Weekly Update for Friday, March 31, 2023 | |
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Weekly Desert Cross Update - March 31, 2023 | |
Blessings Blog
Faith & Life with Pastor Andrea
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A Rock, A Robin, and a Redbud | |
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And now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; and the greatest of these is love.
1 Corinthians 13:13
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Spring has sprung! As the spring equinox brings more light to the earth, it’s finally warming up in Phoenix. Yet, we are still experiencing some chilling, dark times with random violence and division casting shadows on our world. As we encounter the start of Holy Week with Palm Sunday, we will walk with Jesus through 1st-century dark times of violence and division. As he entered Jerusalem, Jesus was exalted with palm branches, yet his rise culminated in his arrest, beating, and crucifixion. Fear seemed to win the day.
Jesus walks with us through the present darkness, but we trust that hope wins the day! What gets us through Holy Week is the promise that Easter is coming. We hold onto hope knowing that the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness does not overcome! But lately, it does seem to feel like Holy Week every week, so I’ve been looking for signs of hope to hang onto. As Ralph Waldo Emerson reminds us, “Nature is loved by what is best in us.” In spite of the worst of our humanity, nature shared three signs of hope with me recently: a rock, a robin, and a redbud!
The rock has a natural pink heart engraved at the center reminding us that God is with us. The robins I encountered squawking and chasing at a local garden delighted me beyond measure! What a surprise as I have not seen a cheerful robin since moving from Wisconsin in 2014. Surprises from nature can lift our spirits. My first-ever sighting of a Texas Redbud tree with its shocking, vibrant pink buds illuminated by the sun in the desert landscape was a blessing! Nature blesses us with beauty beyond measure.
Jesus blesses us with three gifts: Faith, Hope, and Love. These three are our better nature. Look upon these signs of hope and trust that the light shines in the darkness. Faith endures. Hope prevails. Love wins. Look for signs of hope in the days ahead and may God bless your heart and lift your spirits in surprising ways.
In hope,
Pastor Andrea
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Palm Sunday Decorations
Don’t trim your palm trees until the last week in March!
Please bring your palms to the church by Saturday, April 1 for Palm Sunday decorations.
You’re welcome to stay to embellish the sanctuary.
Thank you.
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It's that time of year, again! The Mother's Day Purse Event is happening and Mission Outreach will be collecting purses and personal items for Shoebox Ministry this weekend starting Saturday, April 1st!
Every Spring we gather new and gently used medium to large purses, totes, handbags, and...
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Leading Faithful Innovation | |
What might God be up to amid the seismic changes the church and our culture are undergoing? What opportunities will congregations encounter if they rediscover and follow God's leading?
Join us at Living Water Lutheran Church for an afternoon of learning on Saturday, April 29. Click "Read More" for more information and to register for free.
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Gilbert Easter Flower Cross
For our Easter Flower Cross, we are asking for your support through donations. Please SCAN the QR-code or go to desertcross.org to give online and select the “Gilbert Easter Flower Cross” Giving Goal from the dropdown menu.
Every contribution, no matter how big or small, will help us create a beautiful and memorable display that will celebrate the spirit of Easter. We appreciate your generosity and thank you in advance for your support.
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Shred-A-Thon
Saturday, April 29, 2023
from 11 am to 1 pm
Tempe Campus
We are thrilled to announce that the annual Shred-a-Thon is happening on April 29th, from 11 am to 1 pm at the Tempe campus. This is an exciting opportunity for us to come together and shred those old documents and papers that have been piling up.
We encourage you to bring any unwanted or outdated documents that need to be securely disposed of. This could include old bills, bank statements, and other sensitive information that you no longer need.
This event is open to everyone. See you there!
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Special Hunger Jar - Thank You
The generosity of Desert Cross continues to reach beyond our walls. The Special Hunger Jar on March 25/26 for the Maricopa County Sheriff's "2023 Cops for Kids" event raised enough money for Desert Cross to sponsor 4 children who will receive a backpack to shop with officers for school supplies while establishing a positive community relationship.
Thank you, Desert Cross!
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Feed My Starving Children Packing Event
Saturday, April 29, 2023
2:00 - 4:00 pm
FMSC Packing Site in Mesa
Desert Cross has spots reserved for an FMSC Packing Event on Saturday, April 29. We'll gather at the FMSC Packing Site in Mesa that afternoon to pack meals for hungry people around the world. The Hunger Jars for April 1/2, 8/9, 15/16, and 22/23 will support this event.
Feed My Starving Children Packing Site
1345 S Alma School Rd
Mesa, AZ 85210
Use the link below to make your reservation to serve with Desert Cross.
FMSC Packing Event
If you have any questions or need help making a reservation, please contact Denise McClellan at dmcclellan@desertcross.org or 480-730-8600.
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Painting Pottery with Friends!
Sunday, April 23, 2023
2:00 pm
2970 E Germann Rd, Chandler
Come join us for some creativity with your friends! This fundraiser sponsored by the Congregational Council for Desert Cross will be held at "As You Wish Pottery" on Sunday, April 23 at 2 pm.
Perfect timing to make that special gift for Mother's Day, graduations, or for yourself.
To sign up, please email Carolyn Perkins at carolyn.perkins77@gmail.com.
The studio fee is $8.00 and includes firing; pottery extra. Family and friends are welcome!
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AC Giving Project
Help us “cool” off our Tempe campus!
Donations to support the Air Conditioning project are now being accepted.
The project is to replace 4 units – starting with the Community Center and Office.
Here are the options to Give:
- Offering – designate on the envelope “AC Project”
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Online – click the link, or use the "GIVE" button at the top of this email, then choose “AC Project”.
All funds received will help us reduce the total amount we need to borrow to start the project. The projected total cost is $75,000 and so far $10,835 has been donated.
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Gilbert Fire Panel Replacement
We have an emergency need in Gilbert! Our Fire Panel has failed and needs to be replaced.
Donations to support the Panel Replacement project are now being accepted.
Options to Give:
- Offering – designate on the envelope “Fire Panel”
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Online – click the link, or use the "GIVE" button at the top of this email, then choose “Fire Panel”
All funds received will help us reduce the total amount we need to borrow to start the project. The projected total cost is $15,000 and so far $7,524 has been donated.
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KDCL Family Variety Show and Spring Fling | |
Hey Everyone!
What? We're gonna present a Variety Show! Where? At the Gilbert DCLC Church.
When? On Saturday, May 6th - That evening at 6:30 PM
Who? Various volunteer members of DCLC. How? With our very own Singers, Musicians, Actors, Dancers, and Anyone who wants to share their talents in...
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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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Adult Forum
Sundays 9:45 - 10:15 am
Tempe Community Center Adult Classroom
OR
Sundays 10:45 - 11:15 am
Gilbert Sanctuary
Meeting April 16
We're choosing a monthly theme based on the lessons read during the worship services. The theme for April is Forgiveness. 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 April 4
OR
Thursdays at 9:00 am
Tempe Community Center Youth Room
Meeting April 6
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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Easter Egg Hunt
Saturday, April 8, 2023
10:00 am -11:30 am
Gilbert Campus
Bring your family and friends for an Easter Egg Hunt!
Games, Snacks, Crafts. Prizes...
Please bring your own basket!
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Please consider supporting the Easter Egg Hunt by contributing a bag (or bags) of wrapped candy (but no chocolate because of melting issues last year which attracted lots of ants).
There is a box in Fellowship Hall for donations. Please bring donations by April 2 so we can fill eggs on that Sunday. We plan on filling 500 eggs again and appreciate your support.
If you have questions, please contact Deb Gabrielson at debgabrielson@gmail.com
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Easter Cantata
Palm Sunday – April 2, 2023, at 10:30 AM
Tempe Sanctuary
Maundy Thursday – April 6, 2023, at 7:00 PM
Gilbert Sanctuary
A Holy Week Choral Cantata beautifully and creatively crafted, that tells of the final days of Jesus’ life, focusing on the meaning of His words and actions leading to the cross.
Bring your family and invite your friends!
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Holy Week Worship Service Times
Palm Sunday Weekend (April 1/2):
Tempe
- Saturday at 5:00 pm: Palm Litany & Special Passion Reading
- No Sunday 8:30 am Worship Service
- Palm Sunday at 10:30 am - EASTER CANTATA: "The Body of Christ" (with live stream)
Gilbert
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Palm Sunday at 9:30 am: Children's Palm Processional & Special Passion Reading
Maundy Thursday (April 6):
Tempe
- First Communion at 7:00 pm (with live stream)
Gilbert
- EASTER CANTATA: "The Body of Christ" at 7:00 pm
Good Friday:
Tempe
- A Service of Silence and Sorrow at 12:00 pm & 7:00 pm (with live stream)
Gilbert
- Tenebrae Service at 7:00 pm
No Saturday 5 pm Worship Service on April 8
Easter Sunday:
Tempe
- Sunday, April 9 at 8:30 am (Outdoor, please bring your own chair)
- Sunday, April 9 at 10:30 am (with live stream)
Gilbert
- Sunday, April 9 at 9:30 am
- Sunday, April 9 at 11:00 am
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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 2023. Applications may be downloaded here and are due in the church office by June 15, 2023. For students continuing their college educations, scholarship grants may be renewed, for a total of 4 grants.
Please click "Read More" for more information, requirements, specifics, etc.
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We need your help to fill the following open positions within the Church Council and Gilbert Chamber.
Open Positions:
- Council – Vice President
- Council – Treasurer
- Gilbert Chamber – Outreach
- Gilbert Chamber – Education
- Gilbert Chamber – Hospitality
- Gilbert Chamber – Communications
Please click "Read More" for more information, nominating committee, etc.
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Saturday, April 29, 2023
7:30 am - 12:00 pm
Tempe Community Center
You can sign up in the Tempe Narthex or go online to schedule an appointment at Vitalant.org using “desertcross” as the sponsor code.
For questions and information, please contact Art at krzyarty@cox.net.
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Sunday, April 23, 2023
6:30 am - 8:30 am
Grace Lutheran Church
Desert Cross volunteers serve pancakes Sunday mornings to those experiencing homelessness. Those under 18 years old will serve in the dining area.
How can you get involved? Please contact Joy Petroff at joylpetroff@gmail.com.
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C3
Thursday, April 13, 2023
10 am - 11:30 am
Gilbert Fellowship Hall
C3 assembles on April 13 at 10:00 am in the Gilbert Fellowship Hall.
The theme for the morning will be 'The Cross'. Please bring a friend and some treats.
C3 is a Discussion/Fellowship group for ANYONE and ALL are welcome.
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Friday, April 14, 2023
7:00 pm at the home of Al and Susan Buhl
This group meets once a month at the home of a host family. The group is open to all interested participants. During the evening, you will enjoy fellowship and discussion around a biblical topic. Our April topic is "His Emphasis on Forgiveness".
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55+ Fellowship
Thursday, April 6 at 9:00 am
Tempe Community Center -
Adult Classroom
The 55+ Group meets on the first Thursday of the month to share coffee and fellowship.
All are welcome to come for good conversation and some fun!
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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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AVDC
(Audio and Video team for Desert Cross)
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The live stream and audio/video ministry is still growing and so we want to put a call out there to please join our Desert Cross Audio&Video team if you want to make a meaningful contribution to our congregation and have some fun at the same time.
To sign up today, please contact Joni Van Rossum at jvanrossum@desertcross.org or click the button below.
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Volunteers Needed for Worship | |
We need to fill all of the worship assistant jobs (ushers, communion assistants, scripture readers, etc.) each week. So please sign up today if you would like to serve in this way.
Please contact Art Krzyzewski about serving in Tempe or Sharynn Jennings about serving in Gilbert.
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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. | |
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April Playlists will be posted to our Desert Cross Faith Formation website on April 1. The April Playlist Theme is Forgiveness.
We offer Playlists for Children, Youth, and Adults. Use the button below to visit our Faith Formation website. Sign up to follow the website, and you'll receive an email when we post new content.
If you need help signing up, please contact Denise McClellan at dmcclellan@desertcross.org or 480-730-8600.
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Would you like more information on our ministries or are you looking for last weekend's live stream? Can't find the church phone number or email address?
Just download and open the app!
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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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