CONVENTION PROCEEDINGS April 17 – 19, 2015 San … PROCEEDINGS April 17 – 19, 2015 San Jose, CA. 2015 CNH District Convention Proceedings Index Attendees ... Gersmehl George H

70th Convention California-Nevada-Hawaii District

CONVENTION PROCEEDINGS

April 17 – 19, 2015 San Jose, CA

2015 CNH District Convention

Proceedings Index

Attendees

Voting Pastors Page 145

Lay Delegates – Voting Page 147

Advisory Pastors / Non- Voting Page 150

Commissioned Ministers Page 151

Vicars Page 151

District Board of Directors Page 151

Guests Page 152

Exhibitors Page 153

Convention Minutes Note: Day 1 Minutes were approved in Convention. Day 2 & 3 will be considered by the Board

of Directors at their June Meeting. If there are changes made at that time a revised/final

Proceedings Manual will be posted on the website.

Day One – Session 1 Page 155

Day Two – Session 2&3 Page 162

Day Three – Session 4 Page 171

Convention Business

Resolution 3-01 Page 173














2015 Acknowledgments Page 193

Last Name First Name Congregation Name Congregation City Abraham Rev. Stan Mt. Calvary/Trinity Soquel/Watsonville

CA Adams Rev. Ricky Peace Mill Valley CA Airey Rev. Mark Luth Ch of Prayer Bakersfield CA Aldrich Rev. Paul Zion Piedmont CA Alvey Rev. Ryan Trinity Wahiawa HI Amen Rev. Christopher Bethlehem Carson City NV Bamsch Rev. Duane Zion Terra Bella CA Becker Rev. Dr. Stephen Greenhaven Sacramento CA Beilstein Pastor Jim Trinity Gardnerville NV Bestul Rev. John L C of Our Savior Cupertino CA Beyer Rev. Jim St. Mark Santa Rosa CA Blasdel Rev. Brady W. St. Philip Dublin CA Bliese Rev. Karl St. John Willits CA Bramwell Rev. Tyrel Our Savior/First Chester/Greenville

CA Byrd Rev. Joseph Bethany Lompoc CA Carney Pastor Bill Our Redeemer Honolulu HI Carver Rev. David Grace Evangelical San Mateo CA Castaneda Rev. Trinidad St. John Bakersfield CA Chan Rev. David Faith South San Francisco

CA Chan Rev. Terry Christ for All

Nations San Francisco CA

Chu Rev. Bill Holy Cross Concord CA Coyne Rev. Jon Bethany Menlo Park CA Crown Rev. Stewart Trinity Evangelical Palo Alto CA Cusson Rev. Brad St. Matthew Rocklin CA Davidenas Rev. Eugene Immanue/Foothill Jackson/Valley

Springs CA Davis Rev. Eli Our Saviour’s Caruthers CA Deuel Rev. Dan St. Andrews Stockton CA Dubke Rev. Dallas St. Paul/Mt. Olive Red Bluff/Corning

CA Duerr Rev. Matt Zion Lodi CA Eisberg Rev. Clarence Redeemer Fresno CA Ellis Rev. Bill Zion North Highlands CA Fajardo Rev. Magdiel Grace Santa Maria CA Floyd Rev. David Benicia Lutheran Benicia CA Flynn Rev. Alan Messiah Citrus Heights CA Franckowiak Rev. Mike First Yuba City CA

VOTING PASTORS

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Gowen Rev. Mitchell Our Savior Aiea HI Gross Rev. John P. Zion San Luis Obispo CA Haack Rev. Lon R. L C o/t Resurrection San Rafael CA Hall Rev. Michael Trinity Exeter CA Hall Rev. Rod St. Mark Sunnyvale CA Hardin Rev. David St. Paul Woodland CA Heine Rev. Mark G. St. John Napa CA Hess Rev. Russ Town & Country Sacramento CA Hilpert Rev. Matt Saint Mark Kaneohe HI Hilton Pastor Alan R. St. John Fallon NV Hochgrebe Rev. Ryan Mount Olive Folsom CA Huss Rev. John Mt. Olive Milpitas CA Kistler Rev. Dan Our Savior’s Pacifica CA Klemsz Rev. Scott Our Savior Salinas CA Kliewer Rev. Mark Zion/Christ Winnemucca/Bt. Mt

NV Kohlmeyer Rev. Phillip Christ Martinez CA Krueger Rev. Dr. John Faith Burney CA Krueger Rev. Ed Emmanuel Clovis CA Lau Rev. Shiu Ming L C o/t Holy Spirit San Francisco CA Lopez Rev. Zabdi Grace Gridley CA Maschke Rev. Jedidiah First Concord CA Milz Rev. Norm Shep of the Sierra Carson City NV Molyneux Pastor Dan Trinity Fairfield CA Mueller Rev. John St. Luke Santa Rosa CA Northend Rev. Bill Faith Sonoma CA Oatman Rev. Mark St. Peter’s/Grace San

Leandro/Hayward CA

Oetting Rev. Jon Our Savior Sparks NV Peperkorn Rev. Todd Holy Cross Rocklin CA Perry Rev. Scott Holy Cross Los Gatos CA Peters Rev. Matthew Peace Sacramento, CA Poganski Rev. Dr. David St. Paul Auburn CA Prill Rev. David Resurrection Brentwood CA Putnam Rev. Aaron Good Shepherd Hayward CA Rall Rev. Bart Bethlehem Monterey CA Reed Rev. Jay LIght of the Valley Elk Grove CA Reese Rev. David A. Grace Pittsburg CA Rice Rev. Richard Messiah Santa Cruz CA Robinson Rev. Eric Redeemer Redwood City CA Rowe Rev. Daniel Trinity Paso Robles CA Schaaf Rev. Kent Grace Grass Valley CA Schedler Rev. Walt Bethlehem Colusa CA Scheuermann Rev. John St. Luke Reno NV Schlensker Rev. Dan Shepherd o/t Hills Lake Isabella CA

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Schneider Rev. Joshua Emmanuel Kahuluhi HI Schroeder Pastor Bob Grace Visalia CA Schufreider Rev. Jeff First/Trinity S SF/Burlingame/

CA Schuller Rev. Isaac 1st Immanuel San Jose CA Seying Rev. Kou St. Paul Merced CA Sharpe Rev. Tom St. Matthew Sonora CA Smith Rev. Aaron St. Paul Mountain View CA Sommer Rev. Alan Light of the Hills Cameron Park CA Standley Rev. John M. Cordova Rancho Cordova CA Stringer Rev. Gregory Bethany Vacaville CA Szeto Pastor Lenny Our Savior Fremont CA Thompson Rev. Matthew E. Trinity San Jose CA Tyler Rev. Marty Grace Crescent City CA Weller Rev. Robert Shepherd o/t Valley San Jose CA Werth Rev. Luther Our Savior Livermore CA Whittaker Rev. Mark Peace Arroyo Grande CA Wikstrom Rev. Mark St. Paul’s Selma CA Williams Rev. Douglas Calvary Oroville CA Woo Rev. Daniel Hope Daly City CA Woodward Rev. Peter Faith Pleasant Hill CA Young Rev. Greg Peace Fresno CA Youngdale Rev. Ron Good Shepherd Turlock CA Zabell Rev. Philip W. St. Paul/First Artois/Willows CA Zelt Rev. Dr. Tom Prince of Peace Fremont CA

Last Name First Name Congregation Name Congregation City Adams Nancy Peace Mill Valley CA Airey Barbie Luth Ch of Prayer Bakersfield CA Baker Jim Messiah Santa Cruz CA Ball Cliff St. Matthew Rocklin CA Belmont Keith Trinity Paso Robles CA Bickel David Luth Ch of Our

Savior Santa Maria CA

Bokre Dawit Good Shepherd Hayward CA Bollentino Todd Holy Cross Los Gatos CA Brannan Thomas Zion/Christ Winnemucca/Bt. Mt

NV Briesmeister Dave Immanue/Foothill Jackson/Valley

Springs CA Brown Lanson Mount Olive Folsom CA

LAY DELEGATES

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Buchholz Diane Trinity Georgetown CA Byrd II Otis Christ for All

Nations San Francisco CA

Calloway Rebecca Grace Cloverdale CA Carlee Bart Mt. Olive Milpitas CA Carlsen Vonnie St. Philip Dublin CA Carney Donna Our Redeemer Honolulu HI Chen Paul Faith South San Francisco

CA Condos Freddi Redeemer Fresno CA Crews Robert Grace San Mateo CA Drumm Curt Bethlehem Carson City NV Dubke Faith St. Paul/Mt. Olive Red Bluff/Corning

CA Duncan Dianna L. Bethany Lompoc CA Eissner Greg Grace Pittsburg CA Espinosa Steve Mt. Calvary/Trinity Soquel/Watsonville

CA Fielitz Rick Holy Cross Rocklin CA Fleming Michael St. Paul/First Artois/Willows CA Flynn Dianne Messiah Citrus Heights CA Fong Barron L C o/t Holy Spirit San Francisco CA Franckowiak Barbara First Yuba City CA Gersmehl George H. Trinity San Rafael CA Gibbs Charlie Zion San Luis Obispo CA Giron David First Lucerne CA Givens Bob St. Mark’s Ferndale CA Gong Garry 1st Immanuel San Jose CA Goodman Jim St. John’s Fallon NV Guerra Daniel Faith Pleasant Hill CA Haertling Mark Shepherd o/t Valley San Jose CA Hajik Steve St. John Willits CA Hall David L C of Our Savior Cupertino CA Hammond Rudy Trinity Gardnerville NV Hanson Russell Eldena St. John Clearlake CA Hantelman John Our Savior Paradise CA Hartmann Scott Trinity San Jose CA Hebel Tim Zion Piedmont CA Hilliard Don Peace Arroyo Grande CA Hillmann Jim St. Mark Sunnyvale CA Hodnett Paul Prince of Peace Fremont CA Hornbostel Philip St. Paul’s Woodland CA Horne Randy St. John Bakersfield CA Hundemer Barry Grace Grass Valley CA Hunter Lee LIght of the Valley Elk Grove CA Hurley Tom Zion San Francisco CA

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Johnston Bob Bethany Vacaville CA Kramer Tim St. John’s Napa CA Kroeger Pat Holy Cross Concord CA Kuhlman Kelley Emmanuel Kahului HI Kuhn David St. Luke Santa Rosa CA Kysar Dinnie Christ Hilo HI Ladely Larry St. John Petaluma CA Lee Kaying Peace Fresno CA Lee Scot Christ Mount Shasta CA Leonard Shawn Trinity Palo Alto CA Lim Yal Saint Mark Kaneohe HI Lopez Elizabeth Grace Gridley CA Love Rick Town & Country Sacramento CA Mancini Lisa Redeemer Redwood City CA Marchant Denise Trinity Exeter CA Massingill David R. Our Saviour’s Caruthers CA Maxner David Bethlehem Monterey CA McMillan Dr. Gilbert E. St. Paul Auburn CA Mensing Frederick Lut Ch o/t Redeemer Atascadero CA Mertes Sheryl St. Paul Selma CA Mettler Keith Zion Lodi CA Meux Eric Grace El Cerrito CA Miller Dr. Roland N. Grace Santa Maria CA Milligan Roger St. Matthew Sonora CA Muenchow Mark Bethany Menlo Park CA Nisbett Jack Grace Bakersfield CA Northern Dennis G. Holy Cross Atwater CA Oatman Debbie St. Peter’s/Grace San

Leandro/Hayward CA

Oehlert Pat St. Luke Reno NV Parker Richard L. St. Mark Santa Rosa CA Petersen Craig L C o/ t Resurrection San Rafael CA Pierce Bob Shepherd of the Hills Lake Isabella CA Popielarz John Light of the Hills Cameron Park CA Rahn Mary St. Paul Merced CA Reindl Mark St. Peter Lodi CA Richardson Doug Emmanuel Clovis CA Rodde Ken Our Savior - N/V Alt Salinas CA Roepke Peter Trinity/First Burlingame/S SF CARogers Thomas Bethlehem Colusa CA Root Ronald Our Savior’s Pacifica CA Sanders Paul Grace Crescent City CA Schallon Shirley Vineyard of Faith Windsor CA Schroeder Ted St. Andrews Stockton CA Shelby Stephen Trinity Sacramento CA

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Shotts Wayne Our Savior Livermore CA Standley Lois Cordova Rancho Cordova CA Stenman Jackie St. Paul Mountain View CA Swift Bill First Placerville CA Thompson Rod St. Paul’s Tracy CA Tiensvold Paul Our Savior Sparks NV Timmons Holly Zion North Highlands CA Wallace Dave Good Shepherd Turlock CA Weirich David Benicia Lutheran Benicia CA Weishaar Larry Our Savior Salinas CA Wildes Nancy Our Savior Aiea HI Woodward William Trinity Redding CA Wright Jerrie Greenhaven Sacramento CA Zielske Bob Grace Visalia CA

Last Name First Name Arnold Rev. Ron Bell Rev. Gary Betker Rev. Bruce Conrad Rev. Daniel Dirasse Rev. Geta Doolittle Rev. John Draeger Rev. Dr. Hal Fickenscher Rev. Robert Fricke Rev. Milton E. Herrmann Rev. John Hoffmann Rev. Paul Hues Rev. Dan Kabel Rev. Jim Kringel Rev. Ray Lee Rev. Khai Meyer Rev. John-Paul Mohr Rev. Gary Mueller Rev. Tom Rose Rev. David Sauer Rev. Dave Savage Rev. Ernie Scherer Rev. Hank Sohn Rev. Ed Tesema Rev. Dr. Tesfai

ADVISORY PASTORS / NON ‐ VOTING

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Tietjen Rev. Dr. Walter Vallejo Rev. Gabriel. Whaley Rev. John Willweber Rev. Lloyd Wilson Rev. David Zimmerman Rev. Ted

Last Name First Name Hebel Karen Heinicke William Hessler Dorothy Mancini Mike Spurgeon David Willweber Sharon (Brandt) Zimmerman Elaine

Last Name First Name Congregation Name Congregation City De Lude III Vicar Clarence A. Trinity Wahiawa HI Didanu Vicar Berhanu Town & Country Sacramento CA Morales Vicar Moses Good Shepherd Hayward CA Rogness Vicar Noah Trinity Palo Alto CA Xiong Vicar Doua St. Paul Merced CA

Last Name First Name

Bultena David Herzog Donna Kuefner Marla

COMMISSIONED MINISTERS

VICARS

DISTRICT BOARD OF DIRECTORS

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Last Name First Name

Bell Sherry Bickel Julie Bliese Nancy Bonnett Don Briesmeister Olivia Busse Karen Campbell Kent Chan Christine Condos Frank Dhabsu Temesgen Dorsey Bultena Pat Dubke Martha Dubke Tabitha Duerr Marjie Eaton Jim Eisberg Colleen Ellis Charlene Finke Rev. Greg Fricke Judy M. Gilazgi Abeba Hack Broome Carol Hall Nancy Harrison Rev. Dr. Matt Heinicke Patricia Hernandez Maureen Herrmann Sandy Hessler Glenn Hoffmann Jane Houseworth Marcia Hues Melody Huss Paula Kabel Janice Kliewer Debbie Kringel Norma Kroeger Carrie Lange Kristi Liebe Mike Lung Elaine Lung Terence Marchant Lou

GUESTS

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Maxner Marilyn Mettler Jackie Miller Brad Mohr Gloria Murray Rev. Dr. Scott Newton Priscilla Nisbett Lydia Northern Connie Oehlert Gary Patterson Mary Jo Perry Thao Petersen Marietta Popielarz Maureen Reese Elvera Rupp Miriam Schallon Gerald Schedler Carolyn Scheuermann Martha Schroeder Sue Schuller Liz Seying MayKou Sohn Jan Stringer Trudi Swift Marcia Tiensvold Karen Tietjen Ione Vieker Rev. Dr. Jon Whaley Deborah Whipple Diana Wikstrom Helen Williams Mary Xiong Sue Zelt Sue

Last Name First Name Organization Name Biggs Vicki Concordia Seminary St. Louis

Bochenek Debbie Concordia Publishing House Boehlke Christian The Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod Brunold Patti Shepherd’s Canyon Retreat Busse Don CNH Church Extension Fund Campbell Lynnette First Concord CA

EXHIBITORS

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Clasquin Tina LCMS Foundation Connor Veda Voice of the Martyrs Contreras Susan Human Care Committee Dawson Karen L. Shepherd’s Canyon Retreat Dawson Rex Shepherd’s Canyon Retreat Donofrio Rev. Craig KFUO St. Louis MO Fairow Teresa Lutheran Hour Ministries Gomez Eustolio Concordia Plan Services Harmelink Rev. Dr. Daniel Concordia Historical Institute Harri Marilyn Human Care Committee Helling Vicki Concordia Plan Services Hernandez Rev. Carlos The Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod Hood Bill Concordia University Irvine CA Hyde Brian LCMS Foundation Jones Jason LCMS Foundation Killian Michael Lutheran Friends of the Deaf Lovstad-Jones Dionne Lutheran Hour Ministries Manor Tiffany Lutheran Friends of the Deaf Morrow Phil Mission of Christ Network Nielsen Nancy Lutheran Social Services Patterson Robert Chimemaster Systems Rockemann Rev. Larry Lutheran Heritage Foundation Scholz Amy The Lutheran Church Missouri Synod Scicluna Rev. Jon D. Concordia Theological Seminary Solberg Steve Mt. Cross Ministries Ben Lomond CA

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The Lutheran Church- Missouri Synod

California - Nevada - Hawaii 70th District Convention

First Session

Friday April 17th, 2015

1. Opening

The 70th convention of the CNH District of the Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod was opened by the President, Rev. Dr. Robert Newton at 1:15 p.m. In his opening comments he noted that the timing of the convention may be difficult for some in that it is so close to Easter. The upside is that we are able to gather in the afterglow of the resurrection.

The President noted that the theme of the convention is "Run the Race - Eyes Fixed on Jesus”. He went on to say that the world of the disciples was much like the world the church lives in and the Lord is doing the same work in the world today as he did then.

It was announced that Synod President Matthew Harrison's flight has been delayed in Denver due to weather. President Newton offered a prayer for his safe travel. Synod Vice President Scott Murray was introduced to the convention. He will be providing the message for this evening's worship service in place of President Harrison.

President Newton made several introductions including his wife, Priscilla, and Past President, Walt Tietjen, He gave special recognition to the District Board of Directors and acknowledged the excellent work of 1st Vice-President Paul Hoffmann. The president also offered special recognition for Pedar Wold who served on the Board for this past triennium and was called to glory in 2014.

The president noted that this year's convention would be different than past conventions in that there will be more time spent with teaching, learning, prayer and worship rather than convention business. With that thought in mind, Rev. Ted Hartman talked of the use of prayer during the sessions. Prayer will accompany all convention actions and there will be Pray'er people that will be identified by their name badge who will be available throughout the convention to pray with delegates. Rev. Hartman closed with prayer.

2. Opening Devotion

1st Vice-President Paul Hoffmann offered the opening devotion beginning with the Apostles' Creed. We are here to focus on Jesus. What does His death and resurrection mean concerning "Where we are and where we are going". St. Paul said that we are "Citizens of heaven". Until Jesus died and rose from the dead, people really didn't know where they were going. Now they do. As Jesus said, "Because I live, so you also shall live." The devotion was closed with the singing of "I Know that my Redeemer Lives" followed by a closing prayer.

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3. Convention Business

President Newton thanked the district staff and all who made the convention possible. He gave special recognition to Rita Konda for her invaluable work in keeping things on track.

The president offered recognition to two new congregations and welcomed them into the District and Synod; Faith Lutheran - So. San Francisco and Zion Lutheran - Lodi. The pastors and representatives from those congregation were introduced and invited to sign the constitution.

President Newton announced that Addis Kidan, an Eritrean/Ethiopian congregation working with Pastor Tesfai is currently worshipping and will be ready to be welcomed into membership soon. President Newton offered prayer for these congregations and their leaders.

Pastors who are new to the District since the last convention were recognized with their names and congregation being read. This information is listed in the Convention Manual.

4. Report on Registration

Registration Committee Chair, Rev. James Kabel noted that a quorum had been reached and offered the following report at 1:37 p.m.:

Voting Lay Delegates = 98

Voting Pastoral Delegates = 93

Total Voting Delegates = 191

Total Non-voting Delegates = 111

Total Registered = 302

Rev. Kabel offered a second report to the convention at 4:20 p.m. with the following information:




Total Non-voting Delegates = 120


Motion was made, seconded and approved by acclamation to accept each individual report.

5. Adoption of Standing Rules and Convention Agenda

Convention Parliamentarian, Rev. Richard Rice read the standing rules as printed on page 4 of the Convention Manual.

A motion to accept the Standing Rules as read was made, seconded and approved.

The delegates were directed to the Revised Agenda as found in the Convention Supplement on page 122

A motion to accept the Agenda was made, seconded and approved.

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6. President's Report - Part One

The theme for President Newton's address to the convention was "The CNH District - A New Generation presenting the Gospel." In the first part of two, Rev. Newton addressed the "Challenge". To begin, he noted that "The race belongs to Jesus alone", we simply run the race with Jesus.

In a brief history of our District he stated that the first convention of the "California - Oregon" district was held in 1887. The mission in those early days was to the German immigrants. He noted that the mission today is different but still belongs to Christ.

Rev. Newton identified three distinct Mission fields; Churched, Post-Churched and Pre-Churched. In what he referred to as the "Collapse of Christendom", the question is asked, "Who is in charge?". In the Churched era, the church is in charge. The bridge between the people and the church is strong. As we move into the Post-Church era, the bridge has collapsed and the Church is marginalized. At this point the focus is on the Pre-churched era where the churches task is to rebuild the bridge.

The new realities for the church involve the rise of Post-Modernism and the challenges to the Judeo/Christian thought. We find ourselves dealing with the "Rise of the Nones" These are the people who do not identify with any religion. In these times, the church is not in charge. All too often the response at this point is for the church to "Circle the wagons" in defense.

The president went on to consider what it means to be a "Confessing Lutheran" Holding fast to our confession of Christ - Confessing Christ to the world. Too often this means, "Circle the Wagons".

Lutheran Confessions provide: Evangelical Witness to the World. Teaching instruments for our members. A test of orthodoxy for our members and especially for our teachers.

The fear is that when we lose the first - Evangelical Witness, we are left only with the last two. Rev. Newton referenced an essay entitled "The Ageless Danger" written by Synod president Schwann in 1862 which deals with this subject. Essays by President Schwann under the title "Propositions on Un-evangelical Practices" can be found in the miscellaneous section of the Convention Manual.

President Newton closed, leading to part two of his presentation saying, "With Christ in Charge, The Church Enters a New Era of Mission".

7. Election of the District President

Chair of the Committee for Elections, Rev. Mitch Gowen noted that there were two pastors, Rev. Dr. Robert Newton and Rev. Dr. Thomas Zelt, that received 3 or more nominations making them eligible to be on the ballot. Rev. Gowen noted that Pastor Zelt has respectfully declined the nomination. Chairman Paul Hoffmann read a letter addressed to the delegates from Rev. Zelt. Paul offered a prayer before the vote.

The 1st Vice-President called for the vote. The election of Rev. Dr. Robert Newton to a 4th term as the CNH District President was affirmed by vocal acclimation and was celebrated with the singing of the doxology.

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8. Nomination of the 1st Vice-President

Elections Chair Mitch Gowen introduced the process of nomination for the 1st Vice President. Nomination is accomplished by Nomination Ballot as specified in the District By-Laws. As such, each delegate is given the opportunity to participate in the nomination process. After time was allowed, the Elections Committee collected the ballots for tabulation.

9. Report from CNH District Church Extension Fund

CEF President Donald Busse offered an overview of the activity of CEF for the past triennium. He noted that in working with the District's Mission Focus, CEF has made available $500,000.00 for Mission loans. These loans are available at zero % interest to qualified applicants. The loans are guaranteed by the District with a minimal interest payment made by the Mission Agency.

A full report is included in the Convention Manual. Some of the highlights include 347 Short term mission grants totaling $78,000.00 which have allowed members of the District to serve in 23 countries as well as 8 locations in the United States.

Troubled loans have been identified and addressed. As a result, delinquencies are quite low. Loan activity has been low, about 70% of the last triennium. This is similar to activity in the rest of the Synod.

Some of the projects that have been completed with funding from CEF include an Education Annex for Faith - Seaside; Good Shepherd - Healdsburg purchased their former pastor's home. Town and Country - Sacramento, Calvary - San Lorenzo, Trinity - Wahiawa and St. John - Fallon converted lines of credit to term loans. Grace - Visalia, St. Paul's - Susanville, Our Savior - Aiea and Zion - Winnemucca received loans for updates and repairs to property. Mission Loans totaling $22,500.00 were provided to First Lutheran - Greenville and Our Savior - Chester.

President Busse reviewed items of a financial nature as well. He noted that CEF continues to provide the mechanism for all Lutherans to share in the growth of the kingdom through their investments. For many, this may be the prime mission or church building activity in which they participate.

10. LWML Report

District LWLM President Lynnette Campbell spoke to the delegates about their Convention which focused on the theme of "Putting on the Armor of God". She asked the convention to encourage the women of their congregations to be active in mission through the LWML. She also noted that LWML website has many excellent resources. Rev Ted Hartman offered prayers for Lynnette and the work of the LWML.

11. Recognition of International Mission

President Newton mentioned several members of the CNH District who are, or soon will be serving in the international Mission Field. The list is long. It is a blessing that so many of our people have developed the gifts that lead them into the Mission field. A multi-media presentation was offered in celebration of the work of these Sisters and Brothers in Christ. The presentation was followed with prayer by President Newton.

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12. President's Report - Part Two

Strategic Directions - Answering the Challenges. Rev. Newton began by noting that the Global South now holds the world's largest concentration of Christians. "West Reaches the Rest" is over. There is now no dominant Ethnic group in California. San Jose is comprised of 10% Vietnamese. The CNH District is represented more fully by the Pacific Rim than by those from the Mid-West.

The President laid down what he calls the "4 planks" of Mission in the CNH.

1. Organizing for Mission in the CNH - Staff, Board of Directors, Circuit Visitors are all dedicated to Mission advancement in the CNH - "Proclaiming the Gospel where the church is not".

2. Strategic Alliances - We share similar challenges with the PSW and NW districts as well as Latin America, Pacific Rim and Other Peoples.

Purpose: Training our Church Workers Equipping the Baptized

3. Planting Faith Communities - Word and Sacrament (Congregations and Beyond Congregations)

4. Intercessory Prayer - Prayer life is directly connected to how much you feel that you are or are not in control.

These are the "Planks" upon which we build our Mission activities in the CNH.

At this point, Chairman Hoffmann ask the delegates to gather in groups of four to discuss the merits of what they had just heard in President Newton's address. The Chairman noted that the comments generated and recorded in the small groups will be used by staff and the Board of Directors in future planning. 13. Voting Machine Practice

President Newton introduced Jim Eaton who is handling the voting Machines. As a "Dry Run", several questions concerning the delegates thoughts on the "4 Planks" as outlined in Rev. Newton's presentation were asked. These responses will be used by Staff and the Board of Directors in future planning.


Rev. Mitch Gowen, Chair of the Elections committee, reported that of the 104 nominations received by the committee, there were 21 individual pastors nominated for the office of 1st Vice President. As per our Bylaws, those with at least 10% of the ballots cast (10 nominations) will comprise the slate for the office. Of the 21, only 2 pastors received the required minimum; Rev Paul Hoffmann and Rev. Dr. Tom Zelt. Chairman Gowen reported that Pastor Hoffmann thanks the delegates for the honor but has respectfully declined the nomination. As such, Rev. Zelt stands unopposed for the office of 1st Vice President. The vote was called for and was taken by voice. The outcome was overwhelmingly "Aye" proclaiming Rev. Dr. Thomas Zelt as the 1st Vice President for the coming triennium. The Doxology was sung by the convention in celebration.

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15. Mission Agency Report

Mission Agency Director, Rev. Mike Lange began by noting that many people feel that Mission is "overseas". He stated that in reality, Mission is wherever the church is not. Rev. Lange reported that the Mission Agency got its start in March of 2013. He has learned that God sees in terms of people not places. There have been three starts since the inception of the Agency; Addis Kidan, Faith-So. San Francisco and St. John's - Valley of Faith. In addition, several new Mission Ministries have started throughout the CNH District. Intentional Ministry Revitalization is also a part of the Agency's focus. Strategic partnerships are being developed with CNH, PSW and The NW Districts.

A video asking "What are you excited about in ministry" was shown in which several people from the new Mission starts were interviewed concerning their answer to that question.


Resolution 1-01 -- Rev. Daniel Deuel, Chair of the floor committee #1 - Missions introduced Resolution 1-01 - "Affirming and Strengthen the work of the Mission Agency".

At this time it was decide by a show of hands that the "Whereas" statements would not be read for Convention Resolutions.

After reading the resolution, there was a motion made and seconded to approve the resolution. A friendly motion was accepted which removed the words "and permanence in our structure" from line #30. The question was called by the Chair and was approved by a show of hands.

Resolution 3-01-- Rev Stan Abraham introduced resolution 3-01 "To Renew another 3 Year Term of the District Disability Task Force". With no one coming to the microphones, the question was called by the Chair and approved by a show of hands.

Resolution 3-08 -- Chairman Abraham introduced Resolution 3-08 "To Create a Youth Task Force for the CNH District" The Resolution was moved and seconded. A question regarding funding was raised from the floor. President Newton noted that the Task Force would be under the Mission Agency and that there would be no appreciable impact on the budget. A friendly amendment was accepted by the committee which added the words, "3 of the 5 will be actively involved in Youth Ministry in either a professional or volunteer capacity in their congregations". This is to be inserted in line 13 before, "And be it further resolved". Seeing no further questions, the question was called by the Chair. The motion was approved by a show of hands.

Resolution #4-01-- Chairman Ted Zimmerman of Committee #4, introduced resolution 4-01 "To Realign Congregations in Circuits #6 and #17". A motion was made and seconded to approve the resolution. With no questions from the floor, the vote was called by the Chair and the Resolution was approved by acclamation.

17. Recess

At 5:20 p.m. the Friday session was recessed by the Chair. Delegates were instructed to report to their assigned areas for Regional Caucuses to choose Lay and Pastoral representatives to the District Board of Directors. Those selections are to be affirmed tomorrow by the delegates in Convention.

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Respectfully Submitted

Rev. John M. Standley

CNH District Secretary

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Second Session / Mission Conference

Saturday April 18th, 2015

1. Opening

President Newton opened the second day of the 70th Convention of the CNH District of the Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod at 7:50 a.m. He introduced the Rev. John Bestul for the opening devotion.

2. Opening Devotion

Rev. Bestul opened in the name of the Father, Son and the Hole Spirit. He continued with the convention theme of “ Run the Race, Eyes fixed on Jesus”. His message centered around Jesus and His disciples and the storm on the Sea of Galilee. The devotion closed with prayer and the singing of “Lord, Take My Hand and Lead Me”

Mission Agency Executive Director Mike Lange presented a short video “Mission

Moment”.

3. Vice President Elect Tom Zelt

President Newton introduced Rev. Dr. Tom Zelt, newly elected 1st Vice President of the District. Rev. Zelt spoke briefly about a class that he is teaching at the St. Louis Seminary and other opportunities that have opened for him. He thanked the delegates for the honor of allowing him to serve the District once again. He talked about some of the challenges that are ahead of the District in the coming triennium. With all of the gifts and talents that we have in our congregations, how do we effectively join those with our needs? He encouraged congregations to consider short term mission opportunities. He closed by reminding the convention that Jesus emerged from His tomb over two thousand years ago and “he’s been on the loose ever since”.

4. Synod-Wide President – Rev. Matthew Harrison.

President Harrison began with a video produced by Synod – “Upon This Rock – Mercy, Witness, Life Together”.

Pres. Harrison spoke about the negative financial status of the Synod as he came into office. He noted that he was told by the finance office recently, that the Synod's debt has now been repaid. The president stated that we have over 200 missionaries in the field currently. He believes that we can exceed the record of 250 international missionaries. Traditionally, mission agencies have been about social ministries, most are now in decline. The activity of the LC MS in mission is

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about the gospel. This is the LCMS’s moment. Harrison spoke about doors that are opening all over the world. Japan, South Korea and others are requesting missionaries from the LCMS. At the same time, the domestic front is challenging. In the US the LC MS is in decline, 18% in the last 40 years. Even so, other than the Catholics and Baptists, the LC MS has performed better than other denominations. The LC MS performs best where the population is less secular and more rural. Much of the decline comes from European descent Christians, which describes many and the base of the LC-MS.

He noted that statistics show that the things we often argue about, for example, worship styles don't seem to have much of an effect on the numbers. Pres. Harrison talked about communion practices and pastoral discretion. He encouraged true "Pastoral “Discretion".

The President talked about Concordia Publishing House, the LWML, LCEF, our Seminaries and the Concordia University System as well as other organizations within the Synod. He talked at length about the newly formed Lutheran Federal Credit Union. He also spoke about the Wittenberg project noting that Luther's church currently has an average attendance of about 50 people. He stated that an office is being established in Washington D.C. by Synod whose mission will be to provide an aggressive defense for religious freedom. Finances are in place for that project, staffing is yet to be determined. The President went on to speak about the loss of religious freedom in our country and the need for a response. A period of Question and Answer followed. At this point in the proceedings the convention was placed in recess until two o'clock to begin

the Mission Conference.

CNH DISTRICT MISSION CONFERENCE PLENARY SPEAKER - PART ONE

Mission Agency Executive Director Rev. Mike Lang introduced the Mission Conference plenary speaker Rev. Greg Finke. Greg is Executive Director of Dwelling 1:14. As he explained it, the name comes from John chapter 1 verse 14 "The Word became flesh and blood and moved into our neighborhood". As he spoke to the conference, he stated that we have the ability to reach people. If people don't come to church, we're not done. He referred to his book "Joining Jesus on his Mission-How to become an Everyday Missionary". Jesus is on a mission. He knows where he's going, he knows what he's doing. It is what we do with what we know that changes our neighborhood. Our job is "seed distribution", not germination, roots and sprouts - that's God's work. The mindset for mission used to be that you gave somebody money and then sent them off someplace. In reality being a missionary is part of our vocation. It is where we live, it is where we work. It's all about who I am and what I have. That leads us to “what I can do”. We don't go for Jesus-we go with Jesus. We are not Jesus’ salespeople. We are Jesus' followers.

Mission Effectiveness: Good = Make a Difference

Better = Make a Friend

Best = Make a Disciple

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We are not just saved from - We are also saved for - loving our neighbor. Is the real question, “What does this mean?” Or is it rather, "What if he really means this?”

Fear = False Expectations Appearing Real

Neighboring Formula ---- Unhurried Time + Proximity + Activity (Food) = Conversation x Over Time = Friendship.

“JESUS IS ON A MISSION – IT IS OUR PRIVILEGE TO JOIN HIM.”

The Conference attendees were directed to the breakout sessions they had signed up for when

they registered. Plenary Session #2 will convene in the main hall at 2:00 p.m.

The following is a list of the Breakout Sessions and Presenters.

An Intentional Joint Mission led by Dan Dueck and Staff (morning and afternoon)

Following Jesus’ Lead: Make Disciples led by Greg Finke and Mike Lange (morning only)

How to Have a Mission Trip into Everyday Life led by Greg Finke (afternoon only)

Ripples of Reality led by Ted and Marty Hartman (morning and afternoon)

HOP Day (Helping Other People)—Creating a Congregational Servant Heart and Opportunity in Your Community led by Debi Lancina (morning and afternoon)

Striving to be an IRRESISTABLE Church: Introduction to Disability Ministry led by Debbie Lillo (morning only)

Autism and the Church led by Debbie Lillo (afternoon only)

“Christian” Community Development: What’s it Look Like? led by Aaron Putnam (morning and afternoon)

Can Exorcism Play an Important Role in Our Evangelistic Efforts? Led by Andry Randrianasolo (morning and afternoon)

Mapping for Mission in Multiple Neighborhoods led by Brent Smith (morning and afternoon)

PLENARY SPEAKER - PART TWO

Rev. Finke began with an overview of what will be covered in this second session.

"What's Your Plan?" -- Clear, simple, The Way, Jesus did it. -- His invitation to ", follow me" was an invitation to be discipled and to disciple.

"What is a disciple?" -- A disciple follows Jesus but to what end? What is it that distinguishes a disciple from those who just followed him around?

Discipling Like Jesus = Multiplication / Matthew 28

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Baptizing (Who you are and What you have)

Replicating (Multiplication / Adding Disciples)

Imitating (Practicing / Sanctification)

"What does a Disciple do?" "What was the main practice of Jesus?" -- The Plan of the Father

John 5:19 So Jesus said to them, "Truly, truly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of his own accord, but only what he sees the Father doing. For whatever the Father does, that the Son does likewise.

John 5:30 "I can do nothing on my own. As I hear, I judge, and my judgment is just, because I seek not my own will but the will of him who sent me.

"How do you form a disciple?" (Like a Rabbi does.)

Words (Tell me how) Imitating (Practicing) Replicating (Show others how)

As it turns out, Discipling is quite simple – Mastering information follows putting information into practice.

Discipling Mindset Shifts

From Discipling = Tell me how / To Discipling = Show me how From Discipling = Larger Groups / To Discipling = Smaller Groups from Discipling = Were they in class? / To Discipling = Is there change From Discipling = Addition Slowly / To Discipling = Multiplication Rapidly

Five Practices of Discipling

1. Seeking His Kingdom

2. Hearing from Him in the Gospels

3. Talking with people (simply focusing on those Jesus is already having cross our path)

4. Doing good (blessing people)

5. Ministering through prayer

Mission Agency Executive Director Mike Lange thanked Rev. Finke for his work during the conference. Mike noted that Greg will be back in the district in January and again in March. Rev. Lange offered a prayer for Greg's continued success in furthering the gospel. He thanked the Breakout Session presenters for their work. The Mission Conference attendees will be receiving a survey in the near future. --This concluded the Mission Conference.

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70th CONVENTION of the CNH District / LC-MS RESUMES

5. Recognition Of Guests and Committees

Throughout the rest of today’s session several introductions were made during the Elections of Officers, voting on Resolutions and other Convention Business to facilitate the flow of the Convention. These included the following:

Paul Mueller – Northwest District / Concordia – Portland

Vickie Biggs – Concordia Seminary – St. Louis

The Comfort Dog – St. John’s Lutheran Church – Napa

Rev. Aaron Smith -- Hispanic Council 6. Report On Registration

Registration Committee Chair, Rev. James Kabel offered the following report at 2:55 p.m.:




Total Non-voting Participants = 144


Motion was made, seconded and approved by acclamation to accept the report. 7. Election Of District Officers

District Secretary -- Current Secretary Rev. John M. Standley’s name was offered by the Nominations Committee. Two other candidates were removed having been elected previously in their Regional Caucus. The Chair asked for nominations from the floor. Hearing none a motion to close the nominations was seconded and approved. Secretary Standley was re-elected by acclamation.

District Treasurer -- Current Treasurer Donna Herzog’s name was offered by the Nominations Committee. The Chair asked for nominations from the floor. Hearing none a motion to close the nominations was seconded and approved. Treasurer Herzog was re-elected by acclamation. 8. Affirmation of Elections

The selection of Regional Vice-Presidents and Lay Representatives to the CNH District Board of Directors as previously elected by their respective Regional Caucuses were affirmed by the Convention by a show of hands. Those elected are as follows:

Northern Region

Rev. Jim Beyer

Bill Swift

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Southern Region

Rev. Clarence Eisberg

Marilyn Maxner

Pacific Region

Rev. Aaron Smith

Jim Hillmann

Hawaii Region

Rev. Bill Carney

Dinnie Kysar

Nevada Region

Rev. Norm Milz

Tom Brannan

The Slate of Circuit Visitors as published in the Convention Manual was ratified by the Convention by a show of hands.

CIRCUIT VISITOR

9. Election of the Commissioned Minister to the CNH District Board of Directors.

The Nominations Committee offered three names for consideration:

Patrice Appold - Bakersfield, CA

Donna Laughlin - San Francisco

Mike Mancini - Redwood City, CA

The Chair asked for nominations from the floor. Hearing none, a motion to close the nominations was seconded and approved. Mike Mancini was elected on the second ballot. Elections Chair Rev. Mitch Gowen offered a prayer of thanksgiving for the preceding elections.

Circuit # 1 Rev. Terrence Chan

Circuit #2 Rev. David Sauer

Circuit #3 Rev. Daniel Deuel

Circuit #4 Rev. Henry Scherer

Circuit #5 Rev. Daniel Schlensker

Circuit #6 Rev. Ted Zimmerman

Circuit #7 Rev. Peter Woodward

Circuit #8 Rev. Stewart Crown

Circuit #9 Rev. Mark Whittaker

Circuit #10 Rev. Jon Oetting

Circuit #11 Rev. Milton Fricke

Circuit #12 Rev. James Cavener

Circuit #13 Rev. James Kabel

Circuit #14 Rev. James Beyer

Circuit #15 Rev. Michael Hall

Circuit #16 Rev. Stanley Abraham

Circuit #17

Circuit #18 Rev. John Bestul

Circuit #19 Rev. John – Paul Meyer

Circuit #20 Rev. Alan Hilton

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10. Resolutions

RE: To Encourage Ongoing Discussions Regarding the Admission to the Lord’s Supper

Committee #2 -- Resolution (2-01) -- Convention Supplement pg. 110-111 -- Overture 12 A motion was made and seconded to approve. The Chair asked for discussion. Hearing none, the resolution was approved by a show of hands.

RE: To Remove From The District Bylaws References To Regional Mission Action Councils

Committee #4 -- Resolution (4-05) – Convention Supplement pg. 134 -- Overture 17 A motion was made and seconded to approve. The Chair asked for discussion. Hearing none, the resolution was approved by a show of hands.

RE: To Form A Task Force To Study Regional Representation On The California-Nevada-Hawaii District Board Of Directors

Committee #4 -- Resolution (4-02) -- Convention Supplement pp. 109-110 -- Overture 11 A motion was made and seconded to approve. The Chair asked for discussion. Hearing none, the resolution was approved by a show of hands.

RE: To Change The Process For Election Of The First Vice-President

Committee #4 -- Resolution (4-03) – Convention Supplement p. 115 -- Overture 15 A motion was made and seconded to approve. There was some discussion as to whether the wording of the Bylaw change needed to be approved by the delegates. It was the opinion of the Parliamentarian that a draft of the proposed Bylaw would be crafted by the DCCM which would then be presented to the District Board of Directors for approval and inclusion in the Bylaws. The resolution was approved by a show of hands.

RE: To Hold California-Nevada-Hawaii District Conventions On Days Of The Week Other Than Sunday.

Committee 4 -- Resolution (4-04) – Convention Supplement p. 114 -- Overture 14 A motion was made and seconded to approve. There was considerable discussion on the resolution. There was concern by some that taking away the option of a Sunday session would be a burden on some Lay Delegates. Others argued that meeting on Sunday raised problems for congregations having to find pastors to cover their service for the day. The vote was accomplished by electronic ballot and approved by 80% of the votes cast.

RE: To Encourage And Affirm The Ministry Of Licensed Lay Deacons Committee # 1 -- Resolution (1-02) – Convention Supplement p. 111-114 -- Overture 13 A motion was made and seconded to approve. After a period of discussion there was an amendment to strike lines 35 and 36 on page 15 which called for the resolution to be forwarded to the 2016 Synod-wide convention. The amendment was declined by a vote of 75% against - 25% for. An amendment to change the word special in line 18 on page 15 to specific was accepted as a friendly amendment by Committee Chair, Rev. Dan Deuel. The question was called by the Chair and approved by a Voice vote.

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11. Election of Members to the CEF Board

Three positions to the CEF Board of Directors were slated to be filled. The Nominations Committee offered the following three names:

Rev. Robert Fickenscher - Fair Oaks CA

Kaylene Mortensen – Merced, CA

Richard Schultz – Rocklin, CA

A motion was made, seconded and approved to close the nominations. The slate as presented was elected by a show of hands.

12. Election of Members to the District Nominations Committee

Pastoral Member - The Nominations Committee forwarded two names to be considered for the open Pastoral position; Rev. Jason Bredeson and Rev. Aaron Smith. Rev. Smith was elected as serve as Pacific Regional Vice-President to the District Board of Directors and his name was taken out of consideration. Hearing no nominations from the floor the nominations were closed and Rev. Jason Bredeson was elected by a show of hands.

Lay Member – There are two positions open for the Lay Member. The nominations committee offered the following three names for consideration:

Carol Hack Broome - San Jose, CA

Cheryl Hamil - Cupertino, CA

Marcia Houseworth - Fremont, CA

Hearing no nominations from the floor the nominations were closed.

On the first ballot there was no clear majority. Cheryl Hamil received the fewest number of votes, her name was cleared for the second vote.

Carol Hack Broome and Marcia Houseworth made up the second ballot. Marcia Houseworth was elected.

For the third ballot, the candidates were Carol Hack Broome and Cheryl Hamil. Carol Hack Broome was elected.

Carol Hack Broome and Marcia Houseworth will serve on the District Nominations Committee for the coming triennium. There was a motion from the floor to extend today’s session through the two remaining elections. The motion was seconded and approved. 13. Election of the Commissioned Minister to the District Nominations Committee.

The Nominations Committee has forwarded the following two names for consideration:

Patrice Appold - Bakersfield, CA

Donna Laughlin - San Francisco, CA

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There were no nominations from the floor. Patrice Appold was elected to serve on the District’s Nominations Committee. 13. Election of the District’s Lay Member to the Synod-Wide Convention’s Nominations Committee

The Nominations Committee has forwarded the following two names for consideration:

Richard Fielitz Jr. - Rocklin, CA

Terence Lung - Cupertino CA

The Chair opened nominations from the floor. Richard Parker was nominated by Rev. Jim Beyer. The nominations were closed by the Chair.

Richard Parker was elected on the second ballot. 14. Closing of the Second Session

Rev. Ted Hartman offered prayer for those elected. The 2nd session of the 70th Convention of the CNH District of the Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod was adjourned by President Robert Newton at 5:10 p.m. to resume tomorrow at 9:00 a.m.

Respectfully Submitted, Rev. John M. Standley CNH District Secretary

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Page 1 of 2



Final Session Sunday April 19th, 2015

1. Opening President Newton opened the third and final day of the 70th Convention of the CNH District of the Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod at 9:10 a.m. He introduced Rev. Rob Weller for the Morning’s devotion. 2. Opening Devotion Pastor Weller read the Gospel lesson from Luke Chapter 24. He spoke about the disbelief of the disciples concerning the resurrection of their Lord Jesus Christ. The devotion was closed with prayer, ending with the Lord’s Prayer. 3. Report On Registration At 9:23 a.m. Registration Committee Chair, Rev. James Kabel offered the following report which remained unchanged from yesterday’s final report.:




Total Non-voting Participants = 144


Motion was made, seconded and approved by a show of hands to accept the report. 4. Approval of Convention Minutes

A motion was made and seconded to approve the minutes of Friday’s sessions as presented by the Secretary. There was no discussion and the minutes were approved as presented. 5. Resolutions

Rev. Jon Oetting spoke for Committee #3 - Congregational Ministries, presenting the following resolutions:

RE: TO PROVIDE STAFF AND MATERIAL RESOURCES IN SUPPORT OF RURAL MINISTRY

Committee #3 - Resolution (3-07) - Convention Supplement pgs. 107 - Overture 8 A motion was made and seconded to approve Resolution 3-07. The Chair asked for discussion. Hearing none, the resolution was approved by a show of hands.

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RE: TO ECONOURAGE CONGREGATIONS AND MINISTRIES TO USE THE DISASTER RESPONSE RESOURCES AVAILABLE TO THEM

Committee #3 - Resolution 3-02 - Convention Supplement pp. 103-104, 104-105 - Overtures 3, 4, 5 . The committee moved to approve the resolution and the motion was seconded. There was some discussion with two amendments coming from the floor, both were received by the committee as Friendly amendments. The first was to add the words, “to be aware of and encouraged” after CNH District on Page 19, line 41. The line would read, “to be aware of and encouraged to make use of…”. The second amendment added the words “and other congregations” on page 19, line 47 after the mention of ELCA counterparts. Hearing no further discussion the question was called by the Chair and approved as amended.

RE: TO ENCOURAGE CONGREGATIONS OF THE DISTRICT TO ADDRESS THE ISSUE OF SENIOR HOUSING AND ENCOURAGE CONGREGATIONS TO DEVELOP SOLUTIONS IN THEIR COMMUNITIES

Committee #3 - Resolution (3-05) - Convention Supplement pg. 106 - Overture 6 A motion was made and seconded to approve. The Chair asked for discussion. Hearing none, the resolution was approved by a show of hands.

RE: OVERTURE TO OVERRULE CCM OPINION 14-2724

Committee #1 - Resolution (1-03) - Ref.: Convention Manual p. 102 - Overture 1 Committee Chair, Rev. Daniel Deuel introduced the resolution and moved for approval. The motion was seconded. Synod President Matthew Harrison was recognized by the Chair and spoke to the motion offering insight from the CCM’s (Committee on Constitutional Matters) position which is that congregations should not be sending called workers to serve in overseas missions. He went on to say that this does not mean that congregations are prohibited from supporting overseas missions. He noted that the bylaw seeks to have us work together on these mission endeavors for many reasons, including the safety of the missionaries. President Newton passed the gavel to Parliamentarian, Rev. Richard Rice and took a place at one of the microphones. President Newton stated that he agreed with what Rev. Harrison had said but that the CCM’s opinion reaches further. He went on to say that it is the feeling of many that the opinion of the CCM gets in the way of mission partnerships. In further discussion, delegates spoke both for and against the resolution. When the discussion ended, Rev. Rice called the question by a show of hands. While there were votes against the resolution, there were considerably more in favor of acceptance. The Chair declared the resolution approved. 6. Closing President Newton returned to the podium. In his closing remarks he thanked the Audio Visual staff including Matt Newton and Joel Koerschen. He also thanked Convention Photographer, Don Bonnet. After several announcements from the floor President Newton closed the 70th Convention of the CNH District of the Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod at 10:10 a.m. Corporate worship followed the Convention.

Respectfully Submitted Rev. John M. Standley CNH District Secretary

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Convention Business page 1 1

2

Committee # 3 3

Resolution (3-01) 4

Ref.: Convention Manual p.102-103 5

Overture 2 6

7

RE: TO RENEW ANOTHER 3-TERM OF THE CNH DISTRICT DISABILITY 8

MINISTRY TASK FORCE (DMTF) 9 10

WHEREAS, Our Lord ministered to the needs of all people and asks His followers to emulate 11

His example; and 12

13

WHEREAS, “All people” includes individuals with disabilities (currently about 16 percent of 14

the total population) which significantly limit major life activities; and 15

16

WHEREAS, People with disabilities are often faced with physical and attitudinal barriers to full 17

participation in worship, education, fellowship and service activities, with many 18

church members having difficulty accepting people with disabilities, identifying 19

their needs, and providing ways to welcome them into their congregations; and 20

21

WHEREAS, Removal of such barriers significantly enhances the spiritual, emotional and 22

psychological life of people with disabilities and is a sign of Christian hospitality 23

to all; and 24

25

WHEREAS, Many people without disabilities will experience the reality of disabilities as a 26

result of illness, accident or aging; and 27

28

WHEREAS, The CNH District at its 2012 convention, recognizing that people with disabilities 29

are able to make positive contributions to the life of a parish, passed a resolution 30

establishing the California-Nevada-Hawaii District Disability Task Force (DMTF) 31

for an initial 3-year term and, thereafter, through convention resolution, be 32

considered for renewal of a 3-year term at every convention; and 33

34

WHEREAS, the CNH District Disability Ministry Task Force (DMTF) has been raising 35

awareness, providing resources, and encouraging churches throughout the district 36

to embrace disability ministry as part of the mission and ministry of the church; 37

therefore, be it 38

39

RESOLVED, that the 2015 CNH District convention renew the mandate of the CNH District 40

Disability Ministry Task Force (DMTF) for a 3-year term, 2015-2018. 41

42

43

ACTION: X Adopted Defeated Recommitted Amended 44

45

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47

48

49

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2

Committee 3 3

Resolution (3-02) 4

Ref.: Convention Manual pgs. 103-104 5

Overture 3 6

7

RE: TO ENCOURAGE CONGREGATIONS AND MINISTRIES TO USE THE 8

RESOURCES AVAILABLE THROUGH CIRCUIT VISITORS AND Tri-LERT 9 10

WHEREAS, a disaster can be anything which causes human suffering or creates human needs 11

which its victims are unable to alleviate through their own power and may include: 12

flu, blizzards, hurricanes, earthquakes, lava flow, tornados, storm floods, drought, 13

disease, fire, explosions, building collapse, transportation accident, civil, disorder, 14

and terrorist attack, and 15

WHEREAS, a disaster cycle includes four phases (occurring in differing orders depending on 16

the disaster or its severity): 17

1) preparation – development of plans, training personnel, testing plans 18

2) response – immediate assistance to save lives, reduce suffering 19

and assess damage 20

3) long term recovery – response moves into recovery as some 21

normalcy returns 22

4) mitigation – effects of potential disaster are reduced, and 23

24

WHEREAS, the Circuit Visitors received introductory training in disaster preparedness in early 25

September, 2014, in order for them to be one of many resources of our District 26

Disaster Response Strategy, and 27

WHEREAS, Tri-LERT (Tri-Lutheran Emergency Response Team) was created to coordinate 28

disaster response efforts among the CNH District and the Sierra Pacific Synod 29

along with Lutheran Social Services of Northern California; and 30

31

WHEREAS, disasters, no matter what their source of origin, are present day manifestations of 32

the brokenness of creation since the fall of our parents, Adam and Eve; and 33

34

WHEREAS, our Lord, Jesus Christ in Matthew 25 calls us to be instruments through which God 35

brings His mercy to bear in the world today, THEREFORE BE IT 36

37

RESOLVED, that the CNH District in convention encourage each congregation and ministry to 38

establish a disaster response team; AND BE IT FURTHER 39

40

RESOLVED, that each congregation and ministry be encouraged to provide training for their 41

disaster response team; AND BE IT FURTHER 42

43

RESOLVED, that each response team be encouraged to develop a disaster plan for its 44

congregation or ministry; AND BE IT FURTHER 45

46

RESOLVED, that each team be encouraged to build linkages with local law enforcement, 47

amateur radio emergency service (ARES) groups, and other mercy ministry 48

entities within their community; AND BE IT FURTHER 49

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2

3

RESOLVED, that the District offer introductory training in disaster preparedness to all circuit 4

counselors who have not yet had the training, AND BE IT FINALLY 5

6

RESOLVED, that each response team be encouraged to build linkages with their circuit visitors 7

and the conference deans in their area in order to coordinate with each other when 8

a disaster occurs. 9

10

ACTION: Adopted Defeated Recommitted Amended 11

12

----------- 13

14

15

Committee 3 16

Resolution (3-03) 17

Ref.: Convention Manual p. 104-105 18

Overture 4 19

20

RE: TO ENCOURAGE CONGREGATIONS AND MINISTRIES TO USE THE 21

SYNOD’S PREPARED MANUALS TITLED "MERCY IN ACTION" 22

23 WHEREAS, the Synod's Office of Disaster Response has revised previous disaster 24

manuals into a three volume, bound set; and 25

26

WHEREAS, these volumes consist of "A Guide for Pastors in the Midst of Disaster," "A Guide 27

for Educators in the Midst of Disaster," and a "Lutheran Early Response Team 28

(LERT) Training Manual, THEREFORE BE IT 29

30

RESOLVED, that the congregations of the CNH District be encouraged to obtain copies of these 31

manuals from LCMS Disaster Response: (http://www.lcms.org/disaster/resources 32

or by calling 800-248-1930 and asking for the Disaster Response office) ; AND 33

BE IT FURTHER 34

35

RESOLVED, that the congregations of CNH District contact our District Disaster Response 36

Coordinator (DDRC), the Rev. Philip W. Zabell ([email protected], 530-934-37

6863) should they desire additional assistance; AND BE IT FINALLY 38

39

RESOLVED, that the congregations use said resources to prepare for times of disaster in their 40

communities. 41

42


44

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46

47

48

49

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http://www.lcms.org/disaster/resources


2 Committee 3 3

Resolution (3-04) 4

Ref. Convention Manual pgs. 105 5

Overture 5 6

7 RE: TO ENCOURAGE CONGREGATIONS AND MINISTRIES TO PARTICIPATE IN 8

THE GREAT CALIFORNIA, NEVADA, AND HAWAII SHAKEOUT, OCTOBER 9

15, 2015 10

11 WHEREAS, the ShakeOut began in California in 2008 as an effort by scientists and emergency 12

managers to inform the public about earthquake preparedness; and 13

WHEREAS, it has also now been organized in many other states and countries; and 14

15

WHEREAS, it is designed to train participants in practicing Drop, Cover, and Hold On and 16

other aspects of family, school, and workplace emergency planning, THEREFORE 17

BE IT 18

19

RESOLVED, that each congregation and ministry be encouraged to enroll on 20

http://www.shakeout.org/ and hold disaster preparedness exercise events to test 21

their plan; AND BE IT FINALLY 22

23

RESOLVED, that this date be used to gather resources from that and other disaster preparedness 24

sites in the further development of the congregation's disaster plan. 25

26


28

----------- 29

Committee 3 30


Convention Manual pg. 106 32

Overture 6 33

34

RE: TO ENCOURAGE CONGREGATIONS OF THE DISTRICT TO ADDRESS THE 35

ISSUE OF SENIOR HOUSING AND ENCOURAGE CONGREGATIONS TO 36

DEVELOP SOLUTIONS IN THEIR COMMUNITIES 37

38 WHEREAS, the U.S. Census Bureau (http://www.census.gov/) reports in a document titled, 39

Aging in the United States: Past, Present, Future 40

(http://www.census.gov/population/international/files/ 41

97agewc.pdf) that the age 65 and older population is just over 15% of the total 42

U.S. population today as compared to 13% of the total population back in 1990. By 43

2050 this segment of the population is projected to be over 20%.(Many rural 44

communities are approaching that percentage already today.); and 45

46

WHEREAS, Older people often are unable to continue to live in the houses which have been 47

home for many years; and 48

49

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http://www.shakeout.org/


2

3

WHEREAS, many seniors would prefer to stay in the communities which have been their home 4

for significant periods of time rather than having to re-locate to a totally new 5

community; and 6

7

WHEREAS, many of our congregations are increasingly made up of a membership significantly 8

from this population segment, THEREFORE BE IT 9

10

RESOLVED, that the congregations of District be encouraged to review the demographics of 11

their local communities and develop partnerships within their communities to meet 12

the housing needs of their senior citizens. 13

14

ACTION: Adopted Defeated X Recommitted Amended 15

16

----------- 17

18

Committee 3 19


Convention Manual pgs. 106-107 21

Overture 7 22

23

RE: TO ENCOURAGE CONGREGATIONS AND MINISTRIES TO MAKE USE OF 24

THE "SENIORS IN TRANSITION" RESOURCE 25 26

WHEREAS, at a recent seminar held by the CNH Human Care Committee, a resource was 27

presented titled, "Seniors in Transition; and 28

29 WHEREAS, this resource provides a strategy for offering a supportive environment for seniors 30

where they can explore options for independent living and alternatives when living 31

on their own is no longer safe or desirable; and 32

33 WHEREAS, the Seniors in Transition program is a small group ministry that provides a forum 34

in an 8 week, 2 hour gathering where seniors can explore options for life 35

transitions, THEREFORE BE IT 36

37

RESOLVED, that the CNH District in convention encourage its congregations to learn how to 38

use this resource and then implement a plan for making it available to the people 39

within their ministry area. 40

41


43

44

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46

47

48

49

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2

Committee 3 3

Resolution (3-07) 4

Convention Manual pgs. 107 5

Overture 8 6

7

RE: TO PROVIDE STAFF AND MATERIAL RESOURCES IN SUPPORT OF RURAL 8

MINISTRY 9

10 WHEREAS, the District in Convention in 2012 recognized that many of the District's 11

congregations are located in rural rather than metropolitan areas; and 12

13

WHEREAS, District staff was assigned to address the issue of rural ministry being distinctively 14

different from suburban and metropolitan ministry, and 15

16

WHEREAS, the issues facing rural congregations have not been resolved during the intervening 17

3 years, THEREFORE BE IT 18

19

RESOLVED, that the CNH District in convention continue to affirm the ministry being 20

accomplished by our rural congregations, AND BE IT FURTHER 21

22

RESOLVED, that the District establish a task force on ministry to rural congregations made up 23

of at least 5 ministers serving in rural congregations, AND BE IT FINALLY 24

25

RESOLVED, that District staff be directed to allocate sufficient time and energy to identify and 26

promote resources for rural ministry including helping clusters of rural 27

congregations explore ways of engaging in collaborative ministry for their area. 28

29 ACTION: Adopted Defeated Recommitted Amended 30

31

32

----------- 33

34

Committee 3 35


Convention Manual pgs. 115-116 37

Overture 16 38

39

RE: TO CREATE A YOUTH TASK FORCE FOR THE CNH DISTRICT 40 41

WHEREAS, the CNH District convention in 2012 voted to remove the Youth Committee from 42

the Bylaws, and 43

44

WHEREAS, the mandated committees, Stewardship (required by Synod), Mission, 45

Constitutional Matters, Human Care, Historical, Nominating and Hispanic Council 46

have served the CNH district efficiently and effectively in challenging and 47

assisting the congregations of the CNH district, and 48

49

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2

3

WHEREAS, the Youth Committee provided an opportunity for lay people, teachers, DCEs and 4

Pastors to plan and execute programs to support the youth ministries of all 5

congregations, and 6

7

WHEREAS, the newly formed Mission Agency of the CNH District has promoted youth 8

ministry in concert with the CNH Mission, (January 2015) Vision, THEREFORE 9

BE IT 10

11

RESOLVED, that the CNH District direct the President of the CNH District to appoint a Youth 12

Task Force of five or more members. 3 of the 5 will be actively involved in Youth 13

Ministry in either a professional or volunteer capacity in their congregations. 14

AND BE IT FURTHER 15

16

RESOLVED, that the CNH Youth Task Force work under the supervision of the Executive 17

Director – CNH Mission Awareness and Expansion, AND BE IT FINALLY, 18

19

RESOLVED, that Executive Director – CNH Mission Awareness and Expansion report the work 20

of the CNH Youth Task Force to the CNH President and the CNH Board of 21

Directors. 22

23

ACTION: X Adopted Defeated Recommitted X Amended 24

25

----------- 26

27

Committee 4 28


Reference: Convention Manual p. 109 30

Overture 10 31

32

RE: TO REALIGN CONREGATIONS IN CIRCUITSs #6 AND #17 33

34

WHEREAS, Congregations in Circuit #6 (North Bay) have requested the opportunity to align 35

with circuits made up of congregations closer in proximity and more similar in 36

ministry contexts: Trinity and Resurrection Lutheran Churches, San Rafael and 37

Peace Lutheran Church, Mill Valley have requested permission to join Circuit #1 38

(San Francisco); St. John, Napa and Faith, Sonoma have requested permission to 39

join Circuit #14 (Redwood Empire); and Bethany, Vacaville has requested 40

permission to join Circuit #4 (South Sacramento); AND 41

42

WHEREAS, Circuit #17 (East Shore) no longer meets the requirements of an electoral circuit 43

either in number of congregations (seven) or aggregate communicant membership 44

(>1,500), THEREFORE BE IT 45

46

RESOLVED, that the congregations of Circuit 6 (North Bay) be granted permission to realign 47

with the circuits as named above, AND BE IT FURTHER 48

49

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2

3

RESOLVED that the one remaining congregation in Circuit #6, Trinity Lutheran Church, 4

Fairfield, realign with either Circuit #7 (Mt. Diablo) or Circuit #4 (South 5

Sacramento); AND BE IT FURTHER 6

7

RESOLVED, that the congregations of Circuit 17, East Shore be realigned with either Circuit #2 8

(Concordia) or Circuit #7 (Mt. Diablo), AND BE IF FINALLY 9

10

RESOLVED, that Circuits #6 (North Bay) and #17 (East Shore) be closed. 11

12


14

----------- 15

16

Committee 4 17


Convention Manual pp. 109-110 19

Overture 11 20

21

RE: TO FORM A TASK FORCE TO STUDY REGIONAL REPRESENTATION ON 22

THE CALIFORNIA-NEVADA-HAWAII DISTRICT BOARD OF DIRECTORS 23 24

WHEREAS, the 2009 District Convention of the California-Nevada-Hawaii District created two 25

new regions—Hawaii and Sierra Nevada—enabling Circuit #11 (Hawaii) and 26

Circuits #10 (Sierra Nevada) and #20 (Great Basin) to have full voice and vote on 27

the Board of Directors, AND 28

29

WHEREAS, concerns have been raised that consequently an imbalance was created on the 30

Board of Directors between the recently formed Regions (Hawaii and Nevada) 31

representing a total of three Circuits and the original three regions (Northern, 32

Pacific, and Southern) representing seventeen Circuits, AND 33

34

WHEREAS, concerns have been raised that the original three regions may be too large and too 35

diverse to be adequately served by their respective Regional Vice-President and 36

Lay Director, THEREFORE BE IT 37

38

RESOLVED, that the Board of Directors create a task force to study regional representation on 39

the District Board, the budgetary ramifications of any changes, and make formal 40

recommendations for action to the 2018 CNH Convention. 41

42


44

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46

47

48

49

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2

Committee 4 3

Resolution (4-03) 4

Convention Manual p. 115 5

Overture 15 6

7

8

RE: TO CHANGE THE PROCESS FOR ELECTION OF THE FIRST VICE-9

PRESIDENT 10

11 WHEREAS, St. Paul admonishes us that all things be done “decently and in order” (1 12

Corinthians 14:40); AND 13

14 15

WHEREAS, the office of 1st Vice-President of the District is a significant one that should be 16

given the time and forethought that it deserves; THEREFORE, BE IT 17

18 19

RESOLVED, that the process of nominating and electing the 1st Vice-President (Bylaws, VI.D. 20

and F.2.a.b) be changed so that it follows the process of the nomination and 21

election of the District President (Bylaws, VI.C and D); AND BE IT FURTHER 22

23

RESOLVED that the District Committee on Constitutional Matters draft the appropriate 24

language for the Bylaws to effect this change (IV. C.3.b. iv), AND BE IT 25

FINALLY 26 27

RESOLVED, that this process be in place for the 2018 California-Nevada-Hawaii District 28

Convention. 29

30


32

----- 33

34

35

Committee 4 36


Convention Manual p. 114 38

Overture 14 39

40

RE: TO HOLD CALIFORNIA-NEVADA-HAWAII DISTRICT CONVENTIONS ON 41

DAYS OF THE WEEK OTHER THAN SUNDAY. 42

43

WHEREAS, the California-Nevada-Hawaii (CNH) District formerly held Conventions 44

on days of the week that did not include Sunday and were well attended 45

throughout; AND 46

47

48

49

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1


3

WHEREAS, the attendance on the last day of the CNH conventions has been consistently 4

low when held on Sunday as many pastors and lay delegates return home 5

following the proceedings on Saturday; AND 6

7

WHEREAS, Scripture consistently urges us to be united with each other, work together, and 8

be of the same mind, such as Romans 12:16a (ESV), “Live in harmony with one 9

another . . . ” and 1 Corinthians 1:10 (ESV), “I appeal to you, brothers, by the 10

name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree and that there be no 11

divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same 12

judgment”; AND 13

14

WHEREAS, Scripture urges us not to put stumbling blocks in front of others, as in Romans 15

14:13 (ESV), “Therefore let us . . . decide never to put a stumbling block or 16

hindrance in the way of a brother”; AND 17

18

WHEREAS, scheduling Sunday sessions of the CNH District Convention does create a 19

stumbling block for some and divisions among us; AND 20

21

WHEREAS, it cannot be readily demonstrated that the weekend meetings have resulted 22

in reduced meeting costs or producing younger delegates; THEREFORE BE IT 23

24

RESOLVED, that in the future scheduled days for the California-Nevada-Hawaii District 25

Convention not include Sunday. 26

27


29

----- 30

Committee 4 31


Convention Manual Supplement pg. 134 33

Overture 17 34

35

36

RE TO REMOVE FROM THE DISTRICT BYLAWS REFERENCES TO REGIONAL 37

MISSION ACTION COUNCILS 38

39 WHEREAS, the District Bylaws should both accurately describe as well as govern the way the 40

District carries out its mission; AND 41

42

WHEREAS, the District no longer operates with Regional Mission Action Councils in planning 43

and budgeting mission initiatives; AND 44

45

WHEREAS, the Mission Agency has been formed to advance District mission efforts; 46

THEREFORE BE IT 47

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2

RESOLVED, that the District Bylaws IV.C. 1. be amended as follows: 3

4

IV.C. Mandated Committees 5

6

1) MISSION 7

a. The Chair of this Committee may attend all regular meetings of the Board of 8

Directors, and any special meetings, or when required by the District President or the 9

Board of Directors. 10

b. This Committee shall: 11

i. Serve as liaison for the Synod's Board of National Missions. 12

ii. Serve to coordinate the mission plans and requests from the regional Mission 13

Action Councils, of the District and congregations within the District. 14

iii. Understand its tasks and function as being congruent with those prescribed in the 15

Synod Handbook 16

17


19

----------- 20

21

22

23

24

25

26

27

28

29

30

31

32

33

34

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2

Committee # 1 3

Resolution (1-01) 4


Overture 9 6 7

RE: Affirming and Strengthening the Work of the Mission Agency 8

WHEREAS, the 69th convention urged a stronger emphasis on mission work in the CNH 9

District. 10

WHEREAS, the CNH BOD in partnership with the District President created the CNH mission 11

agency. 12

WHEREAS, financial resources of $500,000 of Board designated funds, 15% of operating 13

budget, and 2/3 of all sales of property and incoming undesignated bequests were 14

set aside for the mission agency’s operation. 15

WHEREAS, a new staff position was created to coordinate Mission Awareness and Expansion. 16

WHEREAS, $132,000 between January of 2013 and February of 2015 has been 17

raised for the Mission Agency ytd with minimal effort. 18

WHEREAS, God has blessed this work by allowing for three functioning church plants in this 19

past triennium, six new faith communities or church planting ministries officially 20

in the incubation stage, and two intentional mission revitalization congregations. 21

WHEREAS, significant lay mission leadership and enthusiasm was exhibited at both our first 22

Missions Conference and the 2015 CNH Missions Summit. 23

RESOLVED, that the CNH District in convention Thank God for all he has done through the 24

catalyzing efforts of its Mission Agency and especially through God’s people in 25

the CNH District, and that a continued emphasis on missionary education be 26

instituted by the CNH District and through its Mission Agency. 27

RESOLVED, that the CNH Board of Directors and the District President be urged to examine 28

ways in which the Mission Agency and its work might be strengthened ensuring 29

that it has the necessary authority and permanence in our structure to carry out its 30

ministry. 31

RESOLVED, That the 70th Convention of the CNH District urge all members of the District as 32

ardent partners with the CNH District Mission Agency, to generously invest their 33

prayers, service and treasures in the fervent pursuit of the mission of Christ. 34

35


37

----------- 38 39

40

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2 3

Committee # 1 4

Resolution (1-02) 5


Overture 13 7 8

RE: TO ENCOURAGE AND AFFIRM THE MINISTRY OF LICENSED 9

LAY DEACONS 10

11

WHEREAS, The need for proclaiming the Gospel in our communities is vital to the salvation 12

of all people and remains the most urgent and necessary ministry of the 13

congregations of the CNH District, and 14

15

WHEREAS, God continues to multiply His work to, in, among, and beyond us so we 16

can be Christ’s “witnesses to the ends of the earth” (Acts 1.1--8) and serve 17

Him faithfully as the “Lord of the harvest” (Luke 10.1-12); and 18

19

WHEREAS, Scriptures teach that there are several and various gifts that the Holy Spirit 20

pours out upon His Church for proclaiming His Word with the intent that 21

all people be authorized to repentance and faith, that all saints are 22

equipped for the work of ministry, and that Christ’s body be built up in 23

love (Romans 10 and Ephesians 4), and 24

25

WHEREAS, the ministry of pastors with vicars, deacons, elders, teachers, deaconesses, 26

and other Spirit-gifted church workers continues to nurture baptized 27

believers and communing members, and, to equip them for evangelical 28

witness and service in the world (1 Corinthians 12 and 14; Ephesians 29

4:1—16; 1 Peter 4:4—7, 1 Thessalonians 1:8); and 30

31

WHEREAS, the ministry of ecclesiastically supervised licensed deacons currently 32

being used in many LCMS districts, including the CNH, has assisted 33

greatly in maintaining and expanding Word and Sacrament ministry in 34

many congregations and mission arenas, especially for smaller 35

congregations and new outreach areas unable to support the services of a 36

full-time pastor or missionary; and 37

38

WHEREAS the CNH District presently has more than 15 Licensed Lay Deacons who 39

faithfully proclaim the Gospel to people in mission arenas and small 40

congregations otherwise inadequately served, and 41

42

43

44

Page 185 of 193


2

3

WHEREAS, a specific concern underlying the decision to authorize the practice of 4

licensing of lay deacons by the 1989 Convention of the LCMS was 5

“identifying various and perhaps new ways of involving laypeople in 6

specific congregational ministries, and especially in the planting of new 7

missions,” and 8

9

WHEREAS, the CNH District has increased significantly its focus on the planting of 10

new missions that will in turn plant new missions; 11

12

WHEREAS, St. Paul commends the Church, particularly in matters that may cause 13

consternation or uncertainty among its members that “all things should be 14

done decently and in order” (1 Cor 14:40), and 15

16

WHEREAS, ministry in all ages, while done “in order” and according to a common 17

confession, may find its expression in a wide variety of practices; and 18

19

WHEREAS, the removal of the current Licensed Deacon program would immediately 20

eliminate or severely reduce Word and Sacrament ministry in several 21

CNH congregations and their communities, and greatly curtail the planting 22

of new missions, therefore be it 23

24

RESOLVED, that the CNH in convention affirm and encourage District circuits and 25

congregations to continue the use of authorized, trained, and supervised 26

licensed deacons in congregations, which otherwise would not be served 27

adequately, and be it further 28

29

RESOLVED, that the CNH in convention affirm and encourage District circuits and 30

congregations to continue the use of authorized, trained, and supervised 31

licensed deacons in the planting of new missions, and be it further 32

33

RESOLVED, that the selection, training, supervision, and service of our Licensed Lay 34

Deacons in the CNH District be held to the highest standards of 35

accountability and adherence to the standards of practice established by 36

our Synod, which is also the earnest desire of all licensed deacons and 37

their supervising pastors in our district; and be it further 38

39

RESOLVED, that specific emphasis be placed upon missionary outreach and the 40

planting of new missions in the programs and curricula utilized by the 41

CNH District in the preparation and licensing of lay deacons, and be it 42

further 43

Page 186 of 193


2

RESOLVED, that the CNH District encourage the District President to support the 3

ongoing training of Licensed Lay Deacons through making available 4

needed courses and providing financial assistance where appropriate, and 5

be it further 6

7

RESOLVED, that the CNH District continue to maintain the standard practices 8

established by our Synod for those congregations and mission plants that 9

utilize licensed deacons in order that they remain faithful to our doctrine 10

and mission intent, and be it further 11

12

RESOLVED, that the CNH District in convention respectfully decline attempts to 13

restrict or cancel district-authorized ministries served by licensed deacons 14

under the supervision of ordained pastors; and be it further 15

16

RESOLVED, that the CNH District in convention respectfully decline attempts to 17

require licensed deacons to enter the special specific ministry pastor 18

program (SMP) when this would restrict, hinder, or stop on-going Word 19

and Sacrament ministry in our local congregations and mission arenas; and 20

be it further 21

22

RESOLVED, that we rejoice together and give thanks to God for equipping His Church 23

with His means of Grace and well as dedicated, authorized, and trained 24

workers, both lay and ordained, who faithfully and passionately reach 25

people in their communities with the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and be it 26

further 27

28

RESOLVED, that delegates to the 2015 CNH District convention thank the Lord of the 29

harvest for the many gifts and blessings He has bestowed on our 30

congregations and local ministries through the dedicated and faithful 31

service of our ordained pastors, commissioned ministers, and supervised 32

licensed deacons. Be it finally, 33

34

RESOLVED, that the CNH District forward this resolution to the 2016 LCMS 35

convention. 36

37


39

----------- 40

41

42

43

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2

Committee # 1 3

Resolution (1-03) 4

Ref.: Convention Manual p. 102 5

Overture 1 6 7

Re: Overture to Overrule CCM Opinion 14-2724 8 9

10

WHEREAS, Article III.2 of the Constitution of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod 11

identifies an objective of the Synod as to “Strengthen congregations and their members in giving 12

bold witness by word and deed to the love and work of God, the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, and 13

extend that Gospel witness into all the world;” and 14

WHEREAS, Article VII.1. of the Synod’s Constitution recognizes, “In its relation to its 15

members, the Synod is not an ecclesiastical government exercising legislative or coercive powers, 16

and with respect to the individual congregation’s right of self-government it is but an advisory 17

body. Accordingly, no resolution of the Synod imposing anything upon the individual 18

congregation is of binding force if it is not in accordance with the Word of God or if it appears to 19

be inexpedient as far as the condition of a congregation is concerned.” And 20

WHEREAS, in the history of the Synod, neither the Synod nor the CNH District have 21

ever discouraged the efforts by congregations, auxiliaries, recognized service organizations, 22

districts, and other agencies of the Synod from engaging in outreach of the gospel, both 23

domestically and in foreign fields; and 24

WHEREAS, CCM Opinion 14-2724 wrongfully attempts to restrict the mission outreach 25

of congregations and others to give bold witness by word and deed to the love and work of God 26

the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, and extend that Gospel witness to all the world; and 27

Resolved, That the CNH District affirms and encourages all actions by congregations, 28

auxiliaries, recognized service organizations, districts, and individual members of the Synod, as 29

well as agencies of the District, in their efforts to give bold witness by word and deed, to the love 30

Page 188 of 193


2

and work of God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, and extend that Gospel witness to all the world; 3

and be it further 4

Resolved, that nothing in the bylaws of Synod should ever be construed to limit efforts to 5

give bold witness by word and deed to the love and work of God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, 6

and extend that Gospel witness to all the world, but only be construed as requesting information 7

which might allow Synod to support (and to assist in connecting potential support for) 8

congregations and individual members, to assist in connecting potential mission partners, and to 9

provide best practices information which could assist the efforts of individual members and 10

congregations; and be it further 11

Resolved, that CCM Opinion 14-2724 is overruled pursuant to Bylaw 3.9.2.2 (c); and be it 12

finally 13

RESOLVED, that the CNH District memorialize to the Synod the adoption of this 14

Resolution. 15

16


18

--- 19

20

21

22

23

24

25

26

27

28

29

30

31

32

33

34

35

Page 189 of 193


2

Committee #2 3

Resolution (2-01) 4

Convention Manual pg. 110-111 5

Overture 12 6

7

RE: To Encourage Ongoing Discussions Regarding the Admission to the Lord’s Supper 8

9 WHEREAS, the LCMS has continued to discuss the admission to the Lord’s Supper among its 10

members in order to seek common ground on the basis of God’s Word and the 11

Lutheran Confessions; and 12

13

WHEREAS, there exists a variety of public statements (e.g. bulletin announcements) between 14

congregations of the California-Nevada-Hawaii District (CNH) regarding the 15

admission to the Lord’s Supper, and 16

17

WHEREAS, such variety of practices raises deep concern in the hearts of many pastors and 18

congregants alike, and 19

20

WHEREAS, the congregations of CNH desire to walk together in the pure light of God’s Word, 21

and 22

23

WHEREAS, the Commission on Theology and Church Relations has produced study 24

documents helpful in the discussion of these matters, including a recent document 25

entitled, “GUIDELINES FOR CONGREGATIONAL, DISTRICT, AND 26

SYNODICAL COMMUNION STATEMENTS,” therefore be it 27

28

RESOLVED, that the CNH in convention commend the Synod for its efforts in encouraging and 29

guiding the members of the Synod in addressing the unresolved concerns regarding 30

the admission to the Lord’s Supper, and be it further 31

32

RESOLVED, that the CNH in convention commit this great concern to the Lord in prayer, and 33

be it further 34

35

RESOLVED, that the CNH during the 2015-2018 Triennium promote serious study and 36

discussion of the theology and practice of the Lord’s Supper, specifically the 37

admission to the Lord’s Supper, based upon God’s Word and the Lutheran 38

Confessions in its Circuit Pastor Conferences, Circuit Forums, Pastoral 39

Conferences and other venues with the intention that our congregations and pastors 40

arrive at a Biblically sound and evangelical common ground, and be it further 41

42

RESOLVED, that the CNH in convention strongly encourage all its pastors in these discussions, 43

and be it finally 44

45

RESOLVED, that the CNH District President be charged with carrying this out and reporting 46

back to the next CNH Convention. 47

48


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2

Committee #3 3

Resolution 3-02 4

Convention Manual pp. 103-104, 104-105 5

Overtures 3, 4, 5 6

7

RE: TO ECONOURAGE CONGREGATIONS AND MINISTRIES TO USE THE 8

DISASTER RESPONSE RESOURCES AVAILABLE TO THEM 9 10

WHEREAS, a disaster can be anything which causes human suffering or creates 11

human needs which its victims are unable to alleviate through their own 12

power and may include: flu, blizzards, hurricanes, earthquakes, lava flow, 13

tornados, storm floods, drought, disease, fire, explosions, building 14

collapse, transportation accident, civil, disorder, and terrorist attack, and 15

16

WHEREAS, a disaster cycle includes four phases (occurring in differing orders 17

depending on the disaster or its severity): 18

1) preparation – development of plans, training personnel, testing 19

plans 20

2) response – immediate assistance to save lives, reduce suffering 21

and assess damage 22

3) long term recovery – response moves into recovery as some 23

normalcy returns 24

4) mitigation – effects of potential disaster are reduced, and 25

26

WHEREAS, a number of resources and materials are available to congregations 27

helping them to understand the importance of disaster preparedness and 28

to assist them in participating in disaster response efforts (for example, 29

Tri-Lutheran Emergency Response Team; the Synod’s Office of Disaster 30

Response manual available at http://www.lcms.org/disaster/resources or 31

by calling 800-248-1930; the CNH District Response Coordinator, the Rev. 32

Philip Zabell at [email protected], 530-934-6863; and Shake Out at 33

http://www.shakeout.org/), and 34

35

WHEREAS, congregations and ministries, through disaster response planning and 36

assisting other agencies in disaster relief efforts, have the opportunity to 37

bring the Gospel to those who as yet have not heard the Good News of 38

Jesus, THEREFORE BE IT 39

40

RESOLVED, that the congregations and ministries of the CNH District be aware of and be 41

encouraged to make use of the available materials and resources to assist them in 42

understanding the importance of preparing for and responding to 43

disasters, AND BE IT FURTHER 44

45

RESOLVED, that circuit visitors be encouraged to build linkages with their counterparts in the 46

ELCA (conference deans in their area) and other congregations in order to make 47

congregations aware of the importance of preparing for and assisting in disaster 48

responses, AND BE IT FINALLY 49

Page 191 of 193

http://www.lcms.org/disaster/resources%20or%20%09%09%09%09by%20calling%20800-248-1930

http://www.lcms.org/disaster/resources%20or%20%09%09%09%09by%20calling%20800-248-1930

mailto:[email protected]


2

3

RESOLVED that when possible in terms of local circumstances, congregations be encouraged to 4

develop a disaster response team. 5

6


8

--- 9

10

Committee #3 11


Reference: Convention Manual, p. 107 13

Overture #8 14

15

16

RE: TO CREATE A RURAL/URBAN SMALL CHURCH TASK FORCE 17

18 WHEREAS, of the CNH District’s 185 congregations, 41% have 100 communicants or fewer, 19

39% have 75 communicants or fewer, and 25% have 50 communicants or fewer, 20

and 21

22

WHEREAS, Outcome #4 of the CNH District Board of Directors’ Strategic Outcomes 23

stipulates, “The CNH District will provide support and resources to rural/urban 24

small ministries to help build ministry capacity for Christ’s mission”, and 25

26

WHEREAS, the issues and challenges facing rural/urban small congregations continue to exist, 27

THEREFORE BE IT 28

29

RESOLVED, that the CNH District in convention continue to affirm the ministry being 30

accomplished by our rural/urban small congregations, AND BE IT FURTHER 31

32

RESOLVED, that the District establish a task force on ministry to rural/urban small churches 33

made up of ministers and laypeople in each of the District’s 5 regions serving 34

rural/urban small congregations, AND BE IT FINALLY 35

36

RESOLVED, that the task force be directed to identify and promote resources for rural/urban 37

small church ministry including helping congregations in close geographical 38

proximity to explore ways of engaging in collaborative ministry within their area. 39

40


42

43

44

45

46

Page 192 of 193

2015 Acknowledgements

Convention logo created by Matt Molinari, St. Matthew Lutheran Church, Rocklin, CA. Rev. Isaac Schuller and First Immanuel Lutheran Church, San Jose, CA, for preparing both worship services. Rev. Schuller was the liturgist and celebrant for Friday night’s worship service. Rev. Paul Hoffmann, First Vice President, for leading the opening devotions on Friday, April 17th. Rev. John Bestul, associate pastor, Lutheran Church of Our Savior, Cupertino, CA, for leading the Saturday morning devotions. Rev. Rob Weller, Shepherd of the Valley, San Jose, CA, for leading the Sunday morning devotions. Rev. John Bestul, associate pastor, Lutheran Church of Our Savior, Cupertino, CA, for serving as liturgist for the worship service on Sunday morning. Saturday refreshment break was provided by CNH District Church Extension Fund. Mr. Don Bonnett, for his photography during the convention. Mr. Tom Watney, for filming during the convention. Joel Koerschen and Matt Newton for serving as the audio visual team.

Page 193 of 193

Documents

CONVENTION PROCEEDINGS April 17 – 19, 2015 San … PROCEEDINGS April 17 – 19, 2015 San Jose, CA. 2015 CNH District Convention Proceedings Index Attendees ... Gersmehl George H