CCOK301, Author at Christian Church in Oklahoma

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

CCOK3012025-05-08T09:49:00-05:00May 7, 2025|Disciples Women|0 Comments

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

CCOK3012025-05-01T10:26:16-05:00May 5, 2025|Regional News|0 Comments

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.”

CCOK3012025-04-03T14:43:35-05:00Apr 3, 2025|Disciples Women|0 Comments

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.

Give Now

CCOK3012025-04-01T10:36:17-05:00Apr 1, 2025|Congregations|0 Comments

Spring Cleaning Takes New Meaning

By Marilyn Bohlender, ODW President

We think of spring cleaning after being shut in through winter weather. I have often thought of just opening the windows and letting our Oklahoma wind do the rest. Once my brother decided to clean out the garage with our dad coming home from work to see the contents of the garage had entirely filled the front yard! Of course, my dad was upset and somehow we survived the incident. Bottom line, only what was important was kept. I now think this must be the same method I use to clean my purse; dump out everything and only put back what is needed.

Think of your headspace. Are there things cluttering your headspace? Is it time to let go of anything in your headspace distracting you from God? During this season of Lent, will you pray for discernment in emptying yourself of anything that distracts you from being closer to our Heavenly Father.

~Prayers and Blessings

Isaiah 26:3 (NIV) You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast because they trust in you.

CCOK3012025-03-06T14:35:47-06:00Mar 6, 2025|Disciples Women|Comments Off

Connect at 2025 Empower & Equip

Put March 1, 2025 on your calendar and plan now to CONNECT @ EMPOWER & EQUIP, the Region’s one-day leadership development event for Oklahoma Disciples. This in-person event will be held Saturday, March 1st at Crown Heights Christian Church in Oklahoma City from 9:15 am – 2:00 pm. The event offers

Fantastic workshops on vital ministry topics for elders, deacons, board members, teachers, children’s and youth leaders, and other lay leaders.
Lunch to continue the conversation in community.
Powerful worship experience with guest preacher Rev. Dewayne Rodgers, senior minister of Wildewood Christian Church, Oklahoma City.
An option to donate items to The Spero Project mission project.

Learn More!

CCOK3012025-02-06T13:45:03-06:00Feb 6, 2025|Regional News|Comments Off

A Heart for Giving

Many just see churches as a place of worship only; some do see the learning and spiritual connections that are happening. Others, may pre-judge and think churches are some kind of snooty social club. Through my impromptu visits, I see warm inviting congregations that also have a heart for giving.

My visit Sunday took me to FCC Tulsa. The beauty of this building in downtown Tulsa’s “Cathedral Square” was reflected by the warm and caring congregation. FCC Tulsa’s numbers may be small but with help from Pine Street CC, they had recently made 400 snack packs to distribute to those in need. It would take pages to list all the giving happening at all of our churches.

This heart for giving is included in the activities of our Disciples Women. Retreats, events, and area meetings include service projects. Recently, the CADW meeting again touched my heart with the non-profit’s success with the women it helps. Hope House OKC, only using donations, over the years has expanded the size of their mission; God’s hand is in it.

During this month of February be aware of your heart for giving. You are doing this with your many ministries. One ladies group celebrates with collecting and donating their Blessing Boxes in February. With Blessing Box giving down in recent years, Office of Disciples Women in Indianapolis is in need. In honor of DW 150th birthday, they are asking for donations from $15 to $150. Send to Disciples Women, PO Box 1986, Indianapolis, Indiana 46206. Please memo DW 150th birthday. Or give online.

Another cause at our hearts is Week of Compassion. Yes, they help with the floods and fires! They also help women and girls. See their website for more information; they even provided help in Oklahoma! We will have opportunity to show our hearts for giving in these special offerings at our churches or you may give online.

A funny side note: For those of you that know my lost girl story, I had goggled Pine Street Christian Church and my directions took me to First Christian in downtown Tulsa. Could it be divine intervention? Quite the experience with God guiding your steps. It was a good experience at FCC Tulsa. Eventually, I would love to hear Pastor Brenda Denson at Pine Street! Only God knows where my next visit will be.

~Prayers and Blessings,
Marilyn Bohlender ODW President

Acts 25:35 (NIV) In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’

ODW-bicycle-donation-800×600

Bicycle donation to Hope House OKC by Central Area Disciples Women

CCOK3012025-02-06T11:26:04-06:00Feb 6, 2025|Disciples Women|Comments Off

2025 Week of Compassion Special Offering

Friends, as we’ve reflected on God’s ever-present love – a love that persists even when we cannot directly hear it or see it – we are now invited to participate in making that love tangible for others around the world.

This special offering supports Week of Compassion, a vital ministry of our whole Church that serves vulnerable communities globally. Through this ministry, we extend our reach, our fellowship, our communion far beyond these walls.

Our faithful giving allows God’s love to be heard and seen in places of great need – in war-torn regions, in areas devastated by weather-related disasters, and in communities struggling with poverty and injustice. Let us give generously and joyfully, knowing that through our offering, others will hear and see God’s love in action.

Donate

Promotional Materials

Further information and promotional pieces for the Week of Compassion may be found on the WOC Special Offering page including the following:

Social media images
Sermon starters and scripture commentary
Mission Moment
Worship resources
QR code for online giving
Posters and bulletin inserts
Children’s sermon & activities
Youth activities

CLICK HERE FOR PROMO RESOURCES

Versión en español of “Heard and Seen” Video Link

CCOK3012025-02-06T12:34:57-06:00Feb 4, 2025|Congregations|Comments Off

2024 Events that Inspired

Going Into 2025 Keep Memories of 2024 Events that Inspired

by Marilyn Bohlender, ODW President

As we go into 2025, there are parts of 2024 that we would like to leave behind. The stories of God with us through those tough times should be kept as a testament of his love for us. What else to not leave behind? The memories of events that inspired us like ROSES an interregional only held every four years, the first Celebration Luncheon of Women Trailblazers and Mentors, Women’s Conference at Wildewood, many area meetings and fall retreats. We were inspired and “on fire!” Use these memories to keep the fire going through these colder months.

Take this time for the self-care that we learned from Caletta F. McPherson, MHR, LADC, CLC, at Women’s Conference in December organized by Ye’Maya Rodgers and the Women of Wildewood Christian Church. Caletta brought God into our picture of healing and wellness. Following up on that process of self-care, I encourage you to do a deeper dive to become more spiritually connected with Bible study and your prayer life. I pray for your eyes to be open to opportunities to show God’s love through us. Whatever your goals and wherever our paths take us in 2025, remember that our Lord and savior is with us.

Let your path for 2025 take you to CADW meeting at New Hope Christian Church on Tuesday, January 28th. There will be fellowship and worship as we learn about a nonprofit, Hope House*, followed by $10 lunch which is RSVP by 1-22-25 to 405-691-5366 and pay at the door. Look on our Disciples Women section of okdisciples.org for more information. Also, follow Oklahoma Disciples Women Facebook for updates.

*In-Kind Donations of $10-$30 Walmart, Target, or Amazon Gift Cards is appreciated.

Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV) Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.

CCOK3012025-01-08T11:32:28-06:00Jan 8, 2025|Disciples Women|Comments Off

Join the 2025 Disciples International Prayer Vigil

From January 1 to April 20, 2025, Disciples across the United States and Canada will unite in a powerful season of prayer for the annual Disciples International Prayer Vigil. This initiative spans New Year’s Day through Easter Sunday, providing an opportunity for congregations to lift up their voices in prayer for personal needs, their church and community, the nation, and the world.

Oklahoma’s Day to Pray: The 8th of Each Month

The Oklahoma Disciples family is invited to take part in this vigil by dedicating the 8th day of each month—January 8, February 8, March 8, and April 8—as a day of focused prayer. By doing so, we join hands with fellow Disciples across North America, embodying our shared faith and commitment to prayerful action.

Flexible Participation
Each congregation is encouraged to tailor their prayer vigil to fit their unique needs and context. Whether you host a 24-hour prayer chain, a guided prayer service, or a quiet day of reflection, your participation contributes to the shared spiritual energy of this meaningful event. For ideas and inspiration on how to organize your vigil, download the resource guide below.

Let Us Know Your Plans
If your congregation plans to participate, please share your plans with Rev. Dr. Joshua Bell, Chair of the Commission on Worship and Spiritual Growth. You can reach him at [email protected]. Your involvement helps us celebrate the unity of Disciples in Oklahoma and beyond as we engage in this sacred journey together.

Let’s come together in prayer as we reflect on God’s grace and guidance in our lives and communities. Mark your calendars and join us in this meaningful act of faith.

Prayer Vigil Resource Guide

CCOK3012024-12-09T16:37:07-06:00Dec 9, 2024|Regional News|Comments Off

CCOK301

About CCOK301

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

Donate Securely Through Givelify

Wonder: The Inside Story

Promotional Materials

Versión en español of “Heard and Seen” Video Link

Going Into 2025 Keep Memories of 2024 Events that Inspired

Oklahoma’s Day to Pray: The 8th of Each Month