The Arkansas Conference of the United Methodist Church announced today a new creative parish partnership that will bring together two United Methodist churches in Southwest Little Rock to better reach the vibrant community in that area with the message of Jesus Christ.
The Arkansas Annual Conference and the Central District are partnering with St. Andrew United Methodist Church and Geyer Springs United Methodist Church in Southwest Little Rock to grow a new Southwest Little Rock Ministry Partnership built upon the current missional ministries of these two congregations.
The area that encompasses the 72209 zip code – which includes neighborhoods along Baseline Road, Interstate 30, and Geyer Springs – is a diverse community of over 30 thousand residents, with a higher population of African American and Hispanic or Latino residents than any other area of Little Rock.
“We are seeking to build up a multiethnic community of faith anchored by these two congregations working together with a clergy team led by senior pastor Rev. Danita Waller Paige and associate pastor Rev. Lupita Chavarria, along with Deacons Rev. Jenni Duncan and Rev. Michelle Whitfield,” said the Rev. Blake Bradford, Central District Superintendent.
“This bold new initiative in bridging the gap of multi-ethnic and multi-lingual ministry is bigger than any single congregation could fulfill alone, so this creative partnership will enable the United Methodist Church to reach new and diverse people with the witness and grace of Christ,” Bradford said.