2014 UM Polity Series – Districts

Each Annual Conference is divided into geographical areas called Districts.  Districts provided a more direct connection for local churches within the district and provide a means for organizing the Annual Conference.  The work of the district in many ways mirrors that of the Annual Conference but on a smaller scale and for a smaller area.  Districts have several committees that oversee ministry within the district, resource the local churches within the district, and provide connection to the Annual Conference, these include…

• ·         District Connectional Ministries Council (DCMC) – Provides general oversight and coordination for all the ministries in the district.
• ·         Board of Church Location and Building – Advises on and approves local church building plans.
• ·         District Committee on Ordained Ministry – Examines and approves candidates for ministry.
• ·         Nominating Committee – Nominates persons for election to District and Annual Conference positions.
• ·         District United Methodist Men, United Methodist Women, and District Youth Council.

Each year there is a District Conference which consists of all the district leadership and pastors and lay persons from all the local churches in the district.

In Iowa we have eight districts (see map) and we are located in the Northeast District. Each district is led by a District Superintendent (DS) and the office is staffed by a District Administrative Secretary. (DAS) In Iowa, each district also has a Field Outreach Minister. (FOM)

In the Northeast District our DS is Rev. Jackie Bradford, our FOM is Rev. Jaymee Glenn-Burns, and our DAS is Janet Condon.  Together, we call Jackie, Jaymee, and Janet the “J-Team.”

      

The “J-Team:” (l to r) Jackie, Jaymee, & Janet