AUGUST 2017
CONNECT
A MONTHLY E-NEWSLETTER OF THE OKLAHOMA CONFERENCE OF CHURCHES

The latest news and information from OCC
We are thrilled to have you as a part of our network and we look forward to sharing the latest OCC news with you each month. We are always looking for ways to involve as many people as possible in our work. Interested in getting involved? Email The Rev. Shannon Fleck today to get plugged in to our wonderful efforts statewide! 

Your gift is tax deductible. OCC is a 501(c)(3) organization.
2017 Interfaith Youth Tour

The Oklahoma Conference of Churches' Religions United Committee proudly presents the Annual Interfaith Youth Tour, which will take place on Sunday September 17, 2017 from 1-5:30 p.m.

Click  here  for more information and registration.   

2017 Interfaith Meal

The Religions United Committee is also pleased to offer an Interfaith Meal on  Sunday October 15, 2017  from 2-4 p.m. Please make plans to attend this wonderful event. More info to come soon.

2017 Annual Dinner
Save the date for our 2017 Annual Dinner on Thursday November 9, 2017 at the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum. Interested in sponsoring a table? Email Courtland Powers to make arrangements.


Fall “Local Disaster Spiritual Care Responder” trainings begin

Since March of 2015, Oklahoma has averaged a new disaster requiring assistance from outside of the local community, approximately every six weeks. Although we can’t predict where the next disaster will strike, OCC is working to build volunteer capacity throughout the state.

Two upcoming “Local Spiritual Care Responder” trainings are scheduled in the next few months:

September 21, 2017
Laverne, OK Local Disaster Spiritual Care Responder Training, September 21, 2017
 Click  here  to register for the September 21 training in Laverne.

In addition to the Laverne training and based upon requests from the Oklahoma Conference of Churches’ “Council of Communion Leaders,” OCC has scheduled a “Local Spiritual Care Responder’ training designed specifically for OCC-related communion leaders and/or their alternates, other judicatory leaders (e.g. District Superintendents), and other faith-based agency executives. For more information, contact  The Rev. Mary Hughes Gaudreau .

These trainings will qualify participants to receive OCC's disaster spiritual care credential that is recognized by emergency management officials and our other VOAD   (Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster) partners. 

Click   here  to receive email notification of future disaster spiritual and emotional care trainings.

Click   here   for a more detailed description of OCC’s three credentialing 
categories, training, qualifications, and accountability requirements.

Click  here   for an update on OCC’s disaster spiritual care program.
Social Justice Ministry

A vital part of the ministry of the Oklahoma Conference of Churches is engaging in faith driven social justice advocacy. We would love for you to be a part of the all-important work of our Social Justice Ministry Network. Do you have interest in being a part of the network and receiving our Social Justice Ministry Network E-Newsletter on the 15th of each month? Email The Rev. Shannon Fleck to be added to the list.

Volunteer Opportunity

There are 383 disaster survivors from 2015 spring storms in disaster case management with  56 ready for volunteers to do home repairs  and more becoming ready every week.  What will your  Response - Ability  be to those in need? Find out more here.
COMMUNITY EVENTS

August 3-9, 2017
      An Inconvenient Sequel - a new movie 
      from former Vice President Al Gore 
      will have a limited run in Oklahoma. 
      Click here for movie times.

August 8, 2017
      An Evening with Author Jo Ivester - 
      Downtown Library OKC (More info here)

September 10, 2017
      National Day of Prayer for National
      Suicide Prevention Month - Sponsored
      by the National Action Alliance for
      Suicide Prevention. More information
      here.

October 3, 2017
      Safe Town Domestic Violence Training
      Metro Technology Center OKC
      (More info here)

October 5, 6, 2017
      Zarrow Mental health Symposium: 
      Challenging Injustice and         
      Discrimination - Cox Business Center in
      Tulsa (More info  here)

October 20, 21, 2017
      Church Women United in Oklahoma 
      Ecumenical Leaders' Retreat - Altus 
      ( For more information, contact Lynne 
      Bussell at lbussell@suddenlink.net
A Lasting Legacy
Consider giving to the Oklahoma Conference of Churches Endowment Campaign, a gift that will ensure the work of the Conference for many years to come.

With this endowment campaign, we seek to build an enduring foundation for our vital work in uniting Oklahoma's faith community in service of social justice, interfaith understanding, and spiritual care in times of crisis.  Email  Courtland Powers  for more information today.


Oklahoma Conference of Churches
301 N.W. 36th Street
Oklahoma City, OK 73118
(405) 525-2928
www.okchurches.org

The Rev. Dr. William Tabbernee
Executive Director


The Oklahoma Conference of Churches connects, motivates, and empowers the witness of Christian communities and individuals throughout Oklahoma on issues of faith and social justice.
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