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Weekly Desert Cross Update - February 7, 2025 | |
Faith and Life with Pastor Andrea | |
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"Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light for my path."
Psalm 119:105
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Our February Faith Formation theme is “Wisdom.” Our monthly themes as we Worship, Learn, and Serve together are chosen by our Faith Formation team based on the scriptures for weekly worship. The Wisdom theme was chosen a while back, and it turned out to be timely as we face lots of change in our lives and our world. Encountering change can drive us to seek wisdom. It’s easy to be distracted from our call to live out faith in daily life sharing mercy and love where we can. We need God’s wisdom to keep us centered on God’s love even in chaos.
The Wisdom literature in Scripture can help us get some focus in turbulent times. Our adult forum discussed this and here are some places we also find wisdom: friends, parents, philosophy, wisdom literature like “Meditations” by Marcus Aurelius, in conversation, meditation, music, poetry, other religious traditions. Where do you seek wisdom?
I invited our adult forum participants to read a chapter a day of Proverbs in February. The book is 31 chapters so that adds up with a few extra chapters sprinkled in! I invite you to focus on Wisdom with us:
Step 1: Go to the Desert Cross Faith Formation website: https://dclcfaithformation.org/adult-playlists/
Step 2: Click on the Adult Playlist tab at the top of the page. There are also Children & Youth playlists!
Step 3: Watch the two short but engaging videos from The Bible Project**
Step 4: Read a chapter (or so) of Proverbs per day.
Step 5: Work through the Wisdom Playlist at your own pace through February.
Step 6: Listen to our theme song and reflect on our hope in Christ: Christ Our Wisdom
Step 7: Be filled with Wisdom!
**Having socio-historical context before reading Proverbs is crucial so do your homework! The videos outline the theme of Proverbs, share the biblical context, and show how the chapter themes fit into the whole.
Wise together,
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Souper Bowl Sundays – Tempe
The Soup Barrel is now in the Tempe Narthex for our Annual Desert Cross Souper Bowl Collection!
Throughout February, we will be collecting nonperishable food for the Kyrene Resource Center.
REMINDER: There is an urgent need for peanut butter!
All funds raised will support both Kyrene and Grace Lutheran's homeless food pantry.
Thank you for your generosity!
– The Community Outreach Committee
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In addition to the Souper Bowl collections, we are accepting donations of SOCKS AND UNDIES for Kyrene Resource Center.
Hunger Jar offerings on February 15/16 and February 22/23 will be designated for Step Up School.
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Well, the NFC/AFC games are over, and next is the Super Bowl with the Chiefs vs Eagles!
On February 8th and 9th, be ready to vote for who you want to win with your monetary donations.
The money will be split between Kyrene Resource Center and Grace Lutheran for their homeless programs.
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Souper Bowl Sundays – Gilbert
February 2nd, 9th, and 16th
Souper Bowl Sundays are happening at our Gilbert campus as well!
- Bring soup of all kinds - canned, dry mix, cup of soup. Add some crackers.
- Choose which team you want to win, and place your donations in the collection container for that team.
- All donated items will be distributed to food banks and our Gilbert DCLC “Soup for the Soul” ministry.
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"Soup for the Soul" is a new ministry developed by the Gilbert Outreach Team that will show support for those in the Gilbert congregation who might need a special note and soup to make their day better as they experience life's challenges. | |
Lutheran Day at the Legislature
📅 Monday, February 10th
🕢 9:30am - 1:30pm
📍 Arizona Capitol, Wesley Bolin Plaza - 1700 W Washington St, Phoenix, AZ 85007
Every year, Lutherans (and friends!) from across the state of Arizona gather at the Capitol to advocate on pressing issues and timely legislation. In 2024, more than 125 Lutherans advocated on all the LAMA legislative policy priorities for 2024, asking our representatives to keep these issues in mind as we move into the session. This year, they’ll advocate on LAMA’s 2025 policy priorities.
For more details on the event, including the schedule and link to register, please visit the LAMAZ website HERE.
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Lutheran Disaster Response – California Wildfires
Lutheran Disaster Response is on the ground working with the local California synod serving victims of the wildfires. You can help by using the link below to make a donation.
Give to Lutheran Disaster Response through the ELCA
If you're a Thrivent member, you can donate to Lutheran Disaster Response, and Thrivent will increase your gift. To donate through Thrivent, use this link below:
Give to Lutheran Disaster Response through Thrivent
Thank you for your ongoing prayers and support of those impacted by and fighting the wildfires.
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Desert Cross Serves & Lutheran Disaster Response
At last month's Desert Cross Serves Project, we packed 100 backpacks filled with health and hygiene items. Items included: first aid kits, hand sanitizer, shampoo, soap, socks, toothbrushes, toothpaste, etc. Your generous gifts to the January Hunger Jars supported this project. In fact, you were so generous that Desert Cross will be giving the extra funds away to support the work of Lutheran Disaster Response and the California wildfires. You'll find the number count below. THANK YOU!
Special Hunger Jar balance remaining from November Desert Cross Serves Project: $436.95
January Special Hunger Jar gifts: $2,774.13
Total gifts available: $3,211.08
Expenses for January Desert Cross Serves Project: $1,688.04
Gift for Lutheran Disaster Response from Desert Cross: $1,523.04
If you'd like to make your own gift to Lutheran Disaster Response, please see those details in the "News For This Week" section above.
Thank you again for your generosity!
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Invest in a Piece of the Gilbert Parking Lot – Latest News
We are overwhelmed with gratitude for your generosity and commitment. This past weekend, you came together in such a powerful way, contributing a total of $5,000 through pledges, cash and checks toward our goal of raising $12,000. We are deeply thankful for each and every one of you who stepped forward to help make this possible.
– Your Parking Lot Team: Carolyn Perkins, Gary Balliet, Tony Tainter, Vicki English, John Christiansen and Brent Borchers
We will be available after the services at both Tempe and Gilbert on Sundays. Look for us in the orange vests!
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Saints with Skills
Next Meeting: Saturday, February 8th at 9:00am
Tempe Fellowship Hall
This group involves people interested in finding and fixing odd jobs around our Tempe campus on a regular basis. Tasks for this group would be things that could be more cost effective to DIY instead of hiring professionals.
So, if you have a skill – from using a screwdriver to a power washer – and have a love for our House of God, please join our group and become a saint!
Let's do some work!!
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Meditation Group
Tuesdays at 7:00 pm - Tempe Sanctuary
Next meeting: February 11th
OR
Thursdays at 9:00 am - Tempe Community Center Youth Room
Next meeting: February 13th
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Do you want to try meditation? If so, please join Elaine Kraemer on Tuesday evenings or Thursday mornings. Elaine has practiced "passage meditation" for many, many years. She'll share the whys and hows of meditation and help you get started with this faith-growing spiritual practice.
To sign up, or for more information, please contact Elaine Kraemer at elainekraemer1892@gmail.com.
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Faith Formation Adult Forum
Next Meeting: February 9th
Meeting February 16th in the Fellowship Hall for a presentation from Lutheran Social Services of the Southwest on the Refugee & Immigration Services.
Sunday 9:45am - 10:15am
Tempe Community Center Adult Classroom
OR
Sunday 10:45am - 11:15am
Gilbert Sanctuary
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Lutheran Social Services of the Southwest
Refugee & Immigration Services
📅 Sunday, February 16th
🕢 9:45am (between worship services)
📍 Tempe Fellowship Hall
Please join us for a presentation from Lutheran Social Services of the Southwest on their Refugee & Immigration Services. Come and learn about the work they do and how you can support them.
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📅 Sunday, February 23rd
🕢 6:30am - 8:30am
📍 Grace Lutheran Church – 1124 N 3rd St, Phoenix, AZ 85004
Desert Cross has supported the homeless programs at Grace Lutheran Church for many years. One of the ways that we do this is by serving pancake breakfasts approximately once a month on Sunday mornings. There are large and small jobs available for folks young and old!
For more information, or if you would like to serve, please contact Joy Petroff at joylpetroff@gmail.com.
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Lutheran Social Services Luncheon
📅 Thursday, February 27th
🕢 12:00pm - 1:00pm
📍 Marriott Phoenix Airport - 1101 N 44th St, Phoenix, AZ 85008
The annual Lutheran Social Services Luncheon, an annual fundraiser for LSSSW (Lutheran Social Services of the Southwest), will be held on Thursday, February 27th. There will be tables of 10 at the luncheon.
Registration starts at 11:30am. The lunch and program will be from 12:00pm to 1:00pm.
If you are interested, please speak with Art Krzyzewski, Laurie Selby, or Tom Selby at church.
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In this space, you will find the musical offerings for the upcoming worship services. Please come and enjoy!
TEMPE CAMPUS
RINGING PRAISE BELL CHOIR
February 9th, 8:30am – I am Thine, O Lord
February 23rd, 8:30am – All Things Bright and Beautiful
SANCTUARY CHOIR
February 2nd, 8:30am – Hail to the Lord's Anointed
February 16th, 8:30am – African Star Carol
February 23rd, 10:30am – African Star Carol
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GILBERT CAMPUS
INSTRUMENTAL ENSEMBLE
February 2nd – Love's Divine All Love's Excelling (Hymns of Praise)
JUNIOR CHOIR
February 9th – My Faith's Got Shoes
CHANCEL CHOIR
February 23rd – Christ Has Broken Down the Wall
"Let us come before Him with thanksgiving and extol Him with music..."
Psalm 95
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Communion Kits
If you are unable to attend worship in person and would like a communion kit to use as you watch the live stream, you can pick one up from the office in Tempe. Gluten-free options are available.
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If you are looking to become more involved in our Tempe and Gilbert Faith Communities, please click "Read More" and find out today where you can be of value. You'll find all the needed contact info on that page.
We are actively looking for more volunteers in all areas of service.
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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. | |
May the Lord bless you in all your endeavors this week! | |
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For your convenience, we have online giving up on our website or you can use the button that says "GIVE" at the top of this email. As always, we continue to appreciate all who are continuing to support the many ministries of Desert Cross!
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Lastly, you can scan the QR code included in our live stream services and in the weekly Worship Aid. Giving is easier than ever - check it out!
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