Weekly Update for Friday, July 7, 2023 | |
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Weekly Desert Cross Update - July 7, 2023 | |
faith & life with pastor Andrea | |
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… Use your freedom to serve one another humbly in love.
Galatians 5:13
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How was your 4th of July celebration of our freedom in the United States of America?!
I spent mine a little differently this year by watching a PBS documentary about the history of our celebration in the U.S. It went through the sacrifices that lead to the signing of the Declaration of Independence, the history of our country including the ensuing Civil War, and also the lack of freedom currently experienced in other countries as people continue striving to achieve the freedom we have here.
America is the land of the free and the brave. It is a beautiful and valuable thing, this freedom, and not to be taken for granted but to be used for the good of all. As Christians, we think about our freedom in a particular way. St. Paul directs us to God’s law of love for all that is the measure of our actions. Martin Luther argued in “The Freedom of a Christian” that in faith we are “perfectly free from sin and worry about salvation, but also servants of all with a duty to serve in love.” So, we are free, but paradoxically we are ruled by Christ’s great commandment to do all we do in love.
Jesus promises that the Son sets us free. We are free indeed, as Paul tells us in Galatians, to use our freedom to serve one another humbly in love. Let’s use our freedom together to Share, Love, and Serve in a hurting world.
Free in Christ,
Pastor Andrea
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Tempe Flower Chart
There are a few available slots on the flower chart for July & August. 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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C3
C3 is back and resuming gatherings!
Join us on Thursday, August 10th, at 10 AM in DCLC Gilbert. We meet on the 2nd & 4th Thursday mornings of each month. Everyone is invited!
For more info, email Bennett at bhenrikson@cox.net.
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Meditation Group
Tuesdays at 7:00 pm
Tempe Sanctuary
July 11
OR
Thursdays at 9:00 am
Tempe Community Center Youth Room
July 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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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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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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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.
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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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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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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! | |
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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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