As a member of God's family we are all expected to love God and love each other. But how do we express this concept?

"Go into all the world and preach the gospel...discipling and baptizing all in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit."

1. Share Christ's love.

We all have a story to tell. As born-again Christians, each one of us has come to a place of a personal commitment to Jesus Christ. Our Savior calls on us to choose this relationship we have with others. The Holy Spirit will give each of us power to reach others as you and I prayerfully take advantage of the opportunities that God sends our way. So, how can this happen?

- Through personal relationships. We should never hesitate to tell our friends and family why we are a Christian and the hope that we have in Christ.

- Through Christian ministries. There will be ministry positions available for you so that you can be instrumental in sharing Christ. Whether that role is teaching, singing or cleaning, God wants you to use the gifts he has given to build His kingdom. Just say "Yes" and see what God does.

- Through community service. Opportunities abound outside of the ministry of the church. Thanksgiving dinners, local food pantries and even area para-church organizations provide for you to make the difference in the lives of children and adults.

2. Bearing one another's burdens.

We believe that Shelby Wesleyan Church must continue its ministry of discipling believers in the faith. This includes:

- Being available for ministry. As God calls on you to give of yourself willingly and sacrificially, He will likewise fill you with His power and strength to do the task set before you. Talent is not the issue; availability is the issue. And as God's people working together and encouraging each other, we will see His Kingdom flourish.

- Listening to others who hurt. The church service can be a hospital - a place of refuge to those who are hurting. We can help others by being a good listener-without judging or degrading. This vital ability gives the hurting a chance to sense God's love and comfort.

- Praying continually for needs. Seeing others where they are at and realizing the power of prayer to change lives. The ministry of prayer is a vital ministry and God wants you to make the difference.

3. Caring about Our Neighbors.

Shelby Wesleyan Church is the neighborhood church that loves all people. There is a comforting effect to those who know that they are loved by Christians despite their different lifestyles. In order to be beneficial to our neighbors we must recognize that:

- All people are God's children. We all benefit of God's common grace of life itself. When anyone suffers, we should suffer with them and point them to the suffering Savior died for everyone.

- All people need to belong. So many of our neighbors and acquaintances want to belong to a group or family. We can offer them Christian fellowship that is rooted in the love of Christ. You are a Christian who loves your neighbor as yourself.

- All people need a friend. Yes, you and I can be their friend. Additionally, you and I can also show them a Friend that is closer than a brother--our personal Savior, Jesus Christ. He wants to give them a new life, a fresh start and an eternal home heaven.

Each of these areas are vital to the growth and maturity of our church.

Through the power of the Holy Spirit we can make a difference in Shelby, Michigan, Oceana County and throughout the world!