CCOK301, Author at Christian Church in Oklahoma

A Ministry Reaps Big Benefits While Taking Only a Moment Each Day

By Marilyn Bohlender, ODW President

Disciples Women have a long history with a Blessing Box Ministry. We understand putting aside a little money each day will eventually add up to a larger amount. The Blessing Box Ministry works this way. In addition part of this ministry is to think of blessings in your life.

At the end of day, I think of a blessing and put money in my Blessing Box. That is a benefit for me to think about positive experiences as I put money in my Blessing Box. The money in the Blessing Box will add up and when other women are doing the same, we will end up with an even greater amount.

This year I propose a Blessing Box Project where after you collect and send your Blessing Box Donation in either on-line or by check, you will let me know the amount.

I plan to write in a future Regional Roundup that Oklahoma collected “x” amount and these churches were involved. It’s about what we did as a group together. October is the target date to let me know since that is the month of Disciples Women’s birthday.

For more information on Blessing Boxes and the Blessing Box Project 2026, go to ODW section of okdisciples.org. More information from Office of Disciples Women can be found on their website and eNewsletter DW Connect.

James 1:17 (NIV) Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.

CCOK3012026-05-20T08:45:35-05:00May 19, 2026|Disciples Women|0 Comments

New! Digital General Assembly Voting Delegates

It’s time! Under the revised Design of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), disciples gather for General Assembly every year. These summer assemblies provide connections, study, worship, and witness as a relevant voice of the good news of God in our Regions, the denomination, our Nation, and around the world. This summer and next, disciples will gather for General Assembly online, which Michael calls Digital General Assembly. The known schedule:

Digital General Assembly, July 10-11, 2026
Digital General Assembly, July 2027
Triennial Assembly (hybrid in-person and online) July 2028

3 Delegates Per Congregation

Part of the revision of the Design provides for every congregation listed in the yearbook (ALEX system) to elect and send three (3) delegates to the assemblies during the triennium. Congregations are encouraged to elect their three delegates to serve for three years for consistency. It is important to remember that clergy with standing are automatically voters at General Assembly, and do not need to be elected to represent.

Register for General Assembly

Learn About General Assembly

Delegate Responsibilities

Download the documents below for information about the responsibilities of a congregation’s delegates.

How to Submit Delegate Names

Enter your delegates’ names into your congregation’s ALEX record, as shown below.

Carrie, one of our Region’s support staff, is ready to help your congregation if you need assistance. Email ccobbs@okdisciples.org

AND, don’t forget to register your delegates!

CCOK3012026-05-20T08:42:16-05:00May 19, 2026|Congregations|0 Comments

Privacy Policy

The Christian Church in Oklahoma will not share your mobile number, email address, or physical address with third parties or affiliates. No mobile opt-in or text message consent will be shared with third parties or affiliates. If you consent to receive informational or promotional SMS from the Christian Church in Oklahoma, you agree to receive such messages from us.

By opting into SMS from a web form or other medium, you are agreeing to receive SMS messages from Christian Church in Oklahoma. This includes SMS messages for marketing, public service announcements, customer care. Message frequency varies. Message and data rates may apply. Message HELP for help. Reply STOP to any message to opt out.

Questions: Call 405-528-3577

CCOK3012026-05-18T15:22:58-05:00May 12, 2026|Uncategorized|0 Comments

Community, Camp and Companions in Faith

By Shannon Cook, Associate Regional Minister

Summer brings a unique opportunity to Oklahoma Disciples and their ministry with children, youth, and families. The summer Outdoor Ministry events provide an intentional community for campers and staff through small groups, worship, time around tables, and in shared spaces.

I grew up in a different region and started attending church camp as soon as I was old enough. To this day, I have friends from church camp and adult mentors who continue to walk with me on my journey of ministry and living as a follower of Christ. These relationships with one another and with the church are worth planting, nurturing, and growing!

I’m still in my first month as the Associate Regional Minister for the Christian Church in Oklahoma. In that time, I’ve enjoyed seeing so many OK Disciples, and I appreciate your warm and encouraging welcome to the regional staff. I have also spent a good part of my time learning about how the region prepares for camp and taking steps to make sure we are ready to offer the most welcoming, joyful, loving, and safe experiences for our campers and staff.

Jesus teaches us that God’s love is for all the world, and we are invited to continue to widen that circle of divine compassion so that all people will know they are God’s beloved. Church camp and Outdoor Ministries are just one way the region can live with the heart of Christ, sharing in love, grace, growth, and community together. (Have you registered for church camp? May 15 is the deadline!)

CCOK3012026-04-30T10:37:36-05:00Apr 30, 2026|Youth|0 Comments

Annual Fund Gifts Support Our Ministry

Message from Michael: Spring Update

Mr. Rogers often recalled his mother’s advice: “Look for the helpers.” Oklahoma Disciples, you are the helpers. And that is no small thing. I shared those words at our March Regional Assembly — and they are true every single day across our State.

Congregations like yours and believers like you incarnate the ways of Jesus: feeding neighbors, welcoming as you’ve been welcomed, sharing your faith in God, and moving toward people rather than away from them.

Your Regional church exists to connect, equip, and empower Oklahoma Disciples to love and serve like Jesus. Here is a glimpse of what we have done and are doing in the first half of this year.

Families & Youth

Chi Rho & CYF Midwinter Retreat was attended by 91 youth and adults who represented 10 congregations.

Camp Directors and Counselors are preparing for our church camps this June. Thanks to a grant from the Leave No Child Behind Fund, discount fees are offered through April 24th. The last day to register for a camp is May 15th.

The Regional Board called Rev. Shannon Cook as our Associate Regional Minister. She will continue to develop our Christian education and leadership development ministries for disciples of all ages. Yes, this includes church camp, youth retreats, Empower and Equip, and dreams we’ve yet to dream.

2026 Regional Assembly

Regional Assembly at First Christian Church in Edmond was attended by 295 Oklahoma Disciples representing 57 congregations.

Visit the Region’s YouTube channel to watch a replay of the business session and closing worship to hear Rev. Terri Hord Owens, our General Minister and President, preach.

At Regional Assembly, youth and adults enthusiastically packaged 16,344 meals through Stamp Out Starvation.

Nurturing Our Oklahoma Clergy

Simplicity Christian Church, Edmond, ordained Rev. Richard Bowles into Christian Ministry.

The Commission on Clergy will hold two ordination councils in May. The Commission will have 14 candidates for ministry in the Incare program this fall.

Your Annual Fund Gifts Are Impactful

As you can see, your gifts are incredibly impactful. Through your generosity, we have received $11,125 (12%) of our $90,000 Annual Fund goal for 2026. The Annual Fund is one of the three revenue streams1 that support the work of our Regional staff and the volunteers who serve on the Commissions that equip and empower our siblings in faith.

1 The Region’s three revenue streams: Disciples Mission Fund, Annual Fund, and endowment funds with the Oklahoma Disciples Foundation and the Christian Church Foundation.

The Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) can’t fix the polarization that has returned to our world — but we might be an antibiotic that treats it: through our service, our willingness to stay at the table when we disagree, and our commitment to a gospel that incarnates grace.

Your gift to your congregation and to the Oklahoma Regional Church Annual Fund keeps that witness alive in Oklahoma.

Your gift — at any level — supports our shared ministry as we celebrate, create, expand, mobilize, stay, and welcome at a banquet that has a place set for you, and beyond the church’s walls.

Thank you for being a part of that story.

It is my honor to serve alongside you. Stay centered in God’s shalom.

Disciples, you are a blessing.

Rev Michael Davison sig transparent bkgrnd

In our fragmented world –

there is ministry only WE can do,

and gospel only WE can be.

CCOK3012026-04-15T16:33:08-05:00Apr 15, 2026|Regional News|0 Comments

Behind the Scenes

by Marilyn Bohlender, DW President

Behind the scenes, someone answered God’s call. They answered whether or not they felt capable. They answered whether or not they thought someone else was more capable. They answered yes because God called on them. Many times throughout the Bible someone was called because God desired to see his works done through a person whose heart had faith.

Often in our lives just as it is in Biblical stories God will surround you with others to fulfill the mission. It is not a one and done scenario. When I look back, I see how often God has surrounded me with others to fulfill the job. We find we are better together.

As I look back to Regional Assembly in March, I see many who said yes to bringing this event together. We may only see those in charge. God sees everyone. He sees all the workers. He sees those who attended. He even sees those who prayed for the event. Each person was actually saying yes to God.

As you go through your daily walk of life, know you are saying yes to God’s call and direction on your life. Even praying while washing dishes is a yes to God’s call! Later this month I will be saying yes to attend CADW meeting at First Christian Church Moore, Tuesday April 28th. Go to ODW page for more info.

I am not obligated to say yes. I am not saying yes because it is easy; I will be driving over an hour each way. I feel God’s call to go. God’s hand will be seen in the nonprofit being highlighted at the meeting. Always, I am uplifted by the connections with other Christian women. Behind the scenes, this meeting started with someone saying yes.

Colossians 3:23 (NIV) Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.

CCOK3012026-04-15T10:03:44-05:00Apr 14, 2026|Disciples Women|0 Comments

Retired Pastor to Receive Military Honor Flight

Calumet resident Doyle Newsom has served in many capacities: a lay pastor at Garber Christian Church, an Elder Emeritus at FCC El Reno, a Phillips University graduate (1966), and a self-published poet.

A large honor is his service with the rank of Captain and Platoon Leader in the U.S. Marine Corp. in the Vietnam War from May 31, 1968 – November 30, 1970. Later he served in the San Diego Marine Corp. Recruit Depot as a Battalion Adjutant.

Capt. (Ret.) Newsom’s military service is being honored by the non-profit Oklahoma Warriors Honor Flight Program with a trip to Washington, D.C. The program for Oklahoma veterans provides the opportunity to visit the memorials recognizing their service. The send-off ceremony takes place April 13. To learn more visit oklahomawarriors.org

Doyle’s book of poetry, Baby Shoes Blues: Poems, published in 2014 narrates his experiences of war, trauma and healing. “When your spiritual eyes are open and you can see how hilarious we all are, you can see your way home. It may be a way filled with great struggle, but there are great blessings for those who will look to find them. The Blues are the blues, but sometimes they feel good.”

CCOK3012026-03-18T11:09:07-05:00Mar 18, 2026|Congregations|Comments Off

Love and Know Your Neighbors: A Minnesota Perspective

January 2026 was a tense month for our neighbors in Minneapolis, MN, and other places where Immigration officers were met with protests about their tactics and practices in carrying out their duties and responding to protesters and bystanders. In response to a call for clergy to travel to Minneapolis, MN, two of our clergy, Rev. Kelley Becker (Disciples Christian Church, Bartlesville) and Rev. David Wheeler (New Covenant Christian Church, OKC), traveled with a group of Interfaith clergy from Oklahoma to stand with our neighbors and be our eyes. Our Regional Minister asked Rev. Becker to write a short reflection about the experience.

By Rev. Kelley Becker

Rev. Davison asked me to write a few paragraphs about the trip to Minneapolis, MN Rev. David Wheeler and I took with an interfaith group of clergy in January. Here is a bit of what I learned and experienced.

We met on a Thursday morning at a large church in downtown Minneapolis. The speakers talked about what life is like in their neighborhoods. We heard about the store and restaurant owners who keep their business doors locked because they are afraid ICE will raid their businesses. Some people carry their passports and other identification to prove they are citizens or have the correct documentation. And sometimes it doesn’t matter. People are afraid, and rightly so, that they will be among the people who disappear. Families keep children home from school because they fear they will be detained or used as bait to trap the parents. Some people are not going to work, either because they are afraid or because their workplaces are closed.

Amid it all, I saw sacrificial neighborliness. Neighbors are going out of their way, at great risk to themselves, to take care of their neighbors. Many people have been trained to ICE Watch. I had a taste of what that is like. We set out two by two to walk a neighborhood, watching for ICE. Each pair was given a whistle and instructions on how to use it and when. We saw for ourselves that all the stores and restaurants were locked. Some had lights on and were clearly occupied; others were dark. We stopped to talk with a woman standing on the corner watching for ICE. She told us that almost every day, at least for an hour or two, she stands watch.

Organizers in the cities that have been hit hardest by ICE, L.A., Chicago, and Minneapolis, have been clear: ICE isn’t going to stop with them. In the words of one of the organizers, “You may not be seeing ICE in your cities and towns yet, but ICE is coming. They will be there, and we want you to be prepared.” While we were there, we got very fast training in community and neighborhood organizing, non-violent resistance, non-compliance, planning, and leading protests and sit-ins.

In addition to admiration and compassion for the people of Minneapolis, I took away the idea that because this organizing is based on building community and taking care of each other, if we do the work and prepare, and we never have to resist ICE in our communities, nothing is lost, and the gift of community is gained. And the reality is, there will be a moment when we need each other. Maybe it will be a weather event, a community tragedy, or another pandemic. Whatever it is, community will save us. Love and know your neighbors, dear ones. We are better together.

CCOK3012026-03-18T09:03:37-05:00Mar 18, 2026|Clergy News|Comments Off

Mirror, Mirror on the Wall: Change Your Perspective

By Marilyn Bohlender, ODW President

Each morning as I see myself in the mirror, I want to say, “Ugh! Oh no!” I tend to avoid the dreaded mirror.

Now consider this. What does God see when he looks at us? He sees us as perfect as the day he created us. Ephesians 2:10 says, “For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.” Psalm 139:13 says “For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother’s womb.”

We know that no one is perfect; we have sin. One way to look at our sin the way God does is to think of Jesus standing in the way of God seeing our sin. Jesus paid the price for our sin.

Once I heard a “Courtroom Story” that I will paraphrase. A man stood before the judge for murder. His lawyer steps forward and says, “I will pay the price for this man who sinned; this man who committed murder.” Judge says, “Are you sure?” The lawyer says, “Yes, Father; I am sure.”

When you look into your mirror, do not look for the flaws. Look as God sees you, the unique person that he created.

John 14:6 (NIV) Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.

CCOK3012026-03-17T09:15:18-05:00Mar 17, 2026|Disciples Women|Comments Off

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|Comments Off

CCOK301

About CCOK301

Digital General Assembly, July 10-11, 2026 Digital General Assembly, July 2027 Triennial Assembly (hybrid in-person and online) July 2028

Delegate Responsibilities

How to Submit Delegate Names

Message from Michael: Spring Update

Families & Youth

2026 Regional Assembly

Nurturing Our Oklahoma Clergy

Your Annual Fund Gifts Are Impactful

Digital General Assembly, July 10-11, 2026
Digital General Assembly, July 2027
Triennial Assembly (hybrid in-person and online) July 2028