Talking Points with Pastor Lucas - Convention Wrap-Up
The 80th convention of the MN South District is in the books. It was one of special note. Certainly, for all the amazing people who attended, the outstanding festival choir and worship services, the Bible studies and essayist, and our incredible host, Concordia University, St. Paul (CSP). But even more so for how efficiently and quickly the convention delegates finished their work. They basked in the convention theme “…So That…” based on John 15:16-17, emphasizing how we have been chosen in Christ Jesus “so that” we may “go” and bear abiding fruit. This the delegates took to heart!
Originally scheduled to meet June 12-14, the delegates wrapped up all voting and resolution debate by Friday night and voted to amend their agenda and end early with closing worship on Friday night, June 13. That is the first I have heard or seen of such action! I believe it is a testament to the proficiency and preparedness of the delegates, but also to all the hard work of those who put together and enacted the convention. Thanks be to God!
Day 1 of the convention began and ended with the highlights of the day. It kicked off with numerous interest centers to help orient delegates to their work, including a well-attended session on “How a District Convention Works.” An inspiring close to the day was the opening worship service led by chaplain Rev. Chou Vang and Music/Choir Director Dr. David Mennicke. He put together a wonderful choir, a tremendous ensemble of brass musicians, and a delightful handbell choir to accompany the beautiful singing of the convention. Synod President, Rev. Dr. Matthew Harrison shared with us the Good News of Christ crucified and raised from the dead.
The work of the convention took place on Day 2. Elections were held to fill the district’s officers, board members, and the Board of Regents for CSP, and resolutions were debated throughout the day. Some of the significant resolutions delegates adopted include two financial resolutions: 2-01 adjusts the percentages of giving to District and Synod and 2-02A encourages congregations to add a line item to their budgets to increase giving to the district. There were also two significant resolutions regarding the governance of the district (resolutions 4-01 and 4-02) to update the governance model for the MN South Board of Directors to fall in line with the practice of the synodical Board of Directors.
Our time together was not only work. A reception sponsored by CSP and LCEF allowed for wonderful fellowship and networking in a new and well-received layout of the convention and vendor floor plan. Along the way, when a there was a rare lull in the action, I was able to keep everyone’s spirits lively with a bevy of dad jokes, complete with groaners and sighing.
Indeed, we are chosen in Christ “so that” we may “go” and bear abundant fruit. To that end, the Go First! initiative was set forward, highlighting the upcoming Go First! conference to be held September 26-27 at Redemption in Bloomington (www.mnsdistrict.org/go-first-initiative). I encourage everyone to attend – it is an example of how we can collaboratively Go First! I hope to see you there!
At the conclusion of our time together, I received numerous wonderful compliments from many first-time convention goers about their experience, some even saying they had “loads of fun,” rejoicing in the camaraderie and their overall experience. For all of this and so much more, I give thanks to God!
What a joy it is to have the privilege and honor of serving this beloved district for another three years as district president. We have some challenges ahead, to be sure. Struggling congregations, closing congregations, as well as an increasing unbelieving culture that is hostile to the faith. But we are in this together. Don’t lose heart! We have so many wonderful church workers and congregations standing firm, proclaiming the Gospel, caring for souls, and reaching the lost. In other words, we are a Go First! people because we have a Go First! Lord. He promises the gates of hell will not prevail against His church (Matt. 16:18). Jesus goes first! He went first, from heaven to earth, from death to life, from servant to Savior, to win for us the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. And because He Goes First!, He inspires us to do the same so that we may bear abundant fruit.
In Christ,
Rev. Dr. Lucas V. Woodford
