The Blue River District of the Nebraska UMC


District Mission Statement:

"To facilitate health and wholeness
in relation to Christ
for the Pastors and congregations
of the District."

#
Rev. Galen Wray

                                                        July 2011

Dear Colleagues and Friends in the Blue River District:

 

RE:  District Superintendent's Renewal Leave

 

Many of you are already aware that I will be on Renewal Leave this summer, from July 4 to September 6. This note intends to lay out the coverage of my office while I am gone and to identify and schedule the many things that need to happen in the fall immediately upon my return.

 

Primary coverage for matters requiring a DS:  Rev. Harold Backus, Prairie Rivers District -- July and August; Rev. Dan Flanagan, Missouri River District, excluding July 23 to August 6. Others DSes as available.

 

Topical coverage:   Building and Location questions: Rev.Jim Wallasky; Leadership Development & DCOM questions: Rev. Nancy Flader; S/SPRC questions: Rev. Brian Kottas; RTMJ questions: There currently is no one person working on Mission and/or Justice issues, but, instead, a variety of persons working on issues. Check with Joyce Rivera if you have questions. For Micah Corps, contact Rev. Mara Bailey.

 

Fall Update:  The Fall Funding meetings will be conducted via streaming on UMtube this year, and that affords us a wonderful opportunity to combine the Fall Funding with the Fall Update (held live) at St. Mark's on September 11, 2011, beginning at 3:00 p.m. The Fall Update will consider important issues in District direction, Church Conference changes and agenda, and 2012 Budgeting. We will meet as a District from 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. then join in the Fall Funding streaming together. Refreshments will be provided.

 

2011 Church Conferences:  This year at Church Conference, each local church will be asked to "tell one or two stories of how your church or ministry has transformed a life or lives."      

 

The following is the initial plan for Church Conferences, with the intent being to have more Cluster Conferences. Yes, this is negotiable, but the reasons for date changes must be other than "we can't get ready in time." The groupings of churches are done strategically for geographical purposes, not implying that all will be consolidating. Some groupings are exploring consolidating. Most cluster conferences will require the presence of one other presiding Elder, so I will also be in touch over the summer (probably August) to ask specific Elders to assist. All cluster conferences will begin with a brief worship service for all churches, then will break into their respective charges, one led by me and the other by an Elder.

 

Blessings,

Rev. Galen Wray