North Wisconsin elects new president

Delegates to the 50th convention of the North Wisconsin District, June 11-13 in Appleton, Wis., elected a new president — Rev. Joel Hoelter of Eau Claire, Wis.

Hoelter, 52, was elected on the fourth ballot to his first term.  He has served as pastor of Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, Eau Claire, for 12 years.

Hoelter succeeds Dr. Arleigh Lutz, who is retiring after serving 21 years as the district’s president.  The convention adopted a resolution thanking Lutz for his service and naming him “president emeritus.”

Also elected were:

  • Rev. Paul Weber of Marquette, Wis., first vice president.
  • Rev. William Plautz, Chippewa Falls, Wis., second vice president.
  • Rev. Timothy Wenger, Wisconsin Rapids, Wis., third vice president.

Installation of the new president and elected officers is scheduled for July 16 at Mount Olive Lutheran Church in Weston, Wis.

The convention recognized the 60th anniversary of the district’s Camp Luther, and encouraged congregations to offer prayers of thanksgiving for the camp and to support its continued operation through special gifts and participation in camp programs such as “Friends of Camp” and “Every Kid to Camp.”

Delegates also voted to:

  • ask the 2007 LCMS national convention to encourage the LCMS Board of Directors to increase the Synod’s annual subsidy to its two seminaries.
  • establish a second district pastors conference each year for the purpose of theological discussion.
  • ask the 2007 LCMS national convention to commission a survey of Concordia University System schools to determine how they teach creationism and evolution.

Posted June 14, 2006

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