Desert Southwest Annual Conference

Pasifika is the term used to describe Pacific Islanders who are in the Las Vegas diaspora and Las Vegas considered is the Ninth Island. It is a hub of Pacific culture. Photo courtesy of the Desert Southwest Conference.

Pacific Islander church opens doors

Pasifika: United Methodist Community has begun ministry with the growing Pacific Islander population in the Las Vegas area. The community’s building will now host Tongan, Samoan and Filipino United Methodist congregations that began at other United Methodist churches in the area.

Local Church

After a devastating fire, many believed Zion United Methodist Church's sanctuary in Las Vegas, Ar., had closed but the church in partnership with Energy Tree, focused on implementing urban agriculture. Graphic by UM News.

Garden ministry grows out of fire's ashes

The burning of Zion United Methodist Church's sanctuary in Las Vegas, Ar., stoked a new fire for ministry and renewal. The historically Black congregation, in partnership with Energy Tree, has developed a renowned community garden — an oasis in the desert.

Mission and Ministry

The emergency medical team at Shiprock Indian Hospital in Shiprock, New Mexico, models the Tyvek suits and N95 masks donated by the Desert Southwest Conference’s Early Response Team. The hospital serves the Navajo Nation, which has more than 1,100 confirmed COVID-19 cases. Photo courtesy of Gail Ringelberg.

Helping Native communities amid COVID-19 crisis

United Methodists provide protective gear, money for food ministries as Native Americans struggle during pandemic.

Local Church

Yavapai County Superior Court upheld the claim of the Desert Southwest Conference to keep property used by Camp Verde Community Church. The Camp Verde congregation departed The United Methodist Church in 2017. Photo courtesy of Find-A-Church, United Methodist Communications.

Desert Southwest's claim to property upheld

A judge’s order compelled the relocation of a congregation that withdrew from The United Methodist Church.

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