Twenty-nine people were on hand for the meeting, with fifteen voting delegates registering.
The Treasurers report showed a modest increase in the balance on hand. Income analysisshows that Total 1st Quarter Income had 88.6% coming from congregationsand 11.4% coming from individuals. Significant is that LMA News was notpublished in this quarter and a non-member congregation contributed $1,000 in January.
The Executive Committee Report highlighted the Ex. Com.’s encouraging attendance atmeetings and financial support from several member congregations. Some congregationshave expressed support in the future because of projects in their own congregations. The Ex. Com. appreciates those congregations that communicate their situation to the Ex. Com. LMA still has the same basic task: orthodox congregations supporting and opening orthodox congregations. We are doing that now and hope to do more in the future.
The Communications Committee Report: Stationary and business cards have been purchased. Almost 800 copies of the third issue of LMA News were edited, printed, prepped for mailing and posted. Discussion is underway about purchasing a color printer to make the LMA News more attractive.
The Remnant revival is ongoing. Rev. Erickson is editor, with the Executive Board responsiblefor content and TBI responsible for publishing and mailing.
Rev. Erickson gave the Doctrine Committee Report. While the dissent phase of the committee's work is complete, the committee still has the duty to continue to observe the doctrinal situation in the mainline denomination.
Mr. Bob Herrmann, chair of the Mission Committee gave their report.
He highlighted that the Mission Criteria discussion is still ongoing. In order to support a mission we would like to see the mission:
"Bear in mind that in our imperfect world we will always have imperfect missions, just as our congregations are imperfect. We do not require all to fit these expectations in every detail." Mr. Herrmann read a letter from Mr. Richard Wiese, the chairman of Living Savior in Livingston, which LMA supports at $300 per month. Despite a few setbacks, the mission is growing. Rev. Schoessow made a few comments and Larry Harvey reported that he was helping them with their constitution.
Rev. Robert LeBlanc, pastor of Our Redeemer in Palacios presented a report on that congregation under the theme: "Stand Firm, but Never Stand Still." Pr. Simcak will be their mission fest speaker. He has a unique opportunity to witness since he is a worker/priest. He conveys the thanks of the congregation and detailed the publicity uses to which the congregation is using our support. They expect 100 children for their evening VBS the second week in June. Volunteers helpers are needed.
Rev. Jim Shaw, an individual member of LMA, gave a Power Point presentation about the United Lutheran Mission Association and the new mission he is starting in Virginia. Mr. Greg Mills, the secretary of ULMA noted that all the officers of ULMA are laymen. Since ULMA is an association it is decentralized and supports mission pastors through its two congregations. They have started three missions. They stand ready to help and cooperate with LMA.
Pr. Byrd presented a paper on Woman Suffrage. It is available on the Webpage.
The Education Committee's chair, Pr. Teichmiller, gave a brief report.
The Chair introduced the matter of the provisional bylaws which the Ex. Com. decided to operate under until the LMA Delegate Assembly adopted their own. A number of minor changes were agreed to by consensus in Articles II, IV, V, VI and VII; then the bylaws were adopted.
It was moved and seconded to establish a $100 memorial gift for any pastoral or lay officer who dies in office. When it was moved and seconded that LMA send $100 to St. Peter Lutheran church in Bowie in memory of Pr. Brummett, the first motion was withdrawn and the substitute motion passed.
The group expressed their thanks to the ladies who have provided so graciously for them with applause and with an offering. The ladies donated the offering back to LMA.
Rev. A. J. Loeschman
Secretary
1. Cooperating fully with LMA, sharing news, reports and doctrine and practice and, preferably, LMA membership.
2. Conducting traditional worship with liturgy and vestments.
4. Practicing closed communion with careful communication for it.
5. Proper roles for men and women. No women elders, leaders, readers. Male only suffrage in ecclesiastical matters is the best practice.
6. Encourages participation in good confessional organizations and activities such as Free Conferences and Higher Things.
7. Unashamedly Lutheran, but not necessarily LCMS.