The Cactus & The Cross Blog

Be Prepared. Be Confident. Be Ready. At St John’s , one of the most important responsibilities of our Ushers — and really, all members of our church family — is being prepared in case of an emergency. Whether it’s a medical situation during a service, a special event, or an unexpected incident, knowing what to do in those first critical moments can make all the difference. That’s why we’re hosting First Aid Training on Saturday, March 14 at 9:00 am , and we hope you’ll make e

Lent is a period of renewal—a time to return to prayer, contemplate God's grace, and open our hearts to the needs of the world. Join us for Worship this Lent on Wednesdays at 6:30 pm. Participate with us in the sanctuary or online as we center our worship around the prayer: “Let All Be Fed.” Throughout the Lenten season, members of St. John’s will share personal insights on how God nourishes the world—both spiritually and physically. Together, we will delve into what it me

Soup Suppers Are Here for Lent 🍲 Lent is a time for reflection, community, and a shared journey, and one way we experience this together is by gathering around the table. Starting on Wednesday, February 25 , we will meet each Wednesday during Lent for our Soup Suppers from 5:00–6:00 pm in the Chapel Area . We will enjoy simple food, engage in meaningful conversation, and spend time together as we prepare our hearts for Easter. Note: The Bell Choir will eat first and then pr

Behold Your King: A Lenten Journey Lent encourages us to slow down, engage in deep reflection, and focus on Jesus as He journeys to the cross on our behalf. This year, we invite you to join us on this sacred journey with our Lenten devotional, Behold Your King . With daily Scripture readings, insightful reflections, and prayer, Behold Your King helps us see Christ more clearly—His humility, His sacrifice, and His unwavering love. Each devotion provides an opportunity to paus

A lively church community thrives on shared faith, genuine love, and a common purpose. 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 on your faith journey. Whether you are beginning to explore what it means to follow Christ or have been walking with God for many years, you will find a home here. ✝️ FROG – Fully Rely on God (Children’s Ministry) 📍 Room 9 Each week, our children gather f

Spring is here, and before the weather gets too hot, now is the perfect time to do a little spring cleaning! As you sort through closets, garages, and kids’ rooms, you may find items that are no longer needed, no longer fit, or are simply taking up space. Those gently used treasures can become a blessing to others through the Lutheran Thrift Shop. Donating is a simple way to clear clutter while supporting a ministry that gives back to our community. Clothing, household items,

I find myself saying to people, “You can’t control other people, you can only control yourself.” Maybe a little obvious. It’s an attempt to redirect frustration with the decisions other people make to focus on what decisions we can make. Rather than become angry and powerless about things we can’t change, we focus on changing ourselves and our habits of thought and action. Self-control is within our reach. If a friend or family member asks us to participate in something we a

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

Lent is a time of renewal—a period to return to prayer, reflect on God’s grace, and open our hearts to the world's needs. We invite you to start this sacred journey with us on Wednesday, February 25 at 6:30 pm. Join us in the sanctuary or online as we focus our worship on the prayer: “Let All Be Fed.” During the Lenten season, members of St. John’s will share personal reflections on how God nourishes the world—both spiritually and physically. Together, we will explore what

Soup Suppers Are Back for Lent 🍲 Lent is a time for reflection, community, and a shared journey, and one way we experience this together is by gathering around the table. Starting on Wednesday, February 25 , we will meet each Wednesday during Lent for our Soup Suppers from 5:00–6:00 pm in the Chapel Area . We will enjoy simple food, engage in meaningful conversation, and spend time together as we prepare our hearts for Easter. Note: The Bell Choir will eat first and then pr