To renew the bonds of fellowship, by Paul Robert Sauer

[Dave Benke]

Lots of things could happen but until they do, why jump to conclusions? Expressions of support for LIRS sent to the Floor Committee are certainly in order and should be done. Bad mouthing the LCMS for not supporting the LIRS because the new president of the organization isn't Lutheran - well, that hasn't happened yet.

I agree with this sentiment. 
What has happened in the last months is that the Missouri Synod has ceased financial support for LIRS.  Why that has been done is a question which delegates should ask.

Dave Benke

[D. Engebretson]

Lots of things could happen but until they do, why jump to conclusions? Expressions of support for LIRS sent to the Floor Committee are certainly in order and should be done. Bad mouthing the LCMS for not supporting the LIRS because the new president of the organization isn't Lutheran - well, that hasn't happened yet.

I agree with this sentiment. 
What has happened in the last months is that the Missouri Synod has ceased financial support for LIRS.  Why that has been done is a question which delegates should ask.

Dave Benke

Guess I've been out of the loop.  Wouldn't this change be reflected in published minutes from St. Louis?  Was there a story in the Reporter or Lutheran Witness?  Or was it done quietly without any announcement? 

[D. Engebretson]

I notice that LIRS is not listed among the RSOs https://www.lcms.org/how-we-serve/mercy/recognized-service-organizations/directory.  Could this status have some bearing on their decision to cease contributions?

[Michael Slusser]

I notice that LIRS is not listed among the RSOs https://www.lcms.org/how-we-serve/mercy/recognized-service-organizations/directory.  Could this status have some bearing on their decision to cease contributions?

Or vice versa?

Peace,
Michael

[Dave Benke]

By way of response,

a) LIRS is not and has not been a Missouri Synod RSO.  There is no change in that regard.

The two organizations have been cooperating in externals for many decades, during which the national LCMS has funded LIRS annually and selected board representatives to serve on the LIRS board. 

b) The ELCA has increased its national denominational contribution to LIRS

c) The national Missouri Synod is not funding LIRS in its budget going forward.  It has ceased funding LIRS.  There is no official notification in that regard.  It was done "quietly without announcement."

d) LIRS no longer lists the LCMS as an ecumenical partner.  The reason for that is that the national LCMS is no longer funding LIRS, which is one of the partnership criteria from the perspective of LIRS.

Dave Benke

[DeHall1]

By way of response,

a) LIRS is not and has not been a Missouri Synod RSO.  There is no change in that regard.

The two organizations have been cooperating in externals for many decades, during which the national LCMS has funded LIRS annually and selected board representatives to serve on the LIRS board. 

b) The ELCA has increased its national denominational contribution to LIRS

c) The national Missouri Synod is not funding LIRS in its budget going forward.  It has ceased funding LIRS.  There is no official notification in that regard.  It was done "quietly without announcement."

d) LIRS no longer lists the LCMS as an ecumenical partner.  The reason for that is that the national LCMS is no longer funding LIRS, which is one of the partnership criteria from the perspective of LIRS.

Dave Benke

I would note, however, that a significant number of LIRS partners are LCMS RSOs....Pretty much every one with a name starting with "Lutheran Social Services of...", including New York's own Lutheran Social Services of New York.

It would be interesting to see what the national Missouri Synod is doing with regard to funding these organizations -- that information doesn't appear to be anywhere online that I can find.

[Dave Benke]

By way of response,

a) LIRS is not and has not been a Missouri Synod RSO.  There is no change in that regard.

The two organizations have been cooperating in externals for many decades, during which the national LCMS has funded LIRS annually and selected board representatives to serve on the LIRS board. 

b) The ELCA has increased its national denominational contribution to LIRS

c) The national Missouri Synod is not funding LIRS in its budget going forward.  It has ceased funding LIRS.  There is no official notification in that regard.  It was done "quietly without announcement."

d) LIRS no longer lists the LCMS as an ecumenical partner.  The reason for that is that the national LCMS is no longer funding LIRS, which is one of the partnership criteria from the perspective of LIRS.

Dave Benke

I would note, however, that a significant number of LIRS partners are LCMS RSOs....Pretty much every one with a name starting with "Lutheran Social Services of...", including New York's own Lutheran Social Services of New York.

It would be interesting to see what the national Missouri Synod is doing with regard to funding these organizations -- that information doesn't appear to be anywhere online that I can find.

There's a change coming in the way RSO's are evaluated and maintain their status.  I haven't followed it all that closely, but some of it has to do with the nature of the agencies, which have more than one company under their umbrella organization, and how the RSO status is maintained among those various companies.  If you get the Today's Business  Proposed Resolutions online, you can find that one.

In general, the RSO status does not come with grants from the national denomination, but allows two functions to be performed:
a) for the agency to have the ability, in its RSO company (if there are more than one in the agency) to call rostered workers
b) for the agency to utilize the Lutheran Church Extension Fund for loans and other such financial instruments

Dave Benke

[John_Hannah]

Just curious if any from this modest forum will be at the convention in Tampa later this week.  I am a pastoral delegate and will be assisting at the opening service.

Also curious if the convention will be covered as in past cycles.

It has its own thread(s) in the separate part of the website dedicated to conventions.
[/qu...
And the ALPB is sending Pr. Paul Sauer to give you blow by blow coverage.

Peace, JOHN

That is pretty harsh.....what did he do to merit this level of punishment?

You know how it works, Dave; you were in the military. Date of rank.  Paul's the youngest guy around.     He may happen also to be the smartest.

Peace, JOHN

[mj4]

For those hoping to watch some of the LCMS Convention on Live Stream, here's the link:

https://www.lcms.org/convention/livestream

Starts July 20th, at 7:00 PM, Opening Divine Service