Category: Stories

The Oklahoma United Methodist Conference’s annual conference meeting is being held this week in Oklahoma City. Tomorrow, volunteers will complete two mission projects with Rebuilding Together!

Story by: Carla Hinton, NewsOK.com

With the theme “Mission Possible,” delegates are preparing to gather for the Oklahoma United Methodist Conference’s annual conference meeting set for Monday through Thursday in Oklahoma City.

Most daytime sessions of the meeting will be at the Henry J. Freede Wellness and Activity Center, NW 27 and Florida, on the Oklahoma City University campus. Evening sessions will be at St. Luke’s United Methodist Church, 222 NW 15.

The meeting will be led by the Rev. Robert Hayes Jr., bishop of the Oklahoma United Methodist Conference and the Oklahoma Indian Missionary Conference.

The conference will begin with a concert by the Africa University Choir at 6:30 p.m. Monday at St. Luke’s.

A Eucharistic Service of Thanksgiving and Remembrance, with guest preacher Bishop Peter Weaver of the New England Annual Conference, will begin after the concert.

A laity session and clergy executive session will be held on Tuesday at OCU.

Hayes will speak to conference attendees during his annual Episcopal Address and Chuck Stewart, conference lay leader, will share the laity address.

The Rev. Jeremy Basset, this year’s guest teacher, will lead delegates during a teaching segment of the conference.

A Service of Commission and Retirement will be held at 7 p.m. Tuesday at St. Luke’s. A Service of Ordination will be at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday in the Bishop W. Angie Smith Chapel at OCU.

Meanwhile, Holly McCray with the conference’s department of communications said it is important to note that delegates will be able to put the conference’s mission theme into action on Wednesday by participating in several mission projects.

She said the mission projects will benefit organizations such as the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma, Rebuilding Together, Positive Tomorrows, Neighborhood Services Organization, Hillcrest Fuente De Vida/Studio 222, Circle of Care/Child Share, Exodus House and Mustard Seed Development Corporation.

Several delegate groups will tour local nonprofits like The Education and Employment Ministry known as TEEM, Skyline Urban Ministries and Infant Crisis Services.

A message from the Oklahoma Center for Nonprofits.  Posted on http://okcenter4nonprofits.wordpress.com/2013/05/21/responding-to-tragedy-with-strength/

 

 

 

 

May 19, 2013 and May 20, 2013 will never be forgotten.

Sunday night, an EF-2 tornado tore through Shawnee and Carney, Okla. causing damage and destruction to Pottawotamie County. Edmond was hit first, followed by Harrah, Luther, the Wellston area and Twin Lakes near Shawnee.

Oklahomans hoped for the storms to move on; little did we know, the worst was yet to come.

As you are aware, Moore, has been devastated by another killer tornado that tracked an eerily similar path 14 years ago.

The tornado that struck in Moore, on Monday, classified as a EF4 has been called “the worst tornado in the history of the world” by a meteorologist for KFOR-TV. The scenes of destruction in the aftermath are overwhelming.

Marnie Taylor, President and CEO, of the Oklahoma Center for Nonprofits spoke on this devastating tragedy:

“We are deeply saddened by the tragic events of yesterday’s tornado in Moore, and our hearts, thoughts and prayers are with all of those affected. We can’t begin to fathom the level of devastation in the area. The loss of loved ones carries the heaviest of tolls. We know that so many families are displaced in this heart breaking situation.

But we also know that Oklahomans are strong and generous, willing to help in tremendous ways. Nonprofit organizations are already part of the first wave of response, and I know that nonprofits will continue to help those in the days, weeks and months ahead. We support the first responders on the scene, and we ask that everyone in Oklahoma answer those calls to meet the needs of all of those affected by the storms.

We are ever thankful to the generosity of the individuals and businesses supporting nonprofits, volunteering their time, and joining together to lend a strong hand to the families who have lost so much. We will continue to stay apprised of the situation and communicate with Oklahoma nonprofits about the emerging needs in Moore.”

Currently, first responders are continuing to work in Moore, Okla., in search and rescue attempts. The Red Cross, Salvation Army, food banks and other nonprofits are among those working.Area organizations should continue to follow the news reports to address needs of those affected. We will try to keep nonprofits informed of events as we receive news.

Want to help?!?

You can:

• Text “REDCROSS” to 90999 for a $10 donation
• $10 donations can also be made by texting “Tornado” to 32333 for the Food Bank. A $10 donation will provide 50 meals to our neighbors in need
• Help the Salvation Army help #Moore. Donate.http://donate.salvationarmyusa.org/uss/eds/aok or text “STORM” to 80888 to donate $10 to the recovery and relief efforts in #Moore, Oklahoma.
• KFOR-TV (OKC) is still accepting donations for tornado relief throughout the day.

444 E. Britton Rd.Oklahoma City, OK 73114

They can accept up to one truckload from each person donating.

If you have more than a truckload, please take your donations directly to the old Montgomery Ward at Crossroads Mall.

Relief officials are asking for specific donations, including water bottles; Gatorade/energy drinks; diapers; hand towels; hand sanitizer; and sunscreen. No clothing please

Looking for other drop off site. Visit the KFOR website for more information.  http://kfor.com/2013/05/21/tornado-relief-drop-off-locations-around-metro-okc/

 

We are devastated by the news coming out of Moore, OK, just 15 miles to our south. Please consider supporting your favorite first responding agency with financial donations today.  You can visit News OK’s How to help tornado victims for more information on giving.

We also encourage anyone desiring to help to stay out of the area at the present time.  “I know people are very eager to help. As a resident of South OKC, I ask you to PLEASE stay out of the area unless you have a reason to be there.” – Holly, Oklahoma Housing Finance Agency

The United Way of Norman is referring people to “The City of Moore Recovers” (www.moore.recovers.org).  On this site, “you will be updated at least once a day about each local organization’s volunteer needs and workday locations.”

 

It’s the LAST month to give toward the Challenge Grant and have your dollars matched! Follow along on our new campaign page to track our giving levels, learn about homeowners we can help with your giving and celebrate as we make strides towards our $100,000 goal!!

You can provide a new door for Ms. Arlean, or needed plumbing reparis for Mr. Bobby, in addition to several other homeowners who need assistance.

Visit http://www.crowdrise.com/rtchallengegrant/fundraiser/rebuildingtogetherok

photo from itswrittenonthewalls.blogspot.com

Congratulations to the 2013 graduates who served on our Youth Board and interned for us this past year! Thank you for your hard work!

A message from our Executive Director

Rebuilding Day 2013 took place on April 13, 2013. Early on a sunny Saturday morning, hundreds of volunteers arrived at 32 homes across the metro to make critical repairs for low-income, elderly homeowners. Homeowners bravely let us into their homes and lives and trusted us to make needed repairs. Volunteers replaced windows, rebuilt kitchens and bathrooms, and painted for hours upon hours. Together our volunteers worked approximately 7,125 hours!  The day culminated with a cook-out hosted by generous board members for tired but happy volunteers.

As we have checked in with the homeowners in the days following Rebuilding Day, 100% of them express satisfaction with the work done by volunteers and staff. Here are what a few of our homeowners had to say:

We should all feel a sense of satisfaction that these homeowners can now live safely in their own homes. THANK YOU FOR YOUR HELP! Thanks to our donors, the Rebuilding Together OKC staff and board, and all of our volunteers for making our 22nd Rebuilding Day a success!