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In Gratitude for Peace

Photo by Farrinni on Unsplash

"May the peace that passes understanding guard your hearts and mind in Christ Jesus."
Philippians 4:7

This week, as we observe Veterans Day, we offer a heartfelt thank-you to veterans of every generation. To all who have served – in times of war and times of peace, close to home and far away – we are grateful for your service and sacrifice. We remember, too, the families whose love and support have sustained you.

As I attended a Veteran’s Day program at a retirement home this week, I truly felt how behind every uniform is a person with a story. Speakers ranged from the Amvets to a 100 year old resident veteran! Emotions were high, and we don’t know what people have experienced or lost. Some stories are shared freely; others are carried quietly. May our gratitude extend beyond this week through our willingness to listen, offer friendship, and care for those who have served.

As people of faith, we also have a part to play in tending peace. Following Jesus, we are called to bring compassion into our communities, seek understanding across differences, and care for neighbors who are hurting. Peace takes root through ordinary people, as God works through us.

The prayer associated with St. Francis of Assisi gives us words for this calling. Let us pray:

Lord, make me an instrument of your peace;

where there is hatred, let me sow love;

where there is injury, pardon;

where there is discord, union;

where there is doubt, faith;

where there is despair, hope;

where there is darkness, light;

and where there is sadness, joy.

To our veterans: thank you. May God surround you with care, strengthen you with hope, and grant you peace. And may the peace Christ gives us flow through our lives into a world God so deeply loves.

Amen,

Pastor Andrea

Holiday Craft Festival – This Saturday!🎄

📅 Saturday, November 14th

🕢 9:00am – 3:00pm

📍 Desert Cross Gilbert Campus

Get a head start on your holiday shopping at the Desert Cross Holiday Craft Festival! Join us for a fun-filled day of shopping, community, and holiday cheer as we welcome local crafters, artists, and small businesses to showcase their unique creations.

Whether you're looking for one-of-a-kind gifts, festive decorations, or just a fun way to spend your Saturday, there's something for everyone! Come browse, shop local, and support small businesses while enjoying a little holiday spirit.

Celebrating Rev. David Krueger and 50 Years of Ministry!

On Saturday, November 14, 2026, Rev. David Krueger celebrates the 50th anniversary of his ordination! We give thanks for Pastor Dave’s faithful ministry and for the blessing he, his wife Kathy, and their family are to Desert Cross.

Pastor Dave’s presence among us is a gift. A humble, grace-filled servant, he shares the good news of Jesus with warmth and care. Over these 50 years, Dave and Kathy have spread the gospel far and wide – even as far as Maui!

We are grateful for our own little community of pastors at both campuses, whose gifts continue to enrich Desert Cross through preaching, teaching, and faithful friendship.

Please join us at our weekend worship services in thanking God for Pastor Dave and Kathy and celebrating this wonderful milestone. May the grace they have shared with so many continue to surround and sustain them! Mahalo!

2026 Angel Tree – Tempe Campus

The Angel Tree in Tempe will be up in the Narthex on November 14th! Here's how you can help bring joy to a child this Christmas:

1. Choose a Tag (or two!): Take one or two tags from the Angel Tree in the Tempe Narthex.
2. Shop and Wrap: Purchase a gift for each tag you take. Each child (ages 15 and under) will receive two gifts – one toy or special wish item, and one piece of clothing. Be sure to wrap the gift and securely tape the tag to it.
3. Grocery Gift Cards: Some tags are for grocery gift cards to support each family by purchasing food for their Christmas meal. Please do NOT wrap gift cards. Place them in the container marked “Angel Tree Gift Cards” or drop them off at the church office clearly marked for the Angel Tree.

Deadline: All gifts and gift cards are needed by the morning of December 13th. We’ll be sorting and distributing the gifts that day.

Please note: if you take a tag and cannot bring a gift by the 13th, please put the tag back on the tree. We don't want to disappoint these children.

** SPECIAL REQUEST FROM KYRENE RESOURCE CENTER – They have an URGENT NEED for used bikes or scooters. They will pick up at DCLC if anyone has one to donate.

Thank you for making Christmas brighter for these under privileged children in our area.

With much thanks,

– DCLC Community Outreach Committee

Please contact June Bowman at 602-402-2577 or gag5@cox.net with any questions.

Advent Wednesday Soup Dinner & Fellowship

Join us for warm soup and even warmer fellowship on Wednesdays before our Advent Services at the Tempe campus!

December 2nd, 9th, and 16th

5:30pm – 7:00pm

Tempe Campus Fellowship Hall

If you have any questions or would like to donate to the cause, please contact Shelley Mardany at 602-478-6945 or Karen Koslow at 813-748-3191.

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.

Borderlands Produce Rescue – We're Back!

Next Distribution Date: November 21st

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 beginning our second season serving with Borderlands Produce Rescue. BPR rescues produce and distributes it throughout the state. Their work keeps good food out of the landfill, prevents greenhouse gases, saves our precious water resources, and puts healthy food on dinner plates. You can get involved in several ways:

1. Come pick up a produce box. For a $15 cash donation (exact change preferred), you'll receive up to 70 pounds of rescued produce. For an added donation, you can preorder a box and have it waiting for you. For more information, click the button below to visit the BPR website.
   
2. Spread the word. Tell your family, friends, and neighbors. This program is open to all.
   
3. Volunteer with us. For more information, contact Denise McClellan at dmcclellan@desertcross.org or 480-730-8600. Volunteers must sign up ahead of time and be at least 12 years old.

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!

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

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

Tempe Community Center Adult Classroom

Please join us for our game day on Thursday, November 19th at 9:30am in the Tempe Community Center Adult Classroom. If you enjoy fun and laughter, and meeting new people, along with old friends, then our Game Day is the place to be! There will be coffee, tea, delicious treats, and even better company.

We hope you're able to come. It will make your day!

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.

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.

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!

The Road to Bethlehem: Where Heaven Came to Dwell

📅 Sunday, December 13th

🕢 4:00pm – 5:15pm

📍 Desert Cross Gilbert Campus – 3225 S Lindsay Road

Join us for a special afternoon of music, scripture, and Christmas celebration at Desert Cross Gilbert's annual Christmas Cantata!

Journey with us to Bethlehem, where a humble manger held the hope of the world and God came to dwell among us. Through inspiring readings and beautiful music, our Chancel Choir, Jr. Choir, and Ensemble, along with special guest musicians, will share the story of Christ's birth.

Featuring special guests: Fred Chao, Jennifer Nagy, Liz Rewolinski, and Chris Doyle.

Stay afterward for Christmas cookies and a hot chocolate bar! All are welcome. We hope you'll join us!

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



NOVEMBER 15th

Sanctuary Choir – Seekers of Light

NOVEMBER 22nd

Ringing Praise – Rejoice the Lord is King

GILBERT CAMPUS

NOVEMBER 15th

Instrument Ensemble – "Love Divine All Love's Excelling"

NOVEMBER 22nd

Junior Choir – Sanna, Sannanina

Junior Choir – Alabare

"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.