WELS 2016 district conventions

Each of the 12 districts holds a convention each biennium, generally in the even-numbered years. (The synod convention is held on odd-numbered years.) Every pastor, professor, and male teacher of the district plus a lay delegate representing each congregation attends the convention as a voting delegate. Other members of the district are welcome to attend as guests.

District conventions are held for the following purposes:

• To meet as a group to carry out the legislative responsibilities of the district, such as holding elections, accepting new members, formulating resolutions to send to the synod convention, etc.
• To celebrate God’s blessings.
• To nurture faith.

The election of the district president is an important moment at each convention. This year at least four districts will elect new district presidents. Three district presidents—John Guse, South Atlantic District; David Rutschow, Southeastern Wisconsin District; and Herb Prahl, Western Wisconsin District—have announced that they will not seek re-election as they begin to consider retiring from the full-time ministry. The Nebraska District must also elect a new president to replace Earle Treptow, who accepted a call to Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary.

In addition, this summer’s conventions will focus on the new ministry that WELS can support thanks to the One in Christ special offering; present the synod’s proposal of a long-range plan beginning in 2018; share the recommendations of the Synodical Council’s Compensation Review Committee; and preview WELS’ upcoming celebration of the 500th anniversary of the Reformation in 2017.

Here is a schedule of the 2016 district conventions:

Arizona-California—June 13-15. Chaparral Suites, Scottsdale, Ariz.

Dakota-Montana—June 14-16. Great Plains Lutheran High School, Watertown, S. D.

Michigan—June 6-8. Michigan Lutheran Seminary, Saginaw, Mich.

Minnesota—June 14-16. Martin Luther College, New Ulm, Minn.

Nebraska—June 6-8. Nebraska Lutheran High School, Waco, Neb.

North Atlantic—June 7-8. Resurrection, Chesapeake, Va.

Northern Wisconsin—June 14-15. Fox Valley Lutheran High School, Appleton, Wis.

Pacific Northwest—June 14-15. Evergreen Lutheran High School, Des Moines, Wash.

South Atlantic—June 7-9. Innisbrook Golf Resort, Palm Harbor, Fla.

South Central—June 13-14. Calvary, Dallas, Tex.

Southeastern Wisconsin—June 14-15. Wisconsin Lutheran College, Milwaukee, Wis.

Western Wisconsin—June 6-7. Luther Preparatory School, Watertown, Wis.

Questions about a specific district convention may be directed to the president or secretary of that district.

Author:
Volume 103, Number 05
Issue: May 2016

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