Spirit News (Page 3)
Keep up to date with happening at Spirit in the Desert ~ staff, campus, board, retreats and friends.
Reopening to Guests mid-September!
We are so excited to be welcoming guests again! Our doors open mid-September and we are looking forward to seeing old friends and preparing to meet new ones. At Spirit in the Desert Retreat Center we have been busy deep cleaning and disinfecting while the center has been on hiatus. New protocols are in place for dealing with COVID-19 so if you have any questions, please call us at 480-488-5218 and we will be happy to give you more information.Our…
Desert Sojourn with Dave Ellingson
Paddle Pilgrim, Pastor, Spiritual Director, Master Gardener, Doctorate in Holistic Health, Environmental Ethics teacher…this February 2020 Desert Sojourn with Dave Ellingson was AMAZING! We sang, we explored Scriptures, we learned more about our environment, and history of two great rivers in the USA and Norway and most of all, we experience incredible fellowship, worship and spiritual connections in our Faith Adventures!
A Special Feeling for Veterans
When Richard and Nancy Christiansen of Ann Arbor, Michigan built a winter condo in Scottsdale, Arizona in 2000, they were introduced to Spirit in the Desert Retreat Center in Carefree by Pastor Bob Hutson. Over the years Richard and Nancy have attended day lectures at the retreat center, and during one Christmas, their entire family were guests at the center for a special family Christmas celebration. Richard said, “Spirit in the Desert is a special place for renewal and healing…
Valuing Religious and Ethnic Diversity
When Carla Skladany met with Richard Andersen, Executive Director of Spirit in the Desert in 2017, she told him she was interested in being a volunteer at the retreat center. Volunteering has always been an important part of Carla’s life during the years she and her husband, Jan, lived in Downers Grove, Illinois and since they permanently moved to Carefree in 2007. As Richard and Carla’s conversation continued, Richard surprised her when he asked her to be the Coordinator of…
Meet Al Warnier, Maintenance & Facilities Manager
Al Warnier, Spirit in the Desert’s Facilities Manager, was asked what is the most important part of his job, and surprisingly, he didn’t initially mention buildings, grounds, or maintenance. He said, “The core of my job is making sure the guests are taken care of by responding to their needs.” Al’s business card says, “Just let me know how I can assist you.” He added, “Of course maintaining in top condition the facilities and equipment, as well the swimming pool,…
Meet Chef Joseph Cameria
Executive Chef Joe Cameria brings experience and culinary arts expertise for healthy and pleasurable eating for the guests of Spirit in the Desert. Chef Joe is responsible for supervising kitchen operations, creating a varied menu for an increasingly diverse clientele, and directing and training a staff of six. He is also an instructor in the well-known Classic Cooking Academy in Scottsdale and finds time for a side baking business. Joe said, “Sometimes guests who are new to Spirit in the…
Summers are beautiful at Spirit in the Desert!
Experience the quiet and peace of our campus…individually or as a group. Families are welcome, too. Swim in our pool, soak in the hot tub, take comfort in the air-conditioned rooms with private patios overlooking the desert and mountains. Come ready for delicious food and exquisite hospitality…all at our Special Summer rates! Call us today at (480) 488-5218.
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.
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…
