Weekly Update for Friday, May 26, 2023 | |
|
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 - May 26, 2023 | |
faith & life with pastor Andrea | |
|
"Let anyone who is thirsty come to me and drink”
John 7:37b
| |
|
The prickly pear cactus in my backyard is blooming spectacularly! It shares its vibrant blooms boldly and freely! It is remarkable that only a very small amount of moisture allows the cactus to live and produce such beautiful blooms. The prickly pear flourishes in parched, desert soil and drinks in the sunlight. They are able to tolerate sandy and rocky soil alike and grow best in full sun. Yet some water is necessary for life.
We are not as resilient as the prickly pear. Jesus knew that. We are not heat or drought-tolerant and rocky soil can really stunt our growth! He knew that we would dry up and blow away without his life-giving water of grace. We like to think that we are self-sufficient, but Jesus knows that to thrive we need to drink in his Spirit and let the waters of baptism bless us each and every new day.
We are all thirsty for his grace, peace, and hope in our lives and for our world. That is why Jesus calls us to come to him and drink from the cup of forgiveness, love, and faith. His living water is available for all people. There are no limits, no boundaries, no stops on this living water that allows us to bloom boldly and freely in all kinds of challenging ground like the hot, dry, desert of these difficult times of 2023.
Drink from his living water, receive his grace, and bloom spectacularly! Shine bright with his love and produce beautiful blooms of kindness to share with your neighbors.
Drink Jesus,
Pastor Andrea
| |
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. She does not have details to share at this time, but 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
Thank you!
| | |
Vacation Bible School - Register Now
June 12-16, 2023
9:00-12:00
Mark your calendars for the week of June 12th. This STELLAR VBS will be out of this world!! Click "More Information" to register on the church website.
More Information
| |
May Hunger Jar Proceeds
Your generous contributions to the Hunger Jar in May will directly support two causes: the Grace Lutheran Church water/heat respite and the Kyrene Resource Center. Together, we can provide much-needed relief to those in need and help them stay safe and comfortable during the summer months. Your kindness will make a lasting impact on the lives of the less fortunate in our community.
Blessings,
Community Outreach Committee
| |
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.
| |
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.
| |
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!
| |
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 hope to 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!
| |
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. | | | |
AC Giving Project
With summer almost here, we need your help to keep our Tempe campus cool! Our Air Conditioning Giving Project aims to replace four units, starting with the Community Center and Office.
We're currently accepting donations for this project, and every dollar counts. By contributing to the AC Giving Project, you'll be helping us reduce the amount we need to borrow to start the project.
To donate, you have two options: you can designate your offering with "AC Project" on the offering envelope or simply click the "GIVE" button at the top of this email and select "AC Project".
The total cost of the project is projected to be $75,000, and we've received $14,601 in donations so far. Your contribution will make a significant impact on our ability to keep our campus cool. Please consider donating today!
| |
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”
-
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 $10,212 has been donated.
| |
Meditation Group
Tuesdays at 7:00 pm
Tempe Sanctuary
Meeting May 30
OR
Thursdays at 9:00 am
Tempe Community Center Youth Room
Meeting June 1
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.
| | |
|
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.
| | | |
|
Sunday, May 28, 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.
| | | |
55+ Coffee & Fellowship
Summer Break
55+ is taking a summer break from June 1st through August 31st. The next planning meeting will be on September 7th.
Stay tuned for breakfast or lunch get-togethers during that time.
Have a great summer!
| |
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.
| |
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.
| |
|
Stay Connected to Desert Cross this Summer
Will you be traveling this summer? Will you be escaping Arizona's heat?
| |
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.
| |
|
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.
| | | |
My heart hurts when I watch the evening news. Shootings or acts of violence have become commonplace in our society. I wonder, "What's going on, what's causing the need to hurt innocent people?" Could it be that we have closed ourselves off? Could it be that we all need a place to talk, to... | | | |
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 Playlists can be found on our Desert Cross Faith Formation website. The May Playlist theme is "Disciples".
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.
| |
|
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!
| |
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.
| | | | | |
