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

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

Looking for a meaningful way to assist others? Join our Shower Ministry on Friday, March 13, from 9 am to noon , as we support and stand alongside our unhoused neighbors in the community. This ministry extends beyond offering hot showers. It emphasizes honoring dignity, providing hospitality, and demonstrating God’s love through simple, compassionate actions. Along with showers, we provide hygiene supplies, clean towels, and—most importantly—a welcoming and respectful presenc

Looking for a meaningful way to assist others? Join our Shower Ministry on Friday, January 16, from 9:00 am to noon , as we support and stand alongside our unhoused neighbors in the community. This ministry extends beyond offering hot showers. It emphasizes honoring dignity, providing hospitality, and demonstrating God’s love through simple, compassionate actions. Along with showers, we provide hygiene supplies, clean towels, and—most importantly—a welcoming and respectful pr

Lutherans and friends from across Arizona are invited to gather for Lutheran Day at the Legislature  on Monday, February 23, 2026, from 9:30 am – 1:30 pm  at Wesley Bolin Plaza in downtown Phoenix. Hosted by Lutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona (LAMA), this annual day of advocacy is an opportunity to live out our baptismal promise “to strive for justice and peace in all the earth.”  Together, we will learn, witness, and raise our collective voice in the public square—activating

Are you seeking a meaningful start to the new year by helping others? Participate in our Shower Ministry on Friday, January 16, from 9:00 am to noon , as we support and stand with our unhoused neighbors in the community. This ministry goes beyond providing hot showers. It focuses on honoring dignity, offering hospitality, and expressing God’s love through simple, compassionate actions. In addition to showers, we offer hygiene supplies, clean towels, and—most importantly—a wel

Faithful Care for All of God's Creation at St. John's Each month, the Arizona Humane Society's Healthy Paws Mobile Clinic pulls into our parking lot, transforming our campus into a hub of healing for pets throughout the Glendale community. Through the faithful work of St. John's Outreach Committee, we've created a welcoming space where neighbors can access affordable veterinary care for their beloved companions. Laken Prokopec, Healthy Tails Mobile Clinic Manager at the Arizo

From February 1–8 , we have a meaningful opportunity to serve our neighbors experiencing homelessness by partnering with Family Promise . This vital ministry provides families with more than just shelter and meals—it offers dignity, encouragement, stability, and hope  during a challenging season. Your involvement helps make this life-giving work possible. Whether you have a few hours to give or are able to stay overnight, there’s a place for everyone to serve. 👐 Ways You Can

Looking for a meaningful way to begin the new year by serving others? Join us for our Shower Ministry on Friday, January 30, from 9:00 am to noon , as we care for and stand alongside our unhoused neighbors in our community. This ministry is about more than offering hot showers. It’s about honoring dignity, extending hospitality, and sharing God’s love through simple, compassionate acts. Along with showers, we provide hygiene supplies, clean towels, and—most importantly—a welc

From February 1–8 , we have the opportunity to serve our neighbors experiencing homelessness by partnering with Family Promise . This ministry offers families not only shelter and meals, but also dignity, encouragement, and hope—and your help makes it possible . There are many ways to get involved, whether you can offer a few hours or stay overnight: 👐 Ways You Can Serve Overnighters  to help provide a safe, welcoming presence Meal preparation  for families during their stay