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Weekly Desert Cross Update - October 25, 2024 | |
Faith and Life with Pastor Andrea | |
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Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
Ephesians 4:32
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I shared a delicious lunch with a friend recently. A TV on the wall was broadcasting all the bad news and political ads. We were talking about how you can just feel the upset in the world and how conflict, fear, and anger seem to be peppering many conversations we are hearing these days when we’re out and about. People we encounter are angry, upset, and distracted, and these feelings can be contagious.
Our server that day was different. He was a friendly, open person who was genuinely interested in us. He spent more time than usual at our table asking us about what we were doing that day, and we had a great conversation about all kinds of things! We learned a lot about each other in just a few minutes because he was so kind to us and felt like a friend, not a stranger. It really made a difference in our day just having a stranger show kindness in a surprising way.
During lunch, my friend pulled this fortune out of their wallet that had been saved from the week prior. The fortune says, “Surprise a stranger with a kind gesture.” It’s a timely reminder in these challenging days when we are more likely to look upon a stranger with suspicion and disregard them. My friend saved the fortune as an intentional reminder to be kind not just to our loved ones but to strangers we encounter in our day. Small acts of kindness can make a big difference and even change people’s lives and the world one by one. Kindness can pepper our conversations and our lives with joy, relief, and peace in the midst of fear of the unknown. Kindness is the spice of life.
Be kind,
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All Saints Sunday
It is that time of year when we remember our loved ones who have passed away in the previous year.
On All Saints Sunday, November 3, it is a tradition at Desert Cross to list the names of those who have died since the previous All Saints Sunday in the bulletin. If you would like to add a name, please see the clipboard set up in the Narthex or e-mail the church office (info@desertcross.org) by Sunday, October 27.
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Financial Update - Brent Borchers, Treasurer
Hello all,
Exciting times with the 40th Anniversary Celebration upon us. The year has flown by so quickly, and we are now in the final quarter of the year with the holidays coming up fast.
For the month of September, Expenses were approximately $9k more than Total Revenues, bringing the year-to-date deficit to approximately $67k. Our General revenue was about $2k less than last year for the month of September. This brings the year-to-date General revenue to approximately $27k less than last year through September.
Below is a snapshot of the Total Revenues versus Expenses:
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I look forward to seeing many of you at the 40th Anniversary Celebration this Saturday and Sunday!
Blessings,
Brent M. Borchers, Treasurer
Desert Cross Lutheran Church
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Desert Cross CROP Walk
📅 Sunday, November 24, 2024
🕥 10:45 AM
📍 Gilbert site
Desert Cross will have our own CROP Walk at our Gilbert Site on Sunday, November 24. CROP Walk holds walks throughout the country as they raise funds to fight world hunger. We'll walk north along the canal trail near the church. It's about three miles round trip. That distance is the average that some folks walk for clean water in some parts of the world. Wear comfortable walking shoes, bring your sunblock, bring a water bottle, and join us as we draw attention to hunger in our world.
Hunger Jar Offerings on October 26/27, November 2/3, and November 9/10 will benefit CROP Walk.
To sign up, contact Denise McClellan at dmcclellan@desertcross.org or 480-730-8600.
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Join Us for the Gilbert Town Hall Meeting!
📅 Sunday, November 17, 2024
🕥 10:45 to 11:30 AM
📍 Fellowship Hall
You're invited to our Gilbert Town Hall meeting, where we'll discuss important topics that impact our community, including:
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Finance & Gilbert Parking Lot Project presented by Brent Borchers
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Refresh Update by Dana Hargis
- SoJ Update
We’d love to hear from you! Please submit any questions ahead of time by Sunday, November 10th to Carolyn Perkins at carolyn.perkins77@gmail.com, or drop them in her mailbox at the Gilbert church. Forms are available at the Welcome Center.
This is a great opportunity to meet Brent Borchers, our Finance Chair, and engage in meaningful conversations. We look forward to seeing you there!
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Trunk or Treat 2024 a Big Success!
As the sun set on Saturday, October 19, 2024, the Desert Cross Gilbert parking lot became a magical place! The lot was soon filled with superheroes, goblins, cute princesses, and more in search of treats and fun.
The fresh grilled hot dogs were a delicious treat, and the creative trunks brought so much joy to everyone. The Outreach Team led by Jean O'Donnell kicked off their Thanksgiving Food Drive at this event, for a total of three overflowing boxes of donated food! Music was provided by the Gilbert Ensemble, adding to the festivities.
The event hosted families from Mesa, Queen Creek, and the immediate community. We truly appreciate Mari Johnson for her leadership in setting everything up so beautifully! A big thanks to Dana Hargis for the great food and help with setup. Brad Johson, Dan Hargis, and Pat Jennett also deserve a big thank you for all their help! Teamwork and enthusiasm from everyone who created trunks and helped made the event a great success with wonderful memories for our community.
Thank you again for making it such a special evening!
Carolyn Perkins,
Gilbert Chamber
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Desert Cross Serves Project
Sunday, November 3, 2024
Tempe Site 9:45 am
Gilbert Site 10:45 am
We include a service project in our Sunday Morning Faith Formation Ministry. All ages will gather at both sites during our Education time to pack "Lunches with Love" for those in need. This year our bags are going to the City of Tempe HOPE Team. The HOPE Team will distribute the food in their work with those in need. Hunger Jar Offerings September 28/29, October 5/6, and October 12/13 will support this project. Thank you for your gifts.
If you have any questions, contact Denise McClellan at dmcclellan@desertcross.org or 480-730-8600.
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Pastor Class with Pastor Thadd
Dinner with Luke
Wednesdays, October 9, 16, 30, & November 6
Dinner @ 6:00pm -- Class @ 7:00pm
Gilbert Fellowship Hall
Although he never witnessed the work and ministry of Jesus first-hand, Luke has written an incredibly detailed account of Jesus' life. Luke makes up the large majority of our gospel readings starting this Advent. Join Pastor Thadd for a four-week class to discuss how Luke's gospel spoke to the initial audience reading it and how it still speaks to us today.
There will be a potluck dinner from 6:00-7:00 pm, and the class will be from 7:00-8:00 pm. So, bring your hunger to learn more about Luke's gospel and enjoy a meal with friends.
For more information and to sign up, contact Pastor Thadd at tbook@desertcross.org
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Faith Formation Adult Forum
October 27--DCLC 40th
November 3--Desert Cross Serves Project
November 10--Ministry Fair
Sunday 9:45-10:15 am Tempe Community Center Adult Classroom
Sunday 10:45-11:15 am Gilbert Sanctuary
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.
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Desert Cross Thanksgiving Food Drive
The Thanksgiving Food and Blanket collection boxes are out at the Gilbert and Tempe campuses. Desert Cross once again is being very generous and filled the Gilbert boxes to overflowing. So, we’ll transport the items each week to the donation site so there’s room for more. Thank you to all those who have donated early in the drive. Let’s keep the boxes full each week through Sunday, November 17.
A box in Gilbert is marked for fleece blankets that can be donated to keep our neighbors warm. Many stores currently have them on sale as the weather gets cooler.
Both campuses will collect items until November 17th. For a shopping list of the most needed items, please click the button below. Monetary donations are also welcome.
The drive supports Concordia Charter School families, Kyrene Resource Center, Lutheran Social Services, Matthew’s Crossing, and the Salvation Army. Thanks for helping our neighbors!
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55+ Fellowship - Yesterday's Kids
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 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM, in the Tempe Community Center Classroom.
- The 1st Thursday is our planning meeting.
- The 3rd Thursday is our game day, filled with fun and fellowship!
We will have coffee and delicious treats.
We hope to see all you "Kids" there!
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C3
Meeting Every 2nd and 4th Tuesday of the month
10 am - 11:30 am
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.
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Meditation Group
Tuesdays at 7:00 pm
Tempe Sanctuary
Meeting on October 29
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Thursdays at 9:00 am
Tempe Community Center Youth Room
Meeting on October 31
Do you want to try meditation? If so, please join Elaine Kraemer on Tuesday evenings or Thursday mornings. Elaine is hosting weekly meditation groups. 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.
For more information, please contact Elaine Kraemer at elainekraemer1892@gmail.com.
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Desert Cross Celebrates 40 Years of Ministry! | |
Living God's Story
Date: Saturday, October 26, 2024
Time: Festivities begin at 3:00 PM
Location: Desert Cross Lutheran Church, 8600 S. McClintock Ave, Tempe, AZ 85284
Tickets: $5 per person. Tickets are available at the door. Purchase includes a free raffle ticket!
We are hoping to gather pictures from these 40 years. If you have photos to share, please send them to dclcmemories@gmail.com or give them to Vicki Collins.
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Reformation Sunday - Wear Red!
We invite you to celebrate Reformation Sunday by wearing red to our worship services this weekend, October 26/27, 2024! Red is the color of Pentecost, the color of the Holy Spirit.
Let’s fill the church with red as we worship together on this special weekend. See you there!
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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. We have gluten-free options 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 right there on the 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 Joni at jvanrossum@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!
You can also simply text the word "GIVE" to 833.636.1502 and complete the payment information. It securely saves your information and makes it possible to donate in 5 seconds once it has been set up!
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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