Weekly Update for Friday, June 30, 2023 | |
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Weekly Desert Cross Update - June 30, 2023 | |
faith & life with pastor Andrea | |
The heavens praise your wonders, Lord, your faithfulness too.
Psalm 89:5
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One of my favorite pastimes is gazing at the sky and discerning cloud shapes. A friend sent me this magnificent photo of the June Arizona sky. What do you see in the clouds? I see the descending doves of the Holy Spirit as a glorious reminder that God is with us. It reminds me of Les Colombes traveling art exhibit, by German artist Michael Pendry, installed at cathedrals around the world to bring hope.
We can look to the Spirit sky, a faithful witness over all the earth, for hope in the promise that Jesus is with us in the Spirit – guiding, us, comforting us, growing our faith, and sending us to our neighbors in love. We all live under the same sky that showers us with peace, hope, and God’s love. Psalm 89 declares the heavens praise the wonders and the faithfulness of the Lord. The psalmist promises, “I will sing of the Lord’s great love forever; with my mouth I will make your faithfulness known. “
Take a listen to this song based on Psalm 89: I Could Sing of Your Love Forever
And next time you look at the clouds in the sky, take hope in knowing they declare the faithfulness of the Lord for you and for all people.
To learn more and meditate on the Holy Spirit, check out our faith formation website for a week of Praying with the Spirit beginning July 1st.
Under the Spirit sky,
Pastor Andrea
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Tempe Flower Chart
There are a few available slots on the flower chart for July. It would be wonderful if you could consider sponsoring flowers, as it serves as a lovely way to celebrate significant people or events in your life.
You have the option to sign up on the flower chart located in the Tempe narthex or get in touch with Marie Maiorana at 480-730-8600 or at mmaiorana@desertcross.org. The cost of sponsoring an arrangement is $33.
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Pastor Matt Dobyns to Lead Worship at Our Gilbert Campus
Pastor Matt Dobyns will be returning to lead worship at our Gilbert campus on Sunday, July 23rd. We look forward to welcoming him back and listening to the message he has prepared for us.
Please mark your calendars and spread the word to others who may want to join us.
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Annual Back to School & Undies Drive |
The Community Outreach Committee is collecting school supplies for underprivileged children and classrooms. This year, we will be donating supplies to Step Up School, Concordia Charter 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.
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This month the Breakfast Dudes from the Gilbert Campus will take over the kitchen to serve dinner and make sack lunches for our I-Help guests. Sue Kyle and friends will host the Breakfast Club for Wednesday morning’s send-off.
I ask that you keep our Breakfast Dudes & Sue Kyle in your thoughts and prayers as they minister to our homeless community. The response for backpacks has been tremendous, but I want to encourage those thinking about donating a backpack to do so still. Backpacks will be a continual need as new faces show up.
Please read the recent I-Help News for details on how God has led the Desert Cross community to serve the least of these.
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Snack & Chat closed in July
Snack and Chat will be closed for the month of July. We will reopen on Sunday, August 6th.
See you then!
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Meditation Group
Tuesdays at 7:00 pm
Tempe Sanctuary
July 4 & 11
OR
Thursdays at 9:00 am
Tempe Community Center Youth Room
July 6 & 13
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.
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The Outreach Ministry and Vitalant will be hosting a blood drive on Saturday, August 26, 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 using “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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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.
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Quilting Ministry
Resuming July 11, 2023
Every Tuesday 9 am to 12 noon
Community Center Serving Room
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We're delighted to inform you that the quilting ministry is set to resume its joyful gatherings! Mark your calendars for July 11th, Tuesday, from 9:00 AM to 12:00 noon. Join us every Tuesday in the Serving Room of the Community Center for a delightful quilting session.
Whether you're an experienced quilter or a beginner, all are welcome to participate. Don't forget to bring a needle and scissors, and get ready to create beautiful quilts together.
For any additional information, please feel free to contact us via email at pstarner44@gmail.com or give us a call at.
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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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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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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!
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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. | | | |
Stay Connected to Desert Cross this Summer
Will you be traveling this summer? Will you be escaping Arizona's heat?
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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.
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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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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!
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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! | |
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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