From Soil to Spirit: Exploring Jeff Chu’s Memoir in Spirited Book Club

Join the Spirited Book Club this July to explore Good Soil: The Education of an Accidental Farmhand by Jeff Chu, a memoir that weaves together faith, identity, food, and the lessons of the land. In two thoughtful sessions—July 10 and 24 from 12:00–1:00 pm (AZ/PDT)—participants will reflect on Chu’s journey from Manhattan magazine editor to seminary farmhand, where spiritual formation meets ecological practice.

Facilitated by Sheri Brown, this virtual gathering invites readers into a moving story of transformation, rooted in theology, community, and grace. Good Soil is a compelling read for anyone yearning for meaning, connection, and hope in today’s world. Click here to learn more and join the discussion.

Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardJuly 14, 2025Spirit in the Desert Retreat Center, Spirited Book ClubComment

Refugia and Renewal: A Book Club Journey into Climate, Faith, and Hope

Join the Spirited Book Club this August as we read Refugia Faith by Debra Rienstra, a profound exploration of Christian spirituality in a climate-altered world. We’ll meet online Thursdays, August 14 and 28, from 12:00–1:00 pm AZ time, with discussion led by Sheri Brown. Come discover how faith can help create hidden shelters of healing and hope—for the earth, for the church, and for each other.

Summer Renewal and Sacred Work at Spirit in the Desert

Spirit in the Desert welcomes summer with deep cleaning, needed renovations, and a new Lock Project to improve guest safety. You’re invited to help sponsor a door for $900. Plus, explore upcoming opportunities for spiritual renewal—including devotions, prayer, book club, and retreats. Read the full update.

Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardJuly 2, 2025Spirit in the Desert Retreat CenterComment

Learning to Be Brave: June Book Club Explores Mariann Budde’s Bestseller

Join Spirit in the Desert’s Spirited Book Club for a two-part discussion of How We Learn to Be Brave by Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde, Thursdays, June 12 and 26 at 12:00 PM AZ time. Explore faithful courage in life’s turning points through a book that blends Scripture, story, and personal reflection. Registration now open.

Spirit in the Desert Update: Garden Tribute, ThanksLiving Music Fest, and More

Honoring longtime mentor Jim Hanson, Spirit in the Desert is just $3,000 away from creating a new contemplative garden. Also in the works: the ThanksLiving Music Fest (Nov 28–Dec 1), building upgrades, and community events like book clubs, devotions, and the return of Community of the Wild Goose. Read the full newsletter.

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

Rediscovering Mary Magdalene: A Spirited Book Club Invitation

What if Christianity had a love story more radical than we imagined? This March, Spirit in the Desert’s Spirited Book Club explores Mary Magdalene Revealed, a rediscovered gospel that challenges traditional views on sin and shame, calling us instead to wholeness and transformation. Join the virtual discussion on March 6 & 20 at 3:00 p.m. AZ MST, Spirit in the Desert Retreat Center.

Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardMarch 10, 2025Spirit in the Desert Retreat Center, Spirited Book ClubComment

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 FlatgardMarch 10, 2025Spirit 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!

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 FlatgardMarch 3, 2025Spirit in the Desert Retreat CenterComment

“We Survived the End of the World”: A Book Club on Apocalypse and Hope

Join the Spirited Book Club this February to discuss Steven Charleston’s We Survived the End of the World, a compelling exploration of Native American resilience amid apocalyptic challenges. Learn from Indigenous prophets and sacred stories as we delve into strategies for courage and hope in times of crisis. Discussions are on February 6 and 20, from 3:00–4:00 PM AZ (MST). Register today to be part of this engaging conversation on faith, community, and survival.

“We Survived the End of the World”: A Book Club on Apocalypse and Hope

Join the Spirited Book Club this February to discuss Steven Charleston’s We Survived the End of the World, a compelling exploration of Native American resilience amid apocalyptic challenges. Learn from Indigenous prophets and sacred stories as we delve into strategies for courage and hope in times of crisis. Discussions are on February 6 and 20, from 3:00–4:00 PM AZ (MST). Register today to be part of this engaging conversation on faith, community, and survival.

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

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.

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