Day 4
We approved the Consent Calendar. We approved the two items removed from the Consent Calendar and other legislative items. There was some concerns about selling the Camp Lodestar (in Wilseyville, CA) but it was approved in the end. Although, the recommendation did not actually say that the camp was to be sold—it said the Board of Camping and Retreat Ministries was to be given time to study the issue and be given the authority to sell the camp if they found that to be the best option—but since the leaders of the BCRM had already expressed their view that the camp was no longer functioning and drain on our resources, we all knew that the camp will be sold.
Also some concerns expressed about meeting in Oakland for the 2028 and 2029 Annual Conference Sessions. Our ACS Sessions committee needs at least a two-year advance reservation for the venue and the Sacramento Convention Center is no longer willing to do that. The Convention Center offered to guarantee a reservation for Memorial Weekend 2028 but presents problems for local churches and conference leadership. The Oakland Marriott City Center is the probable venue for 2028+2029.
The 2027 Budget Recommendation was approved. Resolution Item 9 about caring for congregations during closure of local churches was referred to the Cabinet and creation of a task force.
A number of awards were given: One Matters Awards to one church/district.
Sanger UMC was recognized from Central
Valley District for their multicultural and intergenerational outreach & growth. Also, Bishop Malvin
Talbert Award and Bishop Warner H Brown Jr. Award (to Regina Eng of Daly City UMC and Conference Lay Leader,
Micheal Pope, respectively).
We had a closing worship service with communion. Next year’s Annual Conference Session will be in Sacramento June 11–14, 2027.
This is my last Annual Conference as a lay delegate from Wesley Bakersfield UMC. As far as I can tell from my past reports posted on the church’s website, I've attended most of the ACS since 2000. Thank you for allowing me and trusting me to represent you all these past years!
