Actions and happenings from sessions of the 63rd Regular Convention of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod are summarized in the media releases below. The convention met July 14-19 convention at the George R. Brown Convention Center, Houston, with the theme "One Message—Christ! His love is here for you!"

LCMS President Jerry Kieschnick is joined on the convention center stage by his wife, Terry, shortly after he was elected to his third three-year term. Kieschnick was elected on the first ballot, receiving 52.3 percent of the votes.

• Missionary events dovetail with LCMS convention 
• Bush: 'You provide light in times of darkness'
• Delegates support 'revitalization' of congregations
• Kieschnick targets Synod challenges in president's report
• Kieschnick, Diekelman re-elected
• Convention delegates elect praesidium
• National offering reaches $409,157
• Convention takes first actions on planning-administration proposals
• Delegates declare fellowship with AALC
• Conventions OKs bylaw change re: Concordia University System boards of regents
• Convention adopts proposals to resolve board, CCM policy conflicts
• Convention re-elects Hartwig, Kuchta
• Convention elects LCMS board of directors members
• Delegates approve three more planning-administration resolutions
• Convention requests 'harmony plan'; acts on program-finance resolutions
• Convention sets LCMS position on stem-cell research
• Delegates ask CTCR for study materials; commend service of Dr. Joersz
• Delegates want annual report of 'Fan Into Flame' funds
• Delegates affirm dispute resolution process
• Outreach 'a' priority, not 'the' priority in church-worker training, say delegates
• Delegates encourage stewardship renewal
• Delegates adopt three worship-related resolutions
• Resolutions deal with abuse, placement; delegates hear from LIRS president
• Convention encourages congregations to practice close(d) communion
• Convention approves new seminary track for 'specific ministry pastors'
• President, district presidents authorized to call special convention
• Delegates request study of lay deacon program
• 2010 convention to return to Houston; funding encouraged for Hispanic Studies
• Convention OKs bylaw change re: seminary boards of regents
• Delegates encourage sabbaticals, military ministry
• Delegates adopt proposals on structure, governance
• Delegates OK 'terminology,' doctrinal-review changes to Bylaws
• Convention takes action re: partner churches, priesthood of believers, campus ministry, mission development, LHM

Additional information is available on the LCMS Convention and Reporter websites.