1907 - 2007

I am s etting a plumb lin e in t h e midst of my p eople …. Am os 7: 8

WELCOME

MFSA, a place to call ‘home’ for progressive United Methodists

JUNE 2007

A publication of the California-Pacific Chapter of Methodist Federation for Social Action

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Celebrate 100 of MFSA & Social Creed at AC 2007 T

he 2007 session of the California-Pacific Annual Conference opens on June 20 at the University of Redlands with a special worship service that will honor the legacy of the first Social Creed in America, written 100 years ago by the founders of MFSA! That legacy includes church adoption of the creed in 1908 and, along with it, the vision of the “social gospel” embraced by our demonimation and many others. The first Social Creed led directly to enormous changes in U.S. laws and social practices, the development of the Social Principles in our UM Book of Discipline and, perhaps most significant for UN’s

~ INSIDE THIS ISSUE ~ Celebrate the Social Creed & MFSA at AC 2007 ~ Page 1ff Mildred Hutchinson Award Luncheon ~ Page 2 Immigration – “Welcoming the Stranger” ~ Page 2 War-tax resister speaks on peace ~ Page 3 Books, Food and more at AC 2007 ~ Page 3 Strategy Sessions at Annual Conference ~ Page 4 Book signing with Award-winning Author ~ Page 5 Coming up in 2008 ~ Page 4 Jesus’ Outrageous Hospitality, April 2007 Page 6 Celebrate social justice history at your church ~ Page 7 CaL-Pac MFSA Annual Meeting, Jan. 2007 ~ Page 8 th Poem Honors 100 of Social Creed, MFSA ~ Page 8 “We have GBCS. Why do we need MFSA?” ~ Page 9 Stellar Conference! Voices of Faith 2007 ~ Pages 10-11

UMs today, our church’s continuing dedication to “walking the talk” - applying our Christian beliefs to the social and political issues challenging the church and the world today. Since writing that world-changing document in 1907, MFSA has had an illustrious history and a pivotal role in church ministry, too ittle known by many United Methodists. But if you attend Annual Conference 2007, you will have the chance to change that – look for information and celebration of MFSA’s and the Creed’s dual anniversaries, throughout the week and across the campus. Some highlights of what to expect this month in Redlands: • Celebrated WarTax Resister, peace activist, MFSA leader from Oregon: John Shwiebert will speak on hard-core peace activism and learning to say “No” to empire. (See page 3) • At our Annual Mildred Hutchinson Award Luncheon, Rev. Frank Wulf will challenge us with one of the most difficult and perplexing problems facing progressive activists in the next 100 years. (See Page 2 ) • At “Welcoming the Stranger” Cal-Pac MFSA continues our conference-wide leadership in immig Continued on Page 2

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Join today! Learn more about MFSA at www.mfsaweb.org. Contact our chapter: [email protected]

MFSA at Annual Conference ‘07

continued from Page 1

Immigration activism with 2 pivotal community leaders as speakers. (See this page.) • The new book release Lifting Up Hope, Living Out Justice: Methodist Women and the Social Gospel has been lauded by national leaders across the Connection. Come to speak with author Alice Knotts and have your copy signed at our booth. (See Page 5) • Book tables, food tables, and the MFSA Chapel-onthe-Quad – more ways to connect with MFSA and social justice advocacy throughout the week! (See Page 4.) There has never been an Annual Conference like this and it won’t come again for a century – so join us for a day or for the week, and be a part of the historic celebration.

The Fractured Left: Is Unity Possible in Our Next 100 Years? T

he “atomization” of social action ~ that is what Rev. Frank Wulf calls the multiplicity of groups and issues that are competing for the support of progressive Christian activists. Some national and local faith leaders consider it the most pressing and most difficult challenge we Rev. Frank Wulf, MFSA face if we are to respond National Board Member successfully to the effective organizing of the far right and speak with a voice that will be heard by our church and our nation. Wulf will address this timely issue as MFSA enters its second century of peace and justice advocacy, at the A nnual Mildr ed Hu tchin s on Awar d Lunc he on, Saturday, June 23, at 11:45 am, at the First United Methodist Church of Redlands. The Rev. Frank Wulf, pastor of United University Church at USC, has been active in local MFSA activities for many years and is a member of MFSA's National Board of Directors with a portfolio in Jurisdictional organizing. He has served on the Annual Conference Leadership Team, the Board of Higher Education and Campus Ministry, and as a consultant to the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry. He was a delegate to the 2000 and 2004 Western Jurisdictional Conferences. Our anniversary program includes the presentation of the Mildred Hutchinson award to an

Welcoming the Stranger F

ollowing up on our succesful April event “Immigration and the Outrageous Hospitality of Jesus,” MFSA invites you to join community leaders Moises Escalante (ICIR) and Raul Añorve (IDEPSCA) for a mealtme conversation about faith community organizing for immigration reform. We will gather in Hun sak er Loun ge, which is in the building across from The Commons, the campus dining hall. Bring your own food or get a meal at the cafeteria and bring a tray over at dinnertime, at 5:00 pm on Friday, June 22. IDEPSCA (Institute of IDEPSCA (Inst. of ofSouthern Popular Popular Education Educationprovides of economic Southern California) development California) provides opportunities economic to developmentlow-income opportunities to unemployed unemployed, low-income families. They respond to the families. They respond needs and problems of to the Raul Añorve, IDEPSCA disenfranchised needs and people problems of disenfranchised disenfranchise people through leadership development and educational programs. The mission of ICIR (Interfaith Coalition for Immigrant Rights) is to call together peoples of faith to affirm and defend the rights and dignity of all immigrants and refugees. ICIR envisions a healthy, inclusive California where all people are welcomed and can fully participate in the life of the community; where everyone works together toward the common good. Western Jurisdictional Conferences. Our anniversary program includes the presentation of the Mildred Hutchinson award to an individual who embodies the spirit and passion for justice that Mildred so articulately modeled for over forty years. The recipient remains undisclosed until the moment of the presentation - and our program includes some additional centennial year surprises that you will appreciate. Our food will be catered by the culinary activists, Mama’s Hot Tamales, who work in central LA to revitalize the Macarthur Park area and to provide local immigrants with free, expert training in business and the food industry, helping them to fulfill the dreams that brought them to America. Tickets are $15 and, in our anniversary year, we expect a larger demand than usual, so we urge you to make your reservations now. Call or email Theresa Basile at (323) 253-9087 or [email protected]. Beginning Wednesday, June 20, buy your tickets at our food tables at Annual Conference.

Join today! Learn more about MFSA at www.mfsaweb.org. Contact our chapter: [email protected]

50 Ways to Leave Your Lover: Learning to Say NO to Empire I

n Bishop Mary Ann Swenson’s letter inviting us all to Annual Conference 2007, she wrote: “Our theme for this Session is a further expression of the call to Be the Cup Overflowing~with Peace: Called to be Peacemakers. We will celebrate the 100th anniversary of the origins of our Social Principles, and gain a deeper understanding of Jesus’ words, ‘Blessed are the peacemakers’.” In the spirit of that call, MFSA explores the sometimes difficult choice of being a peacemaker. As those who are most dedicated to the cause can attest, it can even be hard work. Join MFSA and John Schwiebert for a mealtime gathering that will focus on the challenge of living in a militaristic nation while believing deeply in peace. Bring your lunch to Hunsaker Lounge, across from The Commons, on Thursday, June 21, at 12 noon. Rev. John Schwiebert is a retired United Methodist minister, still serving as pastor of Metanoia Peace Community UMC, a house church he helped create in Portland, Oregon more than 21 years ago. He and his wife Pat are also residents of the 18th Ave Peace House, an intentional Christian household whose members share “all things in common.” Prior to these current assignments John served as pastor of several other congregations in the Oregon-Idaho conference John and Pat Schwiebert are widely known as peace activists and milit ary t ax r esisters. For thirty years they have redirected either a portion or all of their annual federal income tax, sending it to a private non-profit or local government agency, to be used for the common good, instead of support for U.S. military violence. Most recently, Continued on Page 4

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MFSA’s Used Book Stand at Annual Conference 2007 For the second year in a row, MFSA has invited the Filipino Caucus to join us in co-sponsoring the used book stand that has been going now for ten years. If you have used books to donate, please bring them on Wednesday to the MFSA tables across from The Chapel at University of Redlands. Churchrelated topics are especially helpful but we have a range of titles, including social justice, politics, and world religion. (Let us know if you need a donation receipt for tax purposes.) We especially invite people to come and enjoy the shade and good conversation under the big tree. Bring a couple of lawn chairs if you can – clearly labeled. Volunteers are always needed, for sorting the books and engaging friends who drop by to browse. Help is especially needed when we set up on Wednesday, and on Saturday evening/Sunday morning when we bring our leftovers to Pilgrim Place Bookstore in Claremont – your vans or cars are needed too! We can provide housing in homes for volunteers – courtesy of MFSA friends in Redlands. Thank you for your continued generous support. We look forward to seeing you in Redlands. Co-Chairs: Megan Ryan for MFSA, (909) 837-8098 and Rev. Neil Platon for the Filipino Caucus, (310) 834-6834.

FOOD AND DRINKS AT MFSA TABLES ~ Volunteers Needed! Once again, MFSA will be selling drinks and snacks at our tables during Annual Conference 2007. We provide a helpful service to the Conference with an oasis of cool refreshment and warm fellowship, under the big tree across from the entrance to The Chapel. We also raise funds for the social justice ministries of MFSA. We need volunteers to help staff it - no experience necessary. If you are attending Annual Conference, please stop by and help out when you can, even if only briefly, during the rush between sessions. If you are not attending Annual Conference, and you can make it to Redlands for part of a day, we hope you will come to help at the booth. The tree provides shade and camaraderie! For inf or mati on a nd to volun te er, c on tac t Cyn thia Tuell, e mail: cyn thia tuell@ ad elphia.n et, ph one: 909-946-8825, cell: 909-223-0336.

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STRATEGY SESSIONS WITH MFSA AT AC ‘07 Help set the direction for the Cal-Pac Annual Conference and the whole UMC by coming to the MF SA Str ate gy S es si ons during Annual Conference. This year’s sessions will focus on a variety of topics including: • Election of progressive General and Jurisdictional delegates • Resolutions to Petition General Conference on a variety of issues. Over the years, these strategy sessions have played a pivotal role in our conference becoming a “welcoming” annual conference and developing the resolution that created the work teams to rebuild Burnt Black Churches, as well as many other crucial initiatives and decisions by our annual conference. The Strategy Sessions will be held on Thursday and Friday nights (June 21 and 22) at 5:00 pm in Hunsaker Lounge at the University of Redlands. On Friday evening the strategy session will happen in conjunction with the Immigration Event featuring speakers Moises Escalante and Raul Añorve. (See Page 2 for additional information.) Hunsaker Lounge is directly opposite the Commons where the meals are served. If you have a meal ticket, get your your dinner in the Commons and carry it across the small plaza to Hunsaker Lounge. If you don’t have a meal ticket, you can get your meal anywhere you like (including the Commons) and bring it with you. If you 20 08 will b e a pivo tal year f or t he U M C and need further directions to Hunsaker Lounge, stop by for C al-Pac M FSA (d at e s & de ta il s TB A ): the MFSA food booth under the oak trees on the • With General Conference now less than Quad opposite the Chapel. All justice ministr y su p p or ter s ar e a year away, our Cal-Pac chapter is planning for welc ome a t one or all of the stra te gy our wintertime quadrennial Briefing of the Cal-Pac se ssi on s. You’re welcome whether or not you’re an delegates to General Conference as well as all MFSA member or a voting member of the Annual other interested United Methodists. Conference. The sessions are an excellent place to meet, connect and get re-energized while planning • Plan to attend ways to effectively witness in support of justice. Now our Cal-Pac Chapter more than ever, we need to work together so our Annual Meeting (possibly voices will be heard within our conference and across held in conjunction with our denomination. the GC briefing). We are “Don’t mourn, organize.” Come to the delighted to announce strategy sessions. Help shape the future of our Annual that our keynote speaker Conference and the United Methodist Church.

COMING UP IN 2008

will be the new national Bishop S. Clifton Ives (retired) co-president of MFSA, MFSA National Co-president Bishop S. Clifton Ives. A former Chair of the General Board of Church and Society, Vice Chair of the General Commission of Religion and Race, and member of the World Methodist Council, Bishop Ives has long modeled MFSA’s commitment to living out one’s faith through acts of justice and mercy. • Our Cal-Pac chapter, along with many others across the Connection, will have a major presence at General Conference 2008, in Fort Worth Texas, April 23-May 2. Contact us if you would like to volunteer to help in peace and justice organizing at GC or if you can help support the volunteers that will be going. Call or email Richard Bentley: (626) 261-1428 or [email protected].

50 Ways to Leave Your Lover: Learning to Say No to Empire - continued from Page 3 John and Pat have been in contention with the UM General Board of Pension and Health Benefits because of the Board decision to cooperate with the IRS, by honoring an IRS Levy against John’s monthly pension benefit. John is president of the Oregon Idaho chapter of MFSA and a past national copresident of MFSA. He has served in several leadership positions in his annual conference and as a General and Jurisdictional Conference delegate.

Join today! Learn more about MFSA at www.mfsaweb.org. Contact our chapter: [email protected]

Book Sale & Signing with Awardwinning Author at MFSA Booth “Lifting Up Hope, Living Out Justice”

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Saturday, June 23, before and after MFSA luncheon (approximately 10:30 - 11:30 am & 2 - 3:00 pm)

A fascinating history of the beginnings of MFSA and women who challenged the church to create a new social order. A stimulating re-examination of what it means to do justice! The new publication Lifting Up Hope, Living Out Justice: Methodist Women and the Social Gospel is an exciting retelling of the birth of social gospel radicalism that urges Americans to re-think the priorities of our social order. A great resource for exploration of our Christian faith and its social implications, this book will be rewarding reading for every Methodist interested in discovering different Christian beliefs about what it means to help lift a class of people out of poverty. In this, her second major work, Knotts focuses on the stories of five Methodist deaconesses, including founders and leaders of Methodist Federation for Social Action - Mary McDowell, Isabelle Horton, Bertha Fowler, Grace Scribner, and Winifred Chappell - along with Harry F. Ward, primary author of the first Social Creed. These Methodist leaders found that the root causes of poverty lay in the attitudes of the culture of their times. They believed that the root of social dysfunction could be found in attitudes that encourage class differentiation, especially discrimination based on gender and class. And that efforts to transform the social order cannot succeed unless the whole society is persuaded to change their attitudes and priorities. Alice Knott's previous book, Fellowship of Love; Methodist Women Changing American Racial Attitudes 19201968, is available at both Cokesbury's and Amazon's websites. With a historian's precision and a passion for social justice, Alice Knotts shows in this book how the activities of the Methodist women's movement for civil rights developed decade by decade. Their activities were rarely in the public eye, yet they were shaping and being shaped by events and public opinion. An astute and insightful history, Fellowship of Love documents the contributions of white Methodist women in the American civil rights struggle. The research for this volume has won the Jessie Lee Prize from the General Commission on Archives and History of The United Methodist Church. It documents in one volume otherwise disparate information important to understanding the contributions of women in the Methodist Church to race struggles in 20th-century America.

Some reviews of Knotts’ latest book: This work is so timely and profoundly needed. Dr. Knotts opens new doors to the past and sheds additional light on how we might walk into the future. I am so grateful for her exceptional work on this subject, and pray that these chapters will guide, help, and inspire us all on our collective journey. The Rev. Dr. MaryAnn Swenson Resident Bishop, Los Angeles Area, United Methodist Church

Working to bring about justice for the nation’s poor, its immigrants, and especially its women and children, [these women] challenged the materialistic ethos of early 20th century American society, an age very much like our own. Let us hope that the story of these women’s courage and vision will inspire a new generation of leaders to address injustice now and in the future. Dr. Carolyn DeSwarte Gifford Co-editor of Gender and the Social Gospel

This fascinating account of five women activists provides recognition of women and the dynamic social gospel movement that is long overdue. Knotts' study documents the critical role the deaconess movement played. Knotts shows the remarkable similarities between the urban social issues these pioneering women addressed and so many contemporary social problems. The Rev. Dr. George McClain Executive Director Emeritus, Methodist Federation for Social Action Lifting Up Hope, Living Out Justice: Methodist Women and the Social Gospel 108 pages; small group study guide and index. Paper Order now for $16.95! from: Frontrowliving Press, PO Box 19291, San Diego, CA 92159 [email protected]

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Immigration and the Outrageous Hospitality of Jesus A Report by Janet McKeithen, Immigration Action Leader, Cal-Pac MFSA Leadership Team The United States Immigration system is broken, and our families are caught in the crossfire. This system is not only tearing individual families apart, but it is also ripping apart the heart of the human family. On April 21st, “Immigration and the Outrageous Hospitality of Jesus” was held at La Plaza United Methodist Church, presented by the Cal-Pac Chapter of MFSA in partnership with ICIR: The Interfaith Coalition for Immigrant Rights, and co-sponsored by three agencies of the United Methodist Church: The National Plan for Hispanic/Latino Ministry, The General Board of Global Ministries, and The General Board of Church & Society. This “United Methodist Conversation on the Challenge of Immigration” was presented for three primary reasons; to: 1) educate people about what is actually happening to people who have come to the United States from other countries, 2) examine what our faith says in regard to immigrants in this country, and 3) equip participants with tools to make a difference. After greetings from Bishop Mary Ann Swenson, Rev. Louis Chase and others, immigrants shared the stories of their journeys… and we watched a film that told the story of immigration in a broader context. Then, the Keynote Speaker, Jim Winkler from the General Board of Church and Society, set the immigration issue into the context of our faith. A great feature of the day were the excellent workshops: A. ID EPSCA (Institute or Popular Education of Southern California) provides economic development opportunities to unemployed low income families. Fabiola Aguilar and Estela Diaz shared the development and operation of the “Magic Cleaners” business that they developed through the IDEPSCA program. B. The B ord er P r oject of the Joint Commission of the Cal-Pac Conference is an outreach program to people who are stranded at the U.S. Border. Rev. Luis Garcia, UM missionary, shared this “hands-on” ministry opportunity. Los Jornaleros del Norte performs C. Nati onal Da y La b ore r Or gani zing Ne twor k discussed the struggles of at an immigration conference coday laborers. Pablo Alvarado, co-founder of IDEPSCA and Executive Director of sponsored by the CaliforniaNDLON, explored how people of faith could assist day laborers. Pacific chapter of the Methodist D. The Ne w S anc tua ry Move men t is a national movement enabling local Federation for Social Action. congregations to help foster change in the immigration system. Rev. Alexia Salvatierra, A UMNS photo by Doug Fry. Executive Director of C.L.U.E., explored the deportation process and how people of faith are being invited to respond. E. Inte rfaith C oalition f or I mmigran t Ri ghts brings together peoples of faith to affirm and defend the rights and dignity of all immigrants and refugees. Moises Escalante educated participants in the area of Immigration Reform. F. The C al-P ac C onfe renc e has great possibilities for using our connectional nature to respond to the injustices that are occurring. Rev. Jennifer Guitierrez led the discussion and idea-exchange. Matthew 25:35 …for I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me…. As Christians, we are the heart and hands and feet of Christ. Members of our family are hurting. We will continue to work together until God’s reign of justice for every person is a reality.

Immigration: Exploring Jesus' 'outrageous' hospitality

Keynote speaker Jim Winkler, top exec of Board of Church & Society, talks on biblical basis for hospitality to immigrants. UMNS photo by Kim Fry.

By Kim Fry* (UMNS - United Methodist News Service) Excerpts only – read the full story at www.umc.org "I am not a burden. I am a useful person." These are the words of Estela Diaz, an immigrant from Mexico who lives and works in Los Angeles with her husband and children. She dreams of an education for her children and to make a living for her family. Her personal testimony was shared as church and community leaders explored "Immigration and the Outrageous Hospitality of Jesus" at an April 21 conference designed to put a face on the issue of immigrant rights. Bishop Mary Ann Swenson, leader of The United Methodist Church's Los Angeles area Continued on Page 7

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Immigration: Exploring Jesus' 'outrageous' hospitality Continued from Page 6

area, greeted participants by calling them "spiritual leaders standing in the gap between the center of the community and the edge of the community." "You can invite strangers from the edge to the center of the community. You can help fulfill Jesus' vision of abundant life for all people," Swenson said. Jesus, who came from Peru, worked at a gas station, but recently was let go because of lack of documentation about his legal status in the United States. He now lives on the street, but still has hope for a better future. "There are two doors," Jesus said of homelessness. "One door, you can go in and come back out. The second door, you go in and fall into depression and despair. You don't come back out." He has chosen the first door. He says his homelessness is temporary; he sells water and soft drinks on the street to pay for his daily needs. "I am surviving," he said. "When I leave this point of just surviving, I want to come back…and help the (others)." A b ibli ca l m and at e "Anti-immigration viewpoints are all too prevalent today, even from persons who are immigrants themselves, despite a Bible and faith that demands hospitality," said Jim Winkler, chief executive of the United Methodist Board of Church and Society. Winkler outlined five elements for comprehensive immigration reform: • A path to citizenship - an earned legalization program that is workable and achievable; • Firm, fair enforcement of the law that is consistent with humanitarian values and treats all people with dignity and respect; • Restoration of due process protections for immigrants removed by the 1996 Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act; • Family-based immigration reform that reduces waiting times for family reunification; • A plan for the future flow of migrants that includes workplace protections and examines the root causes of migration. "The involvement of the church in these issues is so important. Our moral and ethical voice has weight," Winkler said. "Who speaks for the poor, the persecuted … if not us?" *Kim Fry is communications coordinator for the California Pacific Annual Conference.

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Celebrate Social Justice, the Heart of Methodism, at Your Church ~ MFSA can help The dual 100 anniversaries this year of the th

Social Creed and of MFSA has inspired local churches across the country to explore the importance of social justice in the Wesleyan heritage. Among those finding creative ways to teach and celebrate our Methodist legacy of social action is Culver-Palms UMC in Culver City, CA. Their Social Justice Ministry Team hosted a “Celebration of the Centrality of Social Justice in United Methodist History” on Saturday, May 19, 2007. The morning program included Pastor Rich Bolin’s review of the hymns and songs of justice from Charles Wesley to the current day, a dramatic reading of John Wesley’s 1791 letter to William Wilberforce and a tribute poem written especially for the occasion by Culver-Palms member Charlotte Ferrell. Cal-Pac MFSA Co-President Richard Bentley gave the keynote presentation, with an emphasis on the role of MFSA in the last 100 years. The congregation’s response was enthusiastic, and they have invited MFSA back for another such event within the next year. MFSA encourages you to consider presenting a similar program or one designed for your church. MFSA presenters are available to come to local churches in order to share this story and help more United Methodists claim their history of spreading scriptural holiness throughout the land. To learn more about what MFSA can offer your church, contact Rev. Richard Bentley at (626) 2894258, [email protected]. You may also contact Cal-Pac chapter Communications Director, M. Theresa Basile at (323) 253-9087, [email protected].

Our print newsletter “News From Home” could never reach you if not for the generous volunteers who help MFSA in assembling and mailing it. Our sincere thanks to the last crew - at Claremont UMC - who thus supported MFSA’s peace and justice ministry: Newton Maloney, Betty Kobata, Stan Moore, Pat Patterson, Richard Bentley, Bill Miller, Francis Smith, Gerald Haynes, Tom Reinhardt-Marean, Ruth Ohanessian… and perhaps a few others. Your name may be missing from our list, but you have our gratitude nonetheless.

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SOCIAL JUSTICE IS CENTRAL TO THE UMC A tribute poem by Charlotte ‘Sista C’ Ferrell Member of Culver-Palms United Methodist Church Social justice is central to the UMC; It parallels key struggles in history. In 1907 Methodist clergy gathered in Washington DC; Established A Social Creed which was celebrated by tea. To secure its rights, America had a fiery Boston tea party Methodist Clergy had a Presidential tea to jump start its Human Rights authority. Authority was granted the creed at the Church’s 1908 General Conference; So today we, united, can move it forward with confidence. First the Methodist Episcopal Church, Now the entire United Methodist Church Can hold on to the word with a God-blessed spiritual anchor To stand up for something beyond Sunday morning words. The church stood then and we stand now:

For equal rights and complete justice for all men in all stations of life. For the principles of conciliation and arbitration in industrial discussions. … For the abolition of child labor … For the suppression of the ‘sweating system.’ … For a release in employment one day in seven. For a living wage in every industry. … For the recognition of the Golden Rule and the mind of Christ as the supreme law of society and the sure remedy of social ills. We have a hundred year history to uphold To ensure that in the future it will be told: That we hung with the plumbline, We moved from the drafting board of egalitarian ideas To the streets, town hall meetings, voting booths and corporate board rooms, Standing up for the meek, the fatherless, the poor, the widowed, the least of these – given to our care by our Creator. We have re-ignited our mission and will not err by omission, When it is time to move on the social action issues of Today, Social Justice IS Central to the U.M.C.

Sprague & Suchocki at Cal-Pac Annual Meeting

Bishop C. Joseph Sprague’s powerful address on strategies MFSA needs to adopt

Marjorie Suchocki, process theologian, MFSA National Board member, presents progressive approach to faith

“The best one in my memory!” “The energy in the air was electric.” Some of the comments by MFSA members, on the MFSA Cal-Pac Chapter’s 100th Birthday Celebration, on January 27. We were honored to have two impressive keynote speakers that day and a wonderful turnout of UM’s, including Bishop Mary Ann Swenson and our Cal-Pac Conference Leadership Team. Bishop Joseph Sprague delivered an emotional and stimulating talk on the strategies MFSA needs to apply as we begin a new century of activism. (If you would like a copy of this address, contact Theresa Basile at [email protected].) Marjorie Suchocki, co-director of the Center for Process Studies, professor emeritus of Claremont School of Theology, and MFSA National Board Member presented a thought-provoking analysis on progressive theology. Michele Johns, student leader at Claremont School of Theology and past Cal-Pac MFSA Leadership Team member brought insightful and practical advice for organizing student activists on campus to the panel discussion on the Fu tur e of MF SA , which also included Sprague, Suchocki, and Cal-Pac MFSA Co-President Louis Chase. The Birthday Party lunch included a not-sotrivial

Michele Johns, Student Leader, Claremont School of Theology (left) and Louis Chase, Cal-Pac MFSA Co-President (right) discuss MFSA’s future on afternoon panel

trivial quiz on MFSA with Gandhi and King posters as prizes, and fantastic food from Mama’s Hot Tamales, a community development business that provides local immigrants with business skills and food industry experience (enjoy them again at our Annual Conference luncheon).

Join today! Learn more about MFSA at www.mfsaweb.org. Contact our chapter: [email protected]

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“We have the Board of Church and Society… why do we need MFSA?” A very good question, and one that deserves to be answered. Since our church has the Board of Church and Society, along with Peace with Justice Committees and others, to speak officially on many important social action issues, why support MFSA? Should MFSA even exist? Well, if MFSA weren’t around, someone would have to create it. The United Methodist Church is a large and impressive institution, one that does enormous good in the world, including the moral authority with which we speak to the nation on social issues that demand our attention. But like many large institutions, our size and complexity also present us with limitations. Change does not happen easily. On many issues our church leaders and members cannot agree about how God has called us to live and to be the Church. We are struggling to discern God’s will for us, even as we struggle internally with our stated policies and practices. In the midst of those struggles, MFSA has the unique position of speaking both independently and authoritatively – with the authority earned through 100 years of church leadership in social justice ministry, and with the independence we maintain because our funding has never come from the denomination directly, but comes entirely from private donations. With that i ndep end en t voice, seasoned by a century of experience in American Methodism, we can challenge the church with the boldness and the power of the prophets of old. Amos, Micah, Jeremiah, Isaiah – they all held God’s “plumbline” right in front of the people of God. They proclaimed God’s justice, mercy and compassion without fear or compromise. They challenged and provoked the powers that were, both religious and political. And, particuarly in times of upheaval and transition, they called God’s people to straighten up their personal lives and their society, to get themselves in line with that “plumbline” of God’s will. That’s just how MFSA began in 1907, bringing a progressive message to a nation convulsed by economic turmoil and labor confrontation, and challenging a church that had concerned itself mostly with personal holiness and theological creeds. In writing the first Social Creed (and ever since), MFSA set a vision of the church’s Godgiven role in transforming society, and we re-broadcast a lost standard for society to hear – a standard of justice, opportunity, equality, and compassion for every member of society, the Golden Rule and the mind of Christ as the cure for society’s ills. That is the role of MFSA, today as always. Challenging the church and the nation forward, cutting a trail into new frontiers of justice and peace, frontiers where institutional voices cannot or will not yet go. To speak with prophetic boldness, without concern for church polls or funding, and without obligation to any but God. If there is not an independent and knowledgable voice to address the full range of issues that cry out for an uncompromising champion, there can be no “plumbline” set before the church, to challenge us all to grow in understanding, in courage, in compassion. MFSA will never be redundant or obsolete. Methodist Federation If MFSA didn’t exist, God would have to find someone to do the job.

for Social Action

At no time is MFSA’s independent voice needed more than when our Connection gathers at General Conference. As we celebrate our 100th Anniversary and prepare for GC 2008, now is the time for all our supporters to become members of MFSA. While MFSA never denies membership to anyone due to a lack of funds, and we deeply value the support of every single United Methodist, we are pleased to note that our chapter now has 44 “Centennial Members”! A Centennial Membership entails a donation of $100 and provides the crucial level of support that MFSA truly needs to keep speaking with an independent, prophetic voice and continue challenging our church to go beyond the justice limits of the present day. If you have not yet renewed or begun your membership in this calendar year, we invite you to be a part of MFSA in our Centennial Year. Our second century is starting now and there is much to be done! Please find our membership form on the back page of this newsletter, fill it out and send it in today.

I am setting a plumbline in the midst of my people…Amos 7:8 CONTACT YOUR CHAPTER OFFICERS: Louis Chase, Co-president [email protected]

323-753-4535

Richard Bentley, Co-president [email protected]

626-289-4258

Rich Bolin, Treasurer [email protected]

310-390-7717

Krista McVey, National Board Representative [email protected] 760-362-1128 M. Theresa Basile, Communications Director [email protected]

323-253-9087

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Join today! Learn more about MFSA at www.mfsaweb.org. Contact our chapter: [email protected]

Stellar Conference in DC! Voices of Faith 2007 Bishop Minerva Carcaño sends assembly forth for action

Marshall Ganz (left) Harvard Prof, trains MFSA’s future leaders & organizers

Two insightful scholars & authors: Tracie West (above) & Brian Blount (right)

Always creative, sometimes astonishing worship with Marcia McFee (above)

Over 300 hundred United Methodists from around the country gathered in Washington DC this April for MFSA’s third bi-annual national conference, Voices of Faith. With the conference theme of “Make Plain the Vision,” participants reflected, prayed and planned about how to continue to hold a vision of justice and generosity before the church and society. This centennial celebration of MFSA opened with an impressive historical review of MFSA’s 100-year legacy, recognizing and honoring the leaders of MFSA on whose shoulders we stand, leaders such as Harry Ward (drafter of the first Social Creed), Winifred Chappell, Jack McMichael and others! Many people came away praising the sitmulating worship services organized for MFSA by Dr. Marcia McFee. There’s nothing like hundreds of energized United Methodists singing justice hymns together! And we were graced by the gifts of extraordinary preachers: Rev. Dr. Traci West, Drew Theological Seminary, spoke on “Biblical Engagement” a thought-provoking look at our relationship with scripture. Dr. Brian K. Blount, of Princeton University, New Testament scholar, professor and author, spoke on “Rooted in Faith: Called Into Action,” a scholarly and deeply motivating address about the soil of Biblical justice in which we are rooted and which calls us to act. Diana Butler Bass, nationally recognized author and speaker, opened our eyes with “Christianity for the Rest of US.” As in her book of the same name, Bass set forth the success and growth of many progressive churches around the country, contrary to the popular wisdom that only evangelical and mega-churches are flourishing today. Marshall Ganz, former director of organizing for Cesar Chavez’s United Farm Workers and currently lecturer at Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government, spoke on “Engaging Members and Changing the World” and helped us understand how being people of faith and good organizers go hand in hand. (See more below) General Conference plans were very much in the minds and on the agenda of this gathering. In that context, two leaders from the Cal-Pac chapter of MFSA addressed the assembly. Mary Larson spoke on the serious challenges on women’s health and reproductive choice that we can expect at GC 2008. Richard Bentley, current co-president of our chapter, spoke about Judicial Council elections and the importance of electing fairminded, non-ideological Council members. The empowering events on our closing day included the modern-day prophet Bishop Minerva Carcaño calling us forth to join in building a just society. Although D.C. was pounded with a torrential downpour that Sunday, close to 100 courageous witnesses traveled to the White House and raised their voices in song, prayer and witness, bringing the message of peace, justice and liberation, and challenging the current administration to live up to the highest ideals of the Gospel and of our nation. More than a dozen cutting-edge workshops were taught by the top leaders in their fields on a wide variety of critical issues of the day, just a few of them being: • If We Can Risk Nuclear War, We Can Risk Disarmament • Immigration: A Theological Response • Consumerism: Heaven’s Wealth and Earthly Treasures • America’s Disgrace: Incarceration and the Death Penalty • Faith in the Age of Empire • Common Cause: Intersections of Oppression • Working for a Living Wage: Economic Engagement • Economic Divestment as a Tool to Impact the Occupation of Palestine A major focus of this conference was training for organizers and leadership development, both in preparation for General Conference 2008 and as part of MFSA’s ongoing commitment to support and strengthen our chapters and expand leadership. MFSA contracted with Dr. Marshall Ganz to provide in-depth organizing training. Marshall is currently a lecturer in Public Policy at the Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University. He is a former civil rights organizer in Mississippi and later joined Cesar Chavez and the United Farm Workers in their transformative organizing efforts. In addition to tremendous experience in union, community, issue, and political organizing, he has also worked with grassroots groups like the Sierra Club to develop effective organizing programs and has a particular interest in working with faith-based groups. According to Ganz, “John Wesley was quite an organizer himself.” continued on Page 11

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Page 11

Stellar Conference in DC! Voices of Faith 2007 - continued from Page 10 Roughly 20 leaders and members of our Cal-Pac Chapter attended Voices of Faith this year. Here are some of their perspectives on what they experienced in Washington D.C. in April: "What I will take from "Voices of Faith" is all of us standing outside the White House huddled together in the rain. Even though it was raining and cold, we would not give up being witnesses for peace and justice. We had to make sure that we let people know what we stood for, no matter the circumstances. Candie Odell, Cal-Pac MFSA Leadership Team, college student I thought the plenaries at the DC event were very good. I loved the professor from Princeton, Brian Blount, and the one from Harvard's Kennedy School. Bishop Carcano was fantastic, a combination of mystic and activist a la Thomas Merton. The workshop I liked the best was the one on the “Intersection of Oppressions.” This is precisely what we need to do more often, to realize that there is only one minority, the minority that rules. Paulo Freire taught us that around thirty years ago but we still don't get it. Ignacio Castuero, Pastor of Trinity UMC (Pomona), National Chaplain of Planned Parenthood Federation of America I loved the imaginative and inspiring worship services. And the rare opportunity to fellowship with UM's of progressive values from across the country, and build the bonds of our community. The non-violence training with Janet Chisholm gave us the chance to practice dealing with others in very confrontational, explosive moments - something we all could use. Theresa Basile, Communications Director of Cal-Pac MFSA The opening session with worship and the history of MFSA was uplifting and very informative. It was awesome to see what MFSA has done in the last 100 years. And all of the worship services with Marcia McFee were amazing! Richard Bentley, Copresident of Cal-Pac MFSA The best conference MFSA has ever done! Mary Larson, Board of RCRC, Past Co-President of Cal-Pac MFSA “After the tragic loss of life on September 11th, 2001, I felt compelled to get involved in stopping our country from taking more lives in retribution......" This is how I framed my story as I worked with the Gantz Organizing Seminar at the "Voices of Faith" Conference. You might wonder what this storytelling had to do with social justice organizing - and the answer is everything. If we are talking to any audience about our work or what we are doing with MFSA, the issues and facts are important, but often what people really pay attention to and remember are the stories. If we can learn to tell in a compelling way the story of what we are doing, how we came to be doing it, and what we hope to do, we will be much more effective in our work. The good news is that this storytelling can improve dramatically with a little practice and feedback. Try it out for yourself. I learned a lot from the storytelling at the "Voices of Faith Conference" and I hope many of our readers try this organizing technique. Susan Stouffer, Cal-Pac MFSA Leadership Team, Peace and Justice organizer at United University Church, USC What an incredible gathering of people of faith! I really felt like this was the place I needed to be. I felt at home in this place. Our time together began with the magically creative worship leadership of Marcia McFee. This opening service highlighted the 100 years of Social Justice of MFSA, narrated by various speakers. Each service provided inspiration as well as education with incredibly dynamic speakers. The experiential and informative workshops provided tools for continuing to live out our faith and encouraging others. Thirty members of the Western Jurisdiction met informally one evening to strategize. I was inspired by people who have been in the struggle for justice for decades. Seventeen of us agreed to meet September 30th in Portland to continue to strategize. It is clear to me that the Methodist Federation for Social Action has always been and continues to be a place where Methodists seek to be the people of faith they are called to be – with no excuses. I am proud to be a member of such a courageous and audacious community of people who believe in God’s power and love and justice. Janet McKeithen, Cal-Pac MFSA Leadership Team, Pastor of Ocean Park UMC, Santa Monica

Jim Winkler (below) General Secretary, Board of Church & Society, prepared UM’s for General Conference 2008 MFSA’s national office staff did an exceptional job of organizing VOF ’07 (left to right): Kathryn Johnson, Executive Director, Amy Stapleton, National Organizer, Rob Walty, Office Manager Diana Butler Bass (above) inspires progressives to grow the church

Brian Schlemmer (right), MFSA Exec. Comm, and young adult leader with MFSAaffiliated young adult group: ON FIRE

Cal-Pac leaders (above) help prepare MFSA for challenges at GC ’08: Mary Larson on issues of women’s health, & reproductive choice, Richard Bentley on Judicial Council elections

Singing group “In Process” (right) entertains at gourmet banquet Saturday evening

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