Convention formally recognizes, gives thanks for retiring Secretary Hartwig

The Rev. Dr. Raymond L. Hartwig hears the convention’s recognition July 14 for his 18 years of faithful service as secretary of the Synod. (LCMS/Michael Schuermann)

By Sarah Reinsel

MILWAUKEE (July 14, 2016) — The Rev. Dr. Raymond L. Hartwig, who has served as the secretary of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod for the past 18 years, was formally recognized on Thursday by the 2016 Synod convention with a surprise resolution brought to the floor by Revs. Brian Noack, Ryan Wendt and Philip Zielinski on behalf of the LCMS.

“Whereas, the work of the secretary is tedious and often thankless and yet so very necessary for the smooth operation of our Synod,” Zielinksi read to the convention. “Therefore, be it resolved that the Synod in convention rise in thanksgiving for Dr. Hartwig and his faithful service to Christ in The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod.”

The assembly proceeded to give Hartwig a long standing ovation, followed by comments from Hartwig.

“As a good secretary, I’m always prepared,” Hartwig quipped. “Much of this recognition, of course, belongs to the people I have been working with for the past 18 years. … They have done most of the work, by far.”

Hartwig also thanked his wife of 49 years, Tamara, saying that she “has been able to adjust fittingly to everything my life has asked of her, as a pastor’s wife for 17 years, a district president’s wife for 10 years, and now a Synod secretary’s wife for 18 years. No small task. I thank God for her daily.”

The recognition closed with a prayer of thanksgiving and a blessing upon his retirement. The prayer gave thanks “above all for the gentle ways he has carried out his duties as secretary with the heart and mind as a true shepherd of your flock.”

The 66th Regular LCMS Convention is meeting July 9-14 at the Wisconsin Center convention complex under the theme “Upon This Rock.” Among convention participants are some 1,125 clergy and lay voting delegates.

Sarah Reinsel is a senior at Hillsdale College and an intern for the LCMS convention newsroom.

Posted July 14, 2016