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Weekly Desert Cross Update -
October 27, 2023
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Faith and life with pastor Andrea | |
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The word “blessing” appears over 40 times in the New Testament. This Greek word, εὐλογέω (Eulogia), has depths of meaning: to cause to prosper, to make happy, to bestow blessings on, to praise, to consecrate with prayers, to ask God’s blessing …” Jesus gave many blessings on his way: people & bread & wine & water & eyes & ears & disciples & strangers & rich & poor & healthy & sick. He taught the ”Beatitudes” or “Blessings” early in his ministry as a kick-off on how to be a disciple and how to “be” in the world. It shows us we are blessed to be a blessing. In worship, we share many blessings: backpacks & Bibles & teachers & students & graduates & babies & veterans & mothers & fathers & all God’s people. It is in blessing others that we are blessed.
What is a blessing to you? Where can you see blessings even in the midst of many challenges? When we look for them, we can count our blessings, live in gratitude, and bless others with God’s love. Thank you for all the ways you are a blessing to others.
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RECIPE FOR BLESSINGS
Have unity of spirit, sympathy, love for one another, a tender heart, and a humble mind. Do not repay evil for evil; but, on the contrary, repay with a blessing. It is for this that you were called—that you might inherit a blessing. 1 Peter 3:8-9
Servings: Unlimited
Prep Time: Each moment of each day
INGREDIENTS
Unity
Sympathy
Love
Tender Heart
Humble Mind
DIRECTIONS
Be merciful and kind. Be a peace maker. Repay hate with love. Follow in the way of Jesus. Trust Jesus. Mix together for blessings. Then share with your neighbors. Be blessed to be a blessing.
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Amen (may it be so),
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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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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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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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Adult Forum
Sundays 9:45 - 10:15 am
Tempe Community Center Adult Classroom
OR
Sundays 10:45 - 11:15 am
Gilbert Sanctuary
Meeting October 29
Desert Cross Serves Project November 5
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
NO meeting October 31
OR
Thursdays at 9:00 am
Tempe Community Center Youth Room
Meeting November 2
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
| 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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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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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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55+ Planning Meeting
Please join us for our 55+ Planning Meeting on Thursday, September 7th at 9:00 a.m. in the Community Center Adult Classroom.
We'll have social time with coffee and refreshments, plan future fun events, service projects, and choose a game for our Game Day on the 3rd Thursday of the month. We will also have prayer time together.
We are looking forward to seeing you!
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Wreath Sales Fundraiser
Dates: 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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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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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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