Last week, I gave a short preview of the Iowa District East convention.  In the rest of this post, I’ll provide an overview of the actions taken by the delegates. Read the rest of this entry »

Randy, Tim, and Pastor will be representing St. Paul’s at the district convention Friday and Saturday, June 26 and 27. The convention will probably focus on elections and structural issues.

President Arp’s retirement as district president means that there will be a real contest for the office. The election will complicated by debate over how the office should be filled.

A proposal from a district commission that would have enabled the district president to continue serving a congregation was rejected by one of the floor committees. Many who read the commission’s report were surprised. It is likely that the motion to continue with a full-time district president will be vigorously debated.

How that issue is resolved will affect the slate for the president’s office. One of the candidates will not serve unless he can continue to serve his congregation. Others may withdraw if asked to serve as a part time president.

Complicating all of this are a series of proposals being presented by a national task force that is proposing extensive modifications to the synod’s constitution and by-laws. Among those proposals are that the number of districts should be reduced. Iowa East, being among the smallest of the districts, is certain to merge with another district if that happens. As a result the district president who is elected at this convention may not have the opportunity to finish his term, but may have a lot of extra work arranging for a smooth merger.

Finally, Pastor Hinkle has been nominated for the District’s Board of Directors and could end up helping to implement any reorganization of the district or president’s office.

Your prayers for the delegates and for divine guidance for the convention itself would be appreciated.