The Cactus & The Cross Blog

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

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—for our sake. This year, we invite you to join us on this sacred journey with our Lenten devotional, Behold Your King . With daily Scripture readings, thoughtful reflections, and prayer, Behold Your King allows us to see Christ more clearly—His humility, His sacrifice, and His unwavering love. Each devotion offers a chance to pause, li

A vibrant church community flourishes through shared faith, sincere love, and a unified purpose. Join us every Sunday at 9:45 am for a time of learning, connection, and spiritual renewal, no matter where you are on your faith journey. Whether you're starting to explore what it means to follow Christ or have been walking with God for years, you'll find a place here. ✝️ FROG – Fully Rely on God (Children’s Ministry) 📍 Room 9 Every week, our children come together for FROG – F

Lent is a season of renewal—a time to return to prayer, to reflect on God’s grace, and to open our hearts to the needs of the world. We invite you to begin this sacred journey with us on Wednesday, February 25 at 6:30 p.m. Gather in the sanctuary  or join us 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 reflections on how God is feeding the world—both spiritually and physically. T

Soup Suppers Are Back for Lent 🍲 Lent is a season of reflection, community, and shared journey—and one of the ways we live that out together is around the table. Beginning Wednesday, February 25 , we’ll gather each Wednesday during Lent for our Soup Suppers  from 5:00–6:00 pm in the Chapel Area . It’s simple food, meaningful conversation, and time together as we prepare our hearts for Easter. Note: The Bell Choir will eat first and then head to practice. Can You Bring Soup o

Lent begins with a quiet, holy invitation—an invitation to pause, to remember who we are, and to place our hope once again in Christ. On Ash Wednesday, February 18, we invite you to worship with us as we enter this sacred season together. We will provide services featuring Holy Communion and the Imposition of Ashes  at 12:00 noon and 6:30 pm , available both in the sanctuary and online , allowing you to participate in the manner that best suits your schedule. Ash Wednesday

Behold Your King: A Lenten Journey Lent invites us to slow down, reflect deeply, and fix our eyes on Jesus as He makes His way to the cross—for us. This year, we invite you to walk that sacred path with our Lenten devotional, Behold Your King . Through daily Scripture readings, thoughtful reflections, and prayer, Behold Your King  helps us see Christ more clearly—His humility, His sacrifice, and His steadfast love. Each devotion is an opportunity to pause, listen, and prepare

What is Shrove Tuesday? The simple answer is—the day before Ash Wednesday. It is sometimes called—Fat Tuesday, Pancake Tuesday, or Mardi Gras. Why eat Pancakes?  Pancakes were an easy way for Christians to use up their milk, eggs, and sugar before the 40 days of Lent (and fasting) started the next day—Ash Wednesday. What do I need to bring?  Nothing, except an appetite! Come and make a new friend!! Donations are accepted and will go toward camp scholarships for our children a

A thriving church community grows from shared faith, genuine love, and a common purpose. Join us every Sunday at 9:45 am  for a time of learning, connection, and spiritual renewal—wherever you are on your faith journey. Whether you’re just beginning to explore what it means to follow Christ or have walked with God for years, there’s a place for you here. ✝️ FROG – Fully Rely on God (Children’s Ministry) 📍 Room 9 Our children gather each week for FROG – Fully Rely on God , a

Lent begins with a quiet, holy invitation—an invitation to pause, to remember who we are, and to place our hope once again in Christ. On Ash Wednesday, February 18, we invite you to worship with us as we enter this sacred season together. We will provide services featuring Holy Communion and the Imposition of Ashes  at 12:00 noon and 6:30 pm , available both in the sanctuary and online , allowing you to participate in the manner that best suits your schedule. Ash Wednesday