Official Workbook PDF page source text

2026 Convention Workbook 105

OFFICER, BOARD, AND COMMISSION REPORTS

people reside in this district that is composed of the vast rural areas in its northern and eastern regions; the sprawling suburban areas throughout its northern, central, and eastern regions; and the bustling metropolitan areas of Albany (in its northern region) and the city of New York (in its central region). The district has an unparalleled cultural diversity and population density, replete with exciting mission opportunities. The Atlantic District’ s congregations, workers, and agencies share God’ s grace in Christ Jesus by nurturing Christians and reaching out to others (district mission statement)

as it is Making Disciples for Life (Synod mission emphasis) by Engaging the World with the Gospel of Hope (district mission emphasis). Communication, education, and celebration have been “resurrection hallmarks” for this triennium as the saints are abounding in hope that is encapsulated in the refrain “Christ is risen, indeed.” A. Communication Communicating the confessional commitment of children of the Augustana continues in earnest through the district memoran - dum, through which Scripture, Confessions, a theological medita - tion, and Synod, district, and other announcements are shared. This underscores the confessional commitment of children of the Augustana who affirm Making Disciples for Life (district convention resolution [R]4-02) and the Synod’s mission priorities (2019 Res.

4-03). “Christ is risen, indeed!” resounds as visitation, support, and

resourcing continues for congregations, workers, and agencies.

The Atlantic District Lutheran Women’s Missionary League (LWML) continued to be active and growing during this triennium, communicating Atrévete en Cristo, “Dare in Christ,” as new local groups were started in the district during this triennium. Simulta - neously communicating mission goals and district goals has underscored a delightful relationship with this auxiliary. LWML Atlantic District women have been advocates for Engaging the World with the Gospel of Hope as they have been reassessing, reimagining, and re-engaging people in neighborhoods and communities while supporting professional church workers in their vocations. Their cards and gifts for pastors have been welcomed reminders of how they join Saint Mary of Magdala in exclaiming, “Christ is risen, indeed.” B. Education The annual Festival of Workshops has attracted hundreds of laypeople, commissioned servants, and pastors with the themes Making Disciples for Life and In This Hope, We Were Saved. Learning opportunities range from scriptural and doctrinal studies, prayer and worship, mercy and witness, parish governance, and much more (R1-01A, R1-02A, R1-03A, R1-05A, R1-08A, R3-01, R3-

02A, R3-03A, R3-04A, R5-11, R5-15, R6-03A, R12-05A, R12-

06). At the scenic campus of SUNY Maritime, people of the district enjoy reconnecting and encouraging one another during this anticipated and appreciated annual educational tradition.

An emphasis on the care of the wives of pastors (R6-09) has continued the paschal proclamation as retreats and other gathering opportunities foster community. Circuit gatherings and convoca - tions also have provided avenues for wives to connect and encourage one another in the mission field. Pastors’ conferences grounded in the resurrection proclamation “Christ is risen” facilitated discussions about worship and evangelism in global contexts (R2-02A,

R2-05, R2-07A, R4-04). Circuit winkels continue to provide opportunities for robust theological discussion and mutual encouragement (R6-07A).

The schools of the Atlantic District have received significant set, good both for the culture and the mission of the Church.

 Challenge: Continuing to grow and streamline the delivery process of the Champions Network educational process and to ensure its applica - tion to the many needs of our congregations and schools.

 Challenge: Adding a more definitive legal dimension to the resources that we provide with a church’s partnership with us as a Champion Church. Presently, we defer to organizations such as ADF, First Liberty, Liberty Counsel, and the Becket Fund.

Goals for 2026 and Beyond 1. Membership expansion of web resource, radio program/ podcasts, vlogs, and cadre of 2KG writers in service to the Church.

2.

In D.C., encourage Lutherans on the Hill; expand 2KG Roundtables, and increase personal connections to representatives and thought leaders on the Hill who align with our LCRL values.

3.

Expand Card Initiative, Champions Advocate Email, and personal advocacy.

4. Become the go-to public resource on the Hill for two-kingdom perspectives on the issues of the day; assemble an LCMS two-kingdom collection that reflects successful voices like The Federalist, Daily Wire, etc.

5.

Develop a maturing Champions for Liberty Network in service to the LCMS, acknowledged and supported by the various districts of the LCMS

—20 new congregations.

o The educational aspects of the network have been totally digitalized under the leadership of Rev. Mark Frith, who is also tasked to grow the network systematically through events around the country. Champi - ons for Liberty events around the country train the laity for two-kingdom cultural engagement concerning liberty, life, marriage, and education, all in service to the Church’s mission.

o The LCRL is also expanding our LCRLFreedom.org web resource, utilizing social media more effectively.

6. LCRL

staff-led development growth of financial partners (25 core donors, 10,000+ active regular donors).

7. While God continues to bless us with the support that we need, more effectively meeting the growing opportunities and challenges will require growing staff and support. In order to do the latter, the LCRL is now partnering with Meyer Partners to unlock the potential of our churches and people toward the efforts that the LCRL is making on behalf of us all.

Gregory P. Seltz, Executive Director

R21

Atlantic District The Atlantic District’s geographical area encompasses the eastern half of the “Empire State,” New York. Over 20 million