Blog (Page 234)
I came for a spiritual transformation
I came to Spirit in the Desert for a spiritual transformation. My goal was to learn meditation to relax the chatter and stress of my busy life. Mr. Kenji Kumara and his Bliss team took each of us through a unique journey. I can speak for the group that the weekend was transformative and could only be something that should be experienced by everyone.
Read daily devotions by Steve Holm
This year, Steve Holm, a retired pastor living in Tempe, will be providing daily meditations for Spirit’s website. Steve served at Desert Cross Lutheran Church 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 more.
Boundless Compassion retreat
SEPT. 24-28, 2017: BOUNDLESS COMPASSION RETREAT LED BY JOYCE RUPP Purpose: To deepen the living of compassion in one’s life by learning and practicing ways of being a compassionate presence. Co-sponsored by Spirit in the Desert and Institute of Compassionate Presence. This retreat: Includes opportunities to explore the depths of the many layered components of compassion as reflected in the central qualities of the life/teachings of Jesus. Aims to expand and deepen one’s understanding of compassion from both a personal…
Crossing Over: Exploring Transitions Retreat
NOV. 10-12, 2017: CROSSING OVER: EXPLORING TRANSITIONS RETREAT LED BY TAMMY DEVINE, WITH WORSHIP/MUSIC BY MICHAEL LARSON What are Exploring Transitions Retreats? The Exploring Transitions Retreats are a part of our 3rd Chapter of Life “Explore Your Life’s Calling” ministry. These retreats are for those who are either nearing or currently living in their 3rd Chapter of Life–which is not necessarily a defined age category–who are seeking exploration and guidance in their times of transition. Each of the retreats offer…
Leading Well Retreat
NOV. 14-17, 2017: LEADING WELL RETREAT PRACTICAL LEARNING. SABBATH REST. COLLEGIAL SUPPORT. Join us for a four-day training experience for pastors, deacons, and church leaders that offers practical learning, Sabbath rest and collegial support. Begins Tuesday, November 14 at noon, and ends Friday November 17 at 11:30 a.m. Leading Well events offer a unique blend of “nuts and bolts” skill development along with worship, retreat, and sharing of best practices. Come and learn with and from your talented colleagues across…
California Lutheran Executive Skills Workshop for Clergy & Church Workers
JAN. 8-12, 2018: CALIFORNIA LUTHERAN EXECUTIVE SKILLS WORKSHOP FOR CLERGY & CHURCH WORKERS Gain valuable and needed skills for pastors, leaders, administrators in congregational settings. Led by California Lutheran School of Management Faculty For the 4th year, Spirit in the Desert Retreat Center & California Lutheran University are teaming up for what has become a very powerful and popular workshop — a week of continuing education with faculty from the School of Management. This workshop is geared to all clergy/staff…
Speaking the Word Freely Retreat
JAN. 23-25, 2018: SPEAKING THE WORD FREELY retreat Spirit in the Desert is honored to again offer Speaking the Word freely workshop, now in its 10th year. Speaking the Word Freely, with Rev. Jerry Larson, is the tried and true Process Preaching system enabling pastors and others to deliver sermons freely without reading a manuscript or speaking off the cuff. Speaking freely is such a powerful way of communicating that it literally can wake people up. Why does speaking freely…
Lutherhostel 2018
FEB. 25-MARCH 2 AND/OR MARCH 4-MARCH 9: LUTHERHOSTEL 2018 Join us in spring of 2018 for a week of faith exploration and learning, worship and singing, fellowship and fun at Spirit in the Desert. In 2018, we’re honored to have two highly respected and well-known theologians leading the teaching both weeks of Lutherhostel. Participants spend each morning in worship/song with our musicians/worship leaders and study with our featured guest presenter. Each afternoon includes options for continued growth both on and…
Healing of Memories Workshop for Women Veterans
APRIL 13-15, 2018: HEALING OF MEMORIES WORKSHOP FOR WOMEN VETERANS In 2017 The Institute for the Healing of Memories (IHOM) and Spirit in the Desert presented the first ever Healing of Memories Workshop for Women-only Veterans. It filled quickly and we have a waiting list for the next one, which we have now been able to schedule for April 13-April 15 in 2018. The workshop begins with dinner on 4/13 at 6pm, and ends at 2:30pm on 4/15. Sheila Laughton…
The Next 30 Years
Statistically, those of us in the 60 – 65 year old range can expect to live another 30 years. The question is, what are you going to do in your next lifetime? Not too many generations ago, 30 years was a long time. Those of you who are 75 years old … what are you going to do with your next 15+ years? No matter how old we are, how are we going to serve God and God’s…
Meet any crabby old people lately?
How many crabby old people have you encountered!? Can’t count that high? Many years ago I served as a pastor in a small parish in the Midwest. Of course everyone knew each other and walked on egg shells around two old sisters. After visiting them a few times, I told myself that it would be wise to never walk in front of their cars because I didn’t know if I’d make it across the road. “Crabby” did not even begin…