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Weekly Desert Cross Update -
January 5, 2024
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Faith and life with Pastor Andrea | |
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And the Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen his glory, the glory as of a father’s only son, full of grace and truth.
John 1:14
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“Grace shows up!” That’s what she told me with delight. We were about to enter the worship space on New Year’s Eve morning when she shared her story with me. Home alone with her husband on Christmas Eve, with no family around them due to illness, she did her daily Wordle puzzle. The Wordle for December 24, 2023 was GRACE! She got it on the first try! Just as she was feeling down about this unusual Christmas Eve, then GRACE! Grace showed up surprisingly as it often does. Her heart was comforted, and she felt at peace. This was as it was supposed to be. She sent me the screenshot of the Wordle saying, “May people everywhere know they are surrounded by God’s amazing grace and love, always.”
Grace shows up. Often in the most unexpected and surprising ways! Keep your eyes and ears open to God’s grace as it comes to you and may we show up for others offering grace in our own unique ways. May 2024 be full of grace in moments when we expect it the least and need it the most. Embrace these words of the Lord in 2 Corinthians 12:9, “My grace is sufficient for you ...”
Grace and peace,
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Snack & Chat
Snack & Chat will be OPEN on Sunday, January 7th.
Stop in after the 8:30 am service or come a little early for the 10:30 am service and enjoy a cup of coffee or tea and a cookie or two with your friends. You might even make a new friend! We hope to see you on Sunday!
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Desert Cross Serves Project
Sunday, January 28
Tempe Site at 9:45 am
Gilbert Site at 10:45 am
We're including a service project as part of our Faith Formation schedule. Folks of all ages will gather together to pack hygiene kits to share with folks in need we see around town. Please come and join the fun! Hunger Jar Offerings in January will support this service project.
If you have any questions, contact Denise McClellan at dmcclellan@desertcross.org or 480-730-8600
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Adult Forum
Sundays 9:45 - 10:15 am
Tempe Community Center Adult Classroom
OR
Sundays 10:45 - 11:15 am
Gilbert Sanctuary
Meeting January 7
We're choosing a monthly theme based on the lessons read during the worship services. We'll explore the theme by discussing the lessons and using the Adult Playlist posted each month on our Faith Formation Website.
For more information, contact Pastor Andrea at acain@desertcross.org
or Pastor Thadd at tbook@desertcross.org.
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Tomorrow's Church Today - ChristCare Retreat
See, I am doing a new thing!
Isaiah 43:19
February 2 & 3
Friday, 6:30-9:15 pm
Saturday, 8:00 am-1:00 pm
Desert Cross Tempe
Open to All! All of Desert Cross Invited! Family and Friends Invited!
The culture around us is changing, and the Church is changing too. How can we be a Church that Listens to our neighbors? How can we be a Church that Acts in ways to serve our neighbors? How can we be a Church that Shares God's love with our neighbors? Pastor Andrea and Pastor Thadd will lead us as we explore these ideas and prepare for Tomorrow's Church Today where we listen for God's calling and follow the Spirit's leading.
Cost: $15.00 per person or $25 per couple
***Please do not make a payment until 2024
Scholarships Available
Includes Retreat Materials, Dinner Friday, Breakfast Saturday, and Lunch Saturday
RSVP by January 22
Contact Denise McClellan
dmcclellan@desertcross.org or 480-730-8600
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Meditation Group
Tuesdays at 7:00 pm
Tempe Sanctuary
Meeting on January 9
OR
Thursdays at 9:00 am
Tempe Community Center Youth Room
Meeting on January 11
Do you want to try meditation? If so, please join Elaine Kraemer on Tuesday evenings or Thursday mornings. Elaine is hosting weekly meditation groups. 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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Blood Drive
The Outreach Ministry and Vitalant will be hosting a blood drive on Saturday, January 27, 2024, 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. You can also contact him at krzyarty@cox.net.
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Pancake Breakfast
January 28, 2024 at 6:30 am
Grace Lutheran Church
1124 N. 3rd St, Phoenix
85004
Desert Cross has supported the homeless programs at Grace Lutheran Church for many years. One of the ways that we do this is by serving pancake breakfasts approximately once a month on Sunday mornings.
Grace Lutheran Church is located in Phoenix (1124 N. 3rd St, Phoenix 85004) and the arrival time is 6:30 am. There are large and small jobs available for folks young and old.
If you would like to serve, please get in touch with Joy Petroff. We need between 12 and 15 volunteers each time we serve.
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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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C3
Thursday, January 11 & 25 at 10 am
Gilbert Fellowship Hall
The theme for January 11 is 'Lutheran History'. The theme for January 25 is a surprise.
Food is strongly requested.
All are invited & welcome!
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The Gilbert Hospitality Ministry needs YOU!
If you've got a warm heart and a welcoming spirit, we want YOU on our team. Help create a friendly atmosphere, greet newcomers, and be a part of something special.
👉 Interested? Contact Dana Hargis at dhargis89@gmail.com.
Let's build a community where everyone feels at home! 🏡💙
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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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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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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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