Official Workbook PDF page source text

2026 Convention Workbook

292 NATIONAL WITNESS

WHEREAS, The S mall Catechism (SC) is fundamental for teaching the basic doctrines found in the Scriptures to persons desiring to understand God’s truth concerning the Ten Commandments, the Creed, the Lord’s Prayer, the Sacrament of Holy Baptism, Confession, and the Sacrament of the Altar , including instructions for individuals ( SC Table of Duties) and various prayers; and

WHEREAS, The Small Catechism is a magnificent teaching tool for the head of household to use for the devotional life of the family and teaching foundational biblical truths by using the questions and answers within each chief part, the Table of Duties, basic questions and answers for the family, and daily prayers; therefore be it

Resolved, That the Synod in convention encourage congregations and various entities within the Synod to recognize and celebrate the treasure for the sake of the church that is Martin Luther’s Small Catechism; and be it further

Resolved, That the Synod include in its regular convention theme for 2029 the celebration of the 500th anniversary of the Small Catechism; and be it further

Resolved, That Synod in convention encourage pastors, congregations, and schools to continue to use the Small Catechism to teach the Christian faith to their members and those considering membership, and encourage members to use the Small Catechism at home for family devotions; and be it finally

Resolved, That the Synod promote the 500th anniversary of the Small Catechism by publicizing this important event in the history of the Lutheran church and to produce materials that will encourage and equip heads of households to teach the Small Catechism within the home.

Missouri District

Ov. 1-30

To Proclaim 2029 500th Anniversary Year of the Catechism

WHEREAS, 2029 marks the 500th anniversary of the Small and Large Catechisms of Martin Luther; and

WHEREAS, The renewal of catechesis ushered in by Luther’s catechisms is arguably the greatest contribution to catechesis since the time of the apostles; and

WHEREAS, The catechisms capture “the pattern of sound words … in Christ Jesus” (2 Tim. 1:13), which is essential for evangelism, mission work, teaching the faith, and the health and growth of the Church; and

WHEREAS, The doctrine and life of the congregations and schools of the Synod are to conform to the Holy Scriptures and the Lutheran Confessions of which the catechisms play a central role; therefore be it

Resolved, That the Synod in convention proclaim 2029 the 500th Anniversary Year of the Catechism; and be it further

Resolved, That the Synod in convention encourage every entity of the Synod to prepare resources, activities, conferences, symposia, continuing education opportunities, educational materials, worship resources, and catechetical materials to equip our congregations, schools, pastors and church workers to “Tell the Next Generation” of the treasure we have in the catechisms for evangelism, discipleship, teaching the faith, the life of prayer, Christian vocation, mercy work, and confessing Christ to the world; and be it further

Resolved, That the Synod in convention direct the Office of National Mission to work with each district of the Synod to coordinate a program of study and celebration for our congregations and schools to commemorate the 500th Anniversary Year of the Catechism; and be it further

Resolved, That the Synod in convention encourage each university of the Concordia University System and each seminary of the Synod to engage in an intentional program of study and celebration to commemorate the 500th Anniversary Year of the Catechism; and be it further

Resolved, That preaching, teaching, and worship celebrations of the 500th Anniversary of the Catechism be encouraged throughout the Synod in the year 2029; and be it finally

Resolved, That the Synod in convention give thanks to our gracious Lord for the gift of Luther’s Small and Large Catechisms, and rise to the singing of hymn, “Lord, Help Us Ever to Retain” (LSB 865):

Lord, help us ever to retain The Catechism’s doctrine plain As Luther taught the Word of truth In simple style to tender youth.

Help us Your holy Law to learn, To mourn our sin and from it turn In faith to You and to Your Son And Holy Spirit, Three in One.

Hear us, dear Father, when we pray For needed help from day to day That as Your children we may live, Whom You baptized and so received.

Lord, when we fall or go astray, Absolve and lift us up, we pray;

And through the Sacrament increase Our faith till we depart in peace.

Board for National Mission

Ov. 1-31

To Give Thanks for and Offer Renewed Commitment to Work of Atlantic District

WHEREAS, In order to minister the Gospel of Jesus Christ and carry out faithful mission work in the northeastern region of the United States (U.S.) on behalf of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, the Atlantic District was founded in 1906; and

WHEREAS, The district’s mission and ministry has placed it at the cultural, geographical, and societal margins of the U nited States;

and

WHEREAS, The Lord Jesus’ own life and ministry placed Him at the cultural, geographical, and societal margins of the Roman Empire; and

WHEREAS, The district’s cultural and geographical location, its history of affirming the Office of the Holy Ministry, and its history of boldly and creatively affirming the evangelical, catholic, and reforming emphases of the Lutheran Confessions position it to offer great gifts to the Synod and the entire church in the crucial work of witnessing to Christ at the margins; therefore be it