CCUMC’s Lay Delegate, Becky Wong
This is Part 2 of a series to help inform you about issues that will be coming before the members of the Cal/Nevada Annual Conference, June 20-23. Please hold these items in your prayer.
Item 11 concerns a church property at 1525 Waller Street in San Francisco. This was formerly Hamilton UMC, and is currently being used by Bethany UMC as well as the Committee on Archives and History. The current proposal would put the property under the Conference Board of Camp and Retreat Ministries. Realizing the value of such a large campus, which includes a gym, the Board intends to create an urban retreat center with possibilities for many uses by groups wanting to explore and experience ministry opportunities in San Francisco.
Item 12 is called Foreclosure Protection. It pledges support of the Church for homeowners facing foreclosure and eviction and calls for a response of UM people to study the issue and join with community groups to work for fair processes to be in place. It also pledges support for the “Homeowners Bill of Rights” (authored by CA Attorney General Kamala Harris).
Item 13 is a Resolution on Bullying. It encourages churches to: (1) become informed about and to support community organizations working against bullying; (2) support local school anti-bullying programs and support gay-straight alliances; (3) call on parents to model behaviors of empathy and mutual respect; (4) preach the need to welcome and give respect to all persons; (5) be available to provide support or referrals to appropriate resource persons to all those who are affected by bullying; (6) help parents become knowledgeable on how to talk to kids and to schools using a resource book such as “The Bullying Action Guide” by Edward F. Dragan.