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Weekly Desert Cross Update -
September 15, 2023
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Faith and life with pastor Andrea | |
Wisconsin, double rainbow sighting 9/11/23 | |
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The LORD is compassionate and gracious,
slow to anger, abounding in love.
Psalm 103:8
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September 11, 2023, marked the 22nd anniversary of the tragic events of 9/11. Do you remember where you were on that fateful day full of grief and courage? Can you still feel the fear, helplessness, and anger as well as the love, gratitude, and beauty that rose from the sacrifices of those who helped?
My memory of that day is vivid. While getting ready for a play date with my best friend and our toddlers, the phone rang. My friend told me to go turn on the TV and canceled our play date. I called my husband into the family room, and we turned on the TV trying to figure out what was happening as both of the Twin Towers were burning. Shortly after we turned on the TV, the South Tower fell. I will never forget the horror and confusion of that moment. It was a day we should always remember. So we mark this day each year with remembrance, honor, and prayer.
On September 11, 2023, something special happened. Friends shared double rainbows appearing here and around the country. But the most amazing sight was the vivid double rainbow spanning the sky from One World Trade to the Empire State Building. One resident said, “It feels like a message to everyone that’s still here. The world can be beautiful, even in times of mourning and grief.”
Rainbows are the blessing of God’s love and hope that promises calm and peace after the storm. We need these reminders. God is with us. Lean on the promise and into God’s abounding love in and after the storms of life. Day by day we can shine the light of God’s compassion, grace, patience, and love into the ashes of the past to make a better today and tomorrow.
Shine on,
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A 9/11 Prayer of Hope and Healing
by Paige DeRuyscher
Dear Loving Father,
We pause to remember the great losses and courageous acts of September 11th. We lift up those who are still affected -- families of the victims, first responders, and all who were involved. We pray for the light of Christ to flood the hearts of people everywhere. We believe You redeem Your creation, and we trust that beauty will continue to come from the ashes of those dark days. Surround us with Your mighty angels of protection, give us compassion for one another in all of life’s circumstances, and instill in us the courage to answer Your call. Amen.
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Executive Committee Update
Council President, Angela Nannenga, has fully taken over responsibilities for the President position. Special thanks to Anna Sion, Council Vice President, and Tom Rewolinski, Council Past President for carrying out the President role temporarily.
Thank you to Desert Cross for your prayers, and please continue to pray for our Council leaders.
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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 September 17
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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DCLC Quilting Update
On Friday, September 8th, The DCLC Quilting Group delivered their finished quilts to Ascension Lutheran Church in support of Lutheran World Relief. They will be shipped to the main warehouse in Minnesota.
This group has only been together for 6 months, yet these diligent quilters produced 100 quilts! Each quilt was hand-tied and made with much love and thoughtfulness. What a blessing the quilts will be to the recipients! Thank you to all who provided supplies and to the quilters for so generously sharing their time and talents.
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Crystal Cards
Crystal Cards will be selling in Tempe on Sunday, September 17th before and after the 10:30 am service. Thank you to everyone who donates cards and supports "The Crystal Card Project."
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Meditation Group
Tuesdays at 7:00 pm
Tempe Sanctuary
Meeting September 19
OR
Thursdays at 9:00 am
Tempe Community Center Youth Room
Meeting September 21
Do you want to try meditation? If so, please join Elaine Kraemer 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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Outreach Ministry
Our outreach program for September will be collecting coats and jackets for the Kyrene Resource Center. We will need all sizes – both children and adults.
Donations can be placed in the bin in the narthex. You can bring your donations throughout the month of September.
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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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Kids Connect
September 17, 2023
Gilbert Suite 104
1:00 - 2:30 pm
Kindergarteners - 5th grade, come join us for fun and games. Bring a friend!
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55+ Game Day
Thursday, September 21 at 9:00 am
Tempe Community Center Adult Classroom
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Please join us for a morning of fun and fellowship at our 55+ Game Day on Thursday, September 21st at 9:00 am in the Community Center Adult Classroom.
We will be playing Bingo and ask that you bring a White Elephant Gift to share. Of course, we will be serving coffee and delicious treats!
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Book Group
Thursday 2:00 pm OR 7:00 pm
Desert Cross Tempe Community Center Adult Classroom
September 14 - October 5
We're reading The Heaven and Earth Grocery Store by James McBride, author of The Color of Water. The book tells the story of the residents of Chicken Hill, a neighborhood where immigrant Jews and African Americans live side by side, sharing their lives, ambitions, and sorrows.
Book Fee: $22.00
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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Breakfast Dudes
Saturday, September 16, 2023 at 8:00 am
Gilbert Campus - Room #104
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. Don't forget to bring jokes and stories to share.
Program: John Christiansen - Electric Bikes
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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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September Playlists are live!
We post Playlists each month for Children, Youth, and Adults on our Desert Cross Faith Formation Website. This month's theme is Gather.
Click the button below and use the menu to find each Playlist.
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Multiple Sclerosis Bike Ride
Art Krzyzewski will be participating in his 32nd consecutive Multiple Sclerosis bike ride on October 7 and 8. If you wish to contribute, you can donate online by using the button below.
Various payment options are available, including Venmo, Apple Pay, PayPal, e-checks, and credit cards.
If you prefer to make your pledge or donation in person, you can meet Art at the Tempe site every Saturday and Sunday leading up to the bike ride. Alternatively, you can reach out to him via email at krzyarty@cox.net.
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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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