Find us on Facebook, Youtube,

or visit our website:

Facebook  YouTube  Web

You can use this button to give to Desert Cross directly online:

GIVE

Weekly Desert Cross Update -

June 7, 2024

BLESSINGS BLOG

Faith and Life with Pastor Andrea

BLESSED BE THE TIE THAT BINDS

Whoever does the will of God is my brother and sister and mother.

Mark 3:35

On our last day at St. Paul Lutheran 20 years ago, the church ladies gifted us with two quilts as they sent us to seminary. We still have those quilts today. They come out to warm and comfort our overnight guests. The quilts were a special gift, stitched with love, that tell part of our family story. They bring memories of the special people of St. Paul’s. Many feelings are attached to the quilt squares like excitement, gratitude, apprehension, and sadness mixed with joy all wrapped up in love. They now remind us of our loved ones who visit from afar. The quilts tie together our past, present, and future lives and our family, friends, and guests near and far. 


Jesus says we are tied together in the bond of love by the Holy Spirit in special ways near and far, in our sameness and in our difference, in our agreement and in our disagreement. In Jesus family is expanded to include all who love him and love others. Love is the tie that binds together the past, present, and future of our lives and everything that happens in between has meaning. 


A beautiful poem by Becky Hemsley stitches it all together:


Your life is like a quilt

And everybody weaves their share

Some weave huge great tapestries

And some weave tiny squares


Some squares bring you laughter

And some will bring you tears

Some are stitched and sewn by those

Who are no longer here


In places there are threads

From people choosing not to stay

And every time you touch these threads

It brings back all the pain


But every little thread

That weaves its joy and pain and fun

Has stitched a quilt together

Of the person you’ve become


And every little tiny part

Has slowly taught you how

To weave your contribution

Into the blanket you have now


So I know there are squares that comfort you

And some that you dislike

But without them all you wouldn’t have

This patchwork of your life



One in Christ,

Pastor Andrea

NEWS FOR THIS WEEK:

Gilbert Campus Update


Spirit of Joy Lutheran Church has been renting space and worshiping at our Gilbert campus as they discerned their future ministry. Desert Cross Council has received advance notice from Spirit of Joy that they will be leaving in early September 2024 to start a new ministry in a new location.


We pray for God's blessings on the mission and ministry of a sister congregation, and we wish Spirit of Joy all the best in their future endeavors!

BUY STOCK!


You have a great opportunity to buy some stock that promises to bring a priceless return! Our high school youth are going on a mission trip to Flagstaff from June 23rd-28th. While in Flagstaff, we will be serving at local social organizations all over town and learning about people who both work there and are served by those organizations. For the low cost of $25, you will receive two postcards during our week away that will give you deeper insights into all that we experience.   


To reserve your stock offering, place $25 in an envelope and write “Youth stock offering” on the front. Then make sure you put your name on the sign-up sheet in the narthex in Tempe or the fellowship hall in Gilbert. You can also email Pastor Thadd (tbook@desertcross.org) to let him know you want to be on the stock certificate list.  


Thanks in advance for your support of our youth! 

Cancellation of DCLC Art Academy for Kids


We are sorry to announce the cancellation of the DCLC Art Academy for Kids, which was scheduled to take place from June 24 to June 27 at our Gilbert campus.


We understand the disappointment this may cause and apologize for any inconvenience. Please stay tuned for updates on future events and opportunities. Thank you for your understanding and continued support.

Serve 40 Continues in the Summer! - 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.

Arizona Faith Network - Help Pack Heat Relief Bags


Are you looking for a way to serve and help folks survive our summer heat? Join in on an interfaith community service event with Arizona Faith Network. They're gathering together to pack Heat Relief Bags on Sunday, June 23. It's free to sign up. You can also sign up with a donation "ticket" and make a gift to help offset the cost of supplies. 


Press the button below for more information and to sign up.

Arizona Faith Network - Heat Relief Bags

Summer Worship: Tell Us Your Three Favorite Worship Songs or Hymns!


We invite you to participate in our Summer Worship initiative! It's easy — write down the name -- just the name, ELW number, or both -- of your three favorite worship songs or hymns and place your vote 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.


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

Desert Cross Lutheran Church Golf Event

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


Desert Cross Lutheran Church is excited to announce our 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

Attention! DCLC College-Bound H.S. Seniors and Returning College Students


Scholarship grant applications are due by June 15


The due date for new scholarship applications and renewal applications is fast approaching.


Applications may be downloaded from the DCLC website, Mission tab, or by clicking the button below.


Please submit your application to endowment@desert.org or deliver it to the church office.

DOWNLOAD SCHOLARSHIP GRANT FORM

Join the Gilbert Hospitality Team!


Are you looking for a way to get involved and serve our church community in a fun and meaningful way? The Gilbert Hospitality Team is seeking new members, and we’d love for you to consider joining us!


What We Do:

  • Sunday Morning Fellowship: Set up, plate treats, monitor food levels, make coffee, clean dishes, and put away supplies.
  • Special Church Events: Support events like Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, All Saints Day, and more.
  • Funeral Services: Provide hospitality support as needed.
  • Soup Suppers for Advent and Lent: Set up and clean up.
  • Sanctuary Decoration: Help decorate for Christmas and take down decorations afterward.


Above all, our team is about enjoying the service of God’s Kingdom in a loving and joyful environment. We’re essentially the FUN people of the church! 😊


If you’re considering joining the Hospitality Team, please reach out to Dana Hargis at dhargis89@gmail.com. We’d love to have you with us!

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.

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

Hunger Jar - June 2024


Our Hunger Jars collections for the weekends of June 1/2 and June 8/9 will be dedicated to supporting Lutheran Disaster Response U.S. Tornado Relief. This initiative provides much-needed aid to communities devastated by recent tornadoes across the country.


Your contributions will help provide essential supplies, emergency relief, and long-term recovery assistance to those affected by these disasters.


Thank you for your support and compassion.

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 KIDS:

🌊🐠🌞 Dive into Friendship with God at SCUBA VBS! 🐬


When: June 10th - 14th, 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Where: Desert Cross - Tempe Campus


Get ready to SPLASH into fun this summer! Join us for SCUBA VBS where we'll explore friendship with God through exciting Bible lessons, music, and snacks. Don't miss out—register and volunteer on our website today! 🎉🙌✨


See you there! 🌊🐠🌞

REGISTER NOW

FOR ADULTS:

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 June 11

OR

Thursdays at 9:00 am

Tempe Sanctuary (NOTE: Temporary Room Change)

Meeting on June 13


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:

Welcoming Chaplain Capt. Matthew W. Dobyns


Good news, Desert Cross! Chaplain Dobyns (Pastor Matt) will speak at the 2024 Synod Assembly about his experiences with faith, leadership, and service as a Unit Chaplain in the United States Air Force. Read more here: gcsynod.org.


He will join us at Desert Cross to preach and preside in Tempe on Saturday, June 15 at 5:00pm and in Gilbert on Sunday, June 16, 2024 at 9:30am. We are excited to welcome him back and thankful for his service!

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