Do you “think green” – recycling paper, cans and bottles?  Well, my dear Sisters in Christ, you’ve just recycled an old leader!!  I’ve been active in the Lutheran Women’s Missionary League since, at age 18, I began attending the activities of the Emmaus Guild at Zion Lutheran in Decatur, Indiana with my mom.  That’s what really started me on my career as a “professional volunteer.”  J 

It’s hard to say “No” to the church, especially to the LWML.  When I think I’m too busy or that someone else should do it, the Lord tugs at me and says, “That’s a rotten excuse.”  Last month I told Him I’d already been a Zone president twice before and really shouldn’t accept a nomination and He basically responded with, “Why not?!” 

And so, dear Sisters, let’s SERVE THE LORD WITH GLADNESS here in the Northeast Zone!!  The LWML is a mission-minded group.  Bible studies and Prayer Services help us grow in faith.  Retreats, Rallies, and Conventions inspire us and allow us to form lasting friendships with others who are committed to Jesus.  Together we reach around the world with our mite offerings.

And you know what?  The LWML is good at helping you reach your potential.  YOU, too, can be a leader!  Whether it be in your church, your Bible class, your garden club, your PTA, or your LWML Zone—try being a leader!  You might even find that it’s fun to serve the Lord in a new way.

Serving Him with you,

Charlotte Le Pere

A Message from the our zone counselor, Pastor Jimmy Riley

Jesus answered, “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life…” (John 14:6) This statement made by Jesus is my life’s ambition. It is what some call a “life verse”. It is the reason God has placed me and you where we are at. Let’s take a brief look at this statement:

“Jesus answered” – the incarnate Word of God (Jesus) spoke these words to Thomas’ in his quest for the answer for eternal life (not knowing the “way”).

“I am” – God’s name YHWH – the One who was, is, and will be at the same time. This is the infinite God of the universe. He is the Creator and re-Creator (life and new life) with only His word.    

“the Way” – no other way. Only through Jesus Christ is there salvation. All roads do not lead to Christ. Christ is the road (way) to eternal life – all others are detours that lead away from eternal life.

“the Truth” – the only truth. Don’t believe the devil’s lies or manmade half-truths. It is not man’s wisdom, works, decisions, or any other so-called “truth.” His Word (Jesus) is truth.

“the Life” – one does not have life until grafted into the One who is life. There is no such thing as “my” own life – that only to leads to death. “My” life is not my own. I belong to the One who is the Life.

There is wealth of insights in this brief passage of the Word spoken by the Word Himself, who indeed is the Way, the Truth, and the Life.

May the Lord of our salvation bless you as WWJD (Walk With Jesus Daily)!

Rev. Jimmy K. Riley is the Associate Pastor of Zion Lutheran Church of Painesville, Ohio. He is a certified DCE of 18 years. He has served our Lord as a DCE at Mt. Olive - Corpus Christi, Texas; Trinity - Jefferson City, Missouri; St. John – Seward, Nebraska; and Zion – Painesville. He was ordained as a pastor at Zion June of 2009.

His wife is Barb Riley, who is a certified Lutheran teacher. She teaches computer at Our Shepherd Lutheran School and is the Ohio District Rep for Concordia Publishing House.

Jimmy and Barb have two children: a daughter, Jamie, who will be a Sr. at Concordia University – Nebraska (Seward – both mom and dad are alumni) studying to be a teacher; and a son, Joshua, who will be a Sr. at Fairport Harding High School and a student at Auburn Career Center studying CISCO programming and networking.