Photos of Called Regional Assembly 2025
Enjoy these photos of the celebration of our Called Regional Minister Rev. Michael Davison.
Click here to watch the video replay
Synergy is Important!
By Marilyn Bohlender, ODW President
Firstly, synergy is a term meaning things combined increase their benefit to be better than individually. For instance, iron rich foods are absorbed better with vitamin C so look at liver and onions. Onions are rich in vitamin C and liver with iron. In this case; however, I will stick to eggs and orange juice.
Better together in the Bible might bring forth images of the people coming forward to build the wall in Nehemiah 3. There is a proverb that many hands make the load light. At the recent Called Regional Meeting (pictured here), there were many hands to bring it all together.
This meeting had the option to be attended by Zoom. I was impressed by all that attended in person. There was an energy in connecting with others. Rev. Michael Davison was voted to be our new Oklahoma Regional Minister. Under his leadership we will be the many hands coming together to bring an energy of synergy.
What is our first step in this change of leadership or with anything ahead of us? I feel it is essential to start with prayer. In Matthew where two or more are gathered, the Lord says he will be there. This speaks to me to pray together so that are combined prayers will be better or have synergy.
Is this scripture as well as others teaching us that synergy is important! Togetherness is important. Meeting together is important. Soon many will attend General Assembly. There will be synergy!
For more information for Disciples Women at General Assembly, download the latest Disciples Women’s Ministries newsletter.
Matthew 18:20 (KJV) For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.
Oklahoma Region Calls Michael Davison as Regional Minister
06-28-25
The Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Oklahoma has called Rev. Michael A. Davison, Jr. to serve as the next Regional Minister during a called regional assembly on June 28, 2025. He will begin his ministry on August 1, 2025.
Rev. Davison currently serves as Oklahoma’s Associate Regional Minister, a position he has held since 2010. He has grown the Region’s youth and camp ministry throughout his tenure, organized clergy retreats, and faithfully provided care to the Region’s congregations and clergy.
“Rev. Davison has articulated a compelling vision of rejuvenation and rediscovery of our identity —one that aims to foster deeper community and stronger connections among our congregations and clergy. He is theologically grounded, articulate, informed, compassionate, and deeply committed to ministry in Oklahoma. His passion for youth and mentoring will be a valuable asset. Rev. Davison’s understanding of the Region’s needs aligns closely with what we heard in our listening sessions,” says search committee chair Rev. Susan Payne.
Prior to his ministry in Oklahoma, he served as Associate Regional Minister in Kentucky, interim ministry in North Carolina and Virginia, as well as in associate ministry in Kentucky, Missouri, and Texas.
Michael is a graduate of Texas Christian University and received his M. Div. at Brite Divinity School. He was ordained into Christian Ministry at First Christian Church Lubbock, TX in November 1991. Michael is married to Rev. Dr. Lisa Davison, Vice President of Academic Affairs and Academic Dean at Phillips Theological Seminary, Tulsa.
The Search Committee is grateful for input from the Region’s congregations and clergy in guiding their decision. Members include chair Rev. Susan Payne, Rev. Jerry Black, Pastor José Garza, Ashley Gibson, Ruth Moore, Rev. Dwayne Rodgers, and Madison Showalter.
Just Take a Minute
By Marilyn Bohlender, ODW President
One minute out of your life could make a big difference in someone else’s life. A friend of mine was driving when a little child ran out in front of her car. The mother was trying to hold onto her two small children and one managed to get loose.
This mother’s look of horror as the child escaped her grip did not need any words. My friend had slowed down when she saw the mother holding onto the two children and was able to stop. She could have gone on or yelled at the mom but she did not. Instead she calmed the mom letting her know she was a mother once and knew how kids could be. Words of encouragement kept a struggling mother from falling apart.
It only took a minute to encourage. There are so many things that just take a minute. Think about it. Politeness, thank-you’s and smiles just take a minute. Words of kindness and just listening only take a minute. Inviting someone to church is another quick minute.
Prayers throughout the day just take a minute. Take a minute and pray for our youth and camp programs. Spreading the word of Family Camp that even could be a grandparent and grandchild is just a click away. Click here for information.
Checking the Office of Disciples Women’s newsletter so that you do not miss out on their activities at General Assembly next month is an important minute. Click here for their newsletter articles about General Assembly. Sign-up for the newsletter here.
Slowing down and listening for God’s whisper just takes a minute. God’s love is always there every minute; just like time, it does not stop. So next time you are distracted with the least important, slow down and take a minute to include what God has taught us is the most important.
1 John 4:19 (NIV) We love because He first loved us.
Regional Board Votes on Regional Minister Candidate
In a Called Regional Board Meeting, Saturday, May 17, 2025 the Regional Minister Search Committee and the Executive Committee presented their recommended candidate for the position of Regional Minister for the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Oklahoma.
After meeting with the candidate and further discussion, the Regional Board enthusiastically recommends that Rev. Michael A. Davison, Jr. be called as our next Regional Minister.
The recommendation from the Regional Minister Search Committee laying out their discernment that Rev. Davison embodies the qualities and priorities needed by the Oklahoma Region now and for the journey ahead. Read Search Committee Letter
Final Step: A Called Regional Assembly will be held Saturday, June 28, 2025 at First Christian Church in Edmond for final consideration and vote by the Assembly on calling Rev. Davison as Regional Minister for the Christian Church in Oklahoma.
Further details are available on the Called Regional Assembly web page, certification of voting delegates from each congregation, and an introduction to Michael for those that do not already know him well from his 15 years of service as our current Associate Regional Minister.
We are grateful for the dedicated work of the Regional Minister Search Committee and invite your prayers as we continue this journey together.
If you have questions, reach out to me, Stacy Minnick, Regional Moderator, at stacy.l.minnick@gmail.com or to Randy Kuss, Interim Regional Minister, at rkuss@okdisciples.org
Stacy Minnick
Regional Moderator
Submit Certificate of Voting Delegates
Instructions
Calculate the number of voting lay delegates according to the information below. Your church’s number of Participating Members is the same number you provided to the most recent Year Book & Directory report your congregation submitted. If unknown, please email Ellen (ebeer@okdisciples.org) at the Regional Office.
Voting Delegates As Defined in the Bylaws of the
Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Oklahoma
Article 1 – Regional Church Assembly – A. Membership All members of the Regional Church who register for the Called Regional Assembly shall have all privileges of the Assembly except that voting privileges shall be limited to:
1. Voting representatives from the congregations, representation to be based upon participating membership as reported in the latest Year Book and Directory. (a) Each congregation shall be entitled to three lay voting representatives, plus one additional lay voting representative for each three hundred members or major fraction thereof over the first three hundred. (b) Each congregation, in selecting its representatives, shall seek to
maintain a balance of lay men, lay women and youth.
2. Ordained and commissioned ministers in the Regional Church whose ministerial standing is certified by the Regional Church.
| Participating Members | # Lay Voting Delegates |
|---|---|
| 1-450 | 3 |
| 451-750 | 4 |
| 751-1050 | 5 |
| 1051-1350 | 6 |
Before You Begin
What You Will Need For Each Delegate
- Name
- Email Address
- Mailing Address
- Whether they will attend & vote In-Person or Online (via Zoom)
Signature Authorization from Church Board Chair/Moderator
- This form has a checkbox to authorize the use of a digital signature for the Board Chair/Moderator.
You will receive a PDF copy of the form upon submission.
Not Just for Warmth
By Marilyn Bohlender, ODW President
Quilts are more than something to keep you warm. Many are displayed as works of art. Some quilts were made to pass a story or convey beliefs. A simple quilt of scraps is not just for warmth; it also brings comfort.
I look at a box of scraps saved for another; don’t gasp, I know I am not alone. These pieces of material brings memories of a favorite shirt or an Easter dress. Some bring memories of people close to us who wore them.
The memories don’t stop there. My grandmother’s love for me in creating a quilt becomes a treasured memory. We make quilts individually or as a group. Let’s look at our groups making quilts. I want to think there are memories in making the quilts. Togetherness and fellowship are added to the creation of the quilts. There are also quilts with prayers said over them; the uplifting this brings for the creators and receivers is immense.
Know there are many quilt groups involved in our churches as I will mention a few examples. At First Christian Presbyterian in Pryor near Tulsa, a group creates a quilt and Rev. Darlene Martinez prays over the quilt made specifically for a member to comfort them. In southwest Oklahoma, FCC Duncan prayer quilts are made for their children; a prayer is made with each knot tied. Again these bring much uplifting.
Recently, while attending the CADW meeting, I saw a quilt at FCC El Reno displayed in their hallway with many blocks in it. The photo above is a Quilt Show held at FCC Lawton.
Years ago a quilt created the same way hung in the Regional Office. The blocks came from churches across Oklahoma. I have that quilt and displayed it a FCC Lawton quilt show. My goal is to take the quilt with me as I visit churches. It can easily be draped across pews. Contact me if you would like a visit. Maybe your women would be re-energized over quilts.
With prayer and God’s hand at work, the possibilities are endless.
But let all who take refuge in you be glad;
let them ever sing for joy.
Spread your protection over them,
that those who love your name may rejoice in you.
Psalm 5:11 (NIV)
Quilt composed of blocks from Oklahoma congregations formerly displayed at the Oklahoma Regional Office
Rev. Darlene Martinez praying over quilts from First Christian Presbyterian Church, Pryor
Prayer quilt for a child is ready for FCC Duncan members to tie knots and pray over
FCC Duncan Prayer Quilt tag
New Life Emerging in Our Region
By Rev. Randy Kuss, Interim Regional Minister
Thank you for your generous giving to the Regional Church! Your gift helps Oklahoma Disciples connect and love and serve like Jesus.
In the Spring we see New Life emerging in our churches, our Region and beyond. We see it in pastor’s classes and baptisms; in youth in New York and Washington, DC for International Affairs Seminar. New Life is spotted as elders, deacons, children and youth sponsors, and other leaders connect and learn at Empower & Equip. It emerges as adults, youth, and children travel to Christmount for Hurricane Helene recovery work. New Life sightings appear in clergy on retreats to refresh and renew their spirits, and as young people sign up for our summer camps. And, of course, we seek New Life in the call of a new Regional Minister!
Glimpse below a few signs of New Life springing forth. Find more on our website at okdisciples.org and in our monthly email Regional Roundup. Thank you for loving and supporting your church.
We are in mission and ministry together, and cannot do this ministry without you!
Prayerfully consider a monetary gift to the Regional Church Annual Fund. Please return your gift in the envelope mailed to you or visit our secure link or use the (QR code below).
Be well in your witness, Disciples, and thank you for your generous giving to the Regional Church!
Note: If your retirement account requires a “minimum distribution” you may direct a charitable donation to the Christian Church in Oklahoma. Contact your financial advisor.
Donate Securely Through Givelify
2025 Spring Empower & Equip at Crown Heights Christian Church, OKC
Seeking new life in the call of a Regional Minister
Disciples Women conference
Youth Mid-winter Retreat
IAS students & sponsors visit the MLK monument in Washington, DC
Table of Nations event hosted by Britton Christian Church, OKC
Sr. Minister Josh Bell lead FCC Perry mission work @Christmount Camp for recovery from Hurricane Helene
Sr. Minister Christine Pomaville’s installation at FCC Thomas w/ Assoc. Reg’l Minister Michael Davison
Children and Easter
By Marilyn Bohlender, ODW President
Take a walk through Wally World or almost any store and you will see an Easter section that seems to shout “Children!” This is not necessarily a bad thing if we channel this into an Easter message for children. Jesus said let the children come to me.
In a society where children were at the bottom of the pecking order, Jesus raised them up! Now over 2000 years later, we minister with many activities such as Church Camp and Vacation Bible School. Know that ODW, Oklahoma Disciples Women, has a history of helping offset expenses for the youth attending IAS, International Affairs Seminar. These are only a few examples. Continue to pray that our children and youth will benefit from our ministries to see God’s message.
There will be another opportunity to help children at the CADW Spring Meeting on April 22nd, the Tuesday after Easter. RSVP to FCC El Reno 405-262-3539 on the Tuesday of the week before. See the Disciples Women page here or the Oklahoma Disciples Women Facebook for more information.
~Prayers and Blessings,
Marilyn
Matthew 19:14 (NIV) Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.”
2025 Easter Offering
Wonder: The Inside Story
At the break of dawn, the women came to the tomb, expecting to find the lifeless body of Jesus. Inside the tomb, the story takes an unexpected turn and invites us inside the story. In the solemn silence where death was presumed to dwell, the disciples instead encounter awe — a wonder that stirs their hearts and shifts their understanding. The resurrection ignites in us that same wonder, the wonder that gripped the first witnesses of the empty tomb — the wonder of love that conquers death, of hope that defies despair, and of a risen Christ whose presence transforms the world forever.
The Easter Offering, received by most congregations on April 13 and 20, 2025, provides vital support for the general ministries of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). Your generous gift helps equip college students for leadership, strengthens global mission partnerships, sustains health and social service ministries, supports the formation of new congregations, cares for pastors and chaplains, and so much more.
Your gift has the power to transform lives and extend the love of Christ around the world. Give online today or through your congregation. Thank you for making a difference.