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Weekly Desert Cross Update -
November 10, 2023
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Faith and life with pastor Andrea | |
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Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.
Colossians 4:2
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November 11, 2023, is Veterans Day. I am deeply thankful for all who have made the sacrifices to serve our country including my uncle who served in the Marine Corps, my father who served in the Navy, my brother who served in the Marine Corps, and my nephew who is currently serving in the Marine Corps Reserve.
The discipline, commitment, and sacrifice by all of our veterans for our country and our peace are truly awe-inspiring and deserving of genuine respect. In these chaotic days and an uncertain future with global events beyond our control, one thing in our control is prayer and our responses to events and people we encounter. The words from Colossians speak into our world today, and I encourage you to join me in “devoting yourself to prayer, being watchful and thankful.”
Please join me in this Veterans Day Prayer written by Rev. David Lose:
God of peace,
We pray for those who have served our nation and laid down their lives to protect and defend our freedom, asking that we remember their sacrifice and make right use of our liberty.
We pray for those who still bear the scars of their service, asking for healing for them in mind, body, and spirit.
We pray for those who serve us now, especially for those in harm’s way, asking that you shield them from danger and bring them home in safety.
We pray for all those who govern, asking that you turn their hearts and minds to the work of establishing a peace born of justice and equity.
We pray for all those who are caught up in conflict around the globe this day, civilians and peace-keepers and the poor who have no escape, asking that we have the courage to defend the defenseless, make room for those who flee for safety, and look to that day when we will train for war no more.
May the peace you gave us, the peace that passes all human understanding, be the peace that guides and sustains us. For it is in Jesus’ name that we pray. Amen.
Thankful,
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Order Your Poinsettias Today
This Christmas we will be decorating the church with live poinsettias.
As in the past, you have the chance to purchase one of these lovely plants. Envelopes will be available beginning November 12 and the cost of each plant is $20.00. Payment can be enclosed along with your dedication.
Dedications and payments must be returned to the office by December 3.
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55+ Fellowship - Game Day
Thursday, November 16, at 9:00 am
Tempe Community Center
Adult Classroom
Please join us for a morning of fun and fellowship at our 55+ Game Day on Thursday, November 16, at 9:00 am in the Community Center Adult Classroom.
We will be playing Dominoes. Of course, we will be serving coffee and delicious treats!
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Gilbert Angel Tree
This year, our angel tree will support two groups:
Concordia Charter School & I-Help Program. We will be making tags for both groups.
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Our Desert Cross I-Help group will be serving dinner on the Tuesday after Christmas and we would like to share a gift for each guest.
The Angel tree will be set up on Sunday, November 19th and items are to be returned wrapped with the tag attached by Sunday, December 17th.
Please help us make this holiday season a little more special for these children and our homeless community by participating in our Angel Tree ministry.
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Women4Women - Thank You!
Thank you to the congregation for the wonderful outpouring of gifts in the “Hunger Jar” in August ($2,350) for the purchase of feminine hygiene products.
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A group of ladies gathered at Desert Cross on November 2 to pack bags of hygiene products for women who need them but have difficulty affording them. The bags packed were delivered that afternoon to a homeless shelter in Mesa and for women who attend I-Help at our church.
Thank you to all who contributed and/or participated in the packing. Much laughter and chatter accompanied the packing. (350 bags were packed!)
Thank you, thank you,
Community Outreach Ministry Committee
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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 members class at the Gilbert Campus on Monday, November 13th, at 6:30 pm and the Tempe Campus on Wednesday, November 15th, at 6:30 pm. 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 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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Adult Forum
Sundays 9:45 - 10:15 am
Tempe Community Center Adult Classroom
OR
Sundays 10:45 - 11:15 am
Gilbert Sanctuary
Meeting November 12 & 19
No Meeting November 26 -- Happy Thanksgiving!
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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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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Meditation Group
Tuesdays at 7:00 pm
Tempe Sanctuary
Meeting November 14
OR
Thursdays at 9:00 am
Tempe Community Center Youth Room
Meeting November 16
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.
Donations in Gilbert will be given to the Concordia Charter School and Gilbert Food Pantry.
Please put only non-perishable food items in the large bin in the Tempe Narthex. In Gilbert, please place them in the grocery cart in the Fellowship Hall.
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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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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