The Cactus & The Cross Blog

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

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

Looking for a meaningful way to begin the new year by serving others? Join us for our Shower Ministry on Friday, January 16, 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

As we begin a new year, we also pause for an important event in our church's life: the Annual Congregational Meeting . We invite all members of St. John’s to attend on Sunday, January 4, 2026, at 9:45 am , either in the Sanctuary or online . This meeting is more than just an agenda item—it's a chance to reflect on our past, celebrate God's work within us, and thoughtfully contemplate our future direction as a faith community. What We’ll Do Together ✔ Review and Vote on the 20

St. John’s members are invited to apply for Endowment funding  to support projects and opportunities that strengthen faith, learning, and service. The Endowment Committee is now accepting applications for financial assistance in the following areas: Areas of Support 📘 Education Funding may be requested for educational opportunities such as school or seminary tuition, online courses, workshops, seminars, or other learning experiences that support personal growth and ministry.

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