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Signs of Hope

"For in this hope we were saved."

Romans 8:24a

This small, raised garden box is in the back corner of my yard. It hasn’t been used in several years. And yet, just the other day I ventured out to the backyard and was delighted to see a bright, green lettuce. This little lettuce sprang from the dirt in spite of dire conditions. I see it as a sign of life and hope springing from the dirt, a sign to keep trusting God and keep looking for those signs around me in dire conditions. As the poet, Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, noted: “Sometimes our fate resembles a fruit tree in winter. Who would think at beholding such a sad sight that those jagged twigs will turn green again in the spring and blossom and bear fruit, but we hope it, we know it.”

It reminds me of the unexpected gift of Christ that God brought out of the dirt of the stable in Bethlehem and again from the cross planted in dirt and the tomb where he was laid. This Holy Week we confront the pain of the last supper as Jesus said goodbye to his friends and gave them a mission of love. We enter the chaos and heartbreak of Jesus’ arrest and crucifixion when everything looked quite hopeless. Easter promises us once again the ever hopeful gift of Jesus’ resurrection that brings new life in unexpected ways reminding us we can continue to blossom and bear fruit; we hope it, we know it. 

Where do you see God bringing new life out of the dirt as a sign of hope? 

Lettuce pray,

Pastor Andrea

Last Chance! Help Decorate our Tempe Sanctuary with Beautiful Blooming Plants for Easter

Once again, we will be decorating the Tempe Sanctuary for Easter with live plants.

As in the past, you have the chance to purchase one of these lovely plants. The price for one of these plants is $17.50. Order envelopes are available in the Narthex.

Please return these envelopes along with your payment in the offering or to the church office by March 30th.

Thank you for helping transform our worship space into a place that celebrates the Resurrection of our Lord Jesus!

🐰🐣 Hop into Easter Fun at Desert Cross Gilbert!

📅 Sunday, March 29th (Palm Sunday)

🕢 10:40am (after worship)

📍 Desert Cross Gilbert Campus

Easter is coming and all children are invited to the annual Easter Egg Hunt at the Gilbert Campus following worship on Palm Sunday. Join us for worship and the hunt, then stay for crafts and fellowship. It’s sure to be a ton of fun!

Invite your neighbors and friends! We hope to see everyone there!

Step Into the Story of Holy Week

Good Friday Cantata: The Seven Last Days

On Good Friday, April 3rd at 7:00pm, the Sanctuary Choir will present The Seven Last Days by Joel Raney, and you are invited to attend and witness this deeply moving piece.

This isn’t just a concert. It’s a journey. Through scripture, narration, and music, The Seven Last Days walks us through each day of Holy Week, tracing the path of Jesus from triumph to sacrifice. Designed as a Tenebrae service, the experience unfolds in a powerful progression of light and darkness, reflection and response.

Each moment invites us to listen … to feel … to remember.

As the story moves forward, candles are gradually extinguished, symbolizing the growing shadow of Good Friday. The music – rich with choral textures and expressive instrumentation – gives voice to the emotion, tension, and hope woven through these final days.

This is the kind of service that will stay with you for a while.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Presented By:

Sanctuary Choir & Ensemble

Directed by Joni Van Rossum

Narration: Pastor Andrea Cain

Piano: Christine Soll

Flute: Pamela Watson-Brown

Violin: Jill Himes

Cello: Laurie Selby

Oboe: Angela Scates

👉 Invite a friend.

👉 Bring your family.

👉 Come and experience the story together.

Good Friday – April 3rd | 7:00pm

Easter Sunday Brunch Help Wanted!

We’re currently looking for volunteers to help serve our fellowship brunch on Easter Sunday at the Tempe campus, happening in between worship services. The brunch will begin at about 9:30am, and it's a wonderful opportunity to share in the joy of the day by helping create a welcoming and hospitable space for our community to gather and celebrate together.

If you’re interested in lending a hand or would like more information, please contact Ashley Hope at a4hope@yahoo.com.

Friendly Reminder Regarding Church Tables & Chairs

We’d like to share a gentle reminder regarding a few folding tables and chairs that appear to have been borrowed from the Gilbert campus on March 15th.

It seems that a total of five tables were taken at that time – three from the Fellowship Hall and two from Room 104 – without prior notice or coordination. 

We’re happy to note that the three tables from the Fellowship Hall were returned by the evening of March 16th. However, the two tables from Room 104 are still unaccounted for as of March 25th.

If you may have information about these tables or know of their whereabouts, we kindly ask that you reach out to Pastor Thadd, the Gilbert Chamber, or the Church Office.

Thank you so much for your help and for your continued care and respect for our shared resources.

FINANCIAL UPDATE:

Hello all,

Lent is almost over, Spring is in the air (or is it Summer already), and Easter is just weeks away.  2026 is almost a quarter of the way past.

What is slightly concerning is the General Revenue, offering, is approximately $44k less than last year through the first 8 weeks of the year, and is trending more in line with 2024 General Revenue giving. This is too small of a sample size to raise an alarm at this point, but is something that we are following. 

Through February of 2026, Total Revenue is approximately $45k less than Total Expenses. This does not surprise us because we had $105k of carry-over we planned to spend this year for designated projects that will increase Total Expenses relative to Total Revenue. Some of the designated projects are already under way.  Historically, Total Expenses are already higher than revenue throughout first part of the year, and we typically make up the difference the final two months of the year.

Another item we are following is attendance, which has been almost identical through the first 8 weeks of this year compared to 2025. It appears attendance is holding steady even with one less service Sunday mornings in Tempe, but it is still something we will keep an eye on.

So with this all being said, I have faith it will all work out as we go through 2026 together.

Blessings,

Brent M. Borchers, Treasurer

Desert Cross Lutheran Church

SHOWER NEWBORN BABIES WITH LOVE! 👶🏼🌟

March Community Outreach Mission – ONE MORE WEEKEND!

There's still time to donate! Once again we are assisting Lutheran Social Services of the Southwest, as they partner with The Family Resource center in Mesa to host their annual Community Baby Shower. Many parents of newborns have no family support, so the goal is to set them up for success. In addition to parenting workshops, services, and ongoing coordinated care, each family will be given a fully stocked diaper bag.

And that’s where DCLC can help! Our hope is to provide items still needed to help supply their 60 diaper bags. Here is the Family Resource Center’s list of needs:

• Baby receiving blanket
• Board books
• Diapers size 1 - 4 
• Baby rattles or toys
• Diaper bags

Donations will be accepted through March 29th.

At our Tempe Campus, place your donations of needed items in our designated box in the Narthex. At our Gilbert Campus place your items in the donation area set up in the Fellowship Hall.

Memorial Garden & Columbarium Update!

There’s been a lot of buzz and anticipation happening in and around the Memorial Garden and Columbarium. HAVE YOU NOTICED THE BEAUTIFUL TILING ON THE FOUNTAIN? There will soon be construction to install shade sails over the structure and refreshment of landscaping around the immediate area outside the wall structures (see sample photo above).

These plans were approved some time ago and with generous designated gifts, we are moving forward to installation and completion of the plans.

Please be respectful and be careful around construction areas. Thank you!

– Memorial Garden/Columbarium Renewal Committee

Vacation Bible School

Mark your calendars ...

VBS is scheduled for June 8th – June 12th, 9:00am – 12:00pm!

This VBS is going to be an amazing adventure! Rainforest Falls VBS will be a week of wonder as we explore the powerful nature of God!

Kids 3 years old through 5th grade are welcome to participate.

We need lots of volunteers to make this week successful! Thank you for considering!

More details, registration, and volunteer forms are available on our website at the link below.

Youth Group Meetings

NO Meetings March 29th (Palm Sunday) & April 5th (Easter)

Next Meeting: Sunday, April 12th at 5:00pm

The Youth Group, grades 6-12, meets on Sundays from 5:00pm – 6:00pm. We will meet in Room 104 at the Gilbert Campus.

If you have any questions, please email Tessa Faust at tfaust@desertcross.org.

Yesterday's Kids (55+ Fellowship) – Coffee & Conversation Meeting

Next Meeting: Thursday, April 2nd at 9:30am

Tempe Community Center Adult Classroom

All are invited to join the Yesterday’s Kids group for our Coffee and Conversation meeting on Thursday, April 2nd.

We will start our meeting with prayer requests, social time, and discussing possible service events. We also choose the game for our Game Day held later in the month. This meeting is a great opportunity to meet, and get to know, Desert Cross people that you see in church!

Coffee and delicious treats will be served. We hope you're able to come. It will make your day!

New Member Orientations

We're excited to announce that we are hosting another round of New Member Orientations later this spring! If you have been worshiping at Desert Cross, please consider joining our congregation and becoming a member.

This class will allow you to hear more about the exciting ministry that is happening at Desert Cross, give us a chance to learn more about you, and an opportunity for you to ask any burning questions you have.
You can choose to attend either class.

The classes will be held at each campus on the following dates:

TEMPE CAMPUS

WHEN: Sunday, April 19th at 10:45am (after worship)

WHERE: Community Center Adult Classroom

RSVP by Tuesday, April 14th

GILBERT CAMPUS

WHEN: Sunday, April 26th at 10:45am (after worship)

WHERE: Sanctuary

RSVP by Tuesday, April 21st

Please RSVP by contacting our church administrator, Wendy Williams at 480-730-8600 or wwilliams@desertcross.org. We look forward to welcoming you to the Desert Cross community!

FMSC Packing Site Location

1100 West Grove Parkway

Tempe, AZ 85283

***Parking is limited so please carpool if possible!

Feed My Starving Children Packing Event

📅 Saturday, April 25th

🕢 2:30pm – 4:00pm

📍 FMSC Packing Site in Tempe – 1100 W Grove Pkwy, Tempe, AZ 85283

Desert Cross has spots reserved for a FMSC Packing Event on Saturday, April 25th. We'll gather at the new FMSC Packing Site in Tempe 2:30pm – 4:00 pm to pack meals for hungry people around the world.

March 29/30, April 5/6, April 12/13, and April 19/20 Hunger Jars will support this event.

If you have any questions or need help making your reservation, please contact Denise McClellan at dmcclellan@desertcross.org or 480-730-8600.

Vitalant Blood Drive (Tempe)

📅 Date: Saturday, April 25th

🕢 Time: 7:30am – 12:00pm

📍 Location: Tempe Community Center

💉 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.

📧 Email: krzyarty@cox.net

🔗 Schedule Your Appointment:

Visit Vitalant.org

👤 Contact for Sign-Ups:

📞 Speak with Meghan Lundberg or Susan or Glenn Tischaefer.

Vitalant Blood Drive (Gilbert)

📅 Date: Monday, April 27th

🕢 Time: 3:00pm – 6:30pm

📍 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!

Get Ready to Shred-it Up!

📅 Date: Saturday, April 25th

🕢 Time: 11:00am - 1:00pm

📍 Location: Desert Cross Tempe Campus

Mark your calendars for our annual Shred-a-thon!

Bring all your paper piles, old documents, and files that need shredding. It's time to clear out the clutter and have a blast doing it! Let's shred it up and protect our privacy together. See you there!

Acceptable Items:

• Paper-based items (cancelled checks, statements, letters, etc)
• File Folders including cardstock
• Staples and small metal items like paper clips

Unacceptable Items:

• Hard-based items (cardboard, plastic, styrofoam)
• 3-Ring binders
• Toner cartridges
• Hard drives/flash drives
• VCR tapes
• Cell phones

Take Me Out to the Ballgame ⚾️

📅 Friday, August 7th

🕢 Game time is 6:40pm

📍 Chase Field in Phoenix

We are pleased to announce that we will be hosting our 5th annual DCLC Arizona Diamondbacks outing on Friday, August 7th. Game time is 6:40pm versus the Los Angeles Dodgers at Chase Field. Tickets are $69 each – located in the lower level.

Are you interested in joining us? If so, please email Tom Rewolinski at adshckyfan@aol.com with the number of attendees as soon as possible, as seats are very limited.
Payment instructions and deadline will follow at a later date.

In keeping with the theme of Lent and our Wednesday night Soup Suppers, this month we are featuring a Crockpot Chili recipe. We invite everyone to join us on Wednesday nights before Lenten service at both campuses for some soup and fellowship!

Crockpot Chili

Submitted by: Laurie Selby

Ingredients:

1 lb ground beef (cooked) or protein of choice

2 cans red kidney beans

1 can garbanzo beans

1 large can stewed tomatoes

1 package dry chili mix

Approx. 1 cup water

1 can Hatch green chilis*

Instructions:

Add all ingredients to a crock pot.

Cook 3-4 hours on high or 8 hours on low.

Enjoy!

That's it, super simple and always a crowd pleasure!

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

TEMPE CAMPUS

PALM SUNDAY (March 29th)

Ringing Praise – How Majestic is Your Name

Sanctuary Choir – Come, Sing Hosanna

GOOD FRIDAY (April 3rd)

Sanctuary Choir Cantata: The Seven Last Days

EASTER SUNDAY (April 5th)

Ringing Praise – Easter Triumph (8:30 service)

GILBERT CAMPUS

PALM SUNDAY (March 29th)

Chancel Choir & Jr Choir – Blessed is He (intro to All Glory Laud)

Instrumental Ensemble – All Glory Laud accompaniment

Chancel Choir – Hosannas in the Highest

Instrumental Ensemble – O Sacred Head Now Wounded

GOOD FRIDAY (April 3rd)

Liz Rewolinski & Laura Book, flute duet – Were You There?

EASTER SUNDAY (April 5th)

Instrumental Ensemble – I am the Bread of Life

Instrumental Ensemble – Jesus Christ is Risen Today accompaniment

Chancel Choir – Thine Be the Glory

Junior Choir – Sing Hallelujah

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

Psalm 95

Staffing Update – Medical Leave

As recently announced at all worship services, our Parish Nurse, Denise Viker, had unexpected major surgery. She is home recovering and will be out on medical leave for at least 6 weeks. Please contact the church office and/or Pastor Andrea and Pastor Thadd for any needs in her ministry area until further notice.


At this time the Viker family is not receiving visitors and does not request a meal train as they focus all their energy on healing. Please know how gratefully all your well-wishes have been received. Please lift Denise and her family in your daily prayers for healing and recovery.

Thank you,

Pastor Andrea

Gilbert Hospitality Volunteers Needed

We are seeking volunteers to help with hospitality at the Gilbert campus. This includes assisting with Sunday service fellowship setup and cleanup, as well as providing support for special events that involve hospitality. Volunteers may serve on a weekly, monthly, or special event-only basis, depending on availability.

If you’re looking for a way to help and connect, we would love your support! To volunteer, or with any questions, please contact Dana Hargis via call or text: 480-708-5984.

Volunteers Needed!

We are currently looking for volunteers to help with funeral receptions and/or provide cookies or bars as needed!

If you’re interested in lending a helping hand, please text Carol Hageman at 480-444-9684.

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.