MONTANA DISTRICT of the LUTHERAN CHURCH MISSOURI SYNOD

Transcription

1 MONTANA DISTRICT of the LUTHERAN CHURCH MISSOURI SYNOD 2015 CONVENTION WORKBOOK June 22-25, 2015 Montana District Office 30 Broadwater Avenue Billings, MT Phone: (406)

2 The 2015 Montana District Convention Workbook Table of Contents Page Welcome Letter.. 3 Convention Schedule Convention Assignments Voting Delegates Advisory Delegates 11 Parliamentary Procedure.. 12 Convention Expense Information Hotel Layout & Map of Billings Anniversaries Circuit Statistics District Statistical Report District President s Report Vice Presidents Reports Triennium Treasurer s Report Circuit Counselors Triennial Reports Board of Directors Triennium Report Report of the District President on Worship Education/Campus Ministry Report Indian Ministry Report Missions & Evangelism Report Stewardship/Human Care Report Youth Report. 99 Slate of District Nominations Nominees Biographies Convention Overtures Called to Glory Amicus Christi

3 Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, God s peace be with you! You have been chosen to serve as a delegate to the 33 rd Convention of the Montana District of The Lutheran Church Missouri Synod. This is a high honor and responsibility. You will be expected to be well prepared to deal with the issues that come before the convention. This Workbook will assist you in that endeavor. Please study its contents carefully. I would like to encourage you to make an extra effort to study the reports contained in this workbook. Many of them call for specific action. Each of you have been assigned to a convention floor committee. The committees are also assigned to look at the reports to see if some action is called for during the convention. The convention will also be a time of study and encouragement in the Word of God. Our theme is from Acts 4:12 There is no other name, under heaven, given among men, by which we must be saved. During the course of the convention we will read and discuss the Smalcald Articles, part of our Lutheran Confessions, as a way of exploring this theme. There will also be time for worship. Pastor Schreibeis will be our chaplain and the Circuit Visitors will be preaching. We want your stay in Billings to be pleasant. There will be a number of people to help in that regard. Our convention manager is Betty Bagley, my administrative assistant. Our District Treasurer, Steve Hildenburg will also be around to help. Together they are willing and able to help with questions about convention or lodging matters. Please call the office, ( ) if you have questions prior to the convention. I keep you and the entire convention in my prayers that God will bless us with His Word, as He uses us to proclaim, There is no other name In His Service, Terry Forke President- Montana District LCMS Pastor Trinity Lutheran Church, Harlowton 3

4 Convention Schedule Billings, Montana June 22-25, 2015 No Other Name by Which We Must Be Saved (Acts 4:12) Monday- June 22 Tuesday- June 23 7:30 am Committee Chairmen and Secretaries Orientation 8:00 Registration 9:00 Opening Devotions (In Committees) 9:15 Floor Committees meet (President visits) 3:45 Smalcald Articles (Session # 1) 5:00 Introduce Staff 5:10 Closing prayer 7:00 pm Opening Worship- Mt. Olive Lutheran Church- Rev. Matthew Harrison, Preacher 8:00 Opening Devotions (Pastor John Sias) 8:15 Committee 7 Registration and Credentials 8:20 Orientation- Parliamentary procedures 8:35 Convention Schedule 8:40 District President s Report and Address 9:10 Election Committee 9:20 Introduction of all nominees to all offices 9:35 Report of Synodical President 10:15 Welcome of new members and congregations of District 10:30 Smalcald Articles (Session # 2) 11:50 Closing Prayer 11:55 Noon Recess 4

5 1:15 Opening Devotions (Pastor Steve Schlund) 1:30 Report of Synodical President 2:10 Synodical President (Question and Answer) 2:40 Break 3:10 Committee # 1- Missions/Evangelism 4:05 Committee # 2- Indian/Campus/Deaf/Youth 5:00 Closing Prayer 6:00 Banquet - Recognitions - Square Dance Wednesday June 24 8:00 Opening Devotions (Pastor Matthew Nelson) 8:15 Smalcald Articles (Session # 3) 9:30 Committee # 3- Stewardship/Human Care 10:05 Break 10:20 Committee # 4- Education/Communication/Schools 11:00 Committee # 5- Administration/Special 11:45 Closing prayer 11:50 Committees meet 12:00 Noon recess 1:15 Opening Devotions (Pastor Ray Larson) 1:30 Committee # 1 Missions/Evangelism 2:10 Committee # 2 Indian/Campus/Deaf/Youth 2:55 Committee # 3 Stewardship/Human Care 3:25 Break 3:40 Committee # 4 Education/Communication/Schools 4:10 Committee # 5 Administration/Special 4:45 Closing Prayer 5

6 5:00 Advisory delegates meet with Secretary to elect Synodical Convention Delegate (Con. XII.B, Bylaw ) Thursday June 25 8:00 Opening Devotions (Pastor Charles Lehmann) 8:15 Smalcald Articles (Session # 4) 9:15 Committees as needed 10:00 Break 10:15 Committees as needed 10:55 Committee # 7 Registration/Credentials final report 11:00 Closing Worship- Memorial, Installations (Pastor Doug Thompson) 6

7 District Convention Assignments June 22-25, 2015 Billings There is no other name, under heaven, given among men, by which we must be saved Committee # 1 Missions, Evangelism Acts 4:12 Chairman: Mark Cutler Secretary: Steve Thomas Pastor: Ken Zoeller, Paul Shupe, David Hasselbrook, Noah Fremer, Rolf Preus Commissioned:, Amanda Adams, Kristin McCauley, Susan Eberhard. Lay: Tanner Martell, Don Martinus, Chris Moen, Steve Jarvis, William Mason, Ted Schreiber, Bill Beck. BOD: Mark Scott. Resource: Ray Larson. Committee #2 Indian, Campus, Deaf, Youth Chairman: Gerald Paul Secretary: Chad Schopp Pastor: John Vallie, Steve Schlund, Blake Marshall, Wade Harr, John Frahm Commissioned:, Joan Cutler, Lynne Erger, Thomas Kosche. Lay: Kendall Hartman, Judy Blakesley, Earl Wegner, Shawn Haskmann, Lyle Grimes, Eric Corneliusen. BOD: Crow Buck Resource: Dan Jacobs, John Sias, Steve Schlund, Ken Zoeller. Committee # 3 Stewardship, Human Care, LCEF/Foundation Chairman: Dan Rinderknecht Secretary: Charlie Lehmann Pastor: Jason Toombs, James Mavis, Greg Lucido, Mark Grunst, Dennis Bauer. Commissioned: Lisa Steinbrenner, Debbie Lee, Andrea Heiliger, Julie Keeley. Lay: Roy Schoessler, Randy Evans, Roger Casteel, Randy Martin, JoAnn Mourich, Rudy Meinhardt. BOD: Frank Delgado. Resource: Kevin Peterson, Vern Sandersfeld, Jeff Snyder. Committee # 4 Education, Communications, Schools Chairman: Bob Lane Secretary: Larry Miller Pastor: Park Timber, Kevin Peterson, Sam Grayl, Andrew Eckert, Michael Flannery Commissioned: Laura McCoy, Richard Thomas, Gerald Lustila,. Lay: Keith Myhre, Bobbie Schenderline, Alan Michaels, Gerald Michel, Tova Gerer, Dave Morrison. BOD: Jerry Rosleip Resource: Patricia Stricker, Betty Bagley 7

8 Committee # 5 Administration, Special overtures Chairman: Arlo Pullmann Secretary: Kyle Whaley Pastor: Ken Stensrud, Matt Nelson, Erik Iverson, Tim Gordish, Mark Christensen, John Sias Commissioned: Ted Loomans, Becky Kern, Rachel Schumacher Lay: Dwight Schettler, Aaron Roesler, Bruce Clark, Arlan Kohl, Bill Dawson, Bill Melhorn. BOD: David Topp Resource: Chris Tabbert, Howard Schreibeis Committee # 6 Nominations and Elections Chairman: Daniel Jacobs Pastor: Darold Reiner, James Koss Commissioned: Suzanne Rasmussen Lay: Roy Arves, Kale Bauer Committee # 7 Credentials, Registration Chairman: Raymond Larson Pastor: Mark Schultz Commissioned: Tanya Hensel, Je Anne Faris Lay: Leonard Koehler, Gary Hadley Convention Chaplain: Pastor Howard Schreibeis Convention Reader: Pastor Chris Tabbert Convention Manager: Betty Bagley Convention Minutes: Pastor Mark Schultz Convention Pianist: Pam Schreiber Technical Table: Pastor Ryan Wendt. Montana District Treasurer: Steve Hildenburg 8

9 VOTING DELEGATES Congregation Name City Pastoral Delegate Lay Delegate Redeemer/ Anaconda/ Vacant Non-Calling Faith Boulder Holy Trinity/ Belgrade Charles Lehman Tanner Martell Grace Three Forks Christ the King Billings Ryan Wendt Kendall Hartman Hope/Our Redeemer Billings Robert Lane Roy Schoessler Mt. Olive/ Billings/ Mark Grunst Johnny Buck St. Paul Roundup Our Savior Billings Ken Zoeller Keith Myhre Trinity Billings Dan Rinderknecht Dwight Schettler First Bozeman Sam Grayl Stephen Schultz St. Paul/St. John Bridger/Belfry Paul Shupe St. Mark/Zion Butte/Whitehall James Mavis Leonard Koehler Our Redeemer Columbia Falls Matthew Nelson Don Martinus Church at Creston Creston Darold Reiner Randy Evans Crow Lutheran Ministry Crow Agency Daniel Jacobs Bobbie Schenderline St. John Deer Lodge Robert Mitchell Aaron Roesler Shepherd of the Hills Ennis Kenneth Stensrud Gary Hadley Holy Cross Eureka Christopher Tabbert Chris Moen St. John/Zion Fairfield/Power Noah Fremer Concordia/Trinity/ Forsyth/Hysham John Sias Judy Blakesley Mt Calvary Colstrip First Fort Benton Wade Harr Roger Casteel Faith/ Glasgow/ John Vallie Trinity/Trinity Wolf Point/Plentywood Our Savior/Grace Glendive/Fallon Greg Lucido Alan Michaels Peace/Christ Great Falls Steven Schlund Bruce Clark Trinity Great Falls Gerald Paul Roy Arves 9

10 Congregation Name City Pastoral Delegate Lay Delegate Grace Hamilton Vern Sandersfeld Steve Jarvis Redeemer Hardin Vacancy Trinity Harlowton Terry Forke Earl Wegner St. Paul/Zion Havre/Chinook Mark Schultz Randy Martin First Helena Larry Miller Gerald Michel Trinity Kalispell Mark Cutler Arlan Kohl Circle of Life Lame Deer Dennis Bauer William Mason St. John Laurel Arlo Pullmann Shawn Hackmann River of Life Laurel Blake Marshall JoAnn Mourich St. Paul/ Lewistown/ Vacancy Tova Gerer Trinity/Our Savior Stanford/Denton St. John Libby Steven Thomas Bill Dawson Trinity/ Miles City/ Howard Schreibeis Ted Schreiber Trinity Rock Springs First Missoula Vacancy John Mandler Messiah Missoula David Hasselbrook Lyle Grimes St. Paul Park City Vacancy Rudy Meinhardt Mt. Calvary/Zion Polson/St Ignatius Kyle Whaley Jerlin Mintz St. Paul Ronan Timothy Gordish Frank Delgado Shepherd Salmon, ID Kevin Peterson Jared Peterson Holy Cross/ Seeley Lake/ Erik Iverson Faith Condon Trinity/St. John Sidney/Fairview Rolf Preus Tom Halvorson Our Savior Stevensville Andrew Eckert Dave Morrison Trinity Superior Vacancy Bill Melhorn Shepherd of the Valley Thompson Falls Vacancy Bill Beck St. Peter Whitefish Michael Flannery Allen Wolf Concordia Williston John Frahm Eric Corneliusen 10

11 ADVISORY DELEGATES Pastoral Advisory Delegates Christensen, Rev. Mark Christensen, Rev. Matthew (Chaplain on Active Duty) DiConti, Rev. Marc (Chaplain on Active Duty) Klug, Rev. Timothy (Non-Candidate) Preus, Rev. David (Deployed Missionary) Stinnett, Rev. Eric (Deployed Missionary) Thompson, Rev. Doug (Deployed Missionary) Timber, Rev. Park Toombs, Rev. Jason Warner, Rev. David (Deployed Missionary) Ordained Emeritus Advisory Delegates Bliese, Rev. Bill Christiansen, Rev. Eric Donnan, Rev. John Ebel, Rev. Al Everson, Rev. Gale Fischer, Rev. Arnold Kaarre, Rev. Martin Kaelberer, Rev. Erich Koss, Rev. James Larson, Rev. Raymond Lehmann, Rev. Carl Linderman, Rev. Bruce Menagh, Rev. Jason Nicolaus, Rev. M.M. Schiefelbein, Rev. Herbert Stenzel, Rev. Kent Wareham, Rev. Christopher Weishoff, Rev. Robert Wieger, Rev. Raymond Zagel, Rev. Bruce Board of Directors Members Rev. Terry Forke, President Rev. Christopher Tabbert, First Vice-President Rev. Howard Schreibeis, Second Vice-President Rev. Mark Schultz, Secretary Steve Hildenbury, Treasurer Johnny Buck Frank Delgado Mark Scott David Topp Jerry Roseleip Commissioned Advisory Delegates Adams, Amanda Braaten, Becky Cutler, Joann Duncan, Katherine Eberhard, Susan Endicott, Ruth Endicott, Steve Erger, Lynne Faris, JeAnne Hensel, Tanya Heiliger, Andrea Holste, Ken Johnson, Ardith Johnson, Melody Kaelberer, Jennifer Keeley, Julie Kern, Becky Kosche, Ken Kosche, Thomas Latusky, Myrna Lee, Debbie Loomans, Ted Lustila, Gerald McCauley, Kristin McCoy, Laura Rasmussen, Suzanne Schumacher, Rachel Speed, Cindy Schreck, Jerry Steinbrenner, Lisa Thomas, Richard Topp, David Van Andel, Judith Van Andel, Roger Van Luchene, Darrell Van Luchene, Sue Zann Wegner, Willem Mt District Nominations Committee Rev. Dan Jacobs, Chairman Rev. James Koss Rev. Darold Reiner Roy Arves Kale Bauer 11

12 PARLIAMENTARY PROCESS The parliamentary process is intended to enable a group to conduct its business with the least possible confusion in order that everyone in the group may understand as clearly as possible what is being decided. The parliamentary process also protects the rights of both minority and majority within an assembly. Unless the assembly creates special rules itself, the rules given in "Robert's Rules" are followed. In order to help delegates understand parliamentary procedure we offer these few basic rules and procedures. 1. Always address the chairman, or the presiding officer. Debate between members is not permitted. Comments and discussion are addressed to the assembly 2. Wait until the chairman has recognized you, and granted you permission to speak. "The chair recognizes Mr., Mrs. " "You have the floor." 3. Try to learn the basic language used in parliamentary procedure. This is given below for your use: MAIN MOTION: I move I move the adoption of this report I wish to present the following resolution I move its adoption. Or I move the adoption of the proposition in the report. Requires a majority vote; is amendable; has lowest priority in the order of motions which may be made while it is under consideration. COMMITTEE RESOLUTIONS Resolutions presented by a convention committee do not require a motion or a second. The presumption is that this has already happened since the committee has formalized, adopted and presented the resolution to the convention. The chairman who says, This resolution (motion) is now before the Convention places any motion or resolution on the floor for discussion. Prior to this announcement by the chairman any discussion is out of order. POSTPONE INDEFINITELY I move to postpone this matter indefinitely. In effect kills a motion. AMEND I move to amend the motion by inserting between and. I move to amend by adding after. I move to amend by striking out and inserting. I move to amend by striking out the motion and substituting this motion. (Read or state substitute motion) COMMIT OR RE-COMMIT I move that this matter be referred to a committee of to be named by with instruction. POSTPONE TO A SET TIME I move that this matter be postponed to. I move that this matter be postponed to meeting at (name time) and be made a Special Order of business. (2/3 vote is required) PREVIOUS QUESTION I move the previous question. (2/3 vote required) 12

13 2015 MT District LCMS Convention Expense Reimbursements Delegates (Pastor, Lay, and Advisory), Board of Directors, Parish Ministry committee members, and special invited guests travel, meals, and lodging expenses will be covered by the district. Expenses for all other convention attendees and guests will be at their own expense. All expenses will be reimbursed on an accountable basis (expenses that are properly "accounted for"). The district will reimburse only convention expenses that have been adequately "accounted for" and substantiated. In general, this means that you must submit a properly completed expense request (see attached form) to the District Treasurer showing the date, amount, location, and business connection of each expense broken down into categories such as transportation, meals and lodging from the time you leave home until the time you return home for the sole purpose of attending the convention. Receipts are required for all claimed expenses. All requests for reimbursement of expenses must be submitted within 60 days of when the expense was incurred to meet IRS accountable expense requirements. Travel. Most if not all delegates are encouraged to travel to and from the convention by Privately Owned Vehicle (POV), Please team up and share a rides wherever possible. In order to cover the costs of fuel and be able to absorb the costs of travel, the district decided to reimburse eligible delegates and guests at the IRS non-business asset mileage rate of.24 cents per mile driven. In order to meet the IRS reporting requirements, odometer mileage must be recorded and reported. Only the driver/owner of the vehicle will be reimbursed for mileage. If another form of transportation other than POV is used to attend the convention, please indicate and explain in other expenses area. Mileage allowance will be limited to the most direct route from delegate/guest home and Billings. Two day travel is authorized for those individuals traveling more than 300 miles to and from the convention. Lodging. Lodging expenses while traveling to and from the convention is limited only to those individuals traveling over 300 miles from home to Billings and return. Per night lodging is limited to $100 maximum per night charge and will be reimbursed only with substantiated receipts. Lodging expenses while at the convention hotel will be direct billed by the Holiday Inn to the District Treasurer. Any personal room charges (i.e. room service, movie rental etc.) must be paid for at time of check out with the hotel. If you are staying somewhere other than the Holiday Inn, you will need to submit your lodging receipts with your check request to be reimbursed. Cost of lodging will be limited to what it would have cost for you to stay at the Holiday Inn hotel ($84 plus tax per night). Meals. All meals while in travel status and while attending the convention are reimbursable. The cost of the convention banquet dinner is covered by the district. You are authorized a meal reimbursement depending on when you depart and return home based on the following maximum rates: Breakfast: $10.00 per day, Lunch: $10.00 per day, and Dinner: $20 per day. Detailed receipts are required for all reimbursed meals (total of bill with tip and list of items). No alcoholic beverages will be reimbursed. If you cover the meal costs of other delegates please include their names on the receipt. If your receipt includes the costs of non-delegates/guests please deduct their portion and only claim allowable expense reimbursement. Please use the attached District Convention Check Request Form to request all convention related expense reimbursements. Check Request Form Instructions: 1. Include complete name, address, and from (home) location. 2. List date and time you departed and returned home. 3. Circle the mode of transportation used to and from the convention. 4. List Daily Actual beginning and ending odometer readings. (POV Driver only) 5. List daily cost of lodging paid and include receipts. 13

14 6. List daily cost of each meal and include receipts. 7. List any other expenses with explanation and include receipts. 8. Total all expenses and check your math. Determine amount you wish to be reimbursed to you and any you care to donate to the district. 9. Be sure to sign your request.. Leave Authorizing Signature blank. 10. Send completed request along with all supporting receipts to : The Montana District LCMS (Attention Treasurer), 30 Broadwater Ave., Billings, MT

15 The MONTANA DISTRICT of the LUTHERAN CHURCH--MISSOURI SYNOD Rev: Jan DISTRICT CONVENTION CHECK REQUEST FORM Mail com pleted for m to: Mt Distr ict LCMS, 30 Br oadwater A ve., Billings, MT Please Pr int Payable to: Date: Mailing Address: Trip To: Billings From: (Home) Reason: Date & Time Departed Home: Montana District Convention Date & Time Returned Home: Mode of Transportation (Circle one): Drove Private Car, Rode as a Passenger, Other (explain below) Day 1 Day 2 Day 3 Day 4 Day 5 Day 6 Dates: Travel: Total Mileage TOTALS Beginning Mileage Ending Mileage Total Miles: x.24 = Lodging: Totals = MEALS: Bkfst Lunch Dinner < $40 per Day Total Totals = Other Expenses (Explain): Attach Receipts for all claimed expenses (SEE REVERSE FOR LIMITS) Signature of Person Requesting Reimbursement Signature of Person Authorizing Payment Receipt Reimburse to Me To Help further the Mission of the Church, please deduct this amount from my check as a donation to the MT District-LCMS = Total of Above EXPENSE TO: Delegate Convention Travel/PerDiem If you elect to return your expense reimbursement, or any part thereof, as a charitable donation to the Montana District, the receipt below will be completed by the District Treasurer and mailed to you. I hereby certify that made a donation of Dollars & /100 cents to the Montana District of the Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod, a non-profit corporation, for charitable purposes. There were no goods or services, tangible or intangible, exchanged for this donation. 15 Stephen R. Hildenburg, Treasurer, Mt. District LCMS *Please keep this receipt for income tax purposes. Date

16 Policy for Travel and Expense Reimbursement for all District Required Travel: Revised: Jan 2015 Reasons for our policy: Auditors Recommendations, IRS Regulations, and a Need for a uniform District policy. NO TE: For all travel and expense reimbursements to be charged as an accountable expenses to the traveler, requests must be submitted and processed within 60 days from when the expense was incurred. Failure to submit for reimbursement within 60 days will result in the traveler expense being charged as a nonaccountable expense and a IRS form 1099 Misc issued to the traveler at year end in the amount of the reimbursement. a. Each person shall be accountable for his/her own check request and submit the request to the District Treasurer for processing and payment. b. A per diem is defined as an overnight and three (3) meals per day Per Diem allowance: Up to a maximum $100 per night Motel, Meals: $10 Bkfst, $10 Lunch, $20 Dinner (While traveling and at the convention) up to $40 per day with receipts. c. Actual expense receipts must be attached to each check request. Itemized receipts must be attached for all meals, group tickets must identify other delegate members and amounts for each. (split/shared rooms receipts can be copied and shown as being split/shared in the remarks area) d. Travel and Mileage: Delegate mileage will be reimbursed at the IRS rate of.24 per mile for official Privetly Owned Vehicle (POV) travel. You are authorized to claim remaining IRS allowed total mileage rate up to.575 per mile on your itemized end of year tax return if you claim your vehicle as a business asset. Mileage is limited to travel to convention from home and direct return only. Please pre-coordinate any other than POV travel expenses with the District Teasurer prior to traveling. e. Alcoholic beverages consumed are at your own expense, they will not be reimbursed. f. Only authorized spouses and guests invited by the President or Board of Directors, or who are otherwise required by the district or Synod to be in attendance at any district or synodical meeting or convention, will be reimbursed for lodging, meals or travel expenses. Any Exceptions are at the discretion of the Montana District Board of Directors and their approval must be obtained prior to travel / reimbursement request. Delegate Hotel rooms and taxes for the District Convention are direct billed to the District office. All other incidentals (room service, Movies etc.) are the sole responsibility of the delegate or invited guest. The District will only cover the cost of the delegate and/or any prior approved Presidential invited convention guest. All other guests are expected to pay for their room and other hotel charges. Hotel and Per Diem amounts will not be reimbursed without receipts for actual expenses. Food and beverage receipts must show items purchased and not just total amount paid. IF YOU DO NOT HAVE A RECEIPT, YOU WILL NOT BE REIMBURSED FOR THAT ITEM 16

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19 CONGREGATIONAL ANNIVERSARIES In Faith, Boulder 125 St Mark, Butte 100 Zion, Chinook 40 Mt Calvary, Colstrip 65 First, Ft Benton 55 Faith, Glasgow 75 Our Savior, Glendive 100 St. John, Laurel 100 St. John, Libby 100 St. Paul, Park City 100 Zion, Power 35 Shepherd of the Valley, Salmon 85 Trinity, Sidney 55 Zion, Whitehall 20 Our Redeemer, Worden In Mount Olive, Billings 95 Trinity, Billings 85 First, Bozeman 85 Concordia, Forsyth 95 Grace, Hamilton 95 St Paul, Havre 60 Trinity, Stanford 60 Our Savior, Stevensville 55 St. Peter, Whitefish In Holy Cross, Eureka 60 St. John, Fairfield 85 St. John, Fairview 95 Trinity, Harlowton 120 Trinity, Kalispell 15 Circle of Life, Lame Deer 115 First, Missoula 100 St. Paul, Ronan 55 Trinity, Superior 85 Trinity, Wolf Point 19

20 2015 ORDINATION ANNIVERSARIES Dennis Bauer 33 William Bliese 7 Eric Christiansen 24 Mark Christensen 4 Matt Christensen 7 Al Ebel 26 Mark Cutler 27 Andrew Eckert 49 Gale Everson 37 Arnold Fischer 58 Michael Flannery 39 Terry Forke 32 John Frahm 17 Noah Fremer 3 Tim Gordish 17 Sam Grayl 11 Mark Grunst 34 Wade Harr 22 David Hasselbrook 8 Erik Iverson 9 Daniel Jacobs 29 Martin Kaarre 34 Erich Kaelberer 4 Klug, Timothy 25 James Koss 19 Raymond Larson 40 Robert Lane 17 Carl Lehmann 20 Charles Lehmann 8 Bruce Linderman 39 Greg Lucido 15 Blake Marshall 14 James Mavis 22 Jason Menagh 28 Larry Miller 32 Robert Mitchell 20 Matt Nelson 11 Mark Nicolaus 45 Gerald Paul 15 Kevin Peterson 16 David Preus 4 Rolf Preus 36 Arlo Pullmann 28 Darold Reiner 43 Daniel Rinderknecht 32 Vern Sandersfeld 32 Herbert Schiefelbein 63 Steven Schlund 32 Chad Schopp 2 Howard Schreibeis 30 Mark Schultz 32 Paul Shupe 4 John Sias 6 Ken Stensrud 7 Kent Stenzel 42 Eric Stinnett 11 Christopher Tabbert 17 Steven Thomas 16 Doug Thompson 18 Park Timber 4 John Vallie 15 Christopher Wareham 35 David Warner 11 Robert Weishoff 54 Ryan Wendt 11 Kyle Whaley 5 Raymond Wiegert 56 Ken Zoeller Commissioned Ministers Active Anniversaries Amanda Adams 3 Rebecca Braaten 33 Joann Cutler 30 Sue Eberhard 1 Lynne Erger 39 JeAnne Faris 5 Andrea Heiliger 3 Tanya Hensel 1 Julie Keeley 1 Becky Kern 33 Thomas Kosche 13 Debbie Lee 7 Ted Loomans 20 Jack Lustila 28 Kristin McCauley 13 Laura McCoy 14 Suzanne Rasmussen 40 Rachel Schumacher 3 Cindy Speed 3 Lisa Steinbrenner 11 Richard Thomas 33 David Topp 16 20

21 2014 CIRCUIT STATISTICS SOUTHERN CIRCUIT City Church Baptized Confirmed Avg. Attendance Belfry St. John Billings Christ the King Hope Mt Olive Our Savior Trinity Bridger St. Paul Crow Agency Crow Ministry Hardin Redeemer Harlowton Trinity Lame Deer Circle of Life Laurel St. John Park City St. Paul Roundup St. Paul Worden Our Redeemer Laurel River of Life WESTERN CIRCUIT City Church Baptized Confirmed Avg. Attendance Condon Faith Hamilton Grace Missoula First Messiah Salmon, ID Shepherd/Valley Seeley Lake Holy Cross Stevensville Our Savior Superior Trinity Thompson Falls Shepherd EASTERN CIRCUIT City Church Baptized Confirmed Avg. Attendance Rock Springs Trinity Colstrip Mt. Calvary Fairview St. John Fallon Grace Forsyth Concordia Glasgow Faith Glendive Our Savior Hysham Trinity Miles City Trinity Plentywood Trinity Sidney Trinity Williston, ND Concordia Wolf Point Trinity

22 CENTRAL CIRCUIT City Church Baptized Confirmed Avg. Attendance Chinook Zion Denton Our Savior Fairfield St. John Ft. Benton First Great Falls Christ/Deaf Peace Trinity Havre St. Paul Lewistown St. Paul Power Zion Stanford Trinity DIVIDE CIRCUIT City Church Baptized Confirmed Avg. Attendance Belgrade Holy Trinity Big Timber/ Emmaus Livingston Lutheran Miss Boulder Faith Lutheran Bozeman First Lutheran Butte St. Mark Deer Lodge St. John Ennis Shepherd Helena First Lutheran Three Forks Grace Whitehall Zion Anaconda Redeemer FLATHEAD CIRCUIT City Church Baptized Confirmed Avg. Attendance Columbia Falls Our Redeemer Eureka Holy Cross Kalispell Trinity Libby St. John Polson Mt. Calvary Ronan St. Paul St. Ignatius Zion Whitefish St. Peter Creston Creston Church TOTALS 67 14, , Avg. Att: 52 22

23 MONTANA STATISTICAL REPORT June to December 2012 ORDAINED MINISTERS Entered the District Fremer, Noah Ordained & Installed 7/22/12 as Sole Pastor of Zion, Power & St John, Fairfield Lehmann, Charles Installed 7/8/12 as Sole P astor of Holy Trinity, Belgrade & Grace, Three Forks Changes Within the District Nicolaus, M.J. Emeritus 6/30/12 New Congregation Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church received into the LCMS at the Montana District Convention, June 2012 Transferred to Other Districts Carver, David COMMISSIONED MINISTERS Entered the District Schumacher, Rachel Changes Within the District Holste, Ken Emeritus 8/15/12 ORDAINED MINISTERS Transferred 10/30/12 to Grace Evangelical, San Mateo CA Commissioned and Installed 8/12/12 at Trinity, Kalispell MONTANA STATISTICAL REPORT Entered the District Eckert, Andrew Installed as Sole Pastor of Our Savior, Stevensville Flannery, Michael Installed 8/4/13 as Sole Pastor of St Peter, Whitefish Kaelberer, Erich Installed 6/2/13 as Sole Pastor of Shepherd of the Valley, Thompson Falls Richard, Matt Colloquy 8/23/13 Schopp, Chad Ordained & Installed as Missionary-at-Large for Livingston/Big Timber on 7/14/13 at Mount Olive, Billings Changes Within the District Everson, Gale Emeritus 1/1/13 Lehmann, Jennifer Resigned 3/14/13 Reinke, Jay Removed 9/18/13 23

24 Transferred to Other Districts Renfro, David Transferred 8/13/13 to Trinity, Cedar Rapids, IA Richard, Matt Transferred 11/1/13 to North Dakota District Maxwell, James Transferred 2/4/13 to Rock of Ages, CO Springs, CO Called to Glory Berninghaus, Gilbert Called to Glory 11/10/13 Ondov, Daniel Called to Glory 4/22/13 COMMISSIONED MINISTERS Entered the District Lastusky, Myrna Transferred from 4/22/13 from South Wisconsin Changes Within the District Elliott, Suzanne Resigned 3/12/13 Ritter, Shannon Resigned 4/20/12 Schwartz, Heidi Resigned 2/1/13 ORDAINED MINISTERS Entered the District Frahm, John MONTANA STATISTICAL REPORT 2014 Installed 9/27/14 as Sole Pastor of Concordia, Williston, ND Toombs, Jason Installed at First, Helena on 9/7/14 Changes Within the District River of Life, Laurel, received into membership on 2/23/14 Wareham, Christopher Emeritus 7/1/14 Wiegert, Ray Emeritus 9/1/14 Zagel, Bruce Emeritus 12/31/14 Emeritus Transfer Beale, Les Donnan, John Michael Transferred to Other Districts Baikie, Marcus Hageman, James Herman, Justin Richholt, Timothy Schneider, Don Thompson, Richard Emeritus transfer 5/14/14 from Pacific Southwest Emeritus transfer 10/31/14 from NW District Transferred 3/3/14 to Our Savior, Cheyenne WY Transferred 9/15/14 to Our Redeemer, Overland, MO Transferred 8/1/14 to Univeristy Lutheran Church, Lafayette, IN Transferred 2/1/14 to Zion, Wetaskiwinn, AB, Canada Emeritus transfer 8/13/14 to CNH Emeritus transfer 3/1/14 to South Wisconsin 24

25 COMMISSIONED MINISTERS Entered the District Duncan, Katherine Transferred 6/24/14 form Ohio District Eberhard, Susan Commissioned & Installed on 9/7/14, First Lutheran, Missoula Lustila, Jack Tranferred 9/1/14 from Florida-Georgia District Transferred to Other Districts Baikie, Tiffany Mlnarik, Katie Transferred 3/1/14 to Wyoming District Transferred 7/23/14 to South Dakota District MONTANA STATISTICAL REPORT January to May 2015 ORDAINED MINISTERS Entered the District Klug, Timothy Lucido, Greg Mavis, James Preus, Rolf Transferred as Non-Candidate from Installed 2/22/15 as Sole Pastor at Our Savior, Glendive, and Grace, Fallon. Installed 1/25/15, Sole Pastor of St Mark, Butte And Zion, Whitehall Installed 2/15/15 as Sole Pastor of St. John, Fairview and Trinity, Sidney Changes Within the District Kaelberer, Erich Emeritus 4/13/15 Koss, James Emeritus 4/20/15 Warner, David Deployed Missionary to Spain 2/15/15 Stinnett, Eric Deployed Missionary to Ethiopia 3/22/15 Preus, David Deployed Missionary to Domincan Republic 3/22/15 Thompson, Doug Deployed Missionary Ghana 3/15/15 Transferred to Other Districts Schleicher, Jason Schleicher, Amy Transferred to SalemLutheran Church, Tomball, TX Transferred to Texas District Called to Glory Wackler, Myron Called to Glory 2/8/15 COMMISSIONED MINISTERS Entered the District Kosche, Kenneth Emeritus transfer from South Wisconsin District 25

26 No Other Name President s Report 2015 Montana District Convention Introduction Peter and John had no idea when they went into the temple that afternoon what a complicated course of events would be set in motion by their healing of a lame man. It comes across as a spur of the moment decision; I have no silver and gold, but what I do have I give to you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk. (Acts 3:6) And walk he did, leaping and praising God, he attracted all sorts of attention. Some who were listening were not pleased. The leaders of the church saw the name of Jesus as a direct challenge to their authority. They had Peter and John arrested and thrown into jail. When the time came for the trial, it seems as if the leaders of the church couldn t help themselves. They stepped right back into the conflict focused on the name of Jesus. By what power, or by what name did you do this, they asked. A better invitation for a sermon was never given. Peter answers, let it be known to all of you and to all the people of Israel that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead by him this man is standing before you well. This Jesus is the stone that was rejected by you, the builders, which has become the cornerstone. And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved. (Acts 4:10 12) This claim of the exclusive power of the name of Jesus is the theme of our convention. Conflict with the world over the name of Jesus was not limited to the first century. Many years later, when Luther, standing against many powerful people, was asked by his benefactor, the Elector of Saxony, to put into writing the areas of doctrine where the reformers might concede for the sake of peace, he used this text to set aside the articles about which there could be no concession. In the Smalcald Articles he wrote, about the article on justification, On this article nothing can be yielded or surrendered even though heaven and earth, and whatever will not abide, should sink to ruin. For there is none other name under heaven, given among men whereby we must be saved. Through the centuries the Church has confessed the name of Jesus as the only way of salvation. Now we are to the year of our Lord, 2015, and the conflict with the world continues. It is no longer popular, in the United States, to confess the name of Jesus, let alone call Him the only way of salvation. Consequently, we, gathered at this convention are decidedly counterculture. As such, in order to look forward, (which we must do for the sake of the Gospel), it will serve us well to spend some time looking back to our forefathers of the faith. At this convention we will look for direction to the confession made during the turbulent years surrounding the writing of the Smalcald Articles. During this convention we will read and study these articles, confident that they will teach us how to confess no other name. I. The Beginnings of the Montana District By March 1884, Pastor Herman Glaess had been serving 12 preaching stations along a 240 mile route of the Northern Pacific railroad for nearly three years. At 25 years old he already had some health problems, but he was determined to serve the faithful from Brainerd, Minnesota, to Jamestown, North Dakota with the good news of Jesus. Reiseprediger they called them in those days, traveling preachers. 1 Given the conveyances of the day, these men could spend as much time getting there as 1 Wagner, Oswald F. Missouri in Montana. A paper presented to the 13 th Convention of the Montana District of the LCMS. Glendive, Montana. August 24-28,

27 they would preaching. Now a great new adventure, for the sake of the name of Jesus, was about to begin. At least two requests from Lutherans in Montana had made their way through the channels to the Minnesota-Dakota District of the LCMS. Since Pastor Glaess was familiar with the Northern Pacific, whose line headed straight west to Montana, he was commissioned by the district to do something about the spiritual needs in Montana. So it was that on the morning of March 17, 1884, Pastor Glaess boarded a train for the 947 mile trip to Helena, Montana, where one request had originated. Upon arrival Pastor Glaess organized services on March 23 rd and 30 th. Held in the Lewis and Clark County Courthouse, he reported listeners. Unfortunately, he complained that the wealthy stayed away, while the poor earnestly requested their own Pastor. Pastor Glaess made it back to his congregations in time for holy week that year, but by June 1884 he had returned to Helena. However, that service only attracted 16 people, (probably due to a community dance held at the same time). Money and dance notwithstanding, the name of Jesus prevailed. From this rather inauspicious beginning the LCMS congregations in Montana were formed into the Montana District. The Synod granted permission for the formation of the new district in June 1944 and in May 1945 the North Dakota/Montana District met for the final time. Thirty seven congregations and 24 Pastors were rostered in the new, Montana District. Seventy years later, the name of Jesus is still to found on the lips and in the hearts of LCMS Christians in Montana. But why have so many people devoted so much effort to the formation of a tiny, remote division of largely unknown church-body? II. Making the Confession It cannot be better or more concisely said than this; the effort has been made because we believe that there is no other name, under heaven, given among men, by which we must be saved. This exclusive claim to salvation in the name of Jesus is the hallmark, not only of the Scriptures but also of the Lutheran Confessions. It is a public confession made for the sake of the salvation of souls. It is made for the sake of believers and unbelievers alike. It is made so that everyone can hear the Gospel. Very few people these days have any concept of what a public confession is all about. That is one reason we are studying the Smalcald Articles at this convention. As members of The Lutheran Church Missouri Synod we are concerned that the Word of God be taught in its truth and purity, and that the Sacraments be administered according to that Word. Our public confession is congruent with the Scriptures and Lutheran Confessions. And if, God forbid, a member s private confession is at some point at variance we seek, by the power of God s Word to teach, and persuade, and convince such a member to repent. Making a confession is not only to testify to what we believe, teach and confess. It also includes detailing what we condemn as contrary to the confession. Our public confession forms the parameters of life, for both doctrine and practice. Within the confession we are kept safe, by God s Word, to proclaim the name of Jesus. Once we deny our confession, by word or deed, we bring the name of Jesus into question. III. Making the Confession in Montana The Montana District is no longer the smallest district in the LCMS. That is primarily due to our obstinate refusal to follow other districts that have closed small congregations. Since our congregations are so far apart, closing one of them would mean greater distances for people to travel in order to hear the Word of God taught in its truth and purity. We have taken Jesus at His word when He said, Where 27

28 two or three are gathered, there I am in the midst of them. Small congregations may not be the most efficient method of proclaiming, but they can be very effective. The Montana District is composed of 68 congregations served by some 49 Pastors. Fifty-six percent of our congregations have fewer than 50 people in average attendance. Eighty-one percent have fewer than 100. Sixty percent of our congregations are in multiple parish relationships. Fully fifty percent of our congregations are in towns that are experiencing population decline. We have lost some five percent of our membership since 1971, down from 15,224 to 14,467 baptized members. This brief review of statistics paints the picture of congregations and Pastors that are working very hard, under sacrificial circumstances, in order to make the confession. Despite the smallness of the district, God has blessed us immensely through the generosity of His people. The district has underwritten its budget for the past nine years. We send twenty-five percent of the offerings we receive at the district level to the Synodical offices for work at that level, and yet we always have enough. During the past three years we have begun new congregations in Big Timber, Livingston, and Dillon. We have granted scholarships to an average of 13 church-work students each year. We have helped an average of 8 church-workers pay off student loans each year. We have given grants to many of our schools. We continue to subsidize the work on the Crow and Cheyenne reservations. We recently opened a Mercy Fund to help Church-workers with catastrophic health care events. That fund gathered over $30,000. All of these citations are examples of the generosity of God s people, and are focused on proclaiming the name of Jesus. The most significant characteristic of the Montana District is its faithfulness to the confession of the name of Jesus. Our Pastors, Teachers, DCEs, Congregations, and Schools desire to be Lutheran. I thank God for your faithfulness. Compared to anecdotes that I hear from other districts the Montana District has very few problems when it comes to its confession. It is a rare occasion when I, as ecclesiastical supervisor, find it necessary to correct some teaching. In my estimation, this faithfulness means that the Montana District has much to say to the rest of the Synod. IV. Making the Confession as the LCMS The fact that The Lutheran Church Missouri Synod has been declining numerically has fostered a great deal of fear. Fear never works in favor of the name of Jesus. It can cause us to compromise the confession. These are difficult times. Outright persecution of Christians, in the United States, is on the horizon. We should thank God for the strong stand that the leaders of The Lutheran Church Missouri Synod have taken, and remember them in our prayers. Now is the time for us to remember the promises of our God. He will never leave us. His Church will prevail. The Gospel will continue to be proclaimed. The name of Jesus will be heard as no other. People will be saved. Now is the time to focus on the name. Regardless of the disposition of the institution known as the LCMS, Jesus will be proclaimed. Human institutions come and go, but the name of Jesus lasts forever. We can work to use the Synodical Union as a tool for the sake of the proclamation of the Gospel, but the name of Jesus must be the foundation and goal of that Union. V. Challenges to the Confession- How the Montana District might respond. 1. Fear of decline One of the most powerful tools that satan is using against the LCMS right now is the fear of decline. Something could be said to the Synod and District regarding the fear of numerical decline and the avoidance of compromising the confession for the sake of numbers. 28

29 2. Inability to defend the confession A. Heresy- Something could be said to the Synod about effectively dealing with those publicly holding a position that is contrary to the position of the Synod. B. Size of Districts- Districts with large numbers of congregations make ecclesiastical supervision very difficult. Something could be said to the Synod about making districts small enough that their Presidents can visit the congregations and workers. 3. Homosexual lobby Handling challenges coming from the homosexual lobby will be difficult. Something could be said to district congregations about helping members understand the issue. 4. Culture of death The state of Montana continues to struggle with life issues such as assisted suicide and abortion. Something could be said to district congregations about standing for life. VI. Opportunities for the Confession- How the Montana District might be proactive anniversary of the Reformation The anniversary of the Reformation will occur in Something could be said to district congregations about celebrating this milestone as a way of proclaiming the name. 2. Mission and Ministry Emphases Synod bylaws ask Districts for input on the general direction for the mission and ministry efforts of the Synod during the triennium following the next Synodical convention. Something could be said about being faithful to the name of Jesus. 3. Helping small congregations continue ministry Something could be to the Synod said about the place of small congregations in the work of proclaiming the Gospel. Something could be said to larger congregations about helping smaller ones. 4. Supporting Lutheran Schools Something could be said to the Synod and district congregations about the fact that Lutheran Schools are a primary mission tool of the Church. 5. Opening new congregations Something could be said to the Montana District about the importance of opening new congregations so that more people can hear of the name of Jesus. 6. Acting a citizens Something could be said to our members explaining their vocations as citizens. As the Church/State rift grows wider we may need to be more present with the name of Jesus, in the public square. 7. Report on the teaching of evolution in institutions of higher education Something could be said to the Synod about giving our congregations assurance that the teaching of evolution is not being tolerated in our institutions of higher education. 8. Church Worker Students Something could be said to the Synod about supporting our church worker students so that they do not graduate with crippling debt. This institutional adjustment could fix many of our problems. 9. Support for the Seminaries 29

30 Something could be said to the Synod about supporting our Seminaries. The dependence of seminaries on restricted funds is dangerous. 10. Size of the Synod Something could be said about the duties of a Synod. A Synod is to assist the congregations in the work of the proclamation of the Gospel. It must resist the temptation to assume more responsibilities. A Synod does what individual congregations cannot do: 1. Ecclesiastical Supervision 2. Educating Pastors and Teachers 3. Sending missionaries 4. Orthodox publications 5. Works of Mercy Conclusion Peter and John could not have anticipated the impact healing a lame man was to have on the proclamation of the name of Jesus. But we know the end of the story. It is the same end that we pray God will grant to this convention and to our lives. Here is what happened when they were released from jail and returned to their congregation. They prayed, And now, Lord, look upon their threats and grant to your servants to continue to speak your word with all boldness, while you stretch out your hand to heal, and signs and wonders are performed through the name of your holy servant Jesus. And when they had prayed, the place in which they were gathered together was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and continued to speak the word of God with boldness. (Acts 4:29 31). 30

31 Summary of Presidential Activity Official Acts Ordinations 1 Installations 6 Wedding 1 District Activities Congregational visits 74 Pastor Visits 121 Commissioned visits 3 School visits 7 Board of Director meetings 13 Circuit Visitor meetings 9 Vice-President meetings 3 Circuit Winkels 16 Preaching 18 Other meetings 104 Served as Pastor of Trinity Harlowton on a part-time basis. Synodical Activities Council of Presidents 15 Other meetings 54 31

32 2015 District Convention First Vice President s Triennium Report to the 2015 Montana District Convention The grass withers and the flower fades, but the Word of our God stands forever. Now this is the Word that by the Gospel was preached to you. To us! To us, and for us, and as God s people of the Montana District of the LC-MS, also through us! It is our Lord s unchanging Gospel of everlasting life in Jesus Christ to a world struggling under the change and decay of sin. What a blessing it is for me to be have a part with all of you in this Word of the Gospel in our District; and what a privilege it has been for me to have had the opportunity to serve these past few years in the office of 1 st Vice-President. Thank you. The 1 st Vice-President of the Montana District serves as a voting member of the District Board of Directors. The Board meets quarterly to attend to District business. During this past triennium, some of my specific tasks have included working on the committee for review of congregational constitutions, chairing the committee for development of salary and compensation guidelines for ordained church workers, and the review and assessment of changes to health insurance benefits for called workers. In addition to the BOD, I have also participated in the Circuit Counselors regular and special meetings. As always, the 1 st Vice-President serves at the direction of the president as needed, and as his representative, at times at installation services and other functions. May God grant each and all of us continued joy, comfort, and encouragement by His unchanging Word, through our Lord Jesus Christ. Respectfully, in our Lord s service, Rev. Chris Tabbert 32