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More Rainbow Time!

Gilbert, October 2026

"Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see."
Hebrews 11:1

What’s giving me hope lately is that people are really starting to send me their rainbow pictures! I love how they all look so different. This rainbow almost escaped notice. Just half an arc, faint against the sky. You might have to look twice to see it. But there it is.

Sometimes hope feels like that. We search for a bright, unmistakable sign that things will be okay, and instead we catch only a glimpse. Other days, we struggle to see or feel God’s presence at all.

Hebrews reminds us that faith reaches beyond what we can see. That doesn’t mean pretending everything is fine or forcing ourselves to feel hopeful. It means God’s faithfulness holds us even when our own confidence falters.

This faint rainbow reminds me that our view is always incomplete. We cannot see everything God is doing. A quiet kindness, a friend who checks in, a moment of unexpected peace – each can offer a glimpse of the love that continues to surround us.

Even when the colors are faint, God has not faded away. Even when we cannot feel hopeful, God is still holding us. The promise does not depend on how clearly we can see it. All the colors are there, and that’s faith.

All the colors,

Pastor Andrea

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 1st, 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 contact Wendy in the church office at wwilliams@desertcross.org by Monday, October 26th.

Please be sure to include a dedication with the person's name and relation. Example: "Jane Doe, sister of John Doe."

Hunger Jar Offerings

This weekend, October 17th/18th, we invite you to help support the upcoming Desert Cross Serves Project through our Hunger Jar offerings.

Mark your calendar for November 8th and join us as we serve our community!

Hope Takes the Stage

Join Olive Branch Community of Hope for Hope Takes the Stage, a community music celebration featuring local talent, guest performers, live music, and fellowship! Come discover the hidden talents in our community and enjoy an evening of live music, fellowship, and connection.

📅 Saturday, October 18th

🕢 5:30pm – 7:30pm (fellowship time with fresh fruit cups at 6:30!)

📍 Mount of Olives Lutheran Church – 3546 E Thomas Road, Phoenix, AZ 85018



FREE & open to all!

Reformation Sunday – Wear Red!

We invite you to celebrate Reformation Sunday by wearing RED to our worship services on the weekend of October 24th/25th! Red is the color of Pentecost, the color of the Holy Spirit.

Let’s fill the church with red as we worship together on this special weekend. See you there!

Be Thankful Food Drive

The Desert Cross “Be Thankful” Food Drive has started and will be ongoing through November 22nd at both campuses!

For a shopping list of the most-needed items for each campus, please click the button below. Gift card donations are also welcome.

Tempe: Donations will benefit the Kyrene Resource Center.

Gilbert: Donations will benefit the Concordia Charter School and AZCEND.

For more details and a shopping list, click the button below.

National Youth Gathering 2027

Minneapolis, Minnesota | June 28th – July 2nd, 2027

We’re excited to begin planning for an amazing summer experience! We are putting together a group of youth to attend the National Youth Gathering in Minneapolis next summer. The dates will be June 28th – July 2nd, 2027.

All youth who are interested in attending are invited! Whether you’re ready to sign up or simply want to learn more, we’d love to hear from you.

More information is coming soon, including parent information meetings, registration details, travel plans, and fundraising opportunities! Stay tuned for more info about future informational meetings.

PLANNING COMMITTEE:

We are also forming a planning committee and looking for youth, parents, and other interested adults who would like to help make this experience possible. Our first meeting was on October 7th and went well. You are still welcome to join us! Stay tuned for info about future planning committee meetings.

📣 Interested in going? Want to help plan? Let us know!

Please contact Angela Nannenga at abnannenga@gmail.com.

We can’t wait to start this journey together!

Book Group

October 22nd & 29th, November 12th & 19th

Thursdays at 2:00pm or 7:00pm

Tempe Community Center Adult Classroom

We'll be reading Life, and Death, and Giants by Ron Rindo. The book is set in Wisconsin with both Amish and English characters and weaves their stories and experiences together.

Book Fee: $17.00 – Scholarships Available

To register for the afternoon group, contact Lola Peterson at

lolabluebirds@gmail.com.

To register for the evening group, contact Denise McClellan at dmcclellan@desertcross.org or 480-730-8600.

Pastor Class with Pastor Andrea

Women's Brown Bag Lunch Group

She Is: Reflections on Vocation, Part 1

October 27th – November 17th

Tuesdays at 12:00pm – 1:00pm

Tempe Community Center Adult Classroom

Who does God say that you are? Join Pastor Andrea for a women's brown bag lunch group on Tuesdays from 12-1pm as we engage questions of vocation through the stories of various biblical women. Each of these women – Lydia, Esther, Abigail, Miriam, Junia, the Proverbs 31 Woman, Mary, and Ruth – demonstrates a faithfulness to God, as God calls them in particular and encouraging ways just as God calls you! We will gather with a workbook from the Max DePree Center for Leadership at Fuller Seminary that will help us reflect on our various callings from God in our work, play, families, and lives.

Look for Part 2 in January. Save the following dates: January 5th, 12th, 19th, and 26th.

For more information and to sign up, contact Pastor Andrea at acain@desertcross.org.

Pastor Class with Pastor Thadd

Dinner with Mark

October 28th – November 18th

Wednesdays

Potluck Dinner at 6:00pm; Class at 7:00pm

Gilbert Campus

Although Mark is the shortest of the four Gospels, his account of Jesus is anything but small. Mark moves quickly, telling the story of Jesus with urgency, vivid details, and a focus on his actions, teachings, suffering, and death. Beginning in Advent, many of our Gospel readings will come from Mark. Join Pastor Thadd for a four-week class starting Wednesday, October 28th to explore how Mark’s Gospel spoke to its first audience and how it continues to speak to us today.

There will be a potluck dinner from 6:00pm – 7:00pm, and the class will be from 7:00pm – 8:00pm. So, bring your hunger to learn more about Mark’s Gospel and enjoy a meal with friends.

For more information and to sign up, contact Pastor Thadd at tbook@desertcross.org.

C3

Meeting every 2nd and 4th Tuesday of the month

10:00am – 11:30am

Gilbert Fellowship Hall

C3 is a Discussion/Fellowship group for ANYONE. When you bring preschool children we will figure out whatever is needed.

The group is open to ALL. Treats are always welcome.

Next meeting is Tuesday, October 27th

Theme: Bishop Debra Hutterer will be our guest speaker.

For more info, please contact Bennett Henrikson at bhenrikson@cox.net.

Upcoming meetings & themes:

Tuesday, November 10th – Other Faiths

Tuesday, November 24th – Thanksgiving

Wise Guys

Mondays at 9:00am – 10:00am

Tempe Campus Fellowship Hall

Do you miss gathering at the coffee pot at work and sharing a few minutes with friends? To talk about the big game, to tell a story, to share a sweet treat?

Join us for Wise Guys! Think of it as your weekly coffee break! We're a group of retired guys who come together on Monday mornings and chat about our hobbies, our families, our lives, our sorrows, our joys, whatever is on our minds. It's a relaxed atmosphere for spending time with old and new friends. 

We hope to see you there! For more information, contact Glenn Tischaefer at 920-539-1364.

Betty-Ann & baby Selenya enjoying some beautiful music!

Join Our Bell Choir! 🔔🎶

We’ve got the bells, the baby’s got the smiles…
now we just need YOU!

Ringing Praise, our church’s beloved bell choir, is looking for more members to complete the ensemble for the upcoming season!

No prior bell experience necessary – just the ability to read music and a willingness to learn and make joyful music together.

Practices are on Monday nights at 6:30pm in the Tempe Sanctuary. Now is the perfect time to join in the fun and fellowship. Help us make a joyful noise!

If you’re interested, please reach out to Christine Soll at csoll@desertcross.org.

Troop 379 Wreath Sales

📅 November 1st, November 7th/8th, & November 14th/15th

📍 Tempe Campus

DCLC's Boy Scout Troop 379 will have a Wreath Sales Fundraiser for Christmas. Orders will be taken at the Tempe Campus after worship services on the following dates:

• Sunday, November 1st
• Saturday, November 7th
• Sunday, November 8th
• Saturday, November 14th
• Sunday, November 15th

Thank you for supporting our local scouts!

Trunk or Treat 2026 🎃🍭👻

📅 Saturday, October 24th

🕢 5:00pm – 7:00pm

📍 Gilbert Parking Lot

Join us for our annual Trunk or Treat celebration! Bring the whole family for an evening filled with food, entertainment, and plenty of fun. Kids (and adults!) can come dressed in their best costumes – there will be prizes for the best and most original costumes.

Don’t miss this festive night of community and celebration!

Swing & the Silver Screen 🎶

📅 Thursday, October 29th

🕢 11:00am – 12:00pm

📍 First Baptist Church of Sun Lakes

Join Carolyn Perkins and the Tremble Clefs, a community choir for people living with Parkinson’s disease, for a fun-filled concert featuring favorite songs from the movies and Halloween favorites like Ghostbusters! Swing & the Silver Screen will take place Thursday, October 29th, from 11:00am – 12:00pm at First Baptist Church of Sun Lakes. This community event is open to all and will raise funds to help cover shipping costs for Operation Christmas Child shoebox gifts, which provide children around the world with gifts, school supplies, and hygiene items. Come enjoy an hour of music, singing, and plenty of audience participation while supporting a wonderful cause!

Holiday Craft Festival — Calling All Vendors! 🎄

📅 Saturday, November 14th

🕢 9:00am – 3:00pm

📍 Desert Cross Gilbert Campus

Are you a local crafter, artist, maker, or small business looking for a place to showcase your work? Desert Cross is hosting a Holiday Craft Festival at our Gilbert Campus on Saturday, November 14th, from 9:00am – 3:00pm, and we’re inviting vendors to participate!

Vendor spaces are $25 for a 6-foot table or $50 for a 10'×10' booth, with all proceeds supporting House of Refuge.

To register, please email the church office at info@desertcross.org with your business/vendor information, and we will get you taken care of!

Not a vendor? Please stop on by for a day of community fellowship, shopping, and festive fun as we support local makers and a great cause! Questions? Email the church office or Vicki English at victoriacollins123@gmail.com.

Vitalant Blood Drive (Tempe)

📅 Date: Saturday, November 21st

🕢 Time: 7:30am – 12:00pm

📍 Location: Art Krzyzewski's House – 1707 W Manor Street, Chandler, AZ 85224

💉 Donation Options:

- Whole Blood

- Power Red

🅰 Urgent Need for:

- Type O Negative

- Type A and B Positive

🎁 Rewards Await:

Earn points for prizes with each donation!

Let's come together to save lives and make a difference. Your contribution matters!

🔗 Schedule Your Appointment:

Visit Vitalant.org and use sponsor code "desertcross" (all one word)

👤 Contact for Sign-Ups:

Art Krzyzewski will be reaching out to past donors.

📋 Sign-up sheet available in the Narthex at Tempe.

📞 Call Art at 602-292-0663

📧 Email: krzyarty@cox.net

🔗 Schedule Your Appointment:

Visit Vitalant.org

👤 Contact for Sign-Ups:

📞 Call Susan or Glenn Tischaefer at 920-539-1364.

Vitalant Blood Drive (Gilbert)

📅 Date: Monday, November 23rd

🕢 Time: 3:00pm – 6:00pm

📍 Location: Gilbert Fellowship Hall

💉 Donation Options:

- Whole Blood

- Power Red

🅰 Urgent Need for:

- Type O Negative

- Type A and B Positive

🎁 Rewards Await:

Earn points for prizes with each donation!

Join us at our Gilbert Site to help save lives!

MS Bike Ride 2026

Art Krzyzewski is riding in his 34th consecutive Multiple Sclerosis bike ride on November 7th and 8th.

You can donate online at Bike MS Arizona 2026's website by clicking the button below. You can pay through Venmo, Apple Pay, PayPal, e-checks, or credit card.

Art will be at the Tempe site every Saturday and Sunday until the bike ride. He can take pledges and donations then, or you can contact him at krzyarty@cox.net or 602-292-0663.

Christian Nationalism – A Different Way

📅 Saturday, November 14th

🕢 9:30am – 3:00pm

📍 American Lutheran Church, Sun City, AZ

Join the Grand Canyon Growing in Faith Program (formerly Diakonia) for a day of learning, conversation, and theological reflection on Christian Nationalism and the Church’s role in public life. Featuring Bishop Shelley Bryan Wee of the Northwest Washington Synod of the ELCA, this symposium will explore questions of faith, politics, national identity, and how the Church can offer a faithful witness in a divided culture.

The cost is $25 for either in-person or online participation. Lunch and snacks provided for in-person attendees.

For more information and to register, please visit www.growing-in-faith.org.

Email your own recipe to Vicki at victoriacollins123@gmail.com

Dracula's Throat Bitin' Elixir (great chili)

Makes 10-15 servings

Shared by: Jerry Whiting

Ingredients:

1 pound beef stew meat

3 cans stewed tomatoes (10oz each)

2 cans kidney beans (27oz each)

1 can hominy (15oz)

1 can lima beans or butter beans (15oz)

3 cans green chilis (4oz)

1 can pinto beans (15oz)

1 large onion, chopped

2 Tbsp chili powder

1/4 tsp cayenne red pepper (vampire powder)

1 Tbsp oregano

1 cup water

Instructions:

1. Brown stew meat in a large pot; pour out grease.
   
2. Add tomatoes, hominy, green chilis, onion, chili powder, cayenne pepper, garlic, oregano, and 1 cup water.
   
3. Simmer on stove (covered) for 1/2 hour, stirring occasionally.
   
4. Add all beans (drained and rinsed) and another cup of water (optional). Stir together.
   
5. Cook (covered) for another 10 minutes.
   
   - If you prefer thinner chili, add more water and simmer.
   
   - If you prefer thicker chili, mix 1/2 cup masa flour with water, stir to a paste, and add to chili.
   
6. Cook for another 10-15 minutes.

Note: To increase the "throat bitin'" strength of this elixir, simply add more chili powder and cayenne pepper. This brings out the *vampire* in it!

In this space, you will find the musical offerings for the upcoming worship services. Please come and enjoy!

TEMPE CAMPUS

OCTOBER 18th

Sanctuary Choir – Praise God

OCTOBER 25th

Ringing Praise – The Church's One Foundation



GILBERT CAMPUS

OCTOBER 18th

Junior Choir – "I See God" by Tom Shelton

OCTOBER 25th

Instrumental Ensemble & Chris Doyle, trumpet – "Now Thank We All Our God"

Chancel Choir – "God is Our Refuge and Strength"

Junior Choir – "May God Bless Us and Keep Us"

"Let us come before Him with thanksgiving and extol Him with music..."

Psalm 95

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

Do you have a news item, upcoming event, or ministry story you'd like to share? Please send the information to Wendy at wwilliams@desertcross.org. The deadline is TUESDAYS for same-week inclusions.