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faith & life with pastor Andrea

Photo by Nick Fewings on Unsplash

I will listen to what the Lord God is saying;

Psalm 85:8a

The people of God have been listening for God for centuries. In 1 Kings 19 the prophet Elijah went on the mountain to listen for the Lord passing by. The Lord was not heard in the powerful wind, the earthquake, or the fire. Surprisingly the Lord was heard in the sound of sheer silence. Elijah heard his call in the gentle whisper of the Lord. A gentle whisper is subtle. You need to listen to hear it.

Listening is tricky. Many times we listen with a preconceived notion of what we are listening for. Or we listen with a reaction ready in hand. In pre-marital counseling, a key teaching for communication is active listening. With active listening, we listen with an open mind and an open heart to seek understanding. We ask clarifying questions and confirm that we understand what we are hearing before we respond in a thoughtful way. This kind of listening helps us learn about each other and love each other better.

Our community has been spending the past 5 years intentionally listening for God to guide us in our mission and ministry to a hurting world. We take special time in seasons like Advent and Lent to teach spiritual practices that help us listen to God. We make time and space for you to listen to the gentle whisper of the Lord in worship, small groups, classes, and meditation. We have been led to many new ways to love God’s people better in our neighborhoods. We are always asking, “How is God calling you and our beloved community into new ways of sharing the love of Jesus Christ?”

The scriptures for worship this weekend are all about listening for God. We are still listening and looking for new ways to listen and serve in the days ahead. All this will help us hear the gentle whisper of the Lord in our lives and the ways we can share God’s love.

There is more to Psalm 85:8: “I will listen to what the Lord God is saying; for you speak peace to your faithful people and to those who turn their hearts to you.”

ListenLearnLove,

Pastor Andrea

Hunger Jar Gifts Update

During June and July, the Hunger Jar was dedicated to two very important missions, the Grand Canyon Synod Growing Generosity Campaign, and the DC Lutheran Quilters Ministry.  

Based on your generosity and our Endowment Team and Council approval to match funds for both programs, we have gifted $5,000 to the Grand Canyon Synod and $4,885.01 to the Quilting Ministry.  

Thank you to all who donated, as once again our Congregation has stepped up to meet the needs outside of our walls.

There’s Music in the Air!

“I will sing the praises of Your name, O most Holy God”... Psalm 9:2 

Do you love beautiful inspiring music? Come and join us! Chancel Choir at Desert Cross Gilbert will resume rehearsals on Sunday, August 27th in room #103 (across the parking lot).

Normal rehearsal time is 8:30 to 9:20 am on Sundays, but on August 27th, we invite you to come at 8:15 for a Coffee Klatch and treats! We will also hold a Christmas music preview!

We start each rehearsal with a devotion, a hymn and have a wonderful time of fellowship. All you need is a love of music to join.

For more information and questions, please email Carolyn Perkins at carolyn.perkins77@gmail.com.

Junior Choir: Building life-long worshippers

“We follow a Lord who placed children in the midst of them”... Mark 9:36

Attention all music-loving youngsters in Grades K - 7! It's round-up time! God calls us, young and old, to be worshippers of Him. By serving in the choir, important seeds are planted in the hearts and minds of children through the worthy song texts we sing, specially composed for children by outstanding Christian composers. We also love to put children’s innate creativity to work with bells, unpitched instruments, and art projects led by Laura Book. Most importantly, choir members learn they have a key role in worship, to serve with faithfulness and love. 

The first rehearsal is Saturday, August 26th from 3:30 to 4:15 in the Gilbert Sanctuary.

For more information and questions, please email Carolyn Perkins at carolyn.perkins77@gmail.com.

Throughout the next couple of months, the ELCA is asking for your help. We are looking for your thoughts and ideas on how we are called to be a church in today’s world.

Please visit our website on Future Church: God’s Love Made Real – lovemadereal.elca.org – where you can learn more about this action and complete a survey to share your views of the church and the world today.

In the coming weeks, we will offer listening sessions where you can participate in online opportunities to provide your thoughts on God’s call for the church.

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.

Stay Connected to Desert Cross this Summer

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

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.