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Faith and Life with Pastor Andrea

O sing to the Lord a new song; sing to the Lord, all the earth.

Psalm 96:1

Did you know that if you try something new each day, your brain will make new pathways? It’s easy to get stuck in a rut doing the same things the same way. But we can create new paths that help us to grow and be healthy. Throughout scripture God encourages people to do new things, try new ways, meet new people, see things in new ways, and go to new places while promising that God makes all things new! 

A friend and I have been trying to do something new each day for two weeks now, and it’s fun! I’ve tried brushing my teeth with my non-dominant hand, driving home a new route, grocery shopping the aisles in reverse of my usual route, learning Spanish on an app, and meditating outdoors just to name a few. But the most fun new thing I’ve tried is making spooky, Halloween deviled eggs! Do you see the purple spider webs and the neon green egg yolk filling? They were fun to make in a new technique while they delighted my family and tasted delicious! 

We did something new at church this weekend with an anniversary celebration on our Tempe campus and a “Stories, Scripture, and Songs” worship service that evening followed by tabletop smores. I played yard Yahtzee for the first time and had a good time talking to new people and connecting in different ways. It was so very exciting to have so many different people gathered in one place! We worshiped with people from the Gilbert campus, Tempe campus, current and former members and friends of Desert Cross, family members, friends, neighbors, and more. It was so fun to do something new together! 

God calls us to do new things even in the church. Sometimes that is scary but it pays off in a big way when we trust God and each other to make new pathways to share God’s peace and love. And the good news is that God is leading and guiding us every step of the way. 

What can you try that’s new? I invite you to try something new each day for a while and see what happens! It is a fun, intentional way to grow and be healthy in body, mind, and spirit.

Sing a new song,

Pastor Andrea

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.

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

Desert Cross Thanksgiving Food Drive

The Thanksgiving Food and Blanket collection boxes are out at the Gilbert and Tempe campuses. Desert Cross once again is being very generous and filled the Gilbert boxes to overflowing. So, we’ll transport the items each week to the donation site so there’s room for more. Thank you to all those who have donated early in the drive.  Let’s keep the boxes full each week through Sunday, November 17.

A box in Gilbert is marked for fleece blankets that can be donated to keep our neighbors warm. Many stores currently have them on sale as the weather gets cooler. 

Both campuses will collect items until November 17th. For a shopping list of the most needed items, please click the button below. Monetary donations are also welcome.

The drive supports Concordia Charter School families, Kyrene Resource Center, Lutheran Social Services, Matthew’s Crossing, and the Salvation Army. Thanks for helping our neighbors!

55+ Fellowship - Yesterday's Kids

Yesterday's Kids invites all who are young at heart to join us! We meet on the 1st and 3rd Thursdays of each month, from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM, in the Tempe Community Center Classroom.

• The 1st Thursday is our planning meeting.
• The 3rd Thursday is our game day, filled with fun and fellowship!

We will have coffee and delicious treats.

We hope to see all you "Kids" there!

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.