For the last two years, Rev. Jay Deskins has served as the full-time Regional Youth and Children’s Minister for the Christian Church in Arizona (Disciples of Christ). The Southwest Conference UCC has been fortunate to have him as a partner to lead a successful merging of our camping program with the Disciples camp. Jay also rose to the challenge, along with SWC Associate Minister Barb Doerrer-Peacock, of creating and implementing DUCC @ Home, the virtual camp that was held with the Disciples.
If you would like to thank Jay, you may send a card to him at 917 E. Sheridan St., Phoenix, AZ, 85006.
“Thank you, Rev. Jay Deskins, for your contributions to the life of the Southwest Conference UCC, and to the lives of young people. Your creativity, passion, and energy, brought to life a fruitful partnership between our two denominations and our congregations. You helped us live into the reality that we are better together. Blessings on the next chapter of your ministry journey!” –Conference Minister Rev. Bill Lyons
“I've been privileged to partner with this guy for two years of camp planning and facilitation with our Disciples-UCC merger of camp programs. I'm so grateful for his creativity, his fun, his caring for youth and adult leaders alike, and a passion for creating the sacred space that is camp! Thanks, Jay Deskins for your hard work, and commitment in two crazy camp years!!” –Associate Conference Minister Rev. Barb Doerrer-Peacock
Rev. Jay Deskins writes:
Thank you! Thank you for an opportunity to serve you! I am thankful for the opportunity to grow, and try new things. I am thankful for the welcome I received at your churches. I am thankful because you all put youth and children as a priority. Over the last two years, I have been blessed by working with the youth and children. In their smiles and questions, laughter and play, and prayers and singing I am made more aware of God’s love in the world.
Over the last two years, we have accomplished a lot. We built a bridge [between the Disciples and] the United Church of Christ, re-evaluated our policies and procedures, our purposes for camp, created a new camp program with our partners, we said “Goodbye” to Camp Pinerock and said “Hello” to Emmanuel Pines, we have had several winter retreats, and we are continuing to create space to welcome all to participate in our youth and children’s programs.
This summer was not how I, or anyone, planned. Creating and planning a virtual camp was not on my radar for any point in my life. But through faith and encouragement, we put on a great experience together.
As I transition out of this ministry, I am hopeful for what God is doing in this moment. While this moment might be scary for us right now, I fully believe that what comes next is bigger, more beautiful, and more full than what was before. I think youth and children’s ministry will change forever from this moment, for the better. I think camp will change forever from this moment, for the better. I think church will change forever from this moment, for the better.
Thank you so much for the opportunity to serve. I am blessed to be in ministry with so many great colleagues and friends here!
Peace, Jay Deskins