Mission Keynote Address
Rev. Dr. Robert Scudieri, Associate Executive Director LCMS World Missions, gave the keynote address. In three sessions, he spoke about three challenges facing the church.
The first challenge is “Turning the church inside out.” Paradigm shifts are needed in the US church. The percentage of Protestant Christians has fallen over the past years. Dr. Scudieri challenged the delegates to a renewed focus on evangelism, based on Jesus’ parable of the servants and the talents.
He then asked the delegates to talk in groups about how they would act differently in a society where less than one percent of the people are Christian. After brief discussion at tables, the delegates shared their ideas with the convention.
The second part of Dr. Scudieri’s address dealt with the changing role of the church in society. Dr. Scudieri spoke about Galilee at the time of Jesus, and how that the current society in New Jersey is similar to Galilee. He stressed, “There is a church because there is a mission, not vice versa.”
The change needing to take place in congregations and districts is a shift from chaplaincy work to missionary work. Dr. Scudieri spoke about the various new programs that have begun within the Synod, including the Transforming Churches Network (TCN), how the seminaries are responding to their changing roles through EIIT and Mission Planters program.
Delegates were asked to talk in groups about what the District and Synod can do to help congregations in their mission work. Delegates then responded with ideas: communication, leadership, how to inspire congregations towards mission.
Dr. Scudieri began the third and final session by stating that we live in a mission field, and that we must make our approach to mission work contextual. This is a better understanding than “contemporary,” because it implies knowing what the society needs.
He described these mission challenges as a gift from God to the LCMS-- what we do with that gift is up to us.
Dr. Scudieri left the delegates with the following question to discuss at their home settings: “How are you connecting with the community in which God has placed you? “ and invited them to take that question home with them and share it with their congregations for discussion and further learning.
District President’s Acceptance Address
President Klettke gave his acceptance address. He emphasized the servant role of his office, and stressed that the District’s role is to support congregations as they engage their community with the love of Christ.
The theme for the convention, “Chosen for a Purpose,” is really the agenda for then next three years: we are to be a ”light to the nations” and embrace that task for which we have been chosen, in this time and place.
President Klettke thanked his wife, Val, for her help.
He encouraged the delegates and pastors, reminding them that they were now going to be returning to the places where mission and ministry really take place-- and that the Holy Spirit would be with them, working through God's Word and the Sacraments to build up the body of Christ.
Resolutions Committee
Rev. Mark Bartels reported on the work of the Resolutions Committee:
Resolution 2009-01
WHEREAS the Rev. Jim Buckman has been called and installed as Mission Strategist for the Newark Region of the New Jersey District, therefore be it
RESOLVED that the offering from the opening Eucharist should be designated in support of his ministry.
The motion was PASSED.
Resolution 2009-02
WHEREAS Rev. William R. Klettke, Rev. Dale R. Johnston, Rev. Bob Herring, Rev. Dr. Richard Vossler, Bill Webster, Rev. John Welge, Ray Visbeck, Gary Algeier, Rhonda Knudson, Caitlin Dinger, Dave Hildebrandt and Sandy Ramirez have faithfully served our Lord’s Kingdom, our New Jersey District, and our 2009 Convention as workers and members of the District Convention Committee therefore be it
RESOLVED that the Convention join in echoing our Lord’s own words “well done, good and faithful servant,” and be it finally
RESOLVED that the Convention express its appreciation and thankfulness with a standing ovation.
The motion was PASSED.
Resolution 2009-03
WHEREAS our New Jersey District has been faithfully served this past triennium by these six servants who now retire from service on the Board of Directors, including Rev. Paul Huneke, Rev. Gregg Ramirez, Rev. Robert Kuppler, Glenn Lockenvitz, Dave Hindermann, and Ray Visbeck, and
WHEREAS Dave Hildebrandt has retired after nine years of serving the District as LCMS Foundation Representative, Interim Business Manager, Mission and Ministry Advancement Coordinator, District Stewardship Chairman, and founder of the District Mission Golf Classic, therefore, be it
RESOLVED that the Convention reecho our Lord’s own words “ewll done, good and faithful servant,” and be it finally
RESOLVED that the Convention give thanks to our Lord for these servants by vigorously singing the Common Doxology.
The motion was PASSED.
Congregational Services Council and Youth Ministry
President Klettke introduced Mr. David Kisser to speak about Youth Ministry. Dave spoke about the Winter Youth Gathering, showing some slides of the summer and winter gatherings. Rev. Stephen Gewecke then spoke about the summer youth camps coming up this summer. Mrs. Caitlin Dinger spoke about the work of District youth workers (including the bi-monthly meetings), as well as the National Youth Gathering. Dave then spoke about the his work with Teen Leadership, and plans for youth leadership training events in the fall.
Leaders and Learners
President Klettke introduced Mrs. Shirley Carpenter, who reported on the work of Leaders and Learners. She passed out her report. She reported that 83 people have participated in the program and 35 faculty members teach in the program. Dr. Tony Steinbronn is the Chairman of the governing board. Shirley then gave statistics on the graduates who are serving the District and the church at large.
Mrs. Carpenter also spoke briefly about ALOA, the Association of Lutheran Older Adults, an organization of Lutherans who are over 50.
Installation of New Jersey District Officers, Board of Directors and Circuit Counselors
President Klettke installed the new Vice Presidents, Circuit Counselors and members of the Board of Directors.
News Briefs
Report on Registration
Rev. Dale Johnston reported on the attendance for the day:
40 pastoral delegates
36 lay delegates
8 advisory delegates 63 guests
Opening Devotion
Rev. David Rowold led the convention in the morning devotion, based on John 15:26-27
Convention Committee Introduced
President Klettke then introduced the members of the Convention Committee: Rev. Dale Johnston, Convention Manager; Rev. Bob Herring, Assistant Manager; Rev. Richard Vossler, Recording Secretary; Mr. Bill Webster, Treasurer; Rev. John Welge, Worship; Mr. Ray Visbeck, Registration and Housing; Mrs. Rhonda Knudson, Exhibits; Mrs. Caitlin May Dinger, Communications Manager; Mr. Dave Hildebrandt, District Council Presentations; Mrs. Sandy Ramirez, District Office Secretary; and Mr. Vince Schaffer, Audio Visual Coordinator.
Pre-Advent Pastors’ Retreat
Rev. Robert Holsten announced the Pastors’ Pre-Advent, September 15-17 at the Carmelite Retreat Center in Mahwah, NJ. The theme will be “Comfort, Comfort Ye My People: Speaking God’s Word of peace in a time of Anxiety.”
Closing Devotion
Mrs. Shirley Carpenter from Redeemer, Westfield, led the convention in the closing devotion, based on Exodus 9:16, Genesis 45:5-8. Esther 4:12ff, Acts 2:23f, Acts 10:39-42, Romans 8:28, Proverbs 19, Isaiah 46, Isaiah 55:8-11, Ephesians 1:11-12, Ephesians 3, Philippians 2 and 2 Timothy 1:8-10.
Convention Adjourned
President Klettke adjourned the convention at 12:10 pm.
Go in peace. Serve the Lord!
Go in peace. Serve the Lord!