19 th Convention of the. Wyoming District LCMS PROCEEDINGS

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2 19 th Convention of the Wyoming District LCMS PROCEEDINGS May 3 - May 5, 2018 Casper, Wyoming

3 TABLE OF CONTENTS President s Letter to Convention Delegates PART I CONVENTION INFORMATION PAGE Directory 2-5 President Hill s Report to the Wyoming District 6-10 New Members of Synod 10 REGISTERED DELEGATES Voting Advisory 13 Registered Special Representatives 14 Credentials Report 15 PART II Convention Minutes/Election Tabulations 1-66 PART III ESSAY ESSAY TO CONVENTION by Rev. Dr. Cameron MacKenzie (Will be published on the District website at a later date) PART IV STATE OF THE SYNOD REPORT By Synod President, Rev. Dr. Matthew Harrison JOY:FULLY LUTHERAN 1 Thess 5: PART V RESOLUTIONS Res (Overture ) To Give Thanks for God s Holy Word 2 Res (Overture ) To Encourage Ministry to College Age Young People 3 Res (Overture ) To Amendthe Wyoming District Articles of Incorporation 5 Res (Overture ) To Uphold the Integrity of the Holy Estate of Marriage 9 Res (Overture ) To Support and Strengthen Marriage and Family 13

4 PART V RESOLUTIONS (Continued) PAGE Res (Overture ) To Amend Bylaw 3.405to Create a Marriage, Life, and Family Facilitator Position 15 Res (Overture ) To Ratify Bylaw Revisions of the 2015 District Handbook 17 Res (Overture ) To Remove Dated References to the LCMS Handbook 18 Res (Overture ) To Revise Bylaw Res (Overture ) To Revise Bylaw 3.29c 19 Res (Overture ) To Revise Bylaw 3.401d 19 Res (Overture ) To Revise Bylaw Res (Overture ) To Revise Bylaw Res. 2-10A-2018 (Overture ) To Ratify the Inclusion of the Wyoming District Data Policy in The District Handbook 21 Res (Overture ) To Ratify Revision of the Debt Reduction Program 23 Res (Overture ) To Give Witness That Same-Sex Unions are not Marriage 23 Res. 1-04A-2018 (Overture ) To Affirm the Sanctity of Human Life 25 Res To Thank Walter Brantz for his Service 27 Res (Late Overture L and L ) The Exhort LCMS Partner Churches to Leave the Lutheran World Federation 27 Res (Overture ) To Combine Synodical Efforts to Support Marriage, Life, and Family into a Unified Ministry 30 Res. A (Overtures/Resolutions, listed) To Refer Overtures/Resolutions to Committees, Boards, or Commissions 31 Res To Thank God for the Service of President John Hill 32 Res (Overture ) To Strengthen, Publicize and Fund the School Grants Fund 33 Res To Give Thanks for Convention Music 34 Res To Thank the Reverend Doctor Cameron MacKenzie 34 Res To Thank God for Jeff Snyder and Mary Grant 35 Res To Thank Trinity Lutheran Church 35

5 TO: District Convention Delegates RE: Convention Proceedings FROM: Rev. John E. Hill, Wyoming District President Date: July 2, 2018 Dear Delegate: Under the cover of this letter are the Official Proceedings of the 19 th Convention of the Wyoming District (LCMS) held in Casper, Wyoming, at the Ramkota Inn, May 3 5, As you will note, the official minutes, all the resolutions, and other documents and information are included in these Proceedings. The convention essay will be made available on the district website at a later time. Along with the Convention Workbook, which has many reports from officers of the district, its Commissions, Board of Directors and others, these Proceedings will provide you with everything you need to report on the convention to your congregation as you highlight events, convention decisions, deliberations and actions. Please plan on making this report to your congregation and continuing the discussion among your own members where appropriate. It would also be wise to keep a copy of these Proceedings with your church records or library for further reference and study. Invite the members of your congregation to use the Proceedings. I encourage you and your fellow members to read the convention essay by Dr. MacKenzie when it is made available on the website. While all efforts were made to make these Proceedings as accurate as possible, if you do locate anything needing correction, please put it in written form and send to: The Lutheran Ministries Center, Wyoming District, 2400 Hickory St., Casper, WY 82604, or mgrant@wylcms.org. God richly bless the congregations and schools of the Wyoming District, our pastors and teachers, and all those they serve, that together we may hear the pure preaching of Christ crucified with faith, receive His Sacraments with thanksgiving and joy, and faithfully bear the fruit of good works in the vocations to which He has called us.

6 PART I CONVENTION INFORMATION 0

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8 DIRECTORY OFFICERS OF THE SYNOD President: First Vice President: Second Vice President: Third Vice President: Fourth Vice President: Fifth Vice President: Sixth Vice President: Secretary: Rev. Dr. Matthew C. Harrison Rev. Herbert C. Mueller, Jr. Rev. Dr. Scott R. Murray Rev. Nabil S. Nour Rev. Dr. John C. Wohlrabe, Jr Rev. Dr. Daniel Preus Rev. Christopher Esget Rev. Dr. John W. Sias BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE WYOMING DISTRICT President: Rev. John E. Hill, Casper, WY First Vice President: (East Region) Rev. Richard Neugebauer, Gering, NE Second Vice President: (Central Region) Rev. Mark Maas, Cheyenne, WY Third Vice President: (West Region) Rev. Daniel Mulholland, Ft. Bridger, WY Secretary: Rev. Kenneth Mars, Kimball, NE Treasurer: Mr. Walter Brantz, Cody, WY At Large: Rev. Peter Bertram, Chadron, NE Commissioned: Mr. Steven Coniglio, Riverton, WY Layman: Mr. Lee Miller, Crawford, NE Layman: Mr. Mike Wendorf, Rock Springs, WY CIRCUIT VISITORS Chimney Rock (#1) Rev. Allen Strawn, Bridgeport, NE Pine Ridge (#2) Rev. Richard Mueller, Alliance, NE Powder River (#3) Rev. Jared Tucher, Gillette, WY Yellowstone (#4) Rev. Jais Tinglund, Greybull, WY Headwaters (#5) Rev. David Bott, Jackson, WY High Plains (#6) Rev. Lincoln Winter, Wheatland, WY COMMISSION ON MISSION SERVICES Chairman: Chairman-Elect Campus Missions: Ethnic Missions: Missions Development: Missions Support: Lutheran Women s Missionary League: Lutheran Laymen s League: CMS Advisor: Rev. Scott Firminhac, Torrington, WY Rev. Jim Martin, Green River, WY Mr. Chuck Hall, Cheyenne, WY Rev. Vernon Boehlke, Riverton, WY Rev. Allan Wierschke, Rushville, NE Rev. Ted Bourret, Potter, NE Mrs. Danyne Six, Worland, WY Mr. Mark Williams, Riverton, WY Rev. Richard Neugebauer, Gering, NE 2

9 COMMISSION ON CONGREGATIONAL SERVICES Chairman: Chairman-Elect: Adult Ministry/Leadership: Evangelism: Human Care/Family Life: LCEF: Outdoor Ministry/Youth Stewardship: Student Aid & Recruitment: CCS Advisor: Rev. Brad Heinecke, Sidney, NE Rev. Kenneth Humphrey, Morrill, NE Mr. Tim Lindahl, Sidney, NE Rev. Travis Sherman, Gordon, NE Mrs. Bonnie Wacker, Sundance, WY Mr. Jeffrey Snyder, Casper, WY Rev. James Rockhill, Crawford, NE Rev. Joshua Scheer, Cheyenne, WY Rev. Richard Mueller, Alliance, NE Rev. Mark Maas, Cheyenne, WY HONORARY DISTRICT PRESIDENTS Rev, Richard Boche, Cheyenne, WY Rev. Dr. Ron Garwood, Cody, WY Rev. Robert C. Oberheu, Riverton, WY Rev. Dr. Wilbert J. Sohns, Gatesville, TX WYOMING DISTRICT RECONCILERS Rev. Kenneth Mars, Kimball, NE Rev. Darren Pflughoeft, Lusk, WY Rev. Marvin Temme, Torrington, WY Mr. Ken Steffens, Sidney, NE DISTRICT EDUCATION CHAIRMAN Rev. Paul Cain, Sheridan, WY WORSHIP CHAIRMAN Rev. Jeffery Grams, Scottsbluff, NE WYOMING DISTRICT MEMORIAL LIBRARY STANDING COMMITTEE Mr. Ken Temme, Chairman, Casper, WY Mrs. Tera Rice Rev. John Hill ARCHIVIST Mrs. Tera Rice, Glenrock, WY DISTRICT LEGAL CONSULTANT Mr. Larry Harrington, Casper, WY CONSTITUTIONS CHAIRMAN Rev. Mark Maas, Cheyenne, WY MINISTERIAL GROWTH AND SUPPORT (Continued Education) Rev. Terry Wiley, Rawlins, WY LUTHERAN MINISTRIES CENTER OFFICE STAFF Mr. Jeff Snyder, Business Manager/LCEF Vice President Mrs. Mary K. Grant, Administrative Secretary 3

10 CONVENTION COMMITTEES/APPOINTMENTS PLANNING COMMITTEE Rev. John Hill Rev. Richard Neugebauer Rev. Mark Maas Rev. Dan Mulholland Rev. Ken Mars CONVENTION MANAGER Mr. Jeff Snyder PAGE Timothy Mars HOST CONGREGATION Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church 1240 S. Missouri Casper, WY Rev. John C. Olson, Pastor NOMINATIONS COMMITTEE Rev. David Bott, Chairman, Jackson, WY Rev. George Naylor, Bridgeport, NE Mr. Shane Heavin, Rock Springs, WY Mr. Mark Douthit, Bridgeport, NE RESOLUTIONS COMMITTEE Rev. Jonathan Lange, Evanston, WY Rev. Christian Preus, Secretary, Casper, WY Rev. Peter Bertram, Chadron, NE Rev. Ted Bourret, Potter, NE Mr. Gary Witt, Crawford, NE Mr. Matt Huckfeldt, Cheyenne, WY Mr. Ron Merritt, Scottsbluff, NE Mr. Jack Hildner, Riverton, WY Mrs. Elizabeth Carlson, Sheridan, WY REVIEW COMMITTEE #1 THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS/PASTORS CONFERENCE MINUTES Rev. Joshua Scheer, Chairman, Cheyenne, WY Rev. Samuel Needham, Thermopolis, WY Mr. John Schmall, Scottsbluff, NE Mr. Benjamin Craig, Casper, WY REVIEW COMMITTEE #2 COMMISSION ON MISSION SERVICES/COMMISSION ON CONGREGATIONAL SERVICES MINUTES Rev. Chris Brandt, Chairman, Lovell, WY Rev. Neil Carlson, Sidney, NE Dr. Timothy Narjes, Alliance, NE Mr. Ryan Waterbury, Casper, WY 4

11 ELECTIONS COMMITTEE Rev. Brad Heinecke, Chairman, Sidney, NE Rev. James Rockhill, Crawford, NE Rev. Jared Korb, Worland, WY Mr. Steve Rzasa, Buffalo, WY Mr. Paul Mistarka, Kimball, NE Mr. Levi Bowlin, Morrill, NE Rev. Dan Holthus, Advisory, Casper, WY REGISTRATION & CREDENTIALS COMMITTEE Rev. Kenneth Mars - Kimball, NE Mrs. Mary Grant - Glenrock, WY Mrs. Kathy Airisa - Casper, WY Mrs. Michele Sorenson - Casper, WY PARLIAMENTARIAN Mr. David Wilson, Attorney at Law- Kimball, NE SYNODICAL REPRESENTATIVE Rev. Dr. Matthew Harrison, President Rev. Nabil S. Nour, Third Vice President Rev. Dr. Jon Vieker, Senior Assistant to the President The Lutheran Church Missouri Synod 5

12 PRESIDENT S REPORT Rev. John E. Hill, Wyoming District President Now to Him who is able to strengthen you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery that was kept secret for long ages but has now been disclosed and through the prophetic writings has been made known to all nations, according to the command of the eternal God, to bring about the obedience of faith to the only wise God be glory forevermore through Jesus Christ! Amen. (Romans 16:25 27) The Holy Spirit teaches us here how to speak about the holy things by which He has called us to the faith, gathered us into the church, enlightened our darkened minds, sanctified us from an evil and futile way of life, and still keeps us in His faith. God Himself reveals Christ to us, brings about the obedience of faith, and strengthens us and our congregations. He does all this through the ministry of the gospel and sacraments, and in particular, through the written Word of God the Holy Scriptures. To Him alone we ascribe and give all glory in the church through all the ages. The Wyoming District in convention elected and called me as district president in May The district president holds a part of the church s ministerial Office. He has limited but very important duties to perform for the sake of the pure doctrine of God s Word and the right administration of the sacraments in the churches of the Wyoming District. The office of the district president also has administrative duties according to the organizational needs of the district. Yet the central purpose of this office shares in Christ s mandate to the pastors in our congregations: the preaching of the Word of God. One historic title for this office is Visitor. Our circuit visitors are so named because they assist and join me in this work among our congregations. The term visitor has come into common church usage as superintendent or bishop. The visitor s task is to visit God s people with God s Word. In the year before he wrote the Small Catechism, Dr. Luther wrote, What a divinely wholesome thing it would be if pastors and Christian congregations might be visited by understanding and competent persons. When the visitors go to congregations and pastors, Luther adds that they should give careful attention to how one teaches, believes, loves, how one lives a Christian life, how to care for the poor, how one comforts the weak, or punishes the unruly, and so on. See Luther s Preface to the Visitation Articles of 1528 ( Luther s Works, American Edition, vol. 40, pp. 269ff). Luther took his idea of visitation directly from the Scriptures. He observed that God visited and redeemed his people (Luke 1:68) and that the prophets and apostles went about visiting and teaching God s Word. Visitation became the central organizational work of the Lutheran church that emerged from the Lutheran Reformation. Our Lutheran fathers reaffirmed the work of visitation in the Book of Concord of In the final words of the Preface to the Book of Concord the last words written for our confessional writings we commit ourselves to continuing this sacred and wholesome work of visitation. 6

13 Here are our words, expressed by the Lutheran princes in Germany in 1580, from The Preface to the Book of Concord : We repeat in conclusion what we mentioned several times earlier. In this work of concord, we have not at all wished to create something new or to depart from the truth of the heavenly doctrine, which our ancestors (renowned for their piety) as well as we ourselves, have acknowledged and professed. We mean the doctrine that, having been taken from the prophetic and apostolic Scriptures, is contained (a) in the three ancient Creeds; (b) in the Augsburg Confession, presented in the year 1530 to the Emperor Charles V (of excellent memory); (c) in the Apology, which was added to this; (d) in the Smalcald Articles; and lastly (e) in both the Catechisms of that excellent man, Dr. Luther. Therefore, we also determined not to depart even a finger s breadth either from the subjects themselves, or from the phrases that are found in them. But, the Spirit of the Lord aiding us, we intend to persevere constantly, with the greatest harmony, in this godly agreement. And we intend to examine all controversies according to this true norm and declaration of the pure doctrine. Then with the rest of the electors, princes, and deputies of the Holy Roman Empire and other kings, princes, and magnates of the Christian state, in accordance with the constitution of the Holy Empire and the agreements that we have with them we determined and desired to cultivate peace and harmony. We determined to render to each one, according to his rank, all duties belonging to us, together with the services of friendship. Besides, having made known our goals, we will also earnestly apply ourselves with great strictness and the most ardent zeal to the defense of this work of concord. We will do this by diligently visiting the churches and schools in our realm, overseeing printing offices, and other helpful means, according to opportunities and circumstances that may be offered to us and others. We will also take pains if controversies already mentioned should be renewed, or new controversies about religion should arise to remove and settle them speedily. We will work to avoid offense, without long and dangerous delays. As a clear testimony of this, we have with great consent subscribed our names, and attached also our seals. Our pastors and congregations of the Wyoming District join these pious lay confessors in confessing and preserving the purity of doctrine in our midst. It is also our intention, as we confess and defend this precious doctrine in our district, in the Synod, and in our communities, to cultivate peace and harmony with all who hear us. It has been my joy as your district president (visitor!) to serve the congregations and pastors of the Wyoming District with God s Word, to come to you with the encouragement, strengthening and edification of the Holy Spirit s doctrine, and to testify to you and to the whole church of your faithfulness in God s Word. I affirm that in our congregations, God s Word is purely preached and the doctrine of the Gospel is taught in all its articles. The holy Sacraments instituted by Christ are rightly administered according to His mandate. By way of example, I report with great joy that all our congregations practice closed communion as Scripture 7

14 teaches; all worship according to sound liturgy and hymns as found in the hymnals of our church; all are conscientious in catechizing youth and adult catechumens and in continuing to teach both young and old. Our congregations labor to teach and exercise good and generous stewardship of the blessings God has given to them. They seek to speak God s Word in the homes, workplaces and meeting places of their communities. I am helped and advised in my work by our circuit visitors and vice-presidents. The circuit visitors extend the work of visitation among the pastors and congregations of their circuits. They meet with me twice annually to study together and to give and receive counsel concerning the congregations in their care. The vice-presidents meet with me more often to study and to give me their counsel. A circuit visitor or vice-president often accompanies me as I go to the congregations and pastors of the district in my work or represents me in congregational meetings. The district is in sound shape as an organization, as you will see reported elsewhere in this Convention Workbook. The district s business is done under the oversight of the Board of Directors, which has responsibility for the legal affairs, properties, general management, and business affairs of the District. The District is serve capably by the office staff, Jeff Snyder our Business Manager, and Mary Grant, the District President s Administrative Assistant. We in the Wyoming District are truly blessed under God s Word. Yet we have challenges and work before us: We must continue to teach and learn the doctrine of Scripture, maintaining constant vigilance over our teaching and never shrinking back from the command to speak God s Word to our neighbors. Many of our congregations are beginning to show stress from the decline in male leadership, especially among our younger men. This matter requires deliberate attention. Most of our congregations have a lack of young married couples and young families, though there are some wonderful bright spots, by God s grace. The retention of our young adults is an urgent need. The membership of the congregations of the Wyoming District, as with the Synod, is aging, and most congregations are consequently declining in membership. The importance of personal outreach has never been greater. Aging and declining membership have led to gradually declining revenue in our congregations. And as our congregations go, so also go our districts and Synod. Financial struggles in congregations reduce the funds available to send to districts, which also reduce what is forwarded to Synod. Many of our congregations will be addressing the difficulties of meeting their budgets in the coming years. The Board of Directors is addressing this same challenge in the district through its Budget and Planning Task Force and will likely need to make changes at some point in the future. 8

15 As with all pastors, much of my work entails reading; studying; writing; communicating with others by phone, , in person, etc.; visiting our congregations, schools, pastors, other church workers, and congregation members; and the like. I attend four national and one regional meeting of the Council of Presidents annually and perform other Synod duties as assigned. The following is a brief numerical summary of my activities from June 8, 2015 through January 22, 2018: 175 meetings or visits in congregations 233+ meetings with individual pastors, teachers, and others 111 times preaching 27 times teaching Bible Class 14 presentations given in congregations, circuits, District and Synod 10 official visitations, with 3 more scheduled in January March 4 pastors ordained 15 pastors installed in 18 congregations and at the Wind River Lutheran Mission 11 Circuit Pastors Conferences 6 Pastors/Teachers Conferences 74 District meetings (Board of Directors 5 annually; Circuit Visitors 2 annually; Praesidium; Commission meetings; task force meetings, etc.) 21 Synod meetings 15 other meetings, conferences, or events The duties summarized in this report include representing the District to our congregations and representing our District to the Synod and to various groups and entities within the Synod. I am thankful to God that the pastors, congregations, and schools of the Wyoming District are zealous for pure doctrine, Lutheran worship, sound catechesis and pedagogy, and love for one another and for their communities. In addition to these activities, I would like to put before you the following additional notes from the triennium: St. Andrew s Lutheran Church and Campus Center in Laramie is thriving under the care of Pastor Mark Preus. St. Andrew s is a treasured mission of our district and receives support from our district budget. The Wind River Lutheran Mission at Ft. Washakie and Crowheart is another treasured mission receiving support from the district budget. The mission is well served by Rev. Gregory Sonnenschein, who was installed as missionary October 11, Wyoming District pastors met with Atlantic District pastors in Cheyenne September 28 October 1, 2015 in Koinonia. The Koinonia Project is an effort of Synod to bring different parts of the Synod together to discuss theology and find unity in the pure doctrine of Scriptures. This meeting was the second; the first had taken place in May Five pastors each (including each district president) from the Wyoming and Atlantic districts 9

16 met February 5 8, 2016, to continue and deepen these studies. The results of this meeting were taken to each district s Pastoral Conferences for study and feedback. Further meetings are still being contemplated. In Wyoming District Resolution 3-01b-2015 the district instructed me to assemble a High School Task Force to look into starting a district high school. The task force met under the chairmanship of Rev. Mark Maas over the course of the triennium. His report is included in this Convention Workbook. Although the task force does not recommend that the district start a high school at this time, its work may still bear fruit as Lutheran parents seek Lutheran alternatives in the education of their youth. The Wyoming District received national attention when Judge Ruth Neely, member of Our Savior Lutheran Church in Pinedale, WY, was reprimanded for stating to a newspaper reporter that she would be unable to perform same-sex marriages because of the teachings of her faith. We rejoice in her confession. As a follow-up to concerns raised at a Pastoral Conference, Rev. Richard Neugebauer and I visited Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, October 31 November 3, I was involved in dialogue with Concordia University Nebraska and Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, following the publishing of an article that raised questions about the doctrine of creation and the doctrine of the clarity of Holy Scripture. The article was subsequently withdrawn, though more dialogue may follow. You will find much more reported in the pages that follow. On behalf of the district, I thank those who serve in the various offices, commissions, or committees of the district. Their work is freely given and serves us all. It is one of the great blessings of the Wyoming District that the leadership of the district is raised up from the daily congregational life of our churches and schools. God grant us His grace to continue steadfast in purity of doctrine and faithfulness of life. NEW MEMBERS / CONGREGATIONS OF SYNOD ORDAINED MINISTERS Rev. Jakob D. Berger Rev. Dr. Christian Preus Rev. James Rockhill Rev. Rene Castillero Douglas, WY Casper, WY Crawford, NE Sheridan, WY COMMISSIONED MINISTERS Rebecca Eichler Alliance NE 10

17 CONVENTION ROSTER OF VOTING DELEGATES Circuit/Congregation Pastoral Delegate Lay Delegate Chimney Rock Circuit #1 Mt. Calvary, Bayard Rev. George Naylor John Schmall St. Paul, Bridgeport Rev. Allen Strawn Jeff Neeley Zion, Chappell** Rev. Neil L. Carlson Ed Lutkehus Faith, Gering Rev. Richard Neugebauer Irma Walter Salem, Gurley** (see St. Paul, Potter) (see St. Paul, Potter) St. Paul, Potter** Rev. Ted Bourret Aaron Brauer St. James, Scottsbluff (Vacant) Robert Goss St. John s, Scottsbluff Rev. Jeffery Grams (absent) Ronald Merritt St. Paul s, Sidney Rev. Bradley Heinecke Kenneth Steffens Trinity, Sidney** (see Zion, Chappell) (see Zion, Chappell) Pine Ridge Circuit #2 Immanuel, Alliance Rev. Martin Schnare Timothy Narjes Our Savior, Chadron Rev. Peter Bertram Dennis Brown Bethlehem, Crawford** Rev. James Rockhill Gary Witt Grace, Gordon Rev. Travis Sherman Herb Truax Redeemer, Harrison** (see Bethlehem, Crawford) (see Bethlehem, Crawford) Zion, Hay Springs** (see St. Paul, Rushville) (see St. Paul, Rushville) St. Paul s, Lusk Rev. Darren Pflughoeft (absent) - Trinity, Morrill Rev. Kenneth Humphrey Levi Bowlin Our Savior, Torrington Rev. Scott Firminhac Byron Geissler St. Paul, Rushville** Rev. Allan Wierschke Jennifer Fiscus Powder River Circuit #3 Prince of Peace, Buffalo Rev. Gerald Heinecke Steve Rzasa Mt. Hope, Casper Rev. Dr. Christian Preus Benjamin Craig Trinity, Casper Rev. Jon C. Olson Gene Long Zion, Douglas** Rev. Jakob Berger Chris Caskey Trinity, Gillette Rev. Jared Tucher Terry Tharp Our Redeemer, Glenrock** (see Zion, Douglas) (see Zion, Douglas) Bethlehem, Moorcroft** Rev. Norman Wacker Joshua Jundt Immanuel, Sheridan Rev. Paul Cain Justin Carlson Mt. Calvary, Sundance** (see Bethlehem, Moorcroft) (see Bethlehem, Moorcroft) **Multi-congregational parishes have only one lay vote and one pastoral vote. 11

18 CONVENTION ROSTER OF VOTING DELEGATES Circuit/Congregation Pastoral Delegate Lay Delegate Yellowstone Circuit #4 Christ the King, Cody Rev. Shawn Kumm Bill Brantz (absent) Zion, Emblem** Rev. Jais Tinglund John Olin Grace, Greybull** (see Zion, Emblem) (see Zion, Emblem) St. John s, Lovell Rev. Christopher Brandt Merwin Spragg Immanuel, Powell Rev. Lee Wisroth Myron Heny (absent) St. Paul, Thermopolis Rev. Samuel Needham John Kissel St. Luke s, Worland Rev. Jared Korb Robert Staley Headwaters Circuit #5 Mt. Calvary, Dubois Rev. Roger Sterle Brad Fritzler Our Saviour, Evanston** (see St.Paul, Kemmerer) (see St.Paul, Kemmerer) Shepherd of the Valley, Ft. Bridger Rev. Daniel Mulholland (absent) Jeff Haggit Emmanuel, Green River Rev. James Martin Chuck Vandervort Redeemer, Jackson** (see Christ Our Savior, Star Valley) (see Christ Our Savior, Star Valley) St. Paul s, Kemmerer** Rev. Jonathan Lange Thorma Barrette Bethel, Lander Rev. Noah Fremer Dennis Oberlie Peace, Marbleton** (see Our Savior, Pinedale) (see Our Savior, Pinedale) Our Savior, Pinedale** Rev. Kevin Rose Warren Sorensen Christ, Rawlins Rev. Terry Wiley Leslie Schmidt Trinity, Riverton Rev. Mark Mumme Jack Hildner Trinity, Rock Springs (Vacant) Mike Larsen Platte Valley, Saratoga Rev. Randolph Schnack Bill Brudigam Christ Our Savior, Star Valley** Rev. David Bott Ron Campbell High Plains Circuit #6 Immanuel, Burns** (see St. John s, Kimball) (see St. John s, Kimball) King of Glory, Cheyenne Rev. Mark Maas Matt Huckfeldt Our Savior, Cheyenne Rev. Marcus Baikie Merle Ziegelman Trinity, Cheyenne Rev. Paul Nus Kenneth Eppich Zion, Grover, CO** (Vacant) Mark Weisbrook St. John s, Kimball** Rev. Kenneth Mars Paul Mistarka St. Andrew s, Laramie Rev. Mark Preus Andrew Hill Zion, Laramie Rev. Darrell Debowey Dennis Kats Grace, Pine Bluffs** (see Zion, Grover) (see Zion, Grover) Trinity, Wheatland Rev. Lincoln Winter Norbert Schultz **Multi-congregational parishes have only one lay vote and one pastoral vote. 12

19 ADVISORY - ORDAINED CONVENTION ROSTER OF ADVISORY Rev. David Anderson, Cheyenne, WY Rev. Richard Boche, Cheyenne, WY Rev. Vernon Boehlke, Riverton, WY Rev. David Boehnke, Casper, WY Rev. David Caspersen, Cheyenne, WY Rev. René Castillero, Sheridan, WY Rev. Lynn Christensen, New Orleans, LA Rev. Sam Christensen, Dubois, WY Rev. Claude Constable, Cheyenne, WY Rev. Philip Found, Bayard, NE Rev. Dr. Ron Garwood, Cody, WY Rev. Phillip Grovenstein, Powell, WY Rev. Daniel Hinton, Cheyenne, WY Rev. Dan Holthus, Casper, WY Rev. Joseph Hu, Cheyenne, WY Rev. Thomas Jacobsen, Ashton, ID Rev. Ralph Jaeger, Laramie, WY Rev. Lowell Kayser, Star Valley Ranch, WY Rev. Richard Keuck, Newcastle, WY Rev. Francis Koessel, Laramie, WY Rev. John Melms, Sanford, NC Rev. Ryan Mills, Niceville, FL Rev. Ralph Morris, Gering, NE Rev. Richard Mueller, Alliance, NE Rev. Robert C. Oberheu, Riverton, WY Rev. Daniel Praeuner, Caldwell, ID Rev. John Rasmussen, Cheyenne, WY Rev. Donald Rieman, E. Aurora, NY Rev. Lee Rupert, Maplewood, MN Rev. Joshua Scheer, Cheyenne, WY Rev. Fred Schoeder, Lander, WY Rev. Scott Shields, Chula Vista, CA Rev. Duane Simonson, Buffalo, WY Rev. Greg Sonnenschein, Ft. Washakie, WY Rev. Marvin Temme, Torrington, WY Rev. Michael Wittrock, Chadron, NE ADVISORY COMMISSIONED Dixie Ailts, Gillette, WY Laurie Anderson, Cheyenne, WY Tiffany Baikie, Cheyenne, WY Karen Bergquist, Riverton, WY Darcia Boche, Torrington, WY Bonnie Bourret, Potter, NE Shirley Bundschuh, Riverton, WY Elizabeth Carlson, Sheridan, WY Carol Caspersen, Cheyenne, WY Steven Coniglio, Riverton, WY Christa Doyle, Rock Springs, WY Garnet Dwyer, Cody, WY Stanna Funk, Gering, NE Karen Gabriel, Laramie, WY Roxane Humphrey, Morrill, NE Jennifer Kaelberer, Cody, WY Jill Mueller, Alliance, NE Audrey Partipilo, Riverton, WY Cheri Pollom, Cheyenne, WY Celecila Postma, Riverton, WY Diane Schnare, Alliance, NE Susan Tucker, Riverton, WY Tarayca Walters, Casper, WY Leah Wierschke, Rushville, NE 13

20 REGISTERED SPECIAL REPRESENTATIVES Mrs. Danyne Six, Lutheran Women s Missionary League WY District President Mr. Jeffrey Snyder, Lutheran Church Extension Fund Rev. Robert Rahn, Lutheran Heritage Foundation Mr. David Priebe, Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, MO Rev. Nabil Nour, Third Vice-President of Synod Mrs. Sally Malinee, Concordia Plan Services, St. Louis, MO Rev. Dr. Timothy Puls, Concordia Theological Seminary, Ft. Wayne, IN Mrs. Becky Thorne, Concordia Publishing House Rev. Jim Caretto, Orphan Grain Train OTHER OFFICIAL REPRESENTATIVES BOARD OF DIRECTORS Rev. John Hill, Casper, WY Rev. Richard Neugebauer, Gering, NE Rev. Mark Maas Mr. Walter Brantz, Cody, WY Rev. Ken Mars, Kimball, NE Rev. Peter Bertram Mr. Lee Miller, Crawford, NE Mr. Mike Wendorf, Rock Springs, WY COMMISSION OF MISSION SERVICES Rev. Scott Firminhac Torrington, WY COMMISSION ON CONGREGATIONAL SERVICES Rev. Brad Heinecke Sidney, NE DISTRICT EDUCATION CHAIRMAN Rev. Paul Cain Casper, Wyoming SPECIAL GUEST MUSICIAN Kantor Steve Hoffman Cheyenne, Wyoming 14

21 FINAL CREDENTIALS REPORT June 29, Voting Ordained Delegates 45 Voting Lay Delegates 22 Advisory Delegates 33 Registered Guests 17 Excused Absences 15

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24 THURSDAY, MAY 3 Minutes of The Nineteenth Convention of the Wyoming District The Lutheran Church Missouri Synod May 3 May 5, 2018 We Believe, Teach and Confess Christ Crucified Best Western Ramkota Inn Casper, Wyoming 12:30 P.M. Opening Worship Rev. Richard Neugebauer, District First Vice-President, officiated the opening service of the Convention with the order of Vespers from Lutheran Service Book 229 (hereafter LSB). Worship began with the delegates singing the hymn I Am Content, My Jesus Ever Lives (LSB 468). The delegates chanted Psalm 98 and sang the hymn, Salvation unto Us Has Come (LSB 555). The appointed Scripture reading was Romans 3: The following is a summary of Rev. Neugebauer s sermon. The Reformation is 500 years old and counting; it was an event that changed the world. For us Lutherans, the most important matter of the Reformation is the rediscovery that the salvation of sinful human beings is the work of God alone, not man. The truth of God s Word, which had been lost and obscured, was now clear for all who would listen. The Reformation, then and now, is about the three solas: grace alone, faith alone, Scripture alone. Romans 3:19 28 is one the important references of Scripture regarding salvation of man by accomplished by God alone; He does it all. The ark of the covenant, which contained the stone tablets of the Law, was covered by the mercy seat. God would speak to Moses from the mercy seat on the Day of Atonement. Once a year, the high priest would enter with blood from sin offerings for himself and a goat offering for the people. This blood sprinkled upon the mercy seat was an act of propitiation. Then the high priest would sprinkle the blood on the tent of meeting and horns of the altar followed by other blood sacrifices. God met man in his sin with mercy obtained through His sacrificial death. God did everything for the salvation of man, even in the Old Testament. God required this worship so that He could be present to forgive and save His people. But all this was temporary and God was preparing for a final, perfect sacrifice. Jesus is the perfect sacrifice, as Romans 3 teaches. God put forward His Son to give His blood for a one-time perfect sacrifice to atone for the sins of sinful people. The justice we deserved was placed upon Jesus. He did what we could not do for ourselves. We sinners are declared righteous as a gift of God; He justifies us sinners. Redemption is a gift. This is why we Lutherans preach Christ Crucified, for the cross is where our salvation was secured. But there is more.god leads us to see our need for deliverance. Through the Law comes the knowledge of sin. An Augustinian monk, burdened in conscience by sin, wrote about the need for God s grace and God s mercy which he discovered in the gospel, in the Scriptures. The Law serves the purpose of leading people to see their sin and their need of a Savior. The Gospel enters in to 2

25 quicken the sinful soul. The Law is God s alien work to reveal our sin. Deliverance, however, must come by another word. God does it all. God leads us to see our need and He creates the desire to receive what is ours by grace. He leads us to faith in Himself, the One who has done it all. Sinners are justified by God through faith alone without works of the law. God still does more He continues to all things for us always. The Law continues to show us that we will not be righteous by means of the Law; the Law always accuses. As this is true, so is it true that the gift of justification won by Christ continues to come us in the Divine Service. Faith comes by hearing and hearing the word of Christ. God is always at work in leading us to thirst for the deliverance only He gives. It was all done at Calvary. Christ s benefits continue to be delivered to us in the Word and Sacraments. We still confess this precious Gospel; it s 500 years and still counting. 1:08 P.M. Formal Opening; Credentials Report At 1:08 P.M., Rev. President John Hill called the Convention to order. Rev. Kenneth Mars, District Secretary, gave the credentials report: Voting Delegates: 86 Advisory Delegates: 22 Guests: 33 Excused absences: 17 Pres. Hill directed delegates to the Convention Workbook (hereafter, Workbook), Tab 1, p. 15, Rule of Practices That Have Been Observed Over the Years by Our District. Pres. Hill requested the Convention to adopt these rules for use throughout the Convention. It was moved and seconded to adopt these rules. The motion was adopted unanimously. Pres. Hill directed delegates to Workbook Tab 1, p. 4, 2018 Wyoming District Convention. Pres. Hill requested the Convention to approve the agenda as presented. It was moved and second to adopt the agenda. The motion was adopted unanimously. Pres. Hill declared the 19 th Convention of the Wyoming District to be in session in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. 1:12 P.M. Announcements Pres. Hill introduced the following individuals: Rev. Nabil Noir, LCMS Third Vice-president Rev. Dr. Cameron MacKenzie, Convention essayist and Forest E. and Frances H. Ellis Professor of Theology at Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne, Indiana Rev. Dr. Ron Garwood, Wyoming District President Emeritus 3

26 Rev. Richard Boche, Wyoming District President Emeritus Rev. Kenneth Mars, Wyoming District Secretary Mr. David Wilson, Convention Parliamentarian Mr. Jeffrey Snyder, Wyoming District Business Manager, Lutheran Church Extension Fund (LCEF) Vice-President, and Convention Manager Mrs. Mary Grant, Wyoming District Administrative Assistant Kantor Dr. Steven Hoffman, Convention Organist Timothy Mars, Convention Page Pres. Hill asked the member of the Wyoming District Board of Directors to stand: Rev. Richard Neugebauer, First Vice-President Rev. Mark Maas, Second Vice-President Rev. Dan Mulholland, in absentia, Third Vice-President Rev. Peter Bertram, Pastor-at-large Mr. Walter Brantz, District Treasurer Mr. Steven Coniglio, Commissioned Member Mr. Lee Miller, Lay Member Mr. Mike Wendorf, Lay Member Pres. Hill asked the Wyoming District Circuit Visitors to stand: Rev. Allen Strawn Rev. Richard Mueller, in absentia Rev. Jared Tucher Rev. Jais Tinglund Rev. David Bott Rev. Lincoln Winter Pres. Hill noted that various vendors and organizations have set up information tables in the foyer. 1:15 Conference Business At 1:15 P.M., Pres. Hill invited Rev. Jon Olson, pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church in Casper, Wyoming, and host of the Thursday evening Divine Service, to give instruction and guidance regarding the evening Divine Service at Trinity Lutheran Church. Rev. Olson read Trinity s Communion Statement to the Convention. He also announced that private confession and absolution would be available at Trinity prior to the Divine Service from 6:40 p.m. 7:10 p.m. Printed directions to Trinity were available at the registration table. Pres. Hill noted the areas in the Convention Hall where the voting delegates were seated and where advisory delegates and guests were seated. When delegates seek to speak to the Convention, they were asked to use the microphones and introduce themselves by name and location. Pres. Hill also highlighted that delegates will be limited to two minutes at the microphone. Electronic devices are permissible but Pres. Hill asked that they be placed in silent mode so as not to distract other delegates. In addition, it is understood that delegates should not text or message 4

27 other delegates while the Convention is in session. The staging area for individuals who will give presentations to the Convention was located stage right of the Convention podium. Pres. Hill requested that written notes be sent to the Chair of the Convention. Lutheran Service Book hymnals, provided by Mount Hope Lutheran Church in Casper, Wyoming, will be used throughout the Convention. Hymns will be sung two or three minutes before the beginning of sessions as a way to call delegates back to the Convention Hall. 1:23 Elections Committee At 1:23 P.M., Pres. Hill invited Rev. Brad Heinecke, Chairman of the Elections Committee, to the podium. Rev. Heinecke gave greetings to the Convention delegates and guests. The committee moved adoption of the slate for District President as presented: Rev. John Hill A delegate asked if the ballot could be approved via unanimous ballot. Rev. Heinecke said a paper ballot will be distributed and used as this is the practice of the Synod even when there is only one name on the ballot. The motion to ratify the slate was adopted unanimously. Rev. Heinecke led the Convention in prayer. After ballots were collected, Rev. Heinecke declared the election for District President closed. 1:30 P.M. State of the District: President John E. Hill At 1:30 P.M., Pres. Hill presented his report to the Convention; it will be published in the Convention Proceedings. 1:50 P.M. Rev. Elections Committee At 1:50 P.M., Rev. Heinecke returned to the podium to announce the result of the election for District President: Rev. John Hill: 85 Abstention: 1 Rev. Heinecke announced that Rev. Hill was elected District President. Rev. Hill asked for a motion to a ratify the slate for District 1 st Vice-president consisting of Rev. Paul Cain Rev. Jonathan Lange Rev. Mark Maas 5

28 Rev. Heinecke directed the delegates to Workbook Tab 6, pp. 3 6, for biographical information on the nominees for District 1 st Vice-President. A motion was made and seconded to ratify the slate for District 1 st Vice-President. The motion to ratify the slate was adopted unanimously. Rev. Heinecke led the Convention in prayer. After ballots were collected, Rev. Heinecke declared the election for District 1 st Vice-President closed. At 1:57 P.M., Pres. Hill introduced the Rev. Dr. Matthew Harrison, Synod President, and the Rev. Dr. Jon Vieker, Senior Assistant to the President. 1:58 P.M. Nominations Committee At 1:58 P.M., Pres. Hill invited Rev. David Bott, Chairman of the Nominations Committee, to the podium. Rev. Bott thanked those who allowed their names to stand for election and service in the District. Rev. Bott introduced the members of the nominations committee: Rev. George Naylor Mr. Shane Heavin Mr. Mark Douthit After completing the introductions, Rev. Bott directed the delegates to Workbook Tab 6, p. 7, Nominations Committee Report. Pres. Hill provided a brief summary of the order of elections that will take place during the Convention. Pres. Hill opened the floor in order to give the Convention the opportunity to amend the various slates presented in the Nominations Committee Report. Rev. Bott read through each slate. A delegate requested that the opportunity to amend the slate for District Secretary be delayed until later in the Convention. Pres. Hill granted the request. A motion was made and seconded to ratify the following slates as presented in the Workbook: District Board of Directors, Pastor at Large District Board of Directors, Layman Chairman-elect for Commission on Mission Services Chairman-elect for Commission on Congregational Service The motion was adopted unanimously. Pres. Hill thanked the Nominations Committee for its work. 2:05 P.M. Anniversary & Service Awards: Rev. Mark Maas, 2 nd Vice-President At 2:05 P.M., Rev. Mark Maas, District Second Vice-President, directed the delegates to Workbook Tab 2, p. 10, Congregations: After reading a passage of Scripture, Rev. Maas read 6

29 aloud the various anniversaries celebrated by various District Congregations. Rev. Maas offered a prayer of thanksgiving. Rev. Maas directed the delegates to Workbook Tab 2, p. 11, Anniversaries: Ordained Ministers. Maas read aloud the various anniversaries celebrated by various District pastors. Rev. Maas offered a prayer of thanksgiving. Rev. Maas directed the delegates to Workbook Tab 2, p. 12, Anniversaries: Commissioned Ministers. Maas read aloud the various anniversaries celebrated by various District Commissioned Ministers. Rev. Maas offered a prayer of thanksgiving. The Anniversary Service concluded with the Convention singing the hymn, The Lord, My God, Be Praised (LSB 794). 2:17 P.M. Elections Committee At 2:17 P.M., Rev. Heinecke returned to the podium to announce the result of the election for District 1 st Vice-president: Rev. Paul Cain 35 Rev. Jonathan Lange 13 Rev. Mark Maas 37 Rev. Heinecke announced that a majority was not achieved; Rev. Jonathan Lange s name was removed from the ballot. A second ballot for District 1 st Vice-President was distributed consisting of the following candidates: Rev. Paul Cain Rev. Mark Maas Rev. Heinecke led the Convention in prayer. After the ballots were collected, Rev. Heinecke declared the election for 1 st Vice-President closed. 2:21 P.M. Resolutions Committee At 2:21 P.M., Rev. Hill announced that the Convention is ahead of schedule and asked Rev. Lange, Chairman of the Resolutions Committee, to prepare resolutions for consideration. In the meantime, Pres. Hill announced that the following information tables are available with representatives from the following organizations: Lutheran Heritage Foundation Concordia Seminary, St. Louis Concordia Plan Services Concordia Publishing House Orphan Grain Train Concordia Theological Seminary, Ft. Wayne 7

30 Lutheran Women s Missionary League (LWML) Lutheran Church Extension Fund (LCEF) Pres. Hill invited Rev. Lange to the podium. Rev. Lange introduced the members of the Resolutions Committee: Rev. Christian Preus Rev. Peter Bertram Rev. Ted Bourret Mr. Gary Witt Mr. Matt Huckfeldt Mr. Ron Merritt Mr. Jack Hildner Mrs. Elizabeth Carlson Rev. Lange described the preparatory work completed by the Resolutions Committee. Overtures that addressed the same topic were combined so as to allow the Convention as much time as possible to consider resolutions. Pres. Hill asked the Convention delegates for permission to omit the reading of the whereas statements in the resolutions. The Convention, agreed by consensus, that only the resolves of resolutions will be read. Rev. Lange presented Resolution , To Give Thanks for God s Holy Word. TO GIVE THANKS FOR GOD S HOLY WORD Resolution (Overture ) Preface For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. (Hebrews 4:12) But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work. (2 Timothy 3:14-17) Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. (Psalm 119:105) RESOLVED, that the Wyoming District of the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod give thanks to God that He has given to us "[t]he Scriptures of the Old and the New Testament as the written Word of God and the only rule and norm of faith and of practice" (Constitution Article 2); and be it further 8

31 RESOLVED, that we give thanks that "Holy Scripture possesses divine authority, that is, in all that it says it is entitled to the same faith and obedience that is due God", and that this divine authority is "not founded on the personal repute of the holy writers nor on the endorsement of Scripture by individuals, or any number of men, or even by the Church Universal" (Pieper, Christian Dogmatics, vol. 1, p. 307) but on its nature as God-breathed; and be it further RESOLVED, that we give thanks that the Holy "Scriptures alone, among all the books of the world, are God's Word out and out, they alone have the vis vera divina (truly Divine power) outright", and that "[w]hat the Church proclaims (the "Word of the Church") also has divine po wer and efficacy, but always only insofar as the Church remains true to its commission and proclaims only God's Word." (Pieper, vol. 1, p. 315); and be it further RESOLVED, that we give thanks to God that Holy Scripture is sufficient for our salvation, that is "Scripture teaches perfectly whatever we need to know to obtain eternal life" (Pieper, vol.1, p. 318); and be it further RESOLVED, that we give thanks to God not that "men illumine Scripture, but Scripture illumines men", that Scripture "presents, in language that can be understood by all, whatever men must know to be saved", that "all Christians are to read the Scriptures, are to believe on the basis of Scripture and to judge truth and error on the same basis", that "[Scripture] most emphatically protests against ever regarding Scripture as an obscure book, as do... unbelievers" (Pieper, vol. 1, p. 320); and be it further RESOLVED, that we pray God would protect us from listening to "those who do not care to learn from the Scriptures, but aim to set Scripture right and criticize it with their own human notions," (Pieper, vol. 1, p. 321) as our Lord warns in Matthew 11:25, "you have hidden these things from the wise and understanding and revealed them to little children;" and be it finally RESOLVED, that the Wyoming District, in convention, memorialize the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod to join us in giving thanks to God for the gift of his Holy Word in the Sacred Scriptures, and that we pray that this word be taught faithfully in our congregations, schools, universities and seminaries. The committee moved adoption. The resolution was adopted unanimously. (A secretarial note. Amendments to resolutions will be indicated in the following manner: words or phrases removed will be struck-through, words or phrases that are added will be underlined.) Rev. Lange presented Resolution , To Encourage Ministry to College Age Young People. 9

32 TO ENCOURAGE MINISTRY TO COLLEGE AGE YOUNG PEOPLE Resolution (Overture ) WHEREAS, the college years have historically been a time where many of our young people are tempted to fall away from the faith as they find themselves confronted by dominant secular and increasingly anti-christian worldviews; and WHEREAS, we have experienced escalating turmoil on our nation s university campuses in recent years, including the loss of freedom of speech and religious expression; and WHEREAS, an annual survey of over 153,000 college freshmen, The American Freshman, demonstrates that college freshmen are increasingly distancing themselves from any religion (28% in 2015 compared to 12% in 1971); and WHEREAS, according to a recent Gallup poll in 2015, the percentage of Christians continues to trend lowest among college age young adults (18-24); and WHEREAS, one of the greatest tasks each generation has is to hand over the faith to the one that follows it; and WHEREAS, we all wish to join the Apostle John in saying of the young people of the church, I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth (3 John 4); and WHEREAS, we are witnessing increased zeal by many of our LCMS college students to confess their faith in the public square, although it is getting increasingly more difficult to do so; and WHEREAS, the enormous challenges that our young people face on our university campuses also present equally tremendous opportunities for our collective witness to the truth of God s Word in the academic square and the marketplace of ideas; and WHEREAS, the 2016 LCMS convention resolved to increase our efforts to retain college-age youth (16-06); therefore be it RESOLVED, that we give thanks to God for the renewed emphasis on campus ministry in the Synod through LCMS Campus Ministry and that we continue to encourage congregations and circuits to intentionally support local campus ministry and outreach wherever possible; and be it further RESOLVED, that we encourage all LCMS families, pastors, youth workers, and congregations in our district to teach Luther s Small Catechism throughout their youth and to increase their own efforts to help connect their graduating high school students transitioning into college to our LCMS U campus ministries and/or local congregations as early as possible; and be it further 10