The Cactus & The Cross Blog

All men are invited to mark their calendars for a special weekend away at our Men’s Retreat, Friday, September 11, through Sunday, September 13, in Overgaard. Hosted at Mark’s cabin in Overgaard, this retreat is a wonderful opportunity to step away from the busyness of everyday life, spend time in God’s Word, and enjoy meaningful fellowship with other men from our church community. Whether you’ve attended a retreat before or this will be your first, you’re invited! Come for a

Fall is a wonderful time to reconnect, grow in faith, and gather together as a church family! We invite families of all ages to join us for our Sunday School Kick-Off on Sunday, August 16, at 9:45 am This is a great opportunity to start the new Sunday School year together and discover all that is in store. Whether your family has been part of Sunday School for years or you’re joining us for the first time, we’d love to have you with us! Come ready for a morning of faith, fell

As a new school year begins, many of us are preparing for fresh routines, new opportunities, and the work God has placed before us. Whether you're heading back to the classroom, returning to the office, working from home, or serving in your community, every vocation is an opportunity to love and serve our neighbors. On August 8-9, during all worship services, we invite you to participate in our Blessing of Backpacks and Briefcases. This special blessing isn't just for student

Looking for a meaningful way to deepen your faith while connecting with others? Join us each Sunday at 9:45 am for Adult Forum in the Manor. Our discussions will focus on one of Martin Luther's sermons, led by Pastor Peter. Together, we'll explore Luther's timeless insights, reflect on how they speak to our lives today, and engage in thoughtful conversation with fellow members of our faith community. Whether you're familiar with Luther's writings or encountering them for the

How should Christians react to the swift advancement of artificial intelligence? What guidance does the Church provide as technology continues to transform our world? These are some of the key questions we'll discuss at this week's Adult Forum. Join us Sunday at 9:45 am in the Manor as we continue our engaging series, "AI, the Church & Society," led by Pastor Peter. Adult Forum offers a welcoming environment for thoughtful conversation, learning, and fellowship. Together, we'

This year, the Grand Canyon Synod Assembly brought together Lutherans from across the Southwest to worship, learn, discern, and make important decisions for the future of our shared ministry. The Grand Canyon Synod is made up of more than 80 Lutheran congregations and ministries throughout Arizona, Nevada, and Utah. Under the leadership of Bishop Deborah Hutterer, representatives from these churches gathered to pray, deliberate, and chart a course for the years ahead. St. Joh

This past weekend at Galaxy VBS, we imagined ourselves among the stars, embarking on an exciting space mission filled with faith, fun, learning, and fellowship. As we gathered together, one thing became abundantly clear: while we spent the weekend exploring the stars, we were already surrounded by them. A successful space mission depends on an incredible crew, and Galaxy VBS was blessed with an outstanding team of volunteers who made every moment possible. Their dedication, c

We are thrilled to have missionary Kristen Chuenchum return to St. John’s this Sunday, June 7, at 9:45 am. Kristen will discuss her ministry with vulnerable children and families in Thailand and the exciting progress of Saan Jai Rak. St. John’s has long supported Kristen and Sprite’s ministry, and we are thankful for our ongoing relationship with their family. Their visit offers a unique chance for our congregation to reconnect, hear stories of God’s work in Thailand, and lea

As summer nears, we are excited to invite families to join us for an unforgettable Vacation Bible School (VBS) weekend! This year's VBS is set to be filled with faith, fun, music, activities, crafts, games, and meaningful chances to serve our community. We invite children and families to take part in this special weekend as we learn, grow, and celebrate together. VBS Schedule Friday, June 5, 5 - 8 pm Saturday, June 6, 9 am – Noon Sunday, June 7, 9:30 am – Noon VBS offers a fa

This weekend, we invite the congregation to join us in celebrating Deacon Intern Wendy as her internship ministry with us comes to a close at the end of May. Over the past months, Wendy has faithfully served our church community with compassion, dedication, and a joyful spirit. We are deeply grateful for the many ways she has shared her gifts in worship, ministry, and fellowship among us. Her presence has been a blessing to our congregation, and we thank God for the time we h