SOUTHWESTERN TEXAS ANNUAL ASSEMBLY
Beitel Memorial Lutheran – San Antonio
FEBRUARY 19, 2005
Business Meeting
Opening Prayer: Assistant to the Bishop – Lynn Schudy Ziese
Welcome: President Karl Vermace welcomed everyone and introduced Dr. Charles Oestreich (Vice-President of
church wide LMM), Lynn Schudy Ziese (Assistant to the Bishop) and Leona Steffen (board member of WELCA), each
of who brought their own greetings to the assembly.
Minutes: Minutes from the February 21, 2004 annual assembly were approved as presented.
Treasurer’s Report: Frank Pennington reported $376.00 received from the assembly’s morning worship offering.
These monies were designated for AGAPE MINISTRY, INC in San Antonio. Frank also reported a current balance of
$608.78 in the treasurer’s account as of January 31, 2005. Charlie Schwartz challenged the attendees to get each of their
respective congregations to give a minimum of $50.00 to support MIM. In plain English he said, “Get off your duffs!”
Treasurer’s report approved by motion.
Old Business:
Endowment Report: Al Sunday reported a balance of $2,672.32 earning interest at 2.9%. The funds are invested in
the ELCA Mission Investment Fund.
Annual Project: Frank Penninton reported that $4,656.00 in individual donations had been received thus far towards our
$10,000 goal for the building project at Camp Chrysalis. An additional $2,492.00 was received from Thrivent matching
funds. He also indicated an additional $200.00 was received at today’s assembly.
Display Board: President Vermace reported on the donation of the display board and that it is being well used.
SWING PROJECT: The 2004 goal was to provide all nursing homes/care centers in San Antonio with a swing built by
LMM of the SWTS. Approx. 13 swings were built and will be delivered. This is to be an on-going effort.
NEW BUSINESS:
New Constitution: President Vermace introduced the revised constitution to the assembly for their consideration and
adoption. Leroy DeHaven moved to accept the new constitution. Motion received a second. Motion was approved.
Need to add date of approval by the synod under heading of the constitution.
Election of Officers: Nominations for president were Karl Vermace. Nominations for secretary were Dennis Hickey.
Both were elected by acclamation for a two-year term.
2005 MIM Church-wide Assembly: Dr. Charles Oestreich reported on the church-wide LMM. He stated that
LMM is moving to self-incorporation. They will still be connected to the ELCA but will not be sustained from any funds
from the ELCA budget. We will become a giver instead of receiver. That will present challenges for the organization.
The church-wide LMM assembly will be Charleston, South Carolina on July 22 and 23, 2005. The gathering will follow
on the 24th and 25th.
Dr. Oestreich emphasized three goals for church-wide MIM. 1) Production and distribution of the Master Builder Bible
for Men; 2) Spanish New Testament is a priority; and 3) Fostering gatherings/meetings of men to enable sharing of God’s
word with one another.
LMM Challenge: Dr. Oestreich presented information concerning the $1.5 million challenge. A corporate pledge of
$500,000 has already been received with a challenge for LMM across the nation to join together to get men involved in
ministry. Need to share with others ways to get people involved in giving. Needed especially at this point – people to
believe in this men’s ministry.
Synod Board Retreat: Board members of LMM of the SWTS will have a retreat at Camp Ebert on April 8 – 10th.
Conference Representative Synod Liaison: Gus Gustafson welcomed the opportunity to go to talk to men’s groups
within the synod.
Cross Trails Capital Campaign: Al Sunday reported on efforts to raise $1.5 million for construction of three new
cabins at Camp Chrysalis and one new cabin at Camp Ebert. 2004 Synod assembly approved support for this campaign.
Al Sunday and President Vermace are on the camping board.
Recognition Of Out Going Board Members: Mark Lehmberg and Leroy DeHaven were awarded certificates of
appreciation for their past service.
Recognition of New Members: Donald Gerheart is the new San Antonio Conference Representative; Anton
Machacek is the new Victoria Conference Representative; Willie Spreen is the new Costal Bend Conference
Representative; and Charlie Eckert is now the Pastoral Advisor.
LUTHERAN MEN IN MISSION “MAN OF THE YEAR” AWARD: Charlie Schwartz presented this award to
long time servant Hans Hanneman of Fredericksburg. An honorarium in the amount of $2,185 was given to church-wide
LMM on Hans behalf.
Comments: The business of the assembly was preceded by worship service in the sanctuary of Beitel Memorial. After the
worship service, Clifton Jansky, 2004 Christian Country Music 2004 Entertainer of the Year, provided an inspirational and
a testimonial through his music. LMM synod officers, Charlie Schwartz and Pastor Elliot Pancoast, conducted several
excellent workshops. Way to go and thanks to the men at Beitel for their hard work and hospitality.
ADJOURNMENT: The Lord’s Prayer
/s/________________________________________ /s/___________________________________
President Date Secretary Date