Weekly Update for Friday, June 9, 2023 | |
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Weekly Desert Cross Update - June 9, 2023 | |
faith & life with pastor Andrea | |
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For we are co-workers in God’s service;
1 Corinthians 3:9
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This cute Hedgehog Cactus bloomed overnight in my front yard. The stigma was shaking vigorously as I approached to snap a pic! Soon this little bee emerged from beneath the pistil covered in dusty, yellow pollen! It promptly flew off to work over more flowers collecting pollen for the hive. Busy bees!
It just so happens that my daughter recently sent me some interesting bee facts. They are amazingly industrious little creatures! They work together night and day for the good of the hive. The worker bees make decisions collectively as a group to protect and care for the good of the colony. This allows the colony to go on and on, generation after generation, as the bees make decisions and sacrifices together for the good of the whole.
The great Saint John Chrysostom commented, “The bee is honored more than other animals. Not because she labors, but because she labors for others.” The Apostle Paul calls us co-workers in God’s service. We labor for others so that all might know God’s love and care. As we anticipate future generations, may our decisions and sacrifices be made together for the good of the whole so that our service to God reaches as many people as possible with the love of Christ. Let’s get buzzing as busy bees working together in God’s service finding new ways to share the faith!
Bzzzzzzzz,
Pastor Andrea
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Annual Back to School & Undies Drive | |
The Community Outreach Committee is collecting school supplies for underprivileged children and classrooms. This year, the Tempe campus will be donating supplies to Step Up School and Kyrene Resource Center. The rising cost of school supplies has made it challenging for children and their teachers to acquire everything they need. In addition to school supplies, the Kyrene Resource Center is specifically requesting new children's underwear. Your assistance in providing these essential items is greatly appreciated.
Please click "Read More" for a complete shopping list.
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Sharing A Backpack for Homeless Made Simple | |
Every fourth Tuesday evening of the month the Azcend bus (non-profit agency) pulls up to Desert Cross’ Community Center and 22 unhoused people file out. You will see them carrying sleeping mats, cleaning supplies, and plastic garbage bags. The garbage bags are filled with a sheet, a blanket, a towel, and personal possessions (clothes and toiletries). This garbage bag follows the unhoused person the entire week as this community moves from church to church throughout the month. These garbage bags get ripped and damaged. They are for temporary use only.
Our I-Help sponsor Azcend has asked participating congregations for backpacks to replace these garbage bags. The backpacks will become the personal property of each unhoused person. Our Desert Cross I-Help program is asking for congregational members to help in providing backpacks.
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Prayers for Pastor Doris
Pastor Doris Nolan, who previously served as our Interim Associate Pastor, has let us know that she is dealing with a recurrence of cancer and she would very much appreciate your prayers. Pastor Doris will keep us updated in the days ahead.
If you would like to send Pastor Doris a message of encouragement, she shared her address for us:
Pastor Doris Nolan
2782 Carlmont Pl
Simi Valley, CA 93065
Pastor Doris began chemo treatments on June 5th. She will have six infusions for 6-8 hours every 3 weeks. Please remember Pastor Doris in your prayers as she faces these challenging treatments. Thank you!
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New Men's ChristCare Group
Begins July 6
Thursdays at 7:00 am
Tempe Community Center Youth Room
This men's group will study the weekly scripture lessons and discuss how they relate to our life experiences. We will offer each other love and support as we build friendships. Community service will also be a focus of our group.
For more information, contact Dave Landstrom at dave.landstrom@gmail.com.
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Take Me Out to the Ballgame
August 11, 2023, at 6:40 pm
Chase Field
Join us for a fun-filled outing at Chase Field as we cheer on the Arizona Diamondbacks against the San Diego Padres on Friday, August 11th, starting at 6:40 pm. We are excited to announce another DCLC Fellowship event and would love to have you there!
To secure your spot, please send an email to Tom Rewolinski at adshckyfan@aol.com no later than Sunday, June 25th, indicating your interest in attending and the number of attendees.
Once we have gathered all the responses, we will finalize the event details, including the cost of the ticket(s). We can't wait to see you there and share in the excitement of the game.
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Graduation Sunday
June 11, 2023
Did you or someone you know recently graduate? It's time to celebrate this incredible milestone! At Desert Cross, we believe in recognizing achievements, and we want to join in your joy!
Share the exciting news by sending your details to kwilliamson@desertcross.org. Please include the name of the graduate, the school they attended, and the degree they earned.
Congratulations to all the graduates out there! We can't wait to commemorate this special moment with you.
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Endowment Fund
Scholarship grant applications are due by June 15, 2023
Attention DCLC College-Bound H.S. Seniors and Returning College Students!
The due date for new scholarship applications and renewal applications is fast approaching. Applications may be downloaded here from the DCLC website.
Please submit your application to endowment@desertcross.org or deliver it to the church office.
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Be the new LAMA Liaison for Desert Cross! | Desert Cross is seeking a passionate and dedicated individual to fill the role of (LAMA) liaison, following the exceptional service of Elaine Kraemer. As a LAMA liaison, you will play a vital role in bridging the gap between our congregation and the Lutheran Advocacy Ministry in Arizona (LAMA). This position offers a unique opportunity to make a difference in our community through acts of mercy and justice. | | | |
ChristCare Commissioning
June 25 at 9:30 am
Gilbert Worship Service
We're excited to announce that we will be commissioning four new ChristCare Leaders at an upcoming worship service at our Gilbert Site! Please join us as we welcome Pastor Thadd, Karen Koslow, Ellen Minde, and Katelyn Williamson as small group leaders. Join us for a cake reception after the service.
To learn more about our ChristCare Small Group Ministry, use the button below or contact Denise McClellan at dmcclellan@desertcross.org or 480-730-8600.
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Saturday, June 24, 2023
7:30 am - 12:00 pm
Tempe Community Center
You can sign up in the Tempe Narthex or go online to schedule an appointment at Vitalant.org using “desertcross” as the sponsor code.
For questions and information, please contact Art at krzyarty@cox.net.
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55+ Breakfast Gathering
June 22, 2023, at 9:00 am
T.C. Eggingtons
1660 S Alma School Rd
Mesa
Please RSVP to Glenda Friesth by June 20th.
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Wise Guys
Mondays at 9 am
Tempe Fellowship Hall
Are you wise? Are you a guy? If so, then you are invited to this fellowship group that meets on Mondays for coffee and conversation.
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Communion Kits
If you are unable to attend worship in person and would like a communion kit to use as you watch the live stream, you can pick one up from the office in Tempe. We have gluten-free options available.
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Vacation Bible School - Register Now
June 12-16, 2023
9:00-12:00
Last chance to register for VBS as it kicks off on June 12th. This STELLAR VBS will be out of this world!! Click "More Information" to register on the church website.
More Information
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Office closed
From May 30th through June 19th the office will be closed at 2:30 pm on Monday through Thursday and on Fridays due to summer travel schedules.
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Stay Connected to Desert Cross this Summer
Will you be traveling this summer? Will you be escaping Arizona's heat?
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You can stay connected to Desert Cross through our Stories of Joy blog and our Desert Cross Faith Formation website. Both will be updated throughout the summer. You'll find links below.
If you have any questions, please contact Denise McClellan at dmcclellan@desertcross.org or 480-730-8600.
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If you are looking to become more involved in our Tempe and Gilbert Faith Communities, please click "Read More" and find out today where you can be of value. You'll find all the needed contact info right there on the page.
We are actively looking for more volunteers in all areas of service.
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We Need Your Sheets!
Do you happen to have any spare bed sheets lying around? We're in need of sheets of any type or size: flat, fitted, crib size, twin, queen, king - you name it!
If you feel like your sheets have a life of their own and keep multiplying behind closed doors, we've got just the solution for you! By donating your extra bed sheets, you can support the wonderful mission of Lutheran World Relief (LWR) Quilts.
Our talented DCLC quilting group is here to lend a helping hand and will put your sheets to excellent use. They'll be used as backing for the Mission Quilts we create. Even small scraps will be utilized for edges or quilt blocks, ensuring nothing goes to waste.
To make your donation, simply place your sheets in the conveniently located laundry basket in the Tempe Narthex.
We genuinely appreciate your generosity!
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Stewardship 2023 - All Aboard the Stewardship
Hello from your Stew Crew!
We are thrilled to present to you our exciting 2023 theme: "All Aboard the Stewardship!" 🌊
As Ryan Stevenson beautifully expressed, "You alone are the anchor, when my sails are torn, your love surrounds me, in the eye of the storm." This year, we are embarking on a journey to delve into the depths of God's unwavering love for each and every one of us.
Mark your calendars for Commitment Sunday on October 21/22! We will have a ministry fair that day with great food and music!
Get your sailing gear and your boarding passes ready, can’t wait to set sail!
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Meditation Group
Tuesdays at 7:00 pm
Tempe Sanctuary
ON BREAK until June 27
OR
Thursdays at 9:00 am
Tempe Community Center Youth Room
ON BREAK until June 29
Do you want to try meditation? If so, please join Elaine Kraemer Thursday mornings. Elaine is hosting a weekly meditation group. Elaine has practiced "passage meditation" for many, many years. She'll share the whys and hows of meditation and help you get started with this faith-growing spiritual practice.
To sign up or for more information, please contact Elaine Kraemer at elainekraemer1892@gmail.com.
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If you are interested in having your child baptized, reach out to Pastor Thadd at tbook@desertcross.org. | |
Do you have a news item, event, or ministry story to share? Please send the information to Joni at jvanrossum@desertcross.org by the TUESDAY of the week that you wish to have it advertised. | |
May the Lord bless you in all your endeavors this week! | |
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For your convenience, we have online giving up on our website or you can use the button that says "GIVE" at the top of this email. As always, we continue to appreciate all who are continuing to support the many ministries of Desert Cross!
You can also simply text the word "GIVE" to 833.636.1502 and complete the payment information. It securely saves your information and makes it possible to donate in 5 seconds once it has been set up!
Lastly, you can scan the QR code included in our live stream services and in the weekly Worship Aid. Giving is easier than ever - check it out!
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