This is one of those sermons that only exists in audio format. It isn’t my most Sacramental sermon ever, but I think the Gospel shines forth pretty well. -LL
This was the first real day of the convention, at least in terms of conducting business. My first impression of the day was LOOOONG. I got there at 7:45 a.m., and with an hour and a half for lunch, didn’t leave until 6 p.m. But it wasn’t really the time that made it long.
What made it long was that we spent pretty much the entire day listening to Committee 8 on Restructuring. We saw videos, heard testimonies, listened to about a 4 hour Q&A, and generally listened. There is a sense of the anticipation of GETTING SOMETHING DONE that is warming up. It will be very interesting to see how that sense translates into action today.
For my part, I spoke at the mic once, in favor of an amendment to adopt the agenda. The amendment failed 48-51%, or by about 20 votes. he plan was to move the election of the synodical president to the front of the convention, as has been done in everyone’s recent memory.
Today I expect we will start to conduct business, consider resolutions, and the like.
Sorry it’s not much of a report. It wasn’t much of a day. Oh, I did have some FANTASTIC BBQ in the evening.
It has been some time since I was really involved in synodical leadership. The last time I attended a convention was six years ago, and while I am blessed to serve on the South Wisconsin District Board of Directors, my involvement in our church body at large has been minimal since my illness several years ago.
Because of this, it struck me today, upon my arrival in Houston, how different my perspective is now than it was six years ago when I was a delegate. Six years ago I was all about fixing what is wrong, making the synod safe for democracy, something like that. My theological views haven’t really changed much in six years, but my self-understanding as a pastor has changed dramatically. I’m no longer interested in the politics, the personalities, and all of the juicy gossip that every human institution inevitably breeds. At this point I am really asking the question, where is Christ? Where is the Gospel of the forgiveness of sins? Where is the healing for the brokenhearted, the balm of Gilead that can only come from the divine Word?
I know this is a little rambling. It’s late, but I wanted to get something written for the day. There are many friends here, old and new. It’s great to see them all. There are people I have been in conflict with in various was here as well. I pray for reconciliation. There will be lots of back room deals and shenanigans. There always are. But in the midst of it all, God can and is still at work. Sometimes it happens through us. Sometimes it happens in spite of us. Sometimes both at the same time. It is my prayer this week that the decisions and elections that take place here in Houston will further His Kingdom, and that the old hymn will remain true, “Lord, help us ever to retain, the catechisms doctrine plain, as Luther taught the word of truth, in simple words to tender youth!”
-Pastor Todd Peperkorn
Circuit 26 Pastoral Delegate (South Wisconsin District)
Kenosha, Wisconsin
PS CARDS WIN! 8-0 over the Astros. Go Cards!
Houston Report #1
This will be my fourth synodical convention I have attended, and the second as a delegate. One of the questions which always seems to surface in a major way is the all-important question: WHAT TO WEAR? For laity, the answer is simple: business casual. Being neither laity nor a businessman, I’m not entirely sure I know what business casual means. I guess some variation of khakis and a polo shirt, maybe a button down oxford? (I will not begin to presume to answer the question of what women should wear to a synodical convention. I am not a fool.)
