Theme and logo selected for 2013 national LCMS convention
ST. LOUIS, August 10, 2012—The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS) has selected the theme and logo for the 65th Regular Convention, set for July 20-25, 2013, at America's Center Convention Complex in St. Louis, Mo.
The theme, “Baptized for this moment,” is based on Acts 2:38-39 ESV: “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is for you and for your children, and for all who are far off, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to Himself.”
The logo artwork was created by Ed Luhmann, a retired artist from Concordia Publishing House who has created numerous artwork pieces for the LCMS.
The logo features the word “Baptized” in large type with a burgundy dove hovering over a pool of blue rippling water.
The 2013 Synod convention logo captures the movement out from our Baptism. By water and the Word, the Spirit of God unites us with Christ and moves us to confess His name, so that His Good News continues to ripple outward into all the world. Until Christ returns, we live by His promises and go forward as His body in the happy confidence we are “Baptized for this moment.”
The LCMS national convention serves as the principal legislative assembly for the church body and includes opportunities for worship, inspiration and fellowship. LCMS conventions are held every three years.
The theme was selected because the time in which we are living is often filled with challenges and opportunities.
“Those who heard Peter's proclamation were baptized in that moment, trusting the promise of the forgiveness of sins and the gift of the Holy Spirit,” said Rev. Dr. Herbert C. Mueller, first vice-president of the LCMS. “You and I are baptized for this moment, at this time, holding onto the same promises. That's how God works. He enters our story, just as He came into our human flesh to die and to rise for us.
“We face increasing secularism, materialism, spiritual pluralism, apathy, even hostility toward a Christian message calling all people everywhere to repent (Acts 17:30ff). But despite opposition, this is a great moment for Lutheranism, a moment filled with worldwide opportunities for the Gospel.”
LCMS congregations are encouraged to embrace the convention theme, learn more about it and consider using it for discussions with members or in Bible studies in the coming year. The convention theme also will be studied by LCMS schools starting in 2013 through Chapel Talks and during National Lutheran Schools Week.
To see the logo and learn more about the LCMS convention, visit www.lcms.org/convention. To follow convention news via social media, visit www.facebook.com/LCMSConvention and www.twitter.com/LCMSConvention.
About The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod
The 2.3 million-member Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod is a mission-oriented, Bible-based, confessional Christian denomination headquartered in St. Louis. Through acts of witness and mercy, the church carries out its mission worldwide to make known the love of Jesus Christ. Learn more at www.lcms.org.
—30—