Weekly Update for Friday, April 21, 2023 | |
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Weekly Desert Cross Update - April 21, 2023 | |
Blessings Blog
Faith & Life with Pastor Andrea
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Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!
2 Corinthians 5:17
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They say you can’t teach an old dog new tricks, but I think the dog just has to be willing. In fact, one of my children recently taught me a new technique for cutting pineapple. I’ve been cutting pineapple the same way for at least 30 years, so I figured I knew how to do it pretty well. But I was willing to watch and listen to this new technique. I was blessed and surprised by learning this new trick!
Not only is it easier and more efficient to use the whole pineapple, but it is also a much prettier presentation. I’m pretty sure this new way even made the pineapple taste better! While I will never go back to the old way of cutting pineapple, I know it will take some practice to get the same results. But I’m willing to try. And that’s what it takes for us to be blessed anew in surprising ways. Just being open and willing to learn new ways of doing things is the first step.
Paul’s words to the Corinthians about the new creation sound exciting but also a little bit scary. Sometimes we like the old way, and the new way is unfamiliar. This is especially true in the church. Yet we are faced with a changed world after 2020, and we need to be willing to try new ways of doing things so we can thrive in the future. We don’t need to throw the baby out with the bath water. We just need to be open to a new way of cutting the pineapple.
The key to St. Paul’s blessing of the new creation is the first part, “If anyone is in Christ…” It is the risen Christ who gives us the strength to face new beginnings through our faith. He gives us everything we need to try new ways of being church together sharing the good news of his love in our ever-hurting world. Let’s step out in faith willing to learn some new tricks. We will be blessed anew as this new creation surprises us, and it might even taste better!
Embracing change,
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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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 $12,555 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 $8,059 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 23, 30, and 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 April 25
OR
Thursdays at 9:00 am
Tempe Community Center Youth Room
Meeting April 27
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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REGISTER NOW: Feed My Starving Children Packing Event
Saturday, April 29, 2023
2:00 - 4:00 pm
FMSC Packing Site in Mesa
Desert Cross has spots reserved for an FMSC Packing Event on Saturday, April 29. We'll gather at the FMSC Packing Site in Mesa that afternoon to pack meals for hungry people around the world. The Hunger Jars for April 22/23 will support this event.
Feed My Starving Children Packing Site
1345 S Alma School Rd
Mesa, AZ 85210
Use the link below to make your reservation to serve with Desert Cross.
FMSC Packing Event
If you have any questions or need help making a reservation, please contact Denise McClellan at dmcclellan@desertcross.org or 480-730-8600.
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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, April 23, 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, April 27, 2023
10 am - 11:30 am
Gilbert Fellowship Hall
C3 assembles on April 27 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, 2023
7:00 pm at the home of Ron & 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 April 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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KDCL Family Variety Show and Spring Fling | |
Hey Everyone!
What? We're gonna present a Variety Show! Where? At the Gilbert DCLC Church.
When? On Saturday, May 6th - That evening at 6:30 PM
Who? Various volunteer members of DCLC. How? With our very own Singers, Musicians, Actors, Dancers, and Anyone who wants to share their talents in...
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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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Painting Pottery with Friends!
Sunday, April 23, 2023
2:00 pm
2970 E Germann Rd, Chandler
Come join us for some creativity with your friends! This fundraiser sponsored by the Congregational Council for Desert Cross will be held at "As You Wish Pottery" on Sunday, April 23 at 2 pm.
Perfect timing to make that special gift for Mother's Day, graduations, or for yourself.
To sign up, please text Carolyn Perkins at carolyn.perkins77@gmail.com.
The studio fee is $8.00 and includes firing; pottery extra. Family and friends are welcome!
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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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