Congregational Response
Caring for a community’s most vulnerable involves special consideration in times of natural disaster, particularly in the case of a cataclysmic earthquake. In such an event, vital infrastructure like power and water usually go down, along with communication land lines and mobility. In addition, cultural barriers, lack of resources, political marginalization, and fear of institutions adds layers of challenge for many. What does it mean for the Church to bear witness to a God of refuge?
The CEPA Project
The Congregation-based Earthquake Preparedness & Awareness (CEPA) Project, supported by the FAITHS program of the San Francisco Foundation, brought six congregations in the Mission District together to consider the above question, and receive education in organizational preparedness and community preparedness. In partnership with the Red Cross, and San Francisco CARD (Community Agencies Responding to Disaster) and the fire department, the congregations convened and offered training classes for the community. See the Photos
From our latest newsletter…
Demitria Gallaread writes: “I am not a public speaker. But this past year, I have had the opportunity to work with GUM to develop a presentation on the city’s health programs, Healthy SF and SF Health Plan. I have given two presentations…at both events I inevitably experienced a turning stomach, a rapidly pounding heart…The feeling of inadequacy was not a dull pain but a jarring throb…”