CCOK301, Author at Christian Church in Oklahoma

Pair Positive Energy with an Invitation

By Marilyn Bohlender, ODW President

How many times do you need to issue an invitation before you hear a yes? In retail sales, I heard it takes 10 times saying no before you hear the yes. Someone once said that it takes an average of 21 seeds of thought planted for a person to become a Christian.

Back to the invite scenario. I have heard a major portion of a sermon on just inviting. Sometimes we expect folks to just magically appear. A family came to church once because they were invited to the church across the street but the directions were mixed up and they ended up at our church instead!

How many of you went to church, an event or group meeting because someone invited you? Now it is your turn to invite. Recently, someone came because she said I kept inviting her! If you love your church, its activities and service projects, spread that love with positive energy! Pair that positive energy with an invitation!

To the “not me” folks, just know with prayer and God at your side that you can say words like, “I love the warm feeling I have when I walk into our sanctuary! Come feel that, too!” or “We had so much fun putting together snack bags; consider joining us next time!”

Today, I am inviting you to participate in Regional Assembly March 6th and 7th. Regional Assembly is for everyone not just the clergy. The organizers have made it a Friday – Saturday event that will be an Oklahoma Regional Assembly to remember! Because of all the generous sponsors, Friday evening dinner followed by a concert and Saturday only costs $35. If you can only make Friday or only Saturday, still come! ODW plans to have an Exhibitor Table so look for us. See you there! Here is the link to learn more and register.

Furthermore, invite others to attend the 7:30pm Friday night concert to have an enjoyable evening with Carrie Newcomer. There is a separate price/registration for those who are only attending her concert. Her concert is already covered for the rest of us under the $35 Fri/Sat cost.

We may never know how many invites are needed. We DO know the power of prayer and we can pray for God to use us to do the inviting.

Ephesians 3:20 (NLT) Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think.

CCOK3012026-02-16T15:44:31-06:00Feb 16, 2026|Disciples Women|0 Comments

Rev.’s Becker and Hames Honored at Phillips Seminary

Rev. Kelley Becker Receives 2026 Marshall Award for Ministerial Excellence

Rev. Kelley Becker holds an AA from Heartland Community College, Normal, Illinois, and an MDiv. from Phillips Theological Seminary (2014). Kelley served First Presbyterian Church in Normal, Illinois, as the Director of Children and Youth Ministries and First Christian Church in Bloomington, Illinois, as the associate minister before her call to Disciples Christian Church in Bartlesville, Oklahoma, in January 2017.

While in Bartlesville, Kelley has served on numerous non-profit boards, including Family Promise, Oklahomans for Equality-Bartlesville, Ray of Hope Advocacy Center, and the PTS Alum Association Board. In 2018, she led Disciples Christian Church through the discernment process of becoming an Open and Affirming congregation. Disciples Christian Church remains the only Christian congregation in Bartlesville that fully welcomes everyone.

Kelley has served the Oklahoma Region of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) by serving on the Commission on Clergy, the Regional Board and Executive Committee, and counseling and directing church camp. She currently serves as the Northeast Area Moderator.

For 19 years, Kelley has been married to John who is an exercise physiologist at Oklahoma Heart Institute in Tulsa. They have two sons (Christopher and Andrew), two grandsons (Kane and Bair), and another grandchild on the way. Kelley and John have two labrador retrievers, Porter and Scout. The Beckers enjoy long distance road biking, traveling, and anything dog related.

Rev. Kim Clements Hames Receives Dr. Mary Ruth Bedford Award for Individual Giving

The Phillips Theological Seminary Advancement Office established the Dr. Mary Ruth Bedford Award for Individual Giving as a way to recognize longtime giving to the seminary.

The individual award was presented to Kim Clements Hames. Her heavy involvement in CCC revealed to her a love for teaching about the faith and at her Pastors’ encouragement, she attended Phillips Graduate Seminary (MDiv, 1979). During seminary, she also developed an interest in chaplaincy and went on to receive an STM at Yale Divinity 1980, with a later Chaplain Residency in Boston.

Her 40 years of ministry included positions re: Youth, Singles, Associate, Senior, and Chaplaincy. She has served in Oklahoma (Tulsa, Cushing, Lawton, Bartlesville); New Haven; Boston; and Kentucky.

Over the years Kim was a “first” for people, e.g., “You don’t look like a minister;” first female minister at several churches; first pregnancy leave for two churches. Kim now enjoys her involvement at Harvard Avenue Christian Church as she has transitioned into retirement.

CCOK3012026-02-03T10:17:03-06:00Feb 3, 2026|Clergy News|0 Comments

Regional Assembly Registration Now Open!

I’m writing to invite you and your congregation to be part of an important moment in the life of our Region. At our Called Regional Assembly in June 2025, Disciples from across Oklahoma affirmed the call of Rev. Michael A. Davison Jr. to serve as Regional Minister. He began in August and has spent the months since connecting with congregations, supporting clergy, and helping shape the church’s next steps in Oklahoma.

We now look ahead to Regional Assembly 2026, to be held March 6-7, 2026, at First Christian Church Edmond (201 E. 2nd St., Edmond). Over the weekend, we will gather for worship and the formal installation of Rev. Michael A. Davison Jr., along with workshops for clergy and laity. The Assembly will also feature meaningful conversations with leaders such as Rev. Terri Hord Owens, Rev. Doug Powe, and Pastor Milton Bowens, as well as opportunities for hands-on service, intergenerational connection, music, youth activities, and time to simply be together.

In addition, we will conduct essential business of the Region, including electing new Regional Board officers, commissioning new Board members, and voting to confirm the proposed date and location for the 2028 Regional Assembly.

Attend In-Person or Watch on YouTube

We encourage you to attend Regional Assembly. We will joyfully meet in-person so please be sure to register. Can’t make it in-person? Watch the live stream of the Business Meeting and Worship & Installation on YouTube.

This Assembly marks a significant step forward in our shared work. We hope your congregation will join us as we install new leadership, learn together, and continue building the future of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Oklahoma.

With gratitude and hope,

Stacy L. Minnick,
Regional Moderator
Christian Church (DOC) in Oklahoma

A SnapShot of Regional Assembly

Special Musical Guest Singer/Songwriter Carrie Newcomer

This amazing Grammy award-winning songwriter & recording artist event is sponsored by Phillips Seminary. A Friday afternoon songwriting workshop (space limited) is followed by “An Evening with Carrie” concert. Concert tickets also available for the general public if not attending Regional Assembly.

Rev. Virginia White Preaching for Dinner Church Friday Evening

Rev. Terri Hord Owens, General Minister & President of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)

Leading a Workshop, Preaching at Saturday Afternoon Worship, and Presiding at our Regional Minister’s Installation

Friday

Healthy Boundaries Training for Clergy (9:00 am to 3:00 pm)
Afternoon Music Writing Workshop with Carrie Newcomer
Dinner Church
An Evening with Carrie Newcomer (concert)

Saturday

Morning Labyrinth and Prayers
Workshops (choose one from 6 options)
Stamp Out Starvation Hands on Mission Project
Exhibitors
RA Business Meeting to Vote on 2026-2028 Officers and the 2028 Regional Assembly Date and Location
Worship with Rev. Terri Hord Owens and Installation of Our Regional Minister

Learn More & Register

CCOK3012026-02-03T09:47:46-06:00Feb 3, 2026|Regional News|0 Comments

Certificate of Voting Delegates 2026 Instructions

STEP 1. Submit Certified Voting Delegates Form

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.

Deadline Friday, Feb. 27th 4:00 pm

Go to the Voting Delegates Form

STEP 2. Register & Pay for Each Delegate

Be sure each delegate completes a PAID event registration online – or your congregation may do this on their behalf. You may complete multiple registrations in one transaction.

Both in-person AND online voters must register.

We will email a link to the online voters to watch the business meeting and cast votes.

The Worship and Installation service will be live streamed on YouTube.

Deadline Monday, March 2nd 4:00 pm

Register the Delegate

Helpful Downloads

Download Moderator Letter

Download Regional Assembly Business Meeting Agenda &
Nominees List for Regional Board Officers

Download Schedule of Events & Super Choir Document

Download Regional Assembly Logo

Download 16:9 Large-screen Worship Slide

Newsletter Article / Social Media

Join Us at 2026 Regional Assembly

March 6-7 • First Christian Church Edmond • okdisciples.org/ra2026

Guest preacher Rev. Terri Hord Owens, our DOC Gen. Minister & President
Dinner Church
6 Workshops (including one by Rev. Owens!)
Regional Super Choir
Stamp Out Starvation Mission Project
Installation of Regional Minister Rev. Michael Davison (live on YouTube)
Business meeting to elect ’26-28 Regional Board Officers (live on YouTube)
Exhibitors

NEW! Concert by Grammy-award winning singer-songwriter Carrie Newcomer

Registration now open $35 per person. Discount hotel rates till 2/15.
Find the details at okdisciples.org/ra2026

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

CCOK3012026-02-04T09:51:00-06:00Jan 29, 2026|Congregations|0 Comments

Reflect and Prepare for a New Year!

Are you prepared for a new year? We always celebrate that a new year has arrived. Then comes new year’s resolutions. Did you take a moment to sit back and reflect? I mean really take time to empty the mind of clutter and ready yourself of visions toward a positive new year.

Before this month is over, two of our women will travel to 2026 Disciples Women Leadership Conference (DWLC) to represent Oklahoma Disciples Women at a leadership event with other Disciples Women leaders from across United States and Canada. This event holds expectations for many positive insights.

At the end of January, CADW will hold their Winter Meeting on Tuesday, January 27th at Southern Hills CC, Edmond. Click here for details. This meeting always benefits a non-profit as well as the uplifting of those attending. I anticipate all the good works done by our Disciples Women across the Oklahoma Region.

This year there are already works for an even better Regional Assembly on March 6-7th, an event for all our Oklahoma Disciples. I was excited to hear our General Minister and President Rev. Terri Hold Owens will be at our assembly. What better way to prepare for hearing her than to read her book, Staying at the Table: Being the Church We Say We Are which can be ordered on Chalice Press.

I took advantage of the sunny days we have had this January to read her book and reflect on the emphasis she has on God’s love. Many books I read fade at the end but her book became better and more interesting in the chapters toward the end.

Take time to reflect all of God’s possibilities for us in this new year. Continue the good works you have been doing. Be ready for the paths where God leads you. Remember with faith, prayer and God’s help, anything is possible.

Psalm 20:4 (NIV) May he give you the desire of your heart and make all your plans succeed.

CCOK3012026-01-15T16:11:47-06:00Jan 13, 2026|Disciples Women|0 Comments

Rev. Paul Ragle Receives Honored Minister Pin

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.

CCOK3012025-12-09T11:44:57-06:00Dec 9, 2025|Clergy News|Comments Off

They Will Know We Are Christians by Our Love

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.

CCOK3012025-12-09T11:32:22-06:00Dec 9, 2025|Disciples Women|Comments Off

Kyle Maxwell Honored by OK Disciples Foundation

Celebrating 60 Years of Ministry, Mission and Generosity

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.

Honoring the Legacy of The Rev. Dr. Kyle Maxwell

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.”

CCOK3012025-11-25T11:32:16-06:00Nov 25, 2025|Regional News|Comments Off

Reading in the Sunshine

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.
Shop Disciples Home Missions

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.

CCOK3012025-11-05T11:36:01-06:00Nov 5, 2025|Disciples Women|Comments Off

More Than A Road Trip

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.

Side note from ODW President Marilyn – Oct. 2025

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.