About Us

---

Pastor

Email: tlolohea@crossinthedesert.org

Tuulauena Lolohea is a proud American-born Tongan who was raised in Hawaiʻi. He is the devoted husband of Taina and a grateful father to four beautiful children: Simana, Taike Jr., Monalisa, and Baby Timote.

Above all, Tuulauena's faith in Jesus Christ is the foundation of his life. Saved by God's grace, he believes he is nothing without the redeeming blood of Christ. His desire is to honor God through the way he loves his family, serves others, and invests in the next generation.

Tuulauena is passionate about football and mentorship. He serves as the linebackers coach at Liberty High School in Peoria, where he is committed to developing young athletes both on and off the field. Outside of coaching, he enjoys training his own children as well as other young athletes in the community, helping them grow in character, discipline, and confidence.

Whether at home, on the football field, or in the community, Tuulauena strives to live out the example of Jesus by serving others with love, humility, and purpose. He believes that being present in the community isn't just important,it's part of the calling to love and serve people the way Christ did.

Administrative Assistant

Email: citd@crossinthedesert.org

Originally from Michigan, I relocated to Phoenix in 1980. I do remain a rabid football fan of my alma mater, the University of Michigan. Go Blue! I was a clinical microbiologist, retiring from Paradise Valley Hospital in 2011. Recently I have become the assistant in the church office.

In my spare time I enjoy handbells, singing in the One Flock Choir, and nature photography. I also enjoy reading British detective novels and keeping my brain sharp by doing crossword puzzles. I live in Phoenix with my rescue pup Sweet Pea.

Handbell Director 

I was introduced to handbells in 1985, when this accidental career began. I began as a ringer at several churches in the Phoenix area before I came to Cross in the Desert. I was also a player in a local semi-professional group under the direction of Kay Cook, and was blessed to tour with them to Great Britain and Australia. I was asked to direct the handbell program at CITD in 1990.

Here at CITD the program has grown, and then ebbed during the COVID era. Groups from CITD have been blessed to participate in worship services, perform at weddings, reach out at assisted living facilities, and perform at the Desert Botanical Garden. This program is my ministry to the community!

Financial Secretary

Email:finance@crossinthedesert.org

My name is Alice Easter, and I am the Financial Secretary at Cross in the Desert UMC. I was born in Kansas City, Missouri. My family moved here from McLouth, Kansas (a farm community) in 1982. I have two daughters, Rhonda, who has two daughters and lives here in Phoenix. My other daughter lives in Colorado Springs and has twins, a boy, and a girl.

I joined Cross in the Desert in July of 1982 and have been a member ever since. I started working for the church on a part-time basis and then it turned into being the Financial Secretary, but I genuinely enjoy what I do.

I enjoy doing things with my daughters, grandchildren, and my sister’s family as she lives here in Phoenix also and she is a member here at Cross in the Desert UMC.

Music Director

 Thomas Hartwell has been a lover of the church and its music since a very young age. Prior to Cross in the Desert, he was the music director and lead accompanist at Crosswinds Presbyterian Church, and he studied music and theatre at Scottsdale Community College. Thomas is a prolific arranger, composer, and music director, working with theatre companies and orchestras across the valley. He is excited to be working with Cross in the Desert to help further their music ministry and develop a deeper sense of love with the Lord through song.