DESERT CROSS Weekly Newsletter

DESERT CROSS
Weekly Newsletter
Sharing | Loving | Serving
Mission Statement: As a missional congregation, we celebrate
Christ’s presence, invite people into a growing relationship with
Jesus and equip them to serve in a broken world.
Welcome to worship! All are invited to participate in
Communion. During communion you are invited to kneel as you
are able. Grape juice or gluten-free wafers are available. We love
children worshiping with us. If you prefer, there is supervised
nursery for ages four and younger. Friendship pads are used to
stay connected. Please fill out the pad to let us know you were
here and how we can keep in touch. Fellowship opportunities on
Sunday: 9:00-10:45am in Tempe and in Gilbert following worship.
Prayer of the Day: Dear Lord, you have so much to show us and
tell us. Your promises are like shelter in a storm. May we have
the mind of Christ, so that we may know and understand your
truth. We wait as empty vessels, ready to be filled with your living
water. Reveal your love to us through Jesus Christ, in whose
name we pray. Amen.
Today’s Hunger Jar Offering will go to support our
Feed My Starving Children packing event on May 8.
ATTENDANCE
April 26/27 - 415
HUNGER JAR
$590.26
NEXT GOSPEL
John 10:1-10
May 3-4, 2014
Third Sunday of Easter
WEEKLY CALENDAR
TEMPE
SUN (5/4)
8:00am
8:30am
9:30am
9:30am
10:45am
11:00am
12:00pm
7:00pm
MON (5/5)
7:00pm
TUE (5/6)
9:30am
5:45pm
7:00pm
7:00pm
Worship
Fellowship
Worship
Sunday School
Worship
Lunch served by
Mission Team
Congregational
Meeting
H.S. Night
Ringing Praise
Joyful Noises
Songleaders
Band Rehearsal
Basketball
GILBERT
SUN (5/4)
9:00am
10:15am
11:15am
WED (5/7)
9:30am
Sunday School
Worship
Fellowship
Joyful Noises
WED (5/7)
7:30pm
THUR (5/8)
9:00am
2:00pm
7:00pm
SAT (5/10)
5:00pm
SUN (5/11)
8:00am
8:30am
9:30am
9:30am
10:45am
7:00pm
THUR (5/8)
10:00am
SUN (5/11)
9:00am
10:15am
11:15am
Sanctuary Choir
Coffee Fellowship
Book Group
Book Group
Worship
Worship
Fellowship
Worship
Sunday School
Worship
H.S. Night
C3 Group
Sunday School
Worship
Fellowship
CHRISTCARE GROUPS
Contact Denise McClellan at [email protected] or
(480) 730-8600 for specific group locations.
Sun 7:00pm
Mon 9:30am
Tue 9:00am, 10:00am, 2:00pm, 6:00pm, 6:30pm
Wed 7:00am, 8:15am, 9:00am, 7:00pm
Thur 7:00am, 6:15pm
Flowers:
The flowers on the altar in Tempe are given by Buck and Suzanne
Seeley with love and blessings for 31 years of marriage.
STAFF CORNER
Dawn Collins, Office Manager
In October, Desert Cross will celebrate our 30th anniversary. Over the
last few months I have noticed that we are seeing the children of those
kids who grew up here being baptized. We, as a faith community, are
promising to love these children, as we have loved their parents. We
are promising to teach these children as we have taught their parents.
We are promising to provide a place where they are accepted and
valued just as we did for their parents.
I am so thankful to Desert Cross that the folks who made those
baptismal promises over the years carried them out so well. They put
their energy, their time, and their money into nurturing the children
of this congregation. Although my kids were not baptized here, this
family of faith incorporated my children into this caring community.
Vicki and Matthew were loved, taught, and valued by some incredible
servants of Christ. Tim and I were also loved, taught, and supported
through the ups and downs of parenting by those same folks. They
were our lifeline when our families of origin were thousands of miles
away. Desert Cross has strived to do the same for almost 1500 children
and close to 2300 adults who have been members over the years.
Our Desert Cross children have grown to serve in this world in a
variety of ways, and I am sure they are making a difference in the
lives of many. The love and service that has been modeled here has
influenced the professions of a lot of kids over the years. So, as our
“second generation” of kids comes to the font in the coming weeks
and months, may we continue to be the best of Church for them and
their families. Those of you who were around for my family certainly
were the best of Church for us.
SUMMER WORSHIP TIMES
Beginning May 18, Sunday worship
in Tempe will adjust to a summer
schedule. The new times for worship
services will be 8:30 and 10am.
Saturday evening and Gilbert
worship times will remain the same.
CONGREGATIONAL MEETING
Sunday, May 4, 2014 at 12:00pm • Tempe Community Center
The purpose of the meeting is to address the agenda items listed
below. We hope all will attend the meeting to address these
important matters in the life of Desert Cross. Childcare will be available.
AGENDA
I. Land sale update and plans for sale proceeds
II. Election of one Church Council member (Laura Krizan) and
two Endowment Committee members (Bob Rose & Sharynn
Jennings) *3 year terms for these positions.*
III. Discussion and consideration of calling a third ordained pastor
(follow-up to previous Congregational votes on June 24, 2012
and August 5, 2012.
IV. IF a decision is made to move forward with the calling of a third
ordained pastor, then election of a Call Committee
V. Architect Will Bruder’s preliminary facility update. This is a
follow-up to Will’s presentation/ information gathering session
on March 2, 2014.
Our constitution calls for publication of the names of people
nominated for Council/Endowment Committee, prior to the
Congregational meeting, May 4, 2014.
Council: Laura Krizan. Laura and Kurt Krizan and their 3 children have
been members of DCLC for about 2 years. Laura is a Sunday School
teacher, serves in worship and is a member of the Gilbert Hospitality
team.
Endowment Committee: both nominees currently serve on the
Endowment Committee and are eligible for re-election. Sharynn
Jennings and Bob Rose have each been members of DCLC for 16 years.
FUNDRAISER LUNCH
FOR MEXICO MISSION TEAM
Sunday, May 4 • 11:00am • Tempe
Grab a bite to eat, stay for our Congregational Meeting and help
the Mexico Mission Team raise funds for their trip.
Hot dog lunch will be available beginning at 11:00am.
SPECIAL HUNGER JAR OFFERINGS
Grace Lutheran Church in downtown Phoenix distributes tens
of thousands of water bottles to the homeless throughout the
hot months. All hunger jar donations the weekends of May 10/11,
May 17/18 and May 24/25 will be donated to Grace Lutheran
for this special ministry.
TODAY IS COMPASSION SUNDAY
This weekend, each of us in our church
family has the opportunity to change the
world for one child. During the offering, Joy
will share her family’s personal experience
with Compassion. After worship in Tempe,
visit the Compassion table in on the patio
where you can view packets showing boys
and girls who need a sponsor right now. This is your opportunity
to release a child from poverty in Jesus’ name. You will give them a
future and a hope through the loving intervention of a Christ-centered
program run by a local church in their neighborhood.
For more information, contact Joy Petroff at [email protected]
or visit www.compassionsunday.com
PRAYER SHAWL MINISTRY
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
Our prayer shawl ministry is sustained by volunteers who create
beautiful handmade items to give to those who are in need of prayer
and comfort. As a person crochets, knits, knots or weaves a Prayer
Shawl, he or she is in prayer for the person who is to receive it.
“May this gift made for you with love be a mantle and sign
of God’s sustaining presence. May it refresh your weariness;
Surround you with comfort in your suffering. May it encircle
you with healing for your pain; Consolation for your
loneliness. May it bring you joy in sorrow or gladness.”
Our supply of prayer shawls is low. If you are able to create a shawl, we
would be happy to receive it. If you need suggestions on how to create
a prayer shawl, contact Parish Nurse, Denise Viker at (480) 730-8600
or [email protected]. She will match you with someone to get
started!
GRADUATE RECOGNITION
We will be recognizing our graduates at the 10am service on May 18.
If you would like your high school or college graduate listed in the
newsletter, please send your graduate’s name and where they are
graduating from to Christy VandenBerg, [email protected],
by May 13.
CHILDREN’S BOOK DRIVE
It’s just a book but a book makes so much difference to a child’s
success in school.
To benefit families who are getting their children ready for
kindergarten, we are partnering with Lutheran Social Services
of the Southwest. Part of their program, Family SPOT (Strength
with Parenting Opportunities and Teaching), focuses on helping
families grow their home library and they welcome donations of
children’s books.
Anything from board books to picture books to chapter books (for
older siblings) are welcome and they may be new or gently used.
Please bring books to the bookshelf located in the narthex
during the month of May.
Since 1970, Lutheran Social Services of the Southwest (LSS-SW)
has ministered to the urgent needs of people in our communities.
Programs are developed and services delivered through
partnerships with Lutheran congregations, other
faith-based and community organizations, and
government entities. Learn more at
www.lss-sw.org.
Questions? Contact Becky Endres at
480-862-3137 or [email protected].
Note: Books will be 50% off at Hidden
Treasures Thrift Store May 5-10.
NEW GROUP IN GILBERT
C3: Coffee, Conversation and Christ
2nd & 4th Thursdays at 10am • Gilbert Campus
You’ve been asking, so it is happening. Coffee, treats, and YOU.
Gatherings are 2nd and 4th Thursdays (May 8 and 22). Group meets
for fellowship, mutual support and fun. Ages 18 to 98.
ADULT FELLOWSHIP
Shepherd of the Valley and Lunch at Mandarin Buffet
Wednesday, May 7 • Carpooling from Tempe Campus at 9:15am
The Adult Fellowship Group is going to visit Pastor Harold Stromer at
Shepherd of the Valley. Shepherd of the Valley has a display of crèches
from around the world for us to tour. We’ll also visit their Mission of
Mercy outreach program. Mission of Mercy is a mobile medical van
providing free health services to the uninsured.
We’ll meet at Desert Cross Tempe for carpooling at 9:15 am.
Please RSVP by Monday, May 5. Contact Ormal and Margie Saathoff
at 480-883-7736
“UNSPOUSED” GROUP
2nd Tuesdays at 7pm • Tempe Community Center Youth Room
Are you going to a movie by yourself? Are you staying home wishing
you had someone to join you? Get connected to the “Unspoused”
Group. This is the Desert Cross mature members group who are
without spouses and have a desire to meet others without spouses on
a social and spiritual level.
If you would like more information or to be added to the group email
list, call the office or email [email protected].
HALFTIME MEN’S GROUP
May 15 at 7pm • Tempe Community Center Youth Room
CHILDREN’S MINISTRY
Field Trip of Faith:
DCLC Packing Event at
Feed My Starving Children
Thursday, May 8 • 4:00-5:30pm
Kids ages 5 years old and up can attend with an adult! This is a fun way
to serve as a family! We havea few spots available so please RSVP to
Shannon Fossett ([email protected]) as soon as possible. The
Feed My Starving Children Packing Site is located at 7965 S. Priest Dr.,
Suite 106 Tempe, AZ 85284.
SUMMER FUN!
Mark your calendars for two weeks of fun at DCLC this summer.
Registration forms are now available at www.desertcross.org.
You’re never too old to enjoy the fun of VBS and Music Camp —
volunteer! Each program depends on older students, parents
and grandparents leading our crews. Have fun while making a
difference!
Vacation Bible School
Music Camp
Weird Animals
Where Jesus’ Love is One-of-a-Kind
Joseph:
From the Pit to the Palace
June 9-13
9am-12pm
June 16-20
9am-3pm
For children
ages 3 years - entering 5th grade
For children
entering 2nd - 8th grade
SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITY
Desert Cross Students – Scholarships Available
If you are a high school graduating senior or continuing college
student and are a member of Desert Cross, the Desert Cross
Endowment Committee will be considering scholarship requests at
the May meeting. If you are interested in applying for a scholarship
please submit an application form to the committee by May 7th. Forms
are available in the church office.
If you have any questions please contact one of the committee
members. Bob Rose, Jim Mathews, Sharynn Jennings,
Sue Eberle, or Mari Johnson.
YOUTH MISSION TRIP
Missionary Tree
Look for the “Missionary Trees” in Tempe and Gilbert. These trees
carry pictures of our Desert Cross Summer Mission Trip Missionaries.
We will be traveling to Tijuana, Mexico to build homes for families
in need. Our hope is that you take one of these ornaments off of our
tree, pray for the chosen missionary and if possible, return the little
red envelope with a donation in that persons honor. Any donation you
make will go to help the entire team of approximately 40 people.
9th Annual
Desert Cross Lutheran
Golf Tournament
Saturday, May 24 • 7:30am Shotgun Start
Foothills Golf Club
2201 E. Clubhouse Dr. Phoenix, AZ 85048
Join us for a day of fun and golf. Tournament
proceeds will benefit the Youth Mexico
Mission Team. Register in person at Tempe
or Gilbert services or online at
http://fs2.formsite.com/desertcross/form5/index.html
UPCOMING EVENTS
MS Bike Ride
As many of you know, many of our own Desert Cross members are
affected by Multiple Sclerosis. Help fight MS and join the movement by
supporting Art Krzyzewski as he rides up to 150 miles on May 17 and
May 18, 2014 along with the team he is on, “The Main Street Mashers.”
You can go to bikemsarizona.org to donate directly or see Art at the
Tempe site. If you have any questions, you can call him at
(602) 292-0663 or e-mail Art at [email protected]
Craft Night
Friday, May 17 • 6pm • Tempe Fellowship Hall
Bring a craft, bring a friend, get your projects done! If you have
questions or need directions, contact Shelley at [email protected].
Five B Barbecue
Sunday June 1 • 4-6pm • Tempe
Come for an evening of fun and friends to benefit
a great cause! Burgers, Brats, Beans and Bars—the
fifth B is bring a friend. The Five B Barbecue will
benefit the Mexico Mission Trip .
HIDDEN TREASURES THRIFT STORE
610 N. Alma School Suite 30 • Chandler, AZ 85224
Hours: 9am-4pm Mon-Sat • 9am-6pm Thu
(480) 857-8310 • www.treasuresthrift.com
Thank you. Your donations help make the store successful. Your
shopping and volunteer hours keep us going. You are essential.
Mother’s Day is May 11th. Hidden Treasures has jewelry, books,
clothing and décor items for Mom. There may be a specialty item in
Silent Auction – check these out now. The store also has a large variety
of basket to help you create a unique gift basket for Mom.
Summer is approaching and many volunteers will be gone. Please
consider helping out a few hours a week. YOU ARE NEEDED.
Donations Needed: Jewelry (including broken pieces), greeting cards,
kitchen items, craft items. Clothes: Maternity and scrubs.
2014 SYNOD ASSEMBLY
The Church Council is seeking two additional
delegates, one male, one female, to attend the
2014 Grand Canyon Synod Assembly
June 13-14 in Tuscon. Overnight
accommodations will be provided. If you are
interested, please contact the church office.
THE DANIEL PLAN
40 Days to a Healthier Lifestyle
We ended our first session with a small but
enthusiastic group of participants enjoying
wonderful food and uplifting stories. Not all the groups reported their
weight loss but for the several groups that did, the grand total is 267
pounds. Everyone at the celebration agreed that they had made steps
toward a healthier lifestyle and most of the participants will continue
on and hope that others join us.
At least one group will continue to meet during the summer. This
group will begin its summer session on May 10, 3:15-4:45 pm
in the Adult Classroom in Tempe. Contact Jacky Kinneman at
[email protected] for more information.
STEPHEN MINISTRY
Stressed? Feeling Down? Need Encouragement?
Stephen Ministers don’t just provide care for
people experiencing a major crisis. They also
provide care and support for people weighed
down by the little things in life. If you’re feeling
down, lonely, stressed, or discouraged, you
could benefit from the care, support, and
MINISTRY
encouragement of a Stephen Minister. It’s free.
It’s confidential. And it will really make a difference in your life! To find
out more, talk with one of our Pastors or Stephen Leaders: Denise
Viker or Deb Christiansen. Our Stephen Ministers are there to care!
STEPHEN
LOCATIONS
TEMPE
8600 S. McClintock Dr.
Tempe, AZ 85284
(NW Corner of McClintock/Warner)
GILBERT
3225 S. Lindsay Rd. #101
Gilbert, AZ 85297
(SE Corner of Lindsay/Pecos)
CONTACT US
8600 S. McClintock Dr. Tempe, AZ 85284
(480) 730-8600 • www.desertcross.org
MINISTRY STAFF
Senior Pastor
Dan Megorden
[email protected]
Office Manager
Dawn Collins
[email protected]
Associate Pastor
Matt Dobyns
[email protected]
Parish Nurse
Denise Viker, RN
[email protected]
Operations & Property
Doug Bjotvedt
[email protected]
Worship Coordinator
Jacque Jecker
[email protected]
Adult Ministries
Denise McClellan
[email protected]
Youth Ministries
Chad Diegle
[email protected]
Children’s Ministries
Shannon Fossett
[email protected]
Children’s Music
Janet Katel-Johnston
[email protected]
Tempe Worship & Music
Jane Yost
[email protected]
Gilbert Worship & Music
Michael Lottes
[email protected]
Communications Coordinator
Christy VandenBerg
[email protected]
Pianist
Aimee Fincher & Janet Norman
Church Council
[email protected]
PRAYER CHAIN
Please send requests to
[email protected]
or fill out a prayer request form.
NEWSLETTER SUBMISSIONS
Please send submissions to
[email protected]
by the Tuesday prior.