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Weekly Desert Cross Update -
October 6, 2023
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Faith and life with pastor Andrea | |
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Put on the breastplate of faith and love, and for a helmet the hope of salvation.
1 Thessalonians 5:8
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Beautiful fall colors greeted me upon arrival at the leadership conference in Lake Geneva last week—what a great surprise and treasured gift to be back in my homeland in autumn. Gratitude filled my heart for the opportunity to attend a national conference gathered with colleagues to learn, connect, and grow. We discussed being church in an uncertain world following a certain God. Learning about planning and action to find new ways to share faith, hope, and love with our neighbors globally was a blessing.
Lifelong learning is essential; if we are learning, we are growing. One way to expand our thinking is to learn about topics from wide-ranging sources outside our realm and apply them to Christian leadership and living. Another way I am learning is by listening to a podcast teaching the four pillars of the ancient Greek philosophy of Stoicism: Courage, Temperance, Justice, and Wisdom. The pillars of Stoic philosophy are a way of life that applies to Christian leadership and living. Much of it sounds like the writings of the Apostle Paul on The Way of faith, hope, and love that Jesus taught and lived. It’s all about putting knowledge into practice. Not just knowing but doing – that’s what we call faith in daily life in the Christian world.
What are you learning lately? What voices influence you as you seek to live out your faith daily? With each other’s help, we can turn from the voices calling us to hatred, fear, and isolation toward Jesus’ way of faith, hope, and love. I hope that our Desert Cross worship, prayer, and spiritual resources, weekly updates, and opportunities like our online Playlists, and the Desert Cross Serves emails are equipping you to live out your faith as a friend of Jesus. Jesus sent the Holy Spirit as his presence to walk with us along this not-so-easy road -- it sometimes feels like the road less traveled. That’s why Jesus gave us one another -- to build each other up and to love one another as we work toward a just and peaceful world. It starts with Jesus’ friends in the 21st century – you and me – to make new friends along The Way sharing faith, hope, and love.
Let’s go,
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📢 Pastor Appreciation Day 🌟
This Sunday, October 8th, let's express our gratitude together to the incredible Pastor Andrea and Pastor Thadd for their unwavering dedication and inspiring leadership.
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Take a moment before or after the service to give them your heartfelt thanks, and if you'd like to go the extra mile, consider sending them a thoughtful thank-you card. Your words mean more than you know!
Please send your cards to the church office at:
8600 South McClintock Drive
Tempe, AZ 85284
Let's shower our pastors with love and appreciation for all they do!
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Sundae Sunday is here!
Join us on Sunday, October 8 for fellowship and ice cream! We'll meet at both sites during our Education time to enjoy a sweet treat and good fellowship.
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October Playlists Are Live!
Our Playlist theme for October is Blessings. Use the button below to visit our Desert Cross Faith Formation Website to explore our Playlists for Children, Youth, and Adults.
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Will you help beautify the altar in Tempe with flowers?
We have several opportunities left for folks to sponsor altar flowers in Tempe. If you are celebrating a special day between now and the end of the year, please consider donating flowers to mark that day. The cost of an arrangement is $33.
You may sign up on the flower chart in the Tempe narthex or contact Marie Maiorana at 480-730-8600 or mmaiorana@desertcross.org.
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Be Thankful Food Drive
We are collecting in Tempe through November 19th for Matthew’s Crossing Food Pantry, Kyrene Resource Center, and the local Salvation Army.
Yes, it's that time of year where we are so grateful for all that we have and this food drive allows us to help those who are less fortunate. Every non-perishable donation is appreciated.
Donations in Tempe will be given to Matthew's Crossing Food Pantry, Kyrene Resource Center, and the Salvation Army.
Please put only non-perishable food items in the large bin in the Tempe Narthex. The bin is marked indicating the drive.
Thank you so much for your generosity! We appreciate your support!
Turkeys
Due to lack of storage space, PLEASE deliver any turkeys to the Tempe church only on the following days: Saturday, November 18th, or Sunday, November 19th. (Other items can be donated throughout the drive).
For a complete shopping list, please click the button below.
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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
Fall Break -- October 1
Sundae Sunday -- October 8
Meeting October 15
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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All Saints Sunday
It is that time of year when we remember our loved ones who have passed away in the previous year.
On All Saints Sunday, November 5, it is a tradition at Desert Cross to list the names of those who have died since the previous All Saints Sunday in the bulletin. If you would like to add a name, please see the clipboard set up in the Narthex or
e-mail Marie (mmaiorana@desertcross.org) at the church office by Sunday, October 29.
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Wreath Sales Fundraiser
Dates: October 14/15 and October 28/29
Location: Tempe Campus
Featured Wreaths:
- Classic Wreath (25 inch): $34
- Victorian Wreath (25 inch): $39
- Cranberry Splash Wreath (25 inch): $40
- Wintergreen Wreath (25 inch): $40
Accessories:
- EZ Wreath Hanger: $2.50
- Dazzling LED Light Set: $5.50
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Payment Information:
- Checks made payable to BSA Troop 379
- Cash accepted
Delivery:
Tentative delivery on December 2/3.
Thank you for supporting BSA Troop 379!
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Meditation Group
Tuesdays at 7:00 pm
Tempe Sanctuary
Meeting October 10
OR
Thursdays at 9:00 am
Tempe Community Center Youth Room
Meeting October 12
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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Desert Cross Serves Project
Sunday, November 5
Tempe Site at 9:45 am
Gilbert Site at 10:45 am
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We're including service projects as part of our Faith Formation program. Folks of all ages gather together during our Education time to pack food bags. We'll take the bags with us for those in need we see around town and in our neighborhoods.
Hunger Jar Offerings September 30/October 1, October 7/8, and October 14/15 will support this project.
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Serve Pancake Breakfast
October 22, 2023
Grace Lutheran Church
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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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.
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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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Trunk or Treat
You're invited!
🌭 Enjoy delicious HOT DOGS, crispy CHIPS, and refreshing DRINKS!
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🎶 Be entertained by talented YOUTH MUSICIANS, showcasing their musical prowess!
👻 Don't forget to dress up your car trunk for a chance to win the coveted Prize for Scariest Trunk!
📅 Mark your calendars for OCTOBER 28th from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM.
📍 We'll be gathering in the parking lot of Desert Cross Lutheran Church:
3225 S. Lindsay Rd., Gilbert
Bring your family and friends for an evening of spooky fun, great food, and awesome music.
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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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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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