Our
Story
A Reconciling Congregation
Trinity Las Américas United Methodist Church, as the first United Methodist Reconciling Congregation in Iowa, has a long history of welcoming people who have been excluded from other congregations. We continue our bold witness of welcoming all, including status in the criminal justice system, all genders, sexual orientations, immigration status, age, ethnicity, family configuration, and people with physical and mental challenges.
All are welcome at Trinity Las Américas to fully participate in our community as we gather together and then disperse to share God’s love in the world.
Our Present
Sunday bilingual worship, online and in person, and groups that focus on Bible or book study, crafts, and fellowship anchor TLA today. Annual events include Dios de Las Muertes, honoring ancestors' spirits and the memories of loved ones.
Several organizations hold programs in the building. CFUM (Children and Family Urban Movement) carries on Breakfast Club and Supper Club and children's programs. ELL classes continue under 8CC (8th & College Connections). Des Moines Mutual Aid distributes food every Saturday morning.
Our History
For 120 years, one Methodist congregation has cared for the people of the River Bend community of Des Moines. Through eras of being an upscale neighborhood to one struggling through the ravages of urban unrest to a multi-cultural part of the city, the people of the United Methodist Church have been a witness for peace and social justice and a haven for compassion, feeding both body and soul.
In December 2016, Trinity United Methodist Church formally joined with Las Américas to become one bilingual congregation.
Our building is on the National Register of Historic Places, and celebrated 100 years in 2010. Major renovations and repairs were realized since 2008 via the Cornerstone project and Red Door Campaign.
Significant historical outreach ministries include community pastors starting a Breakfast Club, offering sanctuary, nurturing immigrants, children's before- and after-school programs, English language classes. a prison van, and community garden.