Following close of registration last week, numbers for the Fall Empower & Equip Event in Tulsa were reviewed and the leadership team determined they were too low to proceed.
NEXT OPPORTUNITY . . . Put March 1, 2025 on your calendar when the SPRING EMPOWER & EQUIP is scheduled to happen in El Reno. Workshops have not yet been identified for that one though it will likely include some of the same ones. Look for news in the New Year!
When we think of Thanksgiving, turkey dinner, family and friends first come to mind. With more thought, our Disciples Women come to my mind and we are thankful for all that they do and all the events this year!
In September many attended the Celebration Luncheon organized by Rev. Donna Jackson to acknowledge all the work and contributions of our women. As I visit churches, I see first hand the work our women do from rummage sales to preparing meals. The list of all they do is extensive and we are thankful.
We are also thankful for those who organize the events that bring us together for enrichment and fellowship. October brought two fall retreats and a CADW meeting.
The NEODW summarized their retreat at Camp Christian with a short video which can be seen on the Northeast Oklahoma Disciples of Christ Facebook. Their retreat mission project benefitted Domestic Violence Intervention Services.
Rev. Christine Pomaville of FCC Thomas, led a retreat at Roman Nose. An ODW officer that attended wrote, “There were groups from Thomas, Chandler, Enid, Calumet, and Canton. (Perhaps other towns as well), It was a wonderful, relaxing, spirit filled weekend.”
The CADW meeting on October 22nd was attended by 64 women and hosted by FCC Midwest City. The worship and songs were inspiring. The food and fellowship was outstanding. The nonprofit, Our Sisters Closet Thrift Store and the YWCA organization it gives support shared the spotlight to educate us on its programs. It was alarming to learn of the number of domestic violence cases here in Oklahoma. The donations brought to this meeting will help!
Again, give thanks for all our women do!
Awareness, education and knowledge are important in the different roles our women have to carry out God’s ministries and to be of service. Self-care and care of those in our lives is also important. I encourage you to take a break between Thanksgiving and Christmas to attend a Women’s Conference on Mental Awareness and Wellness at Wildewood Christian Church, OKC on Saturday, December 7th. It starts at 9:30 a.m. with continental breakfast. Program begins at 10 a.m. with speaker, Caletta F. McPherson, MHR, LADC, CLC, who serves as Executive Director of CARE for Change, Inc. Lunch is also provided. This is a free event but you must register by Nov. 29th. Flyer has instructions to register on-line or email wildewoodchristian@gmail.com or call 405-478-0781. Again, we are thankful for this free event.
We are blessed with so many active Disciples Women across Oklahoma; please keep them in prayer and thank them for all they do! Stay connected with Disciples Women section of okdisciples.org and Oklahoma Disciples Women Facebook.
Colossians 3:17 (NKJV) And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.
By Joshua Bell, Sr. Minister FCC Perry
In the aftermath of disaster, silence often settles over a landscape reduced to debris and devastation. Neighborhoods that once echoed with laughter and routine now stood quiet, shattered by the storm. But amid this chaos, the American Red Cross emerged — a steady force bringing hope, compassion, and relief. Volunteers came from every corner of the country, each with a common purpose: to restore dignity, connection, and a sense of peace for those who had lost nearly everything.
When I arrived in Florida as a volunteer with the Red Cross for Hurricane Helene, I was assigned to the reunification team, a critical part of the Red Cross mission that works to reconnect families and loved ones separated in the chaos. Witnessing the relief on people’s faces as they were reunited with loved ones was humbling. In a world turned upside down, these moments they reminded us all of the resilience of human connections.
As my 16-day deployment progressed, I transitioned into Disaster Spiritual Care, working with seasoned chaplains to focus on a ministry of presence (pictured above l-r: Chaplains Frank Rodriguez, Kevin Foster and Joshua Bell).
In the shelters, we were there not to solve every problem or answer every question but to simply be — to listen, to empathize, and to provide companionship in a time of profound need. This presence offered solace, and for many, it was a small but steady reminder that they were not alone.
Each day in the shelters, I witnessed the quiet courage of those who had lost so much. We supported not only the guests but also the Red Cross staff and volunteers who were working tirelessly to meet physical needs, deliver meals, and provide medical care. Sometimes, our ministry was as simple as sharing a cup of coffee and listening to someone’s story. Other times, it was sitting in silence, honoring grief too deep for words. In these moments, I learned that offering hope doesn’t always mean doing; sometimes it’s simply about being fully present.
For me, this experience was life-changing. It was a reminder that we are all connected and that showing up, even in small ways, can have an enormous impact. Seeing firsthand the dedication of volunteers, the resilience of survivors, and the power of community to lift up those in pain was profoundly moving.
If you ever feel the call to make a difference, I encourage you to volunteer with the Red Cross at least once in your life. There’s something transformative about standing beside others in their most challenging moments and witnessing the unbreakable spirit that emerges in times of crisis. Through the chaos and loss, the Red Cross brought hope to many—and for me, being a part of that was an experience I will carry forever.
By Marilyn Bohlender, ODW President
Disciples Women is 150 years old on October 22, 2024! The flyer suggests activities from the Office of Disciples Women. My celebration that day will include giving to the Disciples Women Blessing Box and cake! However you celebrate, give thanks to God for the many women who have provided many hours of service.
After the celebration, it is not too soon to start planning to use the 2025 Just Women Study Guide next year. Pre-order before December 2, 2024 and receive free shipping! Delivery will be in January 2025; see instructions for larger orders of five or more.
Philippians 4:4 (ASV) Rejoice in the Lord always: again, I say Rejoice.
Women from across the state of Oklahoma gathered in a grand celebration of Disciples Women Trailblazers and Mentors. The event recognized Rev. Donna Jackson’s 30 years of ministry and a group of honorees including leadership from the general church, seminaries and pastors. They included
(Pictured above l-r: Sharon Watkins, Nancy Pittman, Lisa Davison, Shelia Hutton on behalf of Brenda Denson, Donna Jackson, Gina Jackson)
The September 14, 2024 event was held at Harvard Avenue Christian Church, Tulsa, and included recognition of all honorees, including women who are Oklahoma ministers, church leaders, Disciples Women and the Oklahoma Regional office.
Program Co-Emcees were Rev. Gina L. Jackson, Sr. Pastor of South Grand Lake Christian Church, and Yemaya Rodgers, Wildewood Christian Church, OKC.
Remarks and videos and letters of acknowledgment were presented by
The event was sponsored by
West Point Christian Church, Yukon, established in 1894 just 5 years after the Land Run, celebrated their 130th anniversary with a packed sanctuary on Sunday, September 8, 2024. Members built the church with their own hands in 1899. The building is on the National Register of Historic Places, the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation.
Interim Regional Minister, Rev. Randy Kuss, brought the message for the day, “Pilgrims on the Way.” Musical highlights included a beautiful rendition of “Near the Cross” on oboe and harp as well as special music by West Point’s “Clergy Consort,” a group anchored by the six clergy who attend there, singing “We Call Ourselves Disciples.”
Worship was preceded by a “Magical History Tour” put together by Rev. Kevin Adams with 18 stations exploring the long and rich history of the congregation, and followed up in the Family Life Center with a meal and anniversary cake.
West Point is co-pastored by Rev. Debi Powell-Maxwell and Rev. Jann Osborn.
What a feeling when you are first in love! It is all we can think about. A name written over and over again across my notebook or my heart is proof enough. We yearn for that feeling.
Each time I see a baptism there is that first smile of such joy or as one baptism I saw recently, there was such emotion that we all shared in tears of joy! Now you realize that I am now talking about God’s love for us and our love for our creator.
I hope I have your attention as this is a great love. With life being busy or the passing of time, it seems we might forget that first feeling but God’s love for us has never faded. Our Lord and Savior has never stopped loving us. He is always there, waiting for us to reconnect, to fall back to the spiritual joy He has for us.
I visit with so many who say, “I am so busy.” Busy will take you away from what is most important. I remind you that if you are not taking time for your relationship with God, please schedule time. I just pray God is okay with my conversations while I am driving or doing the dishes; I also need to take time.
I am excited for those planning on going to the upcoming fall retreats, including one just announced on Oct. 25-26 at Roman Nose State Park. Find the details on the Disciples Women page.
I pray that we reconnect and fall back in love with a God that loves us more than we can imagine.
Psalm 136:1 (ESV) Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever.
Rev. Israel Hogue was ordained into Christian Ministry on August 4, 2024 at Simplicity Christian Church, Edmond.
Rev. Hogue completed his M.Div. at Phillips Theological Seminary and is pastor of Simplicity Christian Church, which is nesting at Southern Hills Christian Church, Edmond.
The 28th National Convocation, held July 11-14 in Greensboro, NC, proved to be a profoundly enriching experience for members of the Oklahoma Region in attendance, including members of In the Spirit Christian Church (Tulsa), Shepherd Street Christian Church (Chickasha), and Wildewood Christian Church (Oklahoma City).
Oklahoma Disciples not only attended, they also brought vital leadership to the event. Pastor Milton Bowens, serving on the Board of the National Convocation, also hosted the Disciples Men’s Lunch. Pastor Dwayne Rodgers led the Security Team. First Lady Yemaya Rodgers was a Co-Lead on the Finance Team. And Apostle Sharon Cosby led a workshop and represented Green Chalice Ministry.
One standout moment was the installation ceremony for the Rev. Dr. Delesslyn A. Kennebrew as the new Administrative Secretary, marking a significant milestone for the National Convocation. The entire event was characterized by spirited worship services that were refreshing and inspiring for all ages. It included a series of engaging and relevant workshops and ministry breakout sessions that addressed challenges and opportunities facing local congregations and the church at large.
Attendees also enjoyed a thoughtfully guided tour of the Greensboro Civil Rights Museum, which added a meaningful historical perspective to the gathering. And the group from Shepherd Street added even more to their historical experience with a stop in Memphis, TN, to tour the National Civil Rights Museum at the Lorraine Motel.
The Fellowship of Black Disciples Clergy Women also gathered during National Convocation. Apostle Sharyn Cosby conducted the workshop “Intersection of Environmental Racism, Faith and the Black Church”. It focused on people of faith coming together to learn about advocating for vulnerable communities by examining environmental racism.
Rev. Cosby, minister of In the Spirit Christian Church (Tulsa), presented the Conductor Award to the Rev. Brenda Caldwell.
From July 24-27, 2024 Randy Kuss, Interim Regional Minister and Jesse Jackson, Regional Moderator-Elect traveled to Washington, PA and Bethany, WV to the College of Regional Ministers and Forum of Regional Moderators to attend “A Pilgrimage to Sacred Sites”. The experience was hosted by the Rev. Thaddaeus Allen, Regional Minister and President of the Christian Church in West Virginia, Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Pennsylvania, and the Northeastern Regions.
I had visited Cane Ridge in Kentucky several years ago, the ministry site of founder Barton W. Stone, but this was my first time in “Campbell country.” And the shadow of the shared legacies of Thomas and Alexander Campbell continues to loom large. On that first night, after dinner, we visited the historical marker that marks the spot where Thomas Campbell wrote “The Declaration and Address,” one of the Restoration Movements foundational documents.
The following day is when we truly began to walk in Alexander Campbell’s shadow. We visited Bethany College, founded by Campbell. Our additional stops were the Disciples of Christ Historical Society, the Campbell Mansion, and God’s Acre Cemetery, where both Thomas and Alexander Campbell, as well as many other Disciple leaders are buried.
At the Historical Society we were greeted by Dr. Joel A. Brown, president of the Historical Society, and staff members who would lead our tours. The Historical Society is a fascinating place and a treasure trove for researchers and history buffs alike. We discussed the “kinds” of things that they were interested in preserving there, versus things that should be preserved in congregations. The message was to have a conversation with them, before just packing up your congregations’ old documents and sending them in boxes. I did notice a bit of Oklahoma on the wall, the incorporation certificate and picture of the Pennsylvania Ave. Christian Church in Oklahoma City.
Additionally, there is also a Disciples Oral History Project that seeks to record personal narratives of congregational members and leaders that add a layer to the story of who we are as Disciples. Along with the terrific books that you can order online, there are also baseball cards of historic Disciples figures like Dale Fiers, President James Garfield, Sarah Lue Bostick, and Preston Taylor for sale.
The guided tour took us through the Campbell Mansion, its history, including famous visitors, and the ownership transfer from his father-in-law to Campbell and his descendants and finally the church. But the mansion also has the original headstone of Thomas Campbell, which had been stolen and recovered years later. The homestead was even complete with a one room schoolhouse from the 1800’s.
We then visited “God’s Acre Cemetery” and witnessed the final resting place of both Thomas and Alexander Campbell and many family members and well as Disciples leaders and faculty from Bethany College. And that was before lunch!
After lunch was easily the most challenging part of the trip, climbing the many steps to get from the cafeteria to “Old Main,” which housed Mr. Campbell’s classroom. This beautiful edifice is a splendid example of 19th century Gothic Revival architecture. I am sure that Bethany College students have little problems with the many steps and the steep inclines and declines of the Alleghany Mountains, but it has been a while since I was a college student.
We were joined on this day by our General Minister and President the Rev. Dr. Terri Hord Owens and the President of Disciples Home Missions the Rev. Dr. Chris Dorsey. After Dr. Hord Owens addressed the combined group in Alexander Campbell’s classroom, the Regional Moderators separated for our own meeting.
We next made our way down the steps from “Old Main,” past the cafeteria and down the mountain to the “Old Meetinghouse” where Alexander Campbell preached. Walking into that building was more than walking into history, I was walking into nostalgia. The “Meetinghouse” had wood floors, windows (that opened), wood burning, or as we called them in Mississippi, “pot bellied stoves” and unless it was freezing, the doors of the building were left wide open. My father once served a congregation terribly similar to that in rural Mississippi when I was a child, and it brought back wonderful memories.
This was an opportunity to walk in the physical shadow of Campbell, but Chris Dorsey introduced us to the intellectual and advocacy legacy of Alexander Campbell. As mentioned before, Dorsey is the President of Disciples Home Missions, whose founder is Alexander Campbell. Campbell believed that the goal of education was to “eradicate ignorance.” That is why he founded Bethany College. But he also believed that the mission of the church was to “share the love of God and transform the world.” That means that the church must be active in social engagement and advocate for the oppressed and marginalized. We talked about the many ways that DHM meets everyday needs of individuals and congregations. I invite you to explore Disciples.org to learn exactly who we are as a church and what we do.
Church visionaries realized early on that if we were going to transform the world, then we needed social engagement. Mission, advocacy, and programs became a priority as they engaged society through Christian Education, youth programs, laity, and mission work.
We ended with a dose of realism. Each congregation is different, and we have different calls. Dorsey said that “Some of our churches will never grow beyond the number they have now” (in terms of attendance). But numbers have nothing to do with vitality or impact. Impact is what God requires and what the world needs.
