Before the first gavel sounded, the convention gathered collectively in worship and in prayer. On Saturday, the Convention Opening Worship Celebration with Holy Communion commenced at 4:00 p.m. This time of divine service was an occasion to receive and celebrate the gifts of God in Word and Sacrament. We gave thanks for His power and grace at work in the mission of the church. The worship service was hosted by Trinity Lutheran Church of Houston, Texas. The voices of a mass choir of 300 Houston area residents added to those of the convention delegates and worship participants to fill the hall with songs of glory and honor and praise to Christ. Instruments of organ and brass and string resonated across the room with heavenly ascents. The president of the synod brought a word of proclamation echoing the theme of the convention: One Message Christ!

(View and Print Opening Worship Folder, 2mb)      (Sermon Text)

On Sunday morning at 8:00 a.m., the convention delegates gathered for a time of prayer just prior to the convening of the orders of the day. The order of service for this setting was adapted from the Service of Prayer and Preaching for the Lutheran Service Book. This special and dedicated time of prayer engaged all in attendance to pray for God’s presence, power and guidance for the church and these convention proceedings. In the hearing of His Word and invoking of His name, it is the sincere desire that the Holy Spirit will watch over this gathering and lead all decisions for the glory of God in Christ Jesus.

Prior to the beginning of the convention, copies of the order of service for each the Saturday and Sunday services noted above were made available for download from this convention website for those at home who wanted to participate via the live Web Casts of these services.

The worship focus continued daily as devotions are conducted at the beginning of every morning and afternoon session of the convention. The devotion leaders for the 2007 convention are executives of the synod, comprised primarily of the executive directors of the boards and commissions of the Synod. Each of these worship settings included corporate singing and devotional messages. These times of devotion help the convention focus on the One who is at the center of all proceedings, the Lord Jesus Christ.

On Wednesday, a memorial service was held in honor of those professional church workers whom the Lord has called home during the past triennium. The proclaimer for this service was Fourth Vice President of the Synod, Dr. Robert King. This special time of worship served to remind us that Jesus is the Resurrection and the Life. Above all things in this world, our hope for eternal life rests secure in Jesus’ hands. This is a blessed reminder in the midst of debates and resolves about matters both temporal and eternal. (View and print sermon outline)

Additionally, daily prayer opportunities were afforded the delegates and others as a time for prayer was offered at 7:30 a.m. in the room dedicated as a prayer chapel for the duration of the convention. Whether one is in attendance, or at home, the prayers of all were solicited for the convention proceedings.