The Cactus & The Cross Blog

In March, we held our annual Volunteer Appreciation dinner where we celebrated the hundreds of volunteers who generously give thousands of hours each year at the shop and from home. According to IndependentSector.org , the value of a volunteer hour in Arizona was $34.49 in 2025. Those donated hours save the shop millions of dollars in salaries - money that can instead be granted to many West Valley non-profits.   Way to go, volunteers - that’s good business! Their generosity

Christ is Risen! He is Risen indeed! How can I persuade you to put your ultimate hope in Christ and his resurrection? By “hope,” I mean the reason you have to think something better is in the future. Hope is whatever gets us up in the morning thinking today might be better than yesterday. Hope sends us to work thinking we’ll do some good in the world. Hope fills the hearts of students that they’ll learn something new. (OK, I’m idealizing a little here.) Hope brings us to the

Easter is a day of joy, renewal, and celebration—and we invite you and your family to continue the festivities with a special Celebration of Life  event following our morning worship! When:  After the 8:30 am service Where:  Courtyard area This fun-filled gathering is designed especially for children and their families, offering a chance to celebrate the hope and new life of Easter in a joyful, hands-on way. What to Expect: An exciting Easter egg hunt Creative arts & crafts E

Holy Week invites us into the most sacred story of our faith—a journey of praise, sacrifice, waiting, and ultimately, resurrection. We warmly invite you to walk this path with us through a series of meaningful worship services designed to help you reflect, remember, and rejoice. Palm Sunday – Welcoming the King Saturday, March 28 at 5:00 pm Sunday, March 29 at 8:30 am & 11:00 am Holy Week begins with celebration. As Jesus enters Jerusalem, He is greeted with palm branches and

Are you seeking a meaningful opportunity to help others? Participate in our Shower Ministry on Friday, March 13, from 9 am to noon , as we offer support and companionship to our unhoused neighbors in the community. This ministry goes beyond just providing hot showers. It focuses on respecting dignity, offering hospitality, and showing God’s love through small, compassionate gestures. In addition to showers, we supply hygiene items, clean towels, and—most importantly—a warm an

Lent is a sacred time for renewal—an invaluable opportunity to return to the practice of prayer, engage in profound reflection on God's boundless grace, and open our hearts to the numerous needs of the world around us. It is a season that invites us to pause amidst our busy lives and consider our spiritual journey. We warmly invite you to join us for Worship this Lent on Wednesdays at 6:30 pm, where we will gather as a community to deepen our faith and commitment. During the

Last Soup Supper for Lent 🍲 Lent provides a time for reflection, community, and shared experiences, and we embrace this by gathering around the table. Every Wednesday during Lent, we meet for our Soup Suppers from 5–6 pm in the Chapel Area . We will enjoy simple meals, engage in meaningful conversations, and appreciate each other's presence as we prepare our hearts for Easter. Note: The Bell Choir will dine first and then go to practice. Could You Bring Soup or Bread? We in

A vibrant church community thrives on shared faith, genuine love, and a common goal. We invite you to join us every Sunday at 9:45 am for a time of learning, connection, and spiritual renewal, regardless of where you are in your faith journey. Whether you are just starting to explore what it means to follow Christ or have been on your spiritual path for many years, you will find a welcoming home here. ✝️ FROG – Fully Rely on God (Children’s Ministry) 📍 Room 9 Each week, our

There's something unique about gathering as a church family—not only for worship but also for service. On Saturday, March 21, starting at 8:00 am , we invite everyone to join us for our Church Work Day  as we collaborate to maintain and enhance our church property. This is a wonderful chance to serve together, connect with others in the congregation, and ensure our church campus remains clean, safe, and inviting for all who enter. Whether you like working outdoors, repairing

Lent is a sacred time for renewal—an invaluable opportunity to return to the practice of prayer, engage in deep reflection on God's boundless grace, and open our hearts to the myriad needs of the world around us. It is a season that invites us to pause amidst our busy lives and consider our spiritual journey. We warmly invite you to join us for Worship this Lent on Wednesdays at 6:30 pm, where we will come together as a community to deepen our faith and commitment. During th