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Weekly Desert Cross Update -
November 17, 2023
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Faith and life with pastor Andrea | |
GRATEFUL THANKFUL THANKSGIVING | |
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I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry,
and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.
John 6:35
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There is a song by Joey Pecoraro titled “To Be Happy.” It begins with some upbeat music and a man’s voice speaking. He says over the music,
“We all know quite a number of people who have everything that it will take to be happy, and they are not happy because they want something else or they want more of the same; and we all know people who have lots of misfortune, and they are deeply happy; they radiate happiness. Why? Because they’re grateful.”
Those are the only words to the song. The rest of the song provides time to reflect on those profoundly true words. Living in gratitude is a discipline. As we anticipate Thanksgiving Day, may we express our gratitude, our thankfulness to God for our faith, our community, our families and friends, our work and our play, our very lives.
What are you especially grateful and thankful for this year? Gather up all of your words of thanksgiving and turn them into a prayer to Jesus who invites every person into peace, love, and connection with him and with each other. Maybe his invitation, “Come to me” is a new way of living for followers of Jesus in all circumstances. Being grateful. We may not always feel happy. But we can radiate thanksgiving because Jesus fills us with good things.
Grateful,
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Congregational Budget Meeting 2024
As we near the end of this year, it's time for us to gather and chart the course for the future together. We cordially invite you to our upcoming Congregational Budget Meeting on December 3rd at 1 pm in the Tempe Sanctuary.
Whether you prefer to join us in person or online, we've got options for everyone. The meeting will be live-streamed for those unable to attend in person and online voting will be available.
For those opting for online voting, a Google account may be needed to ensure a smooth and secure experience. If you don't have one yet, it's easy to set up!
Your voice matters, and your participation in shaping our annual budget for 2024 is key to our shared success. We appreciate your dedication to our church community and look forward to seeing you on December 3rd.
Agenda:
- Welcome
- Opening prayer
- Financial update
- Update on special offerings
- Special projects
- 2024 Church Budget
- Closing prayer
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Call for Volunteers: Deck the Gilbert Halls on November 26th!
We're seeking the helping hands of some amazing volunteers to stay after church in Gilbert on Sunday, November 26th, to deck the halls and add a touch of holiday spirit to our beloved worship space.
No special skills are required—just bring your cheerful spirit and willingness to lend a hand. Let's make this a joyful and memorable occasion for our entire congregation!
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Order Your Poinsettias Today
This Christmas we will be decorating the church with live poinsettias.
As in the past, you have the chance to purchase one of these lovely plants. Envelopes are available now and the cost of each plant is $20.00. Payment can be enclosed along with your dedication.
Dedications and payments must be returned to the office by December 3.
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Pitchfork Pantry -
Thank You!
A Message from Nicole Fairchild, the Assistant Director of Development at the College of Health Solutions
Thank you so much for your congregation's generous contributions to our Pitchfork Pantry fund! Your support assists in combating a nationwide problem that our campus is not unfamiliar with. Thank you for ensuring that our students have the proper resources to fuel their academic endeavors.
We are so grateful for your commitment to fighting food insecurity in your local community!
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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 November 19
No Meeting November 26 -- Happy Thanksgiving!
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 November 21
OR
Thursdays at 9:00 am
Tempe Community Center Youth Room
No Meeting November 23 -- Happy Thanksgiving!
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 6, December 13, and 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 2-3
- Saturday at 5:00 pm (Tempe)
- Sunday at 8:30 am & 10:30 am (Tempe, with live stream)
- Sunday at 9:30 am (Gilbert)
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December 9-10
- Saturday at 5:00 pm (Tempe)
- Sunday at 8:30 am & 10:30 am (Tempe, with live stream)
- Sunday at 9:30 am (Gilbert)
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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Tempe Angel Tree
The Angel Tree is up in the Narthex. Please take a tag or two, wrap the gift, and TAPE THE TAG securely to the gift. Each child, 15 and under, will receive two gifts: one toy or wish and one article of warm clothing.
There are tags for grocery gift cards for each family as well. Gift cards go in the container marked “Angel Tree Gift Cards”, or take them to the church office clearly marked for the Angel Tree.
Please note that we need the gifts by the morning of DECEMBER 17, as we will be sorting and distributing them to Kyrene Resource Center the morning of the 17th.
Thank you for helping make Christmas brighter for these needy children and our sponsored refugee family.
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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.
The Angel tree will be set up on Sunday, November 19th and 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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Be Thankful Food Drive
Yes, it's that time of year when 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.
Donations in Gilbert will be given to the Concordia Charter School and Gilbert Food Pantry.
Please put only non-perishable food items in the large bin in the Tempe Narthex. In Gilbert, please place them in the grocery cart in the Fellowship Hall.
Thank you so much for your generosity! We appreciate your support!
Turkeys
You can now deliver any turkeys to the Tempe church only on 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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Breakfast Dudes
Saturday, November 18 at 8 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.
Don't forget to bring jokes and stories to share.
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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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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 480-241-9688 or 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!
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