Rev. Paul Ragle received the Honored Minister Pin from Regional Minister Michael Davison on November 15, 2025. He has retired as senior minister at Christian Church of the Covenant, Enid. Paul has also been a very integral part of the Region’s youth and church camp ministry program. Well done good and faithful servant!
His church honored him with a reception, surrounded by his family.
by Marilyn Bohlender, Oklahoma Disciples Women
Across Oklahoma, our Disciples Women are spreading Christmas love! Our local churches find ways to reach out and lift others up. Words from a popular song reflect our ministries, “They will know we are Christians by our love.”
The photo above illustrates how Wildewood Christian Church, OKC expresses their love to their homebound members with Christmas baskets.
Remembering the love Christ brought helps us step into the Christmas Spirit. Our projects done together in friendship also lift our spirit. Remembering to reach out to those who may be destitute, shut-in or living alone will lift all involved. My prayer is that Christ’s love will shine through you for a blessed Christmas.
John 13:35 (NIV) By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.
Rev. Dr. Kyle Maxwell was honored at the Oklahoma Disciples Foundation’s 60th Anniversary event held November 14, 2025.
The Oklahoma Disciples Foundation (ODF) marked a major milestone as more than 150 supporters, partners, and friends gathered at the Capitol View Event Center in Oklahoma City to celebrate the Foundation’s 60th Anniversary. The evening was filled with heartfelt stories, meaningful gratitude, and a forward-looking vision for the next decade of ministry.
A central highlight of the evening was the celebration of the lasting legacy of Rev. Dr. Kyle Maxwell, whose years of service as minister at First Christian Church of Edmond and as ODF’s first full-time executive director helped shape the Foundation into what it is today. His ministry continues to inspire our work and mission.
Guests responded generously in his honor, contributing over $2,700 to the Kyle Maxwell Fund, which supports unrestricted grant gifts—an important tool in ensuring ODF can respond faithfully to emerging needs throughout the state. Click here if you would like to make a gift in honor of Kyle.
Reflecting on Growth and Looking Toward the Future
During the evening, Eric Gray, Executive Director of the Oklahoma Disciples Foundation, shared reflections on where the Foundation has been and where it is headed. He noted that ODF will soon surpass $1 million in grants given during the ten-year history of the grants program—a remarkable milestone made possible by the generosity and vision of many donors and churches that have closed but made a conscious effort to continue their legacy by establishing permanent endowments to fund grants.
Eric also celebrated another significant achievement: the Foundation’s assets have now grown to more than $45 million, strengthening ODF’s ability to support congregations and ministries for generations to come.
Gray said “As we look forward to the next chapter of ODF’s ministry, we remain deeply thankful for the community that surrounds us—and we step boldly into the future inspired by the faithfulness of the past 60 years.”
by Marilyn Bohlender
ODW President
Breaking my ankle found me at home in a situation of no Wi-Fi. With long periods of icing and elevating my foot, I turned to books. No Kindle, but books you can see and feel the pages. It brought back memories of sitting in the sunshine reading a book. Even my favorite Bible has places to highlight, write notes and inspiration. There is something about the printed page that brings a closeness.
I think about our Just Women Bible study guide. It has only improved with more but shorter sections and discussion questions. The biggest improvement is the paper quality with glossy pages. We have to order sight unseen but if last year is any indication, I want to feel this study guide in my fingers, highlight, and write notes in it. I will return to it and add to it when life throws changes such as a broken ankle and no Wi-Fi.
Disclaimer: Please don’t break your ankle to take time for just reading in the sunshine.
Order Just Women 2026 Bible Study Guide by Dec. 1, 2025 to ensure your copy with free shipping to be delivered Jan/Feb 2026.
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Romans 12:2 (NKJV) And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.
The “Road Trip” is part of the experience
By Marilyn Bohlender
Later this month on Tuesday, October 28th, some women will travel to Central Area of Oklahoma Disciples Women (CADW) to attend the CADW Autumn Meeting at El Reno. Part of the excitement is “The Road Trip”, with ladies car pooling together for 20, 30, 60 minutes or longer for this meeting with worship, food ($10/RSVP) and learning about a nonprofit. Go to okdisciples.org/ ODW page for more information.
Then there are other road trips that might be longer, like the drive to the first ODW led fall retreat in NE Oklahoma at Camp Christian earlier this month on Oct 3-4, 2025.
My “Road Trip” was with three other ladies traveling 220 miles from Lawton to Camp Christian in NE Oklahoma. Another “Road Trip” began for one FCC Norman lady when she drove to El Reno to catch a ride with their group going in the church van. Nothing says “Road Trip” like a group in a church van! Many others came from all parts of Oklahoma to converge on Camp Christian for ODW Fall Retreat 2025.
Let me share the “more” part of mine and nearly 70 other ladies’ part of the story, which is the retreat itself! Friday evening of retreat started with “Dinner and a Show.” The dinner, consisting of homemade Alfredo noodles, was accompanied by the show which was a skit by the Lawton ladies. Yes, there was laughter!
Friday’s 7:30pm after-dinner program began with a “Look at Time” led by myself, Marilyn Bohlender, ODW President and retreat leader.
Pastor Rachel Thacker, Lawton, who like others drove after a full day of teaching, had us engaged with her Mary and Martha interpretation. She describes a circle that when you are spirit filled you are called to serve and to keep from becoming burned out as you serve, you must be spirit filled. Quiet time with God is essential!
Rev. Darlene Martinez continued our Friday “closer to God” quest by explaining what the Labyrinth Walk truly means as a prayerful tool.
As we took turns on the Labyrinth Walk, Mary Mueller, ODW Secretary, led us with songs in between scripture readings by myself, Marilyn Bohlender. Our high school ladies (11th & 12th graders) even taught us a few songs. Having them at retreat was a blessing for us.
The ladies were given a prayer focus during their walk which fed into next step, a letting go ceremony. Each of us wrote on an index card what God revealed for us to let go.
The writings were gathered in a paper bag, carried as we quietly walked to the fire pit. While they burned, a prayer was said and “Kum Ba Yah” was sung. Wendy Singleton, ODW Finance, provided “Just Cocoa” to drink during the ceremony and the visiting afterward.
Saturday coffee for early risers at 6:45am gave energy for a few ladies to take advantage of the view at Inspiration Point. The quiet and an early morning prayer time added to the experience.
Sign-in was completed Saturday morning in the Dining Hall with name tags, and fill-it-yourself with swag gifted from Phillips Seminary and ODW officers. Retreat drawstring backpacks, printed as a courtesy for us, said, “Proverbs 8:17 (NIV) I love those who love me, and those who seek me find me”, which is reflective of the retreat theme “God in the Midst”.
Of course, breakfast was cereal & milk, plus bacon and eggs. Some commented that next to the cinnamon rolls, the bacon was second best, cooked to perfection. Toward the end of breakfast, Spotlight on IAS (International Affairs Seminar) was presented by Pastor Tara Dew and Tessa, one of our high school young ladies. They brought their experiences alive from being on the IAS trip to New York and Washington.
After breakfast, Rev. Maria Garza addressed our theme with a combination of scripture, inspiration, and God-in-your life stories. At Maria’s question “When was God working in your life?” one attendee gave a testimony of a rough time in her life when a First Christian Church Claremore preacher took time to listen, making a difference. Do not miss times when God just calls us to listen.
You could feel the passion from Rev. Sondra Ladd as she spoke of the Jamaica Mission Trip, where hard work and the plight of the people equals life changing experiences for volunteers as well as those they are called to help.
Our spotlight on youth camp was presented by Maddie Showalter. She and the attendees shared stories and bonded the audience with the importance of youth camp. To give a taste of youth camp, Maddie had Tara and the young ladies from El Reno lead us in singing Johnny Appleseed before eating lunch.
“Voting for Centerpieces with Your Dollars” brought in $226.75 for Camp Christian with Tahlequah being retreat favorite. The auction of the centerpieces, cinnamon rolls and bread brought total money raised for Camp Christian to $1,280.75. Another $350 was raised with donations toward the pickles, spaghetti sauce, jams, and salsa sale at one end of the dining hall. FCC Tulsa announced another way to help is to donate for Camp Christian’s swimming pool liner replacement; there is a donor that will match up to $5K. Thank you Disciples Women for making a difference!
Thirty minute breakout sessions were Tai Chi with Cynthia Clegg from ESSCC; Independent Journaling with Rev. Darlene Martinez, who instructed ladies to find a quiet spot to be still and journal on their own; decorating candles with Denise Smith and Teresa Ingle, Lawton, who taught women to adhere one ply of a napkin design to a candle with wax paper heated by a hair dryer; and a fourth was a on-your-own session called Power Nap, because God’s gift is rest.
Phillips Seminary sent a quick video with greetings for Disciples Women, news of Bedford House, and the 100% scholarship program for members of Disciples Churches.
Rev. Gina Jackson was joined by Rev. Zenobia Mayo with a prayer, brought us a communion service/ending session including a recap video of retreat experiences.
We ended by 3:30pm as I promised in spite of several schedule adjustments. Man makes his plans but God directs his steps was followed; an insightful clergy woman told me flexibility with schedules is a part of retreats. God’s hand was in this retreat; indeed it was, “God in the Midst”.
The road trip and the retreat brought us closer to each other, but of upmost importance brought us closer to God.
Joshua 1:9 (ESV) Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.
After planning a retreat, you should go home and put your feet up. Just don’t break your ankle first! Actually, broke my ankle Sunday afternoon after returning home from retreat.
2025 saw continuation of my on-going visitation of churches included FCC Tulsa before they sold their building at 913 South Boulder Ave in downtown Tulsa. At retreat, I re-connected with a few of the women who worship in FCCT’s temporary space. I plan to visit when their next place of worship, Artisan Hall, is ready. It ” will be a multi use building with FCCT having prominence. New concept, but it’s a better use of space and finances, without the responsibility of upkeep and logistics. Frees our staff up to do God‘s work.” according to Pattie Sittler, FCCT Outreach Chair.
Church visits are a blessing to me as well as the church I visit. A potluck at First Christian Presbyterian Christian Church, Pyror, allowed me more time to visit with members. I found there was a member that now watches service on-line since she moving to Lawton. I reached out to her and she attended Maundy Thursday at FCC Lawton and is part of the circle group I lead; she now has a local friend group.
In-the-Spirit Christian Church, 1020 SW Garnett Rd, Tulsa, the Sunday before their 17th Anniversary Worship Service, Oct 5th, was my most recent visit. There was a special energy in this place; I was blessed being part of the women’s prayer circle afterward. The men went outside to pray over their church. Never underestimate the power of prayer.
Sunday after retreat, I thought I might go to Tulsa church in historic Greenwood, Black Wall Street, for Pine Street Christian Church’s women’s meeting and service project on afternoon of Oct 12th. They were making lap blankets for nursing home patients. Our women across Oklahoma continue to have numerous service projects. After breaking my ankle on the Sunday before, I sadly had to cancel.
These visits plus visits in past years with other NE area churches: FCC Broken Arrow, Harvard Ave Christian Church, Yale Ave Christian Church, and FCC Claremore where I have over 10 years of past participation put me in a good position to assist NEODW on their next steps after the majority of officers stepped down to focus on family and work. I commend these women, most who work full time, for giving it their all for NEODW retreats and meetings after Covid and through last year. Many of our areas have been weakened due to Covid and other factors.
CADW is more of the exception as they stay strong with their four meetings a year each highlighting a different nonprofit. Current director is Carol Nichols, El Reno. Meetings usually average 40 or more raising at least $1K for each of four nonprofits. I usually attend with women from Lawton who enjoy attending. You do not need to be from CADW (OKC Area) to attend. RSVP a week before the meeting and pay at the door. Contact CADW officers or myself for more info. I submit meeting info for ODW FB, Region’s ODW page, and Regional Roundup.
Our Facebook, Oklahoma Disciples Women saw an increase of about 50 followers to a total of 419. It is managed by ODW VP of Reachout Sally Wheeler. In 2018, when both Sally and I began serving our current positions, she asked to revitalize the Facebook page. It is incredible that it is still growing and has almost 420 followers. Announcements are made through here so please follow. Note that another important avenue for information is the articles I post monthly on the region’s eNewsletter Regional Roundup. There is also ODW information on the women’s page of okdisciples.org. ODW will continue its goal of communication and now adding emphasis for increased involvement by women from more of our churches.
DWLC with a gathering of women leader representatives from each region was conducted by Zoom in January through Office of Disciples Women, Indianapolis, and represented by myself.
Next year DWLC is in-person and we are in process of again as in 2024 having two of our women leaders who have not attended, attend to gain the experience of these gatherings. At this point we only have the January dates and not the destination. Office of DW pays hotel and travel for first representative through travel dues collected from DW in each region based on region membership. ODW pays for the 2nd representative through our LDEF fund.
Through ODW’s LDEF fund, we gave a total of $3,500 toward IAS. $1,500 provided transportation from Love Field to Crown Heights Christian Church, OKC and $2,000 went to sponsor one adult or to offset the total cost of the adults.
Again this year, the LDEF fund of ODW has helped with the clergy women retreat. Women clergy have particular needs and need to have connections with other women clergy. As women, the ODW understands this. We had a big part in financially making this happen. In 2024, $2K was given to be used in ’24 or in ’25. Clergy Women Retreat decided it would be better to put the money toward a 2025 retreat with ’24 still only able to do the retreat with self-study. When ODW was approached for $1,500, we decided to give more, another $2K, as any left over money would be seed money. We really wanted this retreat to happen and keep happening. We are praying and hearing other groups are coming forward to help with this retreat. The Mona and Scott Baird fund of ODF was the initial source for getting this retreat going. The Clergy Women Retreat organizers have told us they plan to do this retreat every other year. We hope others see the value in this retreat and are able to step forward with assistance.
Last year, there were two retreats for the women, one in NE part of the state and one in the western side of the state. In June of this year, we were looking at no retreats for our women by any area. Of course, there are a few churches where the women hold a small retreat with just themselves. Each has its purpose with many attending both types of retreat.
I received news that there were not enough NE officers left to put together a retreat. Rev. Christina Pomaville, Thomas OK, who I applaud for having a retreat in ’24 attended by about 20 women who thoroughly benefited from it, was not having a retreat this year so she could focus on the Clergy Women Retreat. Maybe we can talk her into doing a retreat next year on the western side of the state again. She has a passion for retreats! Even if she does not, I was excited to see her have the retreat in ’24 as there had not been any in western Oklahoma since 2019 which actually was held at Central Camp, Guthrie, organized by NWODW. Geographically speaking, Rev Christina Pomaville’s was more westerly. Some women attending her retreat had been at both retreats. The NEODW had about 35 women attend in ’24 so when looking at where to have a retreat, Camp Christian should not be ruled out!
After some preliminaries, the program planning for the first ODW Fall Retreat started mid-July. I would not advise anyone to start planning a retreat this late in the game but give yourself at least 9mos to a year. As I put together presenters and the program, I saw God’s hand was in it!
The Regional Office was very helpful and set up the online registration. We also encouraged high school young ladies (11th and 12th graders) to attend with a max of 3 girls with one adult. This was let’s try it to see if young ladies enjoyed this therefore being more interested in Disciples Women in the future. Whatever happens, it was great to have three come with El Reno and they participated with the rest of us. One young lady even spoke of their IAS trip during Pastor Tara Dew’s Saturday Breakfast Spotlight on IAS.
Spotlights at retreat were a new thing for us. Fifteen minute infomercials on something in the Region outside women’s activities were presented. This year’s spotlight besides IAS was Youth Camps.
With some coming to retreat on Saturday, it turned out to be better to have name tags and bags with “swag” handed out on Saturday morning. Phillips Seminary and ODW officers contributed “swag” for the bags. Everyone filled their own bag only taking one and none if they didn’t want the item.
Another new thing was churches were asked to bring table centerpieces with a fall theme so we had no decorating expense. I did bring some decorations but never used them. l only knew of five churches bringing table centerpieces before retreat but we ended up with eleven, just enough for every table to have one.
We set boxes with a coin slot on top at each table with centerpiece on Saturday right before lunch and the voting with dollars started. It also, unintentionally, caused the women to mingle as they walked around the tables. The voting raised almost $127. After lunch we auctioned the centerpieces as well as bread and cinnamon rolls to raise over $1,200.
No one missed printed schedules. Schedules were sent by email along with camp map and reminders of what to bring. Schedules on cardstock were placed on building doors.
Several churches were asked to bring water to place in lodge refrigerators plus one church brought water iced down in a tub and placed by Dining Hall doorway. These waters were popular. Because of these donations and the other donations previously mentioned, this became a very cost effective retreat with prices the same as NEODW’s retreat’s early bird price the year before at $75/$45 Sat. only. There was scholarship money for those who were part of the program and others who applied. Just over $3K in scholarships through ODW LDEF was given to boost numbers to 70 for this retreat. Keep in mind, these scholarships have been highly advertised and made available in the past but usually are total of under $1K.
Instead of one keynote speaking, there were many involved in a shorter time span throughout the retreat weekend. This allowed those involved in the program to benefit from others in the rest of the program. There were four main clergy presenters plus clergy with a communion service/inspiration/recap ending video. More about retreat is in my October article for Regional Roundup.
There were lots of compliments on the retreat! I watched women including the ten clergy women attending bond, laugh and experience a closeness with God. This was a great boost for the women.
This Regional Board report for ODW, Oklahoma Disciples Women, is submitted from best of my knowledge on October 15th of 2025.
Marilyn Bohlender
ODW President
Southern Hills Christian Church, Edmond, celebrated the installation of their new Sr. Minister Rev. John Bain, on Sunday, September 28th. Regional Minister Rev. Michael Davison conducted the service, which was followed by a reception in John’s honor.
Northwest Area congregations sponsor a clergy retreat during the fall. This year’s retreat, Sept 21-23, was held at Roman State Park. The retreat is designed for active clergy in the area, and when space is available, invited active or retired colleagues beyond the area. The retreat includes continuing education, a completely free afternoon, vespers, and conversations with persons who share a call to ministry. This year’s retreat focused on clergy mental health and featured a presentation by Kayla McClain, MCP, LADC/MH, who is a member of First Christian Church in Alva. Rev. Kelsey Cobbs (The Federated Church of Weatherford) led the vespers each evening.
The retreat welcomed clergy from the Northwest, Central, and Southwest areas.
Pictured L-R: Joshua Bell, Linda Jones, Sondra Ladd, Dave Jones, Marilyn Merle, Diane Morgan, Vera Porter, Gary Mitchell, Chris Muse, John Wheeler, Ronnie Fields, Kelsey Cobbs, Drew Kirtley and Ronnie Hopkins.
First Christian Church Pond Creek celebrated the installation of their new pastor, Rev. Diane Morgan, on Sunday, September 14th. Regional Minister Rev. Michael Davison conducted the service, which was followed by a reception in Diane’s honor.
How do we construct Advent? Future-oriented or Present-focused? Absence or Presence? Approaching or Arrived?
This workshop reflects on the Advent Lectionary Gospel Texts, and suggests some ways ahead for a worthy celebration that does not replicate the anti-Jewish biases that can mar the season.
Join Dr. Warren Carter, LaDonna Kramer Meinders Professor of New Testament, Phillips Seminary for this engaging FREE workshop. (Both dates cover the same material)
November 8, 2025 • 10:00 am
OR
November 10, 2025 • 6:30 pm