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Desert Cross Weekly Update
January 9, 2026
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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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2025 is gone. 2026 is here! We reflect on the circle of life and renewal in the new year. Each sunset over the desert brings the end of the gift of a day and signals the start of the gift of a new day. This touching quote captures it perfectly, “For last year’s words belong to last year’s language. And next year’s words await another voice. And to make an end is to make a beginning.” T.S Eliot, “Little Gidding”.
The new year makes way for new perspectives and new beginnings. Past conversations, mistakes, and understandings don't define the future. God’s Word of Good News tells us we have forgiveness each day which means a daily fresh start to bring new ideas, insights, and perspectives. Every ending creates the space for something new to emerge and ushers in hope. Jesus encouraged us to shed the old and to welcome the new. Where do you see the possibilities of fresh starts, resolutions, and hope for 2026?
Cheers,
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Book Group starts this Thursday!
January 15th – February 12th
Thursdays at 2:00pm or 7:00pm
Tempe Community Center Adult Classroom
We'll continue our year of historical fiction with Kristin Hannah. We'll read The Women for our next book group. It's about women nurses in Vietnam during the war and after they returned home. Please be aware that the book has adult language, scenes, and violence.
Book Fee: $24.00
Scholarships Available
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Gilbert Hospitality Volunteers Needed
We are seeking volunteers to help with hospitality at the Gilbert campus. This includes assisting with Sunday service fellowship setup and cleanup, as well as providing support for special events that involve hospitality. Volunteers may serve on a weekly, monthly, or special event-only basis, depending on availability.
If you’re looking for a way to help and connect, we would love your support! To volunteer, or with any questions, please contact Dana Hargis via call or text: 480-708-5984.
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ChristCare Retreat – Please RSVP by this Sunday!
January 30th & 31st
"The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off – for all whom the Lord our God will call.”
– Acts 2:39 (NIV)
Open to All! All of Desert Cross Invited! Family and Friends Invited!
Weekend Schedule:
Friday, January 30th: 6:30pm – 9:15pm
Saturday, January 31st: 8:00am – 1:00pm
Desert Cross Tempe Campus
Dive into the book of Acts with us to learn the ancient stories that inform our faith as we look ahead. We will learn about and discuss the early church in Acts: What then, what now, and what next – as we seek God's guidance for bold, faithful living in the 21st century and we seek to include all generations.
Bible Study / Worship / Fellowship
Cost: $15.00 (Scholarships available) ***Please do not make a payment until 2026
Price includes Retreat Materials, Dinner Friday, Breakfast Saturday, and Lunch Saturday
Please RSVP by January 11th
Contact Denise McClellan at dmcclellan@desertcross.org or 480-730-8600
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Youth Group Meetings
Next Meeting: Sunday, January 11th at 5:00pm
The Youth Group, grades 6-12, meets on Sundays from 5:00pm – 6:00pm. We will meet in Room 104 at the Gilbert Campus.
If you have any questions, please email Tessa Faust at tfaust@desertcross.org.
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Meditation Group
Tuesdays at 7:00pm – Tempe Sanctuary
Next meeting: January 13th
OR
Thursdays at 9:00am – Tempe Community Center Youth Room
Next Meeting: January 15th
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Do you want to try meditation? If so, please join Elaine Kraemer on Tuesday evenings or Thursday mornings. 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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Town Hall Meetings – Gilbert Refresh Project
The Gilbert Refresh Committee invites members of the congregation to attend upcoming Town Hall Meetings at each campus to learn more about the Gilbert Refresh project. These gatherings will be a great opportunity to hear updates, ask questions, and engage in meaningful conversation about the project. We hope to see several of you at these events!
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Gilbert Town Hall
January 25th at 10:40am
Gilbert Campus Sanctuary
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Tempe Town Hall
February 1st at 10:45am
Tempe Campus Fellowship Hall
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🔗 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 Tempe.
📧 Email: krzyarty@cox.net
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Vitalant Blood Drive
📅 Date: Saturday, January 24, 2026
🕢 Time: 7:30am – 12:00pm
📍 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!
Let's come together to save lives and make a difference. Your contribution matters!
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Vitalant Blood Drive – Gilbert
📅 Date: Monday, January 26, 2026
🕢 Time: 3:00pm – 6:30pm
📍 Location: Gilbert Fellowship Hall
💉 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!
Join us at our Gilbert Site to help save lives!
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🔗 Schedule Your Appointment:
Visit Vitalant.org
👤 Contact for Sign-Ups:
📞 Speak with Meghan Lundberg or Susan or Glenn Tischaefer.
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In this space, you will find the musical offerings for the upcoming worship services. Please come and enjoy!
TEMPE CAMPUS
There are currently no special music offerings planned. Please join us for our blended worship service in person or via livestream at 9:30am!
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GILBERT CAMPUS
JANUARY 11th
Chancel Choir – Down to the River to Pray
JANUARY 18th
Junior Choir & Chancel Choir – We are Singing for the Lord is Our Light
"Let us come before Him with thanksgiving and extol Him with music..."
Psalm 95
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Taking Faith Home
Available for Home Study
Taking Faith Home is a weekly study guide you can use at home for individual study, with your family, or with your friends. It's based on the Revised Common Lectionary and includes scripture readings, conversation starters, devotional readings, and service ideas. It is available in the "old school" format of a hard copy in your church mailbox.
If you'd like to sign up to receive this study tool, please contact Wendy Williams in the church office at wwilliams@desertcross.org or 480-730-8600.
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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. Gluten-free options are 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 on that page.
We are actively looking for more volunteers in all areas of service.
| | | | If you are interested in having your child baptized, please reach out to Pastor Thadd at tbook@desertcross.org. | | Do you have a news item, upcoming event, or ministry story you'd like to share? Please send the information to Wendy at wwilliams@desertcross.org. The deadline is TUESDAYS for same-week inclusions. | | 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.
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