Tracy Newcomb
Many in the Sun Lakes community are aware that this past May our beloved Pastor, Mitch McDonald, went home to be with Jesus. This was a bittersweet time for each of us at Sun Lakes Community Church. While we miss him deeply we were also happy for him because we know he is where he longed to be, in the presence of Jesus. In talking about praying for those who were sick, Pastor Mitch frequently said to people, “When my time comes, don’t you dare pray me out of heaven.” We know he is good.
While his death left a hole in our hearts and church that is still healing, God has not stopped working. He has done and is continuing to do great things. He provided three amazing, godly men who helped step up and fill in the gap during Pastor Mitch’s illness. We are extremely grateful for Brad McDonald, Steve Morgan, and Steve Yarbrough and their hearts of service during that time. God also quickly raised up a leader to help see our church through this time of transition and preparation for a new pastor. Steve Morgan is serving as our Transitional Pastor while we have a team of church members diligently seeking God’s direction for our future Lead Pastor.
In the meantime, things at the church haven’t stopped. If anything, things are growing even stronger. Just a few weeks ago, 20 leaders in the church spent a weekend researching and gaining a better understanding of our church and community as we prayerfully sought God’s direction for the next chapter at Sun Lakes Community Church. We began to refocus on what God has called us to do and be as a church: a church Together Worshipping God, Being and Making Disciples, and Serving People. That has been happening and continues to happen as we gather each Sunday at 9:30 a.m. in the Chapel in Phase One and throughout the week in various classes and activities. All are welcome to join us!
One of the many things that we appreciated about Pastor Mitch was his heart for people and concern for them. Because of that care and concern, he was passionate about making sure that people were prepared for life’s emergencies. One of the classes that we offer our church and community that he was particularly passionate about is called Project Ready or Not: Preparing for Tomorrow’s Life Transitions, Today. In this class, we help people think through what they might need to have in place for various emergencies and life changes. We will be offering this class once again on Nov. 5, 12, and 19 from 10 a.m. to noon in our Church Office at 25811 S Country Club Drive. You can sign-up by email info@sunlakescommunitychurch.org.
Thank you to those who have been praying for our church. We appreciate it and look forward to what God is doing in our midst!