Candlelight Worship - Christmas Eve December 24 at 6:00 PM
The familiar story of the birth of Jesus Christ and the carols it has inspired anchor us in God’s dependable stability in our uncertain, sometime frightening world. By paying attention to what we know so well, the deepest longings of our hearts are lifted into ecstatic joy in the heart of God. Drama connects these wonders with our daily realities. Candlelight signals the illumination of our souls by the light of Jesus Christ.

Opportunity to give a Christmas gift to the Christ Child in the form of an offering that will go to support Metrocare Services, a community mental health and mental retardation center serving the residents of Dallas.

Carriage Ride Tour of Neighborhood Lights available following worship (complimentary with a worship bulletin Courtesy of Lotsa Spots Carriage)

Sharing the Bounty of Christ's Table at Christmas
Nancy Anderton and Lisa Huizenga, along with major help from Austin Anderton, Alexandra Vallera, Ellen Lu, Andrew Lu and Alyssa Hunt, baked and delivered 50 freshly-baked made-from-scratch pumpkin pies from a family recipe for the dessert for the Christmas meal at the Austin Street Center.

Click here for more details about the Austin Street Center

Please Vote for Richard's Tree!
Neiman Marcus asked 52 children from St. Philip's School and Community Center and Texas Scotish Rite Hospital for Children, "What would your fantasy Christmas Tree look like and why?" Each child submitted a drawing for their Fanstasy Tree. Neiman Marcus selected six of these drawings to build and display in the windows of their downtown Dallas store. All six tress will be auctioned and all of the proceeds will be given to the two children's organizations.

Richard Fogarty, age 7 and son of former Central members Chris and Lori Fogarty, made one of the six drawings selected to be built and displayed! Go by the store and see his tree!

Also, Richard needs your vote! Please go online to the Neiman's website and vote for his tree (as seen in pictures on the left with Richard in the foreground).

Click here to go the the Neiman Marcus website to cast your vote.

Lessons and Carols! December 21
Fourth Sunday of Advent: Love

The expectation and realization of the birth of Jesus Christ will be celebrated with the reading of timeless Scripture, the singing of fresh and familiar hymns, the presentation of music by choir and organ. The redemption Jesus Christ was born to bring will be celebrated around the Lord’s Table at the pinnacle of worship.

Hospitality Tents Share Christmas Tastes and Sounds
Need a pit stop of Christmas Cheer?  Stop by the front Church parking lot for a few tastes and sounds of Christmas. On December 12th, 13th, 19th, 20th, and Christmas Eve.  Look for the white tent in the front parking lot.  There will be “humbug” busting music, friendly people,   hot chocolate, apple cider, and other surprise goodies for the “Christmas light” seeking traveler. If you also are arriving for the Christmas Carriage rides staging from the Church parking lot, by all means stop by before or after.

Target Gift Cards Needed
For many years the Juliet Fowler Home in East Dallas has been a God-send for many people in need for all stages of life. This year the teenagers in the residential treatment program of the Fowler home could use some help for Christmas. Central Christian Church is collecting donations of $10 Target Gift Cards to gift these teens some practical spending money for Christmas. Please drop off your donnated Target Gift Cards at the church office by Dec. 14th.

Click here to contact the church office to participate.

Glory Beyond the Glitz? December 14
Third Sunday of Advent: Joy. Scripture will be Luke 1:57-80; Isaiah 53:10-54:3.

With their cynical lenses the paparazzi expose the thin and phony façade of celebrity glitz. Annual complaints about the commercialization of Christmas and persistent pursuit of the “true meaning of the season” point to a profound, authentic splendor waiting behind the seasonal glitz. The glow of hope awaits those whose perception penetrates to see the glory of Jesus Christ.

A Special Invitation - December 14
Twelve young men and women from Career Design and Development Services will be visiting Central Christian Church December 14th. CDDS is a division of Metrocare Services, providing programs for individuals with developmental disabilities. The CDDS Choir will join us for lunch, and provide holiday music selections following our Sunday Fellowship Dinner. Melody Shelby, an employee of Metrocare Services, directs the choir.

Cast of Bronze Christmas Concert - December 13
You are invited to Cast of Bronze Handbell Christmas Concert on Saturday, December 13 at 7:30 PM in the Sanctuary of Central Christian Church. Cast of Bronze is a community handbell choir that practices at Central on Sunday evenings. Included in the program will be pieces from The Nutcracker, a grouping of German Carols which we will ring and sing, and some familiar Christmas songs such as White Christmas and Blue Christmas. Please come and invite your friends.

Uncomfortable Christmas Cheer? December 7
Second Sunday of Advent: Peace. Scripture will be Luke 1:39-56; Isaiah 53:4-9.

People who never give Jesus Christ a thought – even their expletives are thoughtless – still enjoy partying to celebrate his birth. At a celebrity Christmas party, the paparazzi watch to see who’s losing control. Jesus Christ was not born into a party but into the wounds and damage done by people out of control.

Christmas Decorations in the Central Dog Park
This year, come and enjoy the Christmas lights and decorations of Central Dog Park. On Dec. 4th friends of Central Dog Park will begin decorating the Park with their own Christmas flare, including large hanging dog bones, wrapped tree trunks, and a live Christmas holly tree.  Also new, the Saint Francis arbor will be adorned with a lit garland, highlighting the heart and spirit of this park. Lights will remain on two hours after Sunset. 

Help Mike's Kids, Christmas Project for the Poorest of the Poor
Mike's Kids is an annual program that is supported by the North Texas Area Disciples of Christ Christian Churches and is part of the Southwest Good Samaritan Ministries in the Rio Grande Valley. This program supports children who have been abandoned or families that have been forced out of their homeland to a new country. As Christmas approaches, we begin filling banana boxes with new and gently used clothes and toys to be delivered to Reverend Feliberto Pereira in Los Fresnos, Texas to be distributed to "the poorest of the poor" in the area and to an orphanage just across the border in Mexico.

Click here for details.
Click here for Mike's Kids web site.

Still Amazed by Christmas? Novemeber 30
The first Sunday of Advent: Hope. Scripture will be Luke 1:26-38; Isaiah 52:13-53:3.

The paparazzi relish catching celebrities with their human foibles showing. The pubic is jaded past being able to be shocked. You’d think Jesus Christ was a prime target for the paparazzi the way his birth is celebrated. But his obscurity is what is truly startling.

Paparazzi Christmas: A Celebrity Surprise - Advent Worship Celebrations
During the Advent Season, in preparation for celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ, Pastors Norman Stolpe and Todd Boddy will explore the unexpected and sometimes uncomfortable surprises tucked away in the birth of Jesus Christ. Each dialog will be set in an inspiring worship experience of communion with God through music, prayer and gathering at the Lord’s Table. Every Sunday the familiar stories in the Gospel of Luke that anticipate the birth of Jesus Christ will be brought along side the Hebrew Prophet Isaiah’s startling portrayal of God’s Suffering Servant.

The details of each Advent Worship Celebration can be found below.

An Audio Reading of "An Unexpected Visitor" presented by Disciple Women/CWF
A long-standing tradition at the Disciple Women/CWF annual Christmas party is the reading of “An Unexpected Visitor” by our own Wanda Rodgers. The story is about Mary Gary and her unexpected guest for Christmas in her home. Two years ago, in 2006, we recorded Wanda’s reading and present it as streaming audio to remind us all of the meaning of Christmas.

Click here for details.

Central Christian to be Base for Carriage Rides to View the Christmas Lights of Highland Park
This year, “Lotsa Spots Carriage” will be staging their Highland Park Christmas light tours from the front parking lot of Central Christian Church. They invite you to come enjoy an intimate and romantic horse drawn lit carriage ride through the festive lights of Highland Park. They are by reservation only and begin after Thanksgiving. Please call their line, 903-268-3290 for reservations. 

Click here for more information.

On Christmas Eve, Carriage Ride Tour of Neighborhood Lights available following worship (complimentary with a worship bulletin Courtesy of Lotsa Spots Carriage.)

The Advent Season at Central
Advent is the four Sundays before Christmas and ends December 24th, Christmas Eve. Advent is a holy season, the period of expectant waiting and preparation for the celebration of the Nativity of Christ. Advent is a joyous time of the year for our church family and we celebrate with special worship services and other events. Details are listed below. All are invited and welcome to join our celebrations!

Click here for details.

Electives for Wednesday Night Live for November 5 and 19 plus December 3 and 17 and January 7
After supper and prayer at 6:00 PM, choose one of these electives at 7:00 PM. Advance registration by email, telephone or on the worship attendance pad will help the leaders be prepared.

The Way of Wisdom by John Cunyus

John recently translated Job, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes and Song of Solomon from Latin into English and discovered valuable wisdom in these often overlooked Hebrew Scriptures. Join this class to discover insights for wise living today from these ancient sources.

Feeding on the Word by Norman Stolpe

This second in the Companions in Christ experiences in spiritual formation invites you to explore the depths of scripture, learn to listen to God though it, and allow you life to the shaped by the Word. (cost $9)

Special Offering - November 23
Don’t forget the special Thanksgiving offering on Sunday, November 23 to benefit the training of Disciples of Christ emerging leaders.

For two centuries, Disciples colleges and universities have trained Disciples leaders to think clearly and rationally and to minister to the world around them. While those first instructors and students might not recognize modern campuses, those classic values live on in the 21st Century.

Click here for details and a video from Sharon Watkins, General Minister and President, the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).

Thanksgiving Dinner - November 23
Vision Mundial Para la Familia invites all members and friends of Central Christian to Thanksgiving Dinner immediately following worship in Fellowship Hall on Sunday, November 23, 2008.

Sermon Series - Jesus, We Never Knew You: Introducing Jesus to People in the 21st Century (October 26 – November 9)
Many people in the 21st Century know about Jesus as an historical figure: a teacher, a martyr, a moral model, the founder of Christianity, even a wonderworker. The accuracy and meaning of the early accounts of Jesus’ life are publicly debated. Yet few people are familiar enough with Jesus to give an informed assessment of his significance for people in the 21st Century. Pastor Stolpe’s worship messages for October 26 through November 9 will introduce Jesus to people who live in secular society and pluralistic culture. People with questions, doubts and challenges about Jesus are especially welcome. People of Christian faith will also be able to re-examine their understanding of and relationship with Jesus.

Click here for details.

Hurricane Relief Offering
Damage from recent hurricanes, both in the US and in the Caribbean, have seriously depleted the Week of Compassion’s reserves. So that we can continue to extend the hospitality of Jesus to our neighbors affected by these disasters together with the whole family of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), we received a special offering for the Week of Compassion on two Sundays, September 21 and 28.

To help raise money for this offering, Allegra Florimbi and Austin Anderton sold limeade to help with hurricane relief. 

Click here for details.

Central Member Alice Oates Shares Her Experience of the Power of Prayer
Alice Oates tells how she experienced the power of prayer through a series of life-threatening medical crises. She told her story in worship on September 21, 2008.

Click here to see the video of her testimony.

Sermon Series - Spirituality that Works Today: The Nuts and Bolts of Religion-free Spirituality (September 14 – October 19)
We all know religiously active people who seem to show little evidence of any spiritual inclination, and we all know religiously uninvolved people who claim to be spiritual but show little evidence of depth or substance. Many people are looking for the secret of authentic spirituality free of superficial religious trappings. Pastor Stolpe’s worship messages September 14 through October 19 will extract the amazingly practical spirituality of the Book of James.

Click here for details.

Annual St. Francis Pet Blessing at the Central Dog Park on October 4th
St. Francis Pet Blessing will be Saturday, October 4th in Central Dog Park. Bring your pet for the annual Pet Blessing and commemoration of St. Francis of Assisi feast day. Pastors Norm and Todd will be present to lead in a short devotion to God with thanks, prayer and blessing over each precious companion. Many friends and neighbors of Central Dog Park will be present to pause and thank their creator for the sacrificial love and companionship by which they grace our lives.

Click here for details.

Hurricane Ike News & Information
There are many volunteer opportunities in North Texas to assist in the relief effort.

The North Texas Area of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) is maintaining a website to provide the most current information we have to assist our Area churches that would like to volunteer with relief efforts. The site will be updated several times each day.

Click here to go to the Hurricane Ike News & Information page at the North Texas Area website.

Hurricane Gustav News & Information
Gustav made landfall Monday, moved inland, and weakened to a tropical storm late Monday night, and further weakened to a tropical depression early Tuesday morning. Large parts of the Gulf Coast evacuated in advance of Gustav, including almost two million people from Southern Lousiana alone. It has been reported that 45,000 evacuees have come to the DFW area.

Click here to go to the Hurricane Gustav News & Information page at he North Texas Area website.

Pastoral Letter about the War in Iraq
On July 25, 2008, Sharon E. Watkins, the General Minister and President of the national denomination of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) published a pastoral letter about the war in Iraq. This letter is in response to Resolution 0728 adopted at the General Assembly of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) that requested that she write a pastoral letter to the congregations of the denomination about the pain to the nation and to the church related to the war in Iraq.

Click here to read the letter.

Videos of the Personal Faith Journeys of the Members of Central Christian Church
Everyone’s journey with God is individual, unique. Most people do not experience dramatic conversions but recognize that God is working with them on a personal basis. One of the delights of life in a Christian community is sharing each other’s journeys. Some of the people of Central Christian Church in Dallas tell about their spiritual journeys in these video interviews. As you watch and listen you may be inspired, have questions or even discover something new about your own journey.

Click here to see the video interviews.

Westside Players To Present "Annie Jr." August 22-24, 2008
It's a hard knock life! Annie Jr. Dinner Theater will be presented by the Westside Playersat Central Christian Church directed by Ed DeLatte. Tickets are $10.

Click on the arrow icon in the image above to play the Flash Video promotion.

Click here for more details about the production.

Stable Steering for Summer
Change of pace and place, travel and relaxation, variety and vacation are welcome summer delights. Still the Church continues to gather for worship, relationships and renewal without interruption. Participation in worship each Sunday, whether at home or on the road, is like a keel that keeps a boat on course as it cruises through calm or storm from destination to destination until returning to home port. No need to feel disjointed and disoriented this summer, just check in for worship every Sunday to stay on even keel.

Just as voyagers collect cargo and artifacts to bring back, travelers can gather experiences and insights by visiting other congregations to share with the home community. Receiving guests this summer? Bring them to experience our worship and our community, much as you would guide them to your favorite North Texas tourist stops. This enriches both your guests as well as your congregation.

Ryan GOT a Kidney!
As our loyal readers know, we have been following the story of 11-year old Ryan Michael who is the grandson of our neighbor and friend Suzie Summers. As a result of a serious illness, Ryan needed a kidney transplant.

The transplant surgey was performed as scheduled on August 7. To quote the blog site that follows Ryan's process (as of 10 p.m. Saturday, August 9th):

"Ryan Michael was moved out of ICU and back to the 5th floor of Children's tonight...Praise God! Ryan Nixon went home this morning. Praise God! Both young men have shown incredible strength and fight in them while going through so much these past 3 days. One of the nurses told them that this is the best transplant that she has seen in the past 8 years! Please continue to pray for healing and recovery for Ryan Nixon. For sweet little Ryan Michael, who has really had a rough few days, please pray that his body would continue healing, that his body would not reject the kidney, that he would be protected from ALL kinds of germs and infections, and that his pain would continue to diminish."

Click here to learn more at our "Ryan Needs a Kidney!" page.

Click hereto visit Ryan's blog page for the most current information.

Sermon Series - Do I have to Change? God’s Path to a New You (July 6 – August 10)
Everyone wants to be better or do better at something: get organized, get in shape, lose weight, be successful, be prosperous and attractive. Most of us would like these things to happen effortlessly, without exercise, dieting, budgeting, going to school or working hard. St. Benedict called his students to three disciplines: stability, obedience and conversion of life. God has a unique path for transformation custom designed for each one us. Each Sunday from July 6 through August 10, discover a different path to a new you as Pastor Stolpe’s worship messages look at stories of changed people from the Book of Acts.

Click here for details.

Rev. Dr. Mary Louise Rowand, September 01, 1918 - July 14, 2008
Rev. Dr. Mary Louise Rowand passed from this life into Christ’s presence on Monday, July 14. She served with her husband, Rev. Dr. E.C. Rowand, during his pastorate with Central Christian Church from 1953-78 and afterward during his tenure as Pastor Emeritus. With a pastoral ministry in her own right, she was well loved by the people of the congregation. A pioneer in women in ministry, she served well beyond this congregation through the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), Texas Christian University and Brite Divinity School, Church Women United and in ecumenical circles.

A memorial service for her was held on Friday, July 18, 1:00 PM at University Christian Church in Ft. Worth.

Click here to hear Rev. Dr. Rowand's memorial service at University Christian Church in Windows Media Audio (WMA).  Click here to listen in MP3 format.

Click here for Rev. Dr. Rowand's guest book at Restland.

Click here for Rev. Dr. Rowand's obituary in the Ft. Worth Star Telegram.

Click here for Rev. Dr. Rowand's obituary in the Dallas Morning News.

The Highland Park 4th of July Parade for 2008

For the third year, Central Christian Church participated in the 4th of July Parade for the Town of Highland Park. We had two trailers full of float riders that included friends, family, neighbors and Friends of Central Dog Park (plus their dogs).

New Video: To see our 2008 parade, watch our Windows Media video high-resolution version (512 kbps), Windows Media video medium-resolution (256 kbps) or download our QuickTime video high-resolution version (512 kbps.)

For our past parades, see our 2006 parade in Windows Media video high-resolution version (512 kbps) or our 2007 parade in Windows Media video high-resolution version (512 kbps.)

New Photo Gallery: To see our photos from the 2008 parade, click here. Turn on the slide show option or click through the images individually.

For the second year, we also served a tail-gate breakfast to all of the people who crewed the other floats that lined up early along Euclid Avenue for a good position in the parade. The breakfast was prepared by the wonderful bakery at Bread Winners Cafe and was served by members of the church and volunteers.

Click here for more details about the 2008 parade.

Sermon Series - Relationship Repair Shop: The Transformation of Broken Jacob (May 18 – June 8)
In the Book of Genesis, Jacob messes up his relationship with his brother, his father-in-law, his wife and even with God. Wound by wound, his painful lessons make a new person of him. Learn from Jacob how God can transform your wounded relationships into wholeness from Pastor Stolpe’s worship messages inspired by Jacob’s relationships May 18, 25 and June 1, 8.

Click here to learn more.

Hear the Recorded Media from the Combined Worship of Central Christian Church and Northway Christian Church Sunday on June 1, 2008
On June 1st, we celebrated the ministry of Feliberto Pereira and Southwest Good Samaritan Ministries with a combined worship service and fellowship with our neighbor and sister church, Northway Christan Church. Feliberto Pereira and Chris Kelley have written a book, “I Was a Stranger: Hope for a Hidden World.” It recounts how Feliberto’s own experience as a refugee from Cuba blossomed into Southwest Good Samaritan Ministries. The books debuted that day, and both Feliberto and Chris participated in this special joint worship service.

Click here for the recorded media from the event.

Click here to go to Southwest Good Samaritan Ministries home page.

Combined Worship of Central Christian Church and Northway Christian Church Sunday, June 1, 2008, 11:00 AM at Northway Christian Church
On June 1, we will be celebrating the ministry of Feliberto Pereira and Southwest Good Samaritan Ministries with a combined worship service and fellowship with our neighbor and sister church, Northway Christan Church. Feliberto Pereira and Chris Kelley have written a book, “I Was a Stranger: Hope for a Hidden World.” It recounts how Feliberto’s own experience as a refugee from Cuba blossomed into Southwest Good Samaritan Ministries. The books will debut that day, and both Feliberto and Chris will participate in worship and sign books at the reception following worship.

Feliberto has long been a friend of Central Christian Church and has preached in our worship. Over the years many of our people have gone to Los Fresnos to participate in the ministry of Southwest Good Samaritan Ministries. SWGSM is Central Christian Church’s principal home mission partner as we fulfill our vision to be the hospitable hands of Jesus to our neighbors, near and far. We rejoice in these years of partnership in this special worship and fellowship opportunity.

If you can't be there, you can listen to the entire special worship service on Sunday, live from any telephone in the world! In North America, dial our toll-free number 1+(866) 844-6291. For international callers, dial 1-(513) 977-8981. When the auto-attendant answers and prompts for your Access Code, enter 6371829 and press the # key. The TeleWorship system will open at 10:50am CDT for the beginning of the 11:00am CDT service.

Click here for details for the joint service.

Click here for the recorded events of the day.

Click here to go to Southwest Good Samaritan Ministries home page.

Click here for the Web page of the book.

The Chronicles of Narnia and More, Check Out C. S. Lewis
The film, The Chronicles of Narnia, based on the first volumes of C. S. Lewis’s beloved children’s series is now on TV as of the first weekend of May and in DVD release, and Prince Caspian, the second film based on C. S. Lewis’s beloved children’s series, will premier in mid-May. Our church library has the original series and a number of books which focus on Narnia to help children and adults better understand and appreciate the original books and the films including discussion of the biblical parallels in Narnia. Come check out our wonderful library resources.

Click here to go the Prince Caspian movie web site.

Click here to see the movie trailer for Prince Caspian.

Ryan Needs a Kidney
Suzie Summers is one of our neighbors and an original member of our Central Dog Park community along with her dog Biscuit. Suzie is also the grandmother of Ryan Michael who is an 11-year old fifth-grader at McCulloch Intermediate School in the Highland Park Independent School District. As a result of a serious illness, Ryan has end-stage renal failure, is on daily dialysis and needs a kidney transplant. He goes on the transplant list this week. HPISD students and community members are banding together to raise money to help offset the considerable expenses associated with Ryan’s kidney transplant. Also, they are actively engaged in the search for a kidney donor for Ryan.

There have been several events in support of Ryan and we will follow and report the progress of this community-wide effort.

Click here to learn more at our "Ryan Needs a Kidney!" page.

Click here to see the WFAA - Channel 8 Interview About "Run for Ryan"

Miracle Sunday 2008 is May 18th
Miracle Sunday is the spring-season portion of our annual Stewardship Drive where we ask the members and people associated with the church to make pledges and donations to support our church and its ministries. We don't ask for money often and, therefore, when we do it is important. Jesus is clear that the benefits we receive are directly related to the investment we make, whether it be time, energy, imagination or money. So the secret to being excited about our church and its importance in our lives is proportional to how much of ourselves we pour into this life and ministry together. Enthusiasm for our vision of becoming the hospitable hands of Jesus to our neighbors and our mission of inviting them to join us in a life of faith and the shared pursuit of Christian spirituality builds with personal involvement. Stoke your enthusiasm with your gift and pledge on Miracle Sunday, May 18.

Click here to learn more.

Pentecost Sunday is May 11th
Pentecost is the third great festival of the Christian Year, after Christmas and Easter. Christmas celebrates God taking human flesh in the birth of Jesus. Easter celebrates the victory over the last enemy of death in Jesus’ resurrection to eternal life. Pentecost celebrates the coming of the Holy Spirit on the Church, so that God is present and powerful in every disciple of Jesus and in the community of the Church. At Pentecost we revel in the wonder of continuous intimacy and ecstasy with the God who created humans in God’s image, became a human in Jesus Christ and liberated humans for the hope of the resurrection to eternal life.

In 2008 Pentecost Sunday comes on May 11, which is also the cultural observance of Mothers’ Day. Join in the festivities at 11:00 AM as the community of Central Christian Church gathers for this Sunday worship celebration. People often wear red to worship on Pentecost Sunday in keeping with the tongues of fire that came on the first apostles as recorded in Acts 2:3. Pastor Stolpe’s worship message will conclude his series on the resurrection parables of Mark 4.

Click here for details.

Sermon Series - Fifty Great Days With the Risen Jesus (April 6 – May 11)
Just as Jesus’ disciples marveled each time Jesus was with them after his resurrection, so we celebrate his living presence with us. Join us for worship each Sunday to revel in being with Jesus and the hope of sharing with him the resurrection to eternal life. Pastor Todd Boddy’s worship messages on April 6 and 13 open our eyes so see ourselves and Jesus with fresh perspective. Pastor Norm Stolpe’s worship messages on April 20, 27 and May 4, 11 explore the Resurrection Parables from the 4th chapter of Mark’s Gospel.

Click here for details.

National Day of Prayer Thursday, May 1, 2008, 7:00 PM in the Chapel
The first Thursday of May has long been identified as a National Day of Prayer when people can gather to pray for their community, nation and world. All are invited to join us at 7:00 PM on Thursday, May 1, 2008 in the Chapel for prayer seeking reliable refuge. This is a Safe Place event in which everyone can participate comfortably regardless of political, economic, cultural, ethnic background or religious experience. Friendly liturgy welcomes participation at any level: quiet observation, singing and reading, personal engagement. Besides our connectedness with others who are also praying on this day, opportunity for personal prayers for wholeness will be available.

Harriet Powers' 1886 bible quilt.
Photo by Rhonda Leigh Willers
of the University of Wisconsin -
River Falls

Central's Festival of Spirituals - March 30, 2008
The King James Bible's translation of Ephesians verse 19 is: "Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord." This spring we devoted one Sunday service to a "Festival of Spirituals" featuring Otis Lloyd, associate director of the Dallas Community Choir. Otis Lloyd performed and lead us in singing together joyous, life affirming music. Otis Lloyd also shared his personal faith story. Deepest thanks and gratitude to the Festival of Spirituals Choir: our guest singers and the Central Christian Church Chancel Choir. Guest Singers, friends of Otis J. Lloyd include: Cristal Whaley, Glenda Cole Clay, Celestine Williams, Eneida  Goff, Joseph Goff, Bobby Simmons, Verna Redd. The Central Christian Church Chancel Choir was led by Jon Whittington.

Click here to hear a Windows Media (WMA) sample of the great music from this event in "Ain't Got Time to Die" featuring our own tenor Eran McGowan with the Festival of Spirituals choir.
Click here to hear the sample in MP3.

Click herefor the media catalog of the full event and other audio formats.  

Tim Madigan Will Be Guest Speaker for Palm Sunday
During our Palm Sunday Celebration, March 16th at 11:00 a.m. our guest speaker will be Tim Madigan, columnist with the Fort Worth Star Telegram and author of the book I’m Proud of You: My Friendship with Fred Rogers. Tim will be sharing how in his spiritual journey, Fred Rogers became God’s messenger of grace at a time of crisis. Tim will be available for book signing at the Fellowship Dinner following worship. Dinner is $7.00 for adults and children over 12. Reservations needed by March 9.

Click here for Tim Madigan's biography.

The Switcharoos of Bradfield Elementary Place Well in DI
The John S. Bradfield Elementary School of the Highland Park I.S.D. is a valued member of our church neighborhood. One of the young members of our church, Austin Anderton (the daughter of Bill and Nancy Anderton), is a Bradfield student and a member of Bradfield's 2008 Destination ImagiNation team for the fourth grade call "Switcharoo." The team participated in the 2008 Destination Imagination Regional Tournament on March 8, 2008.

Bradfeld's Switcharoos placed second in their challenge for their age group (Elementary Level - Kindergarten through 5th grade) and also received a special DaVinci Award for creativity. The 22-gram structure (made of nothing more than balsa wood and glue) that the Switcharoos built for the Team Challenge supported a combined weight of 350 pounds! That would be the equivalent of 180-pound person holding a 1.3-million pound weight (by the way, don't try that at your health club ;-)

We are proud to be hosting the video documentary of the tournament for the enjoyment of the parents, family, classmates and friends of the Switcharoos.

Click here for details.

The Seven Last Words of Christ from the Cross - Sunday, March 9, 11:00 a.m.
On Sunday, March 9 at 11:00 AM the chancel choir and other soloists will present a musical program during morning worship based on the seven last sayings of Jesus. We will use selections from Dubois’ cantata and conclude with a setting of the Isaiah text “The Suffering Servant” about an innocent, righteous servant, with music by K. Lee Scott. The service will conclude with the tolling thirty three times of the Angelus carillon bells, a lonely peal marking Jesus’ years on Earth.

Click here for details.

Wendell Patterson Will Be the Subject of Our Faith Sharing Interview on Sunday, March, 2nd
Wendell has a vision for touching the lives of the neighbors of Central Christian Church that inspired the distributing of invitations to prayer with the carillon bells last Advent and to join in acts of kindness this Lent. He will be sharing some of the experience of bringing these invitations to our neighbors and the opportunities that opened for faith sharing.

Click here for details.

Mary Thompson Walker Will Be the Subject of Our Faith Sharing Interview on Sunday, February, 24th
Mary’s spiritual journey has included being born a Texas Baptist, investigating Hinduism, attending AA meetings for years, and finally settling in the Catholic Church. Faith and family are her first priority. Mary will be interviewed about how her faith influences how she deals with people in her business, where tough choices happen almost daily.

Click here for details.

Sunday, February 17, 11 a.m. Worship - Monologue Title: "Get Them Talking"
When Jesus healed a man who could not hear or speak in Mark 7:31-37, he set the whole community talking and hearing about what he had done. When people tell about the difference Jesus makes for them, unstoppable conversations get started.

Click here for details.

Warren Hogan Will Be the Subject of Our Faith Sharing Interview on Sunday, Feb, 10th
During On Sunday, February 10th at 11:00 a.m. Warren Hogan will be the subject of our Lenten Season Faith Sharing Interveiw. Warren will tell how deciding to become his own god at age 9 in response to a childhood tragedy propelled him into a highly successful business career. He will also tell how business setbacks and the fallout from the events of September 11, 2001 brought him to let Jesus become his boss.

Click here for Warren Hogan's biography.

Ebby Halliday Acers Will Be the Subject of Our Faith Sharing Interview on Sunday, Feb, 17th
On Sunday, February 17th at 11:00 a.m. Ebby Halliday Acres of Ebby Halliday Real Estate will be talking about her involvement with ThanksGiving Square and how she shares her Christian identity in that inter-faith environment.

Click here for Ebby Halliday Acrers' biography.

Sunday, February 10, 11 a.m. Worship - Monologue Title: "Get Going"
Many people who look like they are doing just fine have deep wounds in their souls. Mark 6:7-13 tells how Jesus sent out his twelve disciples to cast out demons and cure the sick. Jesus is still sending his disciples today to bring wholeness and peace to people with hidden pain. Jesus has a word for those who want to be healers and well as to receive healing.

Click here for details.

Make a Positive Activity Vow for Lent
Instead giving up something for Lent, try making a Positive Activity Vow. Do something to help a neighbor, help a stranger or say something postivie to someone.

We have collected a list of suggestions and started a discussion forum where you can add you own personal suggestions to the list.

Click here for details.

What Difference Does Jesus Make?
In her book Unbinding the Gospel, Martha Grace Reese says that people in vigorous, healthy churches can tell you what difference being a Christian makes in their own lives. They share with others their personal understandings that life is better, richer, truer if one has faith in Christ and lives in a faith community. You are invited to read and respond to the members of Central Christian Church and the difference they say Jesus makes for them.

Click here for details.

Unbinding Your Heart
Don’t give up anything for Lent, add something! Join in 40 days of prayer and faith sharing. Throw your lot in with God’s pilgrim band for 40 days of spiritual adventure beginning Febuary 6th and carrying us through Easter, March 23rd. Your heart was created to pray and to soar in the joyful imagination of the Spirit and good news of Jesus.

Come along and experience 40 days of prayer and faith sharing with the congregation in small groups, prayer triplets, and daily personal devotions. Make this Lenten season a time of spiritual discovery and sharing with positive activity vows.

Unleash the better angels of your nature this Lent. Join us for Unbinding Your Heart.

Click here for details and a letter from our pastor.

Test Drive a Small Group for Lent
Has your spiritual life been in “park” or “reverse” for too long?  Let’s put it in “overdrive” and “floor it” for six weeks. Now is a good time to jump into a small group as most begin a new emphasis for Lent.  During the season of Lent, Feb. 6 through March 23, 2008 all the following groups, with the exception of the Sawdust group will be suspending their regular studies and format to join in with the entire congregation, using the brand new material from Martha Grace Reese’s book, Unbinding Your Heart ... Forty Days of Prayer and Faith Sharing.

Click here for details.

Prayers to Unbinding Your Hear for Lent
To help you start the 40 days of prayer and faith sharing, here are some prayers to help you unleash the better angels of your nature this Lent.

Click here for the prayers.

Read Unbinding Your Hear for Lent
We are using the newly released and anticipated book Unbinding Your Heart . . . Forty Days of Prayer and Faith Sharing as an all-congregational study during Lent. This book is a combination of small group studies and 40 unique devotions and prayers. You’ll be challenged to take a road toward faith renewal on your way to celebrating Easter. The book is available in our church office now, for $15.00. Call (214) 526-7291 to reserve and pick up your copy.

Click here to order from Amazon.com.

Learn About Lent
Lent is the forty-day liturgical season of fasting and prayer before Easter. The forty-day period represents the time Jesus spent in the desert where he endured temptation by Satan. The purpose of Lent is the preparation of the believer through prayer, penitence, almsgiving and self-denial before Easter, the commemoration of the death and desurrection of Jesus.

Click here to learn about Lent.

Streaming Media From Rick Morse's Worships Available
The spirit of the 2007 General Assembly continued with the 2008 North Texas Area Leader Event with a feast of opportunities to worship, learn and fellowship that prepare us to share the Good News of Jesus Christ. The North Texas Area Leader Event was held at Central Christian Church on Saturday, January 19, 2008 beginning at 8:00 a.m.

Two featured workshops were delivered by our event keynote speaker, Rick Morse, Vice President for New Church Ministry and Mission Initiatives, Church Extension, Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). Both of Rick's worshops were captured and are available here via streaming media

Click here for details and links to media.

CENTRAL MEDIA PANEL
Check out our featured media below. In this panel we will highlight either our special or most currrent media that is available on this site. For additional media, please go to the "Media" menu in the primary navigation above. 

SUNDAY'S SCRIPTURE & SERMON
"Living Together on the Parade Route"
August 29, 2010

Click on the "Start" arrow on the Flash player below to hear the most recent Sunday service. Or, for all of our recent Sunday sermons, click here for our 2010 Media Catalog and links to sermons from earlier years.

HOMECOMING SUNDAY
"Inadequate, Unprepared, but Ready!"
Homecoming Sunday 2009
September 20, 2009
Captain W. Kyle Fauntleroy

Click on the "Start" arrow on the Flash player below to hear our Homecoming Sunday service. For all of our recent Sunday sermons, click here for our 2009 Media Catalog and links to sermons from earlier years.