Disciples Women Archives - Christian Church in Oklahoma

More Than A Road Trip

The “Road Trip” is part of the experience

By Marilyn Bohlender

Later this month on Tuesday, October 28th, some women will travel to Central Area of Oklahoma Disciples Women (CADW) to attend the CADW Autumn Meeting at El Reno. Part of the excitement is “The Road Trip”, with ladies car pooling together for 20, 30, 60 minutes or longer for this meeting with worship, food ($10/RSVP) and learning about a nonprofit. Go to okdisciples.org/ ODW page for more information.

Then there are other road trips that might be longer, like the drive to the first ODW led fall retreat in NE Oklahoma at Camp Christian earlier this month on Oct 3-4, 2025.

My “Road Trip” was with three other ladies traveling 220 miles from Lawton to Camp Christian in NE Oklahoma. Another “Road Trip” began for one FCC Norman lady when she drove to El Reno to catch a ride with their group going in the church van. Nothing says “Road Trip” like a group in a church van! Many others came from all parts of Oklahoma to converge on Camp Christian for ODW Fall Retreat 2025.

Let me share the “more” part of mine and nearly 70 other ladies’ part of the story, which is the retreat itself! Friday evening of retreat started with “Dinner and a Show.” The dinner, consisting of homemade Alfredo noodles, was accompanied by the show which was a skit by the Lawton ladies. Yes, there was laughter!

Friday’s 7:30pm after-dinner program began with a “Look at Time” led by myself, Marilyn Bohlender, ODW President and retreat leader.

Pastor Rachel Thacker, Lawton, who like others drove after a full day of teaching, had us engaged with her Mary and Martha interpretation. She describes a circle that when you are spirit filled you are called to serve and to keep from becoming burned out as you serve, you must be spirit filled. Quiet time with God is essential!

Rev. Darlene Martinez continued our Friday “closer to God” quest by explaining what the Labyrinth Walk truly means as a prayerful tool.

As we took turns on the Labyrinth Walk, Mary Mueller, ODW Secretary, led us with songs in between scripture readings by myself, Marilyn Bohlender. Our high school ladies (11th & 12th graders) even taught us a few songs. Having them at retreat was a blessing for us.

The ladies were given a prayer focus during their walk which fed into next step, a letting go ceremony. Each of us wrote on an index card what God revealed for us to let go.

The writings were gathered in a paper bag, carried as we quietly walked to the fire pit. While they burned, a prayer was said and “Kum Ba Yah” was sung. Wendy Singleton, ODW Finance, provided “Just Cocoa” to drink during the ceremony and the visiting afterward.

Saturday coffee for early risers at 6:45am gave energy for a few ladies to take advantage of the view at Inspiration Point. The quiet and an early morning prayer time added to the experience.

Sign-in was completed Saturday morning in the Dining Hall with name tags, and fill-it-yourself with swag gifted from Phillips Seminary and ODW officers. Retreat drawstring backpacks, printed as a courtesy for us, said, “Proverbs 8:17 (NIV) I love those who love me, and those who seek me find me”, which is reflective of the retreat theme “God in the Midst”.

Of course, breakfast was cereal & milk, plus bacon and eggs. Some commented that next to the cinnamon rolls, the bacon was second best, cooked to perfection. Toward the end of breakfast, Spotlight on IAS (International Affairs Seminar) was presented by Pastor Tara Dew and Tessa, one of our high school young ladies. They brought their experiences alive from being on the IAS trip to New York and Washington.

After breakfast, Rev. Maria Garza addressed our theme with a combination of scripture, inspiration, and God-in-your life stories. At Maria’s question “When was God working in your life?” one attendee gave a testimony of a rough time in her life when a First Christian Church Claremore preacher took time to listen, making a difference. Do not miss times when God just calls us to listen.

You could feel the passion from Rev. Sondra Ladd as she spoke of the Jamaica Mission Trip, where hard work and the plight of the people equals life changing experiences for volunteers as well as those they are called to help.

Our spotlight on youth camp was presented by Maddie Showalter. She and the attendees shared stories and bonded the audience with the importance of youth camp. To give a taste of youth camp, Maddie had Tara and the young ladies from El Reno lead us in singing Johnny Appleseed before eating lunch.

“Voting for Centerpieces with Your Dollars” brought in $226.75 for Camp Christian with Tahlequah being retreat favorite. The auction of the centerpieces, cinnamon rolls and bread brought total money raised for Camp Christian to $1,280.75. Another $350 was raised with donations toward the pickles, spaghetti sauce, jams, and salsa sale at one end of the dining hall. FCC Tulsa announced another way to help is to donate for Camp Christian’s swimming pool liner replacement; there is a donor that will match up to $5K. Thank you Disciples Women for making a difference!

Thirty minute breakout sessions were Tai Chi with Cynthia Clegg from ESSCC; Independent Journaling with Rev. Darlene Martinez, who instructed ladies to find a quiet spot to be still and journal on their own; decorating candles with Denise Smith and Teresa Ingle, Lawton, who taught women to adhere one ply of a napkin design to a candle with wax paper heated by a hair dryer; and a fourth was a on-your-own session called Power Nap, because God’s gift is rest.

Phillips Seminary sent a quick video with greetings for Disciples Women, news of Bedford House, and the 100% scholarship program for members of Disciples Churches.

Rev. Gina Jackson was joined by Rev. Zenobia Mayo with a prayer, brought us a communion service/ending session including a recap video of retreat experiences.

We ended by 3:30pm as I promised in spite of several schedule adjustments. Man makes his plans but God directs his steps was followed; an insightful clergy woman told me flexibility with schedules is a part of retreats. God’s hand was in this retreat; indeed it was, “God in the Midst”.

The road trip and the retreat brought us closer to each other, but of upmost importance brought us closer to God.

Joshua 1:9 (ESV) Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.

Side note from ODW President Marilyn – Oct. 2025

After planning a retreat, you should go home and put your feet up. Just don’t break your ankle first! Actually, broke my ankle Sunday afternoon after returning home from retreat.

CCOK3012025-10-13T16:45:58-05:00Oct 13, 2025|Disciples Women|0 Comments

ODW 2025 Regional Board Report

Congregation Visits

2025 saw continuation of my on-going visitation of churches included FCC Tulsa before they sold their building at 913 South Boulder Ave in downtown Tulsa. At retreat, I re-connected with a few of the women who worship in FCCT’s temporary space. I plan to visit when their next place of worship, Artisan Hall, is ready. It ” will be a multi use building with FCCT having prominence. New concept, but it’s a better use of space and finances, without the responsibility of upkeep and logistics. Frees our staff up to do God‘s work.” according to Pattie Sittler, FCCT Outreach Chair.

Church visits are a blessing to me as well as the church I visit. A potluck at First Christian Presbyterian Christian Church, Pyror, allowed me more time to visit with members. I found there was a member that now watches service on-line since she moving to Lawton. I reached out to her and she attended Maundy Thursday at FCC Lawton and is part of the circle group I lead; she now has a local friend group.

In-the-Spirit Christian Church, 1020 SW Garnett Rd, Tulsa, the Sunday before their 17th Anniversary Worship Service, Oct 5th, was my most recent visit. There was a special energy in this place; I was blessed being part of the women’s prayer circle afterward. The men went outside to pray over their church. Never underestimate the power of prayer.

Sunday after retreat, I thought I might go to Tulsa church in historic Greenwood, Black Wall Street, for Pine Street Christian Church’s women’s meeting and service project on afternoon of Oct 12th. They were making lap blankets for nursing home patients. Our women across Oklahoma continue to have numerous service projects. After breaking my ankle on the Sunday before, I sadly had to cancel.

These visits plus visits in past years with other NE area churches: FCC Broken Arrow, Harvard Ave Christian Church, Yale Ave Christian Church, and FCC Claremore where I have over 10 years of past participation put me in a good position to assist NEODW on their next steps after the majority of officers stepped down to focus on family and work. I commend these women, most who work full time, for giving it their all for NEODW retreats and meetings after Covid and through last year. Many of our areas have been weakened due to Covid and other factors.

Central Area Disciples Women (CADW)

CADW is more of the exception as they stay strong with their four meetings a year each highlighting a different nonprofit. Current director is Carol Nichols, El Reno. Meetings usually average 40 or more raising at least $1K for each of four nonprofits. I usually attend with women from Lawton who enjoy attending. You do not need to be from CADW (OKC Area) to attend. RSVP a week before the meeting and pay at the door. Contact CADW officers or myself for more info. I submit meeting info for ODW FB, Region’s ODW page, and Regional Roundup.

Facebook Following Increases

Our Facebook, Oklahoma Disciples Women saw an increase of about 50 followers to a total of 419. It is managed by ODW VP of Reachout Sally Wheeler. In 2018, when both Sally and I began serving our current positions, she asked to revitalize the Facebook page. It is incredible that it is still growing and has almost 420 followers. Announcements are made through here so please follow. Note that another important avenue for information is the articles I post monthly on the region’s eNewsletter Regional Roundup. There is also ODW information on the women’s page of okdisciples.org. ODW will continue its goal of communication and now adding emphasis for increased involvement by women from more of our churches.

Disciples Women Leadership Council (DWLC)

DWLC with a gathering of women leader representatives from each region was conducted by Zoom in January through Office of Disciples Women, Indianapolis, and represented by myself.

Next year DWLC is in-person and we are in process of again as in 2024 having two of our women leaders who have not attended, attend to gain the experience of these gatherings. At this point we only have the January dates and not the destination. Office of DW pays hotel and travel for first representative through travel dues collected from DW in each region based on region membership. ODW pays for the 2nd representative through our LDEF fund.

Leadership Development Endowment Fund (LDEF)

Through ODW’s LDEF fund, we gave a total of $3,500 toward IAS. $1,500 provided transportation from Love Field to Crown Heights Christian Church, OKC and $2,000 went to sponsor one adult or to offset the total cost of the adults.

Again this year, the LDEF fund of ODW has helped with the clergy women retreat. Women clergy have particular needs and need to have connections with other women clergy. As women, the ODW understands this. We had a big part in financially making this happen. In 2024, $2K was given to be used in ’24 or in ’25. Clergy Women Retreat decided it would be better to put the money toward a 2025 retreat with ’24 still only able to do the retreat with self-study. When ODW was approached for $1,500, we decided to give more, another $2K, as any left over money would be seed money. We really wanted this retreat to happen and keep happening. We are praying and hearing other groups are coming forward to help with this retreat. The Mona and Scott Baird fund of ODF was the initial source for getting this retreat going. The Clergy Women Retreat organizers have told us they plan to do this retreat every other year. We hope others see the value in this retreat and are able to step forward with assistance.

Retreats

Last year, there were two retreats for the women, one in NE part of the state and one in the western side of the state. In June of this year, we were looking at no retreats for our women by any area. Of course, there are a few churches where the women hold a small retreat with just themselves. Each has its purpose with many attending both types of retreat.

I received news that there were not enough NE officers left to put together a retreat. Rev. Christina Pomaville, Thomas OK, who I applaud for having a retreat in ’24 attended by about 20 women who thoroughly benefited from it, was not having a retreat this year so she could focus on the Clergy Women Retreat. Maybe we can talk her into doing a retreat next year on the western side of the state again. She has a passion for retreats! Even if she does not, I was excited to see her have the retreat in ’24 as there had not been any in western Oklahoma since 2019 which actually was held at Central Camp, Guthrie, organized by NWODW. Geographically speaking, Rev Christina Pomaville’s was more westerly. Some women attending her retreat had been at both retreats. The NEODW had about 35 women attend in ’24 so when looking at where to have a retreat, Camp Christian should not be ruled out!

After some preliminaries, the program planning for the first ODW Fall Retreat started mid-July. I would not advise anyone to start planning a retreat this late in the game but give yourself at least 9mos to a year. As I put together presenters and the program, I saw God’s hand was in it!

The Regional Office was very helpful and set up the online registration. We also encouraged high school young ladies (11th and 12th graders) to attend with a max of 3 girls with one adult. This was let’s try it to see if young ladies enjoyed this therefore being more interested in Disciples Women in the future. Whatever happens, it was great to have three come with El Reno and they participated with the rest of us. One young lady even spoke of their IAS trip during Pastor Tara Dew’s Saturday Breakfast Spotlight on IAS.

Spotlights at retreat were a new thing for us. Fifteen minute infomercials on something in the Region outside women’s activities were presented. This year’s spotlight besides IAS was Youth Camps.

With some coming to retreat on Saturday, it turned out to be better to have name tags and bags with “swag” handed out on Saturday morning. Phillips Seminary and ODW officers contributed “swag” for the bags. Everyone filled their own bag only taking one and none if they didn’t want the item.

Another new thing was churches were asked to bring table centerpieces with a fall theme so we had no decorating expense. I did bring some decorations but never used them. l only knew of five churches bringing table centerpieces before retreat but we ended up with eleven, just enough for every table to have one.

We set boxes with a coin slot on top at each table with centerpiece on Saturday right before lunch and the voting with dollars started. It also, unintentionally, caused the women to mingle as they walked around the tables. The voting raised almost $127. After lunch we auctioned the centerpieces as well as bread and cinnamon rolls to raise over $1,200.

No one missed printed schedules. Schedules were sent by email along with camp map and reminders of what to bring. Schedules on cardstock were placed on building doors.

Several churches were asked to bring water to place in lodge refrigerators plus one church brought water iced down in a tub and placed by Dining Hall doorway. These waters were popular. Because of these donations and the other donations previously mentioned, this became a very cost effective retreat with prices the same as NEODW’s retreat’s early bird price the year before at $75/$45 Sat. only. There was scholarship money for those who were part of the program and others who applied. Just over $3K in scholarships through ODW LDEF was given to boost numbers to 70 for this retreat. Keep in mind, these scholarships have been highly advertised and made available in the past but usually are total of under $1K.

Instead of one keynote speaking, there were many involved in a shorter time span throughout the retreat weekend. This allowed those involved in the program to benefit from others in the rest of the program. There were four main clergy presenters plus clergy with a communion service/inspiration/recap ending video. More about retreat is in my October article for Regional Roundup.

There were lots of compliments on the retreat! I watched women including the ten clergy women attending bond, laugh and experience a closeness with God. This was a great boost for the women.

This Regional Board report for ODW, Oklahoma Disciples Women, is submitted from best of my knowledge on October 15th of 2025.

Marilyn Bohlender
ODW President

CCOK3012025-10-16T11:12:35-05:00Oct 13, 2025|Disciples Women|0 Comments

Finding God in the Midst is Fall Retreat Theme

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.

CCOK3012025-09-04T12:24:20-05:00Sep 4, 2025|Disciples Women|0 Comments

Become determined to be there!

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.

CCOK3012025-08-07T11:34:36-05:00Aug 7, 2025|Disciples Women|Comments Off

Synergy is Important!

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.

CCOK3012025-07-02T16:15:53-05:00Jul 2, 2025|Disciples Women|Comments Off

Just Take a Minute

By Marilyn Bohlender, ODW President

One minute out of your life could make a big difference in someone else’s life. A friend of mine was driving when a little child ran out in front of her car. The mother was trying to hold onto her two small children and one managed to get loose.

This mother’s look of horror as the child escaped her grip did not need any words. My friend had slowed down when she saw the mother holding onto the two children and was able to stop. She could have gone on or yelled at the mom but she did not. Instead she calmed the mom letting her know she was a mother once and knew how kids could be. Words of encouragement kept a struggling mother from falling apart.

It only took a minute to encourage. There are so many things that just take a minute. Think about it. Politeness, thank-you’s and smiles just take a minute. Words of kindness and just listening only take a minute. Inviting someone to church is another quick minute.

Prayers throughout the day just take a minute. Take a minute and pray for our youth and camp programs. Spreading the word of Family Camp that even could be a grandparent and grandchild is just a click away. Click here for information.

Checking the Office of Disciples Women’s newsletter so that you do not miss out on their activities at General Assembly next month is an important minute. Click here for their newsletter articles about General Assembly. Sign-up for the newsletter here.

Slowing down and listening for God’s whisper just takes a minute. God’s love is always there every minute; just like time, it does not stop. So next time you are distracted with the least important, slow down and take a minute to include what God has taught us is the most important.

1 John 4:19 (NIV) We love because He first loved us.

CCOK3012025-06-05T09:40:13-05:00Jun 5, 2025|Disciples Women|Comments Off

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|Comments Off

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|Comments Off

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

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.’