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Take Courage

"Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. -Jesus"

Revelation 3:20a

Days like this take courage to continue in the Way of Jesus: A way of hope, peace, and love. Stand firm in the faith and take courage in the Lord. Where is Jesus knocking at the door today? Listen for where the Lord is calling you to have courage right now. Below are quotes I have compiled from scripture and literature. Find one that speaks to you and use it to guard your heart and your mind in Christ Jesus:

1. Some doors don’t need keys. They need courage. – Unknown
   
2. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go. – Joshua 1:9
   
3. But Jesus immediately said to them: “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.” – Matthew 14:27
   
4. Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong. – 1 Corinthians 16:13
   
5. Sons of Gondor! Of Rohan! My brothers.
   I see in your eyes the same fear that would take the heart of me.
   A day may come when the courage of Men fails, when we forsake our friends and break all bonds of fellowship, but it is not this day. – Lord of the Rings; Aragorn’s Speech at the Black Gate

- Pastor Andrea

Super Bowl Sunday – Voting Results!

A big thank you to everyone who participated in our Super Bowl-themed Hunger Jars last weekend! It was a fun way to show team spirit and show support to our local community.

We're excited to announce the results:

• Seattle Seahawks: $235.95
• New England Patriots: $86.00
• Others: $224.00

The money collected will benefit Kyrene Resource Center. We are grateful for your generosity and enthusiasm. Thank you again!

– The Community Outreach Committee

Lost & Found Notice

There are several jackets currently hanging in the Tempe Narthex that appear to have been left behind over the past few months. Please check to see if one belongs to you! Any unclaimed jackets not picked up by the end of February will be donated to a charitable cause.

Thank you!

Community Outreach Collection

The Community Outreach Committee will be collecting FULL-SIZE hygiene products for the Kyrene Resource Center this weekend, February 14th and 15th.

Needed items include:

• Shampoo**
• Conditioner**
• Body wash**
• Bar soap
• Toothpaste
• Toothbrushes
• Deodorant

** 3-in-1 combos preferred.

Please place your donations in the bin located in the Narthex. Thank you for your generous support!

📅 Saturday, February 22nd

🕘 1:00pm

📍 Tempe Sanctuary

Please join us on February 22nd in the Tempe Sanctuary at 1:00pm for our annual meeting. We will possibly be voting on starting a $100,000+ Capital Campaign to upgrade the Gilbert Campus. We would strongly encourage you to join us in person, but if you can’t be there, please join us via livestream. We hope to see you there!

Thank you,

– Vicki English, Council President

The 2025 Annual Report is now available to pick up at both the Tempe and Gilbert campuses!

Agenda:

Welcome

Opening Prayer

Annual Report

Financial Update

Nominating Committee

Synod Assembly

Review of Gilbert Refresh & Potential Vote

Closing Prayer

Adjournment

Join us for Lenten worship Weekends & Wednesdays for “Unbound: Longing for Wholeness” by Church Anew.

Lent begins with Ash Wednesday and carries us to Easter. Our Unbound theme asks us, “What if the opposite of being bound is being whole?” Our world is filled with things that hold us captive. These things that bind us prevent us from living the whole, abundant life that God has promised us. Through the stories of regular people encountering Jesus, and being drawn to the wholeness that Jesus provides, we can learn about our own longings and be drawn into wholeness.

Contemplative Prayer Practices for Lent

As part of our Unbound: Longing for Wholeness theme for Lent, the materials include Contemplative Prayer Practices of Lent. What's contemplative prayer? Here's a quote from the introduction: Contemplative prayer is an ancient and simple discipline. At its heart, it is an opportunity to slow down, to create space, and to notice the presence of God. When we slow down, we can hear the inner stirrings a little clearer and we start to notice the ways God is already at work in our lives and in the world. Contemplative prayer practices help us be in the world with solid footing, clarifying our understanding of how God is calling us to serve our neighbor. Use the link below to download the materials.

If you'd like a hard copy, contact Denise McClellan at dmcclellan@desertcross.org or 480-730-8600.

Lent 1 (February 21/22)

Theme: Longing for Wholeness

Verses: Matthew 4:1-11

Lent 2 (February 28/March 1)

Theme: Longing for Mystery

Verses: John 3:1-17

Lent 3 (March 7/8)

Theme: Longing for Relationship

Verses: John 4:5-12

Lent 4 (March 14/15)

Theme: Longing for Community

Verses: John 9:1-41

Lent 5 (March 21/22)

Theme: Longing for Authenticity

Verses: John 11:1-45

Midweek Wednesday Services follow Joseph's story from Genesis:

Week 1 (February 25)

Theme: Bound by Jealousy

Verses: Genesis 37:3-11

Week 2 (March 4)

Theme: Bound by Violence

Verses: Genesis 37:12-36

Week 3 (March 11)

Theme: Bound by Dishonest Systems

Verses: Genesis 39:1-20

Week 4 (March 18)

Theme: Bound by Family

Verses: Genesis 41 & 42

Week 5 (March 25)

Theme: Bound by Guilt

Verses: Genesis 50:15-21

Lenten Soup Suppers (Tempe)

Wednesday evenings: February 25th, March 4th, 11th, 18th, & 25th

5:30pm – 6:45PM (before worship service)

Tempe Fellowship Hall

Join us on Wednesdays before our Lenten services for our Lenten Soup Suppers, a meaningful time of fellowship and shared meals as we journey through the season of Lent together. These gatherings offer a relaxed space to connect with one another, enjoy simple food, and prepare our hearts for worship.

If your small group is interested in helping host a supper, please reach out to Shelley Mardany at shelmardany@gmail.com, or Karen Koslow at kkoslow@msn.com for more information.

This Lent, we invite you to participate in the 40-40-40 Lenten Challenge, a simple yet meaningful way to deepen your faith through daily practices of prayer, generosity, and reflection! The challenge encourages intentional living throughout the 40 days of Lent.

Learn more and find helpful resources at lentenchallenge.org (you can also click the image above to access the website). Thank you!

Serving a Breakfast Can Change Your Life, an I-Help Story

He was upset. Nobody told him. It wasn’t until after he laid on his sleeping mat in the Community Center for an extra 15 minutes that he heard that a breakfast was being served. Now he sat in front of me with one eye covered with a patch, his dark skin glistened with his three day old whiskers revealing that he was rushed. Between us was his jellied english muffin and a helping of an egg and hash brown casserole with a hot cup of coffee. “If only I knew about the breakfast, I would have been here sooner” he sighed knowing that the AZCEND bus would be arriving soon. I told him to relax, that I was going to AZCEND (non-profit who sponsors I-Help) and I could give him a ride. It was then when I saw a twinkle in his eye knowing that every thing was going to be okay. We talked. We laughed. He cried. We hugged.  

This happened several months ago in the Desert Cross Fellowship Hall at an I-Help Breakfast. I can’t say that this brief encounter changed this homeless person’s life, but I only know that it changed mine. God is at work in I-Help. It’s not always obvious and it’s not very flashy. It’s just a time to reveal this incredible love that God has offered to us all.

We have four openings in 2026 for hosts to serve an I-Help Breakfast.

It is always the Wednesday after the fourth Tuesday of the month. The Fellowship Hall doors are opened at 5:50am and generally the servers are going home by 7:30am.

If you would like to help out and serve an I-Help Breakfast, please contact me, Glen Stadler, at glenstadler@gmail.com.

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

Borderlands Produce Rescue

Next Distribution Date: February 28th

Desert Cross Tempe Site

Distribution Time: 8:00am – 11:00am (first come, first served)

Volunteers Report at 5:45am (Volunteers must sign up ahead of time – see below for more details)

Desert Cross is partnering with Borderlands Produce Rescue. They rescue delicious, healthy produce and distribute it throughout Arizona. If you'd like to volunteer for an upcoming event, you can sign up through Borderlands volunteer sign-up program. (Link below)

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

SHINE Night! Family Event

Sunday, February 22nd

5:00pm – 7:00pm

Tempe Community Center

As we finish up the season of Epiphany let’s gather to celebrate. Join us for SHINE Night! ... a family event. We will gather in Tempe from 5:00pm – 7:00pm on Sunday, Feb 22nd.

Come for crafts, activities, games, and fun all having to do with LIGHT! We will have pizza and s'mores around the campfire. You can invite friends and neighbors. 

Please RSVP to Shannon at sfossett@desertcross.org. Hope to see your SHINING faces there!

Youth Group Meetings

Next Meeting: Sunday, February 15th 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.

Pastor Class with Pastor Steve

Lenten Perspectives on the Life of Jesus

February 26th, March 5th, 12th, 19th, & 26th

Thursdays @ 7:00pm – Tempe Fellowship Hall

During this five-session class we'll examine the meaning of Jesus' baptism, wilderness experience, ministry, death, and resurrection.

As part of our study we'll be asking difficult questions, considering some answers, and perhaps arriving at a new and refreshing way of expressing faith in him as our Lord and Savior. There is no book to read, but do bring your bibles. We'll be comparing gospel passages and looking at the record left by Jesus' earliest interpreters.

For more information and to sign up, contact Pastor Steve at

sholm90@gmail.com.

Yesterday's Kids (55+ Fellowship) – Game Day!

Next Meeting: Thursday, February 19th at 9:30am

Tempe Community Center Adult Classroom

Please join us for our game day on Thursday, February 19th at 9:30am in the Tempe Community Center Adult Classroom. There’s always a lot of fun and laughter when we play our games! There will be coffee, tea, delicious treats, and even better company.

Come and try us, you’ll be glad you did!

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, February 24th

Theme: Fire Station Tour

Grand Canyon Synod 2026 Spring Gathering – Rooted in God's Story

📅 Saturday, February 21st

🕘 9:00am – 12:00pm

📍 Desert Cross Tempe Campus

The Grand Canyon Synod will gather this spring across Arizona and southern Nevada under the theme "Rooted in God’s Story". This year, Desert Cross has been asked to host one of the spring gatherings at our Tempe campus! All are invited and encouraged to attend and connect more fully and deeply with our greater church through the GC Synod!

These gatherings are opportunities for rostered ministers, lay leaders, and congregational members to connect, learn, and grow in community. Together, we reflect on God’s Word as the foundation of our lives and ministries. These spring gatherings are a chance to be reminded of that truth and to strengthen the bonds that hold our synod together.

Please mark your calendars and plan to attend the gathering at the Desert Cross Tempe Campus in the Sanctuary and Fellowship Hall!

Stay tuned for registration details and additional information.

You are Precious in His Sight

A Hymn Sing of Hope and Joy

📅 Sunday, March 1st

🕘 4:00pm – 5:15pm

📍 Desert Cross Gilbert Campus

Free and open to all!

Join us for You are Precious in His Sight, a hymn sing inspired by the Psalms and other beloved scriptures that remind us of God’s unfailing love and care for each one of us through times of joy and sorrow.

Through familiar hymns, shared voices, and beautiful music, we will gather as a community to sing, listen, and be renewed with music that comforts, strengthens, and fills the heart with joy! The event will feature our Chancel, Sanctuary, and Junior Choirs, Ensemble including Liz Rewolinski, Marta Hatch, Fiddle Music selections by Ari and Gabe Nannenga and special guest harpist, Sandy Hobbs. Come and be reminded that you are known, cherished, and never alone.

A joyful taco dinner will follow, and all are warmly welcome!

If you have any questions, please contact Carolyn Perkins at carolyn.perkins77@gmail.com.

Once a month, this section of the Weekly Update will feature a new recipe shared by a member of our congregation. It’s a fun way to share favorite dishes and connect with one another beyond Sunday mornings.
Interested in contributing? Recipe cards are still available at both campuses – feel free to grab one and share!

Peanutty Nuggets

Submitted by: Marie Ihlefeld

Ingredients:

1/3 cup chunky style or creamy peanut butter


1/4 cup margarine or butter


3 cups miniature marshmallows


4 cups Life Cereal

Instructions:

1. Combine peanut butter and margarine (or butter) in a 4-quart glass bowl.
2. Cook in microwave for about 1 minute, mix well.
3. Add marshmallows & mix well.
4. Cook for another 1 minute and 30 seconds, mix well.
5. Fold in cereal & spread onto greased cookie sheet.
6. Chill until firm & break into nuggets.
   

Alternatively, spoon ~1/2 cup coated cereal mixture into muffin cups lined with paper baking cups.  Store in tightly covered container in refrigerator.

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

TEMPE CAMPUS

FEBRUARY 15th

Ringing Praise – Immortal Invisible

GILBERT CAMPUS

FEBRUARY 15th

Instrumental Ensemble – Beautiful Savior

Instrumental Ensemble – Canon in D

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

Psalm 95

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.

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.

Taking Faith Home

Available for Home Study

Taking Faith Home is a weekly study guide you can use at home for individual study, with your family, or with your friends. It's based on the Revised Common Lectionary and includes scripture readings, conversation starters, devotional readings, and service ideas. It is available in the "old school" format of a hard copy in your church mailbox.

If you'd like to sign up to receive this study tool, please contact Wendy Williams in the church office at wwilliams@desertcross.org or 480-730-8600.

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.