Weekly Update for Friday, April 28, 2023 | |
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Weekly Desert Cross Update - April 28, 2023 | |
Blessings Blog
Faith & Life with Pastor Andrea
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Since we have such a hope, we act with great boldness.
2 Corinthians 3:12
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Against all odds, the tiny but mighty Verdins boldly build their nests among the imposing spines of the Argentine Toothpick Cactus! It is quite an acrobatic feat to watch as they flit in and out at top speed navigating this giant cactus's long, deadly spikes as they cheerily “chip, chip, chip” all along the way. That nest is an image of resilience, strength, will, and courage!
This amazing accomplishment of the Verdins gives me hope thinking of the imposing challenges we face in the church and in the world. Yet we have a small but mighty thing called hope to arm us with the resilience and courage we need to act with great boldness sharing a nest of peace, love, and mercy in a harsh world that often offers the opposite. We can also be encouraged by the Apostle Paul’s encouragement to the Corinthians who struggled mightily and faced many challenges. With faith the size of a mustard seed, we can move mountains together. With the hope we have in the risen Christ and our community of faith, we have all we need to face the challenges and build a future for the church together. Hope never gives up. And if you feel short on hope these days, I hope to inspire you by sharing Emily Dickinson’s bold poem:
“HOPE” IS THE THING WITH FEATHERS
BY EMILY DICKINSON
“Hope” is the thing with feathers -
That perches in the soul -
And sings the tune without the words -
And never stops - at all -
And sweetest - in the Gale - is heard -
And sore must be the storm -
That could abash the little Bird
That kept so many warm -
I’ve heard it in the chillest land -
And on the strangest Sea -
Yet - never - in Extremity,
It asked a crumb - of me.
Hang onto hope,
Pastor Andrea
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Shred-A-Thon
Saturday, April 29, 2023
from 11 am to 1 pm
Tempe Campus
We are thrilled to announce that the annual Shred-a-Thon is happening on April 29th, from 11 am to 1 pm at the Tempe campus. This is an exciting opportunity for us to come together and shred those old documents and papers that have been piling up.
We encourage you to bring any unwanted or outdated documents that need to be securely disposed of. This could include old bills, bank statements, and other sensitive information that you no longer need.
This event is open to everyone. See you there!
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Give I-Help A Try!
On the fourth Tuesday of every month, Desert Cross Lutheran Church has the incredible privilege of hosting 22 homeless guests. These people come from every walk of life. Last month we had a professional football player. The stories we hear are humbling.
Please click "Read More" below to see Glen Stadler's full message and to find the attached I-Help Newsletter to hear about how you can share the love of Jesus.
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KDCL Family Variety Show and Spring Fling
Create a great offer by adding words like "free" "personalized" "complimentary" or "customized." A sense of urgency often helps readers take an action, so think about inserting phrases like "for a limited time only" or "only 7 remaining"!
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Contact Sharynn Jennings at sharynnj@cox.net with your name and how many chairs you want so you will be assured of a place to sit down.
This is going to be a FUN evening
Come and be entertained BY YOUR OWN CHURCH FRIENDS.
Refreshments after the show.
We are looking forward to seeing you there!
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Leading Faithful Innovation | |
What might God be up to amid the seismic changes the church and our culture are undergoing? What opportunities will congregations encounter if they rediscover and follow God's leading?
Join us at Living Water Lutheran Church for an afternoon of learning on Saturday, April 29. Click "Read More" for more information and to register for free.
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Book Groups
May 4 & 11, 2023
Tempe Community Center Adult Classroom
2:00 or 7:00 pm
We'll be reading "Foster" by Claire Keegan. It's a short, but powerful, award-winning book about a young girl sent away one summer to live with relatives. Life on the farm in Ireland is different from anything she's ever known, and it changes her.
Book Fee: $18.00 (scholarships available)
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AC Giving Project
As summer approaches, the temperature in Arizona is about to skyrocket, and we need your help to keep our Tempe campus cool! Our Air Conditioning Giving Project aims to replace four units, starting with the Community Center and Office.
We're currently accepting donations for this project, and every dollar counts. By contributing to the AC Giving Project, you'll be helping us reduce the amount we need to borrow to start the project.
To donate, you have two options: you can designate your offering with "AC Project" on the offering envelope or simply click the "GIVE" button at the top of this email and select "AC Project".
The total cost of the project is projected to be $75,000, and we've received $13,186 in donations so far. Your contribution will make a significant impact on our ability to keep our campus cool during the scorching summer months. Please consider donating today and helping us reach our goal!
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Gilbert Fire Panel Replacement
We have an emergency need in Gilbert! Our Fire Panel has failed and needs to be replaced.
Donations to support the Panel Replacement project are now being accepted.
Options to Give:
- Offering – designate on the envelope “Fire Panel”
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Online – click the link, or use the "GIVE" button at the top of this email, then choose “Fire Panel”
All funds received will help us reduce the total amount we need to borrow to start the project. The projected total cost is $15,000 and so far $10,122 has been donated.
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Mother's Day Flower Arrangements
Mother's Day flower arrangements are being created to order in person at Desert Cross Gilbert on Sunday, April 30, and Sunday, May 7, at 10:30 am in the Fellowship Hall after worship.
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You can also text Carolyn Perkins at 480-486-0170 by May 10.
Flower arrangements include one dozen roses in a vase with a choice of red, pink, or white for $25.00, a Spring Bouquet in a vase for $20.00, or a Floral Wrap for $16.00. Pick up at Desert Cross Gilbert on Saturday, May 13 from 2:00 - 4:00 pm or Sunday, May 14 from 9:30 - 11:00 am.
Our floral designers are Dwight Perkins and Leslie DeMarco. Please pay cash or make a check payable to Desert Cross.
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Adult Forum
Sundays 9:45 - 10:15 am
Tempe Community Center Adult Classroom
OR
Sundays 10:45 - 11:15 am
Gilbert Sanctuary
Meeting April 30 & May 7
We're choosing a monthly theme based on the lessons read during the worship services. The theme for April is Forgiveness, and the theme for May is Disciples. We'll explore the theme by discussing the lessons and using the Adult Playlist posted each month on our Faith Formation Website.
For more information, contact Pastor Andrea at acain@desertcross.org, or Pastor Thadd at tbook@desertcross.org.
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Meditation Group
Tuesdays at 7:00 pm
Tempe Sanctuary
Meeting May 2
OR
Thursdays at 9:00 am
Tempe Community Center Youth Room
Meeting May 4
Do you want to try meditation? If so, please join Elaine Kraemer Thursday mornings. Elaine is hosting a weekly meditation group. 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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ChristCare Commissioning
May 6 & 7 during Tempe Worship Services
June 25 during Gilbert Worship Service
We're excited to announce that we will be commissioning four new ChristCare Leaders at upcoming worship services!
Please join us as we welcome Pastor Thadd, Karen Koslow, Ellen Minde, and Katelyn Williamson as small group leaders. Join us for a cake reception after the service Saturday at the Tempe Site, between services Sunday at the Tempe Site, and after the service Sunday at the Gilbert Site.
To learn more about our ChristCare Small Group Ministry use the button below or contact Denise McClellan at dmcclellan@desertcross.org or 480-730-8600.
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It's that time of year, again! The Mother's Day Purse Event is happening and Mission Outreach will be collecting purses and personal items for Shoebox Ministry throughout April!
Every Spring we gather new and gently used medium to large purses, totes, handbags, and...
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Scholarship Grant Awards for DCLC College Bound Students | |
The DCLC Endowment Fund is accepting scholarship grant applications for graduating high school seniors, class of 2023. Applications may be downloaded here and are due in the church office by June 15, 2023. For students continuing their college educations, scholarship grants may be renewed, for a total of 4 grants.
Please click "Read More" for more information, requirements, specifics, etc.
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Saturday, April 29, 2023
7:30 am - 12:00 pm
Tempe Community Center
You can sign up in the Tempe Narthex or go online to schedule an appointment at Vitalant.org using “desertcross” as the sponsor code.
For questions and information, please contact Art at krzyarty@cox.net.
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Sunday, May 28, 2023
6:30 am - 8:30 am
Grace Lutheran Church
Desert Cross volunteers serve pancakes Sunday mornings to those experiencing homelessness. Those under 18 years old will serve in the dining area.
How can you get involved? Please contact Joy Petroff at joylpetroff@gmail.com.
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C3
Thursday, May 11, 2023
10 am - 11:30 am
Gilbert Fellowship Hall
C3 assembles on May 11 at 10:00 am in the Gilbert Fellowship Hall.
C3 is a Discussion/Fellowship group for ANYONE and ALL are welcome.
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Friday, May 12
7:00 pm at the home of Ron and Cheryl Diegle
This group meets once a month at the home of a host family. The group is open to all interested participants. During the evening, you will enjoy fellowship and discussion around a biblical topic. Our May topic is His Emphasis on Personal Faith and Choice.
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55+ Fellowship
Thursday, May 4 at 9:00 am
Tempe Community Center -
Adult Classroom
Join us on Thursday, May 4th at 9:00 am for a morning of fellowship. This is a great opportunity to connect with others and enjoy some refreshments in a relaxed and friendly environment. We look forward to seeing you there!
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Wise Guys
Mondays at 9 am
Tempe Fellowship Hall
Are you wise? Are you a guy? If so, then you are invited to this fellowship group that meets on Mondays for coffee and conversation.
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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. | |
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April Playlists can be found on our Desert Cross Faith Formation website. The April Playlist Theme is Forgiveness.
We offer Playlists for Children, Youth, and Adults. Use the button below to visit our Faith Formation website. Sign up to follow the website, and you'll receive an email when we post new content.
If you need help signing up, please contact Denise McClellan at dmcclellan@desertcross.org or 480-730-8600.
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Would you like more information on our ministries or are you looking for last weekend's live stream? Can't find the church phone number or email address?
Just download and open the app!
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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!
All financial information is encrypted and stored by Tithe.ly's banking partner to PCI DSS Level 1 compliant standards, which is the highest possible rating one can get in the electronic payment processing industry.
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