In one of the more humorous moments of the 63rd Convention, a ram’s horn trumpeted at 4:30pm, breaking a temporary silence by the delegates of the convention. When the trumpet ceased, President Kieschnick looked up in astonishment and said, “What was that?”
When the Scriptures talk of a trumpet, more often than not, that trumpet is not the sound of victory—it is the sound of judgment. Where it came from or who blew the trumpet in the convention is not known. Is it a sign of judgment? Friends, let’s hope not. Let’s continue to uplift the Synod in our prayers.
MOVEMENT. . . FINALLY
After a slow start, the 63rd Convention began to pick up speed today. Resolutions began to pass easier than in prior days. Here are just a few of them:
+Resolution 5-01 was adopted, a joint effort by both seminaries in order to rectify not going against the Confessions of our church body by havingan unordained layman preach and administer the Sacraments (much more on this later)
+ The Dispute Resolution Process that was adopted in St. Louis in 2004 was refined somewhat and adopted by the 63rd Convention. (Res.8-02)
+ Resolution 2-01 was passed that asks the CTCR, Board of Directors, Commission on Worship to put together a theological conference to bring about worship practices and styles that are consistently Lutheran, and to prepare studies for use in circuits and congregations.Immediately following the passing of 2-01, the Convention delegates passed 2-02 that calls for web-based resources, worship arts and music seminars to educate and build on diversity, and the development of a network of Lutheran composers who write in a contemporary style.
Obviously, these last two resolutions are big steps. These steps are actually a good thing, when you stop and think about it. It means what will be developed will be reviewed by doctrinal review—something not happening today. Hopefully, it will lead to a more consistent contemporary worship that brings out what we believe in a new way.
LATE NIGHT AT GEORGE R. BROWN
Tuesday night is one that the delegates will remember. It is the longest night of the Convention, slated to last until 9pm. When you start at 8am, that makes for a very long day.
Perhaps they will be able to appreciate what the Congress will do tonight—have an all-night session. Hopefully, the Convention will accomplish more. (Note: it was a nice wish anyway!)
IT COULD BE WORSE. . .
Some resolutions that come to the Convention are long, tedious, and almost seem to accomplish nothing. But it could be worse. Consider a few of the overtures that were declined:
One overture was to conclude all resolutions with the words, “Fight the good fight.” It was declined “because the spirit of this is already in our practice.” Yes, indeed it is. If you’ve ever been to a Convention, it seems as if we sometimes trivialize over the smallest things (remember the two semi-colons yesterday?) and accomplish nothing.
Another overture that was declined was for the purpose of “encouraging corporate America to reduce CEO compensation.” It was declined because that’s not a part of our mission. Yes, we call sin what it is. But when it comes to compensation, wouldn’t you take a raise right now if it was offered? Enough said.
ELECTIONS AND MORE ELECTIONS
After almost two hours of adding names to ballots for various offices, the Convention delegates vote on those offices this evening. Any significant results you will find here tomorrow evening.
