All of our hearts are breaking at the news we are hearing from Oklahoma and the midwest after Monday's outbreak of Tornadoes and severe weather. Yet even in the midst of the ruin and destruction we see the lights of acts of courage and kindness; teachers using their bodies to protect their students, neighbors rushing out into the storm to rescue others, first responders leaving behind their own tragic losses to save the lives of others. In the midst of the fury of the storm, let us pray that God will grant us grace to keep our hearts fixed on the light so that by its inspiration and reflection we can be beacons of hope to many who need us now.
I ask your prayers for all in the region who are suffering, who have lost homes or businesses, whose hearts are broken by the loss of a loved one. I ask you to consider how we can work together to help restore what we can and comfort those whose losses we can not. Below is an email from the canon to the Ordinary of the Diocese of Oklahoma with some details, should your parish decide to aid in the recovery, or you can do so through Episcopal Relief and Development
+Nicholas
The Rt. Rev. W. Nicholas Knisely, DD. S.O.Sc.
Bishop of Rhode Island
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From: José McLoughlin
Sent: Tuesday, May 21, 2013 10:37 AM
To: Transition Ministers-Diocesan
Sent: Tuesday, May 21, 2013 10:37 AM
To: Transition Ministers-Diocesan
Subject: Tornados in OklahomaDear Colleagues,
Thank you so much to all of you who have contacted me and offered prayers and assistance.
As you have seen, the devastation is immense. We are in the process of assessing the situation with our clergy and congregations in order to most effectively respond. We have parishioners, church employees and their families that have been impacted Clergy are continuing to account for parishioners and relay information to us as events develop.
Rescue efforts continue and are expected to carry on for the days ahead. We have been asked to not encourage people to show up at the scene, but rather let emergency personnel do the work they need to do. We have also been asked not to collect clothing or household items. Right now, financial contributions are the best and most effective option. This will allow us to get funds to those who need temporary lodging, groceries, food, etc.
Contributions can be sent to us at:
The Episcopal Diocese of Oklahoma
924 N. Robinson
OKC, OK 73102
Notation on the checks should state “Tornado relief.”
We are coordinating with ERD and will continue to communicate any additional needs as the situation develops.
Thank you again for your email and prayers.
Blessings,
The Rev. Canon José A. McLoughlin
Canon to the Ordinary & Chief-of-Staff
Episcopal Diocese of Oklahoma
924 N. Robinson
Oklahoma City, OK 73102
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