Pastors, teachers, and laypeople in each of the 12 districts of the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod met in June to worship and study God’s Word, discuss district and synod issues, and enjoy time with fellow Christians. The synod’s four-year North American Outreach plan was presented and endorsed at these district conventions.

Two committees that were created at the 2003 synod convention, the Prep School Study Committee–2 and the Staff Ministry Study Committee, presented their reports. Delegates had the opportunity to respond to these reports and ask questions of the committees’ members.

The Committee on Constitutional Matters proposed a change in election procedure for the synod’s president, vice presidents, and secretary. The committee sought feedback about the proposal from the district conventions so that a final proposal can be made at the 2005 synod convention.

Delegates also elected district officers. Continue reading to find out who is representing you during the next two years.

Dakota-Montana

President: Peter Naumann

First Vice President: Douglas Free

Second Vice President: Jonathan Schultz

Secretary: Stephen Geiger

Highlight: Paul Wendland, president of Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary, presented “The Changing Face of the Field Before Us and the Mission/Ministry Needs of the Church.” The essay read, in part: “I do believe that God always blesses the church in any particular area with the people and gifts he needs to get his job done. And I believe that when God’s people get together, remember who they are in Christ, consider the reason why they’ve existed, and reflect upon the situation into which God has placed them, they themselves will be able to figure things out just fine. The love of Christ will lead them.”

Arizona-California

President: Paul Janke

First Vice President: Steve Degner

Second Vice President: Gene Sims

Secretary: Kenneth Pasch

Highlights:

The convention began with a church service celebrating the 50th anniversary of the beginning of the Arizona-California District.

The four non-Tucson WELS congregations near Tucson asked and received permission to form a new circuit named “Chiricahua Circuit.”

Michigan

President: John Seifert

First Vice President: Paul Naumann

Second Vice President: Carl Otto

Secretary: James Seelow

Highlights:

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