ABC convention focuses on outreach

During the ABC District convention, May 22-26, in Vancouver, B.C., delegates re-elected Rev. Donald Schiemann to a fourth term as district president. Also elected were vice-presidents Rev. Mark Ruf; Rev. Harry Haberstock; Rev. David Dressler. Board of Directors members include Judith Burns; Rev. Keith Haberstock; Greg Giese; Deacon Michael Gillingham; Jim Kentel; Melanie Kuhn; Harold Schmidt; Rev. Philip Washeim.

Many resolutions adopted by the convention focused on outreach and mission activities including encouraging involvement in the planned Christian witness to the thousands of athletes, coaches and spectators expected in Vancouver for the 2010 Winter Olympic Games.

Delegates adopted a resolution to create a partnership with the New South Wales District of the Lutheran Church of Australia. LCC established a formal relationship with the Australian church body in 1993.

The convention also asked the district, through resolutions, to investigate the possibility of church worker sabbaticals, and have the district communications person keep congregations updated on new technologies providing both guidance and training.

Dr. Carl Fickenscher, professor at Concordia Seminary, Ft. Wayne, used the convention theme: Give Jesus Glory — His calling to faith…for life to stress the importance of relating our Christian faith to everyday life. He encouraged pastors to make that kind of connection in their preaching, and laypeople in their witness.

Like the previous two LCC district conventions, the entire proceedings were available live via the Internet.

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