Registration Report - As of 8:37 AM

• Pastoral Delegates - 130
• Lay Delegates - 131
• Advisory Ordained Delegates - 29
• Advisory Commissioned Delegates - 16*
• Guests - 83

Registration Report - As of 1:47 PM

• Pastoral Delegates - 131
• Lay Delegates - 131
• Advisory Ordained Delegates - 30
• Advisory Commissioned Delegates - 16*
• Guests - 88

Installation of the District President

LCMS President Matthew Harrison presided over the installation of President Mike Gibson for a third term as President of the Pacific Southwest District. Rev. Mike Lange and Rev. Mike Von Behren (CNH & NOW District Presidents, respectively) were present to pray Scripture and a blessing over President Gibson.

Synod President Report

Through a study of the Augsburg Confession, this week being its 495th anniversary, LCMS President Matthew Harrison emphasized the certainty of our righteousness in Christ. He highlighted the call to reach all ethnicities, the power and effectiveness of God's Word through all who proclaim it (including the laity), and the importance of family health to the church's well-being. He urged forgiveness and unity in the church, noting that unity doesn't require uniformity in practice. Regarding Close/Closed/Close(d) Communion, he stressed understanding the elements and their purpose—Christ’s body and blood for the forgiveness of sins—and trusting pastors' discretion. He affirmed freedom in musical style while reminding us that liturgy helps foster familiarity. Finally, President Harrison thanked the Pacific Southwest District (PSD) for its zeal in proclaiming the Gospel in a challenging region.

We were pleased to welcome Rev. Omar Garza, newly elected President of the Lutheran Synod in Mexico and Rev. Job Jimenez, Secretary of the Lutheran Synod in Mexico. Rev. Garza brought greetings and celebrations of the work God is is doing to grow the church and its leaders in Mexico and along the Border

With great energy and excitement, Rev. Jonathan Priest of the Mission Training Center led the convention through a discussion of the "Three Ps" and then showcased the resources the Mission Training Center can provide for the encouragement, growth, and strengthening of lay persons in their service and vocations.

Following the directives of Resolution 22.3.2, Rev. Joe Beran, outgoing Region 1 Vice President, led the convention in a study and discussion on racism and how we better serve our neighbor in our local contexts. The engaging study questions and videos will be available following the convention for local congregation use.

Concordia University Irvine Report - from President Michael Thomas

We are your University! President Thomas reported that church work programs at CUI are thriving, with a record incoming class this fall and with the largest DCE program in the Concordia University System! Every church work student receives up to $34,000 in scholarships, thanks to the generosity of donors. President Thomas also celebrated the decades-long partnership with Concordia St. Louis in the efforts of pastoral formation.

In the healthcare and technology hub of Irvine, CUI's Spectrum campus is expanding programs in nursing, engineering, computer science, and launching new programs in the fields cybersecurity, AI, biomedical sciences, and robotics, all while firmly rooted in CUI's strong Lutheran Identity.

Vision 2025 is becoming reality. CUI is undergoing a $50 million transformation of its spiritual and physical heart. Projects include:

• Expansion of the CU Center for Worship & Performing Arts
• The new Golden Eagles Athletics Complex
• A state-of-the-art weight room and fitness center
• Renovation of the Nelson Amphitheater

Thanks be to God, $47.5 million has already been raised, and in 15-months CUI will cut the ribbon debt free!

CUI remains committed to relevant, affordable education. President Thomas celebrated that the university received the highest accreditations for academic excellence and highest commendations for Lutheran identity from the Concordia University System.

President Thomas reported that as of July 1, Concordia University Irvine will be the founding educational partner of OC Vibe, a dynamic 100-acre development in Anaheim. As partners with the Anaheim Ducks, the CUI logo will appear on-screen during home and away games. This partnership opens doors for internships, capstone projects, onsite classes, and introduces CUI’s faith-centered education to countless families.

SAVE THE DATE: October 2026 | Celebrating 50 years of Concordia University Irvine!

Rev. Jim Henkell, PSD Ministry Executive, challenged the convention to change the question from "Why" is this happening to "What," is God doing, as we look at the work God is doing in our respective seasons of ministry. Rev. Henkell encouraged the convention with the reminder that the District is here to walk alongside our churches, schools and other ministries in determining the right questions to ask to fulfill the mission of seeking the lost with the Gospel.

Mrs. Rachel Klitzing, PSD Education Executive and Mrs. Eun Chu Kim, PSD Superintendent of School Innovation shared the stage with Mrs. Annie Anderson, DCE, Preschool Director; Mr. Deryll Maxwell, Principal; and Dr. Eugene Kim, Professor, who shared the way they are seeing God at Work mightily and uniquely in their Lutheran Schools. Mrs. Anderson spoke on the incredible impact a preschool can have in the reaching of parents in your community. Mr. Maxwell reminded us that God is at work in the midst of it all. Dr. Kim excitedly shared the changing face of education and the opportunities presented by the rise of AI, is opening the door for more time and ability to student relationships and conversations of faith in schools.

Additionally, we celebrated Mrs. Rachel Klitzing and her 42 years of service in the Pacific Southwest District as she anticipates her retirement this coming July. Mrs. Klitzing has served in the district office for 34 years.

25.01.01 To Celebrate and Encourage Lay Service approved with 91% of vote following discussion. Line 41 had a single word change which was also approved.

25.01.02 To Celebrate and Encourage the Variety of Routes to Pastoral Formation in the LCMS approved with 86% of vote

25.01.03 To Encourage Equal Outcomes in Routes to Pastoral Formation in the LCMS approved with 78% of vote

25.02.01 To Support and Clarify the Prior Approval Process approved with 89% of the vote following discussion. A substitute motion was brought forward and did not receive the 2/3 majority needed to pass. A amendment was requested and discussed and the amendment was declined. The resolution was passed as published.

25.02.02 To Define and Affirm Lutheran Identity approved with 77% of vote following brief discussion.

25.02.03 To Clarify Resolution 22.2.3 "To Strengthen the Nonvoting Advisory Delegate Participation at (District) Conventions" approved with 73% of vote.

25.01.04 To Encourage Ministry Sabbaticals for Church Workers and Ministries passed with 91% following brief discussion.

There are no new resources for tomorrow. Resolutions as amended/changed since yesterday's Workbook Supplement #2 will be published in the official convention proceedings and distributed publically after the convention.