The Cactus & The Cross Blog

From November 15-22, we have a wonderful opportunity to support our neighbors experiencing homelessness by partnering with Family Promise. This crucial ministry provides families not only with shelter and meals but also with dignity, encouragement, stability, and hope during challenging times. Your involvement makes this transformative work possible. Whether you can offer a few hours or stay overnight, there’s a chance for everyone to contribute. 👐 Ways You Can Serve Overnig

Looking for a meaningful way to assist others? Join our Shower Ministry on Friday, November 6, from 9 am to noon, where we extend support and companionship to our community's unhoused neighbors. This ministry offers more than just hot showers. It emphasizes dignity, hospitality, and expressing God’s love through small, caring actions. Besides showers, we provide hygiene products, clean towels, and most importantly, a warm and respectful presence. 👐 How You Can Help Whether y

The General Election is November 3. Make plans now to participate in this important part of our civic life. As we prepare for the election, we are reminded of these words from Scripture: “Seek the welfare of the city … and pray to the Lord on its behalf, for in its welfare you will find your welfare.”— Jeremiah 29:7 May we faithfully participate in our community and pray for the welfare of our city and neighbors.

Dear St. John’s thank you for calling me as your Deacon! I am excited to see what God does through us! What does Christian Outreach mean for all of us? It’s developing relationships of trust and care with each other and those outside the congregation to begin/strengthen our relationship with God through Christ. (Notice that Christian Outreach is for all of us!) Why do we do this? As the church together, the body of Christ, God calls us to love God and love our neighbors as ou

St John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church had the first worship service on November 4, 1956—All Saints Sunday—at the Glendale Women’s Club (still at 56th Ave & Glenn)! This November, we’ll be celebrating 70 years of worshipping near downtown Glendale. It is a milestone worth celebrating, and I hope you’ll share about how God has worked through worship experiences to shape who you are! Email office@stjchurchaz.org with your stories and pictures! Worshipping God is the pr

The General Election is November 3. Make plans now to participate in this important part of our civic life. As we prepare for the election, we are reminded of these words from Scripture: “Seek the welfare of the city … and pray to the Lord on its behalf, for in its welfare you will find your welfare.”— Jeremiah 29:7 May we faithfully participate in our community and pray for the welfare of our city and neighbors.

Celebrate All Saints’ weekend with a special day of worship, fellowship, and fun! On the weekend of October 31–November 1, we remember all the saints who have died and been raised with Christ. Join us Sunday, November 1, for a combined worship service with St. John’s, Emmanuel South Sudanese, and Vida Nueva Lutheran Church at Heroes Park, located at 83rd Avenue and Bethany Home Road. Please note that there will be only one Sunday worship service at 11:00 am that day. Our Satu

The General Election is November 3. Make plans now to participate in this important part of our civic life. As we prepare for the election, we are reminded of these words from Scripture: “Seek the welfare of the city … and pray to the Lord on its behalf, for in its welfare you will find your welfare.”— Jeremiah 29:7 May we faithfully participate in our community and pray for the welfare of our city and neighbors.

God is continually renewing the church! Join us on Reformation Sunday, October 25, at 11:00 am for a special worship service led by our youth. Our young members will guide the worship and deliver the message as we celebrate God’s ongoing work of renewing and transforming the church. Join us in worship, listen to what our youth have to share, and open your heart to the transformative work of the Holy Spirit. Come and let the Holy Spirit transform you!

Join us on Saturday, October 24, at 5:00 pm, in the Worship Center to celebrate the installation of Deacon Wendy as our Deacon for Outreach Coordination! This special service signifies an exciting new phase in St. John’s ministry and our dedication to serving and engaging with our community. Celebrate with us and pray for God’s blessing, guidance, and wisdom as Deacon Wendy embarks on this new role. A light meal will follow the service, offering a chance to continue the celeb