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Weekly Desert Cross Update - January 31, 2025 | |
Faith and Life with Pastor Andrea | |
Peonies from my sister's garden
"God has made everything beautiful in its time."
Ecclesiastes 3:11
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The beauty of God's creation in this world is all around us in nature -- including the sky, the sea, the flowers, and the stars. God makes everything beautiful in its time, and we are made in God's image. Remember that. God saw that creation was good. But sometimes good around us is hard to see. If you are looking for beauty know that God has made you beautiful. And then look outward to nature. Look to God’s creation full of beauty. We are promised that God works all things together for good so please hang on to hope. Beauty is here, and beauty is coming to this world. Mary Oliver’s poem, This World, brought me to tears this week but also filled me with great hope. I hope it does the same for you.
This World
by Mary Oliver
I would like to write a poem about the world that has in it
nothing fancy.
But it seems impossible.
Whatever the subject, the morning sun
glimmers it.
The tulip feels the heat and flaps its petals open and becomes a star.
The ants bore into the peony bud and there is a dark
pinprick well of sweetness.
As for the stones on the beach, forget it.
Each one could be set in gold.
So I tried with my eyes shut, but of course the birds
were singing.
And the aspen trees were shaking the sweetest music
out of their leaves.
And that was followed by, guess what, a momentous and
beautiful silence
as comes to all of us, in little earfuls, if we're not too
hurried to hear it.
As for spiders, how the dew hangs in their webs
even if they say nothing, or seem to say nothing.
So fancy is the world, who knows, maybe they sing.
So fancy is the world, who knows, maybe the stars sing too,
and the ants, and the peonies, and the warm stones,
so happy to be where they are, on the beach, instead of being
locked up in gold.
Hope on,
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Welcome Tessa Faust
We are excited to announce that Tessa Faust has accepted the job as Director of Youth Ministry at Desert Cross.
Tessa comes to our community from Nebraska where she is a member of the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska. She has her Masters of Theological Studies from Harvard Divinity School where she focused on decolonization in the church. When she’s not diving into theology, you’ll likely find her reading horror novels, playing cozy games, or searching the town for local bookstores and cafes.
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Souper Bowl Sundays – Tempe
The Soup Barrel is now in the Tempe Narthex for our Annual Desert Cross Souper Bowl Collection!
Throughout February, we will be collecting nonperishable food for the Kyrene Resource Center.
REMINDER: There is an urgent need for peanut butter!
All funds raised will support both Kyrene and Grace Lutheran's homeless food pantry.
Thank you for your generosity!
– The Community Outreach Committee
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In addition to the Souper Bowl collections, we are accepting donations of SOCKS AND UNDIES for Kyrene Resource Center.
Hunger Jar offerings on February 15/16 and February 22/23 will be designated for Step Up School.
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Well, the NFC/AFC games are over, and next is the Super Bowl with the Chiefs vs Eagles!
On February 8th and 9th, be ready to vote for who you want to win with your monetary donations.
The money will be split between Kyrene Resource Center and Grace Lutheran for their homeless programs.
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Souper Bowl Sundays – Gilbert
February 2nd, 9th, and 16th
Souper Bowl Sundays are happening at our Gilbert campus as well!
- Bring soup of all kinds - canned, dry mix, cup of soup.
Add some crackers.
- Choose which team you want to win, and place your donations in the collection container for that team.
- All donated items will be distributed to food banks and our Gilbert DCLC “Soup for the Soul” ministry.
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"Soup for the Soul" is a new ministry developed by the Gilbert Outreach Team that will show support for those in the Gilbert congregation who might need a special note and soup to make their day better as they experience life's challenges. | |
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Lutheran Disaster Response – California Wildfires
Lutheran Disaster Response is on the ground working with the local California synod serving victims of the wildfires. You can help by using the link below to make a donation.
Give to Lutheran Disaster Response through the ELCA
If you're a Thrivent member, you can donate to Lutheran Disaster Response, and Thrivent will increase your gift. To donate through Thrivent, use this link below:
Give to Lutheran Disaster Response through Thrivent
Thank you for your ongoing prayers and support of those impacted by and fighting the wildfires.
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A BRAND NEW ADDITION TO THE WEEKLY UPDATE!
Please note: This section will be located under "Reminders" in future updates.
In this space, you will find the musical offerings for the upcoming worship services. Please come and enjoy!
RINGING PRAISE BELL CHOIR
February 9th, 8:30 service – I am Thine, O Lord
February 23rd, 8:30 service – All Things Bright and Beautiful
SANCTUARY CHOIR
February 2nd, 8:30 service – Hail to the Lord's Anointed
February 16th, 8:30 service – African Star Carol
February 23rd, 10:30 service – African Star Carol
"Let us come before Him with thanksgiving and extol Him with music..."
Psalm 95
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Desert Cross Serves & Lutheran Disaster Response
At last weekend's Desert Cross Serves Project, we packed 100 backpacks filled with health and hygiene items. Items included: first aid kits, hand sanitizer, shampoo, soap, socks, toothbrushes, toothpaste, etc. Your generous gifts to the January Hunger Jars supported this project. In fact, you were so generous that Desert Cross will be giving the extra funds away to support the work of Lutheran Disaster Response and the California wildfires. You'll find the number count below. THANK YOU!
Special Hunger Jar balance remaining from November Desert Cross Serves Project: $436.95
January Special Hunger Jar gifts: $2,774.13
Total gifts available: $3,211.08
Expenses for January Desert Cross Serves Project: $1,688.04
Gift for Lutheran Disaster Response from Desert Cross: $1,523.04
If you'd like to make your own gift to Lutheran Disaster Response, please see those details in the "News For This Week" section above.
Thank you again for your generosity!
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Invest in a Piece of the Gilbert Parking Lot
Sunday, February 2nd, marks the kick-off for the Gilbert Parking Lot fundraiser!
Tim Collins took a drone picture of the Gilbert lot which was made into a jigsaw puzzle. We are inviting members to "purchase" a piece of the Gilbert lot puzzle for $125.00 a piece. Two families can share a piece of the lot, or groups can divide a share. Come and stake your claim. Pick your favorite number off the numbered pieces. We hope to get this done before the hot weather returns. The lot sealing will cost $27K and we currently have $15K in donations to date.
Thank you! We will have a fun parking lot party when it is done.
– Your parking lot team: Carolyn Perkins, Gary Balliet, Vicki English, Tony Tainter, and John Christiansen
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Saints with Skills
Next Meeting: Saturday, February 8th at 9:00am
Tempe Fellowship Hall
This group involves people interested in finding and fixing odd jobs around our Tempe campus on a regular basis. Tasks for this group would be things that could be more cost effective to DIY instead of hiring professionals.
So, if you have a skill – from using a screwdriver to a power washer – and have a love for our House of God, please join our group and become a saint!
Let's do some work!!
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Faith Formation Adult Forum
Next Meeting: February 2nd
Sunday 9:45am - 10:15am
Tempe Community Center Adult Classroom
OR
Sunday 10:45am - 11:15am
Gilbert Sanctuary
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Meditation Group
Tuesdays at 7:00 pm - Tempe Sanctuary
Next meeting: February 4th
OR
Thursdays at 9:00 am - Tempe Community Center Youth Room
Next meeting: February 6th
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Do you want to try meditation? If so, please join Elaine Kraemer on Tuesday evenings or Thursday mornings. 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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55+ Fellowship - Yesterday's Kids - Planning Meeting!
Please join us for our planning meeting on Thursday, February 6th at 9:30am in the Tempe Community Center Adult Classroom. We start with prayer requests and social time and then discuss special events and/or service projects we may want to do. All suggestions are welcome.
Refreshments, coffee, and tea will be served.
This is our first planning meeting of the new year 2025 and we look forward to seeing old friends and meeting new ones!
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Book Group
January 30th - February 27th
Thursdays at 2:00pm or 7:00pm
Tempe Community Center Adult Classroom
Desert Cross celebrated 40 years of ministry last year, and we spent some time looking back on our history together. The Book Group is taking this idea and following a family for 100 years. Jane Smiley's trilogy starts in 1920 with the Langdon family on their farm in Iowa. We read the first book in the fall, and we're continuing this series in the new year with Early Warning. Join us for the books that fit your schedule.
Book Fee: $16.00 Scholarships Available
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Lutheran Day at the Legislature
📅 Monday, February 10th
🕢 9:30am - 1:30pm
📍 Arizona Capitol, Wesley Bolin Plaza - 1700 W Washington St, Phoenix, AZ 85007
Every year, Lutherans (and friends!) from across the state of Arizona gather at the Capitol to advocate on pressing issues and timely legislation. In 2024, more than 125 Lutherans advocated on all the LAMA legislative policy priorities for 2024, asking our representatives to keep these issues in mind as we move into the session. This year, they’ll advocate on LAMA’s 2025 policy priorities.
For more details on the event, including the schedule and link to register, please visit the LAMAZ website HERE.
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Lutheran Social Services Luncheon
📅 Thursday, February 27th
🕢 12:00pm - 1:00pm
📍 Marriott Phoenix Airport - 1101 N 44th St, Phoenix, AZ 85008
The annual Lutheran Social Services Luncheon, an annual fundraiser for LSSSW (Lutheran Social Services of the Southwest), will be held on Thursday, February 27th. There will be tables of 10 at the luncheon.
Registration starts at 11:30am. The lunch and program will be from 12:00pm to 1:00pm.
If you are interested, please speak with Art Krzyzewski, Laurie Selby, or Tom Selby at church.
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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. Gluten-free options are 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 on that 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 Wendy at wwilliams@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!
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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