Staff

Ministry in a new season!  As we experience a cautious measure of relief and continued diligence in regards to Covid-19 pandemic, I am hopeful and excited about being able to engage in broader ways in community—the community of Desert Skies, the communities of Vail, Tanque Verde, and beyond.

The challenges of this past year have reminded me that life and faith always move in seasons.  Seasons aren’t just about weather change, or external conditions—they are also about change within.  The writer of Ecclesiastes in scripture names this most vividly for us.  (Ecclesiastes 3)

There was a critical season in my adult life when I lost my way and nearly left church altogether.  Caught up in the “doing” of church, I had lost the “why” of church.  I felt out of sync with my life of faith in community, isolated and discouraged.  It wasn’t until a group of folks I didn’t know invited me to be part of something fresh, something new and different, that my journey of faith found new purpose.   It was simple, we werefocused on learning how to be followers of Jesus, and on “being” in community.  The “doing” of church took care of itself when “being” a disciple was the priority.  I remain ever grateful for those who invited me and welcomed me in all of my questioning.

These past months have seemed like one long, trying season in some ways.  But now, with safety precautions in place, we are able to join together with a little more agility, in person and remotely online. At Desert skies we are offering new Adult Studies and Small Groups, gearing up our Children’s and Youth ministries, and we are looking for new ways to be in ministry with our communities in Tanque Verde and Vail.  We know God is always making things new again!  (Revelation 21:5)

I look forward to this new spiritual season as Fall approaches, spending more time outdoors with neighbors, having deep conversations, asking questions with you about life, journeying and faith.  I look forward to meeting new people who are invited and welcomed to create new communities, doing new things.  I pray that we can gather again for meals and small groups, discovering new insights around the scriptures that guide us.  And, I look forward to lively and meditative worship together, that centers us and sends us out to be joyfully engaged in the world around us.

My greatest hope is that we will all experience a renewed sense of the “why” of church, the matchless joys of “being” church.  I pray that we will join with the Spirit, reigniting our commitment to leading, loving, learning, and living as those who find immeasurable joy in the way of Christ.

Susan and her husband Joe are enjoying their second year of ministry here at Desert Skies.  They are the parents of Rebecca, Emily, Stone, and daughter-in-law, Tracie, who are all grown, living in different parts of the country, and are busy with their various careers, as they change the world in their own distinct ways. 

In their free time, Susan and Joe enjoy hiking and biking together, and they share a love of history.  They enjoy exploring the Tucson area and Arizona landmarks, as well as getting to know more of the folks at Desert Skies and neighbors in Vail. 

Tammy Concienne was born and raised in Tucson and graduated from Palo Verde High School.  Tammy relocated to Kansas City Missouri in 2002, and worked for Harrah’s NKC Hotel and Casino. Upon her return to Tucson, in March of 2006, she has been employed at Desert Skies for the last 15 years as our Administrative Assistant.

Ryan Phillips is the part-time Director of Music Ministries at DSUMC. Ryan comes to us with impressive credentials and experience. He grew up in Tucson and graduated from University High School. He has a Bachelor’s degree in Music Education from the U of A and a Master’s degree in Choral Conducting from NAU. He has taught music theory, music history, voice and guitar in high school, middle school and private instruction as well as conducted hand-bell choirs, high school choirs and guitar ensembles. He is currently the Music Director of The Arizona Repertory Singers.

Dr. Raymond T. Ryder, Organist and Handbell Director at Desert Skies, is also on the faculty at Pima Community College where he teaches piano, class piano and music fundamentals. Raymond is a performing member of the Sonoran Bells, and active in the Southern Arizona American Guild of Organists. He is a Past President and the Honored Teacher 2014 of the Arizona State Music Teachers Association. Dr. Ryder holds degrees from the University of Colorado, the Florida State University, and the University of Arizona where he studied piano with Rex Woods and organ with Roy Johnson. Prior to moving to Tucson, Raymond was on the faculty of Delta State University in Cleveland, Mississippi.

Steve attended Fairleigh Dickenson University in Madison, New Jersey studying Electronic Filmmaking with a focus on Digital Design. Steve has close to 20 years of design experience with web design, offset printing, and digital video. His experience ranges from Fortune 500 companies to countless boutique agencies. He was one of the founders of a marketing company.

Steve was born in 1981 in Bend, Oregon where he spent his very first few years of life before moving to Phoenix.  But his time in Arizona was brief until moving to Seattle, Washington until he graduated high school in 1999. He was accepted to Fairleigh and moved to New Jersey. Bouncing around the country until landing (hopefully for good!) in Tucson. His hobbies include running his own YouTube Channel (Steve Solves MS) and taking care of his dog Nico.

Rebecca is a retired high school Digital Media Teacher.  Before becoming a teacher Rebecca worked as a special education assistant, she then became a technology onsite LAN technician, and then finally a teacher. After 30 years in education, she retired and returned to teaching. In addition to being part of the Vail Campus Desert Skies United Methodist Church team, Rebecca currently teaches at Andrada High School in the Vail Unified School District. Her courses include Digital Communications (Yearbook), Film and TV (video news production and TV production), and Photography. Rebecca was born and raised in Tucson, Arizona. She is married and has 3 children, 1 dog, and 4 grandchildren. Rebecca’s hobbies include photography, crafting, and traveling. In her free time, she enjoys coffee dates with her husband Brian.

Teresa Patterson is our custodian here at Desert Skies UMC. Teresa grew up in Tucson, graduated from Sahuaro High School and has attended Desert Skies UMC for many years. Teresa fondly remembers her time as a member of the South East Circle and taking Disciple classes. Her most significant spiritual experience was being baptized by Rev. Dan Hurlbert at Desert Skies, and her favorite events at church have been the Messy Church services in Vail. Teresa has a long history of cleaning experience.  For the last 20 years, she has worked as a maid in such diverse places as TMC, Banner UMC, Oro Valley Urgent Care, business, hotels, and private homes.  She runs a small house cleaning business on the side. She is especially pleased to be part of a team helping to make our worship time the best it can be.  Teresa is married to Tom Patterson, a retired Army medic and a two-time Iraqi vet, who works for Walmart. Tom’s car is a big hit at our annual “Trunk or Treat” event.  Teresa and Tom live in Rita Ranch.

Mystique’a has been attending Desert Skies since 2018.  She will be studying Applied Behavioral Analysis with an emphasis in Autism, in an online program from Ball State University in Indiana.  Mystique’a previously supported Desert Skies Children’s Ministries as a volunteer for approximately three years, worked with infants through 5-year-olds at an early learning center, and is currently working at the Autism Academy.