Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
Today, I write to you with a heart full of joy and excitement, as I wish to share an essential aspect of our Christian calling - serving the community. As a Church family, we are not merely a congregation that gathers on Sundays, but a community of believers called to be the hands and feet of Jesus in a broken world.
Jesus Himself said in Mark 10:45, "For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many." As followers of Christ, we are called to emulate His example of selfless service and sacrificial love. The Great Commission in Matthew 28:19-20 instructs us to go and make disciples of all nations, teaching them to obey all that He has commanded us. Our love for God is intimately connected to our love for others, especially those in need.
In our community, we encounter individuals facing various challenges - the lonely, the hurting, the hungry, and the marginalized. As the Church, we have a unique opportunity and responsibility to reach out and make a positive impact in their lives. Let us be the light in the darkness, the hope in despair, and the hands of compassion that extend help to those who need it most.
I encourage each member of our Church to prayerfully consider how they can contribute to serving the community. It could be through volunteering at local shelters, supporting food drives, visiting the sick and elderly, mentoring the youth, or participating in outreach programs. The ways we can serve are limitless, and each act of kindness, no matter how small, can have a profound impact on someone's life.
Let us remember that serving others is not solely an obligation, but a privilege and a means to express our love for God and our gratitude for His grace. As we extend love and care to others, we become living witnesses of Christ's transformative power in our lives. Our service becomes a testimony to the world of God's unconditional love and mercy.
I urge you all to come together as a united body of Christ, rallying behind the call to serve our community. Let us seek God's guidance and discernment as we identify the needs around us and respond with compassionate action. Together, we can be instruments of change and bring hope to those who are struggling.
Let us be a Church that is not content to stay within the walls of our building, but one that goes out into the world to serve with love and humility. May our service be an expression of our faith and a reflection of the love of Christ dwelling in us.
Yours in Christ,
Bill Doane
http://www.aspengrovechurchnc.com/
Find us on Face Book Aspen Grove Church