~ The Arizona~California District of the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran
Synod ~
~ Serving the states of Arizona, California, Hawaii, Nevada, New Mexico, and
West Texas ~
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The purpose of the conventionThe WELS is divided into twelve districts. Each district sends delegates to a general convention in the odd numbered years. The representation is roughly one delegate each for every ten congregations, pastors, and teachers. As representatives of their respective districts, the delegates provide input and speak for the entire church body as decisions are made that will effect the mission and goals of the WELS. During the even numbered years in which the Synod does not meet in convention, each district gathers in what might be described as a mini-synod convention. At these conventions, 100% representation is provided by every pastor, male teacher, and congregation. Each district provides input to the identical business at hand (recorded in the Report to the twelve Districts, or RttTD). The actions that are taken in the convention become a voice of the district. When combined with the voices of the other eleven districts, a consensus of the synod is achieved. All actions taken by the twelve districts are considered and/or acted upon when the entire synod meets in convention the following year. Thus, much of the platform for the succeeding synod convention has been formulated and discussed on the grass roots level by the district conventions.
How the convention is runa. The Flow Chart (agenda) will give you an idea of the scheduled time frames for the business that will be carried out at the convention. b. All certified delegates have a voice in the discussions that ensue and a vote in all resolutions brought before the convention. Each delegate is acting as a representative of his respective congregation thus providing a representative voice from all congregations in the district. c. Floor microphones will be located on the convention floor. Those wishing to address the assembly move to one of the microphones and when recognized by the Chairman, identify themselves and pose their question or comment. d. Parliamentary procedure is followed according to Robert's Rules of Order.
Who serves as delegates?Voting delegates are comprised of all active pastors, male teachers, and one lay delegate from each member congregation in the district. Prior to the convention, each congregation selects two men who may serve as delegates - the first delegate and an alternate delegate. In the event the first delegate is unable to attend the convention, the alternate delegate will be sent as the congregation's representative.
Convention DecorumDuring the general sessions, casual dress is the order of the day. Neck ties are not necessary. Mid June daytime temperatures in Arizona can be very warm for those of us who live here and very hot for those who don't. Cell phones are a blessing and a bane. We request that all cell phones be turned off or set to "silent" mode during the general session. Questions with reference to convention operations should be addressed to a member of the District Secretary's Committee and not the Resort personnel. Questions pertaining to hotel accommodations should be addressed to the hotel front desk.
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