Pastor Mitch McDonald, Sun Lakes Community Church
Okay, I’ll admit it. It’s the last hour before submitting the Splash article for the December issue. Now, before you judge me too harshly, know that I have had this article written for weeks. I was planning on throwing out a teaser or two about our Holiday Sermon series at Sun Lakes Community Church, knowing that 90% of those who read the Pastors’ articles are already plugged into a church home somewhere in the Sun Lakes area. Yet I was doing so in hopes that our words might encourage a believer, entice a seeker, or let’s face it, grab one that might be looking for a church home. Nonetheless, it is a joy to connect with our community and know that even those whom you never hear from are encouraged through your writings.
But then it happened! Just about one hour ago, I received a call that would change the entire focus of my article. The call was from one of my closest co-labors here in the Sun Lakes community, Pastor Nathan Bowman. Pastor Nathan is the Senior Pastor at the Sun Lakes Lutheran Church. His request for me was simple. “Mitch, our Discipleship Team and I were talking. What do you think of joining together for a joint Christmas Eve Service?”
Every year, many churches jockey for the best time at the Chapel, who gets to decorate, what A-frame signs get out first, etc.
No, this year seems to be going in a different direction. Different congregations gathering together and not worrying about who gets the best time or signage. Simply celebrating the single birth that changed humanity for all of eternity. Just think of that unity in the body of Christ. What a concept! Almost sounds like something out of the Bible, doesn’t it? Well, I’ve got exactly eight minutes to submit this article at this point, but don’t forget, if on Christmas Eve at 6 p.m. you don’t have any other plans, we would love for you to join us, a big group of people who have at least one thing in common. We want to celebrate the birth of Jesus!
P.S. Here at Sun Lakes Community Church, like every other church in Sun Lakes, there will be some great messages preached about the Joy this season has to offer. Trust me, you’re welcome at any of our services!
Grace & Peace