The Cactus & The Cross Blog

Voting Faithfully: A Civic Duty for All

As we prepare to vote, let us do so as peacemakers, guided by love, compassion, and truth.

Always Reforming!

How is the Holy Spirit calling St. John’s to change? In October each year, we celebrate the 16th century Lutheran Reformation. One of...

A Bird? A Plane? A FROG!

During our recent Sunday School kickoff, two of our young members approached me with joyful excitement, eager to share that our Sunday...

Another Summer in the City

"The poorest among us, those who Jesus calls us to clothe, feed, and shelter are those who are being forgotten...Christ have mercy."

Keep Awake

I was reminded this past Tuesday why [my morning commute] is such a holy time for me as I kept awake, alert, and enthusiastic.

The Cost of Discipleship in US Dollars

For if the eagerness is there, the gift is acceptable according to what one has, not according to what one does not have. 2 Corinthians,...

It’s All in the Chlorophyll

The Palo Verde tree grows best in the desert heat, where others may think no life might thrive. God does a new thing!

Creative Disruption

The one who was seated on the throne said, “See, I am making all things new.” (Revelation 21:5) The resurrection of Jesus disrupts...

Jesus Alive Now!

“Christ is Risen! He is Risen indeed, Alleluia!” Christians have greeted each other with those words for thousands of years and in...

Holy Humor in the Midst of Fear

When I was enrolled at the Lutheran Theological Seminary in Philadelphia (Now United Lutheran Seminary), one of the requirements was to...