Support UM News on World Press Freedom Day: Give to help sustain and expand the storytelling capacity of UM News. Your donation today will transform information into inspiration and ensure we can continue sharing stories of God’s work in the world through The UMC. Help us reach our $10,000 goal and keep this vital ministry fair, faithful, trusted and free for all!

Oklahoma Tornado: OKC University reaches out to those affected

OKLAHOMA CITY (UMNS)—About 20 students and faculty at United Methodist-related Oklahoma City University were affected by the May 20 tornado, including the death of a daughter of one of the university’s “house moms,” said Sandy Pantlik, director of communications.

Mary Brewer, who lives and takes care of students in one of the university’s dorms, lost her 49-year-old daughter, who was in a store that collapsed during the storm.

Pantlik said the university was coordinating efforts to reach out to Oklahoma City Community College as well as the United Methodist churches in the area. Oklahoma City University will be the site of the 2013 Oklahoma United Methodist Annual (regional) Conference, set to begin May 27.

The university is also opening its dorms to any students affected by the storm. The university’s food service company is providing food for first responders.

How disaster giving works

When both the United Methodist Committee on Relief and an annual conference ask for funds, United Methodists who want to help in a disaster might be uncertain where to send donations.

Conferences may set up their own funds to help with the immediate needs of housing, food, shelter and transportation. Conference fundraising is intended for raising money within the conference to meet immediate needs.

Giving to UMCOR through The Advance, the United Methodist official giving channel, ensures that 100 hundred percent of each donation goes directly to the need specified. UMCOR’s administrative costs are covered through a separate fund supported by One Great Hour of Sharing.

Read more about how disaster giving works.


Like what you're reading? Support the ministry of UM News! Your support ensures the latest denominational news, dynamic stories and informative articles will continue to connect our global community. Make a tax-deductible donation at ResourceUMC.org/GiveUMCom.

Sign up for our newsletter!

Subscribe Now
Social Concerns
Bishop Julius C. Trimble. Photo by Tessa Tillett for the Indiana Conference.

Love demands compassionate response, prophetic witness

United Methodists have a long history of advocating for the needs of others. Today, that call continues.
Theology and Education
Cliff White. Photo courtesy of the author.

Why our church is in trouble

United Methodist leaders should stop pursuing ideological goals and instead focus on making disciples of Jesus Christ, says a longtime church member.
Mission and Ministry
John Kodjo (standing), a member of Mapamboli United Methodist Church in Kinshasa, Congo, tries to salvage things from his flooded home. Torrential rains and flooding on April 5 damaged over 1,000 homes in the area and killed at least 33 people. Kodjo’s family fled on the roof of their home. Photo by the Rev. Fiston Okito, UM News.

Floods devastate United Methodists in Congo

Thousands have been displaced and two United Methodist churches have been damaged by flooding in Kinshasa, the country’s capital.

United Methodist Communications is an agency of The United Methodist Church

©2025 United Methodist Communications. All Rights Reserved