Pastor Mitch McDonald

It is hard to believe that it is already April. I recently came across the origin of the name of this wonderful spring month. It comes from the Latin word, Aprilis, which is the verb meaning “to bud or open.” What a great description of this time of year.

Two common hobbies in the Sun Lakes area are golf and gardening. This time of year, many golfers wrestle for the best tee times so they can take in the beautiful spring weather, the lush green lawn, and the beautiful landscapes that surround all of our golf courses. Sun Lakes gardeners know that April can be a great time to plant corn, cucumbers, cantaloupes, squash, spinach, okra, sweet potatoes, and who knows what else. Arizona’s April is also known for being a “picking” season. Many gardeners will be harvesting or “picking.” Picking carrots, picking beans, picking tomatoes, picking celery, picking poppies, picking tulips, or picking lilies. You get the idea.

So, what are you “picking” this April? Across the world, on April 17, many will be celebrating the Easter holiday. Each of us will ultimately choose whether we will bypass the true meaning of this holiday or if we will “pick” the true meaning of the holiday, Jesus.

Here’s what I mean: 7,456 miles (approximately) from Sun Lakes, Ariz., there was a courtroom. There was a cross. And there was a grave. By “picking” Jesus, you identify that Jesus not only came to be celebrated, but to die for your sins. By “picking” the grave, you recognize that He was victorious over death and He rose again. By “picking” Jesus this Easter, you choose to move from a seasonal celebration to being a part of God’s eternal harvest.

If you don’t already have somewhere to go this Easter season, consider “picking” the Palm Sunday Celebration with us at the Sun Lakes Chapel at 9:30 a.m. on April 10, or the Maundy Thursday Musical Service and Time of Commitment on April 14 at 6:30 p.m. And we would love to have you at our musical Resurrection Celebration on April 17 at 9:30 a.m. at the Sun Lakes Chapel as well.

No matter what, it is our hope and prayer that you “pick” to recognize the cross, the grave, and the crown of our Savior Jesus Christ.