Weekly Update for Friday, June 16, 2023

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Weekly Desert Cross Update - June 16, 2023

BLESSINGS BLOG

faith & life with pastor Andrea

A STELLAR TIME AS THIS

Jesus said to the disciples, “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few.”

Matthew 9:37

Stellar VBS 2023 (Vacation Bible School) launched at Desert Cross! What a joy to see eager children of varied ages gather to “Shine Jesus' Light!” Youth and adult servants gathered with the children generously sharing their faith to discover Jesus’ love and how to be mirrors of that love. On the screen, the lyrics to the song say, “He is the light that breaks through the darkness.” The theme of Day One was, “When life feels dark, shine Jesus’ light!” We sure do need some light right now. And we are the workers sent to shine that light. Now! Right now!

Jesus gives us all we need to share our faith and shine his light into the world now. He sent his disciples out as workers into the world and asked them to make new workers for his kingdom. That is what happens at VBS! One special week set aside to pour love into our youngest disciples and a chance for youth and adults to lead, serve, and set an example of how to live out your faith. This is the example we need to follow to make a difference in our community and world!

This all brings to mind the song For Such a Time as This written about Queen Esther and her challenge to set aside her personal gains and selfish ambitions to serve God’s people to bring about grace, mercy, and justice in the kingdom. Click on the video link to see the lyrics to this timely song,

“Now. What I have is right now. To be faithful, to be holy, and to shine lighting up the darkness!”

It is you and it is me. This is our time to hear God’s voice and to follow the call to be stellar disciples sharing God’s mercy and grace with a world seeking answers.

This is Our Time,

Pastor Andrea

NEWS FOR THIS WEEK:

2023 Desert Cross Lutheran Church Graduates

Rachel Barnard, Desert Vista High School

Will be attending Butler University in Indianapolis, Indiana studying Dance Performance.

Brittany Ohe, Ross University

Doctor of Medicine

Elizabeth Collins, University of Arizona

Doctorate Degree

Sabrina Pai, Taft High School in Chicago

She wants to study Film and plans to enroll in Chicago Community College.

Naomi Sanders, Northern Arizona University

Bachelor of Social Work, Minor in Sociology

Brenden Hageman, Mountain View High School - grandson of Carol Hageman

Andrew Moyer, Grand Canyon University

MBA with an Emphasis in Project Management.

Courtney Smith, Northern Arizona University

Masters Degree in Public Health

Ashley Viker, Northern Arizona University

Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education

Josh Fossett, Desert Vista High School

Andy McClellan, Arizona State University

M. Ed. Educational Leadership--Principalship

Joni Van Rossum, Western Governors University

Bachelor of Computer Science

Eric Stephen Waters, Arizona State University

Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering - Master of Science Computer Science

Annual Back to School & Undies Drive

The Community Outreach Committee is collecting school supplies for underprivileged children and classrooms. This year, the Tempe campus will be donating supplies to Step Up School and Kyrene Resource Center. The rising cost of school supplies has made it challenging for children and their teachers to acquire everything they need. In addition to school supplies, the Kyrene Resource Center is specifically requesting new children's underwear. Your assistance in providing these essential items is greatly appreciated.

Please click "Read More" for a complete shopping list.

Sharing A Backpack for Homeless Made Simple

Every fourth Tuesday evening of the month the Azcend bus (non-profit agency) pulls up to Desert Cross’ Community Center and 22 unhoused people file out. You will see them carrying sleeping mats, cleaning supplies, and plastic garbage bags. The garbage bags are filled with a sheet, a blanket, a towel, and personal possessions (clothes and toiletries). This garbage bag follows the unhoused person the entire week as this community moves from church to church throughout the month. These garbage bags get ripped and damaged. They are for temporary use only.

Our I-Help sponsor Azcend has asked participating congregations for backpacks to replace these garbage bags. The backpacks will become the personal property of each unhoused person. Our Desert Cross I-Help program is asking for congregational members to help in providing backpacks.

Completion of Fire Panel Installation and Community Center AC—Thank You for Your Generous Support

We are delighted to announce that we have successfully completed the installation of the Fire Panel and the Community Center Air Conditioning system, thanks to the support and generosity of our wonderful community. Your kind contributions have helped to make this achievement possible, and we extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who contributed to this important endeavor.

New Men's ChristCare Group

Begins July 6

Thursdays at 7:00 am

Tempe Community Center Youth Room

This men's group will study the weekly scripture lessons and discuss how they relate to our life experiences. We will offer each other love and support as we build friendships. Community service will also be a focus of our group.

For more information, contact Dave Landstrom at dave.landstrom@gmail.com.

Take Me Out to the Ballgame

August 11, 2023, at 6:40 pm

Chase Field

Join us for a fun-filled outing at Chase Field as we cheer on the Arizona Diamondbacks against the San Diego Padres on Friday, August 11th, starting at 6:40 pm. We are excited to announce another DCLC Fellowship event and would love to have you there!

To secure your spot, please send an email to Tom Rewolinski at adshckyfan@aol.com no later than Sunday, June 25th, indicating your interest in attending and the number of attendees.

Once we have gathered all the responses, we will finalize the event details, including the cost of the ticket(s). We can't wait to see you there and share in the excitement of the game.

Be the new LAMA Liaison for Desert Cross!

Desert Cross is seeking a passionate and dedicated individual to fill the role of (LAMA) liaison, following the exceptional service of Elaine Kraemer. As a LAMA liaison, you will play a vital role in bridging the gap between our congregation and the Lutheran Advocacy Ministry in Arizona (LAMA). This position offers a unique opportunity to make a difference in our community through acts of mercy and justice.

ChristCare Commissioning

June 25 at 9:30 am

Gilbert Worship Service

We're excited to announce that we will be commissioning four new ChristCare Leaders at an upcoming worship service at our Gilbert Site! Please join us as we welcome Pastor Thadd, Karen Koslow, Ellen Minde, and Katelyn Williamson as small group leaders. Join us for a cake reception after the service.

To learn more about our ChristCare Small Group Ministry, use the button below or contact Denise McClellan at dmcclellan@desertcross.org or 480-730-8600.

ChristCare Small Group Ministry

MISSION UPDATES:

Vitalant Blood Drive

Saturday, June 24, 2023

7:30 am - 12:00 pm

Tempe Community Center

You can sign up in the Tempe Narthex or go online to schedule an appointment at Vitalant.org using “desertcross” as the sponsor code.

For questions and information, please contact Art at krzyarty@cox.net.

CONNECTION UPDATES:

FOR YOUTH:

Tempe Sunday Morning Education Schedule:

9:45 AM - 10:15 AM -- Sr. High School Sunday Education (Sr. High Youth Room)
9:45 AM - 10:15 AM -- Jr. High School Sunday Education (Jr. High Youth Room)

Gilbert Sunday Education Schedule:

10:45 AM - 11:15 AM -- Jr & Sr High School Sunday Education (Meet in the Fellowship Hall)

Jr. and Sr. High Weekly Meetings:

5:00 – 6:30 PM -- Jr. High School Night (Sr. High Youth Room)
6:30 – 8:30 PM -- Sr. High School Night (Sr. High Youth Room)

Please check the DCLC website for dates we will not be meeting.

FOR ADULTS:

55+ Breakfast Gathering

June 22, 2023, at 9:00 am

T.C. Eggingtons

1660 S Alma School Rd

Mesa

Please RSVP to Glenda Friesth by June 20th.

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.

REMINDERS:

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.

Prayers for Pastor Doris

Pastor Doris Nolan, who previously served as our Interim Associate Pastor, has let us know that she is dealing with a recurrence of cancer and she would very much appreciate your prayers. Pastor Doris will keep us updated in the days ahead.

If you would like to send Pastor Doris a message of encouragement, she shared her address for us:

Pastor Doris Nolan

2782 Carlmont Pl

Simi Valley, CA 93065

Pastor Doris began chemo treatments on June 5th. She will have six infusions for 6-8 hours every 3 weeks. Please remember Pastor Doris in your prayers as she faces these challenging treatments. Thank you!

Office closed

From May 30th through June 19th the office will be closed at 2:30 pm on Monday through Thursday and on Fridays due to summer travel schedules.

Stay Connected to Desert Cross this Summer

Will you be traveling this summer? Will you be escaping Arizona's heat?

You can stay connected to Desert Cross through our Stories of Joy blog and our Desert Cross Faith Formation website. Both will be updated throughout the summer. You'll find links below.

If you have any questions, please contact Denise McClellan at dmcclellan@desertcross.org or 480-730-8600.

Stories of Joy

Desert Cross Faith Formation

Volunteer Opportunities

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.

Stewardship 2023 - All Aboard the Stewardship

Hello from your Stew Crew!

We are thrilled to present to you our exciting 2023 theme: "All Aboard the Stewardship!" 🌊

As Ryan Stevenson beautifully expressed, "You alone are the anchor, when my sails are torn, your love surrounds me, in the eye of the storm." This year, we are embarking on a journey to delve into the depths of God's unwavering love for each and every one of us.

Mark your calendars for Commitment Sunday on October 21/22! We will have a ministry fair that day with great food and music!

Get your sailing gear and your boarding passes ready, can’t wait to set sail!

Meditation Group

Tuesdays at 7:00 pm

Tempe Sanctuary

ON BREAK until June 27

Thursdays at 9:00 am

Tempe Community Center Youth Room

ON BREAK until June 29

Do you want to try meditation? If so, please join Elaine Kraemer Thursday mornings. Elaine is hosting a weekly meditation group. 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.

Information on Baptism

If you are interested in having your child baptized, reach out to Pastor Thadd at tbook@desertcross.org.

News Submissions

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!

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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Desert Cross Lutheran Church | Gilbert & Tempe | 480-730-8600 | www.desertcross.org