Weekly Update for Friday, April 7, 2023 | |
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Weekly Desert Cross Update - April 7, 2023 | |
Blessings Blog
Faith & Life with Pastor Andrea
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Photo by Kyler Trautner on Unsplash | |
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I have come into the deep waters; the floods engulf me.
Psalm 69:2
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Your path led through the sea, your way through the mighty waters, though your footprints were not seen.
Psalm 77:19
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People are really struggling this Holy Week. I’m seeing it out in the community. I’m hearing it in our own church community. I hear folks suffering with disease, shepherding loved ones into death, caretaking for those who are sick, grieving over broken relationships, longing for peace, hoping for reconciliation, and wringing their hands with worry for the safety of their children at school. Many might relate to the psalmists engulfed in deep waters. In Holy Week we can embrace the fear and the pain that comes to us for many reasons. We can sit with it as we walk with Christ through his own last days on Good Friday spending time with his friends praying, sharing a meal, and then being betrayed, arrested, beaten, and crucified. We have a Savior who knows our pain. Who walks with us through the troubled waters. The good news is that this is not the end of the story. Easter comes.
This week the old song, "Like a Bridge Over Troubled Water" is swirling in my head. I chose a new cover by John Legend to share with you. Click here for his piano solo and take a few minutes to lean into the song and listen for the voice of Jesus giving you encouragement, hope, and peace.
Jesus is the permanent rock bridge through the troubled waters we face. Jesus leads us through the struggles as our shepherd even when we can’t quite discern his presence, he is there. That is our promise. We can see this gospel's good news in Psalm 23 as we envision Jesus walking with us and leading us to peace. We go through Holy Week together facing death and grief but never alone. We are Jesus to each other now sharing the hope that the dawn breaks into the darkness. No matter what we face, Easter comes!
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
He makes me lie down in green pastures;
He leads me beside the still waters.
He restores my soul; Psalm 23:1-3
Easter comes,
Pastor Andrea
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A Huge Thank You!
March Mission – Community Baby Shower
Your wonderful donations for our March Mission - the Community Baby Shower, sponsored by Lutheran Social Services of the Southwest – will give many babies a great start in life.
Everything provided will help to fill a diaper bag, to be used by new parents as they learn how to care for their littlest angel.
Thank you for blessing these new families with love!
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Save the Date
Elections Meeting
Sunday, April 30, 2023, at 1 pm
Tempe Sanctuary
We will share the agenda and the names of the candidates for the open roles with you soon.
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Leading Faithful Innovation | |
What might God be up to amid the seismic changes the church and our culture are undergoing? What opportunities will congregations encounter if they rediscover and follow God's leading?
Join us at Living Water Lutheran Church for an afternoon of learning on Saturday, April 29. Click "Read More" for more information and to register for free.
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Shred-A-Thon
Saturday, April 29, 2023
from 11 am to 1 pm
Tempe Campus
We are thrilled to announce that the annual Shred-a-Thon is happening on April 29th, from 11 am to 1 pm at the Tempe campus. This is an exciting opportunity for us to come together and shred those old documents and papers that have been piling up.
We encourage you to bring any unwanted or outdated documents that need to be securely disposed of. This could include old bills, bank statements, and other sensitive information that you no longer need.
This event is open to everyone. See you there!
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Feed My Starving Children Packing Event
Saturday, April 29, 2023
2:00 - 4:00 pm
FMSC Packing Site in Mesa
Desert Cross has spots reserved for an FMSC Packing Event on Saturday, April 29. We'll gather at the FMSC Packing Site in Mesa that afternoon to pack meals for hungry people around the world. The Hunger Jars for April 1/2, 8/9, 15/16, and 22/23 will support this event.
Feed My Starving Children Packing Site
1345 S Alma School Rd
Mesa, AZ 85210
Use the link below to make your reservation to serve with Desert Cross.
FMSC Packing Event
If you have any questions or need help making a reservation, please contact Denise McClellan at dmcclellan@desertcross.org or 480-730-8600.
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Painting Pottery with Friends!
Sunday, April 23, 2023
2:00 pm
2970 E Germann Rd, Chandler
Come join us for some creativity with your friends! This fundraiser sponsored by the Congregational Council for Desert Cross will be held at "As You Wish Pottery" on Sunday, April 23 at 2 pm.
Perfect timing to make that special gift for Mother's Day, graduations, or for yourself.
To sign up, please text Carolyn Perkins at carolyn.perkins77@gmail.com.
The studio fee is $8.00 and includes firing; pottery extra. Family and friends are welcome!
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AC Giving Project
Help us “cool” off our Tempe campus!
Donations to support the Air Conditioning project are now being accepted.
The project is to replace 4 units – starting with the Community Center and Office.
Here are the options to Give:
- Offering – designate on the envelope “AC Project”
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Online – click the link, or use the "GIVE" button at the top of this email, then choose “AC Project”.
All funds received will help us reduce the total amount we need to borrow to start the project. The projected total cost is $75,000 and so far $12,455 has been donated.
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Gilbert Fire Panel Replacement
We have an emergency need in Gilbert! Our Fire Panel has failed and needs to be replaced.
Donations to support the Panel Replacement project are now being accepted.
Options to Give:
- Offering – designate on the envelope “Fire Panel”
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Online – click the link, or use the "GIVE" button at the top of this email, then choose “Fire Panel”
All funds received will help us reduce the total amount we need to borrow to start the project. The projected total cost is $15,000 and so far $8,039 has been donated.
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KDCL Family Variety Show and Spring Fling | |
Hey Everyone!
What? We're gonna present a Variety Show! Where? At the Gilbert DCLC Church.
When? On Saturday, May 6th - That evening at 6:30 PM
Who? Various volunteer members of DCLC. How? With our very own Singers, Musicians, Actors, Dancers, and Anyone who wants to share their talents in...
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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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Adult Forum
Sundays 9:45 - 10:15 am
Tempe Community Center Adult Classroom
OR
Sundays 10:45 - 11:15 am
Gilbert Sanctuary
NOT Meeting April 9
Meeting April 16
We're choosing a monthly theme based on the lessons read during the worship services. The theme for April is Forgiveness. We'll explore the theme by discussing the lessons and using the Adult Playlist posted each month on our Faith Formation Website.
For more information, contact Pastor Andrea at acain@desertcross.org, or Pastor Thadd at tbook@desertcross.org.
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Meditation Group
Tuesdays at 7:00 pm
Tempe Sanctuary
Meeting April 11
OR
Thursdays at 9:00 am
Tempe Community Center Youth Room
Meeting April 13
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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Easter Egg Hunt
Saturday, April 8, 2023
10:00 am -11:30 am
Gilbert Campus
Bring your family and friends for an Easter Egg Hunt!
Games, Snacks, Crafts. Prizes...
Please bring your own basket!
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Please consider supporting the Easter Egg Hunt by contributing a bag (or bags) of wrapped candy (but no chocolate because of melting issues last year which attracted lots of ants).
There is a box in Fellowship Hall for donations. Please bring donations by April 2 so we can fill eggs on that Sunday. We plan on filling 500 eggs again and appreciate your support.
If you have questions, please contact Deb Gabrielson at debgabrielson@gmail.com
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Gilbert Easter Flower Cross
For our Easter Flower Cross, we are asking for your support through donations. Please SCAN the QR-code or go to desertcross.org to give online and select the “Gilbert Easter Flower Cross” Giving Goal from the dropdown menu.
Every contribution, no matter how big or small, will help us create a beautiful and memorable display that will celebrate the spirit of Easter. We appreciate your generosity and thank you in advance for your support.
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Easter Worship Service Times
No Saturday 5 pm Worship Service on April 8
Easter Sunday:
Tempe
- Sunday, April 9 at 8:30 am (Outdoor, please bring your own chair)
- Sunday, April 9 at 10:30 am (with live stream)
Gilbert
- Sunday, April 9 at 9:30 am
- Sunday, April 9 at 11:00 am
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It's that time of year, again! The Mother's Day Purse Event is happening and Mission Outreach will be collecting purses and personal items for Shoebox Ministry throughout April!
Every Spring we gather new and gently used medium to large purses, totes, handbags, and...
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Scholarship Grant Awards for DCLC College Bound Students | |
The DCLC Endowment Fund is accepting scholarship grant applications for graduating high school seniors, class of 2023. Applications may be downloaded here and are due in the church office by June 15, 2023. For students continuing their college educations, scholarship grants may be renewed, for a total of 4 grants.
Please click "Read More" for more information, requirements, specifics, etc.
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We need your help to fill the following open positions within the Church Council and Gilbert Chamber.
Open Positions:
- Council – Vice President
- Council – Treasurer
- Gilbert Chamber – Outreach
- Gilbert Chamber – Education
- Gilbert Chamber – Hospitality
- Gilbert Chamber – Communications
Please click "Read More" for more information, nominating committee, etc.
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Saturday, April 29, 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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Sunday, April 23, 2023
6:30 am - 8:30 am
Grace Lutheran Church
Desert Cross volunteers serve pancakes Sunday mornings to those experiencing homelessness. Those under 18 years old will serve in the dining area.
How can you get involved? Please contact Joy Petroff at joylpetroff@gmail.com.
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C3
Thursday, April 13, 2023
10 am - 11:30 am
Gilbert Fellowship Hall
C3 assembles on April 13 at 10:00 am in the Gilbert Fellowship Hall.
The theme for the morning will be 'The Cross'. Please bring a friend and some treats.
C3 is a Discussion/Fellowship group for ANYONE and ALL are welcome.
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Friday, April 14, 2023
7:00 pm at the home of Al and Susan Buhl
This group meets once a month at the home of a host family. The group is open to all interested participants. During the evening, you will enjoy fellowship and discussion around a biblical topic. Our April topic is "His Emphasis on Forgiveness".
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55+ Game Day
Thursday, April 20 at 9:00 am
Tempe Community Center -
Adult Classroom
The 55+ Group meets on the first Thursday of the month to share coffee and fellowship.
All are welcome to come for good conversation and some fun!
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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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AVDC
(Audio and Video team for Desert Cross)
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The live stream and audio/video ministry is still growing and so we want to put a call out there to please join our Desert Cross Audio&Video team if you want to make a meaningful contribution to our congregation and have some fun at the same time.
To sign up today, please contact Joni Van Rossum at jvanrossum@desertcross.org or click the button below.
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Volunteers Needed for Worship | |
We need to fill all of the worship assistant jobs (ushers, communion assistants, scripture readers, etc.) each week. So please sign up today if you would like to serve in this way.
Please contact Art Krzyzewski about serving in Tempe or Sharynn Jennings about serving in Gilbert.
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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. | |
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April Playlists can be found on our Desert Cross Faith Formation website. The April Playlist Theme is Forgiveness.
We offer Playlists for Children, Youth, and Adults. Use the button below to visit our Faith Formation website. Sign up to follow the website, and you'll receive an email when we post new content.
If you need help signing up, please contact Denise McClellan at dmcclellan@desertcross.org or 480-730-8600.
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Would you like more information on our ministries or are you looking for last weekend's live stream? Can't find the church phone number or email address?
Just download and open the app!
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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!
All financial information is encrypted and stored by Tithe.ly's banking partner to PCI DSS Level 1 compliant standards, which is the highest possible rating one can get in the electronic payment processing industry.
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