Synod convention begins on July 27
Filed Under: communication, Convention, Michigan Lutheran Seminary, Streams, Synod Convention, Together
Final plans are in place for WELS' 60th Biennial Convention, which will be held at Michigan Lutheran Seminary (MLS) in Saginaw, Mich., from July 27-31, under the theme "Christ's Love, Our Calling."
Rev. John H. Boggs, dean of students at MLS and the school's convention coordinator, says: "We are excited to welcome the almost 400 delegates from around the world who will be spending a week in the place we call 'home.' Despite the challenges before our school and synod, it is indeed a blessing to be able to come together in worship, work, and fellowship with one another."
Delegates have many important decisions that they will wrestle with during the five-day convention, including adopting a balanced synod budget for 2009-11. About $8 million needs to be cut from the current budget due in large part to decreased giving from foundations, individuals, and congregations in the midst of the current financial climate.
Delegates will also weigh in on the recommendations made by the Ad Hoc Commission, established by the 2007 synod convention to address current challenges and to offer suggestions for improving the way that WELS carries out its mission.
WELS members can watch the convention live online at www.wels.net/convention. Each night a special convention issue of "Together" will be sent to all subscribers, which will summarize the convention's actions that day. This special issue of "Together" will include a video wrap-up of the day's events, along with articles and photos. A complete summary of the week, along with explanations of how the delegates' decisions will affect WELS' ministry, will be presented in "Together" the week following convention, in time to be included in worship folders for Aug. 9.
"Our goal is to provide comprehensive, accurate information in a timely manner," says Joel Hochmuth, WELS director of communications. "We realize how vitally important the decisions made at convention are to members across the synod."
To receive "Together" in your e-mail box, subscribe at http://together.wels.net/subscribe.
