A MESSAGE FROM THE DISTRICT PRESIDENT,
Rev. Paul Linnemann

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President Paul Linneman's Blog, NOW Reflections

GREETINGS FROM THE NORTHWEST DISTRICT

My hometown paper, The Oregonian, does something special during this time of year. They call it their “Season of Sharing.” It’s time that’s set aside for the people in our community to work with twenty social service agencies in Oregon and Southwest Washington in helping the individuals and families they serve. A wish list is published that people can read and respond to. The Oregonian reports that since 1993 more than four million dollars have been gathered to answer the needs of those around us.

Answering needs… That’s something our God does so well. Jesus came into this world to answer the biggest need people have – to restore their broken relationship with God. And our Lord accomplished this on the cross. Through the Gospel writers we have heard Him say, “It is finished,” and by this He meant that God’s plan for saving people and restoring that relationship is now complete.

This is the gift we celebrate not just during the Christmas season, but all the time, and our God has given us an important role in communicating this reality to people in our lives. During the last few months the Holy Spirit keeps whispering a Scripture passage in my ear from the Apostle Peter’s first letter:

“But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, ” (1 Peter 3:15, NIV)

There are some important thoughts in this text. We begin by receiving the gift ourselves. When Jesus is truly the Lord of our lives, things change. Our view of people changes. Troubles cease to be defeating – they provide opportunities for God’s blessing to surprise us. We know how our stories end, and that fills our hearts with hope.

When you’ve been changed in this way, people notice. They see a bounce in your step. They sense the love in your heart. They see honesty and integrity in your eyes, and if they’re searching, they want to know its source… and they ask.

Then the blessing of God moves from one person to another as that answer is offered with gentleness and respect. That’s the greatest gift we have to share, and it doesn’t demand that you “sell anything” or confront people you don’t know. It simply calls you to be who you are and be willing to tell the story of how you came to be that person.

I love the Christmas season because it provides us with another opportunity to express the love that God has placed into our hearts and lives. The stories within these pages are examples of how you, the people of the Northwest District, express a “Season of Sharing” all year round. You inspire me and others who observe you in action sharing God’s love.

Open your gift from the Lord, and be who you are. God will most certainly bless you and the people you seek to love.

Rev Paul Linnemann
President, Northwest District - LCMS
Phone:  503-288-8383
Fax:      503-284-2785