madavison

About Michael Davison

This author has not yet filled in any details.
So far Michael Davison has created 216 blog entries.

Chi Rho/CYF Midwinter & RYC Application

The Regional Youth Council welcomed youth and adults from 9 congregations to Midwinter Retreat (Jan 17-19) at Oakridge Camp.  Though it was warm(ish) for part of Sunday afternoon, winter’s cold kept the group inside for much of the event, though it did not snow like it did in 2025. Grace Dearhamer, current student at Chicago Divinity School, member of Forest Park Christian Church, and former Regional Youth Council member, keynoted on the theme, Finding Your Voice.  She focused on quotes from Martin Luther King Jr. encouaraging the youth to recognize the power they have to do small things that make a big difference for their friends, schools, and community.

The RYC led small-group discussions, and there were interest groups including fountain pen use, thank-you note writing, cooking, hiking, coloring, games, and the ever-popular friendship bracelet-making.  RYC Glo made an appearance during Sunday evening worship.

Congregations at Midwinter Retreat

FCC Ardmore
FCC Duncan
FCC El Reno
Central CC Enid
FCC Midwest City
FCC Norman
Western Oaks CC OKC
FCC Sulphur
Forest Park CC Tulsa

RYC can’t host retreats or events if adults don’t volunteer, and so we offer a BIG THANK YOU to all the adults who traveled and participated with their groups.

And speaking of the Regional Youth Council, we are accepting applications to serve on RYC.  We are seeking rising sophomores and juniors who are interested in servant leadership and growing in their own faith and leadership.  Click Here to download the RYC Application and return it by April 1st.  Graduating RYC Seniors and adult sponsors review applications and inform candidates during May.  New members of RYC are expected to attend CYF Conference where they are installed with returning members.

2026-02-19T13:21:16-06:00Feb 19, 2026|Youth|0 Comments

Honoring Disciples During Black History Month

By Carrie Cobbs, Regional Staff 

During this Black History Month, it is fitting to highlight some Oklahoma Disciples who have impacted our world.  During the time when our Regional Staff was sorting through old files, we came across a Souvenir Program for the National Convention of Disciples of Christ from August 25 to 30, 1936.  This event took place at Carver Junior High School in Tulsa, Oklahoma.  Rev. B. C. Calvert was the president of the National Convention at the time, and Cornelius W. Arnold was the Minister at Pine Street Christian Church. Download Souvenir Program

While looking through this program, there were so many names and faces of disciples who have gone before us.  A Google search led to an inspiring story about a woman named Anita Hairston (1907-1996).  She was the first Black woman to graduate from the University of Tulsa with a master’s degree in education in 1952.  According to an article in the Tulsa Tribune from May 13, 1952, she had made a special arrangement with the TU board of trustees that if she could guarantee eight students per class, they would have professors travel to Carver Junior High School for night classes and summer school and black students could earn full credit without ever setting foot on the TU Campus.  It also states that “when Hairston couldn’t find enough classmates, the university bent the rules and allowed some classes to continue with just three students.”

According to a booklet in the Region’s archives titled “Black Members of the Christian Church ~ Disciples of Christ~ in Oklahoma,” she was a member of First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Tulsa. There is no date on this booklet, but she is named as one of the people who furnished information.  Her husband, Dr. E. L. Hairston was a member of Pine Street Christian Church, Tulsa.

When we moved our Regional Offices to NW 70th Street in OKC, I realized that Dolphin Wharton Park is less than a mile away.  Dolph and Gladys Wharton were members of Kelley Avenue Christian Church (DOC), OKC, where he served as a deacon and an elder.

He was born in Red Bird, Indian Territory, in 1908.  He was a graduate of Langston University.  He and Gladys dedicated their lives to helping others and serving their community.  He wanted there to be a safe place for families and youth to gather and play.  I was told that he donated the land next to his neighborhood to the city parks commission so it could be turned into such a place.  He worked with community members to make the city council aware when repairs were needed.  His neighbors petitioned the city council to name it Dolphin Wharton Park, in recognition of his service.  Click here to read more about Dolphin Wharton Park.

In honor of Black History Month, the Disciples of Christ Historical Society highlights some of the African American Disciples artifacts and resources available in our Digital Commons.  Learn more.

2026-02-18T10:15:29-06:00Feb 18, 2026|Congregations|0 Comments

Regional Board Calls Rev. Shannon Cook as Associate Regional Minister

by Rev. Bill Hemm

We are so pleased to have Rev. Shannon Cook as our new Associate Regional Minister!  As the chair of the search committee, I could not be more proud of the work the committee members did as well as how the process unfolded.  We looked through the ministerial papers of interested candidates and chose to interview two people via Zoom.  The committee prepared several questions and facilitated fruitful conversations.  It was determined that we would extend a second in-person interview to one of the candidates to further our dialogue and to see if this was going to be a compatible match for our region.

Rev. Cook was inviting, engaging, lively, and ready to hit the ground running.  The search committee voted unanimously to offer her a call.  She was presented to the regional executive committee and then to the regional board, who voted on January 31st to officially call her as our new Associate Regional Minister!

I want to thank the wonderful committee members for their sacrificial work and dedication to this process.  Julie Gillett, Ramona McPherson, Brooke Waldrip, Jonah Dew, Kathy Standridge, and Joshua Bell made up a fantastic team!

So excited to see what the future holds…

Shannon will begin on April 11th.  Her ministry portfolio includes the Commission for Children, Youth, and Young Adults, which will provide leadership and support to the Region’s ministries serving children, youth, and young adults. Shannon will also provide encouragement and resourcing for congregations in their ministries with children, youth, and young adults.  She will work with the Commission for Laity to create and plan intergenerational educational opportunities.   Relationships are at the heart of meaningful ministry for Shannon, and she hopes to continue cultivating connections between congregations, pastors, and the Region.

Shannon is a Hoosier by birth and was raised in DeLand, Florida. She is a third-generation Disciples of Christ. Shannon was a double major in Mathematics and Politics at Lake Forest College in Lake Forest, Illinois and earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in 1997. In 2001, she graduated from Christian Theological Seminary in Indianapolis, Indiana, with a Master of Divinity degree. She is currently working on a Doctor of Ministry degree at Phillips Theological Seminary in Tulsa. She was ordained into Christian ministry in July of 2001 at First Christian Church in Daytona Beach, Florida.

Before coming to Oklahoma, Shannon served congregations in Paris and Mount Sterling, Kentucky. She served First Christian Church of Norman for twelve years before joining the Regional staff.

Shannon is married to Barton Hanna, who works in the Anne and Henry Zarrow School of Social Work at the University of Oklahoma. She enjoys reading, watching/attending sporting events, and hanging out with her cats. Shannon and Bart enjoy traveling together as much as possible!

2026-02-15T18:33:47-06:00Feb 10, 2026|Clergy News|0 Comments

Where’s Michael: February

March 6-7

First Christian Church, Edmond

It’s time to learn more and register!

Chi Rho/CYF Midwinter Retreat January 2026

Describe Your Church in 3 Words

Equip: Celebrating, Welcoming, Creating, Staying, Mobilizing, Expanding

Too long we have wandered, burdened and undone
But there is room at the table for everyone
Let us sing the new world in, this is how is all begins
There is room at the table for everyone

No matter who you are, no matter where you’re from
There is room at the table for everyone
Here and now we can be, the beloved community,
There is room at the table for everyone

Room at the Table – Words and Music by Carrie Newcomer
©2014 Carrie Newcomer Music (BMI)
From the 2014 album “A Permeable Life” – Listen on Spotify

Last year . . .
150+ Disciples gathered for the spring Empower & Equip event at Crown Heights Christian Church in OKC.
13 Clergy gathered for the Northeast Area Clergy Retreat.
200+ children, youth, and adults gathered at church camp.
180+ gathered in June for the Called Regional Assembly at First Christian Church in Edmond.
13 Clergy gathered for the Northwest Area Clergy Retreat.
18 Clergy Women gathered for an October Retreat.
70 Women gathered for the fall Oklahoma Disciples Women’s Retreat.
127 youth and adults gathered for Chi Rho/CYF Fall Retreat in November.

This year . . .
90 youth and adults gathered for the Chi Rho/CYF Midwinter Retreat in January.

And next month, March 6-7, Oklahoma Disciples will gather for Regional Assembly ’26. There is room at the banquet table as we explore our experience of hospitality, faith, and discipleship.  We know the verb(s) matter.  Attend RA26 and join the storytelling and conversation.   Our biennial gathering is more than a required detail in our governance; it is a celebration of our local and shared ministries as the Christian Church in Oklahoma.  It is one way we connect, equip, and empower one another for a life of faith and be the church we say we are: people who claim a covenant of unity, liberty, and charity (grace) as we proclaim the good news of God, follow Jesus, and welcome as we have been welcomed.

We are excited to hear from our special guests at Regional Assembly ’26.   

Carrie Newcomer, a songwriter and singer, will offer a songwriting workshop on Friday afternoon (3:30 pm), a Friday evening concert (7:30 pm), and join worship on Saturday afternoon.  Worship will include special music from:
– A Super Choir of voices from around the Region will offer special music, “The Gift of Love.”
– Musical guest Carrie Newcomer will lead the singing of a song written by workshop attendees on Friday afternoon.
– The Priase Band from First Christian Church, El Reno, will sing one of my favorite U2 songs, “Grace.”

Rev. Dr. Virginia White will lead and preach for our Dinner Church worship on Friday night (6:00 pm).  Come for a family-style meal and worship in a different style and setting.

Rev. Terri Hord Owens, our General Minister and President, will offer a workshop on Saturday morning and preside and preach for my installation as Regional Minister during worship on Saturday afternoon.  

On Saturday morning, Rev. Dr. Douglas Powe, President of Phillips Theological Seminary, will lead a workshop titled “Reimagining Evangelism.” It is one of six excellent workshops offered (10:00 am to 11:15 am).  Disciples are outreach-focused locally and globally.  Throughout the day and into the late afternoon, adults and youth can help package meals (no experience necessary) for Stamp Out Starvation.  Bring your youth group to RA26, stay after worship to finish packaging meals, enjoy pizza, then head to Main Event for a couple of hours of fun before heading home.

Rev. Colton Lott, Second-Vice Moderator, the RA26 planning team, and the Regional Staff have worked to ensure there is something for everyone.  We look forward to greeting you!  I look forward to greeting you!  Visit the RA26 webpage to learn more and register. 

Don’t forget to select your congregation’s voting delegates, return the certification form by Feb 27, and be registered by March 2.  

The fee is $35 to attend all or some of RA26. 

We are able to offer this packed and expanded Assembly through the generosity of our sponsors:

See you at Regional Assembly ’26!

“The Disciples of Christ are small enough to change, and big enough to change the world.”(1)

——–
1. Rev. Terri Hord Owens, Staying at the Table: Being the Church We Say We Are. Chalice Press (2025) p 93.  Quoting Rev. Dr. David Anderson Hooker, founder of the Narrative Project.


Where’s Michael? February
Connect with me through the usual channels: email, text, or phone.  I appreciate your patience.

Regional Staff meet on Mondays, 10:30 am -11:00 am.
Michael works on Search & Call for congregations on Monday afternoon.
Michael’s Digital Office Hours: February 4 & 18, 9:00 – 11:00 am.

1: Preach @ Pine Street Christian Church, Tulsa

3: Christian Church Commission Leadership Mtg (Zoom)

4: Regional RoundUp Clergy Edition Published
Regional Assembly Congregation Packet Mailed
Church Camp Registration Opens
Regional Youth Council App Available

5: Zoom with Region’s Treasurer

6: Lilly Foundation Grant Writing Call

8: Ordination of Richard Bowles @ Simplicity Church, Edmond

9: Regional Assembly Planning Team

10: Northeast Area Council (Zoom)

11: Central Area Clergy Mtg @ Western Oaks Christian Church, OKC
Gathering of Regional Ministers (Zoom)

12: NWA Clergy Gathering @ Central Christian Church, Enid
Search Committee Orientation: Christian Church of the Covenant, Enid

15: Worship with The Federated Church, Weatherford

16: Executive Committee (Zoom)

18: Ash Wednesday
Regional RoundUp Congregation Edition Published
Regional Ministers Search & Call Zoom
Preach for Community Christian Church, Ponca City

19: Christian Church Commission Mtg

22: Worship with First Christian Church, El Reno
Southeast Area Praise & Pie @ First Christian Church, Sulphur

23: Southwest Area Clergy Mtg @ First Christian Church, Chickasha

24: Oklahoma Disciples Foundation Board

2026-02-03T15:04:29-06:00Feb 3, 2026|Michael Davison Blog|0 Comments

Where’s Michael: January

March 6-7

First Christian Church, Edmond

Describe Your Church in 3 Words

Connect

We are many textures, we are many colors,
Each one different from the others.
But we are entwined with one another
In one great tapestry

Weave, weave, weave us together,
Weave us together, in unity and love.
Weave, weave, weave us together,
weave us together, together in love.
Lyrics by Rosemary Crow Copyright 1979 / Chalice Hymnal, “Weave Us Together.” # 495

Disciples across Oklahoma gathered to hear the familiar narrative of his birth and to sing the carols and hymns.  We lit candles to break the darkness of a silent but holy night.  Do you see it?  Do you sense it?  Maybe that’s an epiphany.  Maybe that’s the epiphany the parables and ways of Jesus create space to experience.  Common experience.  Connection.

We are the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Oklahoma.  We connect, equip, and empower one another to love and serve like Jesus.

Lift a candle.
Lend a hand.
Raise your voice.
Get involved in your congregation and the Region.  Weave us together to be a witness to the good news of God.

Where’s Michael? January
Connect with me through the usual channels: email, text, or phone.  I appreciate your patience.

Regional Staff meet on Mondays, 10:30 am -11:00 am.
Michael’s Digital Office Hours: January 7 and 21 , 9:00 – 11:00 am.

2-3: Regional Youth Council Retreat (FCC Midwest City)

4: Preach @ Yale Ave. Christian Church, Tulsa

5: Regional Staff Return from Holiday Break

8: NWA Clergy Gathering @ Central Christian Church, Enid
Search Orientation @ Community Christian Church, Ponca City

10: Associate Regional Minister Search Committee

11: Preach @ First Christian Church, Hobart

12: Comm on Clergy (Zoom)

13: Bedford House Dedication @ Phillips Theological Seminary
NEA Clergy Council
Bedford House Celebration Dinner @ Phillips Theological Seminary

14-15: Remind and Renew @ Phillips Theological Seminary

17-19: Chi Rho/CYF Midwinter Retreat @ Oakridge Camp

19: Executive Committee (Zoom)

21: SEA Clergy Mtg @ First Christian Church, Sulphur

25: Worship @ Bethany Christian Church, Tulsa
SEA Praise & Pie @ First Christian Church, Sulphur

26: SWA Clergy Mtg @ First Christian Church, Chickasha
Regional Assembly Planning Mtg (Zoom)

30-31: Ministeral Practices Retreat @ Phillips Theological Seminary

2026-01-06T20:55:14-06:00Jan 6, 2026|Michael Davison Blog|0 Comments

Christmas on the horizon

Merry Christmas from Your Regional Staff

SiriusXM radio has played three channels of Christmas music since the first week of November. I wonder how many people chose to listen? Christmas movies and cartoons appeared in mid-November, with some running on a loop. Reading or hearing the news is difficult right now, and it has been for a long time. Still, it seems to have become even more intense, exponentially worse, even as people do their best to do good, help their neighbors, and be ethical in an economy that rewards scarcity, unethical behavior, and divisive voices.  It’s no surprise that we want to speed up hearing all the Whos in Whooville sing, “Welcome Christmas, bring your cheer.” So many could use some cheer, need a break, a good health outcome, or crave some time without drama, chaos, or grief. We need the reminder that hearts can grow, perspectives can change, and people are capable of good.

In a recent sermon, I said, “Advent is the anticipation of a hope that leads to a peace built on a love that creates tangible shalom that is life-affirming, life-giving, and eternal.”  Today’s rewrite.  “Christmas is a hope that leads to a peace built on a love that creates tangible shalom that gives life and is eternal.”  Christian tradition has simply said, Immanuel / Emmanuel.  “God with us” is: a prayer, a faith statement, a feeling, and/or a lived experience.  Some among us use it as a rallying call with an implicit “only.” “God only with us.”  But that’s not the message the angel announced to the shepherds.

Christmas is on the horizon.  What’s the message?  This is what I’ve seen since I visited the manger last year.  Every day, Oklahoma Disciples, our congregations and their members live out Immanuel and embody the spirit and work of Christmas in ways that multiply a shalom that provides: food, shelter, clothing, dollars, comfort, works to transform systems of oppression, rebuilds and nurtures community, and welcomes as they have been welcomed.

Immanuel.  Go and see what God has made known to you, and return to your community rejoicing, comforted, and ready for the work of Christmas ahead of you and ahead of us, in the new year.

Disciples, you are a blessing.

Peace . . . Michael

P.S.
When you think about all the characters in the Christmas story, which one do you identify with this year?  Though they don’t arrive until Epiphany, go ahead and include the Magi in the story, but don’t escape to Egypt just yet.

The Regional Board gifts our Regional staff time off for the Christmas and New Year holiday season.  This year, the Regional staff holiday is from December 19 to January 4.   The staff returns on January 5, 2026.

I will be traveling for the holiday from December 17-28.  I will check email at least once a day while I’m away.  It may take me 24 hrs to respond.  Between December 18-26, I will not have cell phone service.  Thank you for your patience.

2025-12-15T09:22:10-06:00Dec 15, 2025|Michael Davison Blog|Comments Off on Christmas on the horizon

Where’s Michael: December

Describe your church in 3 words.

Many people enjoy watching Christmas cartoons or movies.  I know at least one person who began watching the Hallmark channel last month. I’ll speak for myself rather than for you or “we.”  Reminders are more helpful than nostalgia.  There are reminders and lessons in claymation, animation, over-the-top clumsiness, song-and-dance numbers, and knowing what it means to be the richest person in town.

Here is a short list of my favorite Christmas shows and movies in no particular order.  Email me your list of films or books, and I’ll send you a complete list.

  • How the Grinch Stole Christmas
  • A Charlie Brown Christmas
  • Christmas Vacation
  • A Christmas Carol (Patrick Stewart playing Scrooge)
  • Spirited
  • A Christmas Story
  • It’s A Wonderful Life

Reminder(s).  That’s what I experience on the journey to Bethlehem each year.  I saw photos of the Northern Lights that were visible in Oklahoma last month, but I didn’t see them in person.  The photos and videos I saw were extraordinary.  I imagine those who did see it in person experienced a bit of the awe and wonder of the shepherds keeping watch over their flocks.  At least that’s what I experienced from the photos and videos.

Here’s a short list of the reminders and lessons from the journey to the manger and Christmastide that I’ve experienced over the years.

  • The mysterious awe of creation.  
  • The presence of God in simple acts of hospitality.
  • Abundance is a life-giving perspective.
  • Hope, peace, joy, and love break into life unexpectedly.  Learn from those experiences.
  • God believes humans are capable of good.

I don’t know what you expect to experience or hope to experience this Advent and Christmas season.  I trust it inspires, comforts, confronts, and reminds you of “God with us.”  Join the Regional Youth Council in their journey to Bethlehem by downloading the Advent Devotion they created.  It’s a conversation with the poem, The Work of Christmas, by Howard Thurman.

Happy Advent and Merry Christmas!

Disciples, you are a blessing.  Thank you.

Where’s Michael? December
Connect with me through the usual channels: email, text, or phone.  I appreciate your patience.

Regional Staff meet on Mondays, 10:30 am -11:00 am.
Michael’s Digital Office Hours Return in January on Wednesdays, 9:00 am – 11:00 am.

1-4: College of Regional Ministers (Charleston, SC)

4: ARM Search Committee (Zoom)

5: FCC Nowata Leadership (Zoom)

7: Preach @ Christian Church of the Covenant, Enid
Canadian Co. Disciples Advent Worship (FCC El Reno)

8: Comm on Clergy (Zoom)
ARM Search Committee (Zoom)

9: Central Area Clergy Christmas Lunch
Yale Ave CC Search Committee Orientation

10: Regional Staff Mtg & Christmas Lunch, OKC

11: NWA Clergy Christmas Lunch, Enid
ARM Search Committee (Zoom)

15: RA26 Planning Team (Zoom)

16: Regional Minister Pastoral Relations Committee (Zoom)

17-28: Michael on Holiday

19-Jan 4: Regional Office Closed

2025-12-01T09:25:11-06:00Dec 1, 2025|Michael Davison Blog|Comments Off on Where’s Michael: December

Where the Need is Great – Disciples Respond

From helping with local food pantries and food drives, to providing shelf-stable foods in mini-pantries on their property, Oklahoma congregations respond to their neighbors in need year-round, particularly now as SNAP recipients wait for assistance during the Government shutdown.  It is one of many ways Oklahoma Disciples love and serve like Jesus.

In this season of gratitude, you can help tell the story of Oklahoma Disciples serving our neighbors. Email your photos to the office this month.

2025-12-04T14:02:46-06:00Nov 12, 2025|Congregations|Comments Off on Where the Need is Great – Disciples Respond

Chi Rho/CYF Make a BIG Splash at Fall Retreat

How do we offer and receive hospitality?

The Regional Youth Council welcomed youth and adults from 11 congregations at Fall Retreat on November 8-9.  The day began with groups visiting the First Americans Museum.  Lunch and an afternoon of tubing, water slides, a water roller coaster, and lazy river fun at the indoor water park at Okana Resort.

Crown Heights Christian Church gifted their fellowship hall to the group for dinner, learning, and vespers on Saturday evening.  During the meal, participants could not serve themselves. Rather, they had to be served by someone, and in turn, they served someone their drink and pizza.  The evening game required participants to consider how to offer hospitality in various situations.  Each table created a plan and then presented it to one of the adult sponsors.  The plans were judged on creativity, realism, heartfulness, best teamwork, and, of course, the Dolly Parton Spirit Award for going above and beyond kindness.

Hospitality takes a lot of listening, intentionality, and some risk. It’s what followers of Jesus are called to be and do.

Congregations at Fall Retreat

FCC Ardmore
Disciples CC Bartlesville
FCC Duncan
FCC El Reno
Central CC Enid
Christian Church of the Covenant Enid
FCC Norman
Crown Heights CC OKC
FCC Sulphur
Forest Park CC Tulsa
Harvard Ave CC Tulsa

Thank you:
Adults who traveled with your group;
Northeast Area Council for financially sponsoring our meals;
Comm for Faith in Action for sponsoring the First Americans Museum tickets for the group;
Crown Heights Christian Church, for gifting us your fellowship hall for dinner and vespers last night.
Regional Youth Council members for your leadership.
This is one way we share the covenant of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Oklahoma. Disciples, you are a blessing.
2025-11-10T20:04:07-06:00Nov 10, 2025|Youth|Comments Off on Chi Rho/CYF Make a BIG Splash at Fall Retreat

Question 4 from the Regional Minister Search Committee

What gifts do you possess that will enable you to be an effective Regional Minister in our setting?

One colleague generously describes me as a “strategic thinker.” I like to say I think about the “big picture” and manage the trip details.  My time as Associate Regional Minister has sharpened my “event planner” and “project manager” skills.  I turn my attention to the areas that need it most and structure my time based on different levels of attention that people, tasks, programs, or ideas require during a day, week, or month.  I appreciate and learn from history and tradition without being held captive by it.  I’m curious.  I like meeting people and learning how they are being good news.  I can be an early adopter of technology and adapt well to changing circumstances.   Initially, I’m better at remembering a person’s story than their name.  Mediation training helped me become a better listener, and I continue to hone my interpersonal, writing, and digital communication skills.  I think I am a good “talent scout,” which is how I classify the Search and Call process, but it is also how I approach work with committees, commissions, and teams.  I lead by example, and my leadership style focuses on putting people together and creating the best possible environment for them to flourish and learn from challenges.  I bring a youth minister’s eye for community, group dynamics, and leadership to Regional ministry.  My skill set, perspective, and experience could be a bridge to what our Region can become for the next generation of congregations, lay and clergy leaders.

Thank you for claiming and participating in the covenant we share as the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Oklahoma with your time, talents, gifts for ministry, vision, and financial support.

Disciples, you are a blessing.

2025-11-10T15:02:34-06:00Nov 10, 2025|Michael Davison Blog|Comments Off on Question 4 from the Regional Minister Search Committee
Go to Top