CCOK301, Author at Christian Church in Oklahoma

Planning for ODW Fall Retreat

Planning Continues for ODW Retreat October 2-3, 2026

by Marilyn Bohlender, ODW President

“A New You! A Birthday Party!” is the ODW Retreat 2026 theme. This year’s ODW Retreat will explore how 2^nd Corinthians 5:17 is important in your life as a Christian. Our goal for this retreat is to become closer in spirituality to Christ and find a renewed sense of being Christian.

We will celebrate being Christian “Birthday Party” style as we ask churches attending to make dining table centerpieces following the birthday party theme. Centerpieces will be auctioned off as a service project to benefit Camp Christian.

Mark your calendar for October 2-3, 2026 for the ODW Retreat at Camp Christian, Chouteau, Oklahoma. Watch for registration and more information as planning continues for this retreat. As always, continue to keep this event in your prayers.

2 Corinthians 5:17 (NIV) Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!

CCOK3012026-06-08T14:55:15-05:00Jun 8, 2026|Disciples Women|0 Comments

Phillips Seminarians Awarded Degrees

Rev. Don Heath Awarded DMin

The Doctor of Ministry degree was conferred upon Rev. Don Heath upon his graduation from Phillips Seminary.

Eula Hledik Graduates with Master of Divinity

Eula Hledik received her Master of Divinity degree from Phillips Seminary. She was also recently approved for ordination by the Commission on Clergy.

CCOK3012026-06-04T15:48:00-05:00Jun 4, 2026|Clergy News|0 Comments

Camp Season Has Begun!

By Rev. Shannon Cook, Associate Regional Minister

By the time you read this, Chi Rho Camp will have begun! As of this writing, the excellent Chi Rho Camp staff is within an hour of welcoming 70 campers for a week at Canyon Camp in Hinton. As we look ahead to outdoor ministries in the Region, you are invited to be in prayer for the campers, staff, and places that make these meaningful experiences possible.

As a reminder, here are the drop-off and pick-up times for the rest of the summer:

Chi Rho Camp at Canyon Camp
Pick-up: Noon on 6/5

Discovery Camp at Camp Christian

Check-in: 1:00 pm on 6/12
Pick-up: 12:30pm on 6/14

CYF at Camp Tawakani
Departure 6/15. Meet 12:45 pm at FCC Edmond; 1:30 pm bus departs for camp
Depart camp at 11:30 am; arrive FCC Edmond 2:00pm on 6/20

Junior Camp at Camp Christian
Check-in: 2:00 pm on 6/22
Pick-up: Noon on 6/26

Camp invoices have been delivered via email. If you have any questions, please contact Rev. Shannon Cook!

Thank you for your support of the Region’s camp and conference program and this summer’s campers and staff as they explore how God is present in the wilderness!

CCOK3012026-06-04T15:35:17-05:00Jun 4, 2026|Youth|0 Comments

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

Click the Red Image Below for these Resources

Delegate Responsibilities

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

Step 1

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

Step 2

Register & Pay for Each Delegate

Register each voting delegate for the event.

Register for General Assembly

CCOK3012026-06-03T15:51:25-05:00May 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|Comments Off

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|Comments Off

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

CCOK301

About CCOK301

Planning Continues for ODW Retreat October 2-3, 2026

Rev. Don Heath Awarded DMin

Eula Hledik Graduates with Master of Divinity

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

Click the Red Image Below for these Resources

Delegate Responsibilities

Step 1

Submit Delegate Names

Step 2

Register & Pay for Each Delegate

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