

(1) The archivist, the district president, the four vice presidents, and the president of Concordia University at Austin Texas, and the treasurer of the district, shall have access to the archives.

(2) Permission for all others to use the archives shall be granted by the archivist or the district president.

(3) The students of Concordia University at Austin Texas wishing to be admitted to the archives must be granted permission by the president of the university. He will then refer the request to the archivist and/or the district president.

C. Commissioned Pastoral Assistant Program

10.021 Personnel and Selection

a. The Board of Directors shall appoint a Commissioned Pastoral Assistant Program Coordinating Committee to review, monitor and develop a Commissioned Pastoral Assistant Program. The Committee shall consist of six ordained ministers, one of whom shall be designated the Program

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Supervisor. The Program shall be the responsibility of the District President and shall report to him at least semi-annually.

b. The Commissioned Pastoral Assistant will be selected and commissioned by the District and the local congregation.

c. An ordained pastor, preferably retired, will supervise the Commissioned Pastoral Assistant Program and will supply the authority and guidance of the pastoral ministry to and through the lay minister.

10.023 Functions and Duties

a. The Commissioned Pastoral Assistant Coordinating Committee shall review, monitor and develop

the Commissioned Pastoral Assistant Program in the District. It shall study the needs of communities and make recommendations to the District and assist the supervising pastor in carrying out the program.

b. The Commissioned Pastoral Assistant shall conduct worship services, administer the Sacraments, perform weddings, funerals, and other services as agreed upon by the congregation, the Supervisor and the Commissioned Pastoral Assistant Coordinating Committee.

c. The Supervisor, an ordained minister, will help the Commissioned Pastoral Assistant with his needs and problems, supply him with messages, monitor the relationship with the congregation, and supply the authority and guidance for the pastoral office. He will be the Called pastor of the congregation and assist it in making decisions and calls pertaining to the pastoral office.

D. District Reconcilers XI. FISCAL POLICY

11.009 Distribution of District's Surplus Funds

a. The Treasurer will notify in writing all District staff persons, indicating the total amount of "surplus funds."

b. The District Staff persons will share this information with their appropriate committees, agencies, and/or boards. They will invite their committees, agencies, and/or boards to develop a list of projects or needs with cost projections for the proposed use of the "surplus funds."

c. The District Staff persons will then meet with their appropriate boards and prioritize their lists according to need, providing justifications for their requests.

d. The District Staff persons will then meet and propose a prioritized list of projects to the Board of Directors.

e. The Board of Directors will then act upon these proposals at its earliest convenience. Universal Change: Circuit Counselor Visitor These Bylaw amendments have been reviewed by the Committee on Constitutional Matters. Notation Logistics: Blue markings are deleted from the text. Red markings that have been added to the text.

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IX. Report of the Credentials and Registration Comm ittee

2015 TEXAS DISTRICT LCMS CONVENTION Final Registration Report

Clergy Voting 216 Lay Voting 213

Total Voting 429 Ordained Advisory 25 Commissioned Advisory 12 District Staff 22 Synod Staff 3 Exhibitors 10 Guests 54 Non-Voting Attendance 126 TOTAL REGISTERED: 555 The registration numbers listed above do not include local volunteers such as worship leaders, musicians, pages, hospitality greeters, etc. Rev. Don Fraker, Registration Coordinator 2015 Texas District LCMS Convention

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X. Convention Roster

2015 CONVENTION DELEGATE ROSTER Ordained and Lay Delegates Attending

CITY CHURCH PASTOR LAY

Abilene Our Savior LaVerne Janssen David Atkins

Abilene Zion Clyde Kieschnick Craig Sanders

Alamo Zion Robert Holaday

Albany Trinity Tom Chandler

Amarillo Christ Carol Duncan

Amarillo Trinity Brian Hesse William Prestwood, III

Amarillo/Hereford Prince of Peace/Immanuel Joseph Andrajack Brandon Grubbs

Anderson Zion Kermit Bostelman Mark Meyer

Angleton Good Shepherd Robert Sweet TC Lipe

Arlington Beautiful Savior Brian Cummins David Ricks

Arlington Grace Russell Hildebrandt Scott Cunningham

Arlington Holy Cross Bill Lowrey Kathryn Lowrey

Athens St. John Seth Davidson

Austin ACTS Lakeway Peter Mueller

Austin Beautiful Savior M. J. Meyer Wayne Harned

Austin Bethany William Knippa Alan Albers

Austin Christ John Stennfeld Michael Zieschang

Austin Hope Peter Heckmann Edward Baumann

Austin Mt. Olive Paul Meyer Richard Fritsche

Austin Our Savior Eric Borchers Elving R. Lief

Austin Redeemer David Schroder Johnny Humphreys

Austin St. Paul Mark Nuckols Mark De Young

Azle Good Shepherd Craig Schinnerer Janet Adkins

Ballinger/Eola/Sonora/Ozona Bethel/Mt.Calvary/Hope/Faith Thomas Baden Betty Baden

Beaumont Redeemer Harvey F. Kelm, Jr. Jason Frugia

Beaumont St. John Douglas Rathgeber Doyle Erickson, Jr.

Bellmead St. Paul Larry Krueger Daniel Moravec

Big Spring Alive in Christ Andrew Bartholomew Angela Newton

Bishop St. Paul Matthew Ulmer Michael Denkeler

Boerne Messiah Jeannine Klem

Bowie St. Peter Larry Knobloch Gillis Hammett

Brady Mt. Calvary Benjamin Francisco David DeGroot

Brenham Bethlehem Mark Moldenhauer Paul Richter

Brenham/Lyons Grace/Immanuel Lee Kunkel William R. Krueger

Brownwood Grace Curtis Schneider Melvin Wende

Bryan Bethel Randy Bard

Burkburnett Grace Weslie Odom Gary Simmons

Carrollton Prince of Peace Micah Miller Ed Moerbe

Cedar Park Good Shepherd Matthew Headley

Centerville Our Savior Trey Rienstra

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CITY CHURCH ORD VOTING LAY VOTING

Cisco Redeemer Justin Odom

Clarksville/Mt. Pleasant St. John/Good Shepherd Mike Kimmel Curtis Duncan

Cleburne Ascension Jay Cornils

College Station Holy Cross Michael Hafer Paul Keiper

Colleyville Crown of Life Martin Richardson Larry Darlage

Conroe St. Mark David Quail Victor Schultz

Copperas Cove Immanuel Bernard Jones

Copperas Cove Trinity Bernard J. Schey Carl Phillips

Corinth Hope Wayne Hamit Allen Bahre

Corpus Christi Lord of Life Stephen N. Misch Robert Schultz

Corpus Christi Mt. Olive Kevin Jennings John Moseley

Corpus Christi Our Savior Richard Lofgren

Corpus Christi Trinity Dustin Beck

Corsicana Faith Joe Mashburn Timothy Schaefer

Crockett Grace Thomas St. Jean Dorothy St. Jean

Crosby Our Shepherd Jonathan F. Meyer David Averre

Cypress Lifebridge Michael Meissner

Cypress St. John Stephen DeMik Mark Froehlich

Dallas Bethel Randy Haedge Paul Fluegel

Dallas Zion Robert Preece Bill Medley

Del Rio Grace David Nielsen Lisa Nielsen

Denison Grace Michael Mattil Gorlyn Bronstad

Denton St. Paul Russell Tieken Richard Roberts

DeSoto Cros of Christ John DeYoung Gary Pate

Devine Divine Savior Odis Doyal Douglas Carberry

Eden/Menard Trinity/Grace Darrell Howanitz Tim Brewster

Edna St. Paul Paul Kaiser Raymond Born

Elgin Grace Carl Roth Thomas Brown

Fairview Immanuel Tab Ottmers Brian Ferguson

Farwell St. John David Symm Curtis Drager

Forney Water of Life James Jarrett Michael Lewis

Friendswood Hope Jon Petering John Loessin

Frisco Water's Edge Mark Schaefer Daniel Bodemann

Ft. Worth Christ John Coulborn

Ft. Worth Redeemer Clark Penas

Ft. Worth St. Paul John Messmann John Marut

Gainesville Faith Scott Sundbye Stephen Geray

Galveston St. John's Alan Taylor Norbert Roobaert

Garland Tree of Life Clint Thorson Lyle Livingston

Gatesville St. Paul John Heckmann Allen Duran

Georgetown Faith Walter Pohland Lance Kroesch

Georgetown Zion Kevin Hintze Chad Mathews

Giddings Immanuel Robert Tiner Alan Smith

Giddings St. John Dale Bohm Dennis Patschke

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CITY CHURCH ORD VOTING LAY VOTING

Giddings St. Paul John Schmidt Tim Hartfield

Gonzales/Smithville Abiding Word/Vineyard of Christ Kyle Backhaus Larry Fortune

Graham Faith Michael J. Ruhlig Tammy Ruhlig

Granbury Our Savior David Schatte David Townsend

Grand Prairie Faith James Schroeder

Groves St. Paul Richard Turner Mitchell Halbert

Gun Barrel City St. Peter Eric Stinnette

Hamilton St. John Keith Reich Jason Bussey

Harlingen St. Paul Nathan Wendorf Ryan Busse

Harrold/Iowa Park Immanuel/Trinity Samuel S. Wirgau

Haslet Holy Shepherd Chris Bramich Philip Heath

Hillsboro Christ Michael Nemec Charles Nemec

Houston Beautiful Savior Russell Strimple Vivian Ogrodowicz

Houston Christ Memorial Steven Simon Brenda Bohn

Houston Concordia August Pietsch

Houston Family of Faith Doug Krengel

Houston Gethsemane John Cain Milton Bade

Houston Gloria Dei Dan Schepmann Mary Ferguson

Houston Hilltop Seungwoong Ok

Houston Immanuel Jeffrey King Raymond Thomas

Houston Joy John Raddatz Linda Raddatz

Houston Memorial Ian Pacey Brian Boster

Houston Mount Calvary Samuel Cosby

Houston Mount Olive Randy Ledbetter John Norton

Houston Oikos Nelson Schmidt

Houston Pilgrim Larry Ogg

Houston St. Andrew Mark Koch Jeff Fox

Houston St. Luke George Berry

Houston St. Mark Scott Heitshusen Charles McDaniel

Houston St. Matthew Mark Wiesenborn Doyle DelBosque

Houston St. Matthew of Westfield Ron Bogs Justin Henderson

Houston St. Timothy Steve Henze Neil Bamsch

Houston Trinity David Leeland Stephen Maynard

Hurst Peace Jim Mueller Jeff Kamprath

Irving Our Redeemer Eloy Gonzalez Ralph Otte

Katy CrossPoint Paul Goeke Andy Smithwick

Katy Memorial John Davis Jerry Melcher

Keller Messiah Glenn Huebel Rick Liddle

Kilgore Pilgrim Jayson Galler J.D. Sampson

Killeen Grace Andrew Green Stephen Bell

Kingsville St. Paul Jacob Eckert

Kingwood Christ the King Al Doering Robert Sorge

Lago Vista Christ Our Savior David Hintze Gary Little

LaGrange Mt. Calvary Beverly Albers

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CITY CHURCH ORD VOTING LAY VOTING

Lampasas Faith Timothy Ochsner Kenneth Peiser

Laredo Faith Joseph Pelto

Leander ACTS Leander Philip Hohle

Lexington/Lexington St. James/Holy Trinity Jonathan Meyer Victor Yurk

Liberty Hill Mission Liberty Hill Paul Frerichs Paul Nortin

Lincoln Christ Paul Hartfield Ronnie Beisert

Livingston Trinity Frederick Wuensche

Longview Our Redeemer Dennis Bragdon Charles Comfort

Lubbock Hope Eric Hiner Michael Thomann

Lufkin First Evangelical Gerald Stidham

Magnolia Saint Paul Wendell Stavig Glenn Halfacre

Manheim Ebenezer Her Keistman Randy A Birnbaum

Mansfield St. John Bill Dasch Jarrett Jones

Mart/Marlin Grace/Grace Kurt Rutz Michael Denney

McAllen El Buen Pastor Ruben Dominguez

McAllen St. Paul Nathan Wollenberg Danny Hempel

McKinney Our Savior Stephen Maxwell

Mercedes Immanuel Jim Edge Kenneth Eilers

Midland Holy Cross Danny Anderson

Midland/Andrews Grace/Faith Robert Pase Thomas A. Wolfmueller

Monahans/Kermit St. Paul/Zion Michael Fickenscher Margaret Peterson

Montgomery Living Savior David Bailes Mark Lamprecht

Nacogdoches Redeemer Robert Kobler Steven Galatas

Navasota Salem Chris Richardson

Navasota Trinity Matthias Dinger Wayne Ganske

Nederland Holy Cross Francis Schroeder Michael Rose

New Braunfels Cross Don Fraker James Smith

Newark Victory in Christ Ryan Ogrodowicz Douglas Rohloff

North Zulch Bethlehem Randall Smith Lorne Theiss

Odem Trinity Travis Adams

Odessa Emmanuel G. Donald Loudenback James Heap

Olney St. Luke Sean Reeves William Jeske

Orange Grace Thomas Haas George Bohn

Palestine Bethlehem David Bergman Leanora Rosier

Pampa Zion Michael Erickson Kenneth May

Paris Beautiful Savior Wayne Renning James Luft

Paris Grace Toby Byrd Dennis Schmidt

Pasadena Zion David Sawhill Rickey Holderrieth

Pattison Christ Don Loeschen Dennis Keuneke

Pearland Epiphany Jon Salminen Larry Woelfel

Pearsall St. Peter Thomas Winter Edward Graf

Pflugerville Point of Grace Delton Weiser John Hunt

Plainview St. Paul Michael Heckmann Paul Drager

Plano Faith James Woelmer Gordon Wagoner

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CITY CHURCH ORD VOTING LAY VOTING

Plano Lord of Life Joel Shaltanis Michael Kunschke

Plano Messiah Victor Kollmann Harold Lehrmann

Port Arthur Trinity Timothy Dinger Arnold Schaefer

Riesel Trinity Robert Kitson Dennis Edwards

Rockport Peace Thomas Wagstaff Rita Wagstaff

Rockwall Our Savior Randy Heidrich

Rosenberg Trinity Wayne Schueler James Rudel, Jr.

Round Rock King of Kings Mark Dankis Alvin Bennett

San Angelo Trinity Randall Wehmeyer Dathan Simpson

San Antonio Concordia Benjamin Schrank Ron Lammert

San Antonio Crown of Life Mark Barz Christopher Benavides

San Antonio King of Kings Jeff Doria Edward Schweninger

San Antonio Mount Calvary Mark Pulliam Jim Koenig

San Antonio Mount Olive David Brockhouse Wayne Sova

San Antonio St. Paul Dave Murillo Tom Carter

San Benito St. John L. Lynn Lubke Eric Guerrero

San Marcos Grace William Bryson

Schertz Word of Life Fellowship Kenneth Mitschke Mark Stemmermann

Schulenburg Zion Alfred Gallmeier Michael Zuhn

Sealy Trinity Lee Hobratschk

Seguin Grace Richard Mittelstadt Dennis Krolczyk

Shamrock Trinity Rob Sandley Michelle Sandley

Smithville Grace Timothy Appel Edward Randle

Snyder Grace Jim Wright

Spring Resurrection Ric McMillian John Harris

Spring Trinity Chris Singer Jeffrey Everitt

Stephenville Faith Tom Konz Magan Carrasco

Sugar Land Fishers of Men Jerry McNamara

Sulphur Springs Our Savior Timothy Eden

Temple Immanuel Dana Wilhelmsen David Lockwood

Texas City Peace Matthew Brackman

The Woodlands Living Word Daniel Quinn

Thorndale St. Paul Scott Schaller Timothy Beard

Tomball Salem Timothy Niekerk Mark Knebel

Tomball Zion Chris Hull Larry Harvey

Tyler Trinity Art Hill John Goodwin

Uhland St. John George Lyons

Uvalde Trinity Donald Olson Scott Albrecht

Vernon St. Paul Paul Neuberger Mary Neuberger

Victoria Grace Chris Johnson Mancel (Church) Mueller

Waco Peace Stephen Rynearson Louis Marks

Waco St. Mark James Price Tim Griesse

Waller Zion Henry Wied Debra Wied

Wallis St. Paul Jan Johnson

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CITY CHURCH ORD VOTING LAY VOTING

Warda Holy Cross Dennis Tegtmeier Ron Zoch

Waxahachie Christ the King Robert Hemsath Kurt Hilsabeck

Weatherford Trinity Timothy Fraker Les Thornburg

Wharton St. John Ervin Zahn

Whitney Our Savior Philip Wottrich

Wichita Falls Our Redeemer Dale Snyder Kathlene Snyder

Wichita Falls St. Paul Kathy Kabell

Wilson St. Paul David Rohde

Winchester Saint Michael's Nathaniel Hill

Winnie Hope Robert LeBlanc Donald Gaus

Woodville/Jasper Faith/St. Paul Mark Follett Mark Denson

Woodway Trinity James Menke Glenn Hurta

Zapata Abiding Savior Landon Schkade, Jr. Larry Varvil

TOTALS Churches : 229 Ord. Voting: 201 Lay Voting: 204

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60th Convention

of The Texas District of

The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod

June 4-6, 2015

Preface The delegates of the Texas District gathered in their triennial convention in San Marcos, TX to conduct the business of the District. From the opening worship service to the gavel of adjournment, the assembly was led to open their eyes "The Mission Eyes of Jesus.” These Proceedings, along with the Convention Workbook, are prepared to provide an accurate account of the actions taken by the Texas District in Convention so that the business of the Church in this place might be preserved decently and in order for those who follow us. May God continue to guide the District to serve with "The Mission Eyes of Jesus.” In His Service, Rev. John Davenport Secretary of the Texas District

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I. Convention Minutes The 60th Convention of the Texas District of the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod took place June 4-6, 2015, at the Embassy Suites Hotel and Conference Center in San Marcos, Texas. The theme of the Convention was “The Mission Eyes of Jesus.” Registration began at 9:00a.m. on the 4th alongside Floor Committee Open Hearings ([#1] Mission and Ministry, [#2] Administration and Theology). Forty-seven vendors made available their products, resources and encouragements to the delegates and guests. A Prayer Room was available each morning beginning forty-five minutes before the Opening Devotion; the room was open throughout the duration of the Convention. On the Convention floor, fifteen minutes was set aside for singing before each day’s business began. President Reverend Ken Hennings gaveled the Convention to order moments after 1:00p.m. on Thursday (6/4) “in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.” President Hennings offered opening remarks, including profound thanks to God for His abundant blessings on the Texas District – missional growth, congregational growth and generous financial support. The President reminded the assembly that officers would be elected, reports received and resolutions considered. Hennings also quoted Synod’s Bylaws stating the reasons for District Conventions are to “afford opportunities for worship, nurture, inspiration, fellowship and the communication of vital information. They are the principal legislative assemblies, which amend the District’s Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws, consider and take actions on reports and overtures, and handle appropriate appeals.” Convention Chaplain Rev. Carlos Boerger was introduced and offered an opening prayer. The Convention welcomed San Marcos Mayor Daniel Guerrero to the podium, and the Mayor brought greetings from the city leadership to all in attendance. The opening devotion was led by Rev. Dr. Abjar Bahkou. Then followed the first presentation by Convention Essayist, Rev. Greg Seltz, Speaker of the Lutheran Hour. Following this first segment of Seltz’ essay, President Hennings commented, “Thank you, Greg, for getting us started on our Biblical journey of “The Mission Eyes of Jesus.” District First Vice-President Rev. Ralph Hobratschk walked attendees through a “primer” on Parliamentary Procedure. Rev. Walt Pohland familiarized the delegates with the keypads and technological delivery of voting results. The next order of business was to move to elections. Incumbent President Ken Hennings was elected on the first ballot. After receiving the warm congratulations of the assembly, Hennings expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to lead the District through the next triennium. He also took a moment to welcome to the podium (District “First Lady”) his wife, Val. The Convention expressed their affection and support with a standing ovation for Mrs. Hennings. Moving on to the elections of the District Vice-Presidents, unopposed incumbent VP (Area A) Rev. Dale Snyder was re-elected by acclamation. Incumbent VP (Area B) Rev. Eloy Gonzalez was re-elected. Incumbent VP (Area C) Rev. Mark Barz was re-elected, as was incumbent VP (Area D) Rev. Ralph Hobratschk. The Convention ranked the Vice-Presidents as follows: 1st Hobratschk; 2nd Gonzalez; 3rd Barz and 4th Snyder. President Hennings then gave his report to the delegates and guests. Included were details on demographic changes in the state of Texas, District staff changes, District website and finances. Throughout his moments at the microphone, President Hennings re-emphasized “God is guiding the mission and ministry of the Texas District.” Registrar Rev. Don Fraker updated the Convention on registration specifics. Chaplain Boerger led the assembly in prayer before Board and Committee elections. Rev. Kevin Westergren, chair of the Nominating Committee, led the Convention through these election processes. Re-elected to the District Board of Directors were Commissioned Minister Tim Miesner, Lay Person (Area C) Ron Lammert, and Lay Person (Area D) Karisa Schepmann. Lay Person (At large) Mr. Glenn Hurta was also elected. Newly elected to the Board of Mission Administration was Rev. Mark Junkans. Re-elected were Commissioned Minister Amber Schraeder and Lay Person Stephen Inglehart. Re-elected to the Concordia University Texas Board of Regents was Rev. Allen Doering and Lay Person Dr. Max Kiesling. Newly elected Regents were Commissioned Minister Cassandra Schermbeck and Lay Person Dr. Ted Crofford. Elected to the 2018 District Nominating Committee were Rev. Brian Hesse, Rev. Michael Mattil, Dr. Bill Knippa and incumbent Dr. David Bahn. Commissioned Ministers elected to the Nominating Committee were

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incumbents David Bangert and Steve Glandorf. Lay Persons elected to the Nominating Committee were incumbents Angela Newton and Glenn Pittsford and newcomer Mr. Louis Pabor. Elected as new District Secretary was Rev. Larry Krueger. Following the closing prayer by Chaplain Boerger, delegates and guests enjoyed dinner before returning for Convention Worship with Holy Communion. The preacher was Rev. Dr. Scott Murray, Vice-President of the LCMS. Then followed a Convention reception in the Spring Lake Ballroom. Friday, June 5, 2015, began Day Two of the Convention. The Prayer Room was open along with the vendors’ area. After a bit of singing, Rev. Pete Mueller led the opening devotion and Essayist Rev. Greg Seltz continued his presentation on “The Mission Eyes of Jesus.” At 9:30 a.m. Registrar Rev. Don Fraker reported in attendance 200 Clergy delegates, 208 Lay delegates and 112 guests/visitors for a total of 520 participants. The business of the day began with ratification of the slate of Circuit Visitors (appended) and the passing of the Omnibus resolution. Floor Committee #1 (Mission and Ministry, Chair Rev. Michael Mattil) successfully brought a total of five resolutions (appended) to the Convention Floor. Concluding this time at the Convention was a presentation to Mr. Michael Fuchs, outgoing Director of Texas Partners in Mission. Friday morning at the Convention saw President Hennings take a personal moment to introduce former Texas District Presidents and family members in attendance. Recognized were Rev. Dr. Jerry Kieschnick and wife Terry, Rev. Dr. Glenn O’Shoney and wife Sandra, and Jean Linderman (widow of the late President Jim Linderman). Also introduced were Delores Pabor (widow of the late President Louis Pabor), and Mrs. Ruth Wiederaenders (widow of the late President Roland P. Wiederaenders. Invited to the stage at this time, too, were the current Texas District Vice-Presidents and each one’s spouse. Business resumed and the Convention moved, seconded and approved to read only the “Resolved” portions of subsequent resolutions. Floor Committee #2 (Administration and Theology, Chair Rev. Larry Krueger) successfully brought ten resolutions (appended) to the Convention floor. The Committee also brought District Preamble and Bylaw changes to the assembly in consultation with the Synod Commission on Constitutional Matters. Friday afternoon the Convention welcomed to the microphone Synod President Rev. Matthew Harrison. After comments on the mission energy, financial challenges and overall health of the LCMS, President Harrison fielded questions from the floor. Concluding his remarks, President Harrison departed to attend two other District Conventions. Pastor Greg Seltz concluded on Friday afternoon his Essayist presentations and Chaplain Boerger closed the day’s business with prayer. Circuit caucuses were scheduled as needed; all vendors concluded their transactions and closed their displays. Saturday, June 6, began day three of the Convention. The Prayer Room was available and, after some singing, Rev. Aaron Lytle led the opening devotion. Before the Anniversary Recognition (wherein significant yearly milestones of Ordained and Commissioned workers are celebrated), Rev. Mark Nuckols was presented the bronze St. Martin of Tours medal recognizing his 20 years as a military chaplain. The assembly gave him a warm rising vote of thanks. Then followed the closing worship service led by President Ken Hennings. The Convention was gaveled to a Trinitarian conclusion by President Hennings just after 11:00a.m. Respectfully submitted, John M. Davenport District Secretary (2003-2015)

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II. Report of the President of the Texas District

Rev. Ken Hennings

60th Regular Convention San Marcos, TX

Introduction God has blessed the Texas District over the last three years. He is faithful and generous. He has placed into the DNA of the District His heart’s desire that all come to know Him and His Son, Jesus. From the very beginning of the Texas District in 1906, the focus of this District has been about the mission of God. There was population growth in 1906, and it continues today. The state of Texas is experiencing a very rapid increase in its population. A recent statement from demographers said that Texas would double its present population by 2050. It is my belief that God has put us here for just a time like this. He has blessed us in the past so that our focus is sharp for mission. This is His work, and we worship Him and obey Him in His call for the expansion of the Gospel proclamation. Theme “The Mission Eyes of Jesus” is an encouraging theme for us in a state experiencing much growth. The theme is based on John 4:35. This verse comes toward the end of Jesus’ encounter with a woman at Jacob’s well in Sychar. After recognizing Jesus as the promised Messiah, through a series of conversations started and guided by Jesus, the woman believes Jesus is the promised Messiah. She goes back into the city and shares her faith and changed life with the people of the town. A large number believe her message and go out to meet Jesus. It is during this time that Jesus tells his disciples to open their eyes and see that the fields are ready for harvest. The fields are ready for harvest in Texas. The Gospel message is being proclaimed by 390 congregations and mission stations connected with the Texas District. We thank God for His blessings and for His promise to be with us in the future work in His name. The harvest is great, and we need to pray for workers for the harvest field and to heed God’s call for each of us to connect with our community and neighbors sharing the love of God through Word and deed. We are again blessed to have President Matthew Harrison with us for a part of our convention. A number of districts are holding their conventions at the same time as ours, so President Harrison will only be with us for a very short time. I appreciate the effort he is making to be with us. He will address our convention Friday afternoon. Our regional Vice President, Rev. Dr. Scott Murray, will be the proclaimer during our worship service Thursday evening and will with us for the entire convention. Please thank President Harrison and Vice President Murray for their ministry among us. District Staff The Texas District experienced a number of staff changes since our last convention in 2012. Retirements and a move outside of Texas allowed the District to hire a professional company to help us take a look at where we’ve been and to explore options as we move forward. This exercise was very beneficial, and many of the suggestions have already been incorporated in the District office. The Rev. Dr. John Hirsch retired at the end of June last year. John had served the District as Congregation and Worker Care for 18 years. We thank God for the blessings John provided to many workers and congregations. He continues, on a limited basis, to assist the President’s office with congregational call lists as well as assessing potential mission planters. He will not be present with us at this convention because he is serving as the major presenter at the Kansas District Convention. Mr. Paul Krentz , who served as Mission and Ministry Facilitator (MMF) for Area B of our District, retired at the end of December 2014. Paul was one of the original staff called to serve as MMF. He has been a hard worker over the years and has blessed many professional workers, congregations, and ministries in Area B and throughout the District. Until a new MMF is on board, Paul continues to handle Director of Christian Education call lists and requests. Mr. Michael Fuchs will retire at the end of June 2015. He has served as Executive Director of Texas Partners in Mission since 2007. During his tenure with the District, he has put a visual face on our mission work. He has shared stories about our missionaries and has raised our awareness of God’s many blessings among us. Texas Partners in Mission has raised an annual average of $400,000 in gifts over the last three years from individuals and organizations. These gifts have been a great blessing to the mission of the District.

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There will be a time on Saturday morning to recognize and thank God for the ministries of John, Hirsch, Paul Krentz, and Michael Fuchs. All of these people have been a blessing to many. Early this year God called to glory two people who had spent many years working in the District office. Dr. Keith Loomans who formerly served many years in the Parish Services Department and later became one of our first MMFs died on February 5, 2015. The second person, Helen Hagood, served as an administrative assistant for 37 years and died on March 10, 2015. She had the privilege to serve with five Texas district presidents. The MMFs, Jon Braunersreuther, Mike Newman and Steve Misch have assisted congregations and mission networks to begin new Word and Sacrament ministries. The District continues to plant more new congregations than any other district in Synod, and rightly so. The influx of new people moving to Texas shows no sign of slowing. In addition to new congregations, our District has been blessed with a number of new mission networks. These networks have a mission vision for starting ministries that can lead to a Word and Sacrament congregation. The MMFs are giving good leadership to both congregations and networks as we follow God’s mission heart. The District Treasurer, Linda Hagge, oversees the gifts of God’s people that are given to the District. She is conscientious about managing our resources so that support to congregations and the mission expansion are funded. Her office also assists many congregational treasurers in carrying out their responsibilities on the local level. You will want to read her report. The Texas District has also been blessed with Dr. Bill Hinz, who supports over 100 congregations with an early childhood center or elementary/secondary school. He and his office assist in the placement and calls for commissioned ministers and the support of principals. Our early childhood centers and schools provide a special opportunity to share the Gospel with children and parents. The Texas District has been blessed from its beginning with a Church Extension Fund ready to assist congregations with building and land needs. Executive Director Steve Block, Directors Pam Herber and Bill Siegrist, and the other staff members serve many and have added new services. Say a "Thank You" to them for the duffle bags distributed at the convention registration tables. As mentioned above, Michael Fuchs, will retire at the end of June. Lanny Moore is stepping into the role of Executive Director of Texas Partners in Mission. He served for many years in the development department of Concordia University Texas and is known by many people in Texas. He is available to share the story about the Texas District mission movement and about how Texas Partners in Mission makes a positive impact on the mission. Gwen Hohle serves as the administrative assistant in the president’s office. Her years of church and ministry experience as a commissioned minister are a blessing to church workers and members of congregations. She also oversees the handling of the forms required by Synod. She is joined by the new office manager, Meredith Wright and Carole Stevenson, another administrative assistant, to make up the President’s Team. This team’s focus is serving people and ministries on the front line throughout the District. Keith Howanitz keeps the district office and staff productive with computer services. Electronic communication is vital to communications today, and as System Administrator Keith keeps up with the latest in the field and the real threats that come with this communication. The support staff at the District is comprised of dedicated workers who understand and support the mission of the District. They are working at adapting to new demands and challenges in their respective areas. It is truly an honor and joy to work with such dedicated people! The Texas District has also been blessed with auxiliary ministries that support the mission. Concordia University Texas, Lutheran Social Services, Lutheran Outdoor Ministries of Texas, Lutheran Foundation of Texas, Lutheran Women's Missionary League, Lutheran Laymen's League, and Lutherans for Life all contribute to the vital support of mission and ministry to congregations and their members. Web-Site The Texas District's web-site provides a wealth of information for individuals and congregations. There are a variety of forms and check lists to assist congregations experiencing a vacancy or other ministry needs. The web-site has a vast amount of information regarding the mission movement in Texas, including educational pieces on mission planting. Information on up-coming District events, where and how to register, and agendas can also be found on the site. Resources on stewardship, calling of a pastor, Mission and Ministry Facilitators, Texas Partners in Mission, CEF, school ministry, and other areas are available. The web-site provides an opportunity for people to sign up for our mission prayer ministry to receive a weekly prayer updates about missionaries and ministry. Links to web-site of Synod, Concordia University Texas, Lutheran Outdoor Ministries of Texas, Lutheran Social Services of the South, and many other sites will provide more helpful information. The Texas District web-site's address is: www.txdistlcms.org.

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District Finances The treasurer's report can be found in another part of this convention workbook. It shows that congregations continue to be challenged by the cost of ministry at the local level. Total revenue from all sources is slowly decreasing. Expenses have been below expectations which means that the District operated in the black the last three years. Over the years, the Texas District has sought to develop funding from other sources. Without these additional income sources, the District would struggle in supporting new mission work in our state. Even though the amount of dollars to Synod has decreased, the percentage that we give from the unrestricted funds has basically stayed the same. We were able to send in more money than we anticipated in 2014. Thank you for walking together with the District and our support of Synod. Income to the District comes from five main sources. By and large, the largest income is from congregations. They have been and will continue to be the backbone of the District's ability to begin new congregations and support existing congregations. Vice Presidents/Circuit Visitors We have truly been blessed to have dedicated men to serve as vice presidents and circuit visitors. All of them are an extension of the president's office and have graciously given many hours over the years. The vice presidents carry out all of the pre-seminary interviews, and they attend, preach and/or officiate at many ordinations, installations, funerals, major congregational events, and support professional church workers in their area. Meeting one day before the Board of Directors' meeting, they have given council and support to the district president. It has been a joy and honor working with such great churchmen. I also appreciate and thank God for the circuit visitors of our District and the commitment they have given through their office. Circuit visitors work closely with vacant congregations along with the Mission and Ministry Facilitators. They meet regularly with the pastors of their circuit for mutual support and growth. They are usually the first ones to know of congregational issues or professional church worker challenges and act in appropriate ways to bring encouragement and support. These men have been very supportive of the president's office and the District. Convention Offering The District has had an opportunity to designate a special ministry to receive the offering taken at our communion service. Congregations are encouraged to take a special offering for their delegates to bring to this worship service. This year’s offering will go to Concordia University Texas for the building of a chapel on campus. Mr. Ed Trapp was a successful business person who was very generous to Lutheran causes while he was alive. The Lord called him to his heavenly home in 2014. Ed served on a number of different ministry boards during his lifetime including the Board of Directors of Lutheran Social Services of the South and the Board of Directors of the Synod. Ed arranged his estate to be a blessing for a number of ministries including a gift of $1,400,000 for the building or ongoing support of a chapel on the campus of Concordia University Texas. Our offering this year will enable Concordia to take another step toward eventually building this facility which would be a landmark of Christ centered living and worship. Thank you for the offering you give to help accomplish this needed facility! Conclusion Jesus called His disciples, in John 4:35, to open their eyes and see “that the fields are white for harvest.” My prayer is for each of us to have the mission eyes of Jesus as we live our lives and engage in mission and ministry in Texas. Hundreds of thousands people are living in Texas who do not know of Jesus’ love, forgiveness and newness of life given in His death and resurrection. We might have the tenancy to see them as people who wouldn’t be interested in our Gospel message. Many might have thought the same about the Samaritan woman at the well, but Jesus saw her in a different way. Jesus came into this world even for her. May we have this view of people living in our communities! “Father, give us the mission eyes of Jesus.”

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III. Membership of Synod

RECEPTION INTO MEMBERSHIP WITH THE SYNOD

The following new congregations were received into membership with the Synod as reported to the Convention by the Board of Directors.

2012

Austin, Acts Church, Lakeway, March 28

San Angelo, Joy Lutheran Church, March 28

2013

Coppell, SoulThirst Church , May 29 Fresno, Trinity Lutheran Church, Missouri City , December 3

Gonzales, Abiding Word , July 30 Grapevine, The Vine , October 1

Houston, Our Redeemer (Telegu) , December 3 Liberty Hill, Mission Liberty Hill , March 26

Victoria, Christ The King Lutheran Church, Mission Valley , December 3

2014

Hurst, The Antiochian Apostolic Church , July 22 Houston, Oikos Lutheran Church , December 2

NEW CHURCH STARTS

2012

Lake Worth, The Edge , April 8

Dallas, The Crossing Church , March 25 Fairfield, Family of Faith Multisite , September 9

Grapevine, The Vine , October 1 Houston, Centro Cristianno Adulam , July 1

Houston, Redeemed People Church , October 1 Leakey, Leakey Mission , February 5

Sealy, Lifebridge Lutheran Church , November 4

2013

Cuero, Christ the King , December 3 Dallas, Iglesia Santa Cruz , March 24

Houston, Iglesia Cristiana Emanuel , June 8 Houston, Palabra de Restauracion y Vida , December 22

Hurst, The Antiochian Apostolic Church , May 31 Leander, ACT Church , May 5

Pasadena, Casa de Oracion , March 10

2014

Carrollton, Comunidad Cristiana de Fe , August 3 Galena Park, Centro Evangelistico Jehova Jireth , April 15

Houston, Centro Cristiano Familiar , January 26 Houston, Fellow-Citizens in Christ , February 2

Houston, Adelphos Bible Church , March 15 Houston, Memorial Telegu Church of Houston , July 6

Houston, NewSong Communities , September 7 Houston, Beautiful Savior (North Campus) , October 12

Houston, Community of Hope Church Northwest , December 7 Kenedy, Eagle Ford Church , May 6

Missouri City, Crossroads Lutheran Church , September 28

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CONGREGATIONS REMOVED

2012

Belton, Prince of Peace , January 17

2013

Bastrop, Prince of Peace , December 17

2014

Portland, Fishers of Faith , February 19 San Angelo, Joy , October 30 Watauga, Zion , September 29

The following new pastors were reported to the convention as having been ordained and installed, and have signed the Constitution of Synod for full recognition as official members of The Lutheran Church─Missouri Synod.

ORDAINED AND INSTALLED

2012

Rev. James A. Autry , (SMP) Ordained January 22 by Rev. Ken Hennings at Trinity, Odem, and installed January 22 at Trinity, Odem, by Rev. Ken Hennings to serve Trinity, Odem, as Pastor

Rev. Douglas L. Bielefeldt , (SMP, St. Louis) Ordained May 27 by Rev. David Schroder at Shepherd of the Hills, San Antonio, and installed May 27 at Shepherd of the Hills, San Antonio, by Rev. David Schroder to serve Shepherd of the Hills, San Antonio, as Associate

Rev. Kermit C. Bostelman , (Fort Wayne) Ordained June 24 by Rev. Peter Marcis at St. Paul, Napoleon, Ohio, and installed July 29 at Zion, Anderson, by Rev. Ralph Hobratschk to serve Zion, Anderson as Pastor

Rev. Benjamin Braun , (St. Louis) Ordained June 24 by Rev. Dr. Wayne Braun at Lamb of God, Flower Mound, and installed July 15 at Mt. Olive, Austin, by Rev. Ken Hennings to serve Mt. Olive, Austin as Associate

Rev. David Alan Brockhouse , (St. Louis) Ordained March 18 by Rev. Ken Hennings at Mt. Olive Evangelical, San Antonio, and installed March 18 at Mt. Olive Evangelical, by Rev. Ken Hennings to serve Mt. Olive Evangelical, San Antonio, as Pastor

Rev. Seth Thomas Davidson , (St. Louis) Ordained June 10 by Rev. Ralph Hobratschk at Holy Cross, Nederland, and installed June 10 at Holy Cross, Nederland, by Rev. Ralph Hobratschk to serve Holy Cross, Nederland as Associate

Rev. Timothy P. Eden , (St. Louis) Ordained June 30 by Rev. Eric Tritten at Good Shepherd, Lake Orion, MI, and installed July 8 at Our Savior, Sulphur Springs, by Rev. Dr. Wayne Renning to serve Our Savior, Sulphur Springs, as Pastor

Rev. Aaron D. Goeke , (SMP, St. Louis) Ordained January 8 by Rev. Ken Hennings at Messiah, Boerne, and installed January 8 at Messiah, Boerne, by Rev. Richard C. Pfaff to serve Messiah, Boerne, as Associate

Rev. Travis M. Hartjen , (SMP, St. Louis) Ordained January 15 by Rev. Ken Hennings at Water's Edge, Allen, and installed January 15 at Water's Edge, Allen, by Rev. Ken Hennings to serve the Water's Edge, Frisco Mission, as Pastor

Rev. Nathan Wade Hill , (St. Louis) Ordained June 10 by Rev. Ken Hennings at Tree of Life, Garland, and installed June 24 at St. Michael's, Winchester, by Rev. John Schmidt to serve St. Michael's, Winchester, as Pastor

Rev. James C. Jarrett , (Ft. Wayne) Ordained February 12 by Rev. Dr. Robert Preece at Water of Life, Forney, and installed February 12 at Water of Life, Forney, by Rev. Dr. Robert Preece to serve Water of Life, Forney, as Pastor

Rev. Robert "Gabe" Kasper , (St. Louis) Ordained June 3 by Rev. Dr. Robert E. Kasper at St. Peter, Macomb, MI, and installed July 1 at ACTS Church Lakeway, by Rev. Michael Newman to serve the Texas District Board of Mission Administration as Missionary

Rev. Lannon Martin , (Ft. Wayne) Ordained June 3 by Rev. Paul Grime at St. Paul, Grafton, WI, and installed July 15 at Alive in Christ, Big Spring, by Rev. Robert Pase to serve Alive in Christ. Big Spring, as Pastor

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Rev. Craig D. Meissler , (St. Louis) Ordained May 27 by Rev. David Schroder at Shepherd of the Hills, San Antonio, and installed May 27 at Shepherd of the Hills, San Antonio, by Rev. David Schroder to serve Shepherd of the Hills, San Antonio, as Associate

Rev. Stephen Nathan Misch , (St. Louis) Ordained July 8 by Rev. Steve Misch at Lord of Life, Corpus Christi, and installed July 8 at Lord of Life, Corpus Christi, by Rev. Kevin Jennings to serve Lord of Life, Corpus Christi, as Pastor

Rev. Tyler Moore , (St. Louis) Ordained June 24 by Rev. Wally M. Arp at St. Lukes, Oviedo, Florida, and installed July 29 at Good Shepherd, Cedar Park, by Rev. Dr. John Hirsch to serve Good Shepherd, Cedar Park, as Associate

Rev. John David Mull , (St. Louis) Ordained August 5 by Rev. Eloy S. Gonzalez at St. Peter, Roanoke, and installed August 5 at St. Peter, Roanoke, by Rev. Robert Balduc to serve St. Peter, Roanoke, as Church Planter

Rev. David G. Nielsen , (St. Louis) Ordained March 18 by Rev. Ken Hennings at Grace Evangelical, Del Rio, and installed March 18 at Grace Evangelical, Del Rio, by Rev. Ken Hennings to serve Grace Evangelical, Del Rio, as Pastor

Rev. Weslie Thomas Odom , (Ft. Wayne) Ordained July 15 by Rev. Dale Snyder at Grace, Burkburnett, and installed July 15 at Grace, Burkburnett, by Rev. Dale Snyder to serve Grace, Burkburnett, as Pastor

Rev. Nelson Rodriguez , (St. Louis) Ordained March 18 by Rev. Donald Black at Comunidad de Garcia (LINC), Houston, and installed March 18 at Comunidad de Garcia, Houston, by Rev. Donald Black to serve Comunidad de Garcia, Houston, as Pastor

Rev. Andrew David Roettjer , (St. Louis) Ordained June 10 by Rev. Mark Koch at St. Mark, Houston, and installed June 10 at St. Mark, Houston, by Rev. Mark Koch to serve St. Mark, Houston, as Associate

Rev. Aaron A. Tilt , (SMP, St. Louis) Ordained May 27 by Rev. David Schroder at Shepherd of the Hills, San Antonio, and installed May 27 at Shepherd of the Hills, San Antonio, by Rev. David Schroder to serve Shepherd of the Hills, San Antonio, as Associate

Rev. Donald N. Welmer , (St. Wayne) Ordained June 24 by Rev. Michael Welmer at Epiphany, Houston, and installed July 22 at Messiah, Plano, by Rev. Dr. Victor J. Kollmann to serve Messiah, Plano, as Associate

Rev. Samuel S. Wirgau , (Ft. Wayne) Ordained June 24 by Rev. Roger Rohde at Redeemer, Ft. Wayne, IN, and installed July 8 at Immanuel, Harrold, by Rev. Larry Knobloch to serve Immanuel, Harrold and Trinity, Iowa Park, as Pastor

Rev. Nathan Wollenberg , (St. Louis) Ordained July 8 by Rev. James Kuerulainen at Holy Trinity, Terryville, CT, and installed July 22 at St. Paul, McAllen, by Rev. Ken Hennings to serve St. Paul, McAllen, as Associate Rev. Juan Antonio Zamora , (St. Louis) Ordained April 1 by Rev. Ken Hennings at Our Redeemer, Irving, and installed April 1 at Our Redeemer, Irving, by Rev. Dr. Robert Preece to serve Our Redeemer, Irving, as Associate

2013

Rev. Dr. Abjar Bahkou , (Colloquy) Installed September 22 at Peace, Hewitt, by Rev. Steve Rynearson, to serve Peace, Hewitt, as Assistant

Rev. Timothy R. Carter , (SMP) (St. Louis) Ordained December 1 by Rev. Ken Hennings at Salem, Tomball, and installed December 1 at Salem, Tomball, by Rev. Ken Hennings to serve Salem, Tomball, as Associate

Rev. Adam Douthwaite ,(St. Louis) Ordained June 16 by Rev. William Douthwaite, III at Shepherd of the Coast, Palm Coast, FL, and installed July 7 at Our Redeemer, Dallas, by Rev. Ken Hennings to serve Our Redeemer, Dallas as Associate

Rev. Dustin Keith Kear , (St. Louis) Ordained June 16 by Rev. Donald Neidigk at Calvary, Rio Rancho, New Mexico, and installed July 7 at Calvary, Rio Rancho, NM, by Rev. Mark Barz to serve St. Paul, Harlingen as Associate

Rev. William Kyle Kirk , (St. Louis) Ordained January 20 by Rev. David Bergman at Trinity, Tyler, and installed January 20 at Trinity, Tyler, by Rev. Art Hill to serve Trinity, Tyler, as Specific Ministry Pastor

Rev. Micah D. Miller , (St. Louis) Ordained June 30 by Rev. John Kunze at Messiah, Lincoln, NE, and installed July 28 at Prince of Peace, Carrollton, by Rev. Dr. Luther Biggs to serve Prince of Peace, Carrollton, as Associate

Rev. Jacob Daniel Parsons , (St. Louis) Ordained February 24 by Rev. Ken Hennings at Peace, Hurst, and installed February 24 at Peace, Hurst, by Rev. Walt Waiser to serve Peace, Hurst, as Associate

Rev. Benjamin I. Scheck , (SMP) (St. Louis) Ordained January 6 by Rev. Ken Hennings at Crown of Life, Colleyville, and installed January 6 at Crown of Life, Colleyville, by Rev. David R. Jung to serve Crown of Life, Colleyville, as Assistant, Specific Ministry Pastor

10

Rev. Benjamin J. Schrank , (St. Louis) Ordained June 23 by Rev. Dr. Jeffery T. Schrank at Christ Church, Phoeniz, AZ, and installed July 14 at Concordia, San Antonio, by Rev. William H. Tucker to serve Concordia, San Antonio, as Assistant

Rev. Doug D. Widger , (SMP) (St. Louis) Ordained January 13 by Rev. Eloy Gonzalez at St. Paul, Ft. Worth, and installed January 13 at St. Paul, Ft. Worth, by Rev. John Messmann to serve St. Paul, Ft. Worth as Assistant Rev. Jimmy L. Wright , (Pastoral Colloquy) installed April 14 at Grace, Snyder by Rev. Dale Snyder to serve Grace, Snyder as Pastor

2014 Rev. Kyle L. Backhaus , (Fort Wayne) Ordained June 29 by Rev. Thomas P. Gudmundson at St. Paul, Sheboygan, WI., and installed August 24 at Vineyard of Christ, Rosanky, by Rev. Ken Hennings to serve Vineyard of Christ, Rosanky, as Pastor

Rev. Andrew P. Bartholomew , (St. Louis) Ordained June 22 by Rev. Richard Bartholomew at Alive in Christ, Big Spring, and installed June 22 at Alive in Christ, Big Spring, by Rev. Robert Pase to serve Alive in Christ, Big Spring, as Pastor

Rev. William R. Brimer , (SMP) (St. Louis) Ordained June 29 by Rev. J. Patrick Miller at SoulThirst, Coppell, and installed June 29 at SoulThirst, Coppell, by Rev. J. Patrick Miller to serve SoulThirst, Coppell, as SMP

Rev. William Michael Cody , (SMP) (St. Louis) Ordained December 7 by Rev. Dale Snyder at Good Shepherd, Iowa Park, and installed December 14 at Good Shepherd, Iowa Park, by Rev. Dale Snyder to serve Good Shepherd, Iowa Park, as Pastor

Rev. Theodore A. Doering , (St. Louis) Ordained July 6 by Rev. Allen Doering at Christ the King, Kingwood, and installed July 27 at Faith, Georgetown, by Rev. Mark Barz, to serve Faith, Georgetown, as Church Planter Rev. Timothy D. Fraker , (St. Louis) Ordained July 27 by Rev. Donald Fraker at Cross, New Braunfels, and installed August 3 at Trinity, Weatherford, by Rev. Craig Schinnerer to serve Trinity, Weatherford, as Pastor

Rev. Joe Gonzalez , (SMP) (St. Louis) Ordained January 5 by Rev. Ralph Hobratschk at Epiphany, Pearland, and installed January 5 at Epiphany, Pearland, by Rev. Ralph Hobratschk to serve Epiphany, Pearland, as Associate

Rev. Michael A. Heckmann , (St. Louis) Ordained July 6 by Rev. John Heckmann at St. Paul, The Grove, Gatesville, and installed July 20 at St. Paul, Plainview, by Rev. David Symm to serve St. Paul, as Pastor

Rev. Bradley Wayne Jurischk , (SMP) (St. Louis) Ordained December 6 by Rev. Ken Hennings at St. Timothy, Houston, and installed December 6 at St. Timothy, Houston, by Rev. Steve Henze to serve St. Timothy, Houston, as SMP

Rev. William Robert Kemp , (Colloquy) Ordained November 2 by Rev. Ken Hennings at Water’s Edge, Frisco, and installed November 2 at Water’s Edge, Frisco, by Rev. Mark Schaefer to serve Water’s Edge, Frisco, as Associate

Rev. Wilson Irfan Mahmood , (Alternate Route Pastor) (St. Louis) Ordained November 9 by Rev. Dr. Wayne A. Renning at Concordia, Garland, and installed November 9 at Concordia, Garland, by Rev. Dr. Wayne A. Renning to serve the Texas District Board of Mission Administration, as Missionary Rev. Antonio Mercado , (Alternate Route Pastor) (St. Louis) Ordained February 16 by Rev. Ralph Hobratschk at Redeemer, Baytown, and installed February 16 at Redeemer, Baytown, by Rev. Ralph Hobratschk to serve LINC Houston, as Missionary at Large

Rev. David Murillo , (St. Louis) Ordained September 14 by Rev. Ken Hennings at St. Paul, San Antonio, and installed September 14 at St. Paul, San Antonio, by Rev. Carlos P. Boerger to serve St. Paul, San Antonio as Associate

Rev. Clint O. Thorson , (St. Louis) Ordained July 13 by Rev. Eloy S. Gonzalez at Tree of Life, Garland, and installed July 13 at Tree of Life, Garland, by Rev. Paul Ferguson to serve Tree of Life, Garland, as Pastor

ORDAINED REINSTATED AND INSTALLED

2012

Rev. James Jeffrey Baxter, to Pastor, Our Redeemer, Palacios, August 19 by Rev. Robert LeBlanc

2013 & 2014 (none)

11

The following new educators were reported to the convention as having been commissioned and installed, and have signed the Constitution of Synod for full recognition as official members of The Lutheran Church─Missouri Synod.

COMMISSIONED AND INSTALLED COMMISSIONED MINISTERS

2012

Nathan Bahr , River Forest, Lutheran South Academy, Houston, August 17, Rev. Aaron Kalbas Lindsay Bartling , Seward, Zion, Dallas, August 19, Rev. Dr. Robert Preece Kristin Becker , Austin, Lutheran High, San Antonio, August 24, Rev. Mark Barz Erin Busch , Seward, Camp Lone Star, LaGrange, Commissioned/Installed Mt. Calvary, LaGrange, September 23, Rev. William Qualman Nicole Carmines , Austin-Colloquy, Concordia, San Antonio, March 25, Rev. William Tucker Matthew Cattau , Seward, Salem, Tomball, August 26, Rev. Wayne Graumann Marilyn DeWulf , Austin, Salem, Tomball, January 29, Rev. Wayne Graumann Rosemarie Duffy , Austin, Concordia, Tomball, August 22, Rev. Steven Henze Lauren Eickemeyer , Seward, LEAH/Westlake Prep, Richmond, Commissioned/Installed at Immanuel, Houston, September 9, Rev. Dr. Donn Williams Brett Ellis , Austin-Colloquy, Epiphany, Houston, October 14, Rev. Michael Welmer Kristen Erixon , River Forest, Zion, Dallas, Commissioned Salem, Jacksonville, IL, June 10, Rev. Peter Brechbuhl Installed Zion, Dallas, August 19, Rev. Dr. Robert Preece Rebeca Gibson , Austin-Colloquy, LEAH/Westlake Prep, Richmond, Commissioned/Installed at Crosspoint, Katy, November 3, Rev. Bill Woolsey John Hanson , DCE, Austin, Fishers of Men, Sugar Land, June 3, Rev. Jerry McNamara Kacie Krause , Austin, Prince of Peace, Carrollton, August 12, Rev. Dr. Luke Biggs Kelly Landstrom , River Forest, Zion, Dallas, Commissioned Trinity, Lisle, IL, July 29, Installed Zion, Dallas, August 19, Rev. Dr. Robert Preece David Lang , Austin-Colloquy, Prince of Peace, Carrollton, August 12, Rev. Dr. Luke Biggs Kimberly Lauder , Austin-Colloquy, Salem, Tomball, January 29, Rev. Wayne Graumann Matthew Lee , DCE, Austin, Messiah, Plano, June 3, Rev. Victor Kollmann Robert Lunak , River Forest, St. Paul, McAllen, July 22, Rev. Kenneth Hennings, Pres. TX Dist Kevin Moerbe , DCE, Austin, St. Peter, Roanoke, June 24, Rev. Robert Balduc Elizabeth Mossbarger , Austin, St. Paul, Thorndale, June 27, Rev. James Mann Kimberly Mueller , Seward, Prince of Peace, Carrollton, January 15, Rev. Luke Biggs Eric Oblinger , Austin-Colloquy, Concordia, Tomball, August 22, Rev. Steven Henze Emily Owen , DCO, St. Paul, Concordia, San Antonio, November 11, Rev. William Tucker Michael Palomaki , Seward, Concordia, Tomball, August 22, Rev. Steven Henze Sarah Radtke , Mequon, Concordia HS, Round Rock, Commissioned/Installed King of Kings, Round Rock, August 12, Rev. Richard Mittwede Perla Gil de Rodriguez , Deaconess, St. Louis, Inter-City Network Coalition, Houston, Commissioned/Installed Comunidad de Gracia, Houston, March 18, Rev. Donald Black Brittany Sawyer , Seward, St. Paul, McAllen, July 22, Rev. Kenneth Hennings, Pres. TX Dist Heidi Schatte , Austin-Colloquy, Salem, Tomball, January 29, Rev. Wayne Graumann Emilie Schultz , Seward, St. Paul, McAllen, July 22, Rev. Kenneth Hennings Steve Stiegler , Principal, Austin-Colloquy, Grace Lutheran, Arlington, March 18, Rev. Russell Hildenbrandt Jaimie (Gerard) Thomas , Austin, LEAH/Lutheran South Academy, Houston, August 17, Rev. Aaron Kalbas Linda Whitson , Austin-Colloquy, Salem, Tomball, January 29, Rev. Wayne Graumann Alma Zamora , Deaconess, St. Louis, Our Redeemer, Irving, Commissioned-April 1, Rev, Ken Hennings, Installed- April 1, Rev. Robert Preece

2013

Kathryn Amendt , DCE, Austin, Word of Life Fellowship, Schertz, June 30, Rev. Kenneth Mitschke Sarah Baker , Austin-Colloquy, Concordia University, Austin, February 1, Rev. Kenneth Hennings, Pres. TX Dist Jennifer (Cannon) Barr , Austin-Colloquy, St. Paul, Ft. Worth, February 17, Rev. Dr. John Messmann Jacqueline M. Britton , Mequon, Trinity, San Angelo, August 25, Rev. Randall Wehmeyer William Brusick , Dir of Parish Music, Chicago, Trinity-Klein, Spring, April 14, Rev. Richard Noack Katelyn Butts , Seward, Prince of Peace, August 15, Rev. Micah Miller Rebecca Cavage , Austin, St. Paul, Harlingen, August 18, Rev. Nathan Wendorf Anthony Celia , Dir. of Parish Music, Austin, Water’s Edge, Frisco, May 12, Rev. Mark Schaefer Kadie Cleveland , DCE, Austin, First Lutheran, Texarkana, July 7, Dr. Barry Kolb Elizabeth Farren , Seward, LEAH/Lutheran South Academy, Houston, August 23, Rev. Daniel Schepmann Jonathan Fraker , Austin, Zion, Georgetown, September 22, Rev. John Davenport Joseph Gastler , Dir. of Parish Music, Austin, Trinity, Woodway, March 10, Rev. James Menke Jennifer Gross , DCE, Austin, St. Paul, Ft. Worth, September 22, Rev. John Messmann Aaron James , DCE, Austin, Our Savior, McKinney, August 11, Rev. Timothy Radkey

12

Tracy (LeMaster) King , Austin, Trinity-Klein, Spring, April 14, Rev. Dr. Richard Noack Teshia Krause , Austin, Epiphany, Houston, August 18, Rev. Jeffrey Muchow Elizabeth Miller , River Forest, Our Savior, Houston, August 18, Rev. Laurence White Ross Owens , DCE, Austin, Gloria Dei, Houston, July 7, Rev. Dan Schepmann JoAnna Pugh , Irvine, Our Redeemer, Dallas, August 18, Rev. Brent McGuire Rachel Schlie , Music Dir, Mequon, Resurrection, Fredericksburg, January 6, Rev. Willis McCall Jesse Schaefer , DCE, Austin, Bd. of Mission Admin, Austin, Commissioned/Installed ACTS, Leander, November 10, Rev Gabe Kasper Jane (Martin) Tauscher , Austin, St Paul, Ft. Worth, February 17, Rev. Dr. John Messman David Thomson , Austin, LEAH/Lutheran South Academy, Houston, August 23, Rev. Daniel Schepmann Jason Wallingsford , DCE, Austin, Crosspoint, Katy, September 29, Rev. Steve Wiechman Rebecca Warsinski , Irvine, Prince of Peace, Carrollton, August 15, Rev. Micah Miller Michael Weil , River Forest, Concordia HS, Round Rock, Commissioned/Installed Faith, Georgetown, September 15, Rev. Walter Pohland Abby (Klein) Whitaker , Seward, Prince of Peace, Carrollton, August 15, Rev. Micah Miller Levi Wiseman , Seward, Lutheran High, San Antonio, November 13, Rev. William Tucker Katherine (Cox) Wollenberg , Mequon, St. Paul, McAllen, August 11, Rev. Dr. Robert Holaday

2014 David Angerman , Dir of Parish Music, Austin-Colloquy, Bethany, Austin, August 3, Rev. William Knippa Kimberly Angerman , Dir of Parish Music, Austin-Colloquy, Bethany, Austin, August 3, Rev. William Knippa Joanne Antrim , Asst. Professor, Austin, Concordia University, Austin, February 10, Rev. Kenneth Hennings, Dist. Pres. Cherie Auger , Deaconess, Concordia Theological Seminary, Ft. Wayne, IN, Commissioned/Installed Christ Lutheran, Ft Worth, TX, August 10, Rev. Kenneth Hennings, Pres. TX Dist, International Missions Matthew Boyer , Seward, Dallas Lutheran, Dallas, Commissioned/Installed Our Savior, Rockwall, September 14, Rev. Paul Ferguson, Jr. Andrea Carrabia , River Forest, LEAH/Lutheran South Academy, Commissioned/Installed Gloria Dei, Houston, August 17, Rev. Daniel Schepmann Tanner Evans , DCE, Austin, Board of Mission Admin, Austin, Commissioned/Installed, ACTS, Leander, August 17, Rev. Gabe Kasper Lori Everitt , Austin, Trinity-Klein, Spring, August 10, Rev. Chris Singer Jennifer (Zoch) Hartmann , Austin-Colloquy, LEAH/Lutheran South Academy, Commissioned/Installed Gloria Dei, Houston, August 17, Rev. Daniel Schepmann Julia (Alice) Mailand , Austin-Colloquy, Trinity-Klein, Spring, August 10, Rev. Chris Singer Kelsey Martinez , Seward, St. Paul, Harlingen, September 14, Rev. Nathan Wendorf Rosaura Martinez , Deaconess, St. Louis, Lutheran Inter-City Network Coalition, Houston, Commissioned/ Installed Trinity-Klein, Spring, March 30, Rev. David Kim Kelly Moore , EC Dir., Austin-Colloquy, Holy Cross, Arlington, September 14, Rev. George Lowrey, Jr. Cora Nash , EC Dir., Austin-Colloquy, The Family of Faith, Houston, September 7, Rev. Douglas Krengel Joshua Patterson , Dir. Of Outreach, Water’s Edge, Frisco, December 28, Rev. Travis Hartjen Tracy Rabb , Austin-Colloquy, Trinity, San Angelo, August 24, Rev. Randall Wehmeyer Carl Repp , DCE, Austin, Immanuel, Giddings, July 13, Rev. Keith Aschenbeck Lori Roesel , Austin-Colloquy, Trinity, Houston, August 24, Rev. Michael Dorn Joel Schildwachter , Austin, Redeemer, Austin, August 17, Rev. David Schroder Chelsea Schleicher , Seward, Trinity-Klein, Spring, August 10, Rev. Chris Singer Benjamin Steffen , River Forest, Concordia, Tomball, August 20, Rev. Ryan Neuhaus Nick Taylor , Austin, Dir of Parish Music, Crosspoint, Katy, September 28, Rev. Steve Wiechman Chelsea Volk , Seward, St. Paul, Giddings, Commissioned St. Paul, Oak Lawn, IL, July 13, Rev. John Moeller, Installed St. Paul, Giddings, September 17, Rev. John Schmidt Becky Ward , Austin-Colloquy, Salem, Tomball, September 7, Rev. Timothy Niekerk Jaclyn Wiebold , DCE, St. Paul, The Family of Faith, Houston, September 7, Rev. Doug Krengel

REINSTATED AND INSTALLED COMMISSIONED MINISTERS

2012

Rachel Braunersreuther , Reinstated 2/12, Salem, Tomball, August 26, Rev. Wayne Graumann

2013

Jan (Heupel) Brennan , Reinstated 2/13, Trinity-Klein, Spring, April 14, Rev. Dr. Richard Noack

2014 (none)

13

IV. Milestones

Significant anniversaries, beginning with the 25th, are observed at the District Convention for the three years beginning with the last convention year. Therefore, in 2015, we observe anniversaries in 2012, 2013, and 2014.

Anniversaries for 2015 will be observed at the District Convention in 2018.

Ordained Ministers' Anniversaries Celebrated in 201 2-2014

65th Anniversary

Walter Fisher 1949

John Fritz 1949

Edward Schneider 1949

60th Anniversary

George Luecke 1952

Alfred Scholz 1952

Harold Wageman 1952

Herbert Kluck 1953

Whitfield McMillan 1953

Richard Wagner 1953

James Bomba 1954

Richard Nelson 1954

Leonard Ristow 1954

Harold Schroeter 1954

55th Anniversary

Robert Cardaro 1957

David Ebert 1957

David Ebs 1957

Alvin Franzmeier 1957

Elmer Hohle 1957

Robert Kuhlmann 1957

Mark Steege 1957

Henry Stoeppelwerth 1957

Otto Urban 1957

Donald Black 1958

Charles Froehlich 1958

J. C. Henning 1958

David Joeckel 1958

Alvin Meissner 1958

Alvin Musgrove 1958

Ben Rathgeber 1958

Ray Reich 1958

Milton Riemer 1958

Thomas Sorensen 1958

John Freed 1959

Ronald Halamka 1959

Walter Harms 1959

James Shaw 1959

Wilbert Sohns 1959

Gerald Thiele 1959

Waldemar Wehmeier 1959

50th Anniversary

Thomas Baden 1962

John Fibelkorn 1962

James Haupt 1962

Donald Muchow 1962

Glenn O'Shoney 1962

Alfred Schubert, Jr. 1962

Walter Dube 1963

Reuel Gauger 1963

Robert Greene 1963

Paul Hartfield 1963

Dale Lehfeldt 1963

Wilbern Michalk 1963

David Schultz 1963

David Zersen 1963

Victor Atsinger 1964

Harold Fleischhauer 1964

George Gibson, Jr. 1964

Kenneth Holdorf 1964

Howard Kramin 1964

Clifford Olsen 1964

Peter Steinke 1964

14

45th Anniversary

Fred Gersch 1967

Charles Houska 1967

Steve Kappler 1967

Richard Schroeder 1967

Frank Starr 1967

Norman Stoppenhagen 1967

Donald Berg 1968

Keith DuBois 1968

B. Hughey 1968

Dennis Schurter 1968

Roy Kieschnick 1969

David Londenberg 1969

Richard Mayerhoff 1969

Chester McCown 1969

Donald Peymann 1969

John Vavroch 1969

40th Anniversary

Neil Bockelmann 1972

Gilbert Franke 1972

Paul Howe 1972

Kenneth Klaus 1972

Paul Muench 1972

I.Melvin Newman 1972

David Schroder 1972

William Dasch 1973

Ned Dobberfuhl 1973

Kenneth Hennings 1973

John Hirsch 1973

William Knippa 1973

Vincent Larson, Jr. 1973

Donald Little 1973

John Miller, III 1973

Dewayne Nelson, Jr. 1973

Donald Olson 1973

Gary Pohl 1973

Robert Preece 1973

Charles Rogers 1973

Jerome Teichmiller 1973

Stephen Wagner 1973

Michael Welmer 1973

Wayne Graumann 1974

Karl Kuenzel 1974

Gary Martin 1974

Richard Mohr 1974

Marcus Mueller 1974

Richard Noack 1974

Jack Schneider 1974

Laurence White 1974

35th Anniversary

Allen Bauer 1977

Gerald Boerger 1977

Charles Boerger 1977

Tom Hadley 1977

David Hintze 1977

Laverne Janssen 1977

G. Donald Loudenback 1977

Elder McCants 1977

Donald Rosentreter 1977

Curtis Schneider 1977

Dennis Tegtmeier 1977

Robert Case 1978

Ruben Dominguez 1978

Michael Frick 1978

M. J. Meyer 1978

Carlos Puig 1978

Jay Simonsen 1978

Ahlert Strand, Jr. 1978

Bryan Sullivan 1978

David Adler 1979

David Bahn 1979

David Bergman 1979

Roger Hotopp 1979

Willie Lucas 1979

David McKnight 1979

Paul Puffe 1979

William Qualman 1979

Mark Seeger 1979

15

30th Anniversary Donald Bahr 1982

Mark Barz 1982

Robert Boyce 1982

Dennis Bragdon 1982

Kenneth Burkhard 1982

Timothy Dinger 1982

Jock Ficken 1982

Alfred Gallmeier 1982

Randall Haedge 1982

Art Hill 1982

Richard Holz 1982

Douglas Kabell 1982

Donald Kasper 1982

Rolf Larsen 1982

Steven Misch 1982

Steven Morfitt 1982

Paul Neumann 1982

John Raddatz 1982

Wayne Schueler 1982

Richard Schuller 1982

Thomas Waynick 1982

Mark Brunette 1983

Mark Dankis 1983

John Davenport 1983

Allen Doering 1983

Donald Fraker 1983

Paul Harris 1983

Steven Larsen 1983

James Menke 1983

Chad Miller 1983

Scott Murray 1983

Richard Nelson 1983

Richard Pfaff 1983

Ely Prieto 1983

William Reagan 1983

Craig Schinnerer 1983

Carlos Segovia 1983

Steve Simon 1983

Roy Southard 1983

Thomas St. Jean 1983

David Symm 1983

Wayne Braun 1984

David Jung 1984

Donald Kirklen 1984

David Loeffler 1984

Michael Mattil 1984

Gerald Peterman 1984

David Rohde 1984

Kurt Rutz 1984

Landon Schkade, Jr. 1984

Francis Schroeder 1984

Stephen Sohns 1984

James Sturgis 1984

Robert Wagner 1984

Craig Whitson 1984

25th Anniversary

James Craver 1987

Richard Goodwill 1987

Lawrence Lieder 1987

Jerry McNamara 1987

Paul Neuberger 1987

Michael Newman 1987

Stephen Rynearson 1987

Bill Tucker 1987

Kevin Westergren 1987

Bill Woolsey 1987

Bryan Cary 1988

Bruce Drees 1988

Wayne Hamit 1988

Dwayne Johnson 1988

Kenneth Krippner 1988

Kenneth Mitschke 1988

Walter Pohland 1988

Timothy Rosenthal 1988

Ken Stroud 1988

Richard Turner 1988

Dale Bohm 1989

Jon Braunersreuther 1989

John DeYoung 1989

Gregory Finke 1989

Curtis Giese 1989

Robert Holaday 1989

Matthew Jacobs 1989

Clyde Kieschnick 1989

Sun Moon Lee 1989

James Martin 1989

16

Mark Nuckols 1989

Robert Pase 1989

Jon Salminen 1989

John Stennfeld 1989

Commissioned Ministers' Anniversaries Celebrated in 2012-2014

70th Anniversary

Ruth Braun 1942

65th Anniversary

Ruth Doering 1947

Ruby Mueller 1947

Martin Mueller 1948

60th Anniversary

Harold Rutz 1952

Norman Beyer 1953

George Zehnder 1953

Rollin Cattau 1954

Leroy Hohle 1954

Robert House 1954

Robert Lunz 1954

Lester Zimmerman 1954

55th Anniversary

Brice Kuhlmann 1957

Betty Dorn 1958

Laura Simon 1958

Burge Smith 1958

Melvin Zoch 1958

Vernon Clausen 1959

Jonathan Fischer 1959

Leland Frese 1959

Dalton Noack 1959

Eloise Roskavich 1959

Theodore Zoch 1959

50th Anniversary

Edward Gallmeier 1962

Elisabeth Gallmeier 1962

Katherine Gerdes 1962

John Goeke 1962

Cherry Hammon 1962

Lois Lange 1962

Pauline Miller 1962

Darrell Schepmann 1962

David Schultz 1962

Carolyn Wilke 1962

Elisabeth Bennett 1963

Angie Bielefeldt 1963

Helen Germann 1963

Gary Lohmeyer 1963

Jay Musfeldt 1963

Karen Netherton 1963

Sharon Richter 1963

Richard Wismar 1963

Ina Diepenbrock 1964

Ray Diepenbrock 1964

Laura Dinda 1964

William Driskill 1964

Evelyn Kreimeyer 1964

Curtis Riske 1964

Dr. James Stevenson 1964

Lee Stocker 1964

Eva Zoch 1964

17

45th Anniversary

Jerome “Gayle” Berry 1967

Janet Brunette 1967

Lowell Goecker 1967

Janice Kueckstuhr 1967

Eloise Kuhlmann 1967

Daniel Palisch 1967

Melvin Schiwart 1967

Kenneth Schmidt 1967

Carolyn Shaver 1967

Dr. Donald Zielke 1967

Beverly Bernhardt 1968

Carol Bradley 1968

Dr. Paul Buchheimer 1968

Roy Capdeville 1968

Michael Held 1968

Carol Helms 1968

Nancy Hoffschneider 1968

Wayne Karcher 1968

Jean Kirby 1968

Joyce Kokel 1968

Dr. Lawrence Meissner 1968

Janet Meyer 1968

Margaret Schaefer 1968

Bruce Schaller 1968

Rita Schaller 1968

James Schroeder 1968

Betty Schulze 1968

Garry Stuhr 1968

John Zacho 1968

Carol Aufdemberge 1969

Thomas Couser 1969

Eunice Hendrickson 1969

Paulette Kamprath 1969

Alice Klement 1969

Allan Paluch 1969

Kenneth Robbins 1969

Mary Lou Sentesi 1969

Mary Thiede 1969

Marjorie Tracy 1969

Cheryl Wildauer 1969

Larry Wissner 1969

40th Anniversary

Steven Allmon 1972

Gary Einem 1972

Dr. Wayne Kramer 1972

Norbert "N.J." Malenke 1972

Sharon Mueller 1972

Joel Robinson 1972

Deborah Baacke 1973

Mark Baacke 1973

Robert Holliday 1973

Carolyn Keys 1973

Glen Kieschnick 1973

Barbara Krause 1973

Naomi Matthys 1973

Randall Moerbe 1973

Carol Mycock 1973

Michael Naleieha 1973

Linda Noyd 1973

Donn Trautner 1973

Cathlyn Deutsch 1974

Mary Heath 1974

Timothy Miesner 1974

Susan Moerbe 1974

Jane Anne Pohl 1974

Larry Saafeld 1974

Paul Stuenkel 1974

18

35th Anniversary

Christine Eilers 1977

Deborah Beisert 1977

Annette Boehnke 1977

Suzanne Braun 1977

Denise Dash 1977

Russell Dash 1977

Connie Devine 1977

Lynette Eickemeyer 1977

Pamela Hight 1977

Ann Jung 1977

Carolyn Koslan 1977

David Lundin 1977

Dr. James McConnell 1977

Cynthia Melcher 1977

Deborah Merkord 1977

Lanny Merkord 1977

Julia Sawhill 1977

Richard Allman 1978

David Bangert 1978

Jean Bangert 1978

Rob Gerlach 1978

Dr. William Hinz 1978

Sharon Messman 1978

David J. Mueller 1978

David Rahberg 1978

Wyatt Schultz 1978

Barbara Selking 1978

Kathy Bodin 1979

Victoria Cordt 1979

Lois Frischmann 1979

Connie Gatlin 1979

Melinda Heine 1979

James House 1979

Dr. Jonathan Leonard 1979

Eunice Meyer 1979

Carol R. Mueller 1979

Kurt Niebuhr 1979

Kimberly Pfaff 1979

Theresa Reagan 1979

Kevin Schlichting 1979

Timothy Weber 1979

Carlene Wolfram 1979

30th Anniversary

Elizabeth Alyea-Brooks 1982

Kimberly Appel 1982

Virginia Axtell 1982

Mark Bahr 1982

Mary Dahn 1982

Sue Davis 1982

Judith Friesenhahn 1982

Keith Goedecke 1982

Nancy Horton 1982

Pamela Krause 1982

Thomas Menke 1982

Cindy Miller 1982

Linda Miller 1982

Richard Ryan 1982

Daniel Schaefer 1982

Susan Schaefer 1982

Ellen Stamp 1982

Michael Becker 1983

Joel Bode 1983

Julia Burgess 1983

Kathleen Fischer 1983

Sheryl Hansen 1983

Gwen Hohle 1983

Detlef Kemnitz 1983

Julie Lierbo 1983

Jonathan Loesch 1983

Penny Schimank 1983

Andrew Bilich 1984

Rachel Braunersreuther 1984

Robert Burgess 1984

Catherine Evert 1984

Pamela Knotts 1984

Richard Knotts 1984

Sandra Leger 1984

Carol A. Mueller 1984

Carrie Reber 1984

Gordon Stoneburner 1984

19

25th Anniversary

Kathryn Entzenberger 1987

Nancy Hurst 1987

Dr. Paul Keiper 1987

Amy Lunsford 1987

Carolyn Rouse 1987

Donna Rupp 1987

Melissa Sindlinger 1987

Bethel Sticklus 1987

Craig Swanson 1987

Lea Zimmerman 1987

A. LaNell Buchhorn 1988

Jennifer Hipp 1988

Alicia Knippa 1988

Richard Leslie 1988

Rebecca Manssen 1988

Bonnie Moore 1988

Lisa Quickel 1988

Sheryl Seybold 1988

Phillip Wilke 1988

Robert Williams 1988

Suzan Winkelman 1988

Christina Wuensche 1988

Stephen Brennan 1989

Dr. Gertrude Keiper 1989

Jeffrey Kroemer 1989

Alice McDonald 1989

Lisa Schmidt 1989

Rose Marie Stoermer 1989

William Wenthe, Jr. 1989

20

V. Elections

DISTRICT PRESIDENT - Ballot 1 ____Voting____ Ken Hennings 267 75.2% Mark Barz 88 24.8%

________________________________________________________________________________________________

VICE PRESIDENT AREA A ____Voting____ Dale Snyder 370 97.9% Elected by Acclamation 378

__________________________________________________________________________________________________ VICE PRESIDENT AREA B ____Voting____ Jason Galler 54 14.8% Eloy Gonzalez 247 67.7% Elected by Acclamation John Heckmann __ 64 17.5% 365

__________________________________________________________________________________________________ VICE PRESIDENT AREA C - Ballot 1 ____Voting____ Mark Barz 185 52% Don Fraker 31 8.7% Mark Nuckols 15 4.2% Walt Pohland 19 5.3% Steve Wagner 106 28.8% 356

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ VICE PRESIDENT AREA D - Ballot 1 ____Voting____ Ron Bogs 92 25.4% Ralph Hobratschk 270 74.6% 362

___________________________________________________________________________________________________ RANKING OF THE VICE PRESIDENTS - Ballot 1, First __ __Voting____ Mark Barz 115 32.7% Eloy Gonzalez 76 21.6% Ralph Hobratschk 109 31.0% Dale Snyder 52 14.8% 352 RANKING OF THE VICE PRESIDENTS - Ballot 2, First __ __Voting____ Mark Barz 151 40.2% Eloy Gonzalez 53 14.1% Ralph Hobratschk 172 45.7% 376 RANKING OF THE VICE PRESIDENTS - Ballot 3, First __ __Voting____ Mark Barz 165 43.9% Ralph Hobratschk 211 56.1% 376

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________ RANKING OF THE VICE PRESIDENTS - Ballot 1, Second__ __Voting____ Mark Barz 158 42.4% Eloy Gonzalez 164 44.0% Dale Snyder 51 13.7% 373

RANKING OF THE VICE PRESIDENTS - Ballot 2, Second _ ___Voting____ Mark Barz 175 46.9% Eloy Gonzalez 198 53.1% 355

RANKING OF THE VICE PRESIDENTS - Third and Fourth ___Voting____ Mark Barz 187 50.7% Dale Snyder 182 49.3% 369

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CIRCUIT VISITORS RATIFIED Circuit 1 Joe Andrajack Circuit 2 David Symm Circuit 3 Circuit 4 Robert Pase Circuit 5 Randall Wehmeyer Circuit 6 Clyde Kieschnick Circuit 7 Larry Knobloch Circuit 8 Circuit 9 David Jung Circuit 10 Craig Schinnerer Circuit 11 Joel Shaltanis Circuit 12 Paul Ferguson Circuit 13 Circuit 14 Dennis Bragdon

Circuit 15 Robert Hemmsath Circuit 16 Brian Cummins Circuit 17 John Heckmann Circuit 18 Larry Krueger Circuit 19 Bobby Niemtschk Circuit 20 Mel Newman Circuit 21 Circuit 22 Carl Roth Circuit 23 John Schmidt Circuit 24 Don Fraker Circuit 25 Jeff Doria Circuit 26 Thomas W. Winter Circuit 27 Kevin Jennings Circuit 28 Robert Holaday

Circuit 29 Carlos Boerger Circuit 30 L. Dean Hempelmann Circuit 31 Wayne Schueler Circuit 32 Chris Richardson Circuit 33 David Quail Circuit 34 Tim Dinger Circuit 35 Jonathan Meyer Circuit 36 Alan Taylor Circuit 37 Jerry McNamara Circuit 38 John Davis, Jr. Circuit 39 Stephen Sohns Circuit 41 Mark Koch Circuit 43 Don Black

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VI. Roster of Officers, Boards and Committees

DISTRICT SECRETARY ____Voting____ Floor Nomination Sam Wirgau 230 63.4% 133 36.6% 363 DISTRICT SECRETARY ____Voting____ Larry Krueger 182 51.0% Steve Sohns 86 24.1% Sam Wirgau 89 24.9% 357 ______________________________________ BOARD OF DIRECTORS COMMISSIONED MINISTER ___Voting____ Brett Bortnem 98 30.2% Tim Miesner 227 69.8% 325 LAY PERSON, AREA C ____Voting____ Ron Lammert 210 65.0% Allan Moritz 113 35.0% 323 LAY PERSON, AREA D ____Voting____ Noreen Linke 135 59% Karisa Schepmann 212 61.1% 347 LAY PERSON, AT LARGE ____Voting____ Glenn Hurta 186 55.2% Ed Kasper 151 44.8% 337 ______________________________________ BOARD OF MISSION ADMINISTRATION ORDAINED ____Voting____ Mark Junkans 204 60.7% Ryan Neuhaus 132 39.3% 336 COMMISSIONED ____Voting____ Kevin Pieper 131 38.2% Amber Schraeder 212 61.8% 343 LAY PERSON ____Voting____ Stephen Inglehart 179 53.3% David Meade 157 46.7% 336

CONCORDIA UNIVERSITY TEXAS BOARD OF REGENTS ORDAINED ____Voting____ Allen Doering 232 68.0% Zachary McIntosh 109 32.0% 341 COMMISSIONED ____Voting____ Mary Beth Gaertner 150 45.0% Cassandra Schermbeck 183 55.0% 333 LAY PERSON ____Voting____ Ted Crawford 218 65.3% Max Kiesling 226 67.6% Constantine Vlisides 138 41.3% Betty Voshage 76 22.8% 334 ______________________________________ 2018 DISTRICT NOMINATING COMMITTEE ORDAINED AREA A ____Voting____ Robert Budewig 147 46.5% Brian Hesse 169 53.5% 316 ORDAINED AREA B ____Voting____ Michael Mattil 175 53.2% Jim Menke 154 46.8% 329 ORDAINED AREA C ____Voting____ Peter Heckmann 87 25.4% Bill Knippa 136 39.8% Nathan Wendorf 119 34.8% 342 ORDAINED AREA C, Ballot 2 __ Voting___ Bill Knippa 198 57.2% Nathan Wendorf 148 42.8% 346 ORDAINED AREA D ____Voting____ David Bahn 219 65.4% Ryan Neuhaus 116 34.6% 335 COMMISSIONED (2) ____Voting____ David Bangert 225 65.2% Steve Glandorf 236 68.4% Steven Janke 203 58.8% 345 LAY PERSON (3) ____Voting____ Wesley Krueger 180 52.5% Patricia Kym 133 38.8% Angela Newton 216 63.0% Louis Pabor 213 62.1% Glenn Pittsford 246 61.6% 343

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VII. Table of Resolutions

FLOOR COMMITTEE - MISSION AND MINISTRY 01-01-15 To Encourage congregations and the Texas District LCMS to Coordinate Mission Efforts 01-02-15 To Encourage Local and Regional Church Planting Efforts and Partnerships 01-03-15 To Encourage Texas District Congregations to Continue to Support District Mission Efforts 01-04-15 To Memorialize the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod in Convention to Encourage Church Planting Throughout the Synod 01-05-15 To Give Thanks to God for the Ministries of Michael Fuchs, John Hirsch and Paul Krentz FLOOR COMMITTEE - ADMINISTRATION & THEOLOGY 02-01-15 To Overrule CCM Opinion 14-2724 02-02-15 To Amend Synod Bylaws 3.8.3 AND 1.1.1 02-03-15 To Give Thanks For The Members On, And To Retain The Current Structure Of The Board of Regents of The Concordia University System 02-04-15 To Promote Professional Church Worker Health and Wellbeing 02-05-15 To Encourage Our Congregations to Prepare and Respond in Times of Disaster 02-06-15A To Study Classical Christian Education 02-07-15A To Provide Support for Professional Church Workers Who Have Lost Their Calls 02-08-15 To Encourage Support of Veterans of The Cross 02-09-15A To Provide Pastoral Care for Smaller, Financially Struggling Congregations 02-10-15 To Respectfully Decline Certain Overtures OMNIBUS RESOLUTION B FLOOR COMMITTEE - CONSTITUTION AND BY-LAWS CCM Request for 2015 Handbook Changes

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VIII. Resolutions

FLOOR COMMITTEE - MISSION AND MINISTRY RESOLUTION: 01-01-15 RE: OVERTURES 01-01-15, 01-02-15 SUBJECT: TO ENCOURAGE CONGREGATIONS AND THE TEXAS DISTRICT LCMS TO COORDINATE MISSION EFFORTS WHEREAS, Resolution 01-03-12 of the 59th Convention of the Texas District (Lubbock, Texas), encouraged congregations, circuits, and other local and regional partnerships to work with each other to establish new Word and Sacrament ministries in the Texas District; and WHEREAS, the word "Synod" refers to congregations and pastors walking together; and WHEREAS, the Texas District LCMS is assisting in planning and funding new mission starts in the State of Texas; and WHEREAS, the policy of the Texas District LCMS Board for Mission Administration (BMA) states: "The BMA desires to partner with local congregations in the starting of new ministries and will be pro-active and aggressive in this endeavor" (BMA Policies, 3.1.1), and "New ministries will emphasize reaching the unchurched and undiscipled as a priority over against creating a new ministry exclusively with or for Lutherans" (BMA Policies, 3.1.4); and WHEREAS, the BMA-approved "Church Planting Steps for Mission Partners" (available through the Texas District website - instituted in August of 2009 and updated in March of 2013) emphasizes asking and answering the following questions in the church planting location evaluation process:

A. How many existing churches are in your target area? B. How many of them are effectively reaching the same kinds of people you plan to target? C. What are the closest LCMS churches to your target area? Share your church planting plans with congregations that are close to your anticipated church plant. D. What has been the response of those churches (if applicable);

Therefore be it Resolved, that any LCMS congregation considering a new church plant be encouraged to abide by these policies and steps by giving notice to, seeking the cooperation of, and respecting the ministry of any other existing LCMS congregation in the area contemplated for the new church plant; and be it finally Resolved, that the Texas District LCMS, upon becoming aware of such church planting efforts by one or more LCMS congregations, advise the church planting congregation that such notice should be given to, such cooperation sought, and such respect for the ministry of any other LCMS congregation in the area be given; and that the Texas District LCMS, follow up and continue to encourage those efforts by the church planting congregation.

Rev. Michael Mattil, Chairman Mr. Michael Zieschang, Secretary

RESOLUTION: 01-02-15 RE: OVERTURES 01-03-15, 01-04-15 SUBJECT: TO ENCOURAGE LOCAL AND REGIONAL CHURCH PL ANTING EFFORTS AND PARTNERSHIPS WHEREAS, Christ, our Lord commands us to "go and make disciples of all nations" (Matthew 28:19); and WHEREAS, He also declares that His disciples will be His witnesses beginning in their local communities first (Acts 1:8), and then "to the ends of the earth;" and WHEREAS, planting new churches is a priority of our work together in the Texas District LCMS; and WHEREAS, effective church planting has been demonstrated by the combined efforts of churches, church planters, and local networks; therefore be it Resolved, that Texas District LCMS circuits and congregations be encouraged to work in partnership with each other, with church planters, and with local networks to establish new Word and Sacrament ministries in their neighborhoods and regions.

Rev. Michael Mattil, Chairman Mr. Michael Zieschang, Secretary

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RESOLUTION: 01-03-15 RE: OVERTURE 01-05-15 SUBJECT: TO ENCOURAGE TEXAS DISTRICT CONGREGATIONS TO CONTINUE TO SUPPORT DISTRICT MISSION EFFORTS WHEREAS, God is bringing millions of new residents to Texas; and WHEREAS, demographic data shows that a majority of those new residents may not know Jesus or may not be connected to a church; and WHEREAS, the Texas District LCMS is committed to starting 200 Word and Sacrament ministries by 2017; and WHEREAS, the combined efforts of congregations of the Texas District LCMS have already established ninety-nine new Word and Sacrament ministries since 2004; therefore be it Resolved, that Texas District LCMS congregations be encouraged to continue to support the Texas District LCMS mission efforts in prayer and through financial giving.

Rev. Michael Mattil, Chairman Mr. Michael Zieschang, Secretary

RESOLUTION: 01-04-15 RE: OVERTURE 01-06-15 SUBJECT: TO MEMORIALIZE THE LUTHERAN CHURCH MISSOU RI SYNOD IN CONVENTION TO ENCOURAGE CHURCH PLANTING THROUGHOUT THE SYNOD WHEREAS, The Lutheran Church Missouri Synod averaged one new church plant every week for its first 100 years; and WHEREAS, the starting of new churches has been a foundational method of Kingdom expansion for the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod throughout its history; and WHEREAS, starting new churches continues to be an effective way to reach new people with the Gospel; therefore be it Resolved, that the Texas District LCMS memorialize the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod in convention to encourage church planting throughout the Synod.

Rev. Michael Mattil, Chairman Mr. Michael Zieschang, Secretary

RESOLUTION: 01-05-15 RE: OVERTURE 01-07-15 SUBJECT: TO GIVE THANKS TO GOD FOR THE MINISTRIES OF MICHAEL FUCHS, JOHN HIRSCH, AND PAUL KRENTZ WHEREAS, Michael Fuchs has served the Lord Jesus faithfully in the Texas District LCMS as the Director of Texas Partners in Mission from 2008-2015; and WHEREAS, John Hirsch has served the Lord Jesus faithfully in the Texas District LCMS as the Director of Congregational and Worker Care from 1996-2014; and WHEREAS, Paul Krentz has served the Lord Jesus faithfully in the Texas District LCMS as Mission and Ministry Facilitator in Area B from 1994-2014; and WHEREAS, their ministries have impacted God's people, enriching individuals' lives and their faith in our Lord; therefore be it Resolved, that the 2015 Texas District Convention delegates rise and sing the Common Doxology giving thanks to God for the ministries of these faithful servants.

Rev. Michael Mattil, Chairman Mr. Michael Zieschang, Secretary

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FLOOR COMMITTEE - ADMINISTRATION AND THEOLOGY RESOLUTION: 02-01-15A RE: OVERTURES 02-04-15, 02-05-15, 02-06-15, 02-07-15, 02-08-15, 02-09-15, 02-10-15, 02-11-15, 02-12-15, 02-13-15 SUBJECT: TO OVERRULE CCM OPINION 14-2724 WHEREAS, the Word of God (Acts 13) clearly reveals that in the first century of the New Testament, a local congregation of believers in the Lord Jesus, assembled in Antioch, after much prayer and under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, freely consecrated and sent missionaries, notably Barnabas and Saul, into mission fields; and WHEREAS, Article III. 2 of the Constitution of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod identifies an objective of the Synod as to “Strengthen congregations and their members in giving bold witness by word and deed to the love and work of God, the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, and extend that Gospel witness into all the world;” and WHEREAS, Article VII of the Constitution of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod states, “In relation to its members, the Synod is not an ecclesiastical government exercising legislative or coercive powers, and with respect to the individual congregation’s right of self-government it is but an advisory body”; and WHEREAS, Article XIV of the Constitution states, “The Synod in convention may adopt bylaws that are consistent with and do not contradict the Constitution of the Synod, which controls and supersedes such bylaws and all other rules and regulations of the Synod”; and WHEREAS, 2010 Synod Convention Res. 8-32B encourages the Synod to study Article VII of the Constitution, including study of “Congregations and Synod, Background Material on the Advisory Nature of the LCMS” along with opinions of the Commission on Constitutional Matters related to this topic (including CCM Opinion 09-2573 listed in a “Whereas” paragraph in Resolution 8-32B); and WHEREAS, 1983 Synod Convention Res. 5-10A in a “Resolved” clause states that The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod reaffirms that its synodical polity is essentially and principally congregational in nature; and WHEREAS, CCM Opinion 09-2573 states in part that “. . . there is a common understanding that a congregation exercises its self-government . . . in carrying out . . . its own ministry programs and financial affairs . . . ”; and WHEREAS, Synod Bylaw 3.8.3 deals only with who has authority to send ministers of religion and other workers into Synod foreign mission fields, and prior bylaws have been careful not to restrict congregational activity specifically relating to whom congregations could send funds overseas, and nothing in the current bylaws restrict or could restrict the right of member congregations to (a) fund ministries in foreign countries, or (b) send/fund congregation members for service with organizations seeking to share the Gospel; and WHEREAS, 1983 Synod Convention Res. 5-37 amending the bylaws only dealt with who on behalf of Synod as a whole could send missionaries at the expense of the Synod, and where the restriction applied, it being a sending bylaw only, clearly not applicable to congregations in any event; and WHEREAS, CCM Opinion 14-2724 referring to 2013 Synod Convention Res. 1-08, “To Work Together in Mission,” called for a two-fold response: First, “Resolved, That the Synod, by the next convention, develop and provide a mission best-practices policy document for districts and congregations engaged in mission projects to assist them to better carry out their mission and their life together”, indicating that districts and congregations have and are recognized to have mission work and practices of their own, and because they have their own mission work and practices, the Synod should assist and support those efforts by developing a best-practices policy; and second, “that these best practices include encouragement to districts and congregations to communicate their international mission activities to the Synod’s Director of Church Relations and Offices of National and International Mission for the purposes of healthy coordination and stewardship” (underlined portions indicate emphasis added), indicating that districts and congregations can have their own mission activities and when they do they are encouraged to communicate these activities to the Synod for coordination and good stewardship; and WHEREAS, CCM Opinion 14-2724 states in part, “Congregations may not send funds to mission societies and non-Synod entities for work in foreign areas without taking into consideration policies developed and determined for this purpose by the Board of International Mission as the only sending agency;” and WHEREAS, CCM Opinion 14-2724 incorrectly restricts the mission outreach of congregations and others to give bold witness by word and deed to the love and work of God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, and extend that Gospel witness into all the world; therefore be it Resolved, that the congregations of the Texas District and of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod be encouraged, with much prayer and under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, to send missionaries to foreign areas; and be it further Resolved, that the Texas District affirms and encourages congregations, auxiliaries, recognized service organizations, districts, and individual members of the Synod, in their efforts to give bold witness by word and deed, to the love and work of God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, and extend that Gospel witness to all the world; and be it further Resolved, that nothing in the bylaws of Synod should ever be interpreted to limit efforts by congregations, auxiliaries, recognized service organizations, districts, and individual members of the Synod, to give bold witness by word and deed to the love and work of God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, and extend that Gospel witness to all the world, but only be interpreted as requesting information which might allow Synod to support (and to assist in connecting potential support for) congregations and individual members, to assist in connecting potential mission partners, and to provide best practices information which could assist the efforts; and be it finally

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Resolved, that the Texas District in convention memorialize the Synod in convention to adopt this resolution and to overrule CCM Opinion 14-2724, to be thereby declared null and void and of no effect.

Rev. Larry Krueger, Chairman Rev. Brian Hesse, Secretary

RESOLUTION: 02-02-15A RE: OVERTURES 02-04-15, 02-05-15, 02-06-15, 02-07-15, 02-08-15, 02-09-15, 02-10-15, 02-11-15, 02-12-15, 02-13-15 SUBJECT: TO AMEND SYNOD BYLAWS 3.8.3 AND 1.1.1 WHEREAS, in the history of the Synod, the Synod and its districts have never discouraged the efforts of congregations, auxiliaries, recognized service organizations, districts, and other agencies of the Synod from engaging in outreach of the Gospel, both domestically and in foreign fields; and WHEREAS, each district of the Synod has the responsibility as Synod in its place to support and encourage the congregations, auxiliaries, recognized service organizations and other agencies of the district and Synod within its area of responsibility, and has done so historically; and, WHEREAS, CCM Opinion 14-2724 indicates that 1981 Synod Convention Res. 1-05A "instructed that districts consult with the Board for Missions before directly funding a synodical overseas mission", it clearly means that districts can directly fund synodical overseas missions, but when they do they must consult [for coordination, not for permission] with the Board for Missions; and WHEREAS, when CCM Opinion 14-2724 indicates that the 1981 Synod Convention "greatly expanded the bylaw section governing the Board for Mission Services" which resulted in newly adopted Bylaw 2.213 requiring the Board for Mission Services to "formulate, recommend, review, and supervise the mission policies of the Synod [“Synod” defined in Bylaw 1.2.1(u) as referring collectively to the association of self-governing Lutheran congregations and all its agencies, and not including individual members, congregations, auxiliaries nor recognized service organizations], recommend and monitor budgets, review organizational effectiveness, and provide for an aggressive and united mission effort for the Synod" it clearly means that other agencies of the Synod connected to the Synod may have their own foreign mission efforts, but such agencies should inform and consult with the Board for Mission Services about their efforts to the end that there will be a "united mission effort for the Synod,” and such bylaw does not address at all the mission efforts of congregations, auxiliaries and recognized service organizations; and WHEREAS, when CCM Opinion 14-2724 indicates that the 1981 Synod Convention expanded the role of the Board for Mission Services, requiring the Board for Mission Services to "call, appoint, assign, withdraw, and release missionaries (pastors and teachers) and other workers for the ministries and areas within its direct responsibility (emphasis added),” it clearly means that other agencies of the Synod may have their own foreign mission efforts within their own direct responsibility (emphasis added), and such bylaw does not address at all the mission efforts of congregations, auxiliaries and recognized service organizations; and WHEREAS, CCM Opinion 14-2724 concludes “that for the sake of good order and effectiveness, the Board for International Mission is to serve as the Synod’s only sending agency through which workers and funds are sent to the foreign mission areas of the Synod” but it does not include the words from 1981 Handbook Bylaw 2.213, to “call, appoint, assign, withdraw, and release missionaries (pastors and teachers) and other workers for the ministries and areas within its direct responsibility, always safeguarding the rights of the partner churches and workers involved” (emphasis added), which language limits the authority of the Board for Missions for the mission workers within its direct responsibility; and WHEREAS, CCM Opinion 14-2724 referring to 2013 Synod Convention Res. 1-08, “To Work Together in Mission,” called for a two-fold response: First, “Resolved, That the Synod, by the next convention, develop and provide a mission best-practices policy document for districts and congregations engaged in mission projects to assist them to better carry out their mission and their life together”, indicating that districts and congregations have and are recognized to have mission work and practices of their own, and because they have their own mission work and practices, the Synod should assist and support those efforts by developing a best-practices policy; and second, “that these best practices include encouragement to districts and congregations to communicate their international mission activities to the Synod’s Director of Church Relations and Offices of National and International Mission for the purposes of healthy coordination and stewardship” (underlined portions indicate emphasis added), indicating that districts and congregations can have their own mission activities and when they do they are encouraged to communicate these activities to the Synod for coordination and good stewardship; and WHEREAS, CCM Opinion 14-2724 Section C. Congregations and Foreign Missions, referring to the Task Force II Report to the 1981 Synod Convention indicates “two basic functions guiding the Synod in its restructuring at that time,” both of which indicate the Synod has no “control” over congregations (in this area the Synod is not hierarchical, but congregational in polity), first “In support of the congregation,” where the Synod is to “help” the congregations and “assist” the congregations in their mission and ministry,” and second “In behalf of congregations,” where the Synod serves “in behalf of the congregations by enabling congregations to do together that which individual congregations could not do by themselves or could not do very well, such as foreign mission work and the training of pastors and teachers at colleges and seminaries,” and which clearly indicates (“could not do very well”) that congregations can and are free to do foreign mission work, albeit perhaps not as well as when assisted by the Synod; and

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WHEREAS, CCM Opinion 14-2724 continues with the two basic functions being “closely reflected in paragraphs (a) and (b) of current Bylaw 1.1.1 (2013 Handbook, p. 23): (a) The Synod functions in support of its member congregations by providing assistance as congregations conduct their ministries locally, as well as their ministries at large and (b) The Synod on behalf of its member congregations administers those ministries that can be accomplished more effectively in association with other member congregations through the Synod. In this way member congregations utilize the Synod to assist them in carrying out their functions (underlined portions indicate emphasis added) of worship, witness, teaching and nurture, service and support,” which in no way indicates the Synod has the authority to control the congregations; and WHEREAS, CCM Opinion 14-2724 then refers to Constitution Art. VII, drawing its own conclusions in regard to it, which interpretation would be better conducted only after the Synod has studied Article VII as 2010 Synod Convention Res. 8-32B, “To Study Article VII of Synod’s Constitution,” calls upon the Synod to do; and WHEREAS, in regard to Auxiliaries and Foreign Missions, CCM Opinion 14-2724 correctly uses the bylaw words that auxiliaries are required to “operate with freedom and self-determination as a ministry…while complying with the responsibilities outlined (Bylaw 6.1.2 [c]),” then lists those responsibilities as “coordinat[ing] plans and programs with those of the Synod through regular sharing and contact” (Bylaw 6.1.2 [d], to “report annually to the President of the Synod, provide an annual program report to the Synod, keep the Synod advised of any new program under consideration, honor and uphold the doctrine and practice of the Synod, and, while operating with freedom and self-determination in their mission independent of control by the Synod, respect protocol documents that exist between the Synod and her partner churches (Bylaw 6.1.3)” (underlined portions indicate emphasis added), does not give the Synod control, but rather denies control on the part of the Synod; and WHEREAS, in regard to Recognized Service Organizations and Foreign Missions, CCM Opinion 14-2724 correctly indicates “Therefore Bylaw 3.8.3 does not apply to recognized service organizations,” but it incorrectly adds “per se” after that phrase, for Bylaw 3.8.3 simply does not apply to recognized service organizations, regardless of any other bylaw wording that the CCM might incorrectly conclude in regard to the Board of International Mission (a policy-making board in regard to congregations, districts, auxiliaries, and recognized service organizations, as well as to colleges, universities and seminaries, even though Opinion 14-2724 does not refer to colleges, universities and seminaries) or the Office of International Mission, for neither the Board or the Office of International Mission is given any “control” over these entities connected to the Synod; and WHEREAS, the interpretation of the constitution and bylaws of CCM Opinion 14-2724 indicates a need for a clarification of the bylaws; therefore be it Resolved, that the last paragraph of Bylaw 3.8.3 be amended to read: “Upon the recommendation of the Office of International Mission, the board shall serve as the only sending agency through which workers and funds are sent to the foreign mission areas on behalf of National Synod or the agencies of National Synod of the Synod, including the calling, appointing, assigning, withdrawing, and releasing of missionaries (ministers of religion–ordained and ministers of religion–commissioned) and other workers for the ministries in foreign areas. However, the Office of International Missions shall issue all such calls as may be requested by other agencies of the Synod acting on behalf of National Synod in the areas of their responsibility. Districts may continue to issue such calls on behalf of Districts and agencies of the Districts. Nothing shall prohibit or restrict the right of auxiliaries, recognized service organizations, and congregations to call workers to any mission field, although each is requested to cooperate with the Board for International Mission in advising the Board for International Mission of such efforts;” and be it further Resolved, that Bylaw 1.1.1. be amended to add subsection:(c) Neither the Synod nor any board, commission, or agency on its behalf shall adopt any policy or practice which may inhibit or restrict individual members or congregations, or members of member congregations, in giving bold witness by word and deed to the love and work of God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, and extend that Gospel witness into all the world; and be it further Resolved, that the Synod in Convention declares its understanding that the calls issued pursuant to Bylaw 3.8.3 by the Board for International Mission refer to calls issued also on behalf of the agencies of the Synod, not otherwise recognized theologically as having the ability to issue a call, so as to provide a proper theological underpinning for such calls, and not as a restriction on the ability of agencies to send workers into foreign mission fields or financially support such mission efforts within their areas of responsibility; and be it further Resolved, that nothing in the Bylaws of Synod shall ever be interpreted so as to limit efforts to give bold witness by word and deed to the love and work of God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, and extend that Gospel witness into all the world, but shall only be understood as requesting information which might allow Synod to support, to assist in connecting potential support, congregations and individual members, to assist in connecting potential mission partners, and to provide best practices information which could assist the efforts of individual members and congregations; and be it further Resolved, that the Synod in Convention recognizes its duties to support and assist recognized service organizations, auxiliaries and all others as long as their efforts support the objectives of the Synod, while never inhibiting such efforts, and reaffirms the partnership in the Gospel of the Synod with all such organizations, and reaffirms that the Synod shall never inhibit the mission of such recognized service organizations and auxiliaries; and be it further Resolved, that the Synod in Convention recognizes the need to coordinate the actions of auxiliaries and recognized service organizations are fulfilled by the auxiliaries’ duty to report to the President of the Synod pursuant to Bylaw 6.1.3(a), and the recognized service organizations’ compliance with Bylaw 6.2.3; and be it further Resolved, that the President of the Synod promptly fulfill his responsibilities under 2010 Synod Convention Res. 8-32B regarding a Synod-wide study of Article VII; and be it finally

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Resolved, that the Texas District in convention memorialize the Synod in convention for the adoption of this Resolution.

Rev. Larry Krueger, Chairman Rev. Brian Hesse, Secretary

RESOLUTION: 02-03-15 RE: OVERTURE 02-01-15 AND OVERTURE 02-02-15 SUBJECT: TO GIVE THANKS FOR THE MEMBERS ON, AND TO RETAIN THE CURRENT STRUCTURE OF, THE BOARDS OF REGENTS OF THE CONCORDIA U NIVERSITY SYSTEM. WHEREAS, the universities and colleges of our Synod continue to be blessed by God and are growing in their enrollment of students and faculty; and WHEREAS, the universities and colleges of our Synod which are located throughout our synod can best understand the unique opportunities and challenges that they face in their location; and WHEREAS, Synod in convention in 2007 carefully considered the composition of the Board of Regents of our colleges and universities and adopted the current composition of the Boards of Regents (2007 Resolution 5-04); and WHEREAS, the qualifications for serving on the Boards of Regents is spelled out carefully in the bylaws of Synod (3.10.5.2); and WHEREAS, all members of the Board of Regents are to be members of the congregations of the LCMS; and WHEREAS, the maximum number of members of the Board of Regents is seventeen with the majority of those members to be elected by the district conventions and synod conventions (Four elected in national conventions, four elected in the district convention, plus the president of the district in which the institution resides); and WHEREAS, the District President serving as a voting member of the Board of Regents is charged to represent the Synod in his district (4.4.2); therefore be it Resolved, that the Texas District in convention give thanks for the service of those who are serving the church on the various Boards of Regents of our colleges and universities, especially Concordia University Texas; and be it further Resolved, that the Texas District memorialize the Synod in convention to give thanks for the service of those who are serving the church on the various Boards of Regents of our colleges and universities; and be it finally Resolved, that the Texas District memorialize the Synod in convention to retain the current bylaws governing the election and responsibilities of the Board of Regents of our colleges and universities.

Rev. Larry Krueger, Chairman Rev. Brian Hesse, Secretary

RESOLUTION: 02-04-15 RE: OVERTURE 02-14-15 SUBJECT: TO PROMOTE PROFESSIONAL CHURCH WORKER HEA LTH AND WELLBEING. WHEREAS, the Committee on Ministerial Health and the Committee on Prayer and Spiritual Formation recognize the need to be proactive in responding to the spiritual, emotional, psychological and relational needs facing professional church workers; and WHEREAS, the Texas District of the LCMS has 38 elementary schools and 8 high schools with a total enrollment of 17,507 students (Report by Dr. William Hinz, Director of School Ministry, School Ministry Administrators Conference, July 21-23, 2014); and WHEREAS, there are over 1000 teachers, administrators and personnel in our schools; and WHEREAS, there are over 700 pastors in the Texas District, of which more than 500 are active and more than 200 are retired; and WHEREAS, the Texas District Committee on Ministerial Health conducted an exhaustive study in 2010 assessing health issues of it pastors; and WHEREAS, this study reported that, “Based on responses to the survey, risk factors for cardiovascular disease have a high prevalence in our population. Obesity, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels are elevated in a large portion of men and exercise rates are low. Compared to recommended population rates for the US from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the rates of overweight/ obesity, high blood pressure, and cholesterol are very high (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services);” and WHEREAS, this study revealed that, 27% of pastors “agree” or “strongly agree” that fatigue and irritation are a part of their daily experience. In the 30 days prior to the survey, 16% of pastors have often felt downhearted and depressed, 26% of pastors have “often” or “very often” felt worn out; and 18% of pastors “agree” or “strongly agree” that they feel negative or cynical about the people whom they serve. However 86% gain a lot of personal satisfaction from working with people in their congregation; and

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WHEREAS, financial, emotional and relational issues in the world, our nation, our cities, our communities and our families can negatively impact the lives of the church workers and the schools and/or churches they serve; and WHEREAS, along with the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives, the overall health and well being of our church workers is of prime importance in fulfilling the work God has called us to do; therefore be it Resolved, that the Texas District promote professional church worker health and wellbeing during the next triennium; and be it further Resolved, that professional church worker health and wellbeing be promoted at gatherings such as professional church worker conferences, Circuit Visitor conferences, retreats, etc.; and be it finally Resolved, that the District President working through and by means of the District Committees on Ministerial Health and Prayer and Spiritual Formation develop a plan and strategy to implement this resolution.

Rev. Larry Krueger, Chairman Rev. Brian Hesse, Secretary

RESOLUTION: 02-05-15 RE: OVERTURE 02-19-15 AND OVERTURE 02-20-15 SUBJECT: TO ENCOURAGE OUR CONGREGATIONS TO PREPARE AND RESPOND IN TIMES OF DISASTER WHEREAS, People of God turn to the church in times of disaster; and WHEREAS, An important part of disaster response is meeting the spiritual needs of the church and the community; and WHEREAS, Our congregations should be prepared to assist their members in times of disaster; and WHEREAS, In times of disaster the Church responds in mercy and love to our neighbors in need; and WHEREAS, LCMS Disaster Response Ministry provides resources to help congregations prepare to respond to disaster; and WHEREAS, Disaster response training programs exist, such as Lutheran Early Response Training (LERT), and LERT Certification is available to those congregations and members interested in reaching out to those affected by disaster; and WHEREAS, Disaster preparedness resources exist such as “Mercy in Action: a Guide for Pastors in the Midst of Disaster,” published by The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod, to help equip pastors when extraordinary events occur; therefore be it Resolved, that the Texas District in convention encourage its congregations to develop a disaster plan; and be it further Resolved, that the Texas District provide information about where to find training and resources to assist congregations in developing a disaster plan; and be it further Resolved, that the Texas District will appoint a volunteer Area Disaster Coordinator for each Area of the Texas District to assist the District Disaster Coordinator in working with congregations to accomplish these goals; and be it finally Resolved, that the Texas District in convention give thanks to the District Disaster Coordinator, the Rev. Steve Misch, for his work in this area.

Rev. Larry Krueger, Chairman

Rev. Brian Hesse, Secretary

RESOLUTION 02-06-15A RE: OVERTURE 02-03-15 SUBJECT: TO STUDY CLASSICAL CHRISTIAN EDUCATION PREMABLE: The term "classical education" has been used in Western culture for several centuries, with each era adding its own selection of topics. Classical education has emphasized the seeking after of truth, goodness, and beauty and the study of the liberal arts and the great books. The liberal arts are grammar, logic, rhetoric (the verbal arts of the trivium), arithmetic, geometry, music, and astronomy (the mathematical arts of the quadrivium). This approach to education also includes the study of Latin. The classical approach teaches students how to learn and how to think and depends on a three-part process of training the mind. The early years of school are spent in absorbing facts, systematically laying the foundations for advanced study. In the middle grades, students learn to think through arguments. In the high school years, they learn to express themselves. This classical pattern is called the trivium. In short, classical education is language-focused; learning is accomplished through words, written and spoken, rather than through images (pictures, videos, and television). WHEREAS, a number of LCMS congregations and their schools already offer Classical Christian Education; and WHEREAS, the Concordia University System is the primary training facilitator for the educators and administrators of our LCMS Schools but does not presently offer a specific classical track for the training of teachers and administrators to fill the need in Classical Christian Schools; therefore be it

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Resolved, that the Board of Directors of Concordia University System appoint a committee or assign an existing committee to examine the philosophy and methodology of Classical Christian Education and the feasibility of adding a classical track for the training of teachers and administrators in the Concordia University System and subsequently to report its findings to the 2019 Synod in Convention; and be it finally Resolved, that the 2015 Convention of the Texas District to memorialize the above resolution to The Lutheran Church Missouri Synod for consideration in its 2016 convention.

Rev. Larry Krueger, Chairman Rev. Brian Hesse, Secretary

RESOLUTION 02-07-15A RE: OVERTURE 02-15-15 SUBJECT: TO PROVIDE SUPPORT FOR PROFESSIONAL CHURC H WORKERS WHO HAVE LOST THEIR CALLS WHEREAS, professional church workers who have lost their calls face financial need; and WHEREAS, professional church workers are not typically eligible for unemployment benefits because congregations, schools, RSOs and other calling agencies are exempt from carrying unemployment benefits for their workers; and WHEREAS, congregations may not understand the plight of displaced church workers and may not provide or be able to provide reasonable severance packages for their called workers; and WHEREAS, professional church workers and their families would benefit from having the peace of mind offered by such financial assistance should they lose their calls; and WHEREAS, the Synod desires to encourage a loving environment for church workers and their families that their service in the Lord may be a joy and that they may serve for many years making the best use of the substantial investment made in their training and experience; and WHEREAS, the Texas District and the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod recognize the challenges faced by professional church workers who have lost their calls and have developed programs to assist them, such as Soldiers of the Cross and the Texas District Church Worker Support Fund; therefore be it Resolved, that the Texas District, via the annual District Salary Guidelines, inform congregations, schools, RSOs, and other calling agencies regarding the current unavailability of professional church workers’ unemployment benefits and that consideration should be given to them if they are displaced; and be it further Resolved, that the Texas District in convention encourage congregations to utilize Concordia Plan Services for guidance in these situations; and be it further Resolved, that the Texas District in convention request Concordia Plan Services to analyze and estimate the benefits and costs for provision of unemployment benefits for professional church workers in the Texas District; and be it further Resolved, that, the Texas District encourage congregations to prayerfully and financially support District and Synod agencies and programs that assist professional church workers who have lost their calls; and be it finally, Resolved, that the District President, Vice-Presidents, Mission and Ministry Facilitators, and Circuit Visitors provide affirming pastoral care to professional church workers who have lost their calls.

Rev. Larry Krueger, Chairman Rev. Brian Hesse, Secretary

OVERTURE: 02-08-15 RE: OVERTURE 02-16-15 SUBJECT: TO ENCOURAGE SUPPORT OF VETERANS OF THE C ROSS WHEREAS, the Lord of the Church has blessed His people with faithful servants of His Word; and WHEREAS, some of these retired workers now find themselves financially struggling; and WHEREAS, The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod’s Veterans of the Cross helps veteran church workers and their spouses in financial crisis, supplementing low or inadequate pensions of retired pastors or their widowed spouses to help them afford the cost of necessities such as medication, food and utility bills; therefore be it Resolved, that the congregations of the Texas District be encouraged to support Veterans of the Cross with financial contributions.

Rev. Larry Krueger, Chairman

Rev. Brian Hesse, Secretary

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RESOLUTION 02-09-15A RE: OVERTURE 02-17-15 SUBJECT: TO PROVIDE PASTORAL CARE FOR SMALLER, FIN ANCIALLY STRUGGLING CONGREGATIONS WHEREAS, Many smaller congregations with inadequate financial resources struggle to afford pastoral care; and WHEREAS, These congregations need and desire pastoral care and leadership; and WHEREAS, Word and Sacrament ministry needs to be provided for these congregations; therefore be it Resolved, That the Texas District consider and develop new ways and/or programs to provide pastoral care for smaller, financially struggling congregations; and be it finally Resolved, That the Texas District in convention memorialize the Synod in convention to consider and develop new ways and/or programs to provide pastoral care for smaller, financially struggling congregations

Rev. Larry Krueger, Chairman Rev. Brian Hesse, Secretary

RESOLUTION: 02-10-15 RE: OVERTURE 02-18-15 SUBJECT: TO RESPECTFULLY DECLINE CERTAIN OVERTURES WHEREAS, The floor committee has considered all overtures assigned to it and has concluded, for various reasons, that certain overtures should be declined, therefore be it, Resolved, that the following overture be respectfully declined for the reason given: Overture Subject Reason 02-18-15 To Reimburse Circuit Visitor’s Expenses Policy already in place: Ref. Synod Bylaw 5.2.3(l)

Rev. Larry Krueger, Chairman Rev. Brian Hesse, Secretary

OMNIBUS RESOLUTION RESOLUTION B WHEREAS, A number of issues have been presented through overtures to which the District or Synod in convention has previously spoken; and WHEREAS, After careful consideration of these matters, there appears to be no valid reason to change or alter the stated position of the District or Synod; therefore be it Resolved, that petitioners offering the following overtures be referred to previous action as indicated. Overture Subject Previous Action 02-21-15 To Improve District Communication Of Changes 2012 Convention of Both In Pastors’ and Other Rostered Worker’s the Texas District Relationships and In Their Status (Resolution 02-06-12) 2013 Convention of the Synod (Resolution 3-10A) Synod Task Force on 3-10A

Rev. Larry Krueger, Chairman Rev. Brian Hesse, Secretary

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FLOOR COMMITTEE - CONSTITUTION AND BY-LAWS

THE PREAMBLE to

THE BYLAWS Article III. Goals 3. Boards, Commissions, and Agencies of the District, on behalf of its congregations, actively pursue the fulfillment

of the Great Commission in Texas and in all the world by

A. expanding world missions through District and Synod, B. special emphasis on ethnic ministries, and C. utilizing Commissioned Pastoral Assistant Programs.

Article IV. Objectives

8. to recognize that the Objectives of the Synod (Constitution Art. III) are also those of this Corporation. Article V. Voting Power

This Corporation shall consist of the accredited pastoral and lay delegates of the congregations and parishes, as provided by the Bylaws hereafter enacted, each congregation or parish being entitled to one pastoral and one lay delegate in such meeting; only such delegates shall be entitled to vote

Article VI. Officers The officers of this Corporation shall be :

a President, four area Vice Presidents, a Secretary, a Treasurer, and a Circuit Counselor Visitor elected from each District Circuit.

The President, Vice Presidents, and Secretary shall be Ordained Ministers of Religion (hereafter called Ordained Ministers or Pastors).

Article IX. Bylaws

This Corporation shall have and make such Bylaws as may appear necessary to accomplish the purpose of its

organization and shall create such committees as may seem desirable for the attainment of its general and special objectives. These Bylaws shall not contradict the Constitution and Bylaws of the Synod.

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B Y L A W S

of the

Texas District of

The Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod

I. THE DISTRICT: Organization and Administration

The Bylaws of The Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod (the “Bylaws of Synod”) are referenced throughout these Bylaws and any and all applicable sections as referenced are incorporated herein. Any amendments to the Bylaws of Synod enacted after the date of these Bylaws shall automatically be incorporated herein except as precluded by law because the Synod Bylaws are the primary Bylaws document for the district. These Bylaws and the Bylaws of Synod shall be construed so as not to conflict to the maximum extent allowed, but in the event of an irreconcilable conflict the Bylaws of Synod shall control.

1.007 Other Boards and Officials

All other officials, boards and committees of the District shall be appointed, called, or engaged as follows:

a. Appointed by the President, subject to the approval of the District Board of Directors (their terms to coincide with his): An Assistant Secretary An Assistant Treasurer An Archivist An Editor of the Texas Messenger An Assistant Editor of the Texas Messenger A Director of Public Relations A Convention Manager

1.045 Nominations

Nominations for the office of Area Vice President of the Texas District shall be made in the following manner: a. Each voting congregation shall be entitled to nominate for its area (A, B, C, and D) two ordained ministers for Vice President from the clergy roster of the Synod from the clergy roster of the district with residence in the designated region. b. The Secretary of the District shall mail to each voting congregation of the District ballots for nominating these candidates

F. The District Secretary (See current Handbook of the Synod) 1.059 Election

a. The District Secretary shall be elected from the clergy roster of the Synod district according to established District procedure.

H. The Assistant Treasurer

The Assistant Treasurer shall: a. be appointed by the President and ratified by the Board of Directors, and b. shall render such reasonable assistance as the Treasurer may request from time to time.

B. Circuit Counselors Visitors and Duties 2.005 Nomination, Election, and Ratification (for circuit counselors visitors)

a. Nomination and Election

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The circuit counselor shall be elected in the following manner: Every voting congregation of each circuit shall, through its chairman or president, nominate from the clergy roster of the Synod two ordained ministers as candidates for the office of circuit counselor. The elected circuit counselor shall be a member of a member congregation of the district upon assuming office and during the course of his tenure. The nominations shall be made at least seven months prior to the elections and shall be submitted to the nominating committee through the Secretary of the District. If no candidate has received a majority, the District Secretary shall mail to each congregation in that Circuit a ballot containing the names of the two men receiving the highest number of votes. The Nominating Committee shall arrange a slate containing the first choice for circuit counselor from each Circuit, provided that man is still available, or the second choice of the Circuit if he is not. (See the current Handbook of the Synod)

The circuit visitor shall be elected in accord to the provisions of the current Handbook of the Synod

3.003 Constitution, New and Revised

a. See the current Handbook of the Synod b. Congregations may extend voting privileges to members who are 18 years of age. However, in

the State of Texas, the incorporators and anyone signing a legal document for the congregation must be at least 21 years of age.

c. The constitution of a congregation could well include a clause stating that in case of dissolution of the congregation the property of the congregation, after payment of all just claims, shall by decision of the Voters' Assembly, be conveyed to the Texas District of The Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod or religious 501(c)(3).

4.003 Representation

(See the Preamble to The Bylaws, Art. V) (See current Handbook of the Synod)Advisory members a. Called commissioned ministers, according to the regulations of Synod, are required to attend the

District Conventions. b. Where there are no called commissioned ministers in a school, the educators of the school may

appoint one to represent them as a guest at the Convention. c. Contract commissioned ministers are encouraged to attend the District Conventions, but are not

required to do so. 4.009 Convention Committees a. The district president shall refer all matters which are to be presented to the convention to

convention committees appointed by him from among the accredited delegates and official representatives in order to voting delegates, advisory delegates, and official advisory representatives of the convention in order to expedite the transaction of business. The District President shall arrange for adequate personnel, which may include non-voting delegates, to serve as counters for the election committee. After due consideration of the matters referred to them, these committees shall report their findings and recommendations to the convention. If the president deems it advisable, he shall be empowered to convene any such committees prior to the opening of the convention.

V. CONFERENCES

A. Official Conferences of Ordained Ministers and Commissioned Ministers

(See current Handbook of the Synod concerning the guidelines of the Synod regarding Conferences) 5.001 Official Conferences

a. In the Texas District there shall be an official conference for its ordained ministers and commissioned ministers. Each official conference shall consist of all clergymen and commissioned ministers on the district roster and shall meet in plenary sessions at least once a year, and may meet more frequently in major sections as shall be established by the district in convention. All such major sectional meetings shall be regarded as sessions of the official conference.

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b. All ordained and commissioned ministers on the district roster are expected to attend meetings of their official conference or present a valid excuse.

c. The plenary and sectional meetings of both conferences may adopt and submit overtures to the conventions of the district and the synod.

d. Official District Conferences shall include:

1. District Professional Church Workers Conferences 2. District Commissioned Ministers Conference 3. District Ordained Ministers' Conference 4. Annual Principals Conference 5. Conference for Directors of Christian Education

5.003 Conference Calendar

Professional Workers Conferences a. A district professional church workers conference shall meet in the fall (September, October, or

November) of the years in which there is neither a convention of the district nor the synod. b. A district commissioned ministers conference shall meet in the fall (September, October, or

November) of the year in which the district convention meets, and in the fall of the year in which The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod holds its triennial delegate convention.

c. A district Pastors ordained ministers conference shall meet in the fall (September, October, or November) of the year in which the district convention meets, and in the fall of the year in which The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod holds its triennial delegate convention.

5.007 Annual Missionaries’ Conference

The Texas District shall board of mission administration may annually conduct a conference for church planters, district missionaries, and district congregations interested in church planting, designed especially to further learning and provide encouragement for church planting.

VI. BOARD OF DIRECTORS

6.001 Personnel

a. The president, the vice presidents, the secretary, five laypersons (one from each administrative area of the district and one "at large") and two commissioned ministers shall be voting members of the board of directors.

b. The district staff and the treasurer are invited to attend meetings of the board of directors in an advisory capacity but are not obligated to attend after they have presented their reports.

c. The District Director of Public Relations and the Editor of the Texas Messenger may attend meetings of the Board of Directors at the invitation of the President as observers and reporters.

6.009 Functions and Duties

g. Be authorized to extend calls in behalf of the Synod and the Texas District for Lutheran Social

Services of the South which are filled by ordained and commissioned ministers of our Synod. Such calls shall be extended when all provisions concerning the selection of such staff members have been fulfilled according to bylaws of the Lutheran Social Services of the South. non-RSOs that provide mission and ministry support to the district.

VII. MISSION ADMINISTRATION

A. Board of Mission Administration

7.003 Function

The Board shall:

j. give attention to the need for new approaches and forms of ministry to meet special needs; assist congregations in understanding the need for special ministries in an area, and, as necessary, give counsel and guidance in establishing such ministries; where necessary, provide financial assistance; and collaborate with synod's Board of Missions office of national missions in planning and establishing such ministries;

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7.009 Organization

a. The board shall normally meet bi-monthly meet at least three times a year. Special meetings may be called by the chairman or by a majority of the members. Members shall be duly notified of all meetings.

C. Church Extension Fund

8.009 Regulations

c. Ownership The ownership of the Texas District Church Extension Fund and the ultimate administrative

jurisdiction thereof shall rest solely in the Texas District of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, a Texas corporation, and in conformity with policies established by the synod’s board of church extension.

X. AGENCIES AND SUNDRY AREAS

A. Lutheran Witness Supplement (See current Handbook of the Synod) 10.001 Texas Messenger

The Texas Messenger, as the official church publication of the Texas District, shall be published as Part II of the monthly Lutheran Witness according to the congregation "blanket" subscription plan offered by Concordia Publishing House for the Witness.

10.003 Personnel

The editor of the Texas Messenger and an assistant shall be appointed for a three-year term by the district president with the approval of the board of directors of the district. b. The editor may be invited by the District President to attend meetings of the District Board of

Directors as an observer and reporter. B. District Archivist

10.017 Space and Funds

Space, necessary help, and appropriate funding for the binding, storing, preservation, and display of archive materials shall be allocated as determined by the board of directors.

10.019 Use of Materials

a. No material that is part of the archives shall be sent out. b. The following rules shall govern the use of the archives:

(1) The archivist, the district president, the four vice presidents, and the president of Concordia University at Austin Texas, and the treasurer of the district, shall have access to the archives.

(2) Permission for all others to use the archives shall be granted by the archivist or the district president.

(3) The students of Concordia University at Austin Texas wishing to be admitted to the archives must be granted permission by the president of the university. He will then refer the request to the archivist and/or the district president.

C. Commissioned Pastoral Assistant Program

10.021 Personnel and Selection

a. The Board of Directors shall appoint a Commissioned Pastoral Assistant Program Coordinating Committee to review, monitor and develop a Commissioned Pastoral Assistant Program. The Committee shall consist of six ordained ministers, one of whom shall be designated the Program

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Supervisor. The Program shall be the responsibility of the District President and shall report to him at least semi-annually.

b. The Commissioned Pastoral Assistant will be selected and commissioned by the District and the local congregation.

c. An ordained pastor, preferably retired, will supervise the Commissioned Pastoral Assistant Program and will supply the authority and guidance of the pastoral ministry to and through the lay minister.

10.023 Functions and Duties

a. The Commissioned Pastoral Assistant Coordinating Committee shall review, monitor and develop

the Commissioned Pastoral Assistant Program in the District. It shall study the needs of communities and make recommendations to the District and assist the supervising pastor in carrying out the program.

b. The Commissioned Pastoral Assistant shall conduct worship services, administer the Sacraments, perform weddings, funerals, and other services as agreed upon by the congregation, the Supervisor and the Commissioned Pastoral Assistant Coordinating Committee.

c. The Supervisor, an ordained minister, will help the Commissioned Pastoral Assistant with his needs and problems, supply him with messages, monitor the relationship with the congregation, and supply the authority and guidance for the pastoral office. He will be the Called pastor of the congregation and assist it in making decisions and calls pertaining to the pastoral office.

D. District Reconcilers XI. FISCAL POLICY

11.009 Distribution of District's Surplus Funds

a. The Treasurer will notify in writing all District staff persons, indicating the total amount of "surplus funds."

b. The District Staff persons will share this information with their appropriate committees, agencies, and/or boards. They will invite their committees, agencies, and/or boards to develop a list of projects or needs with cost projections for the proposed use of the "surplus funds."

c. The District Staff persons will then meet with their appropriate boards and prioritize their lists according to need, providing justifications for their requests.

d. The District Staff persons will then meet and propose a prioritized list of projects to the Board of Directors.

e. The Board of Directors will then act upon these proposals at its earliest convenience. Universal Change: Circuit Counselor Visitor These Bylaw amendments have been reviewed by the Committee on Constitutional Matters. Notation Logistics: Blue markings are deleted from the text. Red markings that have been added to the text.

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IX. Report of the Credentials and Registration Comm ittee

2015 TEXAS DISTRICT LCMS CONVENTION Final Registration Report

Clergy Voting 216 Lay Voting 213

Total Voting 429 Ordained Advisory 25 Commissioned Advisory 12 District Staff 22 Synod Staff 3 Exhibitors 10 Guests 54 Non-Voting Attendance 126 TOTAL REGISTERED: 555 The registration numbers listed above do not include local volunteers such as worship leaders, musicians, pages, hospitality greeters, etc. Rev. Don Fraker, Registration Coordinator 2015 Texas District LCMS Convention

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X. Convention Roster

2015 CONVENTION DELEGATE ROSTER Ordained and Lay Delegates Attending

CITY CHURCH PASTOR LAY

Abilene Our Savior LaVerne Janssen David Atkins

Abilene Zion Clyde Kieschnick Craig Sanders

Alamo Zion Robert Holaday

Albany Trinity Tom Chandler

Amarillo Christ Carol Duncan

Amarillo Trinity Brian Hesse William Prestwood, III

Amarillo/Hereford Prince of Peace/Immanuel Joseph Andrajack Brandon Grubbs

Anderson Zion Kermit Bostelman Mark Meyer

Angleton Good Shepherd Robert Sweet TC Lipe

Arlington Beautiful Savior Brian Cummins David Ricks

Arlington Grace Russell Hildebrandt Scott Cunningham

Arlington Holy Cross Bill Lowrey Kathryn Lowrey

Athens St. John Seth Davidson

Austin ACTS Lakeway Peter Mueller

Austin Beautiful Savior M. J. Meyer Wayne Harned

Austin Bethany William Knippa Alan Albers

Austin Christ John Stennfeld Michael Zieschang

Austin Hope Peter Heckmann Edward Baumann

Austin Mt. Olive Paul Meyer Richard Fritsche

Austin Our Savior Eric Borchers Elving R. Lief

Austin Redeemer David Schroder Johnny Humphreys

Austin St. Paul Mark Nuckols Mark De Young

Azle Good Shepherd Craig Schinnerer Janet Adkins

Ballinger/Eola/Sonora/Ozona Bethel/Mt.Calvary/Hope/Faith Thomas Baden Betty Baden

Beaumont Redeemer Harvey F. Kelm, Jr. Jason Frugia

Beaumont St. John Douglas Rathgeber Doyle Erickson, Jr.

Bellmead St. Paul Larry Krueger Daniel Moravec

Big Spring Alive in Christ Andrew Bartholomew Angela Newton

Bishop St. Paul Matthew Ulmer Michael Denkeler

Boerne Messiah Jeannine Klem

Bowie St. Peter Larry Knobloch Gillis Hammett

Brady Mt. Calvary Benjamin Francisco David DeGroot

Brenham Bethlehem Mark Moldenhauer Paul Richter

Brenham/Lyons Grace/Immanuel Lee Kunkel William R. Krueger

Brownwood Grace Curtis Schneider Melvin Wende

Bryan Bethel Randy Bard

Burkburnett Grace Weslie Odom Gary Simmons

Carrollton Prince of Peace Micah Miller Ed Moerbe

Cedar Park Good Shepherd Matthew Headley

Centerville Our Savior Trey Rienstra

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CITY CHURCH ORD VOTING LAY VOTING

Cisco Redeemer Justin Odom

Clarksville/Mt. Pleasant St. John/Good Shepherd Mike Kimmel Curtis Duncan

Cleburne Ascension Jay Cornils

College Station Holy Cross Michael Hafer Paul Keiper

Colleyville Crown of Life Martin Richardson Larry Darlage

Conroe St. Mark David Quail Victor Schultz

Copperas Cove Immanuel Bernard Jones

Copperas Cove Trinity Bernard J. Schey Carl Phillips

Corinth Hope Wayne Hamit Allen Bahre

Corpus Christi Lord of Life Stephen N. Misch Robert Schultz

Corpus Christi Mt. Olive Kevin Jennings John Moseley

Corpus Christi Our Savior Richard Lofgren

Corpus Christi Trinity Dustin Beck

Corsicana Faith Joe Mashburn Timothy Schaefer

Crockett Grace Thomas St. Jean Dorothy St. Jean

Crosby Our Shepherd Jonathan F. Meyer David Averre

Cypress Lifebridge Michael Meissner

Cypress St. John Stephen DeMik Mark Froehlich

Dallas Bethel Randy Haedge Paul Fluegel

Dallas Zion Robert Preece Bill Medley

Del Rio Grace David Nielsen Lisa Nielsen

Denison Grace Michael Mattil Gorlyn Bronstad

Denton St. Paul Russell Tieken Richard Roberts

DeSoto Cros of Christ John DeYoung Gary Pate

Devine Divine Savior Odis Doyal Douglas Carberry

Eden/Menard Trinity/Grace Darrell Howanitz Tim Brewster

Edna St. Paul Paul Kaiser Raymond Born

Elgin Grace Carl Roth Thomas Brown

Fairview Immanuel Tab Ottmers Brian Ferguson

Farwell St. John David Symm Curtis Drager

Forney Water of Life James Jarrett Michael Lewis

Friendswood Hope Jon Petering John Loessin

Frisco Water's Edge Mark Schaefer Daniel Bodemann

Ft. Worth Christ John Coulborn

Ft. Worth Redeemer Clark Penas

Ft. Worth St. Paul John Messmann John Marut

Gainesville Faith Scott Sundbye Stephen Geray

Galveston St. John's Alan Taylor Norbert Roobaert

Garland Tree of Life Clint Thorson Lyle Livingston

Gatesville St. Paul John Heckmann Allen Duran

Georgetown Faith Walter Pohland Lance Kroesch

Georgetown Zion Kevin Hintze Chad Mathews

Giddings Immanuel Robert Tiner Alan Smith

Giddings St. John Dale Bohm Dennis Patschke

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CITY CHURCH ORD VOTING LAY VOTING

Giddings St. Paul John Schmidt Tim Hartfield

Gonzales/Smithville Abiding Word/Vineyard of Christ Kyle Backhaus Larry Fortune

Graham Faith Michael J. Ruhlig Tammy Ruhlig

Granbury Our Savior David Schatte David Townsend

Grand Prairie Faith James Schroeder

Groves St. Paul Richard Turner Mitchell Halbert

Gun Barrel City St. Peter Eric Stinnette

Hamilton St. John Keith Reich Jason Bussey

Harlingen St. Paul Nathan Wendorf Ryan Busse

Harrold/Iowa Park Immanuel/Trinity Samuel S. Wirgau

Haslet Holy Shepherd Chris Bramich Philip Heath

Hillsboro Christ Michael Nemec Charles Nemec

Houston Beautiful Savior Russell Strimple Vivian Ogrodowicz

Houston Christ Memorial Steven Simon Brenda Bohn

Houston Concordia August Pietsch

Houston Family of Faith Doug Krengel

Houston Gethsemane John Cain Milton Bade

Houston Gloria Dei Dan Schepmann Mary Ferguson

Houston Hilltop Seungwoong Ok

Houston Immanuel Jeffrey King Raymond Thomas

Houston Joy John Raddatz Linda Raddatz

Houston Memorial Ian Pacey Brian Boster

Houston Mount Calvary Samuel Cosby

Houston Mount Olive Randy Ledbetter John Norton

Houston Oikos Nelson Schmidt

Houston Pilgrim Larry Ogg

Houston St. Andrew Mark Koch Jeff Fox

Houston St. Luke George Berry

Houston St. Mark Scott Heitshusen Charles McDaniel

Houston St. Matthew Mark Wiesenborn Doyle DelBosque

Houston St. Matthew of Westfield Ron Bogs Justin Henderson

Houston St. Timothy Steve Henze Neil Bamsch

Houston Trinity David Leeland Stephen Maynard

Hurst Peace Jim Mueller Jeff Kamprath

Irving Our Redeemer Eloy Gonzalez Ralph Otte

Katy CrossPoint Paul Goeke Andy Smithwick

Katy Memorial John Davis Jerry Melcher

Keller Messiah Glenn Huebel Rick Liddle

Kilgore Pilgrim Jayson Galler J.D. Sampson

Killeen Grace Andrew Green Stephen Bell

Kingsville St. Paul Jacob Eckert

Kingwood Christ the King Al Doering Robert Sorge

Lago Vista Christ Our Savior David Hintze Gary Little

LaGrange Mt. Calvary Beverly Albers

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CITY CHURCH ORD VOTING LAY VOTING

Lampasas Faith Timothy Ochsner Kenneth Peiser

Laredo Faith Joseph Pelto

Leander ACTS Leander Philip Hohle

Lexington/Lexington St. James/Holy Trinity Jonathan Meyer Victor Yurk

Liberty Hill Mission Liberty Hill Paul Frerichs Paul Nortin

Lincoln Christ Paul Hartfield Ronnie Beisert

Livingston Trinity Frederick Wuensche

Longview Our Redeemer Dennis Bragdon Charles Comfort

Lubbock Hope Eric Hiner Michael Thomann

Lufkin First Evangelical Gerald Stidham

Magnolia Saint Paul Wendell Stavig Glenn Halfacre

Manheim Ebenezer Her Keistman Randy A Birnbaum

Mansfield St. John Bill Dasch Jarrett Jones

Mart/Marlin Grace/Grace Kurt Rutz Michael Denney

McAllen El Buen Pastor Ruben Dominguez

McAllen St. Paul Nathan Wollenberg Danny Hempel

McKinney Our Savior Stephen Maxwell

Mercedes Immanuel Jim Edge Kenneth Eilers

Midland Holy Cross Danny Anderson

Midland/Andrews Grace/Faith Robert Pase Thomas A. Wolfmueller

Monahans/Kermit St. Paul/Zion Michael Fickenscher Margaret Peterson

Montgomery Living Savior David Bailes Mark Lamprecht

Nacogdoches Redeemer Robert Kobler Steven Galatas

Navasota Salem Chris Richardson

Navasota Trinity Matthias Dinger Wayne Ganske

Nederland Holy Cross Francis Schroeder Michael Rose

New Braunfels Cross Don Fraker James Smith

Newark Victory in Christ Ryan Ogrodowicz Douglas Rohloff

North Zulch Bethlehem Randall Smith Lorne Theiss

Odem Trinity Travis Adams

Odessa Emmanuel G. Donald Loudenback James Heap

Olney St. Luke Sean Reeves William Jeske

Orange Grace Thomas Haas George Bohn

Palestine Bethlehem David Bergman Leanora Rosier

Pampa Zion Michael Erickson Kenneth May

Paris Beautiful Savior Wayne Renning James Luft

Paris Grace Toby Byrd Dennis Schmidt

Pasadena Zion David Sawhill Rickey Holderrieth

Pattison Christ Don Loeschen Dennis Keuneke

Pearland Epiphany Jon Salminen Larry Woelfel

Pearsall St. Peter Thomas Winter Edward Graf

Pflugerville Point of Grace Delton Weiser John Hunt

Plainview St. Paul Michael Heckmann Paul Drager

Plano Faith James Woelmer Gordon Wagoner

44

CITY CHURCH ORD VOTING LAY VOTING

Plano Lord of Life Joel Shaltanis Michael Kunschke

Plano Messiah Victor Kollmann Harold Lehrmann

Port Arthur Trinity Timothy Dinger Arnold Schaefer

Riesel Trinity Robert Kitson Dennis Edwards

Rockport Peace Thomas Wagstaff Rita Wagstaff

Rockwall Our Savior Randy Heidrich

Rosenberg Trinity Wayne Schueler James Rudel, Jr.

Round Rock King of Kings Mark Dankis Alvin Bennett

San Angelo Trinity Randall Wehmeyer Dathan Simpson

San Antonio Concordia Benjamin Schrank Ron Lammert

San Antonio Crown of Life Mark Barz Christopher Benavides

San Antonio King of Kings Jeff Doria Edward Schweninger

San Antonio Mount Calvary Mark Pulliam Jim Koenig

San Antonio Mount Olive David Brockhouse Wayne Sova

San Antonio St. Paul Dave Murillo Tom Carter

San Benito St. John L. Lynn Lubke Eric Guerrero

San Marcos Grace William Bryson

Schertz Word of Life Fellowship Kenneth Mitschke Mark Stemmermann

Schulenburg Zion Alfred Gallmeier Michael Zuhn

Sealy Trinity Lee Hobratschk

Seguin Grace Richard Mittelstadt Dennis Krolczyk

Shamrock Trinity Rob Sandley Michelle Sandley

Smithville Grace Timothy Appel Edward Randle

Snyder Grace Jim Wright

Spring Resurrection Ric McMillian John Harris

Spring Trinity Chris Singer Jeffrey Everitt

Stephenville Faith Tom Konz Magan Carrasco

Sugar Land Fishers of Men Jerry McNamara

Sulphur Springs Our Savior Timothy Eden

Temple Immanuel Dana Wilhelmsen David Lockwood

Texas City Peace Matthew Brackman

The Woodlands Living Word Daniel Quinn

Thorndale St. Paul Scott Schaller Timothy Beard

Tomball Salem Timothy Niekerk Mark Knebel

Tomball Zion Chris Hull Larry Harvey

Tyler Trinity Art Hill John Goodwin

Uhland St. John George Lyons

Uvalde Trinity Donald Olson Scott Albrecht

Vernon St. Paul Paul Neuberger Mary Neuberger

Victoria Grace Chris Johnson Mancel (Church) Mueller

Waco Peace Stephen Rynearson Louis Marks

Waco St. Mark James Price Tim Griesse

Waller Zion Henry Wied Debra Wied

Wallis St. Paul Jan Johnson

45

CITY CHURCH ORD VOTING LAY VOTING

Warda Holy Cross Dennis Tegtmeier Ron Zoch

Waxahachie Christ the King Robert Hemsath Kurt Hilsabeck

Weatherford Trinity Timothy Fraker Les Thornburg

Wharton St. John Ervin Zahn

Whitney Our Savior Philip Wottrich

Wichita Falls Our Redeemer Dale Snyder Kathlene Snyder

Wichita Falls St. Paul Kathy Kabell

Wilson St. Paul David Rohde

Winchester Saint Michael's Nathaniel Hill

Winnie Hope Robert LeBlanc Donald Gaus

Woodville/Jasper Faith/St. Paul Mark Follett Mark Denson

Woodway Trinity James Menke Glenn Hurta

Zapata Abiding Savior Landon Schkade, Jr. Larry Varvil

TOTALS Churches : 229 Ord. Voting: 201 Lay Voting: 204