reverend donna maurer, Minister Emeritus
Rev. Donna Maurer
Reverend Donna Maurer is revered throughout Green Valley and Amado as a spiritual leader, community builder, and visionary whose ministry has touched countless lives. Known for her storytelling, warmth, and depth of insight, her Sunday messages often wove together personal experience, children’s stories, and timeless wisdom to illuminate the presence of Spirit in everyday life.
Rev. Donna’s journey into Science of Mind began unexpectedly—on a first date—when she encountered the philosophy of the Founder’s Church of Religious Science. Listening to an inspiring message by Dr. William Hornaday, she knew immediately that she was “home” and enrolled in classes. She soon became active in Junior Church, working with children from kindergarten through sixth grade, and her passion for learning and service continued to grow.
Her dedication to study and practice ultimately led her into ministry. Along the way, she served as Assistant Dean of the Holmes Institute Los Angeles Regional Campus and as Assistant Minister to Reverend Dr. Arthur Chang. She later became Senior Minister of Genesis Church of Religious Science in Vero Beach, Florida, where she served for nine years. During that time, she was one of eight ecclesiastical representatives appointed by the United Church of Religious Science, providing spiritual leadership and guidance to Centers across a five-state region.
Letter of Call
In March of 2006, Rev. Donna accepted a "letter of call" to serve as Senior Minister of what is now the Sonoran Desert Center for Spiritual Living in Amado, Arizona. This marked the beginning of a long and devoted ministry that helped shape and grow the Center through expanded Sunday services, ongoing classes, community outreach, and support for local food banks. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she embraced new technologies to ensure continued connection, bringing Sunday talks to the community through YouTube and Facebook.
In November 2025, Rev. Donna retired from active ministry and was bestowed the title of Minister Emeritus in recognition of her years of faithful service and lasting impact. She continues to participate in special events and occasional speaking engagements, remaining a cherished presence within the community she helped build.
Rev. Donna expresses deep gratitude for the teachers and mentors who guided her path, especially Reverend Dr. William Hornaday, who taught the foundations of Science of Mind with wit and wisdom, and Reverend Dr. Arthur Chang, whose expansive teaching introduced her to Eastern philosophy and the work of Joseph Campbell. She credits their influence as instrumental in her own calling to serve and teach.
Rev. Donna married John Maurer in December 1999. They reside in Green Valley, Arizona, with their rescue kitty.
Contact
Rev. Donna may be reached by appointment only:
E-mail: greenvalleycrs@gmail.com
Phone: 520-625-6100
P.O. Box 1598
Green Valley, AZ 85622
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