Q. What was the overall impact on the Western Region?  Did we end up with  more or fewer congregations?

A. It is about the same number. A few got shifted to Cumberland-Hagerstown District. We have one more guide, which means each guide has fewer churches and pastors and therefore better ministry.

Q. How does this actually save money?

A.  It is saving money because we had 22 guides, now we only have 20. We have cut down on administrative costs and resources.

Q. Will the nominations process take the redistricting proposal into account?

A. Yes, the nominations are being done regionally.

Q. Are the maps shown in the presentation available on line?

A. Yes, the maps are online.
    
Q. What is the number of churches and pastors/region?

A. There may have been some final tweaking that took place at pre-conference briefings. There should have been some summary chart that went out. At pre conference, Annapolis Southern had 306, Baltimore 352, Washington 302 and Western 341.

Q. What are the plans for UMW, UMM and DCOM? 

A. They will still be formed on district basis.

Q. When will the district alignment be implemented? 

A. July 1, 2008.

Q.If there is a Greater Baltimore district, is there a Lesser Baltimore district?

A. I believe the names were Greater and Suburban Baltimore. These were proposed names that have since been changed.

Q. What is the impact on the conference budget of going from 9 to 8 districts?
 
A.  We save over $200,000 a year

Q. This reminds me of the government saying that they will be doing more with less.  Are we simply stretching everyone to do more on fewer districts?
 
A. No, it means each of us will be having fewer clergy and pastors so we can have a greater impact with those we are assigned to.

Q. Is map of realignment on Gateway?
 
A.    Yes, it should have been posted.

Q.    Can a list of churches reflecting the realignment be put on Conference Web Site?

A.    I think that's been done.

Q. Is the realignment because the district and regional approach are not working?

A. No, it is because they are working.

Q.    If conference does not pass proposal to reduce the number of districts, will the realignment still take place? 

A.    Yes, there will still be some re-alignment.

Q.    If the plan is not adopted, are we back to square one for Baltimore strategy?

A.    No we will look for another way forward.

Q.    Who determines the new alignment?

 A. The bishop and the cabinet.

Q.    Does the budget in the pre-conference journal reflect the reduction of a District?

A. Yes. 

Q.    Was any consideration given to distance when making the realignment assignments? 

A.    Yes

Q.    Has there been a reassignment of guides at this point? 

A.    It is an on-going process.

Q.    Is there a plan to work with the churches and pastors affected by the realignment  in advance?

A.  All the churches and pastors to be aligned have been contacted. It will be an on-going process.

Q.    When will vote on reducing the number of districts take place at Annual Conference?

A. Thursday evening.