Trinity Las Américas United Methodist Church Staff
Pastor Denny Coon - Lead Pastor
The Rev. Denny Coon is pastor of Trinity Las Américas United Methodist Church as of July 2026. This is Pastor Denny’s second appointment to this congregation as he served Trinity UMC in the early 2000’s before its merger with Las Américas Comunidad de Fe.
Denny embodies a commitment to justice issues throughout his life and ministry as a leader in bringing attention to justice issues and working to find solutions. Denny is equally comfortable in the pulpit as he is in facilitating mediation sessions with those embroiled in the justice system. He continues to be actively involved with young people in the Simpson Youth Academy (SYA), women in the Prison Re-Entry Program, refugees and immigrants trying to navigate our broken immigration system, LGBTQ+ people who are experiencing all kinds of discrimination, and others who have been told they are not “enough.”
Denny, a lifelong learner, sees possibilities in almost any situation and is gifted in matching his parishioners’ gifts with the gifts most needed in their community and our world, such as through involvement with AMOS Iowa.. He received the MFSA Iowa Chapter Social Action Award during the 2026 Iowa Annual Conference gathering.
Merry Orcutt - Office Administrator
Merry joined TLA as office administrator in September 2022. She’s worked at two previous churches and in a variety of industries, and has a B.A. in general education with emphasis in Sociology and Psychology. She also volunteers at a men’s recovery house, The Harbor of Hope, assisting the director and new residents with orientation.
Merry lived in Colorado, California, and New Mexico before moving to Iowa in 2016. She’s traveled the continental 48 and all four provinces of Canada. She lives with her 17-year-old son, boyfriend, and two very spoiled Boxers named Charlie and Koa. Merry is a member of Crestwood Baptist Church in Des Moines. She enjoys getting to know people, time with family, playing digital games, reading, or learning new things.
Merced Cruz - Outreach Coordinator
Merced Cruz is TLA's Outreach Coordinator, assisting neighbors with social and living needs. She also assists in various ways in the office.
Merced is a native of Mexico and long-time member and volunteer at TLA. She serves through significant events in the life of the church, such as Spanish Bible Study and preparing meals for large groups. Her son and daughter, now grown, were active participants in CFUM programs during their school years.
