For the next installment of Tending the Garden, we'll be talking plastic with Sherrie McNall - how did it get into everything, and how can we reduce its use in our lives and our planet? #creationcare

We are thrilled to announce that the Oklahoma Faith Network is a proud host of the upcoming National Faith + Climate Forum 2025 on March 27. This pivotal event is a call to all who are passionate about intertwining faith with actionable climate stewardship.

The Forum is presented virtually by Blessed Tomorrow, and local faith communities gather together to participate, collaborate, and share resources. Thank you to Church of the Arms UCC for providing our location!

This year's forum, themed "Seven Acts of Faith for Building Thriving Congregations," offers an opportunity for us to explore impactful ways to integrate environmental stewardship and social justice into our faith practices. From innovative workshops to inspiring talks, each segment is designed to empower and uplift. Find the full agenda here.

Last year was the first annual National Faith + Climate Forum, and Oklahoma did not have a host site! This year, the Oklahoma Faith Network is proud to gather Oklahomans from all faiths who care deeply about our common home. Much gratitude to the Church of the Open Arms for hosting us in their beautiful space! If your faith community is interested in co-hosting, email us at info@okfaith.org.

Funding will be available to attendees for ecological initiatives that involve collaboration between one or more faith communities.

Whether you've participated in the past or are new to climate action, your presence will contribute to a collective effort to foster a sustainable and just future for all. Let's come together to learn, inspire, and act!

Event Details:

• Date: March 27, 2025

• Time: 10:30 am - 4:30 pm (lunch provided)

• Venue: Church of the Open Arms UCC, Oklahoma City

TULSA folks! In the Spirit Christian Church is a host site in Tulsa. Select them as your location if that’s a more convenient area for you.

NORMAN folks! University Lutheran Church and Student Center is a host site in Norman. Select them as your location if that’s a more convenient area for you.

Registration is easy, free, and filled with purpose: 

1. To Register go to https://nationalfaithandclimateforum.org

2. Fill out the required registration fields. 

3. Select the “Attend in person at a designated host location” Ticket Type. 

4. Then select Church of the Open Arms UCC in OKC. 

5. Submit your registration and look out for a confirmation email with your registration details!

You can learn more about Blessed Tomorrow and the Forum here.

Thanks to our co-hosts!

Church of the Open Arms UCC, OKC

Cathedral of Hope, oKC

First Unitarian Church of Oklahoma City

Oklahoma Interfaith Power and Light

Human Community Network

World House Institute for Social and Ecological Responsibility at Oklahoma City University

United Methodist Leadership, Education, and Development (LEAD) Hub USA

Removing unneeded medications from your home is a way to prevent medication misuse and opioid addiction from ever starting. Add this date to your calendar to bring all your expired or unused medications for safe disposal.

What to Bring:
Unused or Expired Prescription Medications:
◦ Prescription medications (both pills and liquids) that are no longer needed or expired.
◦ Over-the-counter medications that are no longer required.
Vitamins and Supplements:
◦ These can be disposed of safely at take-back events.
Medications in their Original Packaging:
◦ This can help with proper identification and safe disposal. However, if the packaging is not available, the medication can still be accepted.
Controlled Substances:
◦ Many events accept controlled substances (like painkillers), but check local guidelines for specifics.

What NOT to Bring:
Needles (Sharps):
◦ Most take-back events do not accept needles, syringes, or lancets unless a special collection for sharps is specified.
Inhalers:
◦ Some events may not accept inhalers due to the propellant chemicals they contain. Check beforehand.
Medical Equipment or Supplies:
◦ Things like thermometers, bandages, or medical devices are usually not accepted.
Cosmetics or Personal Care Products:
◦ These aren’t pharmaceutical products and should not be brought to these events.
Household Hazardous Waste:
◦ Cleaning products, paints, or pesticides are not accepted.

Our livelihoods depend on access to clean, safe water. Learn more about some of the issues facing our access in Oklahoma from this fun (promise!) conversation with Graycen Wheeler, Water Reporter for KOSU. We talk forever chemicals, dishwashing, the role of poop in our agriculture, and where OKC's water comes from in a drought.

✨ 2nd Annual Interfaith Impact Luncheon ✨
📅 Tuesday, February 18th, 2025
⏰ 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM
📍 Zoom

A Nonpartisan Gathering for Justice, Inclusion, and Collective Action

Join the Oklahoma Center for Community and Justice (OCCJ) and the Oklahoma Faith Network for the 2nd Annual Interfaith Impact Luncheon, a statewide virtual gathering bringing together faith leaders, activists, and community members committed to fostering justice, inclusion, and interfaith solidarity.

This year, we are hosting the event online to ensure that Oklahomans from across the state can join us far and wide. The luncheon serves as a nonpartisan response to the Governor’s Prayer Breakfast, providing a space for critical reflection and discussion on the growing challenges of White Supremacy and Christian Nationalism.

We’ll be featuring speakers from OCCJ, the Oklahoma Faith Network, and and a panel moderated by Deon Osborne, editor-in-chief of The Black Wall Street Times. We'll also include some surprise special guests who are working to uplift Oklahomans across the aisle. Together, we will build a collective vision for a more inclusive and equitable Oklahoma.

Date: Sunday, February 18, 2025

Time: 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM CST

At a time when faith is often weaponized to divide, this gathering stands as a testament to the power of solidarity, justice, and interfaith collaboration. Reserve your spot and be part of the conversation!

📩 For questions, reach out to Tasneem Al-Michael at talmichael@occjok.org

Let’s build a stronger, more inclusive Oklahoma together!

Bystander intervention is built on the idea that we all play a role in creating safe public spaces for each other when we see our neighbors and community members facing bias, discrimination, or harassment. Registration is free but required:
https://buff.ly/4a891j9

Are you alarmed by what you've seen in Asheville and let's face it, everywhere on our planet? The latest Tending the Garden will cover how to start a creation care movement in your faith community, and hopefully in collaboration with other faith communities. Watch live or afterwards on our YouTube channel!

For the past 16 years, Oklahoma Faith Network has hosted an Interfaith Youth Tour, where students visit diverse houses of worship to gain understanding and appreciation for other faith traditions.

We are excited to continue this important program this year with the following communities:

Emanuel Synagogue

Islamic Society of Greater Oklahoma City

Nithyanandeshwara Vedic Temple of Oklahoma

Participants will transport themselves to and from each site.

Individual ticket: $15 (includes swag item*)

If you are a student, or if this is a hardship, please register even if you are unable to donate at this time. To help ensure youth groups and others can participate, we are offering a sponsorship opportunity:

Sponsoring organizations will receive a discounted price for participants, swag items for participants, a discussion guide, No Hate in the Heartland stickers, and will be gratefully acknowledged in the OFN newsletter and on our social media. 

$300 donation = 25 spots for the Interfaith Youth Tour + swag items*
$100 donation = 10 spots for the Interfaith Youth Tour + swag items*

*Those registering after September 1 can't be guaranteed swag items, but we'll try!

We are excited for the chance to expand this event and bring even more young Oklahomans into a deeper understanding of diverse faith experiences and consequently, of their neighbors.

OFN Religions United Committee

Did you know fall is the best time for planting? So July is the perfect time to start planning for more sustainable landscaping at home and at your faith community.

On July 18, hear from two regular people who made changes in their yards little by little, chatting about what worked, what was a huge hassle, and other details with “Eco-Chat with Kat” and the Compost Fairy, Crystal Walter.

Did you know fall is the best time for planting? So July is the perfect time to start planning for more sustainable landscaping at home and at your faith community.

On July 2, hear from the Grounds by Grounds project about converting some of the lawn at your faith community to community gardens or just more life-supporting plants.

On July 18, hear from two regular people who made changes in their yards little by little, chatting about what worked, what was a huge hassle, and other details with “Eco-Chat with Kat” and the Compost Fairy, Crystal Walter.

Join us for this important two-part conversation!

Live on OFN’s Facebook page and YouTube channel - available to watch afterwards on our YouTube channel.

Part 1: History and Signs & Symptoms June 25 @ 7pm

Part 2: Healing from Religious Trauma July 9 @ 7pm

Faith communities should be, and often are, safe places where people can explore their connection to the sacred in ways that are expansive and life-giving. However, many in Oklahoma grew up in communities that were oppressive, unhealthy, or even abusive. This can impact spiritual well-being in profound ways that often necessitates deconstructing and healing.

The Very Rev. Dr. Robert Willis is a theologian, hymn-writer and pastor. He served as Dean of Canterbury, running the mother church of the Anglican Communion and the King’s School, Canterbury, (the world’s oldest school, founded by St Augustine in 597) and advising three archbishops, government and the crown from 2001 to 2022.

Dean Willis will be visiting Oklahoma, and speaking to us on cultivating hope, progressive faith, and the dangers of extremism.

Dean Willis is most recently well-known for the broadcasts of Morning Prayer that he and his civil-partner of 22 years, Fletcher Banner, made every day for 26 months during the COVID-19 pandemic, which attracted and still attracts millions of views from all over the world of people of all faiths and none (www.youtube.com/@GardenCongregation). Conservation and wildlife are close to his heart and have resulted in Dean Robert being nicknamed “the Green Dean” by many.

What's the most effective way to advocate from the values of your faith? Check out this panel, featuring:

Senator Mary Boren, Oklahoma Senate
J'Shawna Smith-Hayes, The H.O.P.E. Foundation
Rev. Dr. Lori Walke, Mayflower Congregational Church

This is another great panel brought to you by the Religions United Committee at OFN.

Oklahoma is lucky to be home to a diverse faith population, many of whom know and work closely for religious understanding and cooperation in our state. This year, on February 20, 2024 these organizations will unite to host the Interfaith Impact Lunch at the First Americans Museum in Oklahoma City.

Join our wonderful hosts and sponsors for an afternoon of community and collective action with interfaith partners around the legislative session. The luncheon program will consist of a panel discussion around the separation of church and state, an issue that is vital to maintaining religious freedom in our state and country.

Advance registration is required. Lunch will be provided. Tickets start at $10*. Space is limited, so register now! 

*This fee reserves your spot at the event. Ticket proceeds will be donated to the Regional Food Bank after the event. 

Organizations interested in sponsorship can contact info@okfaith.org for more details.

Security will be on site for this event.

Deep gratitude to our sponsors for making this event accessible:

Phillips Theological Seminary

Respect Diversity Foundation

We know all about Christmas, but many of our neighbors in Oklahoma celebrate other holidays! Join us for a fun interfaith conversation to learn more about our friends of diverse faiths and traditions, including:

Hinduism
Islam
Judaism

Tuesday, December 5 at 7pm
OFN Facebook and YouTube (available on our YouTube afterward)

This is another great panel brought to you by the Religions United Committee, which seeks to promote interfaith collaboration and understanding in Oklahoma.

In order to better serve the needs of Oklahomans, the Oklahoma Faith Network is hosting a free Mental Health First Aid Training, courtesy of the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services. Mental Health First Aid is a public education program that introduces participants to risk factors and warning signs of mental health problems, builds understanding of their impact and overviews appropriate supports. This 8-hour course uses role-playing and simulations to demonstrate how to offer initial help in a mental health crisis and connect people to the appropriate professional, peer, social and self-help care. The program also teaches common risk factors and warning signs of specific illnesses like anxiety, depression, substance use, bipolar disorder, eating disorders and schizophrenia.

We hope that you will join us for this celebration Thursday, October 26, 2023, at the Renaissance Waterford Hotel in Oklahoma City at 6:30 p.m. We will look to our present and our future, particularly with regard to our community programs.

Learn more about this special evening, get tickets, or sign up for sponsorship here.