Partners in Ministry
Emmanuel Sudanese Lutheran Fellowship
A group of leaders from a South Sudanese community in Phoenix approached St. John’s in summer 2013 and requested space for worship—and interest in what it means to be a Lutheran Christian. They began worship on August 4, 2013 with lay members preaching and Pastor Peter preaching twice a month and presiding at Holy Communion. In 2021, they called Solomon Machar Kuch to be their leader and he began classes through Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary in CA and anticipates being ordained as a pastor in the ELCA at the end of 2024. Emmanuel partners with Vida Nueva for Vacation Bible School, Camp ALOMA, property work days, and an annual Worship service and Picnic with Vida Nueva.
Vida Nueva
Iglesia Luterana
St. John’s relationship with Vida Nueva goes back to its founding on the campus of the former Messiah Lutheran Church on 29th Ave and Camelback. For several years, we had joint confirmation classes for 7th and 8th graders. We began celebrating traditions together, including Las Posadas and the feast day of the Virgin of Guadalupe. After their properties were sold, Vida Nueva began worshipping in St. John’s chapel on July 7, 2019 under the leadership of Pastor Joaquin Garcia Guzman. Vida Nueva partners with St. John’s in the Shower Ministry, Vacation Bible School, property work days, and an annual Worship service and Picnic with Emmanuel.
Grand Canyon Synod
The Grand Canyon Synod is one of 65 synods in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). The ELCA is a church of more than 4 million members who actively participate in God’s work in the world. As members of the Grand Canyon Synod and the ELCA, St. John's is part of this the larger church. Together as the whole church we believe that we are freed in Christ to serve and love our neighbor.
West Valley
Young Adults
The West Valley Young Adults Community brings together people 19-35 for weekly events designed to create relationships around fun activities and food. This ministry is an open and welcoming environment where we create a "brave space" for people to share their truths and passions in respectful ways. The conversations are organic and have ranged from random fun facts to deep perspectives on faith, life, and bigger life questions.
If you or someone you know is 19-35 and looking to connect with peers their own age please follow us on Facebook
Camp Aloma
Info Coming Soon...
Lutheran CampFormation
Info Coming Soon...
Partners in Mission
West Valley Community
Food Pantry
Serving over 23,000 neighbors in 2022, St. John's has been blessed to host the West Valley Community Food Pantry in our building since 2005. The West Valley Community Food Pantry (WVCFP) is designated by the state as an emergency food pantry, which means they provide families and individuals facing emergency situations with a three-day supply of healthy food. In addition to this, the food pantry offers bags for our neighbors experiencing homelessness. Learn more at www.westvalleycommunityfoodpantry.org.
Cloud Covered Streets
Cloud Covered Streets (CCS) is a local partner that provides mobile showers for our unsheltered members and neighbors every 1st & 3rd Friday at St. John's Outreach Events. To learn more about CCS visit cloudcoveredstreets.org.
Interested in volunteering at our next outreach event? Email Pastor Dan today!
LSS of the Southwest
Lutheran Social Services stabilizes people during crisis and transition, builds a foundation where people can thrive, and preserves dignity and respect for the most vulnerable across Phoenix, Glendale, and Arizona. To learn more visit www.lss-sw.org
Arizona Faith Network
Arizona Faith Network and St. John's partnered during summer of 2023 to offer a heat respite center on our campus. To learn more visit www.arizonafaithnetwork.org,
Watch this video to hear Pastor Peter share what this partnership means to our community.
West Valley Lutheran Thrift Shop
With over 35,000 square feet of retail space and over 350 volunteers, the Lutheran Thrift Shop provides financial support for area Non-Profit Organizations and material assistance for families and individuals in gratitude to God & love of neighbor. Visit the thrift shop and you may see members of St. John's faithfully volunteering their time accepting donations, stocking shelves, and working the register. Learn more at lutheranthrift.com.
Circle The City
Circle the city is a mobile medical unit that provides medical checkups and help for our unsheltered members and neighbors. St. John's has partnered with Circle the City for outreach events. To learn more visit www.circlethecity.org
MOSAIC
MOSAIC provides housing and social services to developmentally disabled adults. Learn more at www.mosaicinfo.org.
Family Promise
Family Promise provides emergency shelter and social services to help families move from homelessness to employment, permanent housing, and self-sufficiency.
Visit HOME - Family Promise of Greater Phoenix (familypromiseaz.org) for more details. Keep the lookout for our next date for the opportunity to help at St. John’s.