CCOK301, Author at Christian Church in Oklahoma

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.

CCOK3012025-10-13T16:45:58-05:00Oct 13, 2025|Disciples Women|0 Comments

ODW 2025 Regional Board Report

Congregation Visits

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.

Central Area Disciples Women (CADW)

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.

Facebook Following Increases

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.

Disciples Women Leadership Council (DWLC)

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.

Leadership Development Endowment Fund (LDEF)

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.

Retreats

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

CCOK3012025-10-16T11:12:35-05:00Oct 13, 2025|Disciples Women|0 Comments

Southern Hills CC Installs New Pastor

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.

CCOK3012025-10-09T11:47:52-05:00Oct 9, 2025|Congregations|0 Comments

Area Clergy Retreat 2025

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.

CCOK3012025-10-01T10:31:41-05:00Sep 29, 2025|Clergy News|0 Comments

FCC Pond Creek Installs New Pastor

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.

CCOK3012025-09-22T15:54:07-05:00Sep 22, 2025|Congregations|0 Comments

Advent: Walk Through the Lectionary Texts

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

Register

CCOK3012025-09-22T15:46:56-05:00Sep 22, 2025|Clergy News|0 Comments

Sense of the Sacred: Fall Annual Fund

Each morning, The Daily Question arrives in my inbox from grateful.org. This site offers me a moment of pause, should I choose to accept it, to ponder, wonder, and explore gratitude. Personal reflection is one practice of grateful living that the founder, Br. David Steindl-Rast, suggests for understanding the experience of gratitude.

Three questions from August continue to wrestle with me:

What connects me to a sense of the sacred? (Aug. 31)

When I shift from problem-solving mode to approaching a situation with curiosity, what changes? (Aug. 30)

What are three simple things that bring me joy? (Aug. 21)

Your gift to the Annual Fund helps the Region support our congregations and clergy. We walk alongside as they sense the sacred, approach the future with curiosity, and recognize joy (connect, equip, and empower) as an alternative voice of the good news of God. It is one way we love and serve like Jesus.

I invite you to join Lisa and me in making a gift to the Annual Fund this fall. Thank you doesn’t begin to express my gratitude for your faithful giving in the past and today. You are a blessing.

Stay centered in God’s shalom. Peace

Rev. Michael Davison, Regional Minister

Prayerfully consider a monetary gift to the Regional Church Annual Fund. Please visit our secure link on the Regional website, or return your gift in the envelope mailed to you.

Give A Gift

Retirement account require a “minimum distribution”? Direct a charitable donation to the Christian Church in Oklahoma. Contact your financial advisor.

As I travel around the Region and correspond by email this fall, I’m asking Oklahoma Disciples:

Describe your church in 3 words

Join the conversation!

Email me HERE

Left: Regional summer camps; Right clockwise: Patrick McKenzie ordination; Called Regional Assembly with Jesse Jackson, Regional Minister Michael Davison and Madi Showalter; DOC General Assembly 2025, Memphis, TN; Texas flood relief drive Crown Heights Christian Church, OKC.

CCOK3012025-09-16T09:13:51-05:00Sep 18, 2025|Regional News|0 Comments

Patrick McKenzie Ordained

Patrick McKenzie was ordained into Christian Ministry on August 24, 2025 at Village Christian Church, Oklahoma City. He was awarded his Master of Divinity at Lexington Seminary in May.

Rev. McKenzie has served as a commissioned pastor of New Vessels Christian Church in Oklahoma City, where he will continue to serve his congregation as an ordained minister.

CCOK3012025-09-04T12:42:53-05:00Sep 4, 2025|Clergy News|0 Comments

Finding God in the Midst is Fall Retreat Theme

How do you write about fall retreat to give it justice? How do you tell about the feeling you have at fall retreat. You should mention the laughter of women visiting over a good meal but that is just the tip of the iceberg. One time a young woman from Ponca City said she finally made the effort to go to fall retreat because the ladies would always return talking about the great time they had at fall retreat. She went and finally experienced what all the buzz was about.

The ODW Fall Retreat 2025 is Oct 3-4th at Camp Christian, 275 Camp Christian Ln, Chouteau OK 74337

If you are at all able to attend, attend! Whether you are able to attend or not, please pray for God to be in the midst of this retreat.

Before Covid, I attended the three main retreats held by the different areas across Oklahoma. The executive committee of ODW and part of the planning team have prior retreat planning experience to add to this retreat. We have incorporated favorites from these retreats and some new ideas to the ODW Fall Retreat 2025. Women clergy and leaders will be involved from across Oklahoma; there will be multiple presenters and break-out sessions. I also give thanks to the Oklahoma Regional office for setting up the on-line registration. Follow this link to our ODW page for more information, schedule, and on-line registration.

Registration and payment deadline is Monday Sept 22nd. Friday and Saturday is $75 and Saturday only is $45.
Check-in Friday is 4-6pm with dinner at 6pm.
Saturday only includes 8am breakfast and 11:30am lunch. We will end by 3:30pm on Saturday.

Proverbs 8:17 (NIV) I love those who love me, and those who seek me find me.

CCOK3012025-09-04T12:24:20-05:00Sep 4, 2025|Disciples Women|0 Comments

What We Did This Summer

Mission Trips, VBS, Flood Relief Collection & Backpacks for School

Where did the summer go? Our congregations are busier than ever as they serve locally and beyond our borders. There is so much that happens between June and August. Here is a snippet of Oklahoma Disciples at work, service, education, and presence.

Harvard Avenue Christian Church, Tulsa

July 20-25, 9 high school students and 2 leaders served in Black Mountain North Carolina with disaster relief from Hurricane Helene. The team did repairs and learned about disaster responses in communities.

Jamaica Mission Trip

Members of First Christian Church Stillwater, First Christian Church El Reno, Central Christian Church, Enid, First Christian Church, Luther, and First Christian Church Guthrie carried out a summer mission trip to Jamaica, under the leadership of Sondra Ladd, Sr. Minister FCC Stillwater with American Caribbean Experience (ACE). ACE is intentional about providing a variety of projects and we had a large team so we divided into groups with the exception of all teams combining for the VBS closing celebration. Projects throughout the week included a vacation bible school at one of the ACE partnership schools; clearing farmland for cattle grazing; work with the microbusinesses on the farm; beach clean up (it’s sea weed season and LOADS of trash comes in with the sea weed); a mobile infirmary delivers soup, juice and provides conversation to local shut ins, painting was done at the ACE campus house and a group organized school supplies and donations.

First Christian Church El Reno & First Christian Church Sulphur

FCC El Reno joined FCC Sulphur, FCC Pauls Valley, and FCC Duncan for Water weekend and then continued their Serve/Learn/Play trip where a prayer labyrinth was build in memory of Late Pastor Tim Kowalski.

Pastor Tim had built a labyrinth at Texoma Christian Camp. The red bricks were from that labyrinth and the white bricks match the bricks from FCC Sulphur and were used to replace the damaged wall after the 2024 tornado.

First Christian Church El Reno had 7 team members that joined other Disciples to serve in Jamaica through construction projects and leading VBS.

Texas Flood Relief

Crown Heights Christian Church, OKC, put out a call for cleaning supplies and other goods to deliver to Texas to assist in the relief effort after the Guadalupe River flood. They reported that “We filled our van, took the seats out and loaded it to the top, loaded a big truck and covered trailer, they were full, no room to spare and also delivered a $4,000.00 check. It’s been amazing! All this in 2 weeks, people were so, so generous!” Supplies and funds were delivered Monday, July 21, 2025.

Donations of supplies and funds came in from 5 Central Area Disciples congregations including

Crown Heights Christian Church
First Christian Church of El Reno
First Christian Church of Guthrie
First Christian Church of Midwest City
Nicoma Park Christian Church, plus 3 non-Disciple congregations.

Wildewood Annual Backpack Giveaway

Wildewood Christian Church’s (OKC) Annual Backpack Giveaway took place Saturday, July 26, 2025 where the Outreach Ministry, alongside other church-supported ministries and volunteers, served over 250 students and parents across Oklahoma City, offering complimentary immunizations, haircuts, voter registration, and educational guidance for students seeking enrollment in STEM programs, as well as providing supplies they need for a successful school year.

First Christian Church Alva Youth Mission & Camp

Middle school and High school youth groups traveled to Kansas City for their mission trip. The congregation sponsors a church camp experience at Boiling Springs State Park for members of their church and the greater Alva community.