  In this study I develop a novel action for lattice gauge theory for finite
systems, which accommodates non-periodic boundary conditions, implements the
proper integral form of Gauss' law and exhibits an inherently symmetric energy
momentum tensor, all while realizing automatic ${\cal O}(a)$ improvement.
Taking the modern summation-by-parts formulation for finite differences as
starting point and combining it with insight from the finite volume strategies
of computational electrodynamics I show how the concept of a conserving
discretization can be realized for non-Abelian lattice gauge theory. Major
steps in the derivation are illustrated using Abelian gauge theory as example.
