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West Point Christian Church Celebrates 130th Anniversary

West Point Christian Church, Yukon, established in 1894 just 5 years after the Land Run, celebrated their 130th anniversary with a packed sanctuary on Sunday, September 8, 2024. Members built the church with their own hands in 1899. The building is on the National Register of Historic Places, the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation.

Interim Regional Minister, Rev. Randy Kuss, brought the message for the day, “Pilgrims on the Way.” Musical highlights included a beautiful rendition of “Near the Cross” on oboe and harp as well as special music by West Point’s “Clergy Consort,” a group anchored by the six clergy who attend there, singing “We Call Ourselves Disciples.”

Worship was preceded by a “Magical History Tour” put together by Rev. Kevin Adams with 18 stations exploring the long and rich history of the congregation, and followed up in the Family Life Center with a meal and anniversary cake.

West Point is co-pastored by Rev. Debi Powell-Maxwell and Rev. Jann Osborn.

2024-11-20T14:45:14-06:00Sep 9, 2024|Congregations|Comments Off on West Point Christian Church Celebrates 130th Anniversary

Fall Back in Love

What a feeling when you are first in love! It is all we can think about. A name written over and over again across my notebook or my heart is proof enough. We yearn for that feeling.

Each time I see a baptism there is that first smile of such joy or as one baptism I saw recently, there was such emotion that we all shared in tears of joy! Now you realize that I am now talking about God’s love for us and our love for our creator.

I hope I have your attention as this is a great love. With life being busy or the passing of time, it seems we might forget that first feeling but God’s love for us has never faded. Our Lord and Savior has never stopped loving us. He is always there, waiting for us to reconnect, to fall back to the spiritual joy He has for us.

I visit with so many who say, “I am so busy.” Busy will take you away from what is most important. I remind you that if you are not taking time for your relationship with God, please schedule time. I just pray God is okay with my conversations while I am driving or doing the dishes; I also need to take time.

I am excited for those planning on going to the upcoming fall retreats, including one just announced on Oct. 25-26 at Roman Nose State Park. Find the details on the Disciples Women page.

I pray that we reconnect and fall back in love with a God that loves us more than we can imagine.

Psalm 136:1 (ESV) Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever.

2024-09-09T11:29:09-05:00Sep 9, 2024|Disciples Women|Comments Off on Fall Back in Love

Israel Hogue Ordination

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.

2024-08-12T11:33:34-05:00Aug 12, 2024|Clergy News|Comments Off on Israel Hogue Ordination

Oklahoma Disciples Attend 28th National Convocation

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.

Fellowship of Black Disciples Clergy Women

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.

2024-08-13T09:22:54-05:00Aug 12, 2024|Congregations|Comments Off on Oklahoma Disciples Attend 28th National Convocation

A Walk in Alexander Campbell’s Shadow

By Rev. Jesse Jackson

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.

Campbell Country

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.

Disciples Historical Society

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.

Campbell Mansion

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.

God’s Acre Cemetery

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!

Campbell’s Teaching Legacy

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.

The Legacy of Alexander Campbell

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.

2024-08-08T09:51:56-05:00Aug 8, 2024|Regional News|Comments Off on A Walk in Alexander Campbell’s Shadow

Celebrating Women Answering God’s Call

Join us for a celebration of women clergy, mentors, and leaders

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.

2024-08-07T11:56:53-05:00Aug 7, 2024|Disciples Women|Comments Off on Celebrating Women Answering God’s Call

Listening Sessions for Regional Minister Search

Share your voice and vision!

The Oklahoma Region is beginning the search for its next Regional Minister, and the Search Committee wants to hear from you.

  • What are the challenges and opportunities you see for Disciples in Oklahoma?
  • What are the gifts and experiences the next Regional Minister might need to help us to better answer our call to be Disciples in this place and in this time?
  • Hopes and dreams for the future?

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.

Search Committee Members

Rev. Susan Payne, Chair

Rev. Dr. Jerry Black

Pastor Jose Garza

Ms. Ashley Gibson

Ms. Ruth Moore

Rev. Dwayne Rodgers

Ms. Madi Showalter

In Person Locations & Dates

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

Statewide ZOOM Session
Sept. 7 • 1:00 pm

Phone Only: 1-346-248-7799

Meeting ID: 860 1363 6420
Passcode: 724457

Prefer to Answer a Survey?

As an optional way to provide your feedback we are offering this survey.

2024-09-06T10:56:56-05:00Aug 6, 2024|Regional News|Comments Off on Listening Sessions for Regional Minister Search

Listening Session RSVP

Please RSVP Your Attendance!

We will post the Sept. 7th Zoom link on the website on Friday, Sept. 6th.

Statewide Open ZOOM Session
Preferred In-Person Location

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

2024-09-05T09:00:16-05:00Aug 6, 2024|Uncategorized|Comments Off on Listening Session RSVP

Disciples Women Trailblazers & Mentors Celebration

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

  • Rev. Terri Hord Owens, General Minister & President Christian Church (DOC) by video message
  • Rev. Dr. Sharon Watkins, former General Minister & President Christian Church (DOC)
  • Rev. Dr. Nancy Pittman, President Phillips Theological Seminary
  • Rev. Dr. Lisa Davison, Dean, Johnnie Eargle Cadieux Professor of Hebrew Bible, Phillips Theological Seminary
  • Pastor Brenda Denson, Pine Street Christian Church
  • Rev. Dr. Delesslyn A. Kennebrew, Admin. Secretary, National Convocation

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 newbegcctulsa@gmail.com

Sponsors

New Beginnings Christian Church

Harvard Avenue Christian Church

NEA Council

Oklahoma Disciples Foundation

Phillips Theological Seminary

2024-07-29T15:45:34-05:00Jul 29, 2024|Disciples Women|Comments Off on Disciples Women Trailblazers & Mentors Celebration

Gratitude from Families Impacted by Sulphur Tornado

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.

2024-07-08T16:18:55-05:00Jul 8, 2024|Regional News|Comments Off on Gratitude from Families Impacted by Sulphur Tornado
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