Lutheran Laymen's League
North Wisconsin/Upper Michigan and South Wisconsin Districts Joint International Lutheran Laymen’
Gifted For More
Peace Lutheran Church, Neenah, Wisconsin
October 14, 2023
8:00 Registration - with coffee and sweets
Attendance: Susan Roeder (Laura attended-Mark Hospitalized), Barb/Fred Kaun, Linda Poppe (SWD LWML), Ed/Karen Perkins, Mark Ramel, Joseph Siegel, Linda Gogolin, John/Jean Thur, Mary Lou Thur, Mike/Pat Phillips, Vicky/ Chuck Maaske, Tom Beineke, Pastor Thomas Feiertag, Ralph Muenchow, David Koopman, George/Pat Menden, Gordon Giese, Norman/Diane Kamrath, Tom Jeske, Loren Wahl, Janice Wendorf, Anne Herlihy, Pastor Tim Sallach, Lori Kittel, Peggy Kraase (South Wisconsin members)
8:30 Call to Order: Convention was called to order by SWD President Thomas Beineke. Welcome and Introductions.
Pledge of Allegiance to the Cross, Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag, Preamble to the International Constitution.
Convention Theme Resolution #23-01: Gifted for More
WHEREAS the God of all creation has provided us with a bountiful earth filled with beauty and riches, and
WHEREAS we have been told to spread His name throughout the world, and
WHEREAS “…the name of the LORD is to be praised” as the Source of all goodness, and
WHEREAS many people around the world do not fully understand our great GOD and His love as manifested in Christ Jesus as Lord and Savior, therefore
BE IT RESOLVED members and supporters of the International Lutheran Laymen’s League voice a resounding vote of approval for the energetic proclamation of God’s Word near and far through the multifaceted efforts of the Lutheran Hour Ministries, and be it further
RESOLVED that we implore the grace of God and the guidance of the Holy Spirit upon this grand endeavor for outreach asking for heightened success in every way possible, using the gifts that God has bestowed upon all of us individually and corporately, all to His glory and the furtherance of His Kingdom on earth and be it finally
RESOLVED that this approval be passed by voice vote, followed by the singing of the common doxology:
PRAISE GOD, FROM WHOM ALL BLESSINGS FLOW PRAISE HIM ALL CREATURES, HERE BELOW,
PRAISE HIM ABOVE, YE HEAVENLY HOSTS, PRAISE FATHER, SON AND HOLY GHOST. AMEN!
Offering Resolution #23-02: Gifted for More
WHEREAS the Lord has called us to go and preach the Good News of Him throughout the world, and
WHEREAS Lutheran Hour Ministries has taken up this cause of bringing a full understanding of our great God and His love as manifested in Christ Jesus as Lord and Savior to all the people of the world, and
WHEREAS the LORD has called us to help in the cause through our support of Lutheran Hour Ministries, therefore be it
RESOLVED that the 2023 Joint District Convention of the International Lutheran Laymen’s League, held in Neenah, designate that the offering collected during the convention be shared between the districts for the support of Lutheran Hour Ministries, and be it further
RESOLVED that we encourage all International Lutheran Laymen’s League members to remember Lutheran Hour Ministries with their prayers and financial support.
Motion made and Seconded to accept both resolutions. Unanimously Approved.
Greetings shared by NW-LCMS District President Rev. Duane Lueck, SWD-LWML Dist. President Cinda Poppe and NW LWML District President Joan Berquist.
9:00 – 10:00 Opening Communion Service with Convention Offering – “Two Kingdoms, Yet One Mission” Patriot themed worship. Preacher: Rev. Dr. Gregory Seltz, Liturgist: Rev. Dr. Thomas Freiertag, Celebrant: Rev. Ricky P. Schroeder, and Organist: Janelle Bonson. Offering amount collected: $$810 (1/2 to LHM, ¼ to Laos-NWD, ¼ to Turkey-SWD)
10:00 – 10:15 Break
10:15 – 12:15 Rev. Dr. Gregory Seltz – Religious Liberties Sessions 1 & 2
12:15 – 1:00 Lunch – Fellowship Hall
1:00 – 2:00 Rev. Dr. Gregory Seltz – Religious Liberties Session # 3
2:00 – 3:00 Closing Business & Devotions (Rev. Feiertag) Door Prizes awarded: Burnam Studies/Bible Study DVD’s
Resolution of Thanks #23-03
WHEREAS the members of the North and South District boards have dedicated much time and effort to making the District Joint Convention of the Lutheran Laymen’s League an inspiring and successful convention, and
WHEREAS Rev. Ricky Schroeder, Rev. Dr. Thomas E. Feiertag, our LCMS, LWML and LCEF leaders, our Program Speaker, Dr. Rev. Gregory Seltz and all the organizational leaders have inspired us under the convention theme of Gifted for More, and
WHEREAS our Fellowship and Break time treats have been sponsored with outside assistance from LCEF, members of Peace Lutheran Church have allowed us use of their facilities, the caterers who provided our lunch Cindi Shalow for preparing our convention booklet and Diane Schlund for aid with the financial audit, Fred and Barb Kaun for preparing and organizing the facilities and you, the members present, having shared your time with us, therefore be it
RESOLVED that the delegates here assembled extend thanks and gratitude to all those individuals involved with a rising vote of thanks.
Adjournment
2:30 – 3:30 SWD Business Meeting:
A. Call to Order.
B. Minutes of September 24, 2022 Convention. Motion made and Seconded. Carried.
C. Treasurer’s Report: Mark Ramel reported: 6/1/2022 - 5/31/2023: Beginning Balance: $3311. Total Cash Available: $4797.44. Total Expenditures: $1282.12. Operating Fund Balance: $3515.32. Motion made and Seconded. Carried.
D. New Business: 1. Jeff Klocko: SWD – Lutheran Laymen’s League Scholarship Endowment – Established June 17, 1985 by
Elmer Payne, Leonard Johnson and Edgar Frater to provide financial assistance to students pursuing a degree in church work at Concordia University Wisconsin. New terms for this agreement were presented. 90% of earnings (4% of fund) given as scholarships ($5000). Present Value: $32,400. Language revised. Updated document signed by President Thomas Beineke. 2. Central Zone: Vicky Maaske requested $700 reimbursement for 2023 Fair Booth materials. No Thrivent funds will be requested any longer. Extra materials given to Immanuel, Mayville. Also requested was $750 for the 2024 Fair so money is on hand to purchase items given away. Motion made and Seconded. Carried.
E. Elections: Motion made and Seconded to elect Joseph Siegel as Vice President and re-elect Mark Ramel as Treasurer. Carried.
F. Consideration of combining the North and South Districts – Tabled due to lack of time.
J. Announcement: Next Board Meeting: Saturday, November 18, 2023 @ Living Word Lutheran, Jackson. Zoom with NWD and Polly.
Respectfully submitted,
Peggy Kraase
