Regarding the Need to Vote: Referendum for Convention Delay

December 30, 2020

Dear Pastors and Leaders of CNH churches,

“Noel” ... a joyful shout, a message, sometimes referring to a birth. These are meanings and thoughts which I am not quickly discarding. This Noel was to certain poor shepherds where ... they were keeping their sheep! Oh Lord, catch me by surprise! Give me faith to see and experience the miraculous even as I am engaged in the ordinary! Give me, your poor servant, the message of hope and purpose. Enthuse me to spill it out with grateful and spirit-led words.

My friends, one of the ordinary but so important matters we engage in each triennium is our conventions, both at District and Synod. When we all meet at these conventions face-to-face, they become a time of fraternal fellowship, inspiration, encouraging worship, and thoughtful handling of business and direction that affects all of Christ’s church. You may have already received a letter (dated December 28) from Synod Secretary John Sias, explaining to you how your congregation can vote and digitally record and credential your vote regarding the following question:

Shall the Synod add a year to the current 2019–2022 triennium, allowing districts to hold their conventions in either 2021 or 2022, and moving the upcoming national Synod Convention from 2022 to 2023?

I and all our Council of Presidents in the LCMS urge you to vote “yes” on this important referendum. Twenty-five percent of our Synod congregations must vote and a majority of those must vote affirmatively for it to pass. I believe delaying our convention cycle one year will allow the church needed time to acclimate and heal, readying for and engaging effectively in post-COVID opportunity. We also allow ourselves the best chance to meet and accomplish the primary purposes of a convention underlined above. Please watch for Secretary Sias’ unique letter for each congregation. Take time to vote and properly record it via the instructions provided.

Together we will engage in those necessary tasks of the church’s ministry and in faith be ready to hear and respond to God’s joyful message that enriches not only our lives but the life of the world.

 

Serving humbly, choosing joy, praying fervently,

Michael Lange

CNH District President

Postscript: please review the links connecting you to President Harrison’s earlier letter, my explanation, and some helpful FAQs.