Sisters and Brothers in Christ:
 
We have had many calls, emails and text messages to the Conference Office expressing support, care and concern for the those impacted by the tornadoes in Oklahoma City; I know that is true for our churches in the area as well. I have been in daily contact with Florence Coppola who serves as the Executive for Disaster Response in the UCC.; she has been helpful and supportive and has a wealth of experience and contacts.   Today, three of our pastors in the Oklahoma City area, (Warren Jensen, United Church of Norman, Matthew Perkins Cathedral of Hope; and Chris Moore, Mayflower) along with Florence and myself were on a call with Oklahoma Voluntary Organizations Active in Disasters (VOAD) where we learned about the response currently being provided on the ground in Moore and the surrounding areas.
 
In the early days of a disaster, the UCC has always been committed to supporting the first responders that are already on the ground and Florence has sent notes to VOAD offering to provide personal protection equipment (tyvek suits, goggles, gloves and respirators) for homeowners and volunteers to use when cleaning out homes or sifting through debris for personal items.  There are many potential health issues associated with this work.  Our local churches are also responding to requests locally as they learn of needs and places to drop off these goods.
 
The UCC Disaster Ministries has always put much of its emphasis on long term response and recovery as long after the news media and first responders leave, there will be many needs that remain and significant rebuilding of property and lives.    Next Wednesday, I will be in Oklahoma City with Florence Coppola to meet with our UCC pastor, staff and pastors from the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and other ecumenical partners to begin conversations about an ecumenical response for the long term.
 
Many people are moved to help as they watch the news and hear of the devastation and sometimes it is hard to know exactly what to do especially from afar.  Several churches have asked about taking offerings on Sunday. The UCC website posted an article yesterday about the tornadoes and the article contains a link to donate http://www.ucc.org/news/oklahoma-tornados-05212013.html
Also, some churches in the conference have expressed a desire to send checks directly to the Conference Office. Please feel free to do that and they will be deposited in a designated fund and as the Oklahoma Churches and pastors make decisions about a coordinated long term response, these funds will be helpful then as well.
 
 
Here Is an excerpt of a note from Warren Jensen, pastor of our church in Norman Oklahoma:
 
As you already know the immediate and spontaneous help given has been staggering.  The "need to help and do something" has motivated numerous avenues to help from which people can choose to help.   Local groups and churches have been terrific in their response work and the gathering of supplies.  Journey Church has become a home base for many folks and we should applaud their hard work and caring presence.  The University of Oklahoma has opened its doors to take in over 130 people left homeless.  The Red Cross and Salvation Army and untold volunteers have worked tirelessly to meet the needs of people who are suddenly destitute.  Last night, representing our church, I joined a team of Norman clergy that OU invited to be present with those who are being housed there.  After such an experience people need to tell the story and have someone to listen; over and over.  Additionally, people have been purchasing necessary items for people.  This part of the response has been inspiring to watch and I'm sure will help greatly to carry these folks along and into the next stage, which could be even harder.  The aftermath, when the reality of what has happened sinks in and the fact of not having a home and personal space may be even harder for these neighbors to navigate through.  It will be important for all of us to remember this so we don't tire out and move on.  This is the type of disaster that demands ongoing support. 
 
 
I am sure to learn more when I am actually in the area  next week and will do my best to pass along any new or update information as I learn of it.  Thank you for your continuing prayers and care for our sisters and brothers in Oklahoma.
 

 
Edith Guffey
Conference Minister
Kansas Oklahoma Conference, United Church of Christ
1245 Fabrique
Wichita, KS 67218
(316) 686-4331
eguffey@kocucc.com