Official Workbook PDF page source text

LCMS 2026 Convention Workbook: Reports and Overtures, PDF page 327

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 
W
HEREAS, 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 
W
HEREAS, 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