Patrick McKenzie was ordained into Christian Ministry on August 24, 2025 at Village Christian Church, Oklahoma City. He was awarded his Master of Divinity at Lexington Seminary in May.
Rev. McKenzie has served as a commissioned pastor of New Vessels Christian Church in Oklahoma City, where he will continue to serve his congregation as an ordained minister.
How do you write about fall retreat to give it justice? How do you tell about the feeling you have at fall retreat. You should mention the laughter of women visiting over a good meal but that is just the tip of the iceberg. One time a young woman from Ponca City said she finally made the effort to go to fall retreat because the ladies would always return talking about the great time they had at fall retreat. She went and finally experienced what all the buzz was about.
The ODW Fall Retreat 2025 is Oct 3-4th at Camp Christian, 275 Camp Christian Ln, Chouteau OK 74337
If you are at all able to attend, attend! Whether you are able to attend or not, please pray for God to be in the midst of this retreat.
Before Covid, I attended the three main retreats held by the different areas across Oklahoma. The executive committee of ODW and part of the planning team have prior retreat planning experience to add to this retreat. We have incorporated favorites from these retreats and some new ideas to the ODW Fall Retreat 2025. Women clergy and leaders will be involved from across Oklahoma; there will be multiple presenters and break-out sessions. I also give thanks to the Oklahoma Regional office for setting up the on-line registration. Follow this link to our ODW page for more information, schedule, and on-line registration.
Registration and payment deadline is Monday Sept 22nd. Friday and Saturday is $75 and Saturday only is $45.
Check-in Friday is 4-6pm with dinner at 6pm.
Saturday only includes 8am breakfast and 11:30am lunch. We will end by 3:30pm on Saturday.
Proverbs 8:17 (NIV) I love those who love me, and those who seek me find me.
Where did the summer go? Our congregations are busier than ever as they serve locally and beyond our borders. There is so much that happens between June and August. Here is a snippet of Oklahoma Disciples at work, service, education, and presence.
July 20-25, 9 high school students and 2 leaders served in Black Mountain North Carolina with disaster relief from Hurricane Helene. The team did repairs and learned about disaster responses in communities.
Members of First Christian Church Stillwater, First Christian Church El Reno, Central Christian Church, Enid, First Christian Church, Luther, and First Christian Church Guthrie carried out a summer mission trip to Jamaica, under the leadership of Sondra Ladd, Sr. Minister FCC Stillwater with American Caribbean Experience (ACE). ACE is intentional about providing a variety of projects and we had a large team so we divided into groups with the exception of all teams combining for the VBS closing celebration. Projects throughout the week included a vacation bible school at one of the ACE partnership schools; clearing farmland for cattle grazing; work with the microbusinesses on the farm; beach clean up (it’s sea weed season and LOADS of trash comes in with the sea weed); a mobile infirmary delivers soup, juice and provides conversation to local shut ins, painting was done at the ACE campus house and a group organized school supplies and donations.
FCC El Reno joined FCC Sulphur, FCC Pauls Valley, and FCC Duncan for Water weekend and then continued their Serve/Learn/Play trip where a prayer labyrinth was build in memory of Late Pastor Tim Kowalski.
Pastor Tim had built a labyrinth at Texoma Christian Camp. The red bricks were from that labyrinth and the white bricks match the bricks from FCC Sulphur and were used to replace the damaged wall after the 2024 tornado.
First Christian Church El Reno had 7 team members that joined other Disciples to serve in Jamaica through construction projects and leading VBS.
Crown Heights Christian Church, OKC, put out a call for cleaning supplies and other goods to deliver to Texas to assist in the relief effort after the Guadalupe River flood. They reported that “We filled our van, took the seats out and loaded it to the top, loaded a big truck and covered trailer, they were full, no room to spare and also delivered a $4,000.00 check. It’s been amazing! All this in 2 weeks, people were so, so generous!” Supplies and funds were delivered Monday, July 21, 2025.
Donations of supplies and funds came in from 5 Central Area Disciples congregations including
Wildewood Christian Church’s (OKC) Annual Backpack Giveaway took place Saturday, July 26, 2025 where the Outreach Ministry, alongside other church-supported ministries and volunteers, served over 250 students and parents across Oklahoma City, offering complimentary immunizations, haircuts, voter registration, and educational guidance for students seeking enrollment in STEM programs, as well as providing supplies they need for a successful school year.
Middle school and High school youth groups traveled to Kansas City for their mission trip. The congregation sponsors a church camp experience at Boiling Springs State Park for members of their church and the greater Alva community.
VBS Compassion Camp in late July. The youth group traveled to Albuquerque, NM, to learn about Cross-Cultural Bridges with Be the Neighbor.
Oklahoma Disciples participated in various aspects of the General Assembly. Many visited the National Civil Rights Museum either with a GA Tour or on their own.
Seventy-two (72) Oklahoma Disciples attended GA25, representing thirty (30) congregations, journeyed to Memphis, TN (July 12-15) for what has been described as a family reunion, CampbellCon or DiscipleCon: a gathering of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). What happens at GA? Many reconnect with old friends and meet new friends. The Assembly responds to the issues of the day, and delegates from congregations conduct the business of the denomination. Around the table and through our service, we reaffirm, The Design, the covenant that binds the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) together as we claim Christ and Christ’s mission of reconciliation seeking to be the church we claim to be.
There are workshops providing training, continuing education, and good conversation about mission and ministry. So much happens around tables. Lunches gather graduates of Disciples-related colleges, universities, and seminaries. Dinners recognize the work of the General Church and other organizations: Office of General Minister and President, Disciples Home Missions, Global Ministries, Christian Church Foundation, Disciples Church Extension Fund, Higher Education and Leadership Ministries, Week of Compassion, National Convocation, Obra Hispana, Alliance Q, and NAPAD. There aren’t enough evenings, so Disciples Peace Fellowship and Pension Fund offer breakfast gatherings that tell the story of their work since the last Assembly. Tables of exhibitors offer ideas, connections, merch, and opportunities to join in ministry beyond local congregational life.
At the 2023 General Assembly, it was decided that revisions to The Design and the frequency of the General Assembly must be addressed for a sustainable and relevant future. Since the 2023 Louisville General Assembly, a group has been working to implement portions of the tentative revisions of The Design. Following extensive study, webinars, and conversations, the General Assembly in Memphis voted to revise The Design. Along with changes to the size and recruitment of members of the General Board, a significant change is that the General Assembly is in perpetual existence and can hold meetings digitally and in-person as needed. The next in-person and digital gathering of the Triennial Assembly is in 2028. Between now and then, there will be a digital General Assembly in 2026 and 2027. Details for these gatherings are in development. Click here to read all the resolutions, business items, and reports of the General Church and our ministry partners.
Ronnie and LaVonna Hopkins joining Michael Davison
Oklahoman's in GA Choir
Sharyn Cosby representing the Green Chalice Ministry
Oklahoma well represented
Oklahoma's Jeff Champeau serving as chair of the General Nominating Committee
Michael Davison joined by Isreal Hogue and Ashley Gibson
Martha and Janet from Central Christian CC, Enid
Ye'Maya Rodgers outside the Lorraine Hotel
Jesse and Carmen Jackson with Terri Hord-Owens
Rev. William Barber speaks at Moral Mondays event
Dwayne Rodgers visits the National Civil Rights Museum
Don and Mary Heath
Sometimes, you have to be determined to be at church and other places such as CADW Meeting at FCC Norman Tuesday Aug 26th. See more information in the Disciples Women section.
When it comes to a Fri/Sat event like the ODW Fall Retreat Oct 3-4, 2025 there has already been excitement! Cost at $75 for Fri & Sat or $45 for Saturday only is still very reasonable for a retreat. Registration is on-line, find details here or see the flyer QR code. Deadline is Monday September 22nd.
Remove the Obstacles; pull out the stops, you do not want to miss out! It is easy to list excuses but start thinking how to remove the obstacles to be at this retreat led by women leaders across Oklahoma. Become determined to be there!
If the obstacle is an ouch in your budget; there is a scholarship that covers your registration cost. It is on-line or mail the paper copy. Scholarship deadline is Friday Sept 12th.
On Friday Oct 3rd check-in is 4 to 6pm. If you do need to arrive right at 6pm dinner, we planned an after dinner break so you have a few minutes to settle things in your room. Saturday ending before 3:30pm will allow more time to travel home.
Most often the reason I hear is that no one from my church is going. This might be the chance to bring an unchurched friend. What we think of as walls can be a door. Retreat is also being opened up to 11th and 12th grade high school young ladies, limit three with an adult and has guardian’s permission. This might be a chance to increase a bond with niece, daughter, or granddaughter.
Do not let the fact that you are the only one stop you! I went to my first retreat on my own and was met by warm and caring women who surrounded me with friendship. I have found that that is the way Disciples Women roll!
Friday evening’s program is planned to improve that connection to God. In other words, to revive that feeling! Sidenote: Whether or not you are coming, start praying for those who are coming to have that experience of closeness to God.
If you cannot make it Friday, there is a Saturday only option. Breakfast is at 8am Saturday Oct 4th; lunch is also included on Saturday. When we say good food, we mean it! Check out the Saturday program information with a presenter, missionary moment, break-out sessions and more. You will see it is worth the effort. Be determined to be there!
Matthew 7:7 (NIV) Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.
First Christian Church, Broken Arrow
And, we’re off. On Monday, August 4th, I spent time with Randy Kuss (Interim Regional Minister for a bit longer) and began some training and onboarding. Yes, I’ve been around Regional ministry for 23 years (15 here in Oklahoma), but there is still a lot to learn as I begin as the Regional Minister. There is paperwork to complete during this two-week transition. There are processes to learn. Randy will coach me with the Executive Committee and prep for the Regional Board. With his help, our board leadership, and the help of our excellent support staff, I will have a good foundation for August 17th and beyond. Randy will be with the Region through the middle of this month, completing his service at the Regional Board meeting on August 16th. His experience and leadership with the Region provided steady, thoughtful guidance for the Region’s leadership. If you see Randy around the Region these next two weeks, please offer him a word of thanks and a prayer of blessing. We also give thanks for Deb Strock-Kuss, Randy’s partner in life and ministry. Deb moved here with Randy and has been part of our Regional life together. Randy is a personal friend, colleague, and mentor to me. For his time and Deb’s with Oklahoma Disciples, I am grateful.
I’ll use this blog to connect you to my travels around the Region and share stories about the relevant and vital ministry our congregations do in Oklahoma and beyond. I’ll connect you to my travels within the denomination as I gather with other Regional Ministers and meet General church staff along the way.
The Oklahoma Disciples Foundation rents the Region office space in Oklahoma City. Carrie works from one of those offices. My primary office remains at my home in Broken Arrow, but I’ll have a co-working space with an Associate there at the Region’s office space in the ODF building. That’s what the office looks like now. Yes, I’ll (we) will do some improvements. I’m getting a handle on my fall calendar, so I can’t say for certain which days I’ll be in the Oklahoma City outpost, but I’ll post that in this space, the Region’s Facebook page, and the Region’s Instagram account. Here is my August calendar as I know it today, August 6th. Connect with me through the usual channels: email, text, or phone. I appreciate your patience. Thank you for claiming the covenant: Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Oklahoma.
August
3: Preach @ FCC Broken Arrow
4: Michael @ OKC Office
6: Staff Mtg @ OKC Office
7: Exec Comm (Zoom)
11: Comm on Laity Mtg (Zoom)
2026 Budget Planning (Zoom)
12: NEA Council Mtg (Zoom)
Central Area Clergy @ Crown Heights CC, OKC
Afternoon: OKC Office
13: Regional Ministers Mtg (Zoom)
14: NWA Clergy Mtg (Enid)
16: Regional Board (Zoom)
17: Preach @ FCC Duncan
18: RA26 Planning Mtg (Zoom)
24: Ordination of Patrick McKenzie into Christian Ministry @ New Vessels CC OKC
25: SW Area Clergy Mtg (FCC Chickasha)
28: Christian Church Commission Mtg
31: Worship @ Wildewood CC OKC
Oklahoma Convocation Worship
Regional Staff Meet on Wednesday from 10-11:00 am.
Michael works Search and Call on Monday mornings.
Take a break from the busyness of life and join us for a time of renewal, connection, and rest!
Date: October 14–15, 2025
Arrival Time: 11:00 a.m. – Noon
Location: St. Crispin’s Conference Center and Camp, 36302 OK-9, Wewoka, OK 74884 • 405-382-1619 • https://stcrispins.org/
Lodging: Single or double rooms available
Cost: $40 per person
Registration Deadline: September 14
Don’t wait—register today! Space is limited!
A limited number of scholarships are available upon request. Please contact Christine Pomaville for information and details (405) 248-6282.
This retreat is a wonderful opportunity to rest, recharge, and build relationships with clergy women across our Region. Bring along your favorite beverage and some games to share—we’ll enjoy fellowship and laughter together in the evening!
We are thrilled to welcome Keynote Speaker Mollie Donihe Wilkerson. Growing up in the shadow of the Blue Ridge Mountains of Southwest Virginia, Mollie carries a deep love for those hills that shaped her spirit. She followed a calling toward theological education, earning her Master of Divinity from Vanderbilt Divinity School in 2020.
Combining her academic interests with her lifelong love of sewing, Mollie is now a craftswoman by trade, creating clergy stoles and textile art while guiding others in creative expression as a spiritual practice. Mollie lives in Fort Worth, TX with her husband, son, and dog, where she serves as a commissioned Disciples of Christ minister and Spiritual Director.
Oklahoma congregations are accepting items and donations to provide relief assistance to Texas victims impacted by the catastrophic July 4th floods.
Crown Heights Christian Church, 4020 N. Western Ave., Oklahoma City, OK 73118
(405) 528-5568
Starting Tuesday, July 8th, from 9:30am-3:30pm, the church will be collecting donations. This will run through Sunday, July 20th, after which, supplies will be driven down to Texas. The van (or caravan if necessary) would leave Crown Heights Christian Church around 10 am on Monday, July 21. If you need to coordinate a weekend drop-off time, please call the church at 405-528-5568.
This is not a “Crown Heights thing.” This is a joint effort to make this a Oklahoma Disciples thing. The more churches and community elements involved the better. Tell your communities. Post the lists on social media. Invite as many organizations and people to the group as you want to.
If you prefer to give a monetary donation through Crown Heights CC, you may send it to the church with the memo “flood relief” and a total check will be transferred to our partners in Texas. Thank you for your help in aiding these communities!
Important!
It is important to take extra care when discerning what type of items to donate. We are providing a list of requests from those who have been affected by this tragedy. Please note that clothing donations are discouraged at this time.
First Christian Church Guthrie, 402 East Noble Ave. Guthrie, OK • 405-282-4080
Crown Heights Amazon Wish List Link for Flood Relief
Items Needed:
Enjoy these photos of the celebration of our Called Regional Minister Rev. Michael Davison.
Click here to watch the video replay
By Marilyn Bohlender, ODW President
Firstly, synergy is a term meaning things combined increase their benefit to be better than individually. For instance, iron rich foods are absorbed better with vitamin C so look at liver and onions. Onions are rich in vitamin C and liver with iron. In this case; however, I will stick to eggs and orange juice.
Better together in the Bible might bring forth images of the people coming forward to build the wall in Nehemiah 3. There is a proverb that many hands make the load light. At the recent Called Regional Meeting (pictured here), there were many hands to bring it all together.
This meeting had the option to be attended by Zoom. I was impressed by all that attended in person. There was an energy in connecting with others. Rev. Michael Davison was voted to be our new Oklahoma Regional Minister. Under his leadership we will be the many hands coming together to bring an energy of synergy.
What is our first step in this change of leadership or with anything ahead of us? I feel it is essential to start with prayer. In Matthew where two or more are gathered, the Lord says he will be there. This speaks to me to pray together so that are combined prayers will be better or have synergy.
Is this scripture as well as others teaching us that synergy is important! Togetherness is important. Meeting together is important. Soon many will attend General Assembly. There will be synergy!
For more information for Disciples Women at General Assembly, download the latest Disciples Women’s Ministries newsletter.
Matthew 18:20 (KJV) For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.