Sent to SHINE! 

“There was a man sent from God, whose name was John.  He came as a witness, to bear witness about the light, that all might believe through him. He was not the light, but came to bear witness about the light.”  John 1:6-8

Young men and women will once again be sent out from our universities and seminaries as servants in the Church.  They will be sent to churches and schools across our nation and even nations across the globe.  They will be sent “to bear witness about the light.”  In a world that is plunged in the dark depravity, we need those who are sent by God to “shine as lights in the world.” (Philippians 2:15) What a joy it is for the congregations and schools of the Synod to see young people who are willing to serve the Church and reflect the light of Christ in their calling.

However, this week in the Missouri District is a time that we are reminded that it is not only professional church workers who are sent by God to “shine…like stars.” (Daniel 12:3) This is the week of the Missouri District’s second statewide servant event, SHINE!  More than 8,000 people are being sent out into their communities to let their light shine so that others may see our good works and give glory to God.  Ladies groups, high school students, campus ministries, confirmation classes, and many more types of groups will be heading out into world to bear witness to Christ, the true Light who has come into the world.  From landscaping projects at local parks to showing kindness to first responders, more than 120 groups will be using the abilities that God has given to them to serve their neighbor in love.

This is really an appropriate time as we come out of Holy Week, when we focus on how Christ served us at the table, at the cross, and at the tomb.  Now, we, who have been served by Christ are sent by Him to serve others and bear witness to the Light.  Please join us in praying for those who are being sent by the Church to serve as professional church workers, but also those who are sent by their congregation and schools to serve in their communities as part of SHINE!  Thanks be to God His Son, Jesus, the Light no darkness can overcome!  May God bless us as we bear witness to this Light, wherever He leads us.

Prayer – Almighty God, You have called Your Church to witness that in Christ You have reconciled us to Yourself.  Grant that by Your Holy Spirit we may proclaim the good news of Your salvation so that all who hear it may receive the gift of salvation; through Jesus Christ, our Lord.  Amen. 

Fraternally in Christ,
President Lee Hagan