• • • A special offering will be received during the convention opening worship service. Each congregation is invited to participate in contributing to the convention offering.

• • • Convention Offering Recipient: LCMS Black Ministry

• • • Here is the resolution passed by the Southern District Board of Directors on August 30, 2024, designating LCMS Black Ministry as the offering recipient:

WHEREAS, in 2027, LCMS Black Ministry will celebrate its 150th anniversary; and

WHEREAS, the Black Clergy Caucus has adopted five areas – Recruitment, Revitalization, Ownership, Communication, and Ministry Focus – on which to base strategies for the future of Black Ministry; and

WHEREAS, the Black Clergy Caucus has established a capital campaign in thanksgiving to God for His historical and future blessings in the work of LCMS Black Ministry; and

WHEREAS, the Southern District supports Black Ministry at large, as well as the dear brothers and sisters who hold this as their personal contextual vocation; therefore, be it

Resolved, That the Southern District Board of Directors designate 100% of the 77th Convention Offering in thanksgiving for 150 years of LCMS Black Ministry; and be it further

Resolved, That these gifts be covered in prayers for the Gospel seeds that will be sown through them in the areas of Recruitment, Revitalization, Ownership, Communication, and Ministry Focus, as LCMS Black Ministry looks with hope and joy to the next 150 years.