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Weekly Desert Cross Update - September 27, 2024 | |
Faith and Life with Pastor Andrea | |
Let the wise listen and add to their learning,
and let the discerning get guidance
Proverbs 1:5
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We are never too young, too old, too intelligent, too ignorant, too experienced, or too naïve to learn something new! Lifelong learning is for everyone and is an important facet of our lives both personally and professionally. I will be spending some days this month at a continuing education conference learning something new and having fellowship with colleagues.
The speaker is an author and CEO the Center for Christianity and Public Life who will help us wrestle with the question, “Can our faith bring healing, hope, and grace to bear in the lives of our people and for the good of all?” It’s a time for church leaders to consider and receive guidance on how spiritual formation is central to civic renewal. The intersection of faith and public life is a current and interesting topic that I’m excited to learn about and explore.
No matter how much we know, there is always room to learn more which helps us grow and adapt in life and in leadership. What topics interest you and what are you hoping to learn before the end of 2024? I encourage you to read a book, take a class, research, or attend a seminar in-person or online on a topic that will expand your mind and help you to listen, learn, and receive guidance as we journey down this path of life and faith together.
Learn away,
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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 each service leading up to the event. Purchase includes a free raffle ticket!
Questions? Email us at dclcmemories@gmail.com.
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A Message from Brent Borchers, our Treasurer
Hello all,
The Dog Days of Summer are behind us (and yet it is still over 100 degrees……) and all our fall programming has begun. Exciting times at Desert Cross.
For the month of August, Expenses were approximately $1k more than Total Revenue, bringing the year to date deficit to approximately $58k. Our general giving was about $1k less than last year for the month of August. This brings the year to date general offering to approximately $25k less than last year through August.
Below is a snapshot of the total revenues versus expenses.
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The Stewardship Committee is about to kick off their 2025 Campaign. At the same time, we are also starting the budgeting process for 2025. Please pray for Desert Cross while these teams work on the campaign and budget for 2025.
Blessings,
Brent M. Borchers, Treasurer
Desert Cross Lutheran Church
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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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Thank You for Supporting Our Coffee Fundraiser!
We’re thrilled to announce that Joey's Java delivered a $500 check to Desert Cross Church last Monday from our coffee fundraiser back in April! This generous contribution will support our general fund and help Desrt Cross ministry efforts.
A huge thank you to Joey's Java and to everyone who participated. Your support and enthusiasm made this possible, and we are incredibly grateful.
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DCLC Quilting Ministry - Spreading the Warmth
The Desert Cross Quilters have had a productive year, creating 330 quilts to share with Lutheran World Relief and Concordia Charter School. Their "Quilt Recipe" blends fabric scraps, love, and laughter to produce beautiful, functional quilts. They donated 200 adult-sized quilts to Lutheran World Relief, which distributed nearly 195,000 quilts worldwide last year. They also made 130 child-sized quilts for students at Concordia Charter School in Mesa, AZ. The group appreciates donations and invites anyone to join their fun, welcoming community (Tuesdays from 9-12 am in the Tempe Education Building) —no sewing skills required, just the ability to tie knots!
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Trunk or Treat
October 19th, 2024
5:00 - 7:00 PM
Gilbert campus
Get ready for an unforgettable evening filled with delicious food, live entertainment, and exciting prizes! It's going to be a night of fun for everyone, so bring the whole family.
We need your help—please consider bringing non-perishable food items to support our FALL FOOD DRIVE. Every donation makes a difference!
Enjoy a special performance by our talented Jr. Choir, adding a musical touch to the festivities.
Mark your calendars and join us for a night of fun, fellowship, and giving back!
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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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Sundae Sunday is Coming!
Mark your calendars for October 6, 2024.
We like to include some fellowship time in our Sunday Morning Faith Formation Ministry. We'll gather at both sites during our Education time for some delicious ice cream and some good conversation.
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Faith Formation Adult Forum
Not Meeting September 29 -- Fall Break
October 6 -- Sundae Sunday
Meeting October 13, 2024
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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Serve 40
Desert Cross Celebrates 40 Years of Ministry!
In celebration of our 40 years together, let's each commit to serving 40 hours outside the walls of Desert Cross in 2024. Keep track of your volunteer service hours out in the neighborhood. When you reach 40 hours, contact Denise McClellan at dmcclellan@desertcross.org or 480-730-8600. We'll announce how many of us Serve 40 at the end of the year.
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Hidden Treasures is looking for a part-time bookkeeper
Hidden Treasures, a not-for-profit thrift store based in Chandler, AZ, is looking for a bookkeeper to fill a part time position. Candidates must have experience with QuickBooks and Microsoft Office software.
Qualities we are looking for are honesty, an ability to work with volunteers and being comfortable in a not-for-profit setting.
Duties and responsibilities include recording sales summaries, payroll activity, various journal entries, reconciliations, bank deposits, and financial statement preparation using QuickBooks.
Interested candidates should send resume by October 4, 2024 to:
Hidden Treasures
Attn: Glenn Tischaefer, Treasurer
610 N Alma School Rd # 30
Chandler, AZ 85224
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Annual Jacket Drive
The Outreach project for the month of September is our annual jacket
drive. We will need all sizes for youngsters from kindergarten through
middle school. Please remember to include some adult sizes. Middle school kids are pretty big these days! The donations will go to the Kyrene Resource Center.
Place your donations in the narthex donation bin at the
Tempe campus or notify Kathy Diekelman if you have donations at the
Gilbert campus and she will pick them up. Thank you!
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MS Bike Ride 2024
Art Krzyzewski is riding in his 33rd consecutive Multiple Sclerosis bike ride on October 5th and 6th, 2024.
You can donate online Bike MS Arizona 2024's website by clicking the button below. You can pay through Venmo, Apple Pay, PayPal, e-checks, or credit card.
Art will be at the Tempe site every Saturday and Sunday until the bike ride. He can take pledges and donations then or you can contact him at krzyarty@cox.net.
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Vitalant Blood Drive
📅 Date: Saturday, October 19, 2024
🕢 Time: 7:30 am - 12:00 pm
📍 Location: Desert Cross Community Center in Tempe
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💉 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!
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Serve Pancake Breakfast
📅 Date: Sunday, October 27, 2024
🕢 Time: 6:30 - 8:30 AM
📍 Location: Grace Lutheran Church (1124 N. 3rd St, Phoenix 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.
Grace Lutheran Church is located in Phoenix (1124 N. 3rd St, Phoenix 85004) and the arrival time is 6:30 am. There are large and small jobs available for folks young and old.
If you would like to serve, please contact Joy Petroff at joylpetroff@gmail.com. We need between 12 and 15 volunteers each time we serve.
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Youth Group Event!
All middle and high schoolers at Desert Cross are invited to a fun event at Skateland Chandler on Sunday, October 20, 2024, from 3:30 - 6 pm.
The cost of entry is $10 per skater and $4 for skate rental. A waiver needs to be filled out prior and is available on Skateland’s website via the button below.
Please contact Angela Nannenga at abnannenga@gmail.com if you have any questions. We’ll see you there!
Skateland Chandler: 1101 W Ray Rd. Chandler, Az 85224
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55+ Planning Meeting
Don't forget to mark your calendars for our 55+ Planning Meeting! It's happening on Thursday, October 3rd, at 9:00 AM in the Tempe Community Center Adult Classroom.
We'll start with social time over coffee and refreshments, followed by planning our upcoming events and service projects. Plus, we'll pick a game for our next Game Day. We'll wrap up with a time for prayer requests and the Lord's Prayer.
Can't wait to see you there for a great time together!
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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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Book Group
September 26 - October 17, 2024
Thursday 2:00 pm Tempe Community Center Adult Classroom
or
Thursday 7:00 pm Tempe Community Center Adult Classroom
Desert Cross is celebrating 40 years of ministry this year, and we've been sharing someone's Desert Cross story each week. The Book Group is going to take this idea and follow a family for 100 years. Jane Smiley's trilogy starts in 1920 with the Langdon family on their farm in Iowa. We're going to read Some Luck this fall and continue the series in the new year. It's ok if you can't join us for all three books . . . join us for the books that fit your schedule.
Book Fee: $16.00 Scholarships Available
To sign up for the afternoon group, contact Lola Peterson at lolabluebirds@gmail.com.
To sign up for the evening group, contact Denise McClellan at dmcclellan@desertcross.org or 480-730-8600.
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Meditation Group
Tuesdays at 7:00 pm
Tempe Sanctuary
Meeting on October 1
OR
Thursdays at 9:00 am
Tempe Community Center Youth Room
Meeting on October 3
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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40 Year Anniversary - Collecting Pictures
As we celebrate our congregation's 40 year anniversary, we are hoping to gather pictures throughout those 40 years. If you have pictures to share, please send them to dclcmemories@gmail.com. You can also give them to Vicki Collins.
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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! | |
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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