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Weekly Desert Cross Update -

July 26, 2024

BLESSINGS BLOG

Faith and Life with Pastor Andrea

COMMON KINDNESS

Only conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ … so I will hear that you are standing firm in one spirit,

with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel.

Philippians 1:27

At some point over the years, these coffee cups appearing in shows and movies set in NYC came to my attention. When my children took a NY trip this spring, they went with my request to be on the lookout for these iconic blue coffee cups. It was a delight to receive this picture of the blue coffee cup sighting on the back of a bicycle in Manhattan! It was a nice surprise to see the nice message on the cup, “To serve you is our pleasure!”


A little research in an article by Stephanie Geier on “Untapped New York” revealed that this familiar Greek coffee cup, “The cup that says New York,” is called “Anthora” which comes from the Greco-Roman amphora, an ancient container. The blue Anthora created by Greek immigrants became an iconic symbol of New York City. It was once the standard coffee cup but has become “an endangered artifact” that represents the city and its identity as a welcoming place for all. 


The message, “To serve you is our pleasure!” fits as a Christian slogan reminding us of our call to serve with love in our hearts. How we live out our faith in this world is becoming itself endangered in a climate of division and hate. Paul’s reminder written from prison to the Philippian community is a timely message. Let’s make our message and actions of peace, love, and unity into a common and recognizable symbol of disciples who follow Jesus not a rare commodity. We can take Paul’s reminder to conduct ourselves in a manner worthy of the Gospel to heart just as the Philippians did in challenging times. We can strive together to show the world and our neighbors that we take pleasure in serving and that we want nothing more than common kindness and peace in all of our communities. As the coffee cup Anthora is named after an ancient container, we can be containers of God’s love poured out for all just as Jesus’ love was poured into our hearts by the Holy Spirit.


We can do all things through Christ who strengthens us, 

(Philippians 4:13),

Pastor Andrea

NEWS FOR THIS WEEK:

Blessing of the Backpacks - July 28th, 2024


It is a tradition at Desert Cross to share a special blessing with the students and teachers among us for the school year ahead. 


All students (preschool - college) and teachers, please plan on bringing your backpacks (or book bags) to church with you this weekend on Sunday, July 28th, 2024, 8:30 and 10:30 am services in Tempe and the 9:30 am service in Gilbert.


As school districts are beginning to start the 2024-2025 school year, we wish you all a safe, healthy, and happy school year full of fun and lots of learning! 

Outreach Ministry - Thank You!


Thank you, Desert Cross for the school supplies, undies, socks, and gift cards delivered to the Kyrene Resource Center over the last two weeks. Irma Horton, Resource Center Coordinator, expressed heartfelt thanks for the supplies. She and the volunteers were busy assembling packets for 700 students in the Kyrene district.


School supplies and gift cards were also distributed to StepUp School in Mesa. Diane Fernichio, Dean of Students, and a member here at DCLC, was able to deliver the supplies to school.


On behalf of the Community Outreach Ministry, many thanks for your contributions to help provide a successful start for students in our neighborhood schools. I’m always amazed at the congregation’s generosity.


With grateful thanks,

Lola Peterson

Snack & Chat - WELCOME BACK!


Snack & Chat will reopen on Sunday, August 4th between services,

9:30 to 10:15 am.


Please stop in to reconnect with old friends and maybe make new ones while enjoying coffee, tea or juices and bakery treats.

Looking forward to seeing you there!

Farewell to Natalie Smith


Sunday, August 4th, 2024

Gilbert 9:30 service


Natalie graduated and is headed to Ohio State for college. She has been an awesome Children's Ministry Assistant and we want to take a moment to wish her well. Join us for worship at the Gilbert campus on August 4th where we will celebrate her during the children's message and wish her good luck on her new adventures!

MISSION UPDATES:

Vitalant Blood Drive


📅 Date: Saturday, August 24, 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!

CONNECTION UPDATES:

FOR ADULTS:

Desert Cross Lutheran Church Golf Event

Join Us for a Day of Golf, Fun, and Charity!


Desert Cross Lutheran Church will be having a Golf Event on September 14th, 2024, at the beautiful Greenfield Lakes Golf Course in Gilbert, AZ. This event promises a day filled with fun, competition, and community spirit, all for a great cause.

Read More

Meditation Group


Tuesdays at 7:00 pm

Tempe Sanctuary

Meeting on July 30

OR

Thursdays at 9:00 am

Tempe Community Center Youth Room

Meeting on August 1


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.

REMINDERS:

Stay Connected to Desert Cross this Summer!


Will you be traveling this summer? While you're away, you can stay connected to Desert Cross through our Stories of Joy blog and our Desert Cross Faith Formation website


If you have questions or need help signing up, contact Denise McClellan at dmcclellan@desertcross.org or 480-730-8600.

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.

Volunteer Opportunities

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.

Read More

Information on Baptism

If you are interested in having your child baptized, reach out to Pastor Thadd at tbook@desertcross.org.

News Submissions

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!

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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Desert Cross Lutheran Church | Gilbert & Tempe | 480-730-8600 | www.desertcross.org