Regional Roundup September 2026

Reconciliation Offering (Sept 27 & October 4)

This year’s Reconciliation Ministry Special Offering invites us to move beyond restoration to hope in action. Psalm 85:6–11 reminds us that God’s vision is more than repairing what is broken. It is creating a future where love and faithfulness meet, righteousness and peace flourish, and communities experience new life. Fifty percent (50%) of your congregation’s reconciliation offering returns to Oklahoma and funds grants each year. New Covenant Christian Church in OKC received a grant in 2025. Watch the brief video to learn about their reconciliation work. Thank you for giving this year.

Regional News

Commission Meetings This Month

The Commission on Laity has been planning digital and in-person educational events for this fall and next spring. This fall, gather around the digital table for Theological Table Talk: Praying at the Lord’s Table (see information below). And save the date for Empower and Equip, March 6, 2027.

The Commission on Faith in Action meets this month to review Reconciliation Grant applications from nine (9) of our congregations.

The Commission for Children, Youth, and Young Adults meets to review the summer camp season and begin planning for the 2027 summer camp season.

The Regional Youth Council has planned and is preparing to lead an overnight retreat, Thanksgiving Unfiltered (Nov 14-15), for Chi Rho & CYF youth groups. See information below.

The Commission on Clergy continues its work with returning candidates for ministry and welcomes five (5) new candidates for commissioned or ordained ministry. This fall, the commission will have Incare meetings with candidates, review the Anti-Racism/Pro-Reconciliation policy for clergy, and prepare and receive the 2027 standing requests from our clergy.

Oklahoma Disciples Women host a fall retreat, “A New You,” Oct. 2-3, at Camp Christian. See information below.

The Christian Church Commission provides grant support for congregations in these counties: Oklahoma, Cleveland, Canadian, Logan, Pottawatomie, Lincoln, McClain, Grady, and Kingfisher. The Commission will mail a grant application via USPS to congregations in these counties this month. The deadline to return a grant application is Oct 22nd. Rev. Gary Mitchell (FCC Midwest City) is the chair of the CCC. Learn More

The Oklahoma Disciples Foundation provides a variety of services for our congregations and individuals. Their Grant Program has become a vital way the ODF supports local ministry. You can apply now for a 2027 Grant.

Don’t Miss Events!

Sept. 20-22 NWA Clergy Retreat
Sept. 26 Healthy Boundaries Training @ Disciples First CC, OKC
Learn More and Register (Registration Closes Sept 21st)
Oct. 2-3 Oklahoma Disciples Women Retreat, Camp Christian, Choteau
Oct. 11 Theological Table Talk: Praying at the Lord’s Table
Click here to Register
Nov. 14-15 Regional Youth Retreat

Where's Michael?

September 2026

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Disciples Women

It’s Too Hot in the Kitchen
by Marilyn Bohlender, President

Side note: We can get out of the kitchen at upcoming ODW Fall Retreat Oct 2-3rd. Yes! Good Food!

The church air conditioning at my church has not worked all summer! This has given new meaning to a hot kitchen. The situation would have stopped some volunteers. The numbers have dropped a lot for those coming in for a Wednesday community meal. Those still coming depend on that meal.

In this place where a meal is served you can feel God’s love. Do those attending also depend on that love? Most are used to the heat and rest at tables with fans going drinking water, tea, or lemonade while the meal is being completed. Someone can usually play the piano with soothing background music. Smells and happy chatter from the kitchen give comforting vibes. Smiles and greetings from volunteers make those toughened by life feel the Christian love.

Time to Register for Retreat!
by Marilyn Bohlender, President

Registration is open online for the ODW Fall Retreat 2026, taking place October 2-3rd at Camp Christian, Chouteau.

This year’s theme is “A New You! A Birthday Party!” based on 2 Corinthians 5:17 “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!”

The deadline to register is Tuesday September 22. You will receive an email confirmation of registration.

Thanks to many volunteers, including those in the program, registration costs remain the same as last year: These are low when you consider meals are included in registration. Friday & Saturday: $75 • Saturday Only: $45

Get all the Details Here!

Equip

October 11, 2026 • 3:30pm

Online event for elders, pastors and lay leaders.

Presented by Dr. Lisa Barnett and Dr. Warren Carter
Phillips Theological Seminary Faculty

The prayers we pray (and hear) at the table communicate our theological understandings of Jesus’ death and resurrection. These sessions—for laity, elders, and clergy—will encourage us to express a variety of understandings of this meal. One session will be concerned with the theological heritage of the table espoused by Barton W. Stone and Alexander Campbell. The second session will focus on some New Testament interpretations that we often overlook.