Disciples Women Archives - Christian Church in Oklahoma

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.’

ODW-bicycle-donation-800×600

Bicycle donation to Hope House OKC by Central Area Disciples Women

CCOK3012025-02-06T11:26:04-06:00Feb 6, 2025|Disciples Women|Comments Off

2024 Events that Inspired

Going Into 2025 Keep Memories of 2024 Events that Inspired

by Marilyn Bohlender, ODW President

As we go into 2025, there are parts of 2024 that we would like to leave behind. The stories of God with us through those tough times should be kept as a testament of his love for us. What else to not leave behind? The memories of events that inspired us like ROSES an interregional only held every four years, the first Celebration Luncheon of Women Trailblazers and Mentors, Women’s Conference at Wildewood, many area meetings and fall retreats. We were inspired and “on fire!” Use these memories to keep the fire going through these colder months.

Take this time for the self-care that we learned from Caletta F. McPherson, MHR, LADC, CLC, at Women’s Conference in December organized by Ye’Maya Rodgers and the Women of Wildewood Christian Church. Caletta brought God into our picture of healing and wellness. Following up on that process of self-care, I encourage you to do a deeper dive to become more spiritually connected with Bible study and your prayer life. I pray for your eyes to be open to opportunities to show God’s love through us. Whatever your goals and wherever our paths take us in 2025, remember that our Lord and savior is with us.

Let your path for 2025 take you to CADW meeting at New Hope Christian Church on Tuesday, January 28th. There will be fellowship and worship as we learn about a nonprofit, Hope House*, followed by $10 lunch which is RSVP by 1-22-25 to 405-691-5366 and pay at the door. Look on our Disciples Women section of okdisciples.org for more information. Also, follow Oklahoma Disciples Women Facebook for updates.

*In-Kind Donations of $10-$30 Walmart, Target, or Amazon Gift Cards is appreciated.

Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV) Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.

CCOK3012025-01-08T11:32:28-06:00Jan 8, 2025|Disciples Women|Comments Off

The Most Important Thing, A Christmas Story

By Marilyn Bohlender, ODW President

Making a list but no time to check it twice! Instructions are left with someone to care for house and fur babies. The little ones are bundled with extra clothes and pjs in their bags. The car is loaded with snacks and blankets for the cold winter trip to Grandparents far away.

After the trip, greetings and hugs, the car is unloaded. Christmas comes in the morning and being late, the little ones are tucked in bed to sleep. That is when a disastrous discovery is made! The gifts were left behind! Gifts for all the family, grandparents, aunts, uncles, everyone!

Walmart is closed and the only place open is a 24 hour gas station. So we wrapped up the last of the snacks plus a few more favorites from the gas station in newspaper. Did anyone mind? Did we have a good laugh? Do you have a holiday disaster story?

We actually had fun over the years bonding and laughing over these stories. We realized the most important gift at Christmas was the birth of Jesus, our savior. So in the midst of chaos and crazy, remember the most important thing and that is what matters.

Prayers for a blessed Christmas.

2 Peter 3:18 (NIV) But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen

CCOK3012024-12-05T08:56:13-06:00Dec 5, 2024|Disciples Women|Comments Off