|
Find us on Facebook, Youtube,
or visit our website:
| |
|
You can use this button to give to Desert Cross directly online: | |
Weekly Desert Cross Update -
September 1, 2023
| |
Faith and life with pastor Andrea | |
|
Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable his judgments, and his paths beyond tracing out!
Romans 11:33
| |
|
At Show Low Lake I discovered this dusty path below the road. At the beginning, you cannot see where this path leads. Embarking on a lone hike, I enjoyed the beauty of the pines and green grasses, but there were lots of flying bugs springing off the trail with each footstep. I don’t like bugs. But I really wanted to see where this path was leading. With trepidation, I continued not knowing what was ahead. Soon big lizards scattered in every direction with each footstep. I surmised not many feet had met this trail!
As I continued down the path appreciating the wildflowers, pretty blue-gray rocks covered in lichen lined the trail. But the best surprise was ahead. Rounding a corner, this expansive view of a winding stream set against the rocks, pines and blue sky greeted me. Nostalgia flooded me as I remembered the stream I played in as a child. Joy and peace flowed through me at the sight of this meandering water path. It was worth the discomfort of the unknown and the inconvenience of creepy creatures. I was glad for the fresh path which led to an unexpected spiritual blessing.
Sometimes we are sent on fresh paths of which we cannot see the ending. But we need to follow them. This is true in our lives and in the church. We must be willing to endure the unknown and discomfort to see what God has in store for us next! Romans reminds us that we cannot know what paths God is leading us through, but we have faith that God is with us every step of the way. We trust God so we can experience the riches of God’s wisdom and knowledge on the fresh path. Martin Luther’s prayer that got us through the pandemic comes to mind:
O God, you have called your servants to ventures of which we cannot see the ending, by paths as yet untrodden, through perils unknown. Give us faith to go out with good courage, not knowing where we go, but only that your hand is leading us and your love supporting us; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
For from him and through him and for him are all things. To him be the glory forever! Amen. Romans 11:36
Pastor Andrea
| |
Strategic Plan Update - Tempe Campus
In accordance with the Desert Cross goal to explore ways to share our facilities, have a bigger neighborhood presence, and offer use of space during the week, Desert Cross-Tempe is renting space to a K-8 micro-school with a 2-year lease similar to the Gilbert campus Preschool and Dogs4Vets tenants. The school operates Monday - Friday from 8:30 am - 3:00 pm and began their Fall Semester in late August in the Community Center. Desert Cross has access to the space for our Ministry needs when school is not in session.
| |
|
Hello friends from church, band, school, and the ballparks!
It's that time again when the kids are up and ready to go, but there's no work or school! Join us for breakfast and playtime at my HOA park on Labor Day. Please feel free to invite your own local friends and extended families too!
Who: Moms, Dads, Grandparents & Kids
What: A breakfast fellowship opportunity for families
When: Labor Day, September 4th at 9:00 am
Where: 19096 E Swan Dr, Queen Creek 85142 (Has lots of shade and a picnic shelter too)
Why: For fresh air for the kids which hopefully turns into naps and relaxing afternoons for everyone...
| |
Adult Forum
Sundays 9:45 - 10:15 am
Tempe Community Center Adult Classroom
OR
Sundays 10:45 - 11:15 am
Gilbert Sanctuary
Begins September 10
We're choosing a monthly theme based on the lessons read during the worship services. 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.
| | | |
Book Group
Thursday 2:00 pm OR 7:00 pm
Desert Cross Tempe Community Center Adult Classroom
September 14 - October 5
We're going to read "The Heaven and Earth Grocery Store" by James McBride, author of "The Color of Water". The book tells the story of the residents of Chicken Hill, a neighborhood where immigrant Jews and African Americans live side by side, sharing their lives, ambitions, and sorrows.
Book Fee: $22.00
Scholarships Available
To sign up for the afternoon group, contact Lola Peterson at lolabluebirds@gmail.com.
To sign up for the evening group, contact Denise McClellan at dmcclellan@desertcross.org or 480-730-8600.
| |
Crystal Cards
Crystal Cards will be selling in Tempe on Sunday, September 17th before and after the 10:30 am service. Thank you to everyone who donates cards and supports "The Crystal Card Project."
| |
Meditation Group
Tuesdays at 7:00 pm
Tempe Sanctuary
Meeting September 5
OR
Thursdays at 9:00 am
Tempe Community Center Youth Room
Meeting September 7
Do you want to try meditation? If so, please join Elaine Kraemer Tuesday evenings or Thursday mornings. Elaine is hosting weekly meditation groups. 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.
| | |
|
The Outreach Ministry and Vitalant will be hosting a blood drive on Saturday, October 28, 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 use “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.
| | | | |
|
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!
| | | |
|
55+ Planning Meeting
Thursday, September 7, at 9:00 am
Tempe Community Center - Adult Classroom
Please join us for our 55+ Planning Meeting on Thursday, September 7th at 9:00 am in the Community Center Adult Classroom. We have social time with coffee and refreshments, plan future fun events, service projects, and also choose a game for our Game Day on the 3rd Thursday of the month. We end with prayer requests and the Lord's Prayer.
Looking forward to seeing you!
| | |
|
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.
| | |
|
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!
| |
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.
| |
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.
| |
|
|
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.
| | | |
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! | |
|
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.
| | | | | |
