LCC Convention Trail

Central District, Regina, Saskatchewan
Tuesday, April 28, 2009

• More than 240 attend Opening Worship at Grace Lutheran Church, Monday, April 27
• LCC President Robert Bugbee preaches on Colossians 3:17 “And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.”
• 112 voting delegates begin convention deliberations Tuesday, April 28
• Delegates elected President Thomas Prachar* to his fourth term.
•Elections:
o Board of Directors
 VP Regina region Rev. Michael Keith
 VP Saskatoon region Rev. Rudy Pastucha*
 VP Thunder Bay reg. Rev. David Haberstock*
 VP Winnipeg region Rev. Rod Buck
 VP Yorkton region Rev. Arron Gust*
 Lay Regina region Wayne Gust*
 Lay Saskatoon region Derek Clark
 Lay Thunder Bay reg. Michael Maunula
 Lay Winnipeg region no candidate
 Lay Yorkton region no candidate
o Board of Regents Concordia University College
 Norma Wynn*
*sole candidate

• Dr. Gene Veith presented the first of three essays on the Lutheran doctrine of vocation. More than 50 tuned-in to a live webcast at www.lutheranchurchcanada.ca/video. Second essay is Wednesday, April 29 at 9:20 ST (11:20 ET)
• Delegates defeated a resolution that would place future conventions over weekends rather than weekdays.
• Resolution for LCC to provide prayer resources is adopted.
• Lutheran Church–Canada staff presented an overview of the national and international work of the church
• District President Thomas Prachar tells it like it is in his report. He noted declines in church membership, giving and activity levels. Some elected positions in the district had no candidates. He also thanked God for His many gifts of church workers and dedicated lay people. He wrapped up his presentation with an open discussion about where delegates believed the district should place priorities.
• Rev. Les Stahlke presented an overview of the Relationship Model of governance. The district’s Board of Directors is presenting the convention with major revisions to the handbook to facilitate the governance model.

Second Report
Central District Convention

Lutheran Church–Canada Central District Convention wrapped up Thursday, April 30. Delegates acted on the following resolutions Wednesday and Thursday:

• Amalgamated Cypress Hills and Moose Mountain Circuits to form the Southland Circuit • Approved constitutions for five congregations • Defeated a resolution to establish an endowment fund for congregations struggling with finances • Adopted an amended resolution encouraging the Synod Board of Directors to act upon a 2005 national convention resolution asking for financial support of immigration costs for foreign pastors • Accepted the minutes of the 2008 annual meeting • Accepted the report of the executive director and financial audit for 2008 • Adopted a resolution asking LCC’s Council of Presidents to review the relationship between participation in communion and the Rite of Confirmation • Approved changes in the district handbool to reflect the Relationship Model of governance. • Declined an overture regarding district circuits. The subject of the overture is covered in the LCC Handbook. • Adopted the district budget for 2009 and work programs for 2010 and 2011 • Declined an overture regarding Worker Benefit Plans because it is not consistent with LCC’s current structure • Chose Moose Jaw/Regina region for 2012 district convention • Donated the offering of more than $1,100 from the opening service to LCC seminaries’ student aid funds.

Reports
• Dr. Manfred Zeuch, president of Concordia Lutheran Seminary, Edmonton announced a partnership with the Central District’s Lay Leadership School • Mission reports included La Ronge Fellowship, Saskatchewan; Thunder Bay Street Reach; Hispanic outreach in Brandon, Man; German-language outreach to immigrants in Winkler, Man.

Elections
• Board of Directors
o Member-at-large Don Fry

•Nominations Committee
o District (clergy) Rev. Al Borchardt
o District (lay) no candidates
o Synod (clergy) Rev. Harold Borchardt
o Synod (lay) Walter Heinemann

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