Find us on Facebook, Youtube,

or visit our website:

You can use this button to give to Desert Cross directly online:

Faith and Life with Pastor Andrea

"Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me."

Psalm 51:10

What a wonderful way to be greeted in my kitchen this morning – a “rainbow” on my coffee bean jar! My two favorite things together! We’ve been concentrating on the small things and morning coffee is one that I treasure. The addition of the rainbow blessing my coffee beans brought me a small joy before I left the house for the office to continue our Lenten preparations at church. It reminded me of the special promise that God is always with us as a beautiful reminder of the hope we have in Christ. 

Rainbows are a visible sign of God’s forgiveness and grace, a beautiful invitation to be in relationship with God, and a reminder that God is always connected to us and to creation. I share this with you as a reminder that we are connected in Christ through faith, hope, and love. Can you imagine a more beautiful thing in these challenging days?! 

Another sign of God with us is the ash cross traced on our foreheads on Ash Wednesday. This cross is a sign of both death and life. It is a reminder of the cleansing of our hearts we receive from Jesus that gives us a new start to serve and love others. It reminds us of our mortality and humanity with the comfort that we are marked with the cross of Christ forever with the promise of “God with us” and eternal life. What other signs remind you of God’s love and faithfulness to you? Look for these things and hang onto hope! And then share it! 

Shine on,

Pastor Andrea

ANNUAL CONGREGATIONAL MEETING:

Sunday, March 2nd at 1:00pm

Tempe Sanctuary – Sunday, March 2nd at 1:00 pm

We extend a warm invitation to our upcoming Annual Congregational Meeting scheduled for March 2nd at 1:00pm in the Tempe Sanctuary. This gathering serves as a significant occasion for us to come together, discuss pertinent matters, and collectively make decisions that shape the future of our congregation.

In recognition of the diverse circumstances our members may face, we will have the availability for online questions during our meeting to ensure that everyone's voice is heard. If you wish to participate online and pose questions, please ensure you have a Google account and that you are subscribed to the church's YouTube Channel.

Please note: Printed Annual Reports are now available at both the Tempe and Gilbert campuses.

Links to our live stream and registration form are posted below.

You can attend the meeting online by clicking the thumbnail below:

AGENDA:

Welcome

Opening Prayer

Annual Report

Financial Update

Nominating Committee

Synod Assembly

Closing Prayer

Adjournment

Those planning to attend online, please click the button below and fill out a registration form.

Souper Bowl 2025 – Thank You!

A huge thank you to everyone for the fantastic turnout with filling the Souper Bowl barrel – we collected 259 pounds of food. Kyrene Resource Center was ecstatic over the 65 jars of peanut butter and all the soup!

Thank you again for your generosity!

– Community Outreach Committee

Help Make Churchwide Assembly Happen!

The Grand Canyon Synod is excited to host the 2025 ELCA Churchwide Assembly from July 28th to August 2nd, at the Phoenix Convention Center! This important gathering, held every 3 years, brings together church leaders for worship, discernment, and decision-making that shapes the future of our shared ministry.

Up to 100 volunteers are needed to assist with registration, hospitality, worship support, tech assistance, and more!

Interested in helping? Join the upcoming Volunteer Info Session via Zoom to learn more:

📅 Tuesday, March 4th

🕢 6:30 PM

🔗 Click here to register for the meeting

Have questions? Please contact Mary Beth Baron at mbbaron@gcsynod.org. Thank you for helping us welcome the ELCA to Phoenix!

To learn more and sign up to volunteer, click the button below.

Ashes at Home

Ash Wednesday is Wednesday, March 5th.

For those of you who are unable to be at our Ash Wednesday worship service, packets of ashes for home use are available in the office. You can follow along during the service on our YouTube livestream at 7:00pm.

Our portable communion kits are also still available in the home office for home use.

A blessed Ash Wednesday to you.

LENTEN WEEKENDS

Lent 1

Theme: Stranger & Neighbor

Saturday, March 8th – 5:00pm (Tempe)

Sunday, March 9th – 8:30am & 10:30am* (Tempe);

9:30am (Gilbert)

Lent 2

Theme: Faith & Works

Saturday, March 15th – 5:00pm (Tempe)

Sunday, March 16th – 8:30am & 10:30am* (Tempe);

9:30am (Gilbert)

Lent 3

Theme: Rest & Growth

Saturday, March 22nd – 5:00pm (Tempe)

Sunday, March 23rd – 8:30am & 10:30am* (Tempe);

9:30am (Gilbert)

Lent 4

Theme: Lost & Found

Saturday, March 29th – 5:00pm (Tempe)

Sunday, March 30th – 8:30am & 10:30am* (Tempe);

9:30am (Gilbert)

Lent 5

Theme: Righteousness & Mercy

Saturday, April 5th – 5:00pm (Tempe)

Sunday, April 6th – 8:30am & 10:30am* (Tempe);

9:30am (Gilbert)

Palm Sunday

Theme: Shouting & Silence

Saturday, March 8th – No Worship Service

Sunday, March 9th – 10:30am* ONLY (Tempe)

Sanctuary Choir Cantata: "What Wondrous Hope"

9:30am (Gilbert)

* 10:30am services (& others as marked) are also available on livestream

LENTEN WEDNESDAYS

Ash Wednesday: March 5th

Tempe – 12:00pm & 7:00pm*

Gilbert – 7:00pm

God's Word, Poetry, & Art with Desert Cross Evening Prayer

March 12th, March 19th, March 26th, April 2nd, & April 9th

Tempe – 7:00pm Worship

Gilbert – 6:00pm Soup Supper; 7:00pm Worship

Don't Trim Your Palm Trees!

Please bring your palms to the church by Wednesday, April 9th for Palm Sunday decorations.

You're welcome to stay to embellish the Sanctuary. Thank you!

Lent at Desert Cross with the ELCA

ELCA World Hunger & Grand Canyon Synod Lenten Challenge

This Lenten Season, there are several ways you can participate with the Church and walk through Lent with your siblings in Christ.

The Rev. Daniel Rift, ELCA Director for Congregational Generosity, will join us at our Tempe Site on Sunday, March 9th. He'll be sharing a Mission Moment at our 8:30am & 10:30am Worship Services. He'll also lead our Adult Forum at 9:45am in the Community Center Adult Classroom. Desert Cross has a long history of supporting ELCA World Hunger, and we're looking forward to Pastor Rift's visit. Click the link below to learn more about their work.

ELCA World Hunger

You can join the Grand Canyon Synod for a Lenten Challenge. Our synod is having a friendly competition with other synods for the Lenten Challenge. Participants commit to spiritual practices for the 40 days of Lent, and the Navajo Evangelical Lutheran Mission gets the reward. Is your interest sparked? Click the link below for all of the details and to sign up. By the way, our Grand Canyon Synod won the last two years, so let's do it again!

Grand Canyon Synod Lenten Challenge

ELCA World Hunger is offering a daily calendar for Lent. Click the link below for a copy.

ELCA World Hunger Daily Calendar

ELCA World Hunger is also offering a weekly study for Lent. Each week's devotion shares the story of a ministry from around the country. Click the link below for a copy.

ELCA World Hunger Weekly Study

Lenten Devotional Book

Lent begins Ash Wednesday, March 5th. We're offering a Lenten Devotional from A Sanctified Art. Everything in Between: Meeting God in the Midst of Extremes is available online. You'll find the link below.

We'll also have a limited number of hard copies available. If you prefer a hard copy, contact Denise McClellan at dmcclellan@desertcross.org or 480-730-8600 to reserve a copy.

Gilbert Parking Lot – Thank You!

On behalf of the Parking Lot Team, we are excited to share some great news! Thanks to your care and generosity, we have raised a total of $13,565 in donations and pledges from members at Gilbert and Tempe since the drive began on February 2, 2025!

This amount will be added to the two existing donations of $15,000 for a grand total of $28,565! Your kindness and commitment made this a reality! Thank you!

– Carolyn Perkins, Gary Balliet, Vicki English, Tony Tainter, & John Christiansen

MARCH COMMUNITY OUTREACH MISSION

🌟👶🏼 A BABY IS A BLESSING! 👶🏼🌟

But those little blessings need lots and lots of TLC!

Once again, we will assist 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 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 part of the supplies for 60 diaper bags.

Here is the Family Resource Center’s list of needs:

• Baby Shampoo or Baby Wash (large size)
• Baby Lotion (large size)
• Diaper Rash Cream (large size)
• Baby Blanket
• Baby Onesie
• Baby Rattle or Toy

Just $4 buys a toy, $6 buys a lotion, $8 buys a onsesie, or $10 buys a baby blanket!  

Donations will be accepted any time March 1st – March 30th.

Place your donations of those needed items into our designated box in the Narthex (Tempe) or the donation area in the Fellowship Hall (Gilbert). Or feel free to donate through the Hunger Jar.

Bless you for helping so many little blessings!

Youth Group Meetings

Next Meeting: Sunday, March 2nd at 5:00pm

The Youth Group, grades 6-12, will be meeting on Sundays from 5:00pm - 6:00pm. We will meet in the Youth Room in the Tempe Community Center. We hope to see you there!

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

Youth Group Chat

We are excited to announce that our youth are invited to join the Youth Group Chat on Band! This is a great opportunity to stay connected, receive youth group updates, and be part of the fun.

To join, please scan the QR code below.

Any questions or concerns? Please feel free to contact Tessa Faust at tfaust@desertcross.org.

Pastor Class with Pastor Steve

Glimpses of God in the Psalms of Lent

March 6th, 13th, 20th, & April 10th

Thursdays @ 7:00pm – Tempe Sanctuary

The psalms have been called the "Prayerbook of the Bible." During the four sessions of this class, we'll be looking at the context and content of eight psalms that have been traditionally read during the season of Lent. When we see how each psalmist related to God in various life situations, we'll be able to see how God continues to be present in every circumstance of our own lives. Each session will last about one hour, and will provide time for questions and reflection.

For more information and to sign up, contact Pastor Steve at sholm90@gmail.com.

55+ Fellowship - Yesterday's Kids

Thursday, March 6th at 9:00am

Tempe Community Center Classroom

Please join us for our planning meeting on Thursday, March 6th. We will 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!

Yesterday's Kids invites all who are young at heart to join us! We meet on the 1st and 3rd Thursdays of each month, from 9:00am to 11:00am. The 1st Thursdays are our planning meetings, and the 3rd Thursdays are our game days, filled with fun and fellowship! We will have coffee and delicious treats.

We hope to see all you "Kids" there!

We choose a monthly theme based on the lessons read during the worship services. We'll explore the theme by discussing the lessons and using the Adult Playlist posted each month on our Faith Formation Website.

If you have any questions, contact Pastor Andrea or Pastor Thadd at acain@desertcross.org or tbook@desertcross.org or 480-730-8600.

We Need Your Broken Crayons

Got broken or used crayons lying around? Walter and Harold English are collecting crayons to support The National Recycle Program, a nonprofit that repurposes old crayons into new ones for children in need. Based in Tucson, they’ve recycled over 170 million crayons since their opening in 1993!

Drop off your donations in the designated boxes at the Tempe Education Building, Tempe Narthex, or the Fellowship Hall in Gilbert from February 22nd through March 9th.

Thank you for helping make a difference!

Prayer Partners at Gilbert

Each week, our church community lifts up prayers for our church, nation, and world—but sometimes, we need personal prayer support. Whether you’re facing a challenge or want to express gratitude, our Prayer Partners are here to support you.

Look for someone wearing a Prayer Partner badge after the service near the altar, or submit a request using the prayer request cards in the chair pockets. Drop the card in the box near the entrance, and our team will lift up your prayers during the week.

Don't hesitate to share your requests – the Prayer Partners are ready to welcome you into a circle of prayer and encouragement!

“To him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine.” – Ephesians 3:20

If you have any questions, please reach out to Dwight Perkins at dwight.perkins@hotmail.com.

It is Well With My Soul

📅 Sunday, March 30th

🕢 4:00pm - 5:00pm

📍 Desert Cross Gilbert Campus

Join us for our Hymn Sing that will lift and inspire you! Bring a friend!

Participating musicians include the Gilbert Town Fiddlers, Desert Cross Chancel Choir, Members of the Tempe Sanctuary Choir, Junior Choir, Accompanist Marta Hatch, and more! A free-will offering will be available to help refresh and update our worship space.

Join us afterward for a selection of homemade pies and ice cream.

"Experience renewal of the soul, where scriptures and loved hymns strengthen faith and restore inner peace at this Lenten season."

Vitalant Blood Drive

📅 Date: Saturday, April 26, 2025

🕢 Time: 7:30am - 12:00pm

📍 Location: Desert Cross Community Center in Tempe

💉 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

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

TEMPE CAMPUS

MARCH 2nd

Special Music provided by Pamela Watson-Brown & Joni Van Rossum, 8:30am – His Eye is On the Sparrow

Ringing Praise Bell Choir, 10:30am – Light and Shine

MARCH 5th (Ash Wednesday)

Sanctuary Choir, 12:00pm & 7:00pm – Home

MARCH 9th

Ringing Praise Bell Choir, 8:30am – Lenten Contemplation

GILBERT CAMPUS

MARCH 2nd

Chancel Choir – Son of Heaven

MARCH 5th (Ash Wednesday)

Violin Solo provided by Leanna Ihlefeld – Air from Water

Junior Choir – Be Thou My Vision

MARCH 9th

Junior Choir – Forty Days and Forty Nights

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

Psalm 95

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.