Scholarships Available for Transformative Retreat on Faith, Science, and Creation

Deepen your faith and explore the intersection of theology, science, and creation at the “Living into a New Story” retreat from January 23–26, 2025, at Spirit in the Desert in Carefree, Arizona. Scholarships are now available, covering full costs for shared rooms or reducing single-room fees to $100 per person.

Led by Pastor Ron Rude and Sharon Reinbott, this retreat offers thought-provoking sessions on how Earth’s wisdom and scientific breakthroughs reshape Christian beliefs. Register now to secure your place for this transformative experience in faith and ecological wisdom.

Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardJanuary 13, 2025Spirit in the Desert Retreat CenterComment

Nourishing Our Life Together: A Spirited Book Club on ‘Caring for Words in a Culture of Lies’

Explore the power of language to transform our communities in an online two-session Spirited Book Club this January, featuring Marilyn McEntyre’s Caring for Words in a Culture of Lies. Delve into twelve strategies for stewarding truth and grace in an era of dishonesty.

Facilitated by Sheri Brown, discussions will focus on the book’s call to nurture words as we nurture one another. Sessions are January 9 and 23 at 3:00 PM AZ/MST. Learn more and register at Spirit in the Desert Retreat Center’s website.

Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardJanuary 13, 2025Spirit in the Desert Retreat Center, Church and SocietyComment

Nourishing Our Life Together: A Spirited Book Club on ‘Caring for Words in a Culture of Lies’

Explore the power of language to transform our communities in an online two-session Spirited Book Club this January, featuring Marilyn McEntyre’s Caring for Words in a Culture of Lies. Delve into twelve strategies for stewarding truth and grace in an era of dishonesty.

Facilitated by Sheri Brown, discussions will focus on the book’s call to nurture words as we nurture one another. Sessions are January 9 and 23 at 3:00 PM AZ/MST. Learn more and register at Spirit in the Desert Retreat Center’s website.

Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardJanuary 6, 2025Spirit in the Desert Retreat Center, Church and SocietyComment

Scholarships Available for Transformative Retreat on Faith, Science, and Creation

Deepen your faith and explore the intersection of theology, science, and creation at the “Living into a New Story” retreat from January 23–26, 2025, at Spirit in the Desert in Carefree, Arizona. Scholarships are now available, covering full costs for shared rooms or reducing single-room fees to $100 per person.

Led by Pastor Ron Rude and Sharon Reinbott, this retreat offers thought-provoking sessions on how Earth’s wisdom and scientific breakthroughs reshape Christian beliefs. Register now to secure your place for this transformative experience in faith and ecological wisdom.

Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardJanuary 6, 2025Spirit in the Desert Retreat CenterComment

Cactus League and Community: A Baseball-Inspired Retreat for Faithful Fans

During March 16-20, 2025, experience the perfect blend of faith and baseball at the Desert Sojourn Retreat in Carefree, Arizona. Join Pastor Dave Ellingson for five days of fellowship, worship, and Cactus League Spring Training games. Limited spaces available—reserve your spot today!

Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardDecember 31, 2024Spirit in the Desert Retreat CenterComment

Reignite Your Ministry: Join the Missional Leadership Cohort (including an in-person gathering at Spirit in the Desert)

Discover new ways to lead in changing times! The Missional Leadership Cohort is a nine-month journey beginning March 2025 to equip clergy with tools for transformative leadership. With retreats (including an in-person gathering at Spirit in the Desert), coaching, and peer support, this program offers practical insights and theological grounding to help you move from “fixing” to faithful discernment. Scholarships available! Learn more today!

Merry Christmas from Spirit in the Desert: Reflections, Retreats, and Renewal

Merry Christmas from Spirit in the Desert Retreat Center in Carefree, Arizona! This year, Spirit welcomed diverse groups seeking healing and renewal while continuing to provide exceptional hospitality and spiritual connection. Looking ahead, Spirit offers retreats and programs to deepen faith, including Centering Prayer, contemplative Zoom services, and a Spring Training baseball retreat. Discover how Spirit continues to serve as a haven for peace and renewal.

Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardDecember 23, 2024Spirit in the Desert Retreat Center, 2024 Advent and ChristmasComment

Final Week of Advent Centering Prayer: Restore and Prepare

This Monday, December 23, at 12:00 PM AZ/MST, join the final session of Restore Our Hope: Advent Centering Prayer. As we await the birth of Christ, this week’s focus turns to God’s healing and comfort for a broken world. Come together in song, prayer, and quiet reflection to prepare your heart for Christmas. Register today and share in this closing Advent experience.

Advent Reflection: New Life Through Centering Prayer

As Advent deepens, join us this Monday, December 16, at 12:00 PM AZ/MST for the third session of Restore Our Hope: Advent Centering Prayer. This week, we reflect on how God brings life from places we often consider dead and hopeless. Experience 30 minutes of meditation, prayer, and renewal as we wait in hope for Christ’s coming. Register here to receive the Zoom link.

Daily Devotions During Advent from Spirit in the Desert

Spirit offers an Advent-specific daily devotion via email beginning Sunday, December 1 and ending on Christmas Day. If you would like to receive a special devotional reflection by Pr. Steve Holm in your inbox each day during Advent, register here.

Advent Continues: Finding Rest and Renewal

This Monday, December 9, at 12:00 PM AZ/MST, Spirit in the Desert Retreat Center invites you to the second session of Restore Our Hope: Advent Centering Prayer. This week’s theme focuses on slowing down in a world consumed by busyness and productivity. Through guided meditation and communal centering prayer, rediscover stillness and trust in God’s abundant grace. Register now to join this time of prayerful waiting.

Advent Begins: Restore Our Hope with Centering Prayer

Advent is here! Join Spirit in the Desert Retreat Center this Monday, December 2, at 12:00 PM AZ/MST for Restore Our Hope: Advent Centering Prayer. This week, we reflect on a world marked by isolation, comparison, and fear, as we pray for connection, compassion, and liberation. Begin the season with 30 minutes of song, prayer, and quiet reflection. Register here to receive the Zoom link.

Advent Mondays: Restore Our Hope with Spirit in the Desert

This Advent, join Spirit in the Desert Retreat Center for Restore Our Hope: Advent Centering Prayer, a free online program led by Sheri Brown. Every Monday in December, spend 30 minutes in song, guided meditation, and communal prayer as we prepare our hearts for Christ’s coming. Sessions are at 12:00 PM AZ/MST. Register now at Spirit in the Desert’s website.

Walking in Grace: October Reflections from Spirit in the Desert

This October at Spirit in the Desert Retreat Center was filled with powerful gatherings, including the Grand Canyon Synod Fall Gathering led by Bishop Hutterer and other retreats that brought faith communities together. Highlights include heartfelt thanks to the Carefree Kiwanis Club for their support, updates on impactful retreats, and invitations to upcoming events. Explore more and see how Spirit in the Desert continues to foster faith, community, and personal renewal. Read more here.

Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardNovember 5, 2024Spirit in the Desert Retreat CenterComment

Embrace the Journey of Retirement at the 2024 Grand Canyon Synod Retirees Retreat

Join the 2024 Grand Canyon Synod Retirees Retreat from October 28-30 at the Spirit in the Desert Retteat Center in Carefree, AZ. This year’s theme, “Signs of Hope in Turbulent Times,” features sessions with Rev. Mark Hanson. The retreat offers a rich program of fellowship, worship, and reflection. Secure your spot now and find renewal in the company of peers. View this PDF for registration and scholarship information, or contact Jan Fosen at (602-758-0875) or via email at fosen1215@gmail.com with questions.

Embrace the Journey of Retirement at the 2024 Grand Canyon Synod Retirees Retreat

Join the 2024 Grand Canyon Synod Retirees Retreat from October 28-30 at the Spirit in the Desert Retteat Center in Carefree, AZ. This year’s theme, “Signs of Hope in Turbulent Times,” features sessions with Rev. Mark Hanson. The retreat offers a rich program of fellowship, worship, and reflection. Secure your spot now and find renewal in the company of peers. View this PDF for registration and scholarship information, or contact Jan Fosen at (602-758-0875) or via email at fosen1215@gmail.com with questions.

Community, Farewells, and New Beginnings: Spirit in the Desert Updates

September at Spirit in the Desert was filled with healing and community. From saying farewell to long-time leader Solveig Muus, to hosting retreats like Camp Samantha and the 22Q Moms Retreat, our ministry has been blessed by stories of connection and renewal. We also honor the dedication of Mike Wold, whose leadership with veterans continues to inspire us all. Learn more about these events and what’s next at Spirit in the Desert in their latest update.

Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardOctober 8, 2024Spirit in the Desert Retreat CenterComment

Spirit in the Desert Welcomes New Director of Advancement

Spirit in the Desert Retreat Center is pleased to announce the appointment of Chanse Frenette as the new Director of Advancement. Chanse joined the team on August 19, 2024, bringing a wealth of experience and a passion for driving transformative growth in the non-profit sector.

Spirit in the Desert will host a welcome event on September 21, from 3:00 to 5:00 PM. The event will feature hors d'oeuvres and drinks and an opportunity to bid Solveig Muus a fond farewell while warmly welcoming Chanse into the community. We invite all community members, friends, and Spirit in the Desert supporters to join us for this special occasion. More info here.

Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardSeptember 9, 2024Spirit in the Desert Retreat CenterComment

Transform Your Leadership at the 2025 Executive Skills Retreat

Join California Lutheran University’s Thriving Leadership Formation team, January 6-10, 2025, for the Executive Skills for Church Leaders retreat at Spirit in the Desert Retreat Center. This transformative event, designed for pastors, deacons, and church leaders, offers expert-led sessions on Conflict Management, Human Resources, Contemporary Leadership, and Congregations in the Digital Age. Register now to enhance your ministry leadership skills and connect with fellow church leaders in a serene Arizona desert setting. Learn more and sign up at Spirit in the Desert Retreat Center’s website or call 480-488-5218. View PDF poster here.

Less Than One Month Left to Register for Bishop’s Fall Gathering

Time is running out to register for the Bishop’s Fall Gathering at the Spirit in the Desert Retreat Center from October 21-23, 2024. Join Bishop Deborah Hutterer and special guests Rev. Andrea Roske-Metcalfe and Elder Perci Ami for a time of worship, fellowship, and spiritual renewal under the theme “Embody the Word.” The registration deadline is September 13, 2024—don’t miss out on this opportunity to connect with fellow ministers in a serene and supportive environment. Register today!

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