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Weekly Desert Cross Update -
October 13, 2023
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Faith and life with pastor Andrea | |
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He leads me beside still waters.
Psalm 23:2
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Growing up, my home was next to a stream just like this. Imagine my delight when I came upon this scene on a walk in Lake Geneva. Childhood memories of skipping through the creek rock by rock and daydreaming on the stream’s banks flooded my heart. The stream of my younger days drank in a lot of my imagination, joy, play, and rest. Stopping to take in the peaceful scene, this moment of serenity fed my soul for the rest of the day. A “note to self” came to mind, “Find more still moments like this each day.”
Life is busy. Our minds are busy. The world is busy. We need moments of stillness. We need time to “just be.” In those moments we can relax, let go, and breathe. It is good to stop and reflect each day on where we are with ourselves, our loved ones, and all we do. Being still and connecting with God each day gives us the peace of the Spirit and space to listen to God’s leading in our lives.
Psalm 23 promises that our Good Shepherd leads us beside still waters. In the 4th century, the still waters were interpreted as the waters of the font which give us the gift of life and restore our souls with the infusion of the Spirit. Think of Psalm 46, “Be still and know that I am God.” Jesus modeled this stillness for his disciples when he withdrew to pray countless times.
The Psalms are God’s living word that still speaks into our lives today. We trust that Jesus leads us still. Find moments for stillness each day and let the peace that passes understanding guard your heart and your mind in Christ Jesus.
Amen,
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PRAYERS FOR PEACE
And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:7
As violence rages around the globe in many places with Russia and Ukraine, Azerbaijan and Armenia, and now Israel and Gaza in the forefront, we lift up prayers for God's peace that surpasses all understanding in our own country and around the globe. Please join in this prayer for peace in Israel and the Gaza Strip on our Faith Formation website: https://dclcfaithformation.org/adult/
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All Saints Sunday
It is that time of year when we remember our loved ones who have passed away in the previous year.
On All Saints Sunday, November 5, it is a tradition at Desert Cross to list the names of those who have died since the previous All Saints Sunday in the bulletin. If you would like to add a name, please see the clipboard set up in the Narthex or
e-mail Marie (mmaiorana@desertcross.org) at the church office by Sunday, October 29.
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Thank You - Jacket Drive
The Kyrene Resource Center extends its heartfelt gratitude for your generous donation of jackets to support their students. Once more, our community members came together to contribute a full carload of jackets in various sizes, benefiting children from kindergarten to middle school.
Your kindness is truly cherished!
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Please join us for a Packing Party!
Thursday, November 2 at 9:00 a.m.
Where: Adult Classroom, Tempe Community Center
Please join us in assembling bags of feminine hygiene products for women who need them, but cannot afford them.
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Tom is this big black soft-spoken young man in his late twenties. His size is intimidating, but he is just the opposite. Tom sat across from me about 3 months ago in the Fellowship Hall at Desert Cross during our I-Help dinner. The noise in the room combined with my poor hearing prevented me from... | | | |
Adult Forum
Sundays 9:45 - 10:15 am
Tempe Community Center Adult Classroom
OR
Sundays 10:45 - 11:15 am
Gilbert Sanctuary
Meeting October 15
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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Wreath Sales Fundraiser
Dates: October 14/15 and October 28/29
Location: Tempe Campus
Featured Wreaths:
- Classic Wreath (25 inch): $34
- Victorian Wreath (25 inch): $39
- Cranberry Splash Wreath (25 inch): $40
- Wintergreen Wreath (25 inch): $40
Accessories:
- EZ Wreath Hanger: $2.50
- Dazzling LED Light Set: $5.50
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Payment Information:
- Checks made payable to BSA Troop 379
- Cash accepted
Delivery:
Tentative delivery on December 2/3.
Thank you for supporting BSA Troop 379!
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Meditation Group
Tuesdays at 7:00 pm
Tempe Sanctuary
Meeting October 17
OR
Thursdays at 9:00 am
Tempe Community Center Youth Room
Meeting October 19
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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Be Thankful Food Drive
We are collecting in Tempe through November 19th for Matthew’s Crossing Food Pantry, Kyrene Resource Center, and the local Salvation Army.
Yes, it's that time of year where we are so grateful for all that we have and this food drive allows us to help those who are less fortunate. Every non-perishable donation is appreciated.
Donations in Tempe will be given to Matthew's Crossing Food Pantry, Kyrene Resource Center, and the Salvation Army.
Please put only non-perishable food items in the large bin in the Tempe Narthex. The bin is marked indicating the drive.
Thank you so much for your generosity! We appreciate your support!
Turkeys
Due to lack of storage space, PLEASE deliver any turkeys to the Tempe church only on the following days: Saturday, November 18th, or Sunday, November 19th. (Other items can be donated throughout the drive).
For a complete shopping list, please click the button below.
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Desert Cross Serves Project
Sunday, November 5
Tempe Site at 9:45 am
Gilbert Site at 10:45 am
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We're including service projects as part of our Faith Formation program. Folks of all ages gather together during our Education time to pack food bags. We'll take the bags with us for those in need we see around town and in our neighborhoods.
Hunger Jar Offerings September 30/October 1, October 7/8, and October 14/15 will support this project.
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Serve Pancake Breakfast
October 22, 2023
Grace Lutheran Church
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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The Outreach Ministry and Vitalant will be hosting a blood drive on Saturday, October 28, 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 use “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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Breakfast Dudes
When: 8:00 AM Saturday, October 21, 2023
Where: Gilbert site, Room #104
Who: Men of the Congregation, come and enjoy our time together as we share Food, Fun, Faith, and fellowship.
Invite a friend, a neighbor, or a relative to join us. Bring jokes and stories to share.
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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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Trunk or Treat
You're invited!
🌭 Enjoy delicious HOT DOGS, crispy CHIPS, and refreshing DRINKS!
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🎶 Be entertained by talented YOUTH MUSICIANS, showcasing their musical prowess!
👻 Don't forget to dress up your car trunk for a chance to win the coveted Prize for Scariest Trunk!
📅 Mark your calendars for OCTOBER 28th from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM.
📍 We'll be gathering in the parking lot of Desert Cross Lutheran Church:
3225 S. Lindsay Rd., Gilbert
Bring your family and friends for an evening of spooky fun, great food, and awesome music.
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October Playlists Are Live!
Our Playlist theme for October is Blessings. Use the button below to visit our Desert Cross Faith Formation Website to explore our Playlists for Children, Youth, and Adults.
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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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