Perhaps the most uplifting church I have ever visited…read more - - - - - - - - February, 2026 Visit God does not need a church; he was clear in that messaging to King David and to other Jewish leaders. People build churches to help one another get closer to a personal relationship with Jesus; a church is a physical place that seeks to guide us toward heaven. "Cathedrals and churches architecturally prepare our souls for the beauty of the Eucharist." - Allen Hunt (Dynamic Catholic) When few people could read and write, Bible stories were told through stained glass windows (or painted walls, as in a church on the Hug Island in Hawaii). Classical churches are shaped in the form of the Cross, to remind us of Jesus' ultimate sacrifice for every single person who ever lived, is living, and who ever will live. A Catholic Church typically has front doors opening to the west, so as you enter you approach to the sunrise to the east, beyond the altar. Some Catholic Churches will have a labyrinth mid-way down the aisle, to help the faithful contemplate Mary's saying Yes to being the mother of God, and to Jesus' conception. St. Bernadette has much of this and is likely the best-lit and most uplifting church I have ever visited. St. Bernadette's is cruciform in shape. St. Bernadette's ceiling is curved and there are seven paintings of Mary, from her Assumption / saying "Yes" to Archangel Gabriel, to the birth and presentation of Jesus to Mary being at Jesus' Crucifixion. These paintings are amazing... the ceiling must be 25-30 feet up and each painting is clear as can be and Jesus glows... I don't see any lights specifically focused on Jesus in each image so it must be a combination of the paint and "divine inspiration" that makes the effect... Jesus is visually extending from the ceiling, pulling you to Him. You feel like you are present at each event in Jesus's life looking at each painting / scene. The same is true of the two paintings to the left and right of the altar, respectfully. The canopy above the altar has a curved top that glows golden, not unlike the sun, and the under side / the ceiling contains an image of the Holy Spirit, as a dove. Around the outside, in Latin, is written: Et verbum Caro factum est et habitat in nobis The sword became flesh and dwelt among us The ceiling above the altar has paintings of Mary and several saints / religious; the images of God the Father and God the Son are on the ceiling just be for the altar. When such a beautiful building is supported by priests, whose homilies being you closer to God, you have a holy church. Homilies this week noted: Saints Cyril and Methodius proclaimed the Gospel to Slavic lands and created an alphabet to help instruct people (Cyrillic, still used today); their goal was to help everyone they met hear the good news of the gospel. Lord, How can I speak Your word in a way that others can hear? Thank you to all who made, and continue to make, St. Bernadette such an uplifting Church! ----- ----- -----

Attended morning Mass here w best friend, St. Nick (I need to go back to confession). Churches in…read moreAZ are so much different than those in New England. More modern, better attended, more young people. Prior to Mass, saw an amazing outdoor grotto w a stone sent from Lourdes France, where Mary had walked. B4 Mass, SN and I met Paul Zucarelli, who wrote a book (w a forward by Bishop Olmsted) about his actual death (for 2 hrs) experience, and his visit to heaven. He gave us a copy of the book, "Faith Understood ". The church was beautiful. Elaborate frescoes and statues. A visit to the adoration chapel was inspiring w all the relics of Saints. The gift shop also worth a visit. Free coffee refill made SN very happy.

If you're ever in the Scottdale area, this is one of the Catholic Churches to visit. Even though…read moreit's a post conciliar church, it's a Mission revival style. Heavy wooden carved doors, Mexican sacred folk art in some places. The grounds speak to the soul that this is a sacred space. I walked around for several minutes taking in the atmosphere. Contrasting the exterior with the interior, the interior is a spiritual desert compared to the grounds. It's akin to a small concert hall/civic center. In front of a beautiful stained-glass window is the tabernacle and altar. The church is symbolically correct, but experientially flat. The hymns were happy-clappy throughout the mass. At time a bit too distracting and obtrusive for quiet and reverent prayer. If I want upbeat melodies, I'll put on some of my favorite pop-music. I don't go to Church to hear more of the same.

Stopped here to drop off my paperwork for the TCE program of AARP. For my taxes for 2020…read more Everyone is friendly and helpful and fine.

Ima traveler love to explore my culture THERE ARE NO BAD…read moreCHURCHES But every Armenian church just hits different Love this place

the best church ever I've seen nice, friendly, caring, helping their congregation, and Fr. Zacharia…read moreis an amazing person, down to earth, humble , very approachable, simple and knowledgeable, everyone in this church is very kind and nice! May God bless that church and guide everyone to be an example to other's

A youth pastor here spread false information about me to multiple people across different states,…read morebeginning when I was 22 years old and the pastor was 30. From 2016 and until 2022. I was still in college in California, and he was visiting from Arizona. I'm writing as someone who has experienced firsthand what he does in these "ministry trips" he does in other states. I had actually tried to reconcile a misunderstanding directly and humbly. Instead of accepting that, he spent years quietly damaging my reputation, warning people away from me, to the degree local people warned me about him how he was spreading lies he'd heard from others without verifying them. When I finally brought this to the senior pastor, I was told to forgive and move on. I was told to stop contacting the board about it UNLESS my pastor was involved. However, my pastor from my church was in the process as a witness and he told me that we can't make SWC correct the lies if they aren't willing to- we've tried all the channels. I've even contacted the board about it, but they have not asked the youth pastor to correct the lies. Years later I tried again in 2026. The senior pastor conducted an investigation then he declared him innocent in the present and took no responsibility for correcting the lies that were spread over a prolonged number of years. It wasn't just lies but the youth pastor had tried to manipulate relationships with false information. I followed every biblical step according to Matthew 18. I approached the youth pastor directly. He stone walled. After the senior pastor knew of it, the youth pastor gave me a short apology that didn't really address what he did to spread the lies and there was no fruit of repentance to correct them. The whole situation was so immature and I left it on the table for years before contacting their board. Then the senior pastor told the board not to contact me unless there was a pastor from my church contacting them on this issue- despite that my pastor has already tried. I gave every opportunity. I saw no integrity that even secular businesses would show for a situation like this. This is not a heretical church but the pastor is extremely adept at emotionalism that lacks biblical integrity when it comes to upholding that among the staff. That's compromise and there is no Justice for a situation where there should be. I expected more from a "Christian" church to solve a simple situation instead of protecting their institution but SWC does not take the following commandment seriously nor do they change when given time to take responsibility. Maybe some day they would repent but that Is not happening within the circle of SWC leadership. "Do not go about spreading slander among your people; do not jeopardize your neighbor's life; I am the Lord." - Leviticus 19;16

My husband and I met the pastors of SWC through mutual friends. We were dating at the time. The…read morepastor offered us pre-marital counseling. We attended the sessions up until marriage even before making the commitment to attend the church. What stood out to me is that the pastor or it's members never asked us to attend the church. They simply served us and that was what attracted us to the church. SWC is our home church now. I am so grateful the Lord led us there. Aside from the people being wonderful, loving and kind, the teaching is superb. The church is also small enough to know others and big enough to choose from a variety of Bible study groups. This is one wonderful church and definitely worth giving it a chance to become your home church!

No recent reviews so I thought I should post one. I have a child who just graduated and now is in…read moreKinder at a local school, thriving. They have prepared him so well, emotionally and education wise. We were a relocation and the scottsdale school quickly became our support system and new family. They were so warm and welcoming. Each teacher made a point to know us and our children. The owner is incredible, I don't think you will come across another preschool owner who is so invested. The education, parent involvement, parties, concerts, art shows, the list goes on. It's outstanding all around. I have a little who is currently there currently, and when he graduates it will be a very hard day for us as we feel this school to be so special. I have had many friends transfer due to inadequacies at other schools and they are all so impressed and wished they moved sooner.

We love this school!!! Such great people work here & we feel very fortunate to have found this…read moreschool for our two girls. They love the teachers & always have positive things to say about their day. As parents it's good to see the structure they have in place ie how they reward good behavior & how they hold kids accountable for bad behavior. We Definitely recommend!!

I truly cannot say enough wonderful things about this school. We absolutely love it here. From the…read moreteachers to the staff to the entire community, there is such a genuine feeling of kindness, love and care. I love that our daughter is not only receiving an incredible education but is also learning about God and the Bible in an environment that is loving, welcoming and nonjudgmental. They teach these values by actually living them every single day. The teachers truly care about their students as individuals and you can feel how much heart goes into everything they do. As a parent, there is nothing better than knowing your child is somewhere she is loved, encouraged, challenged and cared for. We feel incredibly lucky to be part of this school and this community. I honestly couldn't imagine a better place for our daughter.

If I could give this school negative stars I would. The way…read moremy daughter and family was treated by her teacher and the staff was nothing short of horrible. My daughter was constantly bullied by her teacher and when I approached the principal | was blown off. The pure lack of biblical understanding is apparent when you attend there. I had to spend the last year helping my daughter heal from the hurtful way she was treated. I expected more from a school that claims to be Christian but this is just another high priced private school that has nothing to do with helping your child to learn more about Christ. Very disappointed to say the least.

LOVE LOVE LOVE! We love DSCP so much! Both of my kids went here and it is such a phenomenal…read morepreschool. The classrooms are adorable and they work so well with all of their activities and needs. Each classroom has direct access to at least one bathroom. Each classroom also has a refrigerator, sink, and countertop. They have all sorts of sections of the classroom for imaginary play, sensory tables, reading areas, science areas, little kitchen, crafts galore, and more. They do different themes all year long and appeal to so many different interests. They give the kids a dependable routine while also allowing them to learn through play. The teachers are so gentle and kind, and my kids loved them. The administration is also wonderful, quick with communication, and kind. The love of God and of Christ is palpable amongst the school and my kids would always come home with a greater desire for prayer and a knowledge that Christ loves them. I love that the school welcomes parent volunteers in the classrooms but also in the events and activities they put on throughout the year. Some of my favorite events are the Praise Picnic around Thanksgiving, the Christmas Program, Preschool Prom, and the Dr. Seuss Picnic. The Preschool Prom is my absolute favorite and it creates some of the best and sweetest memories with your little ones. The pictures from the proms we attended there will live on my fridge forever! I could go on and on about this amazing school. It is for sure an absolute treasure in the North Phoenix area. And don't forget to check out the great summer camps they offer as well!

Two of my children were enrolled in this school and had an exceptional experience. My son has lots…read moreof special interests and they encouraged him in those. They have parent teacher conferences and I could tell the teachers not only cared for my kids but knew them well. They also have a wonderful outdoor play area with lots of nature based play including gardening. Highly recommend this preschool!

Wow!!! My partner and I decided to attend the Christmas Eve Candlelight Service. The church is…read morebeautiful and the pastor's and congregation are so welcoming. The choir was grand and the whole experience was perfect. As a child I recall my family doing this every year. A few years before my Grandmother passed, I took her to her last Christmas Eve Candlelight Service and I'll always cherish that memory. The 2017 service we attended here was just as memorable and I anticipate making this my annual spot and tradition. If you've never experienced a worship at Christmas, you must try. It makes the Christmas spirit just right.

Great church for families with children and people who love more traditional music. The choir that…read moresings at 10:00 is wonderful and there are 3 different children's and youth choirs. They also care alot about the community providing many opportunities to help others.

We used Jessica for both of my Children. My son started at 18 months, who is now 8 years old, and…read moremy daughter started at 2 until she was 5! We absolutely love Jessica and her attention to education and care! You get a lot for what you pay for! My daughter could count to 100 at 4 years old, write basic letters, basic math, and even her education has an introduction to Spanish, as Jessica is from Peru! The kids will learn English and Spanish phrases for both items on her lesson plans that day. If it's Thanksgiving they'll draw a turkey and learn the animal in Spanish as well, Pabo. They'll also learn colors and sing songs utilizing both Spanish and English versions! Our daughter and son are excelling in school because of this early education! Our kids still ask to go to her house all the time, we still use her care on those random off days from school where we're still working! You will love having your children in her care!

This daycare is wonderful! For the first time my child actually likes and wants to go to daycare to…read moresee her friends and caretaker. Each day is an adventure filled with arts, crafts, Spanish language immersion and outdoor play. I feel comforted by the photos sent throughout the day of my child's activities. I am informed each day about how my child did and any concerns are addressed as well. This place is a stark contrast to the generic 15-20 children daycare center my child was at before. So happy to have found Jessica and her childcare.