President’s Perspective

Gifts, and -- a Gift 
Enjoy the Christmas Season! Enjoy the Advent and Christmas services and celebrate a New Year knowing our God is in control regardless of events we can't control -- His will be done. 

My second term as President ends this month. Bob Schmidt will be installed as President in January. To everyone who helped keep Zion a wonderful place to gather to worship our Lord and God, let me thank you from the bottom of my heart. It's been a wonderful experience for me, one I never expected. Zion has had the blessings of many people over the years serving in many capacities to keep our church running well. Many are resting in God's peace awaiting the glory to come. I will cherish my memories of these past six years, and I hope I did a worthy job for you and our Lord. 

Every moment of our lives is a "gift" we've been given by God. How we use our gift of life is important. Sending Jesus to save mankind marked the beginning of hope for everyone who would hear and believe. We're so very blessed to be part of that promise of eternal life! We have been given the key to salvation and our doctrine is grounded in Truth and purity. A light shines on us at Zion. In James 1:17 we read: "Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation of shadow due to change." All of our lives are filled with gifts from above whether it's Christmas time or not; but at Christmas, we celebrate with lights and give gifts to others as we remember who Jesus is to our faith and our world -- if only they would accept Him. Jesus is certainly a "perfect gift...from above!" 

Realize that it's no accident you're a baptized Christian and a member of the LCMS! You have been placed in the pew at Zion and we've been destined to worship together as brothers and sisters! Chosen. Called. Blessed. Praise the Lord!!! 

Thanks be to God for the gift of a Savior, and the gifts of another year, month, day -- each minute of life! How can we not be thankful each and every day?!! Have a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! Thanks be to God! Thank you for supporting your church in fellowship and stewardship. Pray for the Christians on this planet, our LCMS, District and Circuit churches -- and of course your home here at Zion. God Bless and thank you for trusting me as your President. It was an honor -- a Gift. Thank you. Amen. 

– Paul Klemash