On a Wing and a Prayer: Hope and Hospitality at Spirit in the Desert
Spirit in the Desert Retreat Center in Carefree is entering the coming retreat season with new leadership, opportunities for prayer and renewal, fall retreats—and a reminder that this ministry of hospitality continues through the generosity of the community that surrounds it. Read the Spirit in the Desert newsletter.
In Spirit in the Desert’s latest newsletter, Executive Director Rika Beckley reflects on her first month in her new role, drawing on Jesus’ words in Matthew 6:26: “Look at the birds of the air.” As Spirit navigates the quieter summer months and a temporary cash-flow crunch, Beckley writes of seeing God’s provision through donors, vendors, board members, staff and the wider community.
She also shares what guests say makes Spirit distinctive: food, friendliness, faith and facilities. Beneath all four, she writes, is a place where people experience welcome, care, healing, wholeness, rest and community.
There are several opportunities to experience that ministry in the months ahead:
Wednesday Respite offers a free, 30-minute contemplative service of Scripture, prayer, communion, music and a Touchpoint homily with Spiritual Director Henry Rojas. The in-person gathering takes place at 4 p.m. MST on the first Wednesday of each month at Sunset Chapel, 7415 E. Elbow Bend Road in Carefree. Online Touchpoint services are also offered Wednesdays at 3 p.m. MST.
Weekly contemplative prayer with Sheri Brown is offered online Mondays at noon MST.
Daily Devotions from Pastor Steve Holm offer brief Scripture-based reflections delivered by email.
The STAR small-group retreat, Nov. 6-13, offers an opportunity for deeper self-understanding, reconnection and growth.
A Healing of Memories Workshop for Veterans, Nov. 20-22, will help participants address experiences of anger, loss, grief and guilt, facilitated by Mike Wold.
The second annual ThanksLiving Music Fest returns over Thanksgiving weekend with Trop-Rock artists Mark Mulligan, Rudy B and Carrie Welling.
And there’s an opportunity to visit Spirit even sooner. An Open House & Pop-Up Sale will be held Friday, Aug. 14, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday, Aug. 15, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Admission and parking are free. Friday visitors can tour the entire campus; Saturday tours will highlight the property and available meeting spaces.
Summer is traditionally a quieter season at Spirit in the Desert, and financial gifts during this period help sustain its ministry of hospitality, healing and renewal until the fall retreat season is fully underway.
In a place set apart for rest and renewal, Beckley’s first reflection as executive director returns to a deeply Lutheran trust: our hope rests not in what we can already see or secure for ourselves, but in the faithfulness and grace of God. As Spirit looks toward what comes next, its community is invited to pray, participate, visit and help sustain this ministry.
Read Rika Beckley’s full reflection and find registration, subscription, retreat and giving links in the latest Spirit in the Desert newsletter: Read the Spirit in the Desert newsletter.