Schedule and Activities
LCMS National Convention • July 29–Aug. 3, 2023 • Milwaukee
Watch welcome video on Vimeo
Today’s Business and Schedule
Today’s Business will facilitate the agenda of the 68th Regular Convention of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, which is being held July 29–Aug. 3 in Milwaukee.
Issue 1 includes proposed resolutions, and Issue 2A has letters of introduction from leaders of ministries, partners, and partner churches of the LCMS.
Beginning on Sunday, July 30, the five remaining issues of Today’s Business will be published and distributed to all delegates and representatives each morning of the convention.
Each day’s issue will contain the schedule for the day, substitute or revised resolutions, wording for proposed amendments, and other official announcements and information. A limited number of additional copies of daily editions will be available for visitors attending the convention.
Read issues
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Tentative Schedule
The tentative convention schedule has been released for the 68th Regular Convention of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, which will be held July 29–Aug. 3 in Milwaukee.
The schedule is considered tentative because the President shall “at the first session and during the course of succeeding sessions of the convention, announce the order of business for the day and following days” (Bylaw 3.1.9[i][2]).
Convention delegates approved the schedule on Sunday, July 30.
Tentative Schedule (Color) Tentative Schedule (Black-and-White)
Guests and visitors
The 68th Regular Convention of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod on July 29–Aug. 3 in Milwaukee, is open to the public. Guests do not need to register.
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All guests are invited to sit in the observation area at the back of the convention hall. Large video screens will be available to monitor convention activities.
Guests are welcome to attend the opening worship and many evening events, and they may visit exhibitors in the exhibit hall.
Convention guests are permitted to use electronic devices unobtrusively for internet use and text messaging, but cell phones (or other voice technology) are not allowed to be used in the convention hall (Hall AB). See the Special Standing Rules as printed in the first issue of Today’s Business, which will be presented/adopted on Sunday, July 30.
Find information about activities, attractions, dining, shopping and events at visitmilwaukee.org.
Find information about discounts and deals offered through the Cream City Convention Pass at visitmilwaukee.org/conventionpass.
Contact the LCMS South Wisconsin District office at 414-464-8100 to inquire about volunteer opportunities.
Floor Committee open hearings — Saturday morning, July 29
Each floor committee will hold hearings open to the public on the morning of Saturday, July 29 at the Baird Center.
During the open hearings, each floor committee will be available to receive comments, questions and suggestions from attendees regarding resolutions as they appear in the first issue of Today’s Business or overtures in the Convention Workbook. Anyone is welcome to attend.
All open hearings will be held on the first floor of the Baird Center.
1. National Witness — 8:30–10:00 a.m.; 101 D
2. International Witness — 8:30–10:00 a.m.; 102 A
3. Mercy —10:30 a.m.–Noon; 101 D
4. Life Together — 10:30 a.m.–Noon; 102 A
5. Theology and Church Relations — 8:30 a.m.–Noon; 102 B
6. Pastoral Ministry and Seminaries — 8:30 a.m.–Noon; 101 C
7. University Education — 8:30 a.m.–Noon; 102 C
8. Finance — 8:30–10:00 a.m.; 102 E
9. Structure and Administration — 8:30 a.m.–Noon; 102 D
10. Ecclesiastical Supervision and Dispute Resolution — 10:30 a.m.–Noon; 102 E
11. Church and Culture — 8:30–10:00 a.m.; 103 C
12. Schools, Family, Young Adults, and Youth — 10:30 a.m.–Noon; 103 C
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Delegate Orientation — Saturday afternoon, July 29
Voting and advisory delegates and advisory representatives should plan to attend Delegate Orientation on Saturday afternoon, from 1:30–3:00 p.m., at the Baird Center (Halls AB, 3rd floor). This orientation will review parliamentarian procedures, the proposed Standing Rules, how to use the voting and microphone queue devices, and more.
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Delegate dinner — Saturday, July 29
The Delegate Dinner is scheduled for 5:00–7:00 p.m. on Saturday, July 29 in the Baird Center Grand Ballroom. All voting and advisory delegates should plan to attend this dinner. Other Synod representatives who should also plan to attend are:
- Commission on Constitutional Matters
- Commission on Doctrinal Review
- Commission on Theology and Church Relations
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Opening worship service — Saturday evening, July 29
The opening Divine Service with Holy Communion for the 2023 LCMS Convention was held beginning at 7:30 p.m. Saturday at the Baird Center.
Watch service
Download bulletin
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Exhibit Hall — July 29–Aug. 1
The LCMS Convention Exhibitor Hall, located on the 3rd Floor of the Baird Center in Milwaukee, will be open to the public from Saturday, July 29, to Tuesday, Aug. 1.
Exhibitors include ministries and partners of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, Concordia universities and seminaries, LCMS Recognized Service Organizations, and other guests.
Schedule
- Saturday, July 29 — 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- Sunday, July 30 — 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
- Monday, July 31 — 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Tuesday, Aug. 1 — 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Concordia Publishing House bookstore
The Exhibit Hall will feature Concordia Publishing House’s 3,600-square-foot store.
A large selection of CPH resources will be available to view and purchase. Items include devotions, Bible studies, adult spirituality books, hymnals, music, worship resources, congregational resources, church history books, commentaries, and books for children. Resources for Sunday school, Vacation Bible School, day school curriculum, and confirmation will also be available.
Receive 20% off most resources at the event.
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Daily worship services — July 30–Aug. 3
Worship services will be held each day during the 2023 LCMS convention at the Baird Center in downtown Milwaukee. Pastors from around the LCMS will preach during the services.
Worship service schedule
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Essays — July 30–Aug. 2
Four essayists are scheduled to address 2023 LCMS Convention attendees on July 30, July 31, Aug. 1, and Aug. 2 at the Baird Center in downtown Milwaukee.
The essayists are:
- Rev. Dr. Thomas J. Egger, president of Concordia Seminary, St. Louis;
- Rev. Dr. Abjar Bahkou, associate professor at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis;
- Dr. Russell P. Dawn, president of Concordia University Chicago; and
- Rev. Dr. Juhana Pohjola, bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Mission Diocese of Finland.
Essay schedule
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Catechetical presentations — July 30–Aug. 2
Four catechetical presentations will be given during the 2023 LCMS Convention on July 30, July 31, Aug. 1, and Aug. 2 at the Baird Center in downtown Milwaukee.
The catechists are:
- Rev. Peter Bender, pastor of Peace Lutheran Church in Sussex, Wis; and
- Rev. Dr. Jacob Corzine, vice president for publication at Concordia Publishing House.
Catechetical presentation schedule
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Morning walks — July 30-Aug. 1
Join Concordia Plans and other 2023 LCMS Convention attendees for walks from 6:15 to 6:45 a.m. on Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday, weather permitting.
No pre-registration is necessary; simply meet by 6:10 a.m. at the main entrance patio of the Baird Center (corner of Vel R. Phillips Ave. and Wisconsin Ave.). Each morning you walk, you will be entered into a drawing to receive a $50 gift card, compliments of Concordia Plans.
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Lunch-and-learns with Concordia Plans — July 30-Aug. 1
Join Concordia Plan Services (CPS) for free lunch-and-learns during the midday break on Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday during the 2023 LCMS Convention.
During the complimentary lunch, Concordia Plans will provide information about benefits, financial wellness, and other topics.
Space is limited, and tickets are required. Sign up at the Concordia Plans booth in the exhibit hall to receive your ticket.
Lunch-and-learn schedule
- Sunday — “Financial wellness for all ages” – Led by Paul Endorf, CPS
- Sunday — “Introducing healthcare navigation coming January 1, 2024” – Led by Brian Wenner, Quantum Health
- Monday — “Estate planning basics” – Led by Laura Scheer, CPS
- Monday — “Being well, serving well: a multi-faceted approach” – Led by Kelly Menke, CPS
- Tuesday — “Supporting ministry lay leaders” – Led by Dave Kuschel, CPS
- Tuesday — “Finding the ‘Easy Button’ for administrative needs” – Led by Beth Jones, CPS
Free financial one-on-ones with CPS
During the LCMS Convention, attendees can also schedule an appointment with a Concordia Plan Services financial educator to discuss personal finance topics, ask questions, and learn more about CPS benefits.
Appointments are available Saturday through Tuesday. To sign up for a 30-minute session, visit the Concordia Plans booth in the exhibit hall at the Baird Center in Milwaukee.
If you are not able to attend the convention, LCMS church workers may email moneymatters@concordiaplans.org to meet at another time.
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LCEF Ice Cream Social — Sunday evening, July 30
Lutheran Church Extension Fund (LCEF) with host an Ice Cream Social on Sunday evening, July 30, in the Baird Center Grand Ballroom, which is located on the 1st Floor.
LCEF invites convention attendees and guests to enjoy a treat, connect with old friends, and make new friends at the LCEF ice cream social. Plus, attendees will receive a complimentary ice cream bowl to take home.
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Music at Historic Trinity Lutheran Church — Sunday evening, July 30
Just Bach, a Madison-based ensemble, will perform at Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church at 7 p.m. Sunday, July 30.
Historic Trinity is located at 1046 N. 9th St. in downtown Milwaukee.
Admission is free, although a $15 donation is suggested.
Learn more
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LCEF luncheon with author Timothy Goeglein and Concordia University presidents — July 31
Join Lutheran Church Extension Fund (LCEF) and author Timothy S. Goeglein for a free luncheon from noon to 1:30 p.m. on Monday, July 31, at the Baird Center in downtown Milwaukee during the LCMS 2023 Convention.
The luncheon will be limited to 150 attendees, and each attendee will receive a free signed copy of Goeglein’s new book, Toward a More Perfect Union: The Moral and Cultural Case for Teaching the Great American Story.
Learn more and register
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