Blue Ribbon Task Force on Synod Structure & Governance
Rev. Larry Stoterau, President Pacific Southwest District, Vice Chairman of the Blue Ribbon Task Force presented the report, giving history of the BRTFSSG, as well as a video from President Kieschnick.
Rev. Stoterau then presented a number of proposals from the task force. Each of the 20 proposals included a goal, current problem or deficiency, recommended solution, and rationale. The delegates and guests were walked through each of the 20 proposals, and then asked to respond in writing to each of the proposals.
In a later session, Rev. Stoterau entertained questions from the convention floor regarding the proposals, and the next steps in the Task Force’s process. Questions included the new name of the church, the vote for commissioned ministers, formation and certification of new pastoral candidates, the resolution process, representation of small congregations, the size of districts, mission goals/outcomes from districts and how those goals are related to the national church, the way the proposals will be adopted, the election of the regional Vice Presidents.
Report of the District’s Mission Executive
President Klettke introduced Dr. Anthony Steinbronn, who presented the report for the Outreach & Growth Councils, as well as the Congregational Revitalization program.
Dr. Steinbronn spoke about how we are living in a post-churched society, and how we have to be more intentional in our mission work within society and within the District. Dr. Steinbronn spoke of leadership, vision casting and the current revitalization process. He then introduced the reasons behind calling Rev. Jim Buckman to the District as an Urban Mission Strategist.
Rev. Jim Buckman then spoke about the start of his work in the District. Jim’s work will focus on home church Bible study groups, not only in urban settings but also throughout the District.
Other Reports, Election Results
Report of Nominations Committee – Mr. Channing Wilson
Mr. Wilson read the names for the Board of Directors: Lay person from Circuit 4 – Mr. Jason Kiefer; Secretary – Rev. L. Richard Vossler; Treasurer – Mr. Michael Kzirian.
President Klettke opened the floor for nominations. Gregg Ramirez nominated Mr. Olugbenga Adesokan as the lay delegate for circuit 2.
President Klettke recognized the current Vice Presidents who are retiring after this term: Rev. Paul Huneke, First Vice President; Rev. Gregg Ramirez, Second Vice President; Rev. Robert Kuppler, Third Vice President.
Rev. Vossler reported the results of the elections for Board of Directors. Olugbenga Adesokan received 56 votes for Lay Representative for Circuit 2, Jason Kiefer received 58 votes for Lay Representative for Circuit 4, Rev. Richard Vossler received 60 votes for Secretary, and Michael Kzirian received 59 votes for Treasurer.
President Klettke called Mr. Channing Wilson of the Nominations Committee to read the names of the candidates for the CHEF board: Region 1 – Rev. Andrew Nelson; Region 3 –. Charlotte Visbeck; at large members: Sue Epper and Suzane Wirtz.
The names for the Nominations Committee are as follows: Clergy – Revs. Donald Brand, John Reynolds, Dennis Rockett and Chris Schonberg; Commissioned Minister – Caitlin Dinger; Lay Person – Raymond Visbeck.
President Klettke opened the floor for nominations for the CHEF board. Rev. Terry Herzberg nominated Charles Stackhouse for member at large. Rev. Art Doring nominated Stephen Naumowicz.
Rev. Vossler reported that Rev. Donald Brand and Rev. Christian Schonberg were elected to the Nominations Committee for the 2012 NJ District Convention. Because the time was limited, the numbers for the elections will be explained at a later session.
Lutheran Church Extension Fund (LCEF)
Mr. Merle Freitag, president of LCEF, who presented a video presentation of the work and the resources of the LCEF. Later in the convention session, Mr. Rick Porter, Regional Vice President of the LCEF for the Eastern and New Jersey Districts presented specific information about the work of the LCEF in the NJ District.
RAI Ministries-Camp Biloxi & Camp Restore
President Klettke introduced Kurt Jostes of RAI Ministries of Camp Biloxi and Camp Restore, who spoke a word of thanks for the work of the members of the NJ District in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.
Synodical Seminaries and the “What a Way Initiative”
Dr. Kurt J. Krueger, Executive Director Board for University Education and President, The Concordia University System presented his report on the “What a Way Initiative,” including a video presentation. Dr. Krueger encouraged the delegates to support the CUS, and handed out some resources for “What a Way” and the CUS.
Project Barnabas
Rev. Otto Reinbacher spoke about Project Barnabas, which works with military personnel on active duty, as well as families affected by deployment.
Operations Council
Mr. Robert Keller, Chairman, presented his report, which included some of the financial challenges faced by the district as well as the current status of the properties of former congregations that the District now owns.
District Treasurer
Mr. Mike Kzirian presented the Treasurer’s Report, reporting that in the next triennium the District will be financially challenged to maintain current activities. Support from congregations and individuals must increase, grants for projects must be explored, and expenses must be reduced. A question was raised regarding the use of funds from the sale of properties, and it was suggested that the majority of the funds be given to strengthen congregations rather than be given to District administration.
Lutheran Immigration & Refugee Service
President Klettke introduced Katrina Klettke Straker and Tara Mulder, who reported on the work with immigrant and refugee groups. Tara explained the history of LIRS and their work of resettling refugees and those seeking asylum, and how District members can become involved in the work of LIRS.
Lutheran Social Ministries of New Jersey
President Klettke introduced Rev. Jerry Nugent, who reported on the changes that have occurred at LSMNJ since the last NJD Convention. Various LSMNJ staff members shared more about the food pantries, care facilities, housing projects and homeless ministries offered by LSMNJ with the help of Lutheran congregations in New Jersey.
New Jersey District Lutheran Women’s Missionary League
Ms. Susan Donnelly, President, reported on the ministry of the New Jersey District of the LWML: the mites that have been collected for the current biennium (2008-2010), and how they are being put to work; and the various workshops and seminars that the LWML has and will sponsor.
Report from the Chairman of the Board
President Klettke introduced Mr. Ray Visbeck, the retiring Chairman of the NJ District Board of Directors. Mr. Visbeck encouraged the members to nominate people for the next LCMS Convention, as well as to be more active in the life of the District and the ministry of the church.
Orphan Grain Train
Mr. Cliff Kraft, from the Mid-Atlantic District explained the history of Orphan Grain Train’s work in gathering clothing and medical supplies, which are distributed internationally and domestically. The delivery of these supplies helps bring the Gospel to the people who receive the supplies.
News Briefs
Report on Registration
Rev. Robert Herring, Assistant Convention Manager, reported on the convention attendance for the day:
37 pastoral delegates
32 lay delegates
8 advisory delegates
49 guests
Opening Devotion
Commissioned Minister Caitlin May Dinger (DCE, Christ Memorial-East Brunswick) led the opening devotion, based on Psalm136 and 1 Peter 2:9-12
Announcements
Rev. Paul Huneke announced a Mission Fair that will be held at Luther Memorial in Tinton Falls on Saturday, June 20
Convention Banquet
Rev. Bob Mueller (St. Paul - Flemington) emceed the Friday night Banquet. After a delicious meal, all were treated to an inspiring missions presentation by Mrs. Dena Hertel (Our Savior-Fair Lawn), whose experience as a member of a short-term missions team in Kyrgyzstan transformed her own understanding of what it means to be “Chosen for a Purpose.”
At the banquet, District President William Klettke presented retiring Board Chairman, Mr. Ray Visbeck, with the district's "Servant of Christ" award for his many years of faithful service.
Musician Don Wharton shared his Christian testimony in story and song, encouraging banquet guests to always rest in the hands of God, whose love for us in Jesus Christ is mighty to save.
Advisory delegates to the 2010 LCMS Convention
Commissioned Ministers & Retired/Assistant Ordained ministers caucused to elect advisory delegates to the 2010 LCMS Convention.