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Weekly Desert Cross Update -

June 28, 2024

BLESSINGS BLOG

Faith and Life with Pastor Andrea

TODAY

Paso Robles, CA

This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.

Psalm 118:24

“‘What day is it?’ asked Pooh. ‘It’s today,’ squeaked Piglet. ‘My favorite day,’ said Pooh.” ~ A. A. Milne

There is a lot to be said about living in the moment. Practicing Mindfulness can help us to be in the moment. To know that we are right here, right now, and that is all that matters. This allows us to appreciate each moment, each day, for what it is. It helps us to see people in a new light each day and to take time to truly listen, appreciate, and treasure them. Living mindfully in each moment is challenging as our minds dwell in regret of the past and fear of the future. Sometimes it helps to take a moment to fully enjoy something like a delicious iced latté with a loved one on a beautiful patio being fully present just enjoying where you are and who you are with right then. Intentional moments like this can help free us from the weight of long-term suffering, pain, and judgment in our lives and the world. 


This is nothing new. Psalm 118 blesses us with ancient words of wisdom to help God’s people live in the moment. It focuses on this day helping us to rejoice in the midst of concerns because brought God us into it. That willy, nilly, silly old Pooh bear also reminds us in his mellow way to live and delight in today. Pooh treasures his friend Piglet and sees each day with new eyes of delight. Jesus affirms all of this when he teaches the disciples to pray in Matthew 6, “Give us today our daily bread…” and when he tells them “Do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” Instead, Jesus encourages the disciples to love God, forgive each other, and serve God and others with love in faith.


So on this day, I share a daily Loving Compassion Meditation with you. Close your eyes, take a few deep breaths, and pray these words in this moment and in a moment of your choosing each day:


• May I be safe

• May I be happy

• May I be healthy

• May I live with ease

• May you be safe

• May you be happy

• May you be healthy

• May you live with ease,

• May the world be safe

• May the world be happy

• May the world be healthy

• May the world live with ease


In the moment,

Pastor Andrea

NEWS FOR THIS WEEK:

Kids Connect Water Day


Sunday, July 7th

1:00 - 2:30 PM

Tempe Site Grassy Area


Join us for some fun in the sun at the Kids Connect Water Day! This event is open to kids from Kindergarten to 5th grade. 


Event Details:

  • When: Sunday, July 7th, from 1:00 PM to 2:30 PM
  • Where: Grassy Area at the Tempe Site
  • What to Bring: Swimsuit, sunscreen, towel, and water bottle


RSVP Information:

Please RSVP to help us plan for games and supplies. Email Natalie at nsmith@desertcross.org.


You can bring your friends! Older siblings are welcome to come help!

Snack & Chat


Snack & Chat will be closing from Sunday, June 30th through the end of July. We will reopen on Sunday, August 4th. Thanks to all of you who have stopped in between services to “snack and chat” with friends.


Hope to see you all in August.

Will you help beautify the altar in Tempe with flowers?


We have several opportunities left for folks to sponsor altar flowers in Tempe. If you are celebrating a special day between now and the end of the year, please consider donating flowers to mark that day. The cost of an arrangement is $33.


You may sign up on the flower chart in the Tempe narthex or contact Marie Maiorana at 480-730-8600.

Summer Service Help Needed - Feed My Starving Children


Feed My Starving Children has several packing sites around the country. Due to recent storm damage, one of their sites is currently closed. Because of that, they need extra helping hands at their packing site in Mesa. For more information and to volunteer, use the button below.

More Information

Summer Worship: Give Us Your Favorite Worship Song or Hymn


If you haven't already participated in our Summer Worship initiative, write down the name of your favorite worship song or hymn and place it in the "Summer Worship Box" available at both Desert Cross campuses in the narthex. You can also use our special online form by clicking the button below. We'll make sure to include the most popular songs and hymns in our worship services throughout the summer. You can choose up to three songs. One ballot per person, please.


Look for the Summer Worship Drop Box in the church lobbies, or use the online form, and share the worship songs and hymns that uplift and inspire you. We look forward to singing your favorites together!


Blessings,

The Worship Team

VOTE NOW

MISSION UPDATES:

Outreach Committees Collecting School Supplies during June and July

Help Us Make a Difference: Donate School Supplies!


We are collecting new children's underwear and school supplies to support local students in need. Your generous donations will go to the Kyrene Resource Center and Step Up School, with the Gilbert campus specifically donating to Concordia Charter School.


Please click "Read More" for a list of requested items.

Read More

Vitalant Blood Drive


📅 Date: Saturday, June 29, 2024

🕢 Time: 7:30 am - 12:00 pm

📍 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!


🔗 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 the Tempe site

📧 Email: krzyarty@cox.net


Let's come together to save lives and make a difference. Your contribution matters!

CONNECTION UPDATES:

FOR ADULTS:

Desert Cross Lutheran Church Golf Event

Join Us for a Day of Golf, Fun, and Charity!


Desert Cross Lutheran Church will be having a Golf Event on September 14th, 2024, at the beautiful Greenfield Lakes Golf Course in Gilbert, AZ. This event promises a day filled with fun, competition, and community spirit, all for a great cause.

Read More

Take Me Out To The Ballgame…


We will be hosting our 3rd annual DCLC Arizona Diamondbacks outing on Friday, August 9th. The game time is 6:40 pm and the Dbacks will be playing the Philadelphia Phillies at Chase Field. Tickets are $49 each and this includes a post-game concert featuring the Casting Crowns. 


Are you interested in joining us? If so, please email Tom Rewolinski at adshckyfan@aol.com with the number of attendees, no later than Monday, July 15th.


Once we know how many are attending, Tom will finalize the event setup ­- including payment arrangements. We are looking forward to having you join us.

Meditation Group


Tuesdays at 7:00 pm

Tempe Sanctuary

Meeting on July 2

OR

Thursdays at 9:00 am

Tempe Community Center Youth Room

Meeting on July 4


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.


To sign up or for more information, please contact Elaine Kraemer at elainekraemer1892@gmail.com.

REMINDERS:

Stay Connected to Desert Cross this Summer!


Will you be traveling this summer? While you're away, you can stay connected to Desert Cross through our Stories of Joy blog and our Desert Cross Faith Formation website


If you have questions or need help signing up, contact Denise McClellan at dmcclellan@desertcross.org or 480-730-8600.

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.

Volunteer Opportunities

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.

Read More

Information on Baptism

If you are interested in having your child baptized, reach out to Pastor Thadd at tbook@desertcross.org.

News Submissions

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!

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.

Desert Cross Lutheran Church | Gilbert & Tempe | 480-730-8600 | www.desertcross.org