As mentioned earlier, the United Methodists of Minnesota have been looking at redistricting the state. The plan that has emerged as the preferred one is the model above. This would place United Church in the new Big Waters District. The center of the district would move significantly to the south of what it is now, though the District office would remain in Duluth.
Here is some rationale for the decision from the Conference website:
It divides the high-growth eastern part of the state, including Rochester, the Twin Cities, St. Cloud, Brainerd and Duluth, into three districts. It divides the western part of the state into two regions in the southwest and the north. This model offers greater opportunity for specialization. It allows the superintendents of the eastern districts, where much population growth is occurring, to focus on congregational development. The western superintendents will be able to specialize in rural and town-and-country churches. This model also would push the superintendents to change the way they work, which is one of their goals. The current regional office sites can be maintained.
Do you have thoughts on this model? You can share them directly with Bishop Sally Dyck on her weblog.