HUTCHINSON

HUTCHINSON DISTRICT

District Superintendent:

Rev. Karen Rice Ratzlaff

Contact Info:

100 E. 1st Ave.
Hutchinson, KS 67501-7109
Tel: 620-669-0011
Email: sbartley@greatplainsumc.org

Office hours: Monday-Friday from 08:00 a.m. to 05:00 p.m.

https://www.greatplainsumc.org/hutchinsondistrict

The Hutchinson District:

The Hutchinson District is in the middle of Kansas with I-35 running through the district, right in the center of Kansas and the United States.

The District is made up of 53 churches served by 49 pastors. The district is made up of rural churches along with larger churches in Hutchinson, McPherson, and Newton. Furthermore, the Kansas Area United Methodist Foundation and the Health Ministry Fund are both located in Hutchinson and provide training and impact in the GP Conference.

District’s key personnel:

Rev. Karen Rice Ratzlaff, District Super Intendent
hutchds@greatplainsumc.org

Sheila Bartley, Administrative Assistant
hutchdistrict@greatplainsumc.org

What you may not know about your district:

The Hutchinson District is a vibrant area that promises positive choices in both rural areas and within larger population centers. District’s pastors provide support for one another and relate regularly as colleagues in ministry.

The Hutchinson District is located in the middle of Kansas and is the only district that doesn’t border another state. Congregations vary in size from rural small membership churches to large city churches. All seeking to be faithful to the challenge of making disciples.

Within the boundaries of our district, three vital United Methodist institutions provide caring ministries to others. These institutions include: Wesley Towers Retirement Community in Hutchinson, Asbury Park and United Methodist Youthville in Newton.

The State Fair, located in Hutchinson Kansas, brings the state together on a yearly basis, including high school bands, equestrian competition, and vendors from all over.

The fairgrounds also host the Mennonite Central Committee relief sale and Mennonites offer a distinct presence in the area. Hutchinson is home to the Salt Mine and the Kansas Cosmosphere.

McPherson is known as the light capital of the world, is currently producing the Pfizer vaccine for covid-19, CHS Refinery, low electrical rates, and business promotion.

Colleges in the area include Community colleges: Hutchinson Community College and Barton County Community College. 4-Year KCAC private colleges include McPherson College, Central College, Bethel College, Tabor College.

The areas are known for both their rural lifestyles and economy, industry and educational institutions. The churches in this area are deeply invested in building relationships that end poverty and working on justice issues in this area. The area is a popular place to retire.