Prairie Rivers UMC District Office

"It’s According to How You Measure It"

We welcome to the Prairie Rivers District several new pastors and their families.

• Michael and Cheryl Anderson – Davenport and Bruning
• Chad and Trista Bohling -  Grand Island First
• Tony Dawson – Hastings First
• Randy and Debbie Dilts – St. Paul
• Dennis (Buck) Linton-Hendrick – St. Edward and Genoa.  Bonnie is in the Elkhorn Valley District.
• Bob, Beth, Cameron, and Zachery Rhodes – Grand Island Trinity
• Ray, Sharon, and Derek Underwood – Exeter and McCool Junction
• Melanie and Harry Adams are still on the District but have been appointed to Cairo and Boelus.
• Joel, Paula, Lael, Patrick, and Carli Rathbun remain in the District but are now serving Red Cloud and Guide Rock.

We will be announcing at a later time the new pastors at Trumbull and Inland, and Blue Hill and Bladen.

        Most of you know by now my story about losing weight.  I lost over 40 pounds.  I have spent years on plans, diets, pills, and other means to lose weight.  Some worked for awhile but I quickly regained more than I lost.

      I began to lose when I joined Weight Watchers.  I am a firm believer  in this approach because it is according to how you measure it.   The two basic premises behind the approach that made it work were: Measurement and Accountability.  I had to begin by weighing in.  That was my baseline that would be the guide to whether what I was doing was working or not.  Each week I had to weigh in and answer to myself and guide, “What did you do differently that made it work?”  Or,  “What different action can you take to make it work this week?”  There was no scolding or criticism, only supportive accountability.  In our L3 classes we would refer to this as our “R-A-D” – Reflect-Adjust-Do. 

        Each morning I weigh myself and then reflect on it.  If yesterday’s actions and choices worked, I moved closer to my set goal.  If yesterday’s actions and choices were not helpful and I gained, then I would recommit that morning to a new approach. 

        I tell you this because I have come to believe in the value of “measurement and accountability.”  This year we are being asked by the Council of Bishops to take seriously five characteristics that have been recognized as being indicators of “vital congregations.”  We are to document these each week and record them on the Dashboard designated for each church.  These are to establish baselines and goals so we can truly know what our current reality is.  As we put in the information, we can reflect on what is or is not working, make adjustments, and do things a little differently that will move us toward our goal.

        I would hope we can make it a positive experience and help our congregations and pastors to reflect together on what is, or is not, working for us.  I believe all of us are wanting to continually improve on how we do ministry.   Look for additional information on the Vital Congregation site and goals in this newsletter. 

Grace and Peace,

Harold D Backus

Prairie Rivers District Superintendent