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Weekly Desert Cross Update -
November 3, 2023
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Faith and life with pastor Andrea | |
Poster From Bible Project | |
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Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you.
John 14:27
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Fear, violence, and war are in the headlines and in the air. Yet Peace is a goal of all major world religions. God’s greatest desire for creation is peace. Yet the world is still at war. Today in Jerusalem and in Bethlehem, the places of our Savior’s birth, death, and resurrection, Christians, Muslims, and Jews live together – but peace is far away from that holy place. Jerusalem is where three world religions intersect and share worship space: Judaism, Islam, and Christianity. In Hebrew, peace is “Shalom”. In Arabic, peace is “Salaam”. For Christians, it’s “Peace.” Jesus is our Shalom. He is our Salaam. He is our Peace.
Jesus prayed for peace constantly. Yet we’re so busy fighting that we are distracted from our peacekeeping mission. As we live out our faith, let us work and pray for peace in our lives. Let us work and pray for peace in the world, as we seek to understand our neighbors. I invite you to pray the following prayer with me every day:
A Daily Prayer of Peace from St. Francis of Assisi:
Lord, make me an instrument of Thy peace;
Where there is hatred, let me sow love;
Where there is injury, pardon; Where there is doubt, faith;
Where there is despair, hope;
Where there is darkness, light;
Where there is sadness, joy. O Divine Master,
Grant that I may not so much seek
to be consoled as to console;
to be understood as to understand;
to be loved as to love. For it is in giving that we receive; It is in pardoning that we are pardoned;
and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life. Amen.
Shalom Salaam Peace,
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New Members Class
If you have been worshiping at Desert Cross for a little while, please consider becoming a member.
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We will gather for a new member class at the Gilbert Campus on Monday, November 13th at 6:30pm and the Tempe Campus on Wednesday, November 15th at 6:30pm. This class will allow you to hear more about the exciting ministry that is happening at Desert Cross, give us a chance to learn more about you and an opportunity for you to ask any burning questions you have. You can choose to attend either class.
RSVP by calling the church office (480-730-8600) or emailing our church administrator, Marie (mmaiorana@desertcross.org). We hope to see you there!
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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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Book Group
Thursdays 2:00 pm Tempe Community Center Adult Classroom
OR
Thursdays 7:00 pm Tempe Community Center Adult Classroom
November 9 & 16
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We'll gather to read Small Things Like These by Claire Keegan. The book is set in a small town in Ireland in 1985 in the weeks before Christmas. Bill Furlong, a coal and timber merchant, faces a moral dilemma that could have an impact on his family's life for years to come. As one reviewer describes it, the book is "about the world, and it asks profound questions about complicity, about the hope and difficulty of change, and the complex nature of restitution."
Book Fee: $16.00 Scholarships Available
To sign up for the afternoon group, contact Lola Peterson at lolabluebirds@gmail.com
To sign up for the evening group, contact Denise McClellan at dmcclellan@desertcross.org or 480-730-8600
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Hunger Jar Offerings for Pitchfork Pantry
October 21/22, October 28/29, and November 4/5
The Pitchfork Pantry is a student-led food pantry at ASU. The students and the faculty advisor volunteer their time to distribute fresh produce, rescued groceries, and needed toiletries to students. You can find out more about Pitchfork Pantry by using the link below.
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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
Desert Cross Serves Project November 5
Meeting November 12 & 19
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 November 7
OR
Thursdays at 9:00 am
Tempe Community Center Youth Room
Meeting November 9
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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Advent 2023 - How Does a Weary World Rejoice?
Join us for Advent worship weekends and Wednesdays for an Advent series in Luke’s Gospel by A Sanctified Art. This narrative-driven series follows the Gospel of Luke and the story of Jesus’ birth as we experience the full scope of human emotions: isolation, fear, disbelief, connection, trust, and joy through scripture, art, poetry, and reflection. We will feel the weariness of our world while seeking daily moments of joy. We will be filled with hope and celebration of “God with Us” at all times! Join us as we seek a “thrill of hope” in our hurting world that still provides moments to rejoice.
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Join us on Advent Wednesdays
Holden Evening Prayer on:
December 6, December 13, and December 20
Tempe:
Worship at 7 pm.
Gilbert:
Soup Supper at 6 pm; Worship at 7 pm.
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December 2-3
- Saturday at 5:00 pm (Tempe)
- Sunday at 8:30 am & 10:30 am (Tempe)
- Sunday at 9:30 am (Gilbert)
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December 9-10
- Saturday at 5:00 pm (Tempe)
- Sunday at 8:30 am & 10:30 am (Tempe)
- Sunday at 9:30 am (Gilbert)
December 16-17
- Saturday at 5:00 pm (Tempe, Bishop Deborah Hutterer presiding)
- Sunday at 10:30 am only (Tempe, Christmas Cantata, Bishop Deborah Hutterer presiding)
- Sunday at 9:30 am (Gilbert, Children’s Christmas Pageant)
December 23:
- Saturday at 5:00 pm (Tempe)
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Christmas Eve:
- Sunday, December 24 (Evening worship ONLY) at 5 pm and 7 pm
New Year's Weekend:
- Saturday, December 30 at 5 pm.
- Sunday, December 31 at 10:30 am ONLY
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Christmas Eve:
- Sunday, December 24 (No morning worship) at 3 pm and 5 pm
New Year's Weekend:
- Sunday, December 31 at 9:30 am
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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
| 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. | | |
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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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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!
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