Our spiritual practice for the month of December is celebration. Celebration easily flows from expressions of gratitude when we remember how we have encountered God's presence this year. We asked our community to share what they are celebrating at our church. We will update this page regularly as we receive their responses before the New Year.
We hope our reflections will encourage you join us in celebrating what God has done. Use the link below to share your own celebrations with us!
"I appreciate the gracious, easily joyful spirit of our community."
"Old and new friends of all ages and backgrounds."
"I am celebrating the community and healing Tempe Church has brought."
"I’m celebrating the lovely group of people that intentionally do life together and really live into the mission of our church."
"We are celebrating God’s faithfulness and the gift of new beginnings. This year, our family was blessed with our first baby, and dedicating her to Christ at Tempe Church was a deeply meaningful moment for us. We are also celebrating finding a spiritual home, a place where we felt welcomed, supported, and loved during a season of great transition in our lives especially starting over in a new country."
"I am celebrating agape love, warmth, comfort and communion." - Noelene
"Using our auditorium to host Ihelp and also the cooling center. He continues to bless us with beautiful friendships near and far."
"I love seeing God at work in the people around me: Liz / Deana / Erin with the kids, Hannah taking care of little Maya while Noey was in the hospital, Michael inviting a broad scope of voices to share with us, Kathryn teaching us how to care for creation well, and so much more."
"I have seen God at work through the people of Tempe Church through their compassion, generosity, and genuine care. During a challenging postpartum season, when we were emotionally and physically vulnerable, the church showed up for us in tangible ways. God used this community to remind us that we were not alone and that His love is present through His people."
"We see God working in all of us to help each other and people outside the community."
"God has maintained our warmth and community in a new building."
"I have seen the works of love, service to others and to God. "
"I see God in the unique blend of gifts each individual brings and generously shares with our church and our city."
"Seeing so much joy wherever we worship."
"Seeing the lines and needs of the community during the thanksgiving donations was seeing God at work."
"I encountered God through the warmth, prayers, and kindness we received as a family. Even in our lowest moments, Tempe Church was a welcoming place that lifted our spirits and gave us peace. Through worship, fellowship, and the support we received, we felt God’s presence restoring our strength and renewing our hope."
"I love that our primary goal is to always lift up Jesus. There has never been a service or time with these people where I don’t encounter God."
"I encountered God through powerful messages during sermons, we then dig deeper into the word during our meetings (Journeys) every Wednesday which enables a deeper connection with God and His wonderful works in our lives."
"I’m grateful for a wonderful community that I look up to every Sunday. There is never a dull moment. I am grateful for Liz, who has always seen through my heart, providing healing in deeper ways. The Chaffin’s have become the family we never had, thinking of us and welcoming us in every way. Hannah has become a grandmother that my kids look up to, we look up to her for guidance through love and great support. We have received a good and caring community in Claire and Kathryn, we are truly grateful. I am grateful for all the support we got during and after Mayamiko’s birth, the meal trains and emotional support. All the help and support we got from Lori, we are truly blessed and grateful. We are more blessed to have Norene in our lives. The list is endless, we are truly grateful for the the whole church." - Noeleen
"I am deeply grateful for a church that feels like home. Tempe Church embraced us with love when we needed it most and gave us a safe place to heal, grow, and trust God again. I am thankful for a community that reflects Christ so beautifully, and I look forward to giving back showering the same love, encouragement, and support to others as God continues to help us get back on our feet." - Melissa
"I especially love our Wednesday Bible class on Zoom each week. It is always full of kindness and deep care for one another."
"I’m so grateful that we care for, support, and encourage each other well. I feel so held in this community, and I’m continually reminded of how much I’m cared for by God and by the people around me."