Sunday Worship at Cross in the Desert
is an exciting time for singing, praying, hearing God’s Word in Scripture and Sermon, and sharing together as the Family of God. Our facility is fully handicap-accessible, and we offer assisted listening devices for those who need them. Our multi-media system offers both pictures and text to enhance our worship experience.
You may choose to join us for worship at 9:00 am. This worship service is blessed by the One Flock Choir and features a variety of special music by soloists and groups. Jeff Bulkeley is our music director, and Anne Marx accompanies the choir and plays for worship on both organ and piano. The Bells of Joy, under the direction of Julie Wagner, play on the first Sunday of the month and the Joyful Ringers, under the direction of Julie Wagner play the third Sunday of the month.
Hymns and praise songs old and new are used during the service according to the theme of the day.
There is a special time of “Children’s Moments” where the children are invited to come forward during the service to be ministered to. They are then escorted to the Guthrie Education Building by their teachers where they have a lesson prepared especially for them, with crafts, stories, and games. There are separate rooms for infants, toddlers, and elementary school children in the Center, each with loving and dedicated adults who spend time interacting with them. Of course, children are always welcome to remain with their parents during worship if they desire.
Or you may choose to join us for Worship at 10:45 am. This worship service is blessed by our Praise Band led by Tony Smith. It is an upbeat service featuring contemporary praise and worhip music.
Though the venue’s are different, Pastor Mel Munchinsky delivers the same message at each of these morning services.
Holy Communion is celebrated on the First Sunday of each month. The elements (bread and grape juice) are available to all who “truly and earnestly repent of their sins and desire to lead a new life in Christ Jesus.” We believe that the Sacrament is a means to receiving God’s grace, and not a “reward for good behavior.” All are welcome to participate, regardless of age or membership status.
Mission Outreach
Cross in the Desert is thrilled to be part of the spread of God’s kingdom around the world. We are actively partnering with the Litomerice United Methodist Church in the Czech Republic under the direction of the Board of Global Ministries; In Mission Together program. We encourage all of our people to respond to God’s call for laborers. Continued
Music
God-honoring worship is something we strive for. Many church members get involved in our music ministry. Some play their instruments. Some are vocalists. Others are involved in the One Flock choir, The Bells of Joy or the Joyful Ringers; our Bell Ringer Choirs, or in our Contemporary Service Praise Team. These volunteers are an important part of the ministry of Cross in the Desert United Methodist Church, using their talents and gifts to glorify God.
Media & Technology
Using media to spread the gospel is a privilege of Cross in the Desert. In an age of widespread technology, we have a stewardship to use these tools as best as possible for kingdom purposes.
Prayer Warriors
Prayer cannot be overestimated. Prayer moves the hand of God. Cross in the Desert United Methodist Church is a body of believers dependent upon prayer, and committed to God’s sovereignty. Each Sunday, during the morning service, a team of volunteers is praying for the ministry of the Word. Throughout the week, volunteers to our Prayer team, pray for pastor, a list of church members, any special requests, and missionary prayer needs.
Children’s Sunday School
In order to give our children the best Bible teaching possible, Cross in the Desert holds a children’s Sunday school in conjunction with the traditional service at 9 am each Sunday morning. Children come for the opening of our Traditional Service where they come forward for the Children’s Moments. They are then dismissed to attend Sunday School in the Guthrie Education Building where their parents pick them up. This special time gives kids more opportunity for interaction and learning in a context and manner that may be better suited to their age and learning styles.
CITD Nurses Team
Each Sunday, you will find one or two of us in the Library where we check church members blood pressure and /or blood sugar. We want to keep our congregation healthy!
Our team is part of Congregational Care. We go immediately from first service and are available for duty between 10 am and 10:30 am (Between services).
If you are an R.N. or an L.P.N. and would like to join the team; or if you have questions, please call Ruth Hummel : 602-481-7137
Check us out in person:
Cross in the Desert United Methodist Church
12835 N 32nd Street; Phoenix, AZ 85032
Phone: 602-992-1960 Fax: 602-992-1967
Email: citd@crossinthedesert.org