The overall mission of Operations Support Services (OSS) is to provide core services that support the mission and ministry of the LCMS. The following service units make up OSS: Operations Service Coordination, Technology Applications Group, Information Technology Desktop and Infrastructure Support Services, Mail and Print Services, Reception and Meeting Services, and Facilities Management Services. In addition, the LCMS Technology Steering Committee (TSC), which is chaired by the Executive Director of Operations Support Services, reviews projects to assess their benefit to the organization, looks for potential collaboration across department, and evaluates resources available to support the work. Other functions of the TSC include advising on proposed policy changes or additions, as well as fostering positive communications throughout the LCMS organization.
A. Operations Service Coordination (OSC) Operations Service Coordination provides the communication and coordination link between the Operations Department and the departments of the LCMS. OSC also ensures that policies and procedures are in place to ensure Operations Services are delivered in a timely and efficient manner. Through regular communication, OSC makes sure that the needs of the departments are being met. OSC works closely with Concordia Plan Services (CPS) in managing the help desk team that supports both organizations.
B. Technology Applications Group (TAG) The Technology Applications Group is dedicated to the application of technology solutions that enable the ministry and business functions of LCMS to operate in the most innovative and cost-effective manner possible. TAG provides technical support to the major LCMS Business Applications: Banner Accounting, Pay Com Human Resources Information System, LCMS Information Support Network, Blackbaud Constituent Resource Management System, M365 tool set, and LCMS websites. TAG also provides technical support to many other department-specific tools: Genetec Security Camera, P Badge System, Office365 Applications, and others. Various applications of technology solutions are prioritized by the LCMS Operations Team with OSS providing technical expertise to approved projects.
C. Information Technology Desktop and Infrastructure Support Services CPS provides network infrastructure support for the LCMS. This includes the help desk, now staffed fully by CPS employees, and many infrastructure support functions. Oakwood Technology Group is the primary outsourced provider for infrastructure support.
D. Mail and Print Services (MPS) Mail Services handles all mailing (standard mail, express mail and packages) from the International Center (IC) properties, including USPS, UPS, Fed Ex, and DHL. The MPS staff also provide the following special services: preparation of bulk mailings, address labeling, folding, envelope/mailer inserting, bulk paper delivery (for copiers/printers), and managing overnight package mailing needs. Print Services provides full-service printing to not only the departments of the LCMS but also to CPS and the LCMS Foundation. Print Services include: full-color and black/white printing, large format printing, envelope printing, folding, cutting, GBC plastic comb binding, booklet-making, padding, three-hole punching, lamination, photocopying, and wide format printing (banners, posters, stickers), as well as personal printing services for our employees. We are also expanding these services to local LCMS congregations and schools.
E. Reception and Meeting Services (RMS) Reception and Meeting Services is responsible for coordinating meetings and events that take place at the IC. This includes assistance with room scheduling and set up, as well as any event catering needs. RMS provides Front Desk services ensuring that all guests are greeted in a friendly and professional manner. The Front Desk also ensures all building entry security policies and procedures are followed.
F. Facilities Management Services (FMS) The LCMS is continuing our facility management partnership with Cushman and Wakefield at the IC. Cushman’s expertise in property management will help ensure the LCMS is adhering to industry best practices. The mission of FMS is to ensure a safe, healthy, and Christian work environment for employees at the IC.
Graph 1: Giving to Congregations for Work at Home and Work at Large, per Confirmed Member
G. Significant Accomplishments (1) Completed major building capital projects to include: modernizing the IC’s three elevators, installing new building hot water boiler system, replacing large HVAC unit on the North wing, and cracking/filling/sealing/striping parking lots. (2) Installed new front entrance camera/intercom to vet visitors before entering the building and new all building paging/intercom system that integrates with our phone system. (3) Upgraded meeting room video conferencing hardware to better support Zoom and TEAMs meetings. (4) Upgraded all the Multi-Function Printers at the IC and moved to the cloud-based Paper Cut solution, allowing more accurate and efficient tracking of prints to better control costs. (5) Continuing a comprehensive cyber awareness training program for employees, moving from KnowBe4 to Microsoft Defender for an annual savings of over $5000. (6) Migrated most LCMS data and Enterprise applications from onsite servers to the LCMS cloud M365 Share Point environment further reducing the reliance on the IC for business operations. (7) Upgraded the Print Center high volume printer and added a wide format and envelope printer. This has provided additional cost saving to the LCMS and allowed us to expand this service to local LCMS congregations and schools. (8) Migrated from our Avaya IP phone system to Microsoft Teams Voice. This fully integrates our phone system within our Microsoft M365 environment. (9) Continue to work with Rosters and Statistics to expand the LCMS Information Support Network (LISN) to meet the needs of the LCMS.
Thanks be to God for the generosity He bestows upon His people, and the generosity they show to the church! It is encouraging to see not only steady growth in nominal giving but also steadiness in the face of the pressures of inflation. Even as giving by individuals has remained strong, the pressure on congregational budgets has increased. The average congregational budget for work at home (in the congregation) plus work at large (district, Synod, etc.) increased from $103,017 in 1984 to $254,330 in 2024, a 147 percent increase. However, the purchasing power of that decreased by 18 percent over the same time.
Graph 2: Average Total Congregational Budget for Work at Home and Work at Large