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Weekly Desert Cross Update -
December 15, 2023
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Faith and life with pastor Andrea | |
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If you open your eyes wide in wonder and belief, your body fills up with light.
Matthew 6:22 (The Message)
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When was the last time you were filled with wonder? I felt wonder and amazement when a beautiful bride suddenly appeared in the rocks and scrub at this trailhead in Lost Dutchman State Park! We were sitting in the parking lot in the car waiting for the more adventurous in our hiking party to return when suddenly this angel in white appeared from the parking lot. The last thing we expected to see on this desert hike was a young bride arriving at her wedding! She and her father had a precious moment taking selfies in the quiet and cherishing the last moments before her life would change forever. This brought joy to me as wonder filled my heart at witnessing this unexpected special moment.
Earlier, when we were hiking, wonder filled me at the vast, unique beauty of the desert landscape set against the clear blue sky. We suddenly felt very small and one of our hiking companions commented that our problems felt at least temporarily smaller set against the wonder of God’s creation. This was a special time to take a break from “life” and be filled with wonder that gave us joy and peace. No matter what you are facing, take time to be filled with wonder. Allow everyday experiences to point you to God, like a beautiful sunrise or sunset, an unexpected kindness, or an angel in the desert. You never know how God might surprise you!
In wonder,
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A Message from June Bowman
Thanks to all of the Desert Cross family who prayed for me, sent cards or brought meals. It has been so appreciated!
Desert Cross people give me such JOY. May God Bless all of you this Christmas and New Year.
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For the latest I-Help news, please click the button below. There is a wonderful story there about Sarah and how this ministry is making a meaningful difference in the lives of so many. | |
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Gather 'round, dear friends! This December 17th, join us for a spectacular celebration of The Heart of Christmas at our Tempe church. The melodies of our Christmas Cantata will resonate with the spirit of the season, starting at 10:30 am. Bishop Deborah Hutterer will be presiding.
Meanwhile, over at our Gilbert location, the little stars will be shining bright in the Children's Pageant at the 9:30 am service.
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Joint Jr. High/Sr. High Christmas White Elephant gift exchange
Get ready for a festive blast at our Joint Jr. High/Sr. High Christmas White Elephant Gift Exchange! Join us on Sunday, December 17th, from 5 to 7 pm at the Tempe Youth Room. It's going to be an evening filled with laughter, surprises, and the joy of giving and receiving.
Not only will we be swapping quirky and fun gifts, but delicious food and beverages will also be on the menu. It's the perfect opportunity to celebrate the season with friends and make some lasting memories.
If you have any questions or need more details, feel free to reach out to Allen Ihlefeld at agihlefeld@gmail.com.
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Snack & Chat
Snack & Chat will be closed the last two Sundays in December. We will reopen on Sunday, January 7, 2024.
We wish all a VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR!
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55+ Fellowship -- Brunch
All are welcome to join the 55+ Group for brunch at T.C. Eggington's, 1660 S. Alma School Road, Mesa, on Thursday, December 21, at 10:00 am
To make a reservation, please call Glenda Friesth by Tuesday, December 19. Hope to see you there!
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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 on December 17, 24, or 31
Meeting January 7
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.
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Tomorrow's Church Today - ChristCare Retreat
See, I am doing a new thing!
Isaiah 43:19
February 2 & 3
Friday, 6:30-9:15 pm
Saturday, 8:00 am-1:00 pm
Desert Cross Tempe
Open to All! All of Desert Cross Invited! Family and Friends Invited!
The culture around us is changing, and the Church is changing too. How can we be a Church that Listens to our neighbors? How can we be a Church that Acts in ways to serve our neighbors? How can we be a Church that Shares God's love with our neighbors? Pastor Andrea and Pastor Thadd will lead us as we explore these ideas and prepare for Tomorrow's Church Today where we listen for God's calling and follow the Spirit's leading.
Cost: $15.00 per person or $25 per couple
***Please do not make a payment until 2024
Scholarships Available
Includes Retreat Materials, Dinner Friday, Breakfast Saturday, and Lunch Saturday
RSVP by January 22
Contact Denise McClellan
dmcclellan@desertcross.org or 480-730-8600
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Meditation Group
Tuesdays at 7:00 pm
Tempe Sanctuary
Meeting December 19
Not Meeting on December 26
OR
Thursdays at 9:00 am
Tempe Community Center Youth Room
Meeting December 21
Not Meeting on December 28
Do you want to try meditation? If so, please join Elaine Kraemer on 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.
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How Does a Weary World Rejoice?
An Advent Devotional
As part of our Advent preparations, we're offering an Advent Devotional. The devotional includes scripture, art, poetry, songs, journaling, and reflections to help you prepare for Christmas. Use the link below to access the devotional.
If you prefer a hard copy, contact Denise McClellan at dmcclellan@desertcross.org or 480-730-8600.
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Join us on Advent Wednesdays
Holden Evening Prayer on December 20.
Tempe - with live stream:
Worship at 7 pm.
Gilbert:
Soup Supper at 6 pm; Worship at 7 pm.
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December 16-17
- Saturday at 5:00 pm (Tempe, Bishop Deborah Hutterer presiding)
- Sunday at 10:30 am only (Tempe, Christmas Cantata, Bishop Deborah Hutterer presiding, with live stream)
- Sunday at 9:30 am (Gilbert, Children’s Christmas Pageant)
December 23:
- Saturday at 5:00 pm (Tempe, with live stream)
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Christmas Eve:
- Sunday, December 24 (Evening worship ONLY) at 5 pm (with live stream) and 7 pm
New Year's Weekend:
- Saturday, December 30 at 5 pm.
- Sunday, December 31 at 10:30 am ONLY (with live stream)
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Christmas Eve:
- Sunday, December 24 (No morning worship) at 3 pm and 5 pm
New Year's Weekend:
- Sunday, December 31 at 9:30 am
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Blood Drive
The Outreach Ministry and Vitalant will be hosting a blood drive on Saturday, January 27, 2024, 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. You can also contact him at krzyarty@cox.net.
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Pancake Breakfast
Desert Cross has supported the homeless programs at Grace Lutheran Church for many years. One of the ways that we do this is by serving pancake breakfasts approximately once a month on Sunday mornings.
Grace Lutheran Church is located in Phoenix (1124 N. 3rd St, Phoenix 85004) and the arrival time is 6:30 am. There are large and small jobs available for folks young and old.
If you would like to serve, please get in touch with Joy Petroff. We need between 12 and 15 volunteers each time we serve.
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Socks and Gifts Cards for the Homeless
Our I-Help Team wants to make Christmas a little extra special this year for our unhoused guests in the I-Help Program.
We are asking members to share a gift of socks and/or a $20 gift card from Walmart or Target. These gifts will be distributed at the Tuesday evening Christmas Eve Service on December 26, 2023, after the I-Help Dinner.
People can drop off socks in a basket at worship - in the narthex in Tempe and fellowship hall in Gilbert up until December 17th. Gift cards should be marked “I-Help” and dropped in the Hunger Jar or the normal offering plates/baskets. The Hunger Jar Offering on December 10th at the Gilbert Campus will be dedicated to purchasing socks and gift cards if you would like to participate in this manner. Many of our unhoused friends live out of a backpack, thus the reason for these simple gifts. And as always, pray for those who long for a day when they can live in a space of their own.
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Gilbert Angel Tree
This year, our angel tree will support two groups:
Concordia Charter School & I-Help Program. We will be making tags for both groups.
Our Desert Cross I-Help group will be serving dinner on the Tuesday after Christmas and we would like to share a gift for each guest. Items are to be returned wrapped with the tag attached by Sunday, December 17th.
Please help us make this holiday season a little more special for these children and our homeless community by participating in our Angel Tree ministry.
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Join Us for Advent Suppers before Worship in Gilbert!
As we enter the joyful season of Advent, we invite you and your loved ones to come together for a special time of fellowship and worship. This year, we are hosting Advent suppers on December 6th, 13th, and 20th at 6 pm, followed by a special Holden Evening Prayer worship service and we would love to see you there!
We understand that the holiday season can be busy, especially for young families. That's why we've made Wednesday nights hassle-free for you. Join us for a delicious and stress-free dinner as we come together in anticipation of the birth of our Savior.
These Advent suppers are not just meals; they are an opportunity to connect with fellow members of our community, share in the spirit of the season, and prepare our hearts for the joyous celebration of Christmas.
Don't miss out on this opportunity to pause, reflect, and celebrate the true meaning of Christmas. Mark your calendars for 6 pm on December 6th, 13th, and 20th, and make these Wednesday nights a part of your Advent tradition.
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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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Breakfast Dudes
Saturday, December 16, 2023 at 8:00 am
Gilbert campus - Room #104
Men of the Congregation, come and enjoy our time together as we share Food, Fun, Faith, and Fellowship. Invite a friend, a neighbor, or a relative to join us.
Bring jokes and stories to share. Coffee, Juice, Fruit, and Danish will be provided. Please bring any additional food and beverage items you would prefer.
A special invitation to the men of the Tempe Campus to come and join us for this Breakfast Dudes meeting.
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The Gilbert Hospitality Ministry needs YOU!
If you've got a warm heart and a welcoming spirit, we want YOU on our team. Help create a friendly atmosphere, greet newcomers, and be a part of something special.
👉 Interested? Contact Dana Hargis at dhargis89@gmail.com.
Let's build a community where everyone feels at home! 🏡💙
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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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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!
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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