By Valerie K. Maravolo, Communications Assistant/Editor

After 10 fruitful years, Rev. James Parkhurst has been appointed to serve a cross conference appointment with the Detroit Conference beginning April 1.  Following an unexpected retirement, Parkhurst was selected to serve as interim Director of Outdoor and Retreat Ministries. “The Detroit Conference has a strong tradition of camping and retreat ministries and I am excited to be part of its growth,” shares Parkhurst. “I am honored to be there to help prepare for summer camping and help maintain the high quality camping experience for the kids.”

According to Bishop Minerva G. Carcaño, although Parkhurst will be serving in Detroit, he will remain a clergy member of the Desert Southwest and for this, she is thankful. “Jim has been a service leader among us for over a decade and we are so grateful to God for him,” she said.  “I know that wherever he goes God will continue to use him.” 

For now, Parkhurst will be serving until August 31, as the Conference determines their path into the future. He hopes this interim period will translate into a long term fit for both involved. “They have a lot of small group decentralized camping which is great because kids tend to get more personal attention and there is usually a higher participation rate. Theologically, I believe this will be a good match. Their camping program is one every conference should aspire to be like.”

Rev. Parkhurst will be responsible for all 6 campsites located throughout eastern Michigan and Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Additionally, he will oversee all camping and retreat programming. He is looking forward to new challenges and the changes in geography. “To again be among forests, lakes and shoreline will be a nice change from ten hot Arizona summers,” he says, smiling.

Although he is sad to be leaving behind so many good friendships, he is pleased with the progress here in the Desert Southwest Conference. “This has been a great conference to be a part of, and I think the DSC and Bishop Carcaño are helping to restore confidence in the future of the Church.” He hopes that after he is gone, the Conference will continue to grow as an inclusive ministry experience for children and youth, and that it will continue to become a place of leadership development for youth and young adults.

Parkhurst explained that he owes much gratitude towards all who helped him to shape camping and youth and young adult ministries in the Desert Southwest over the past 10 years. “I’m grateful for all the fine staff at our camp sites, all the dedicated volunteers in camping and youth that have served faithfully throughout the years, and the support of my coworkers at the Conference Center.”

Prior to coming to the DSC, Rev. Parkhurst directed United Methodist camps in Kentucky, Ohio and Oklahoma.  He has a Master’s degree in Christian Education from Scarritt Graduate School and a Doctor of Ministry in Creation Spirituality from Wisdom University. Parkhurst is an ordained Deacon and also serves on the National Camp and Retreat Committee for The United Methodist Church.