From the MLS website, the text, ipsissima verba:
Report of the Floor Committee on Synodical Matters
Memorial I -
Vote “NO” to Synodical Council Recommendation to close Michigan Lutheran Seminary
WHEREAS,
1) During most of our synod’s history, we have been richly blessed by our Synod’s Ministerial Education system; and
WHEREAS,
2) At the 2005 Synod Convention, an extensive study on our preparatory system was overwhelmingly received with great favor, and the two prep schools, Luther Preparatory School and Michigan Lutheran Seminary, were again endorsed as vital for our synod’s ministry; and
WHEREAS, 3) By God’s grace, and with His guidance, we continue to look to prepare
future called workers through Michigan Lutheran Seminary and Luther Preparatory School, therefore be it
Resolved, a) That the Western Wisconsin District direct the synod in the 2007 convention to defeat the proposed recommendation to close Michigan Lutheran Seminary after the 2007/2008 school year, and be it
finally
Resolved, b) That the Western Wisconsin District endorse our current two prep schools as vitally important for our synod and its ministry in preparing called workers to work in the harvest field.
Memorial II -
Funding 2008/2009 Synod Budget
WHEREAS, 1) By voting “No” to closing Michigan Lutheran Seminary, there is a deficit
budget of $2.3 million for the 2008/2009 fiscal year; and
WHEREAS, 2) The synod constitution directs us to have a balanced budget; therefore be it
Resolved, a) That the Western Wisconsin District direct the synod in the 2007 convention to make changes such as these to the WELS Operating Budget in the allocation of funds for the 2008/2009 fiscal year:
1) Communications budget becomes $332,959 (proposed is $402,700) -69,741
2) Christian Giving budget becomes $1,732,435 (proposed is $2,153,334) -420,899
3) Technology budget becomes $1,339,181 (proposed is $1,497,012) -157,831
4) Financial Services becomes $1,368,140 (proposed is $1,649,094) -280,954
5) Reduce SC, COP, Support, Convention budget by 2% -19,440
6) Reduce District budgets by 1% -8,522
7) Lower MLC repayment of debt to $250,050 -750,000
8) Lower internal borrowing repayment to $698,000 -1,500,000
-3,207,387
and be it finally
Resolved, b) That the Western Wisconsin District direct the Synod in the 2007 convention to
make these allocations from the $3,207,387 that is available:
1) Michigan Lutheran Seminary $2,300,000
2) Home Missions $400,000
3) World Missions $507,387
Memorial III – “Reclaim the Mission”
WHEREAS, 1) The document entitled “Reclaim the Mission” identifies and describes many of the problems and challenges facing the synod today; and
WHEREAS, 2) The document accurately reflects the heartfelt concerns of many WELS members, both lay and clergy; and
WHEREAS, 3) The tone of the document is positive in its attempt to avoid blame and to offer positive solutions; and
WHEREAS, 4) The document identifies five key areas of concern that must be addressed, namely
- Reaffirming our purpose and priorities
- Re-defining our method of support
- Restoring clear, responsible, and responsive lines of authority
- Re-establishing effective communication
Reviewing and revising current programs; and
WHEREAS, 5) There is now no viable comprehensive plan to address these problems other than to appeal to the synod’s members for increased offerings; and
WHEREAS, 6) This document offers a multi-part strategy to address the problems cited; and
Resolved, a) That we declare our support of this proposal and the steps it outlines; and be it further
Resolved, b) That this plan be presented to the 2007 synod in convention for study, discussion and;
and consideration be it finally
A closing word of encouragement to our Western Wisconsin District delegates to the 2007 WELS
Convention:
We realize that there are already many proposals and “solutions” being bandied about. We can all have ideas about what to do. We want our Western Wisconsin District delegates to understand the tremendous trust we have in you. We promise to pray for you. We ask this of you: Prepare well. Before convention, think about what you believe we should do. Get some rest before convention. Listen carefully to every idea. Be very respectful of the opinions of synodical officials, but do not be unduly influenced by them. Have courage to make decisions that take advantage of the best ideas you hear, no matter where those ideas arise. Understand that you are to make the decisions that provide for our common future.
Go with God. Lead.
Alberts, Frank, layman, LaCrosse
Arndt, Ken, pastor, Elizabeth, IL
Busse, Carl, pastor, Medford
Cortez, Kevin, pastor, Wonewoc
Degner, Dale, layman, Sparta
Fricke, Joseph, pastor, Mauston
Gut, John, layman, Schofield
Heth, Dwayne, layman, Milton
Heyer, Philip, pastor, Beaver Dam
Hoffman, Geoffrey, teacher, Tomah
Jensen, Michael, pastor, Watertown
Kingery, Vern, layman, Baraboo
Lehman, Kenneth, teacher, LaCrosse
Leonard, David, teacher, Eau Claire
Lindemann, Michael, pastor, Lewiston, MN
Miller, Arlan, layman, Janesville
Proeber, Kevin, teacher, Janesville
Reich, Terry, pastor, Rib Lake
Schaefer, Ken, layman, Rockford, IL
Schaller, Peter, layman, Chippewa Falls
Schalow, Robert, layman, Marshfield
Schlavensky, John, teacher, Fox Lake
Schmeling, Steve, pastor, Menomonie
Schumacher, Dave, layman, Monroe
Schwanz, Jerry, layman, Neillsville
Suffrins, Bill, layman, Pickwick, MN
Wolfe, Cletus, layman, Bloomer
Pastor Jerry Ewings, De Forest, chairman
Pastor Nathan Strutz, Galesville/Arcadia, secretary
