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Desert Cross Weekly Update
December 19, 2025
| | Merry Christmas & Happy New Year! | | |
"The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light;
those who lived in a land of deep darkness – on them light has shined."
Isaiah 9:1
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Merry Christmas & Happy New Year, Desert Cross friends!
I bring you good tidings of great joy, as we celebrate the coming of our Savior Jesus Christ into the world and into our hearts! I send you warm wishes for a special celebration of Christmas 2025 and hope that you can see the blessings God is granting even in the midst of the difficulties. Although we have seen dark times over 2025, I have highest hopes for the New Year 2026! We have journeyed through darkness, but the light is always breaking in! We see God working and the Spirit moving at Desert Cross in the renewed energy, growth, and new mission in our faith community over the past year! Thank you for all the light you shined through our ministries that share Jesus’ love. Wherever the journey takes us, God is with us blessing us with the hope, peace, joy, and love of Jesus Christ. It is my special privilege to accompany you on this journey of faith and life, and I give thanks for each of you. God bless you and keep you. The best is yet to come!
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Church Office Holiday Hours
12/22 Closing at 12:00pm
12/23 Closing at 12:00pm
12/24 Closing at 12:00pm
12/25 *Office Closed*
12/26 *Office Closed*
12/29 Closing at 12:00pm
12/30 Closing at 12:00pm
12/31 Closing at 12:00pm
01/01 *Office Closed*
01/02 *Office Closed*
Happy Holidays from your Desert Cross Office Staff!
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WANTED – Christmas Cookies for the Unhoused
The Desert Cross I-Help Team is asking for members to make homemade cookies for our homeless friends for our Christmas I-Help event.
Our hope is that people would share a dozen or more cookies. These cookies will be set out on trays and our unhoused guests will be given containers to collect the cookies they want. We will be serving hot cocoa during the distribution to provide a nice Christmas warmth.
Cookies need to be dropped off by December 21st at both locations. Thank you for helping us make this Christmas season a memorable one!
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Tempe Choir Festival: Songs for the Manger Throne
Get ready for something really special! On behalf of the Tempe Sanctuary Choir, I want to invite you for a one-of-a-kind Choir Festival called Songs for the Manger Throne.
📅 Sunday, December 21st
🕤 9:30am Worship Service
📍 Desert Cross Tempe Campus
This event is built around the big themes we’re hearing in worship that weekend: light breaking into darkness, love showing up in unexpected places, and the surprising hope of Bethlehem. Expect energy. Expect beauty. Expect something that’ll stick with you long after you head home.
And the best part is, everyone is welcome. Maybe you’ve been here for years or perhaps you’re walking in for the first time, no worries, just come join us. Bring your friends. Bring your family. Bring your neighbors who claim they “don’t do church.” Bring the coworker who keeps saying they want to come sometime. This is the perfect weekend.
We can’t wait to see you there!
– Joni Van Rossum
Director of Worship & Media Arts
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Gilbert Children's Christmas Musical: "A Tree Lot Christmas"
Get ready for laughter, music, and a message straight from the heart! The children of Desert Cross Gilbert are bringing joy and holiday cheer in this year’s Christmas musical, A Tree Lot Christmas – a story full of generosity, and the true meaning of Christmas.
📅 Sunday, December 21st
🕤 9:30am Worship Service
📍 Desert Cross Gilbert Campus
In this delightful tale, a group of children set up a Christmas tree lot and bake up delicious goodies to raise money for toys for kids in need. Their plan seems perfect – until they meet Mr. Carmichael (played by Jerry Whiting), the town’s toy store owner, who lets them use his lot... but only if they agree to buy all their toys from him!
As the story unfolds with catchy songs, heartfelt moments, and a visit to the manger, we witness a beautiful transformation – the hard-hearted Mr. Carmichael discovers the joy of giving and the love that changes everything.
Let’s gather to cheer on our amazing kids, sing along with the carols, and be reminded of the greatest gift of all – God’s love, born in Bethlehem.
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Year End Tax Notice
Final Contributions for 2025 will be dated checks and postmarked by January 2, 2026.
If you wish for a contribution to be applied to 2025, please note "2025 Gifts" on the memo line and date the check for 2025. Year-end contribution reports will be printed and mailed by January 31, 2026.
If you have any questions, please contact Doug Bjotvedt in the office or at dbjotvedt@desertcross.org.
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Hello all,
It is Advent and the Christmas season already, which means the year is almost over. So much to be thankful for.
Earlier this fall, we were concerned with cashflow, but as the year comes to a close, we are in better shape, and we are hoping that revenue matches expenses for the year. If the congregation’s generosity matches last year’s for the month of December, we hopefully will not have a deficit for the year.
Generous donors have provided funding for a few designated projects. One of these projects was tiling the fountain in the Memorial Garden at the Tempe campus that was just recently completed. In addition, as presented in the budget meeting, we will also be carrying over about $105,000 in designated funds for projects that should be completed in 2026.
Here are our financial numbers through November.
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Starting in January 2026, we are hoping to have a pool of volunteers willing to be tellers for the weekly offering. Each week, we will need two tellers to assist in the office at 9:30am Wednesday mornings. Ideally, we would need a pool of 10 or more volunteers so each teller would only have to count once a month. If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Doug Bjotvedt or Wendy Williams in the office.
Blessings,
Brent M. Borchers, Treasurer
Desert Cross Lutheran Church
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Desert Cross 2025 Advent Series:
"Journey to the Manger"
| | This Advent, journey with Mary, Joseph, and the faithful across ancient roads of hope, peace, joy, and love. By tracing their steps from Rome’s imperial decree to the quiet streets of Bethlehem, our congregation is invited to experience the anticipation of Christ’s coming in new and meaningful ways—remembering that Advent is not just about the arrival of God’s greatest gift, but also about the road that leads us there. Both children and adults will embark on a spiritual pilgrimage through four pivotal cities: Rome, Jerusalem, Nazareth, and Bethlehem. Each week will build anticipation, faith, and preparation, guiding us deeper into the meaning of God’s promise and inviting our hearts to linger in expectation and wonder, preparing to receive God’s greatest gift. Children will receive a passport and stamps for each week of our faith travels! | | | | |
December 20th – 21st
BETHLEHEM: The Town of Promise
God makes room & invites us to do the same.
- Saturday at 5:00pm (Tempe)
- Sunday at 9:30am (Tempe* & Gilbert)
*Tempe with livestream
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CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICES:
Wednesday, December 24th
5:00 pm & 7:00 pm
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CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICES:
Wednesday, December 24th
3:00 pm & 5:00 pm
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Making Christmas Special for the Unhoused
Every Christmas season, Desert Cross celebrates the birth of Christ in many forms. One of those forms is hosting the homeless community with not only meals and housing, but sharing a simple gift with each guest.
This year we are asking the congregation to share a package of socks (men or women) and a $25 gift certificate from Target, Walmart, or McDonalds!
The socks can be dropped off in the I-Help container in the Tempe Narthex and the Gilbert Fellowship Hall.
The gift certificates can be placed in the offering basket during worship.
It’s surprising what these simple gifts mean to our unhoused friends. This act of kindness reminds all of us that God uses people like you and me to embrace the stranger with the same love that God showers among us in the gift of the Christ child.
– Glen Stadler
I-Help Coordinator for Desert Cross Lutheran Church
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ChristCare Retreat
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
🎄 NO MEETINGS December 21st & 28th 🎄
Next Meeting: Sunday, January 4th 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
🎄 NO MEETINGS December 23rd through January 5th 🎄
Meetings start again on January 6th
Tuesdays at 7:00pm – Tempe Sanctuary
Next meeting: January 6th
OR
Thursdays at 9:00am – Tempe Community Center Youth Room
Next Meeting: January 8th
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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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C3
Meeting every 2nd and 4th Tuesday of the month
10:00am – 11:30am
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.
Next meeting: Tuesday, December 23rd
Theme: Carols & Carol Stories
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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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In this space, you will find the musical offerings for the upcoming worship services. Please come and enjoy!
TEMPE CAMPUS
DECEMBER 21st
Ringing Praise – Breath of Heaven
** SANCTUARY CHOIR FESTIVAL **
CHRISTMAS EVE – DECEMBER 24th – 5:00pm Service
Pamela Watson-Brown & Joni Van Rossum – Ding Dong Merrily! He is Born!
Ringing Praise – To the World, Joy
Anna Sion & Erin Pelley – Here With Us
CHRISTMAS EVE – DECEMBER 24th – 7:00pm Service
Pamela Watson-Brown & Joni Van Rossum – Ding Dong Merrily! He is Born!
Derek Reaban & Joni Van Rossum – What Child is This?
Michelle Reaban – Here With Us
Jill Himes & Joni Van Rossum – O Holy Night
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GILBERT CAMPUS
DECEMBER 21st
Junior Choir & Jerry Whiting – A Tree Lot Christmas
Instrument Ensemble – Carol of the Bells
Instrument Ensemble – Jingle Bells
CHRISTMAS EVE – DECEMBER 24th – 3:00pm Service
Instrument Ensemble – The First Noel
Junior Choir – Whence Comes this Rush of Wings Afar?
Instrument Ensemble – Carol of the Bells
CHRISTMAS EVE – DECEMBER 24th – 5:00pm Service
Chancel Choir – The First Noel / Pachelbel's Canon
Instrument Ensemble – Patapan
Instrument Ensemble – Bring a Torch, Jeanette Isabella
"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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