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Weekly Desert Cross Update -
March 15, 2024
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Faith and Life with Pastor Andrea | |
YESTERDAY, TODAY & TOMORROW | |
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Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.
Hebrews 13:8
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Remember this?! I felt downright nostalgic when one of my kids shared this blast from the past photo of a pay phone in a western Nevada town. My kids have never used a pay phone. But when I was in college, it was the only way to call home. All the dormitory halls had central pay phones, and you also had to wait your turn. You needed a supply of quarters to call home, and I may have even called collect a few times when my quarter supply ran short. That’s language my kids wouldn’t understand as well as long distance and dialing the operator. These are all things of yesterday that changed for today and tomorrow’s world.
Innovation replaced pay phones with the cell phones of today. The method of communication may have changed, but we are still talking in lots of new ways! It’s like that for the church, too. We are facing changing times that call for innovation. We will still be sharing the good news, but we will be doing that in new ways. We will hang on to many of our traditions, but we will be open to new ways of being church for today and tomorrow, and we will seek partners in our neighbors.
Desert Cross is forming Faithful Innovation groups that will follow a process of “Listen – Act – Share” which came out of our Christ Care Retreat, “Tomorrow’s Church Today.” It’s a faithful process that listens for God’s leading and the Spirit’s guidance in how we can best adapt our practices to share the good news in new ways. We have groups at each campus who will start this process and share what they learn with all of us. We will do experiments and see how we connect with our neighbors.
We will be open moment by moment to how this will look knowing God is with us. The good news is that Jesus is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow even when everything around us is changing. His presence, his love, his support, strength, his guidance, and his call to share peace and love will never change. We will still share the good news just in different ways! Keep watching for more on this and how you can be involved in the grassroots effort to be God’s church in new ways by going out to see what is happening in our neighborhoods, and how we can create partners to share kindness with each other.
Keep talking,
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WORSHIP AT DESERT CROSS DURING LENT: | |
Lent 5:
Saturday, March 16 at 5:00pm Tempe
Sunday, March 17 at 8:30 am & 10:30 am w/livestream Tempe;
9:30 am Gilbert
Wednesday, March 20:
Holden Evening Prayer - Tempe 7 pm; Gilbert Soup Supper 6 pm, Worship 7 pm
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Palm Sunday:
Saturday, March 23 at 5:00 pm Tempe
Sunday, March 24 at 8:30 am & 10:30 am w/livestream Tempe;
9:30 am Gilbert
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Don’t Trim Your Palm Trees
Please bring your palms to the Tempe church by Saturday, March 21st for Palm Sunday decorations. You're welcome to stay after the Saturday service to embellish the Sanctuary. Thank you!
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Lenten Devotional
Wandering Heart: Figuring Out Faith with Peter
A Sanctified Art has a Lenten Devotional to go along with our theme for Lent. The devotional includes scripture, poetry, commentary, reflection questions, artwork, and notes from the artists. The online devotional even includes music links inspired by Wandering Heart. Just click and listen!
You'll find a link to the Lenten Devotional below. If you have any questions, contact Denise McClellan at dmcclellan@desertcross.org or 480-730-8600.
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HOLY WEEK AT DESERT CROSS DURING EASTER: | |
Maundy Thursday - March 28
Tempe: 7:00 pm (with live stream) w/First Communion;
Gilbert: 7:00 pm
Good Friday - March 29
Tempe: 12:00 pm & 7:00 pm w/livestream;
Gilbert: 7:00 pm
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Saturday, March 30
NO WORSHIP
Easter Sunday, March 31
Tempe: 8:30 am Outdoor; 10:30 am Livestream
Gilbert: 9:30 am & 11 am
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We Could Really Use Your Help!
Interested in being part of the Church Council, Gilbert Chamber, or Endowment Committee? Great news – we have some spots up for grabs in the 2024 elections where you can represent our congregation. These positions have 3-year terms and will be chosen at our upcoming Elections Meeting on May 5th.
Here’s a short description of each open role:
- Council Vice President – Assist and represent the Council President in overseeing the work of all committees, and handles special duties as assigned. Serve as a member of the Executive Committee. Rotation includes 1 year in each role, VP, President & Past President.
- Secretary – Record/take minutes at each Council & Congregational meeting. Present the final draft to the Council President for review and submission to the Church Administrator for filing purposes/posting to the website. Serve as a member of the Executive Committee.
- Treasurer – Oversee prompt payment of congregation’s expenses, and ensure all reporting is completed timely and accurately. Chairs the Finance Committee and serves on the Executive Committee.
- 2 Tempe At Large/1 Gilbert At-Large – Supports the general oversight and life and activities of the congregations. Support Executive Committee in special projects as assigned. Gilbert At-Large member also serves as co-leader of Gilbert Chamber.
- Gilbert Chamber – Outreach, Finance, Facilities – All work with the church staff to continually create opportunities through events and other venues for reaching new people in the community to support the Gilbert site. Outreach focuses on events within the community, Finance is part of the Finance Committee to help present the needs of the congregation, and Facilities supports the general maintenance and upkeep of Gilbert Campus.
- Endowment – 3 positions – Committee meets quarterly and consists of 5 members serving in different capacities with the team elections. The purpose is to provide support in the following areas: Missions of the ELCA, Outreach into the community and synod, Capital improvements, debt reduction, and building programs of Desert Cross.
If interested reach out to a Nominating Committee Team Member for more details. All candidates need to be identified by April 16 and submit a photo with a biography to be presented to the congregation for elections.
Your Nominating Committee Members – Stan Fernandes, Tom Selby, Michelle Reaban, Haley Perez, Brent Nannenga & Tom Rewolinski
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Request for Side Dishes or Desserts for Fellowship after Rosemary Wilson's Funeral Service
Right after Rosemary Wilson's funeral service tomorrow March 16th, we will have fellowship and we kindly ask if any of our members would like to contribute by bringing a side dish or dessert. Your generosity will help make this gathering more meaningful for everyone.
If you wish to contribute, please reach out to Dana Hargis. You can contact her via text at 480-241-9688 or email at dhargis89@gmail.com. Dana will be coordinating the contributions and adding them to the list. This will help us organize what we have and what we still need for the event.
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Saints with Skills
Exciting news – we're forming a new group dedicated to taking care of those odd jobs around our Tempe campus. If you've got a knack for fixing things and want to lend a hand, this is your chance!
We'll be tackling tasks that are perfect for a DIY approach, from wielding a screwdriver to giving things a good power wash. So, if you have a skill and a love for the House of God, come hang out with us for our first meeting in the Tempe Fellowship Hall on Saturday, April 6th at 10 am.
Got any questions? Reach out to Shelley Mardany.
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📄🔥 Get Ready to Shred-it Up! 🔥📄
Mark your calendars because we're hosting a Shred-a-thon on Saturday, April 20th, at our Tempe campus from 11 am to 1 pm.
Bring all your paper piles, old documents, and files that need shredding. It's time to clear out the clutter and have a blast doing it!
Let's shred it up and protect our privacy together. See you there!
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Donut Day
Sunday, March 17, 2024
During our Education Time
We include a fellowship event each semester as part of our Faith Formation program. We'll gather at both sites for some extra fellowship time so folks of all ages can have some fun and make some connections.
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📢 Urgent Call for Donations:
School-Age Undies and Socks!
We are reaching out with an urgent request from the Kyrene Resource Center. They are in need of school-age underwear and socks to support children in our community.
Your contributions can make a significant difference! We have set up a designated container in the Narthex where you can drop off your donations.
Thank you for your generosity and support.
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🐰🥚 Hop into Easter Fun at Desert Cross Gilbert! 🥚🐰
Sunday, March 17th, 2024
10:45 am to 11:30 am
Desert Cross Gilbert
Get ready for an egg-citing Easter celebration! We're thrilled to invite you and your little ones to join us for a joyous Easter egg hunt right after worship on Sunday, March 17th, from 10:45 am to 11:30 am at the Desert Cross Gilbert campus.
But wait, there's more! We need your help to make this event egg-ceptional. We're seeking donations of candy (non-chocolate preferred) and other delightful treats to fill our eggs with surprises. Please consider contributing before March 10th, and we'll gather to stuff the eggs during fellowship on the 10th.
Invite your friends, families, neighbors, and even strangers to join in the festivities.
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Hymn Fest & Potluck
April 21st, 2024
4:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Desert Cross Gilbert
Join us for a Hymn Fest and Potluck at Desert Cross Gilbert on Sunday, April 21st, from 4 to 5 pm. Enjoy singing timeless hymns accompanied by our music groups and a special appearance by the Handbell Choir from Holy Trinity Lutheran Church.
Bring a dish to share for the potluck at 5 pm. There will also be a free-will offering for Sanctuary updates.
Please contact Carolyn Perkins at carolyn.perkins77@gmail.com with any questions.
See you there!
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Reaching Out, Supporting Our Neighbors
Do you have a passion for helping others? 🌟
Got a passion for lending a helping hand? We're super excited to invite you to join the Gilbert Outreach Committee at Desert Cross Gilbert. Let's make a real difference together! 🌍✨
Jean O’Donnell has agreed to chair this important and dynamic ministry in 2024 and 2025, and we couldn't be happier about it. 😊
At Desert Cross Lutheran Church, we're all about spreading love and support in our community:
- 🦃 Thanksgiving food drives
- 🥫 Souper Bowl Sunday soup barrels
- 🎁 Angel trees during the holidays
- 📚 School supplies in August
- 💳 Gift cards for I-Help participants
- 📦 Feed My Starving Children packing events
- 💙 Weekly Hunger Jar offerings
...and so much more!
Joining the committee is easy, with just 2-3 planning meetings and some coordination efforts. Jean knows firsthand the passion our members have for giving back.
Ready to make a difference? We'd love to have you on board! Reach out to Jean at jaodonn@aol.com.
Together, we can spread kindness far and wide. 🌈🌟
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Feed My Starving Children Packing Event
Save the date for a Feed My Starving Children Packing Event. We'll gather at the FMSC packing site in Mesa. Use the link below to reserve your spot.
If you have any questions, contact Denise McClellan at dmcclellan@desertcross.org or 480-730-8600.
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March Madness Viewing Party
Come gather for good conversation and watch a Round 2 March Madness game. The Riensches are hosting the event on Saturday, March 23rd starting at 4:00 pm. We will have hot dogs and all the toppings, vegetarian and gluten-free options as well, and popcorn. Those attending are encouraged to bring a favorite dish or dessert to share.
Basketball will be on in several areas for those wanting to watch or there will be many areas for just those looking to gather and talk. Kids of all ages are welcome.
There will be a sign-up sheet in both Gilbert & Tempe, please put your name and email on it if you are interested and we will send an Evite to you with all the details!
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Make your picks count...
The NCAA Basketball tournament starts soon! Here is your chance to compete against your Desert Cross friends for bragging rights about making the correct picks.
Join our FREE Yahoo League "Desert Cross Challenge" to participate. The league password is "DCLC2024".
https://tournament.fantasysports.yahoo.com/mens-basketball-bracket/group/7406/invitation?key=95fccc6bad985547
Brackets and teams are announced on March 17th, so act fast before the games start.
Will you be our tournament champion?
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Join us for a delightful fiddle concert featuring The Gilbert Town Fiddlers!
April 5th, 2024 at 6:30 pm
Tempe sanctuary
The Gilbert Town Fiddlers is a nonprofit organization based in Gilbert, AZ, that provides extracurricular music education for youth. This fiddle group studies and learns folk music from a variety of different cultures and they learn most of their music by ear!
This will be an evening filled with wonderful music and fellowship. We will have a free will donation that will support the music program here at Desert Cross. Following the concert, there will be an array of delicious cookies and refreshments for you to enjoy. Don't miss out on this wonderful opportunity to enjoy some fiddle tunes and fellowship here at Desert Cross!
The concert will be on April 5th at 6:30 pm in the Tempe sanctuary. We look forward to seeing you there. If you have any questions, please contact abnannenga@gmail.com.
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Scholarship Grant Awards for DCLC College-Bound Students
The DCLC Endowment Fund is accepting scholarship grant applications for graduating high school seniors, class of 2024. Applications may be downloaded from the DCLC website HERE (Mission tab, Endowment Fund).
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Completed paperwork may be returned to the church office or emailed to endowment@desertcross.org.
To qualify for a scholarship grant award the student must:
- Complete the application form.
- Submit the form by June 15.
- Submit a one-page Faith Statement with the initial application.
- Be a communing member of DCLC, as defined in the church constitution and by-laws.
- Have participated in DCLC activities such as youth group, worship service, nursery aide, etc.
For students continuing their college educations, scholarship grants may be renewed, for a total of 4 grants. Those requesting a scholarship renewal at the college level shall submit an unofficial copy of their current transcript showing a minimum GPA of 2.75 on a 4.0 scale. Scholarship renewal requests do not need a second faith paper.
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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 March 24
No Meeting March 17--Donut Day
No Meeting March 31--Easter
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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Meditation Group
Tuesdays at 7:00 pm
Tempe Sanctuary
Meeting on March 19
OR
Thursdays at 9:00 am
Tempe Community Center Youth Room
Meeting on March 21
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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I-Help News -- March 2024
For the latest news about our I-Help Ministry, please click the button below. Thank you for staying informed and connected with us!
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Vitalant Blood Drive
📅 Date: Saturday, April 27, 2024
🕢 Time: 7:30 am - 12:00 pm
📍 Location: Desert Cross Community Center in Tempe
💉 Donation Options:
- Whole Blood
- Power Red
🅰 Urgent Need for:
- Type O Negative
- Type A and B Positive
🎁 Rewards Await:
Earn points for prizes with each donation!
🔗 Schedule Your Appointment:
Visit Vitalant.org and use sponsor code "desertcross" (all one word)
👤 Contact for Sign-Ups:
Art Krzyzewski will be reaching out to past donors.
📋 Sign-up sheet available in the Narthex at the Tempe site
📧 Email: krzyarty@cox.net
Let's come together to save lives and make a difference. Your contribution matters!
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March Mission - Community Baby Shower
Sweet babies always need LOTS of diapers! So once again we will be helping Lutheran Social Services of the Southwest, as they partner with The Family Resource Center in Mesa to host the annual Community Baby Shower.
Many expectant parents of a new infant have no family support, so the goal is to set them up for success. In addition to workshops, services, and ongoing coordinated care, each family receives a fully stocked diaper bag. The plan is to cover 60 babies with what they need. And that’s where DCLC can help! The list is short, but VERY important. Please consider donating any of these 4 items:
- Diapers sz. 1-4 (lots!);
- Baby toy;
- Baby rattle;
- Baby board book (bilingual if possible)
Also, all Hunger Jar donations from March 1 to March 29 will be used toward purchasing items from the list, especially diapers! Place your donations in our designated box in the narthex. Thank you for helping so many sweet babies!
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Serve 40
Desert Cross Celebrates 40 Years of Ministry!
In celebration of our 40 years together, let's each commit to serving 40 hours outside the walls of Desert Cross in 2024. Keep track of your volunteer service hours out in the neighborhood. When you reach 40 hours, contact Denise McClellan at dmcclellan@desertcross.org or 480-730-8600. We'll announce how many of us Serve 40 at the end of the year.
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55+ Game Day
Thursday, March 21st at 9:00 am
Tempe Community Center - Adult Classroom
Please join us for a morning of fun and fellowship for our game day on Thursday, March 21st at 9:00 am in the Community Center Classroom. We will be playing cards and, of course, serving refreshments. Hope to see you there.
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Breakfast Dudes
Saturday, March 16, 2024
Gilbert Campus - Room 104
Men of the congregation, come and enjoy our time together as we share Food, Fun, Faith & Fellowship.
Invite a friend, a neighbor, or a relative to join us. And don't forget to bring jokes and stories to share.
Please bring your own food and beverage. Coffee, juice, fruit, and danish will be provided.
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Book Group
Thursdays 2:00 pm -- Tempe Community Center Adult Classroom
OR
Thursdays 7:00 pm -- Tempe Community Center Adult Classroom
April 25 - May 16
We're going to read The Lemon Tree: An Arab, a Jew, and the Heart of the Middle East by Sandy Tolan. First published in 2006, the book tells the true story of Bashir Khairi, a Palestinian, and Dalia Eshkenazi Landau, an Israeli, and the friendship the two of them form.
Book Fee: $18.99
Scholarships Available
To sign up for the afternoon group, contact Lola Peterson
lolabluebirds@gmail.com.
To sign up for the evening group, contact Denise McClellan
dmcclellan@desertcross.org or 480-730-8600.
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Snack & Chat
When you attend one of our Sunday worship services in Tempe, don't forget to stop in at the Fellowship Hall after the 8:30 am service or come a little early for the 10:30 am service to 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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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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Prayers for Pastor Doris
Thank you for all your thoughts and prayers for Pastor Doris. She is starting a new chemo regimen and welcomes your prayers. Pastor Doris keeps Desert Cross in her prayers and misses everyone, as we miss her! Thank you for your faithful prayers.
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🍲✨ Join Us in Gilbert for Soup Suppers Every Wednesday During Lent! ✨🍲
On Wednesdays throughout the Lenten season, we invite you to join us at the Gilbert site for Soup Suppers at 6:00 pm, followed by Holden Evening Prayer at 7:00 pm.
All are welcome to attend!
If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to Dana Hargis via text at dhargis89@gmail.com.
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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!
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!
All financial information is encrypted and stored by Tithe.ly's banking partner to PCI DSS Level 1 compliant standards, which is the highest possible rating one can get in the electronic payment processing industry.
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