The Michigan Conference celebrates the retirement of long-time communicator Kay DeMoss, and welcomes the arrival of James Deaton as the new Content Editor.

MARK DOYAL
Director of Communications

For someone accustomed to covering the news of the Michigan Conference, Mariel “Kay” DeMoss was out of her element as she stepped into the spotlight and cameras of the annual conference stage on June 2. In advance of her retirement in July, Bishop Bard led the annual conference in an expression of appreciation for the trusted Deacon and Senior Content Editor of the Michigan Conference.

When The United Methodist Church formed in 1968, Kay had just entered adulthood, and for over 50 years she has stood alongside the church, bringing a passion for mission and ministry. Over time that passion has taken on many forms, including mission work in the Congo, various leadership roles, becoming a Deacon, and ultimately the awakening to her gifts for writing and sharing the stories of mission and ministry of The United Methodist Church.

When I first met Kay in 2009, she was a contributor to the West Michigan Conference website. As the newly minted Director of Communications, I learned quickly she was my go-to for all things Michigan Conference. The first person to call when seeking context to the latest news. She later became Senior Editor for our online publications.

Over the years, we have spent countless hours driving, sitting in airport gates, jammed into buses and back press rooms, running across convention centers, and searching for coffee to keep us awake through late nights and early mornings tapping out timely reports for our Michigan readers. Through it all, Kay was always equipped with a pen, reporter pad, humor, kindness, and enthusiasm.

In an editorial she wrote in January 1991, as Editor of the national award-winning newspaper, Michigan Christian Advocate, Kay noted how the fax machine had revolutionized communications. “Two fax messages came into our office over the weekend; three more fax releases came over the wires on Monday.” As it turned out, the fax machine would be a dripping faucet of information compared with what email and the internet would bring, a daily fire hose of content to curate. As technology evolved, Kay embraced it and always learned how to run faster. She has become a trusted journalistic partner for so many in United Methodist communications.

The time has come to spend more time with her always patient and affable spouse, Rev. Dr. Lynn DeMoss, the self-determined “chaplain” of Michigan Conference communications. We wish them well in this next chapter, but Kay still has more stories of faith and mission to share and thankfully you will see her byline in future issues. In fact, read Kay’s ruminations on the past five decades and what she feels are the core values of Michigan United Methodists.

Well done, good and faithful servant.

I am delighted to welcome James Deaton as Content Editor for the Michigan Conference following Kay DeMoss’ retirement. James’ primary responsibility is writing for and editing the award-winning online publications, MIconnect and MIfaith. He was named to this position following an extensive search by representatives of the Communications Commission, Personnel Committee, and conference communications staff.

James comes to The Michigan Conference after serving over 14 years as Managing Editor of Brethren Press, the publishing house of the Church of the Brethren. Rooted in Anabaptist and Pietist faith traditions, the Church of the Brethren has more than 90,000 members in almost 900 congregations across the United States and Puerto Rico, with sister churches in many countries. While there, James produced a wide range of publications including books, curricula, worship bulletins and resources, and other print and online media.

A graduate of Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary and Cedarville University in Ohio, James previously worked as a technical writer for several telecommunications and technology companies including Motorola and General Electric.

James is a thoughtful, clear storyteller who is known for building trusted relationships. He has a passion for disaster and humanitarian relief, environmental issues, human rights, and the alleviation of poverty. James is focused on making a difference through his work, and we are glad he will be doing so with The Michigan Conference.

James is based west of Traverse City in Leelanau County. To reach him with story leads and ideas, or to share news, you can email [email protected] or phone him at 517-347-4030 x 4032.

Welcome aboard, James.

Last Updated on September 20, 2022