Desert Southwest Annual Conference

Soldier’s Best Friend (SBF), a non-profit that pairs and trains service dogs for eligible veterans who have PTSD and/or Traumatic Brain Injury, helped the Dove of the Desert United Methodist Church quilters design a dog mat that the veterans can use when they are out in the community. Photo courtesy of the Desert Southwest Conference.

Quilters turn art into mission

Two quilters at Dove of the Desert United Methodist and a book club group discussing the book “What Every Church Should Know About Poverty” merged into a ministry to support families involved in foster care. Nancy Cushman reports on the quilters’ various mission partnerships.

Church Growth

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.

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