Disciples Women Archives - Christian Church in Oklahoma

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|0 Comments

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|0 Comments

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

Giving Thanks for all DW Does and There is More to Come!

When we think of Thanksgiving, turkey dinner, family and friends first come to mind. With more thought, our Disciples Women come to my mind and we are thankful for all that they do and all the events this year!

In September many attended the Celebration Luncheon organized by Rev. Donna Jackson to acknowledge all the work and contributions of our women. As I visit churches, I see first hand the work our women do from rummage sales to preparing meals. The list of all they do is extensive and we are thankful.

We are also thankful for those who organize the events that bring us together for enrichment and fellowship. October brought two fall retreats and a CADW meeting.

The NEODW summarized their retreat at Camp Christian with a short video which can be seen on the Northeast Oklahoma Disciples of Christ Facebook. Their retreat mission project benefitted Domestic Violence Intervention Services.

Rev. Christine Pomaville of FCC Thomas, led a retreat at Roman Nose. An ODW officer that attended wrote, “There were groups from Thomas, Chandler, Enid, Calumet, and Canton. (Perhaps other towns as well), It was a wonderful, relaxing, spirit filled weekend.”

The CADW meeting on October 22nd was attended by 64 women and hosted by FCC Midwest City. The worship and songs were inspiring. The food and fellowship was outstanding. The nonprofit, Our Sisters Closet Thrift Store and the YWCA organization it gives support shared the spotlight to educate us on its programs. It was alarming to learn of the number of domestic violence cases here in Oklahoma. The donations brought to this meeting will help!

Again, give thanks for all our women do!

Awareness, education and knowledge are important in the different roles our women have to carry out God’s ministries and to be of service. Self-care and care of those in our lives is also important. I encourage you to take a break between Thanksgiving and Christmas to attend a Women’s Conference on Mental Awareness and Wellness at Wildewood Christian Church, OKC on Saturday, December 7th. It starts at 9:30 a.m. with continental breakfast. Program begins at 10 a.m. with speaker, Caletta F. McPherson, MHR, LADC, CLC, who serves as Executive Director of CARE for Change, Inc. Lunch is also provided. This is a free event but you must register by Nov. 29th. Flyer has instructions to register on-line or email [email protected] or call 405-478-0781. Again, we are thankful for this free event.

We are blessed with so many active Disciples Women across Oklahoma; please keep them in prayer and thank them for all they do! Stay connected with Disciples Women section of okdisciples.org and Oklahoma Disciples Women Facebook.

Colossians 3:17 (NKJV) And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.

CCOK3012024-11-07T13:48:17-06:00Nov 7, 2024|Disciples Women|Comments Off

Celebrate 150 Years of Disciples Women!

By Marilyn Bohlender, ODW President

Disciples Women is 150 years old on October 22, 2024! The flyer suggests activities from the Office of Disciples Women. My celebration that day will include giving to the Disciples Women Blessing Box and cake! However you celebrate, give thanks to God for the many women who have provided many hours of service.

After the celebration, it is not too soon to start planning to use the 2025 Just Women Study Guide next year. Pre-order before December 2, 2024 and receive free shipping! Delivery will be in January 2025; see instructions for larger orders of five or more.

Philippians 4:4 (ASV) Rejoice in the Lord always: again, I say Rejoice.

CCOK3012024-10-01T15:10:57-05:00Oct 1, 2024|Disciples Women|Comments Off

Fall Back in Love

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

CCOK3012024-09-09T11:29:09-05:00Sep 9, 2024|Disciples Women|Comments Off

Celebrating Women Answering God’s Call

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

Some are called to be clergy, mentors, and leaders. Others are called to be workers behind the scenes. Just because God called you to these roles does not mean it will be easy but with God it will become possible.

Rev. Donna Jackson was called to ministry over thirty years ago. A wise minister saw it and Donna felt the calling. Not all of us feel a strong pull; some feel a gentle push or small voice guiding us in a certain direction. Some that I talk with just say God’s work fell in their lap.

Now God has touched Donna’s heart to share this milestone with a celebration of women clergy, mentors, and leaders on September 14, 2024. When you see the program for this celebration luncheon, you know God’s hand was in it!

Do not miss this opportunity; register to attend. Encourage others to do the same; this program is for more than just the women. Whether or not you are able to come, pray for this celebration and pray for the work God has called us to do.

Find out more information about this program and other upcoming events on the Disciples Women page.

~Prayers and Blessings,

Marilyn Bohlender, ODW President
580-483-5110

Romans 8:28 (NIV) And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

CCOK3012024-08-07T11:56:53-05:00Aug 7, 2024|Disciples Women|Comments Off