The Cactus & The Cross Blog

As we start a new year, we also take a moment for a significant event in our church's life: the Annual Congregational Meeting . We welcome all members of St. John’s to join us on Sunday, January 4, 2026, at 9:45 am , either in the Sanctuary or online . This meeting goes beyond just an agenda item—it's an opportunity to reflect on our past, celebrate God's work among us, and thoughtfully consider our future path as a faith community. What We’ll Do Together ✔ Review and Vote on

Looking for a meaningful way to begin the new year by serving others? Join us for our Shower Ministry  on Friday, January 2 , from 9:00 am to noon , as we care for and stand alongside our unhoused neighbors. This ministry is about more than providing hot showers. It’s about honoring dignity, offering hospitality, and sharing God’s love through simple acts of kindness. In addition to showers, we provide hygiene supplies, clean towels, and—most importantly—a welcoming, respectf

"Company is coming..." That's what we say when we prepare our homes for guests. For four weeks during 2025, St. John's welcomed some very important company: families struggling with homelessness. In February, May, August, and October, we opened our facilities and our hearts to care for families with children who needed a place to stay. In partnership with Family Promise of Arizona through the Glendale Center, we provided a safe place to sleep, a healthy evening meal, and groc

As we begin a new year, we also pause for an important moment in the life of our church: our Annual Congregational Meeting . We invite all members of St. John’s to take part on Sunday, January 4, 2026, at 9:45 am , gathering in the Sanctuary and online . This meeting is more than an agenda item—it’s a chance to reflect on where we’ve been, celebrate how God is at work among us, and prayerfully discern the path ahead as a community of faith. What We’ll Do Together ✔ Review and

As we approach the start of a new year, we also come to an important moment in the life of our church community: our Annual Congregational Meeting . This year’s meeting will take place on Sunday, January 4, 2026, at 9:45 am,  in the Sanctuary  and Online . This gathering is more than a procedural necessity—it’s an opportunity for all of us to participate in the shared ministry of St. John’s, discern our path forward, and celebrate the work God is doing among us. What to Expec

Are you seeking a meaningful opportunity to serve with compassion? Participate in our Shower Ministry this Friday, December 5, from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm at St. John’s Courtyard. This ministry goes beyond providing hot showers; it seeks to restore dignity, extend kindness, and demonstrate God’s love to our unhoused neighbors. We offer hygiene supplies, clean towels, and, most importantly, a warm, welcoming community. 👐 How You Can Make a Difference: Your assistance is vital,

As we approach the start of a new year, we also come to an important moment in the life of our church community: our Annual Congregational Meeting . This year’s meeting will take place on Sunday, January 4, 2026, at 9:45 am,  in the Sanctuary  and Online . This gathering is more than a procedural necessity—it’s an opportunity for all of us to participate in the shared ministry of St. John’s, discern our path forward, and celebrate the work God is doing among us. What to Expec

There's something truly special about gathering during the Advent season—cozy kitchens, the aroma of freshly baked cookies, and the joy of giving to others. This year, we're thrilled to continue one of St. John’s most beloved traditions, and we hope you will join us! On Saturday, December 13 at 10:30 am, in the Chapel, the Caring Committee and the women of St. John’s will host our annual Cookie Packing for the Home Bound . This simple act of kindness brings immense joy to t

There’s something special about gathering together during the Advent season—warm kitchens, the scent of fresh-baked cookies, and the joy of giving to others. This year, we’re excited to continue one of St. John’s most cherished traditions, and we hope you  will be part of it! On Saturday, December 13 at 10:30 am in the Chapel,  the Caring Committee and the women of St. John’s will host our annual Cookie Packing for the Home Bound . It’s a simple act of kindness that brings im

Looking for a meaningful way to serve with compassion? Join our Shower Ministry this Friday, December 5, from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm at St. John’s Courtyard. This ministry does more than just offer hot showers—it aims to restore dignity, spread kindness, and show God’s love to our unhoused neighbors. We provide hygiene supplies, clean towels, and, most importantly, a warm, welcoming community. 👐 How You Can Make a Difference: Your help is crucial, regardless of whether you are