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Weekly Desert Cross Update -

February 2, 2024

BLESSINGS BLOG

Faith and life with Pastor Andrea

TAPESTRY OF LOVE

I want you woven into a tapestry of love, in touch with everything there is to know of God.

Colossians 2:2 (The Message Bible)

The Desert Cross Quilter’s armoire is freshly stocked with a generous donation of colorful fabric to be pieced and sewed together into quilts. Fabric of many colors resides side by side on the shelves to be woven into a colorful tapestry of love that will bring comfort, warmth, and security to people in war torn areas of the globe. The quilts that are shared with these folks help them to know the love of God shared from hearts and hands that care to hearts and hands in need.


As a community of faith we are woven into a tapestry of love, much like this fabric of many colors. We are different people with different backgrounds, gifts, situations, and opinions, yet we gather together to serve and share God’s love. We worship, pray, and learn about God’s word so we are in touch with everything there is to know of God. Which is why faith formation is a lifelong process! 


The Apostle Paul writes to a struggling community to remind them to keep their eyes on Jesus. To be steadfast in their call to love and serve and not be deterred from the path of mission. He writes encouraging words that we all need to hear: “Know that I’m on your side, right alongside you. You’re not in this alone. My counsel for you is simple and straightforward: Just go ahead with what you’ve been given. You received Christ Jesus, the Master; now live him. Everything of God gets expressed in Jesus, so you can see and hear him clearly.”


Embrace these words for you as we navigate this messy life. We have received Christ Jesus, and we know our call to serve him in thought, word, and deed. All we do, no matter how we do it, can weave us into a beautiful tapestry of love in touch with our suffering world that shares comfort, peace, and security in colorful ways!


Shine your colors,

Pastor Andrea

NEWS FOR THIS WEEK:

Lent Devotional

Wandering Heart: Figuring Out Faith with Peter


A Sanctified Art has a Lenten Devotional to go along with our theme for Lent. The devotional includes scripture, poetry, commentary, reflection questions, artwork, and notes from the artists. The online devotional even includes links to music inspired by Wandering Heart. Just click the links and listen! You'll find a link to the Lenten Devotional below. If you'd like a hard copy, contact Denise McClellan at dmclellan@desertcross.org or 480-730-8600.


Wandering Heart Lenten Devotional

Volunteers Needed at AZCEND in Chandler


Desert Cross partners with AZCEND and the I-HELP Program. They are currently in need of shower trailer drivers and food bank volunteers. 


The shifts for shower trailer drivers are 6:30-8:00 am and 4:30-6:00 pm. The food bank shifts vary throughout the week. 


For more information on volunteering with AZCEND, contact Maddie Lawler at maddie@azcend.org.

Serve 40

Desert Cross Celebrates 40 Years of Ministry!


In celebration of our 40 years together, let's each commit to serving 40 hours outside the walls of Desert Cross in 2024. Keep track of your volunteer service hours out in the neighborhood. When you reach 40 hours, contact Denise McClellan at dmcclellan@desertcross.org or 480-730-8600. We'll announce how many of us Serve 40 at the end of the year.

Adult Forum

Sundays  9:45 - 10:15 am  

Tempe Community Center Adult Classroom

OR

Sundays  10:45 - 11:15 am  

Gilbert Sanctuary

Meeting February 4


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.

Meditation Group


Tuesdays at 7:00 pm

Tempe Sanctuary

Meeting on February 6

OR

Thursdays at 9:00 am

Tempe Community Center Youth Room

Meeting on February 8


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.

MISSION UPDATES:

🍲 Souper Bowl Food Drive - Tempe


Warm hearts and help fill bowls this February by participating in our Souper Bowl Food Drive! Throughout the month, we're collecting non-perishable food items to support two fantastic causes: Grace Lutheran and Kyrene Resource Center.


🥫 **How to Donate:**

Look for the big soup can placed in the narthex, ready to receive your generous contributions. Every can and box you donate brings us closer to making a positive impact in our community.


🤝 **Community Outreach Committee:**

If you have any questions or need more information, please don't hesitate to reach out to our dedicated Community Outreach Committee.


Thank you for your generosity!

🏈 Super Bowl Contest: Vote for a Cause!


Show your team spirit and support two great causes—Grace Lutheran and Kyrene Resource Center.


🔵 **How to Participate:**

We've set up buckets for the Chiefs, the San Francisco Forty-Niners, and an "Other" category. Be prepared to cast your vote by making monetary contributions to the team bucket you think will emerge victorious.


💰 **Donations for a Purpose:**

All contributions will go directly to benefit Grace Lutheran and Kyrene Resource Center. Your votes not only show team loyalty but also make a meaningful impact on our community.


A big thank you from the Community Outreach Committee for your participation and generosity.

CONNECTION UPDATES:

FOR YOUNG ADULTS:

Join Us for Trivia Night at Spokes on Southern


Mark your calendars for an evening of fun and friendly competition at Spokes on Southern.

Don't miss out on the fun! Make sure to bring your A-game.


Event Details:


Date: February 4th

Time: 6:30 pm

Location: Spokes on Southern, 1470 E Southern Ave, Tempe, AZ 85282

FOR ADULTS:

Snack & Chat


When you attend one of our Sunday worship services in Tempe, don't forget to stop in at the Fellowship Hall after the 8:30 am service or come a little early for the 10:30 am service to enjoy a cup of coffee or tea and a cookie or two with your friends. You might even make a new friend! We hope to see you on Sunday!

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.

REMINDERS:

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! 🏡💙

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.

Volunteer Opportunities

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.

Read More

Information on Baptism

If you are interested in having your child baptized, reach out to Pastor Thadd at tbook@desertcross.org.

News Submissions

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!

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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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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Desert Cross Lutheran Church | Gilbert & Tempe | 480-730-8600 | www.desertcross.org