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When the devil had finished every test, he departed from him until an opportune time.” Luke 4:12-13

Welcome to Lent 2022 at Desert Cross with Full to the Brim by A Sanctified Art. Each week we will reflect on art related to scripture. This paper lace stained glass image was created by Hannah Garrity to depict the Gospel for Lent 1 in Luke 4 when Jesus’ faith comes under fire by the devil with temptations in the wilderness just after Jesus is baptized and commissioned for mission. Hannah Garrity reflects upon this art and Luke 4:

“In this image, concentric circles depicting the temptations that Jesus meets in the wilderness radiate outward. A crown and swords echo the power of kings that the devil offers to Jesus. Steeples point outward between the swords. ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’ Jesus quotes scripture in verse 12 of this Luke passage. And yet, the devil continues to test. Nails in the center foreshadow Jesus’ death on the cross. I depicted this story within the structure of a stained glass window.

  • Where in our religious structures do we find temptation winning the day?
  • Where do our selfish actions fall on this temptation continuum?
  • May we see the abundance before us, dispelling the desire for more.

PRAY: Breathe deeply as you gaze upon the image. Imagine placing yourself in this scene. What do you see? How do you feel? Get quiet and still, offering a silent or spoken prayer to God.”

Just as Jesus’ faith was under fire, so our faith is also under fire. God’s church is being tested by the challenges of this pandemic, unrest in the public square, and by the demand for accommodation to the digital world in which we live. Just like Jesus, we must hold fast to our principles of faith, hope, and love fortifying ourselves with scripture, trust in God, and insistence on mission at our core as we face the future together in the midst of massive cultural change.

Desert Cross has also seen a lot of change in the past two years and a new transition is upon us. Our Council President, Glenn Tischaefer, resigned his position effective 2/28/22. Desert Cross extends gratitude for his energy and time devoted to the duties of President. The Executive Committee has determined that Vice President, Tom Rewolinski, will assume the duties of President early, a new Vice President will be elected at the May Election meeting, and the Past President position will be vacant until 2023. We are thankful that Tom Rewolinski is ready and willing to devote his time and energy to leading Desert Cross as Council President with a smooth transition. We give thanks for all our leaders, volunteers, and friends of Desert Cross who make our worship, mission, and outreach possible as we Share, Love, And Serve together! 

Hold fast, Pastor Andrea