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Weekly Desert Cross Update -
October 20, 2023
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Faith and life with pastor Andrea | |
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Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.
Colossians 3:12
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A good friend gifted this mug to me last week. It was perfect timing because it was a difficult week for all around the globe as violence erupted in the Holy Land and buzz about WW 3 ensued. Chaos in our own country and violence in countries where many have friends and loved ones can cause us to be fearful and pull inward. Yet now is precisely the time we need to have the courage to look beyond ourselves and share kindness so we can make a difference within our reach. The mug is a great reminder for me while enjoying coffee in the morning that we are, indeed all people, God’s chosen people, holy and beloved. That will never change. And we must live as if that were true every moment.
I understand this is a difficult time to be courageous and kind in the chaos and uncertainty. And yet, if we want things to be different, we must. If we look back on history, times were just as hard with epidemics, war, and disruptions as today. We cannot wait until things improve. The time is now to have courage, be kind, and be compassionate and patient with others. To sprinkle kindness in all situations, not repaying wrong with wrong, but showing a different way. Have courage and be kind, my friends. It is a way forward in a time when moving any which way seems risky. I invite you to set an intention for the week ahead to have courage and sprinkle kindness.
Sprinkle away,
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PRAYERS FOR PEACE
And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:7
As violence rages around the globe in many places with Russia and Ukraine, Azerbaijan and Armenia, and now Israel and Gaza in the forefront, we lift up prayers for God's peace that surpasses all understanding in our own country and around the globe. Please join in this prayer for peace in Israel and the Gaza Strip on our Faith Formation website: https://dclcfaithformation.org/adult/
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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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Hunger Jar Offerings for Pitchfork Pantry
October 21/22, October 28/29, and November 4/5
The Pitchfork Pantry is a student-led food pantry at ASU. The students and the faculty advisor volunteer their time to distribute fresh produce, rescued groceries, and needed toiletries to students. You can find out more about Pitchfork Pantry by using the link below.
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Please join us for a Packing Party!
Thursday, November 2 at 9:00 a.m.
Where: Adult Classroom, Tempe Community Center
Please join us in assembling bags of feminine hygiene products for women who need them, but cannot afford them.
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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
Ministry Fair October 22
Meeting October 29
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 October 24
OR
Thursdays at 9:00 am
Tempe Community Center Youth Room
Meeting October 26
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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Tom is this big black soft-spoken young man in his late twenties. His size is intimidating, but he is just the opposite. Tom sat across from me about 3 months ago in the Fellowship Hall at Desert Cross during our I-Help dinner. The noise in the room combined with my poor hearing prevented me from... | | | |
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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Desert Cross Serves Project
Sunday, November 5
Tempe Site at 9:45 am
Gilbert Site at 10:45 am
| 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. | |
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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C3
Thursday, October 26, 2023
10 am - 11:30 am
Gilbert Fellowship Hall
C3 is a Discussion/Fellowship group for ANYONE. We will welcome guests from 12 Step groups that meet at DCLC Gilbert and we will look more deeply at the Serenity Prayer. Bring a friend and some food.
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Breakfast Dudes
When: 8:00 AM Saturday, October 21, 2023
Where: Gilbert site, Room #104
Who: 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.
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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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Wreath Sales Fundraiser
Dates: 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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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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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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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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