Weekly Update for Friday, July 14, 2023 | |
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Weekly Desert Cross Update - July 14, 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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What could be better than fresh coffee and fresh fruit on the patio at daybreak? I look forward to many such mornings on summer break. For the next few weeks as your pastors take time to rest, we give thanks for guest preachers, dedicated staff and leaders, and faithful worship servants. As we all take our summer breaks for refreshment and travels to visit family and friends, I wish you many blessings in the words of the Old Irish Blessing:
May the road rise to meet you,
May the wind be always at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face,
The rains fall soft upon your fields.
And until we meet again,
May God hold you in the palm of his hand.
Summer blessings,
Pastor Andrea
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News from Feed My Starving Children | |
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Back in April, Desert Cross gave nearly $3800 to Feed My Starving Children and more than 80 of us gathered to pack meals for hungry people around the world. We were recently notified that the food we packed was delivered to Haiti last month. The humanitarian crisis in Haiti is horrible and grows worse each day. Click the thumbnail to watch a recent report from ABC News about the situation in Haiti. Warning that the report includes disturbing images and descriptions of violence.
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Prayers for the Dobyns Family
Unfortunately, Bri Dobyns is experiencing signs indicating a possible recurrence of cancer. Therefore, Pastor Matt has decided not to go on his planned trip to Arizona, nor will he be preaching at the Gilbert Site on July 23. Instead, they will be traveling to Atlanta for follow-up tests. We kindly request that you remember them in your prayers during this challenging time.
Additionally, we extend our gratitude to Pastor Dave Krueger and Pastor Glen Stadler for their generous offers to serve on July 23. Their support is greatly appreciated.
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Tempe Flower Chart
There are a few available slots on the flower chart for 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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New Men's ChristCare Group Up and Running! | | |
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Thursdays 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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Meditation Group
Tuesdays at 7:00 pm
Tempe Sanctuary
July 18 & 25
OR
Thursdays at 9:00 am
Tempe Community Center Youth Room
July 20 & 27
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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100 Backpacks & Bags Gathered for I-Help | |
The I-Help program received overwhelming support from Desert Cross members and friends. They collected 100 backpacks and bags filled with toiletries to help the homeless men and women in the Chandler community. Donations such as shampoo, conditioner, deodorant, combs, lotion, sunblock, nail clippers, toothbrushes, toothpaste, and mouthwash have been pouring in. | |
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The need for these items is ongoing, and every contribution is valued.
You can find a collection basket for I-Help items at the Tempe location in the narthex and at Gilbert in the Fellowship Hall. Your donations make a difference, especially during the hot Arizona temperatures when people are in survival mode. Consider providing the gift of a shower and fresh toiletries to those in need.
If you'd like to share a suggested backpack from Amazon, please click on the following link: Amazon Backpack Suggestion
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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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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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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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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!
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