PROCEEDINGS. MINUTES OF THE 94 th CONVENTION OF THE INTERNATIONAL LUTHERAN LAYMEN'S LEAGUE SHERATON SASKATOON, SASKACHEWAN, CANADA

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1 PROCEEDINGS MINUTES OF THE 94 th CONVENTION OF THE INTERNATIONAL LUTHERAN LAYMEN'S LEAGUE SHERATON SASKATOON, SASKACHEWAN, CANADA FIRST CONVENTION SESSION FRIDAY, JULY 27, Mick Onnen, President, called the 94 th Convention of the International Lutheran Laymen's League to order at 9:00 AM in the name of the Triune God: Father, Son and Holy Spirit. 02 President Onnen welcomed all in attendance to Saskatoon and to the convention. He introduced Rev. Lorne Manweiler, organist, and Dr. Gerald Langner, choir director, and other musicians for the convention and thanked them and all of the volunteer musicians and singers. Selected verses of "Lift High the Cross" were sung as the processional cross entered the convention hall, carried by Wayne Gust, President of the Central District Canada of the Int l LLL. 03 Jenifer Jade Kerr led the singing of the national anthems of the United States and Canada. 04 Rev. Keith Grimm, Pastoral Advisor, led the Convention through various biblical reflections as his Bible study. He was joined by Lutheran Hour Ministries staff member Rich Cohrs. 05 Ed Tiefenbach, Convention Committee Chairman, welcomed attendees on behalf of the convention committee and volunteers. He thanked the convention committee and all the volunteers who assisted in putting together a top-notch, uplifting, inspirational, and memorable event. 06 Don Atchison, Mayor of the city of Saskatoon, welcomed the Int l LLL and all attendees to Saskatoon on behalf of the city. He highlighted statistics about the city and encouraged attendees to enjoy their visit. 07 President Onnen introduced Rev. Howard Ulmer and his wife, Gloria. Ulmer will serve as the parliamentarian for the convention. He also introduced Executive Director Bruce Wurdeman, the Executive Committee of the Board of Governors, and their spouses. He thanked the members of the Board for their service. 08 Rev. Thomas Prachar, President of the Central District of Lutheran Church-Canada, presented the theme resolution for the 94th Annual Convention, Sonrise to Sunset. Prachar stated that the Central District is a small district of 94 congregations, and he highlighted the history of its growth since it began in M01 MOTION WAS MADE AND SECONDED TO APPROVE THE THEME RESOLUTION SONRISE TO SUNSET AS PRESENTED.

2 Motion carried, and the convention responded with the singing of the common doxology. 09 Rev. Robert Bugbee, President of Lutheran Church-Canada, told the convention assembly about the historical growth of Lutheran Church-Canada and how LHM has been very involved in Bringing Christ to the Nations--and the Nations to the Church. 10 President Onnen recapped the governance changes that took place since the previous convention in Omaha. 11 President Onnen told the convention membership about the new election procedures for the convention. Changes to the Int l LLL Bylaws and the Board of Directors were voted on during the election conducted with the entire membership online and via mail. President Onnen introduced Paul Walther, Chairman of the Election Committee, for his report. Walther reported that those elected to the Board of Directors were: Kurt Buchholz, Chairman; Philip Krauss II, Vice Chairman; Andreas Schwabe, Director from Canada; and the following Directors: Londa Borer-Skov, Michael Brown, Jack Ficken, Richard Gast, Phillip Gnadt, Phillip Johnson, Kay Meyer, Weldon Schwiebert, Richard Sindlinger, William Snow, and Janice Wendorf. A vote also approved the changes to the Bylaws of the Int l LLL. 12 Dr. Douglas Rutt, Director of International Ministries, and Dr. Mark Larson, Director of United States Ministries, gave a report highlighting the activities of LHM around the world and in the United States. 13 Rev. Gregory Seltz, Speaker of The Lutheran Hour, gave a report highlighting his role as Speaker and his inspiration for sharing the Gospel message to many unchurched people throughout the world each week. The stories shared by listeners are proof that the message of salvation is being heard by many people each week. 14 President Onnen asked the assembly to rise and sing For All the Saints in memory of David Muck, Charles Groth, and all faithful laymen who were called home to heaven since the last convention. 15 Rev. Grimm concluded the first general session with a closing prayer. 16 President Onnen adjourned the first General Session. SECOND CONVENTION SESSION FRIDAY, JULY 27, Mick Onnen, President, called the second general session to order at 2:00 p.m. 02 Rev. Keith Grimm, Pastoral Advisor, continued the Bible study and prayer. Rich Cohrs joined Rev. Grimm for this session. The Bible study was based on a session of a Bible study created by the Men s NetWork. 03 Paul Walther, Secretary, presented the Proceedings for the 2010 Int l LLL Convention in Omaha.

3 M02 MOTION WAS MADE AND SECONDED TO ACCEPT THE MINUTES OF THE OMAHA, NEBRASKA INT L LLL CONVENTION AS PRESENTED. Motion carried. 04 Ed Tiefenbach, Treasurer, and Mark Dunlop, Financial Secretary, presented the Financial Report for Fiscal Years Treasurer Tiefenbach emphasized that the generous support of the membership made it easy to give a positive report. They presented the overall operating financial results for U.S. and Canadian operations, with a combined income of $30,118,000 and total combined expenses of $28,201,000. These resulted in an unaudited net operating surplus for of $1,917, Harold Melser, Director of Ministry Advancement, and Dr. Marvin Swan, Chairman of the LHM Foundation, gave the LHM Foundation report. The LHM Foundation is an outreach partner as a funding arm of God s mission through LHM. Serving as the manager of gifts through charitable gifts annuities, charitable trusts, and endowments, the Foundation uses careful stewardship as it invests the funds entrusted to it. Swan reported that the Foundation would award LHM a distribution of $584, He presented the check to Bruce Wurdeman, Executive Director. Executive Director Wurdeman thanked the leadership of the Foundation for their service and generous support. 06 Melser announced the new Visionary Partners program. This is a tribute to the continuing support from some very special and faithful supporters, who assure the continuing impact of God s mission by choosing to be LHM s spiritual and financial partners. The Visionary Partners program recognizes a variety of donors, including individuals, couples, families, congregations, businesses, and mission minded organizations, who are recognized for giving at least $100,000 through lifetime, cumulative gifts, and grants. Hoffman Society members who have committed at least $100,000 through their estate and planned gifts will also be honored as Visionary Partners. Melser announced that the first Visionary Partner to be recognized is Thrivent Financial. Beginning in the fall, Ministry Advancement Officers and members of the LHM leadership team will personally present a unique recognition piece to 250 Visionary Partners. This display piece symbolizes LHM s thanks to them and the impact they have. 07 Rev. Timothy Scharr, President of the Southern Illinois District of the LCMS, brought greetings from Matthew Harrison, President of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod, and the 6,000 congregations of the LCMS. President Harrison sent his regrets at being unable to attend because of his participation in numerous LCMS district conventions in June and July. President Scharr reviewed the history of the Int l LLL/LHM in his presentation and commended the membership for their support of the work of Bringing Christ to the Nations--and the Nations to the Church. 08 Dick Gast, Chairman of The Lutheran Hour Float Committee, gave a report about the 2012 Rose Bowl Parade and Lutheran Hour float. President Onnen thanked Gast and his many volunteers for sharing the Gospel message with millions of people who view the float in person and on television each year. 09 Executive Director Wurdeman reported that as Executive Director, his two primary

4 responsibilities are: 1) to lead the staff and oversee the day to day operations and ministry that happen out of LHM s St. Louis office and LHM s 32 ministry centers throughout the world, and 2) to serve as the link between the Board and the staff. Wurdeman indicated that the LHM staff is a special group of people with a high level of dedication, customer service, joy in their ministry, and creativity. The leadership team is exemplary. Wurdeman highlighted the activities of the previous two years and presented some new goals, as well as his focus for ministry over the next two years. 10 Jenifer Jade Kerr led the singing of Be Thou My Vision. 11 Iris Barta, newly elected President of Lutheran Women s Missionary League-Canada, brought greetings and gave a brief report of the mission activities in the churches in Canada. 12 Kay Kreklau, President of the Lutheran Women s Missionary League, brought greetings and gave a brief report of the group s activities during the previous two years in LCMS congregations. 13 Philip Krauss II, Chairman of the 2014 Convention Committee, brought greetings to the membership and extended a special invitation to attend the next Convention in Detroit, Michigan, July 23-27, Krauss introduced his committee and thanked them for their dedicated support and hard work. 14 Rev. Gregory Seltz, Speaker of The Lutheran Hour, and Executive Director Wurdeman presented certificates to all retiring Board members and thanked them for their service on the Board. 15 President Onnen introduced the newly elected Board members who were attending the convention. They were installed by Rev. Grimm on Thursday July 26, Lou Marting, Vice President, introduced President Onnen for the International President s report. President Onnen thanked Vice President Marting for his friendship and support over the previous four years. President Onnen indicated that it had been an extremely busy and challenging but rewarding time with the Int l LLL. He highlighted the activities of the Board during his tenure and thanked the Board and staff for their assistance and support during the many challenges of governance changes, including revisions to the Articles of Incorporation, Bylaws, and policies of the Int l LLL. He also shared highlights of several trips to international ministry centers that he and wife, Nila, were privileged to participate in during his time as President. President Onnen presented Kurt Buchholz a lapel pin identifying him as the new Chairman of the Board of the Int l LLL. President Onnen concluded his service as President by presenting Chairman Buchholz with the official gavel of the Board. 17 Chairman Buchholz shared his thoughts about his new role as Chairman of the Board. He shared his professional experiences in the LCMS and how this activity has helped prepare him for his new role. He concluded his remarks by thanking everyone for attending the convention, and Ed Tiefenbach, Convention Committee Chairman, and his team of volunteers for a job well done.

5 18 Tiefenbach gave his final convention report, shared his thanks to everyone for attending, and thanked all committee members and volunteers for their outstanding work. 19 Chairman Buchholz introduced Rev. Grimm to offer the closing convention prayer. Onward Christian Soldiers was sung as the recessional hymn. 20 Chairman Buchholz adjourned the 94 th Convention of the Int l LLL. Respectfully submitted by, Paul Walther, Secretary