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Weekly Desert Cross Update -
September 22, 2023
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Faith and life with pastor Andrea | |
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Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
2 Peter 3:18
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I was surprised the other day in my office when I noticed that my plant has grown a lot! It almost reaches down to my desk from the wall shelf. I was delighted to discover that the heart-shaped leaf shadows were watching over me and my work. With the proper light, water, and food this plant has produced a cascading vine with rich green, healthy leaves. Because this plant is healthy and growing well, it is purifying the air, contributing oxygen, and bringing beauty and peace to my office space.
In order for us to grow in our spiritual and intellectual lives, we need light, water, and food of sorts that look like education, outreach, prayer, and connection. It’s important to always be learning and investing in ourselves so we can be well and also share ourselves with others in meaningful ways. This was shared with me recently, “What you give to yourself, you give to the world.”
So I’ve been making intentional efforts to grow as a person and in my leadership and ministry by investing time and energy into continuing education, spending time in mindfulness meditation, connecting with colleagues for collaboration, going for early morning walks, and learning new skills in pastoral care. Next week I will be out of the office to attend a continuing education conference for pastoral leadership. It will be a refreshing time to connect and learn with colleagues about being church and living out faith in new ways that fit our current context. This all helps me grow in life and faith so I’m healthy in mind and spirit and able to share my heart for leading and sharing with others. It takes some sacrifice, intention, and commitment to do this, but it’s worth it!
So how are you growing these days? Are you taking time to grow in your own education, spiritual wellness, and physical well-being? It could be just one little thing that you do for you. That can look different for everyone! But I hope that you find ways to feed yourself so you grow well knowing you are a beloved child of God because you are worth it!
Grace & Peace,
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Upcoming Faith Formation Dates
- October 1: Fall Break--No Education
- October 8: Sundae Sunday--Join us for fellowship and ice cream!
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Gilbert Town Hall Meeting
Gilbert Sanctuary
Sunday, September 24th
After worship until 11:15 am
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This is an excellent opportunity to:
- Stay informed about the latest updates regarding our church.
- Share your thoughts, ideas, and concerns.
- Learn about upcoming events and initiatives.
Your participation helps, so please mark your calendar and plan to join us after worship.
We look forward to seeing you there!
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I-Help News - a message from Glen Stadler
Prayers for Thursday Morning Christ Care Group & The Tainters
Desert Cross’ Thursday Morning Christ Care will be hosting the I-Help dinner on Tuesday evening September 26th. Tony and Donna Tainter will follow up with providing breakfast the next morning. I ask that you would keep these two teams in your prayers as God will use them to feed, encourage, and give hope to the homeless community.
It’s been a brutally warm summer which puts a lot of stress upon our neighbors with no shelter. Desert Cross has been hosting up to 27 individuals in the last couple of months. The numbers have put a strain on transportation to and from the Azcend (our nonprofit that sponsors I-Help) which has limited space on their bus. Please note that Azcend is only one of many nonprofits that provide this service to the unhoused people of Arizona.
When we look at the tragedy happening in North Africa with the earthquake and flooding, it continually reminds me of the responsibility God has placed in our hands to care for those who struggle. Join me in lifting up in prayer our church brothers and sisters in Christ as they minister to those who are in search of a place to live and work.
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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
Meeting in Tempe on September 24
Gilbert Town Hall September 24--No Adult Forum
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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Meditation Group
Tuesdays at 7:00 pm
Tempe Sanctuary
Meeting September 26
OR
Thursdays at 9:00 am
Tempe Community Center Youth Room
Meeting September 28
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.
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Outreach Ministry
Our outreach program for September will be collecting coats and jackets for the Kyrene Resource Center. We will need all sizes – both children and adults.
Donations can be placed in the bin in the narthex. You can bring your donations throughout the month of September.
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Serve Pancake Breakfast
September 24, 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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Book Group
Thursday 2:00 pm OR 7:00 pm
Desert Cross Tempe Community Center Adult Classroom
September 14 - October 5
We're reading 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.
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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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September Playlists are live!
We post Playlists each month for Children, Youth, and Adults on our Desert Cross Faith Formation Website. This month's theme is Gather.
Click the button below and use the menu to find each Playlist.
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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!
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