Pastor Mitch McDonald, Sun Lakes Community Church
In 1978 the pop, soul, and jazz fusion band Earth, Wind & Fire released one of the most catchy and memorable tunes of that time, “September.” The very first line of that song asks, “Do you remember, the 21st night of September?” It goes on in the song to capture a picture of cool, star-filled nights “while chasin’ the clouds away.” So, hopefully, right now you are asking, “What does this have to do with anything?” Glad you asked. For us in 2022, the 21st night of September literally means saying goodbye to summer and hello to another gorgeous Arizona fall.
As I write this article, we are in the final stages at Sun Lakes Community Church of finishing up our fall and winter calendars. For many of us, there is great excitement just thinking about chasin’ the long, hot days of summer away (my version). The evenings will cool. Days will grow shorter. Neighborhoods will once again come alive with activity. As you prepare for the fall, think about the things that really matter to you that you do not want to miss during this wonderful season in Sun Lakes.
One of the things we are planning for the fall and winter is, on Wednesday evenings at 5:30 p.m., inviting our church and community to enjoy some pizza and looking at God’s Word addressing what really does matter. Things like memories, faith, passion, kindness, and the list goes on and on and on. Naturally, we hope that you will plan on joining us, but even if you don’t, take some time as summer draws to a close to list out what really does matter to you. Your faith? Maybe family? Friends? Golf? Dancing? Or any of the other big or small things in your life? Once you’ve identified what really does matter, make it a point to pay attention to those this fall and let others know that they matter.
Many of you right now are humming or singing your version of Earth, Wind & Fire’s song, “September,” in your head. Hopefully, it brings a smile and, hopefully, it causes you to remember what really matters. For me, faith matters, because we can build on it. We can be comforted by it. For me, faith is filled with grace. As Paul of Tarsus said, “For by grace you have been saved, through faith.” Not because of what you have done or do. It is a gift. A free gift from God. I’m not sure about you, but I can’t wait until the 21st of September!