Rev. Israel Hogue was ordained into Christian Ministry on August 4, 2024 at Simplicity Christian Church, Edmond.
Rev. Hogue completed his M.Div. at Phillips Theological Seminary and is pastor of Simplicity Christian Church, which is nesting at Southern Hills Christian Church, Edmond.
The 28th National Convocation, held July 11-14 in Greensboro, NC, proved to be a profoundly enriching experience for members of the Oklahoma Region in attendance, including members of In the Spirit Christian Church (Tulsa), Shepherd Street Christian Church (Chickasha), and Wildewood Christian Church (Oklahoma City).
Oklahoma Disciples not only attended, they also brought vital leadership to the event. Pastor Milton Bowens, serving on the Board of the National Convocation, also hosted the Disciples Men’s Lunch. Pastor Dwayne Rodgers led the Security Team. First Lady Yemaya Rodgers was a Co-Lead on the Finance Team. And Apostle Sharon Cosby led a workshop and represented Green Chalice Ministry.
One standout moment was the installation ceremony for the Rev. Dr. Delesslyn A. Kennebrew as the new Administrative Secretary, marking a significant milestone for the National Convocation. The entire event was characterized by spirited worship services that were refreshing and inspiring for all ages. It included a series of engaging and relevant workshops and ministry breakout sessions that addressed challenges and opportunities facing local congregations and the church at large.
Attendees also enjoyed a thoughtfully guided tour of the Greensboro Civil Rights Museum, which added a meaningful historical perspective to the gathering. And the group from Shepherd Street added even more to their historical experience with a stop in Memphis, TN, to tour the National Civil Rights Museum at the Lorraine Motel.
The Fellowship of Black Disciples Clergy Women also gathered during National Convocation. Apostle Sharyn Cosby conducted the workshop “Intersection of Environmental Racism, Faith and the Black Church”. It focused on people of faith coming together to learn about advocating for vulnerable communities by examining environmental racism.
Rev. Cosby, minister of In the Spirit Christian Church (Tulsa), presented the Conductor Award to the Rev. Brenda Caldwell.
From July 24-27, 2024 Randy Kuss, Interim Regional Minister and Jesse Jackson, Regional Moderator-Elect traveled to Washington, PA and Bethany, WV to the College of Regional Ministers and Forum of Regional Moderators to attend “A Pilgrimage to Sacred Sites”. The experience was hosted by the Rev. Thaddaeus Allen, Regional Minister and President of the Christian Church in West Virginia, Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Pennsylvania, and the Northeastern Regions.
I had visited Cane Ridge in Kentucky several years ago, the ministry site of founder Barton W. Stone, but this was my first time in “Campbell country.” And the shadow of the shared legacies of Thomas and Alexander Campbell continues to loom large. On that first night, after dinner, we visited the historical marker that marks the spot where Thomas Campbell wrote “The Declaration and Address,” one of the Restoration Movements foundational documents.
The following day is when we truly began to walk in Alexander Campbell’s shadow. We visited Bethany College, founded by Campbell. Our additional stops were the Disciples of Christ Historical Society, the Campbell Mansion, and God’s Acre Cemetery, where both Thomas and Alexander Campbell, as well as many other Disciple leaders are buried.
At the Historical Society we were greeted by Dr. Joel A. Brown, president of the Historical Society, and staff members who would lead our tours. The Historical Society is a fascinating place and a treasure trove for researchers and history buffs alike. We discussed the “kinds” of things that they were interested in preserving there, versus things that should be preserved in congregations. The message was to have a conversation with them, before just packing up your congregations’ old documents and sending them in boxes. I did notice a bit of Oklahoma on the wall, the incorporation certificate and picture of the Pennsylvania Ave. Christian Church in Oklahoma City.
Additionally, there is also a Disciples Oral History Project that seeks to record personal narratives of congregational members and leaders that add a layer to the story of who we are as Disciples. Along with the terrific books that you can order online, there are also baseball cards of historic Disciples figures like Dale Fiers, President James Garfield, Sarah Lue Bostick, and Preston Taylor for sale.
The guided tour took us through the Campbell Mansion, its history, including famous visitors, and the ownership transfer from his father-in-law to Campbell and his descendants and finally the church. But the mansion also has the original headstone of Thomas Campbell, which had been stolen and recovered years later. The homestead was even complete with a one room schoolhouse from the 1800’s.
We then visited “God’s Acre Cemetery” and witnessed the final resting place of both Thomas and Alexander Campbell and many family members and well as Disciples leaders and faculty from Bethany College. And that was before lunch!
After lunch was easily the most challenging part of the trip, climbing the many steps to get from the cafeteria to “Old Main,” which housed Mr. Campbell’s classroom. This beautiful edifice is a splendid example of 19th century Gothic Revival architecture. I am sure that Bethany College students have little problems with the many steps and the steep inclines and declines of the Alleghany Mountains, but it has been a while since I was a college student.
We were joined on this day by our General Minister and President the Rev. Dr. Terri Hord Owens and the President of Disciples Home Missions the Rev. Dr. Chris Dorsey. After Dr. Hord Owens addressed the combined group in Alexander Campbell’s classroom, the Regional Moderators separated for our own meeting.
We next made our way down the steps from “Old Main,” past the cafeteria and down the mountain to the “Old Meetinghouse” where Alexander Campbell preached. Walking into that building was more than walking into history, I was walking into nostalgia. The “Meetinghouse” had wood floors, windows (that opened), wood burning, or as we called them in Mississippi, “pot bellied stoves” and unless it was freezing, the doors of the building were left wide open. My father once served a congregation terribly similar to that in rural Mississippi when I was a child, and it brought back wonderful memories.
This was an opportunity to walk in the physical shadow of Campbell, but Chris Dorsey introduced us to the intellectual and advocacy legacy of Alexander Campbell. As mentioned before, Dorsey is the President of Disciples Home Missions, whose founder is Alexander Campbell. Campbell believed that the goal of education was to “eradicate ignorance.” That is why he founded Bethany College. But he also believed that the mission of the church was to “share the love of God and transform the world.” That means that the church must be active in social engagement and advocate for the oppressed and marginalized. We talked about the many ways that DHM meets everyday needs of individuals and congregations. I invite you to explore Disciples.org to learn exactly who we are as a church and what we do.
Church visionaries realized early on that if we were going to transform the world, then we needed social engagement. Mission, advocacy, and programs became a priority as they engaged society through Christian Education, youth programs, laity, and mission work.
We ended with a dose of realism. Each congregation is different, and we have different calls. Dorsey said that “Some of our churches will never grow beyond the number they have now” (in terms of attendance). But numbers have nothing to do with vitality or impact. Impact is what God requires and what the world needs.
Some are called to be clergy, mentors, and leaders. Others are called to be workers behind the scenes. Just because God called you to these roles does not mean it will be easy but with God it will become possible.
Rev. Donna Jackson was called to ministry over thirty years ago. A wise minister saw it and Donna felt the calling. Not all of us feel a strong pull; some feel a gentle push or small voice guiding us in a certain direction. Some that I talk with just say God’s work fell in their lap.
Now God has touched Donna’s heart to share this milestone with a celebration of women clergy, mentors, and leaders on September 14, 2024. When you see the program for this celebration luncheon, you know God’s hand was in it!
Do not miss this opportunity; register to attend. Encourage others to do the same; this program is for more than just the women. Whether or not you are able to come, pray for this celebration and pray for the work God has called us to do.
Find out more information about this program and other upcoming events on the Disciples Women page.
~Prayers and Blessings,
Marilyn Bohlender, ODW President
580-483-5110
Romans 8:28 (NIV) And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
The Oklahoma Region is beginning the search for its next Regional Minister, and the Search Committee wants to hear from you.
Sessions are available statewide, PLUS we’re offering an open Zoom session for anyone unable to attend in person.
Please RSVP your attendance so we may plan adequate seating and refreshments.
ENID
Aug. 24, 2024
10:00 am
Central Christian Church
1111 W. Broadway Ave.
Enid, OK 73703
LAWTON
Sept. 14, 2024
1:00 pm
First Christian Church
701 SW D Ave.
Lawton, OK 73501
TULSA
Sept. 21, 2024
10:00 am
Harvard Ave. Christian Church
5502 S. Harvard Ave.
Tulsa, OK 74135
OKLAHOMA CITY
Sept. 28, 2024
10:00 am
Crown Heights Christian Church
4020 N Western Ave.
Oklahoma City, OK 73118
Sept. 28, 2024
2:00 pm
Wildewood Christian Church
6900 N. Kelly
Oklahoma City, OK 73111
PAULS VALLEY
Oct. 5, 2024
1:00 pm
First Christian Church
300 N Ash St.
Pauls Valley, OK 73075
As an optional way to provide your feedback we are offering this survey.
We will post the Sept. 7th Zoom link on the website on Friday, Sept. 6th.
LAWTON
Sept. 14, 2024
1:00 pm
First Christian Church
701 SW D Ave.
Lawton, OK 73501
TULSA
Sept. 21, 2024
10:00 am
Harvard Ave. Christian Church
5502 S. Harvard Ave.
Tulsa, OK 74135
OKLAHOMA CITY
Sept. 28, 2024
10:00 am
Crown Heights Christian Church
4020 N Western Ave.
Oklahoma City, OK 73118
OKLAHOMA CITY
Sept. 28, 2024
2:00 pm
Wildewood Christian Church
6900 N. Kelly
Oklahoma City, OK 73111
PAULS VALLEY
Oct. 5, 2024
1:00 pm
First Christian Church
300 N Ash St.
Pauls Valley, OK 73075
New Beginnings Christian Church invites you to a celebration of Disciples Women Trailblazers and Mentors.
Rev. Donna Jackson celebrated her 30 years of ordained ministry on June 4, 2024, and is using this program as a way to give back to other Disciple Women Trailblazers and Mentors. The theme is “Your Gift Will Make Room for You.”
Join us in person at Harvard Avenue Christian Church for a special event honoring the incredible women who have paved the way for others. This luncheon program is an opportunity to celebrate the resilience, leadership, and mentorship of women, as a chance to recognize the achievements of our trailblazers and mentors. Honorees include
Don’t miss out on this empowering event. Doors open at 11:15 am, with the program at noon.
Everyone is welcome! No cost to attend but you must register by Wednesday, September 4 2024.
Questions? call 918-944-4208 or email [email protected]
New Beginnings Christian Church
Harvard Avenue Christian Church
NEA Council
Oklahoma Disciples Foundation
Phillips Theological Seminary
With heartfelt gratitude, the families and the congregation of First Christian Church Sulphur sent thank you notes for your generosity as they endeavor to rebuild their lives and community.
As of 6/20/2024, partnered with Week of Compassion the Region has disbursed $28,250 in Disaster Funds to Oklahoma (Disciples of Christ) tornado victims including families in Sulphur, Morris and Claremore.
Watch this fun video! Celebrating camp ministry, Yale Ave. CC collected over 200 boxes of cereal to help feed people in the local Tulsa community.
Watch the cereal box dominoes fall thru the church and into the sanctuary!
By Marilyn Bohlender, ODW President
About fifty women from Oklahoma made up approximately 40% of those traveling from a six state geographical area to ROSES, an interregional event scheduled once every four years, held this year in McKinney, TX, June 28-29, 2024. Regions of the Sun Equipping and Serving (ROSES) is comprised of the Southwest, Oklahoma and Great River Regions.
They knew Oklahoma was in the room! Our Disciple Women were on fire; the ending song of “Pass it On” sums up our women’s inspiration! You will be seeing our women even more involved after being uplifted by this event.
Oklahoma women involved in the program were Rev. Maria Garza leading a workshop; Allison Haney leading call to worship and a prayer; Rev. Zenobia Mayo with a Prayer for the Cup during communion meditation; and myself, Marilyn Bohlender, introducing our keynote, Rev. Marilyn Fiddmont.
Friday night Rev. Dr. Debra Reid, our new Disciples Women Interim Executive Director, emphasized Jesus is Love. She continued to inspire the women in her break-out session on Saturday. Her point of Disciples Women Ministry structure has been promised to be sent to me so I can share it with our women leaders. Contact me if you need a copy.
Rev. Marilyn Fiddmont taught us about Peter as she kept it real. In her workshop, she involved the women in a discussion including what’s stopping us from getting involved.
Rev. Alice Hupp, our ending keynote, kept us laughing with audience involvement of what problems we are carrying around instead of giving them to God.
In addition to the three keynote speakers, this event kept on enriching us with the breakout sessions/workshops Saturday afternoon. There was good feedback from those attending sessions with Rev. Dr. Debra Reid, Rev. Marilyn Fiddmont, Rev. Paula Brooks, Rev. Kristin Galle, and Rev. Maria Garza. My takeaway from Rev. Marie Garza’s workshop is that prayer does change things. Thank you to everyone who prayed for this event.
Disciples Women are about service and those attending brought donations for a domestic abuse center in the Dallas area. This also reflects the IDWM “Wear black on Thursdays” campaign of domestic abuse awareness.
The chair shown in the photo with the red shawl represents abuse of women and human trafficking victims. This custom came about after a W2WW (Woman-to-Woman Worldwide) trip to Italy in 2014. Sidenote: W2WW will be going to Kenya for 2025 so watch for information to apply toward the fall of this year.
A silent auction and $1.50+ donations at the 150th birthday party for Disciples Women Friday night benefitted our IDWM. The actual day for the birthdate is Oct 21st!
The Blessing Box Ministry information is on page three of ROSES booklet and online at Disciples Women Ministry or DW section of okdisciples.org. There is a wealth of information in your ROSES booklet so keep or share with other women at your church.
Many thanks goes to the ROSES committee especially energetic Texan Shannon Karr CCSW DW Advisor. Leaders from the six state area served on the committee and were involved in the program. Sally Green, SW Region DWM President presided over this event.
This event was last held in Tulsa in 2019 with Zenobia Mayo as coordinator. In four years, this event will be hosted by the Great Rivers Region which is Arkansas, Louisiana, and Mississippi. It will be eight years before this event returns to Oklahoma!
Before ROSES was over, some women were inspired to ask me how to be involved with Disciples Women. Our regional office has worked hard to make my monthly articles and our Disciples Women section of the website easier to navigate.
On our Disciples Women section of okdisciples.org pay close attention to the Stay in Touch article which has a link to sign up for the #DW Connect that IDWM President Wanona Rogers Redd talked about Saturday morning or go to Disciples Women Ministries.
There is also a link in the Stay in Touch article to sign up for our regional eNewsletter Regional Roundup which will include my monthly article.
If you have Facebook, please follow for announcements on Oklahoma Disciples Women Facebook and for information on Northeast Oklahoma Disciples of Christ Women Facebook.
Revisit the first part of the song, “Pass It On”
“It only takes a spark to get a fire going,
And soon all those around can warm up in its glowing.
That’s how it is with God’s love.
Once you’ve experienced it,
You spread the love to everyone.
You want to pass it on.”
Area meetings and fall retreats are open to Disciple Women outside their area; this helps our smaller areas be involved.
Save-the-Date
CADW will have a meeting Tuesday, August 27, 2024 at FCC Norman
NEODW Fall Retreat Oct 4-5, 2024 (details here)
Save-the-Date
Sept 14, 2024 for a celebration luncheon!
Hebrews 10:24 (NIV) And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.
