COVID-19 Virus Message: Dear FRIENDS: In keeping with the latest information regarding COVID – 19, SPIRIT IN THE DESERT will be CLOSED at this point from March 18, 2020 through April 30, 2020. We will reassess dates as we receive more information from the CDC and keep you posted. We INVITE you to leave a message and we will get back to you as soon as possible. We KNOW that these are very challenging times and we are PRAYING for health and well being for all. Please CONTINUE to enjoy reading Steve Holm’s daily messages and Jim Hanson’s Touchpoints. We NEED to keep focused on the positive aspects of our life together and their reflections help us do that – NOW MORE THAN EVER!
For another great link in regards to COVID-19, we offer a link to a podcast from Bishop Jim Hazelwood, New England Synod-ELCA, click here
THANK YOU for being a FRIEND of Spirit in the Desert and we LOOK FORWARD to reopening soon.
In the meantime, we encourage all of you to follow personal hygiene guidelines suggested by the CDC. Thanks for your cooperation and understanding as we go through this here, in our country and in our world.
Also, as people of faith, we recommend this timely and excellent piece from Rev. Carey Nieuwhof: Click Here
Spirit in the Desert … a Place for All People
Sandy Howlett Shares
“Healing of Memories”
Steve Holm Tour to Israel!
Steve Holm & Elaine Kraemer Pastor Steve Holm, the creative writer of our Daily Devotion [...]
Black Women That Rock!
Spirit in the Desert was blessed to have a new group in August: Black Women That Rock! They ch [...]
Center for Living Compassion
Spirit in the Desert was blessed once again with Center for Living Compassion! These smiling a [...]
Jim Hanson Invites
All to Come to Spirit
Have a Closer Look at Spirit in the Desert
Learn More About Us
Spirit in the Desert is a peaceful retreat center set among the striking Sonoran desert landscape. View our well-equipped facility and learn about our mission and vision for the future.
Worship with Us
The Spirit in the Desert offers more than space for retreats … come and enjoy our Guided Meditations, listen to the Touchpoints and learn more about our weekly Worship Sessions.
Plan Your Stay
Whether you come for the day, are planning a personal retreat, or considering an overnight stay, here’s the information you’ll need to plan your next visit.
Take a Tour of Spirit in the Desert
Follow Us on Social Media
Social Board: There is no feed data to display!
We Are Blessed by Our Community
We are forever thankful to our local business partners
and to those in our local community who give of their time.
Read Daily Devotions
Steve Holm, a retired pastor living in Tempe, provides daily meditations for Spirit’s website. Steve served at Desert Cross Lutheran Church, Tempe, for 22 years. In the past he has provided meditations for Advent and Lenten illustrated devotional booklets. Now, we’re thankful that he’s providing these short devotions for visitors to the website.
… Read today’s and past devotions
Worship With Us
Every Wednesday at 3:00 p.m., Spirit in the Desert provides a mid-week oasis of meditation and Holy Communion for anyone on the campus of Spirit in the Desert and for people in the surrounding community. Each week a short homily — or Touchpoint — based on a Biblical story, is presented by Spirit in the Desert Faith Mentor, Jim Hanson.
… Learn more about “Touchpoints”
Spiritual Practices
Spirituality, or the spiritual life, “is simply the increasing vitality and sway of God’s Spirit in us.” The spiritual life is therefore dynamic, with God’s Spirit working in us to make us more like Christ in response to our thirst for God. I encourage you to explore the spiritual practices as you seek a deeper relationship with God.
… Read Sue’s Monthly Writings
Show Your Support
Your financial support is crucial to Spirit in the Desert’s future. Each year over 4,000 guests and local community residents find renewal, reconciliation, healing and transformation through the ministry of Spirit in the Desert. We depend on the generosity of individuals and groups and value every gift, regardless of size, all of which are tax-deductible.
… There are many ways to give
What Our Retreat Participants Say About Their Experience
My wife and I were guests at Spirit along with our family reunion. We want to express our compliments to the facility and our gratitude to the staff who were wonderful. All could not have been more pleasant, friendly, fun and at time, peaceful! It was the very best family Christmas ever.
I am so very appreciative of every thing that was done by the staff at Spirit to make our workshop session the best it could be. It was so apparent that “small miracles” were happening as the morning unfolded and, once again, I’m reminded that we are here to work God’s plan and not our own agenda. For all that Spirit did to make those miracles happen, I am grateful!
To all the Spirit Staff … front desk, housekeeping, kitchen, yard, program planning—however you define your role, you are all truly God’s servants in your ministry to all visitors … The Spirit of our God roams these buildings and landscape—you are blessed to work here and we are blessed when we come.