Weekly Update for Friday, August 18, 2023 | |
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Weekly Desert Cross Update - August 18, 2023 | |
faith & life with pastor Andrea | |
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May God be merciful to us and bless us;
may the light of God’s face shine upon us.
Psalm 67:1
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The scriptures appointed for this weekend reflect upon God’s mercy. We hear different voices from the prophet Isaiah, to the Psalmist, to the Apostle Paul, and to the Apostle Matthew. Mercy starts with God and flows from God’s love. Where would we be without God’s mercy? The word “mercy” in ancient Hebrew is rooted in the word for “womb.” It reflects deep compassion and love as a mother for her unborn child. It is an expansive, unconditional type of love that is inclusive and crosses boundaries. The relationship God wants with people mirrors a loving mother-child relationship. Paul describes God’s mercy for all people including both Jews and Gentiles as “unusual kindness.”
What does mercy look like today? Where do you see God’s mercy? Where is mercy needed most? Maybe we need to meditate on the word mercy and see where God leads us. In the darkness of these difficult days, we need the light of God’s face shining upon us more than ever. Through faith, we are called to merciful acts of unusual kindness for our neighbors. Where do we need God’s mercy? Where is God calling us to show mercy? Pray on this.
For a blessing to help you reflect on mercy, watch this YouTube video of the song Wonderful Merciful Savior.
God’s mercies are new each day!
Pastor Andrea
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Faith Formation begins September 10
Please mark your calendars for Sunday, September 10 when our Sunday morning Education programming begins at both our Gilbert and Tempe Sites.
We offer Education for all; from parent/tot, preschool, elementary, jr. high, high school, and adults!
Registration is required, and to do so please click here!
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All 2023 I-Help Slots Are Full | |
It's impressive! Every I-Help Dinner and I-Help Breakfast slot for 2023 has been filled. We have collected over 110 backpacks and bags in 2023. Our toiletry collections have been equally impressive. I want to thank every group, every family, and every individual who has stepped up to serve the least of these.
This has been a brutal summer. We are seeing the I-Help program expanding to the needs of the homeless. In July we saw 27 unhoused people (a record number) step off the Azcend bus onto our campus looking for something to eat, a place to shower, a spot to sleep, some friendly conversation, and a morning breakfast to launch them into their new day. 2024 is staring us in the face. We want to encourage new groups to step forward and provide an evening dinner or a family or two to provide breakfast. A couple of 2024 dinner slots have already been filled and we pray that those reading this article will make 2024 the year of giving this I-Help ministry a try. You will not regret it.
For the latest I-Help news, click "Read More"
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Kids Connect
September 17, 2023
Gilbert Suite 104
1:00 - 2:30 pm
Kindergarteners - 5th grade, come join us for fun and games. Bring a friend!
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There’s Music in the Air!
“I will sing the praises of Your name, O most Holy God”... Psalm 9:2
Do you love beautiful inspiring music? Come and join us! Chancel Choir at Desert Cross Gilbert will resume rehearsals on Sunday, August 27th in room #103 (across the parking lot).
Normal rehearsal time is 8:30 to 9:20 am on Sundays, but on August 27th, we invite you to come at 8:15 for a Coffee Klatch and treats! We will also hold a Christmas music preview!
We start each rehearsal with a devotion, a hymn and have a wonderful time of fellowship. All you need is a love of music to join.
For more information and questions, please email Carolyn Perkins at carolyn.perkins77@gmail.com.
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Junior Choir: Building life-long worshippers
“We follow a Lord who placed children in the midst of them”... Mark 9:36
Attention all music-loving youngsters in Grades K - 7! It's round-up time! God calls us, young and old, to be worshippers of Him. By serving in the choir, important seeds are planted in the hearts and minds of children through the worthy song texts we sing, specially composed for children by outstanding Christian composers. We also love to put children’s innate creativity to work with bells, unpitched instruments, and art projects led by Laura Book. Most importantly, choir members learn they have a key role in worship, to serve with faithfulness and love.
The first rehearsal is Saturday, August 26th from 3:30 to 4:15 in the Gilbert Sanctuary.
For more information and questions, please email Carolyn Perkins at carolyn.perkins77@gmail.com.
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Meditation Group
Tuesdays at 7:00 pm
Tempe Sanctuary
On break until August 29
OR
Thursdays at 9:00 am
Tempe Community Center Youth Room
On break until August 31
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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Women4Women Tempe helps homeless and low-income women maintain their dignity and health by distributing feminine hygiene products to those in need.
The Hunger Jar contributions during August will be used to purchase hygiene products.
Various hygiene products can also be donated and placed in the collection bin in the narthex.
Questions? Contact Lola Peterson at lolabluebirds@gmail.com.
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Gilbert Campus Back to School Drive | |
The Gilbert Community Outreach Committee is collecting school supplies for underprivileged children and classrooms until August 27 for Concordia Charter School. The rising cost of school supplies has made it challenging for children and their teachers to acquire everything they need. Your assistance in providing these essential items is greatly appreciated.
Please click "Read More" for a complete shopping list.
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Multiple Sclerosis Bike Ride
Art Krzyzewski will be participating in his 32nd consecutive Multiple Sclerosis bike ride on October 7 and 8. If you wish to contribute, you can donate online by using the button below.
Various payment options are available, including Venmo, Apple Pay, PayPal, e-checks, and credit cards.
If you prefer to make your pledge or donation in person, you can meet Art at the Tempe site every Saturday and Sunday leading up to the bike ride. Alternatively, you can reach out to him via email at krzyarty@cox.net.
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The Outreach Ministry and Vitalant will be hosting a blood drive on Saturday, August 26, 2023, in the Desert Cross Community Center in Tempe from 7:30 am to 12 pm. Art Krzyzewski will be contacting past donors for sign-ups.
You can also go online to schedule an appointment at Vitalant.org and using “desertcross” (all one word) as the sponsor code. You can donate whole blood or power red. There is a need for Type O negative, type A and B positive. Please remember that when you donate you earn points that can be turned in for prizes.
If you have any questions or want to sign up, Art will have the sign-up sheet in the Narthex of the Tempe site. Or you can contact him at krzyarty@cox.net.
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The ELCA Wants to Hear Your Opinion | |
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Throughout the next couple of months, the ELCA is asking for your help. We are looking for your thoughts and ideas on how we are called to be a church in today’s world.
Please visit our website on Future Church: God’s Love Made Real – lovemadereal.elca.org – where you can learn more about this action and complete a survey to share your views of the church and the world today.
In the coming weeks, we will offer listening sessions where you can participate in online opportunities to provide your thoughts on God’s call for the church.
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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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Tired of Being Tired?
Visit the "Managing Life with Chronic Conditions" page on the DCLC website to view new information from your Parish Nurse by clicking the button below.
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Curt Hahn's Farewell Open House Reception
Curt Hahn's family warmly invites you to a casual farewell open house reception. This will take place after the 8:30 am worship service on August 27. Curt is moving to Seattle, Washington to be closer to his family. His nearly 40-year membership at Desert Cross has rooted him in Christ's love through you all.
Please join us to bid him farewell with a heartfelt "Frieda" hug. If you have any questions or would like to share your thoughts, feel free to reach out to David Hahn at lifeofgrace28@gmail.com.
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Prayers for Pastor Doris
Pastor Doris received good news this week! The chemo is working to shrink and slow the cancer. She is very hopeful that she will experience remission again.
Pastor Doris is so very grateful for the prayers of the Desert Cross community. Please keep the prayers rising. Thank you!
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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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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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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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