Convention Preview

Major Issues and Events Book of Reports and Memorials (BORAM) to be distributed in early May. Already available online at www.wels.net/convention Ministry Plan (Budget) for 2011-2013 “In Christ Alone” long range plan Election of President and 2nd Vice President Election of numerous board members Doctrinal essays on “The Sacramental Life” and “Care of Souls”

Major Issues and Events COP report on termination of divine calls for financial reasons (available in early summer) Declaration of Fellowship with the Confessional Evangelical Lutheran Church of Puerto Rico Presentation by the Bishop of the Ukrainian Lutheran Church Mission presentations Marking the anniversaries of mission work in Nigeria (75) and the Central African Medical Mission (50)

Major Issues and Events Update on the relocation of synod offices Possible proposal for synodical capital fund offering; As of today, we are continuing to negotiate both the sale of 2929 and the purchase of a new site. Any relocation will be done without using mission dollars; only funding will be proceeds from the sale and dollars already in the synod’s facilities fund. The Captital offering will be discussed by the COP in May; if the COP approves, it will bring a recommendation to the convention for action.

Ministry Plan (Budget) After several years of reductions, proposed budget for 2011-12 & 2012-13 provides for careful mission expansion: Funding for 5-6 additional home missions starts Fourth professor at Asia Lutheran Seminary; other East Asia expansion Partial restoration of Christian Giving cuts After 2 years of wage freezes the proposed budget provides a wage increase of 2.0% the first year and 2.5% the second year Maintains programs at Min. Ed. schools

“In Christ Alone” Long Range Plan Developed by the SC over the past two years Broad roadmap for 2017 (not detailed strategies) Areas of Ministry will develop strategies Under God, planned expansion of mission and sustaining of ministerial education Plans for continued monitoring

Doctrinal Essays at convention “The Sacramental Life” (Pastor Jon Zabell) “Care of Souls” (Pastor Darron Lindemann) Completes the four year emphasis begun under “Christ’s Love, Our Calling” theme of the last convention Bible studies will be made available in the fall of 2011 and 2012

COP report on Divine Call 2009 Convention asked COP to study the issue of the termination of divine calls for financial reasons The report will be finalized in May and distributed along with unpublished memorials in early summer

Possible Capital Fund Offering The COP has emphasized that special offerings should not be used to fund the ongoing work of the synod One-time special projects can be funded through special offerings COP will discuss the special offering in May Special offering would support the following projects:

Possible Capital Fund Offering Construction of an early childhood center at MLC Retirement of remaining synod capital debt (eliminating the $1.6 million annual debt service would directly benefit Home and World Missions) Program maintenance for all synodical buildings and campuses Financial assistance for MLC students to limit student loan debt load

Relocation of synod offices Currently negotiating the sale of current building at 2929 N. Mayfair Road Currently negotiating purchase of an existing building in Waukesha/Pewaukee No use of mission dollars; any move would be funded by the sale of 2929 and with funds already in the synod’s facility fund.