Mike Korenblit, Nyla Ali Khan, and the Rev. Dr. William Tabbernee enjoying the OCC Annual Benefit Breakfast.

OCC 2017

BENEFIT BREAKFAST 

When people arrived at St. Paul's Cathedral for the OCC Benefit Breakfast on Thursday, April 20, 2017, some were surprised (and delighted) to find that their Table Host was listed as Mohammad Christian Goldberg,  see link. This name, encompassing the three Abrahamic Faiths, is how an anonymous sponsor of the event wants to emphasize the importance of Interfaith understanding and engagement--which is one of OCC's major programs. 

OCC is also very much involved in social justice and disaster spiritual care. After a brief overview of OCC's mission and main activities, Dr. William Tabbernee, executive director, used a "roving microphone" to interview a number of OCC Board and committee members regarding specific aspects of OCC's critically important work.  This new format enabled a great deal of information to be imparted quickly through a variety of voices about topics such as the recent International Interfaith Tour to Israel and the Palestinian Territories, OCC's Statement on Climate Changes, the bills being tracked by our IMPACT Committee, and the role of OCC's Council of Communion Leaders. 

ADVOCACY TRAINING WORKSHOP 

St. Nicholas Chapel at St. Paul's Cathedral was the venue for OCC's Advocacy Training Workshop on April 20, 2017. Kim Moyer, Oklahoma State Director for Marcy's Law; Allie Shinn, Director of External Affairs, ALCU and Shirley Cox, Legal Services Development, DHS Aging Services were all outstanding speakers. Each presented extremely practical steps to take when trying to make your views known 

about particular bills before the Oklahoma Legislature. HB1913 (linked), a bill which proposes a new "small loan" of up to $1,500 by the Payday Industry at a massive 204% APR (annual percentage rate) was used as an example of a bill which needs to be opposed ( click here to see the statement opposing this bill by the OCC Heads of Communion). 

On April 27, HB1913 passed the Oklahoma Senate. This means that the bill is now on the governor's desk. OCC has written to Governor Fallin imploring her to veto the bill, which, if it becomes law, will allow predatory lenders to take advantage of financially vulnerable Oklahomans.  

If you would like to add your own voice to asking the governor to veto this bill, Governor Fallin may be reached by leaving a voicemail on her phone by calling (405) 521-2342 or (405) 522-8857.

If you would like to receive OCC's Social Justice Ministry Network monthly electronic newsletter, which provides up to date information about the bills which OCC's IMPACT Committee is tracking and about suggested actions to be taken, you may sign up at this link SJMN.

DEATH PENALTY MORATORIUM

While OCC sees the recommended extension of the moratorium on the death penalty as "a step in the right direction," the Oklahoma Attorney General, "respectfully disagrees" which the bipartisan commission's recommendation and plans to move forward with new protocols for executing death row inmates. AG ARTICLE

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NEW OCC DIRECTOR OF PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT, EVENTS AND COMMUNICATIONS 

It is with great delight that we announce the appointment of the Rev. Shannon Fleck Speidel as OCC's Director of Program Development, Events and Communications. Rev. Speidel has a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from the University of Central Oklahoma and a Master of Divinity from Phillips Theological Seminary. 

Rev. Speidel comes to OCC from Central Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Enid where she served as Associate Minister. Prior to that she was the Protestant Parish Coordinator at the Little Rock Air Force Base Chapel in Jacksonville, AR.  She has also served as the Assistant Minister with Youth at Western Oaks Christian Church (OKC); as a Mental Health case manager; and a Juvenile Justice specialist. She has also undertaken extensive training and has extensive experience in media, communications, and event planning. 

Rev. Speidel starts her new position on May 1, 2017 and may be contacted via email at sspeidel@okchurches.org or by phone at (405) 525-2928.   

OCC's Board president, the Very Rev. Justin  Lindstrom spoke at a news conference held on April 20, 2017 at which OCC's Statement on Climate Change was presented. To read the article by Carla Hinton click HERE . 

The Summer Food Service Program is designed to fill the nutrition gap and make sure children can get the nutritious meals they need.

During the school year, many children receive free and reduced-price breakfast and lunch through the  School Breakfast and National School Lunch Programs. What happens when school lets out? 

Hunger is one of the most severe roadblocks to the learning process. Lack of nutrition during the summer months may set up a cycle for poor performance once school begins again. Hunger also may make children more prone to illness and other health issues.  The Summer Food Service Program is designed to fill the nutrition gap and make sure children can get the nutritious meals they need. 

Families can go to this website  SUMMER FOOD SERVICE PROGRAM, then type in their zip code to locate the nearest feeding site.   Kids eat FREE!

Help us get the word out!  Please contact  Heather Griswold  for posters and other promotional materials for your congregation. 

The OCC Offices will be closed for Memorial Day, May 29, 2017.