List below are recents events of the church during 2009.
Christmas Time at Central
Christmas Special Podcast Released:
“Reflections of Mary on the Son of God” This 2009 Christmas episode of the Westside Cafe delivers a newly written and dramatized reading of the birth narrative of Jesus from the Gospel of Matthew and Luke with reflections from Mary the mother of Jesus. Interspersed with new musical recordings from the Westside Café, let us take you back to the “true meaning of Christmas” with just a little different twist.
Click here for details.
Media can be played in the sidebar at the right.
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.
The Nativity Story From Luke As a Word Cloud Word clouds are visual representations of text. The size and color of the each word in the cloud is based on word frequency in a given text. We made a word cloud using the KJV text of Luke 2:1-20.
John Tracy Performs His New Song, “Christmas Tree Shine,” On the WSC Christmas Special John Tracy Wilson performed the title song, "Christmas Tree Shine" from his new Christmas CD of the same title on the Westside Cafe 2009 Christmas Special. John Tracy wrote this song for this newly-released CD. Our deep thanks to John Tracy and Teri for performing in our special and their support of the Westside Cafe.
We're Baking Fresh Pumpkin Pies Again for Austin Street Centre!
Nancy Anderton and the ladies and children of the church are baking pies again this year for Austin Street Centre! Last year, we baked 50 pumpkin pies from scratch from a family recipe and delivered them for Christmas Eve to Austin Street Centre. We spoke with Rev. Bubba and she was so excited that we would be doing this again, last year they loved the pies and were wondering if that would ever happen again.
We are back and ready to bake! Yes, we have an commercial-grade oven and we're not afraid to use it ;-)
You're invited to come help bake and/or deliver. This is a lot of fun and is for a very worthy cause. Click on the link below to see last year's delivery on Christmas Eve and see the details of this ministry.
Click here to contact us if you wish to help. Click herefor details and video of last year's delivery. Click here for the website of Austin Street Centre.
The Advent Season at Central
Advent is a holy season of the Christian church, the period of expectant waiting and preparation for the celebration of the Nativity of Christ. The word "Advent" is from the Latin "adventus" which means "arrival, approach, appearance" which is implicitly coupled with "redemptoris" and means "the coming of the Saviour." The season of Advent serves a dual reminder of the original waiting that was done by the Hebrews for the birth of their Messiah as well as the waiting that Christians today endure as they await the second coming of Jesus the Christ. Advent is a holy season, the period of expectant waiting and preparation for the celebration of the Nativity of Christ. Advent is a holy and joyous time of the year for our church family and we celebrate with special worship services and other events in and around the church. Details are listed below. All are invited and welcome to join our celebrations!
Click here for the special Advent page with all of our holy season events.
Christmas Eve Services Will Be Held As Planned
Dallas is having bad weather today and into the evening. If you decide to not venture out and stay home, please join us via TeleWorship. Simply call toll-free to (866) 844-6291 and enter the access code 6371829 when prompted. The TeleWorship bridge will open at 5:55pm CST and carry our Christmas Eve service in its entirety.
Candlelight Worship - Lessons and Carols - December 24 , Christmas Eve at 6:00 PM Central’s Sanctuary at night on Christmas Eve takes on a special aura of its own. The stained glass aglow from within invites all who want to worship the Christ Child. The light passes by hand from one person’s candle to the next reminding us that the “Light of the World” has truly come. This familiar format of Lessons and Carols made famous at King's College, Cambridge, England 100 years ago, retells with marvelous voice the Christmas story, ready to come alive for you.
The rhythm of reading scripture lessons, congregational singing of carols and performance by our musicians will take us through God’s redemptive plan from Creation through the history of Israel, to the birth of Jesus Christ and the great hope of God’s ultimate triumph. Hear Christ’s voice define and empower your Christmas celebration.
In the tradition of Central helping its neighbors, two programs of Metrocare, (formerly Dallas MHMR), "The Club” and “Kids Closet”, will be receiving the full offering from this Christmas Eve service. Financial gifts can also be given on line prior to this service. Sponsorship Doves can be collected from the “Metrocare” tree in the foyer, immediately after this service.
Celebrating Advent
Advent is the beginning of the Western Christian year and commences on Advent Sunday; this year, on November 29, 2009. Advent is the four Sundays before Christmas and ends December 24th, Christmas Eve. We use an Advent wreath during the season, with one candle representing each of the four Sundays of Advent. As the Advent season unfolds, we light a the candles progressively. During Christmas Eve ceremony, we light white candles celebrating the birth of Christ.
Theme for Advent Services and Messages: "Ready or Not, Here I Come!"
The rhythm of Advent is also a season of anticipating and preparing for Christmas, not just as a seasonal celebration but as the voice of Christ calling, “ready of not, here I come!” The rhythm of Advent slows down our propensity to rush to the conclusion. Advent prompts us not only to savor the moments as we live them, but also to live with the joyful anticipation that the longings of our souls evoked at Christmas will one day be realized in totality.
Supporting Metrocare During Advent
Two programs of Metrocare, (formerly Dallas MHMR), “The Club” and “Kids' Kloset”, will be receiving gifts through Central Christian Church in the month of December, culminating in a special Christmas Eve offering. All monetary donations will be split between these two programs. Financial gifts can be given on line at the Metrocare website.
Advent Message - Festival of Carol Singing - December 20
Fourth Sunday of Advent
Prior to the service David Aston will present a recital of Christmas music.
In this special worship experience, we will listen for the voice of Christ saying, “It is I,” as we sing and hear the stories of our beloved Christmas carols. We will savor the presence of Christ in the performances of our musicians.
Cast of Bronze Christmas Concert - December 19
You are invited to Cast of Bronze Handbell Christmas Concert on Saturday, December 19th at 7:00pm 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, German Carols which we will ring and sing, and some familiar Christmas songs. Please come and invite your friends.
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.
Third Sunday of Advent Message - "You’re Doing It!" - December 13th Message for the third week of Advent: joy. The message of John the Baptizer (Baptist) is to bear fruit worthy of repentance. As much as we think this is too hard for us, rejoice! We are doing it. Right now. This is what we were created to do – and we’re doing it. Of course, it is too hard for us, but as Gabriel told Mary, “Nothing will be impossible with God!” The fruit of repentance is compassionate justice for wounded people that produces the joy of transformed lives and transformed congregations.
Advent Message - "Lean Into Joy or Pull Back from Pain?" - December 13
Third Sunday of Advent
Christ says, “ready or not, here I come.” Do you open your arms with joyful anticipation and run with all your might to thrown yourself into his arms? Or do you shiver and pull back to avoid being exposed as having been preoccupied with something ultimately insignificant, maybe in corrosive? When Christ’s long expected peace and justice come, do you anticipate receiving joyful liberation or stinging rebuke? Advent is the opportunity to get ready for joy!
Second Sunday of Advent Message - "Can You Hear the Call from Nowhere?" - December 6th Message for the second week of Advent: peace. We seek, desire and delight in God’s messenger of peace. John the Baptizer (Baptist) broke God’s four century silence since Malachi with the voice of one crying from the wilderness. We can approach Advent as opportunity to listen for God so we also can be God’s messengers of peace. God’s messenger of peace comes from the wilderness where nothing distracts from the silence in which God can be heard. Special music by John Tracy Wilson and Eran McGowan..
Christmas Tree Lighting and Santa for Paws in the City at Central Dog Park - Dec 6th In case you and your pet need a little Christmas, come and support the Paws in the City mission at Central Dog Park, Sunday December 6th between 1-3pm. Paws in the City with Central Dog Park will be unveiling their new ‘adopt a need tree’ with an official lighting and festivities. Special ornaments for the Paws in the City Tree will be coordinated with specific PIC needs which you can take off the tree or donate to online.
Advent Message - "Can You Hear the Cry from Nowhere?" - December 6
Second Sunday of Advent
Can you hear God’s messengers crying to prepare and get ready for Christ to come? They’re not on the cable TV news or political blogs. They’re not coming from the White House, the Kremlin or the United Nations. They’re not coming from multi-national corporations, international humanitarian agencies or powerful military establishments. They’re not even coming from religious preachers or authors. God’s cry to prepare for Christ is coming comes from voices in the wilderness: obscure, ignored, easily lost in the noise. God’s voices in the wilderness cry out of the silent spaces between the distractions competing for our attention.
First Sunday of Advent Message - "He Came and Will Still Come" - November 29th Message for the first week of Advent: hope. Answers the question, “If Jesus was messiah, where is shalom?” by looking through Advent as a thin place that gives a glimpse of eternity. Through non-stop conversation with God, we can recognize Christ when he comes in disguise. Advent lifts the weight of life’s worries so we can rest in shalom. Signs that cause others to faint from fear are signs of hope for the shalom of redemption. Our Advent journey relentlessly draw us towarad the shalom of our transformation into Jesus’ kingdom of priests.
We're Finalizing Our 2010 Stewardship Campaign Central is conducting its annual stewardship drive for the 2010 fiscal year. Your donations are very important to the ministries of the church for the upcoming year. Please bring your pledge card to the church or mail it in so your giving can be counted in the planning and budgeting for 2010.
If you would like to set up an automatic recurring gift to the church right now using your credit card, you can use the link below to design your own personalized giving program as a one-time gift or an automatically recurring gift on a weekly, monthly, quarterly or annual basis. It takes only a minute to set up your giving program for the entire year.
Click here for details about setting up a one-time or an automatically recurring donation to the church.
Advent Message - "He Came and Will Still Come" - November 29
First Sunday of Advent
Each year as we sing of peace on earth, we grieve for the violence and conflicts that tear at our world and at our guts from crime on the streets of our cities to global wars and terrors. To say that those who recognize the baby Jesus as Lord and Christ receive peace in their hearts diminishes and denies the promised hope of Christmas. Jesus, too, knew there was more. Even as he approached the seemingly tragic end of his ministry, he said to stand up and raise our heads because the day of redemption is drawing near.
The Westside Cafe Is Taking the Night Off on Wednesday, November 25th The Westside Café is taking the Wednesday night of November 25th off so the cast and crew can start the Thanksgiving Holiday that evening. Live production will resume on Wednesday, December 2nd with the recording of Episode 41. We hope you enjoy your Thanksgiving and look forward to beginning the Advent season with you.
Sunday Message - "Sing to the King" - November 22nd Message for the Festival of Christ the King exploring how Jesus’ trial before Pilate in John’s Gospel and his introduction as “the ruler of the kings of the earth” in Revelation presents Jesus as king whose kingdom is not from this world but is over a kingdom of priests through whom he transforms this world. Jesus is not a king over warriors but a king over priests. He has made us his kingdom of priests to serve God.
Commitment Sunday for Our 2010 Stewardship Campaign is November 22nd Central is conducting its annual stewardship drive for the 2010 fiscal year. Your donations are very important to the ministries of the church for the upcoming year. Please bring your pledge card to present in worship on November 22nd or mail it in advance so your giving can be counted in the planning and budgeting for 2010.
If you would like to set up an automatic recurring gift to the church right now using your credit card, you can use the link below to design your own personalized giving program as a one-time gift or an automatically recurring gift on a weekly, monthly, quarterly or annual basis. It takes only a minute to set up your giving program for the entire year.
Click here for details about setting up a one-time or an automatically recurring donation to the church.
Recap of the Great Music That Has Featured on Westside Cafe The Westside Café loves to feature great original music and original arrangements. Many episodes feature some distinct new sounds which can open up any heart. Highlights of selected musical performances from the past episodes of the Westside Café are now presented on one web page as a virtual music festival for your enjoyment.
Click herefor the Westside Cafe Music Festival. Click herefor the home page of the Westside Café.
We're Baking Fresh Pumpkin Pies Again for Austin Street Centre!
It is fall and the leaves are falling from the trees and the crisp clean air is upon us! Another sure sign of fall is getting ready to make pies again this year for Austin Street Centre! Last year, we baked 50 pumpkin pies from scratch from a family recipe and delivered them for Christmas Eve to Austin Street Centre. We spoke with Rev. Bubba and she was so excited that we would be doing this again; last year they loved the pies and were wondering if that would ever happen again.
We are back and ready to bake! Yes, we have a commercial oven and we're not afraid to use it ;-)
You're invited to come help bake and/or deliver. This is a lot of fun and is for a very worthy cause. Click on the link below to see last year's delivery on Christmas Eve.
Click here to contact us if you wish to help. Click herefor details and video of last year's delivery. Click here for the website of Austin Street Centre.
The Westside Café Has Launched a Listener Response Line
You can now add your voice to the Westside Café podcast! Simply call (877) 513-2889 toll-free from anywhere in North America and leave a message, question or comment. Then, listen to a future episode of the Westside Café and we may play your message on the air and respond. Here is the chance to ask that great question you have. We want to hear from you; let's talk!
Update on the Dental Clinic Project at Southwest Good Samaritan Ministries
Thanks to your generosity, we raised $14,000 plus the equipment that Dr. Monty Buck was kind enough to donate has a current value of $35,000. The volunteer work crew from Central Christian Church completed its mission trip to build-out the facility and help with the installation of the equipment.
The dental clinic is built and is beginning to provide dental care at SWGSM.
Outdoor Worship Scheduled April 12th through November 29th
Who could have guessed a suggestion by our neighbors would have been so much fun and meaningful? The concept was introduced like this, “Hey, why don’t we have a simple worship service in the Dog Park on Sunday morning? People can bring their dogs, dress down, drink coffee, and be blessed with friends, fellowship, prayer and thoughtful message.” And that’s all it took.
When God Builds a Casita:
Interview with Marco Antonio DeLeon
Thirteen years ago Marco was in a terrible car wreck at night in Northern Mexico, which damaged his pancreas and set off a long debilitating fight with diabetes. Through this tragedy God spoke to him and changed his life. He most likely will soon have both legs amputated. The goal of the Central Christian Church mission team working with Southwest Good Samaritan Ministries was to build a second Casita on his property as a home for his two daughters and the grand baby and help them stay together. The following faith inspiring interview between a few members of Central Christian Church and Marco Antionio DeLeon took place June 11th 2009 in Matamoros Mexico.
Sunday Message - "Are You Being Provoked?" - November 15th Fifth of five messages exploring how the New Testament book of Hebrews presents Jesus as the quintessential high priest. As high priest Jesus answers our fears and anxieties, alerting us to the threatening conditions that characterize the times until the day he comes. We find support in the community of the church as we gather to worship, learn and serve together. We prepare for whatever life my bring by meeting together in the church community to provoke one another to love and good deeds. enjoyment.
Sunday Message - "The War Within" - November 1
Jesus is the Quintessential High Priest never to be underestimated. Hebrews tells us that he has entered the Tabernacle of Heaven to secure our eternal forgiveness and to make in us a habitable place for God’s Spirit. This event is the consummation of all history and will help to rewrite ours. Jesus offers a new pivot point or horizon for the hindsight’s of life. This is the most solemn of all conversation, despite the importance of world events around us.
Come Join the Fun on Saturday, November 7th
The Highland Park small group invites the congregation to join us for a game night on Saturday, November 7th from 7:00 to 10:00 PM in Fellowship Hall. Bring a favorite parlor game or two, some finger food to share and a card table if you have one. We’ll laugh together and enjoy each other. Bring a friend if you like. Children welcome. Your hosts will be Randy and Melanie Breen, Bill and Nancy Anderton, Russell and Lisa Church, John and Rosemary Davenport, Suzie Patterson, Norm and Candy Stolpe.
Iris Liang, Guest Speaker on Sunday, November 1 - "Living Radically"
Iris was born in Guangzhou, China, and came to America when she was 7. She grew up in New York City as an only child in a secular home with no spiritual influence from her parents. She attended Cornell University in Ithaca, NY, where she came to know Christ. While she studied business at Cornell, she also realized that God had given her a compassion and desire to help the poor. In September 2008, she moved to Dallas to launch Videre Microfinance, a nonprofit based in Dallas that uses microfinance to serve the poor and to share the Gospel in developing countries. In April 2009, Iris went to South Sudan to launch Videre’s first microfinance site.
Click here for details. Click hereto follow Videre's Twitter feed at this site. Click here to make a donation to support Videre's work.
Westside Cafe - Episode 38 - So You Want to be a Bible Translator? Special Interview with Greg Pruett, President of Pioneer Bible Translators International For this episode we take a brief departure from our study of Deuteronomy to interview this special guest. How important is having a native language Bible to national Pastors and churches? Just how many languages still do not have a version of the Bible? What does it take to be a translator? Greg Pruett, president of Pioneer Bible Translators International, answers these and more questions. A fascinating, humorous and faith-stretching interview from the inside of the Bible translation experience. Greg and his family spent 15 years in West Africa as translators and missionaries. He now works towards forming teams for this foundation of global Christian missions.
Click herefor the Home Page of the Westside Cafe to hear this interview.
Westside Cafe - Episode 37 - Sex in the City and Your Soul A Christian sexual ethic? The book of Deuteronomy is very careful to encourage the new nation of Israel to refrain from partaking in a social structure which encourages dehumanizing abuse. Moses warns that disguised and embedded in the religious and sexual practices of the surrounding nations are chains of bondage. To follow them may result on loss of freedom and self?
In this interview, Pastor Irie Session explains a gospel and community based approach to deliverance from the sexual abuse found in prostitution, sexual oriented businesses, and misuse of Biblical teachings. Each person bears the image of their creator. “Turning a trick”, entertaining patrons, or practicing ancient sexual cultic rituals forbidden in the book of Deuteronomy all have something in common. They are costly to the soul.
Pastor Irie speaks from years of experience of helping women as a social worker, local church pastor, mother, and conference speaker. Her interview extends compassion and restoration to the one whose life may have been fragmented by sexual exploitation. Her discussion is frank and personal, Biblical and grounded in real hope.
Click herefor the Home Page of the Westside Cafe to hear this interview.
Putting Your Mediator to the Test - Sunday Worship Podcast of Oct. 25th
The third message exploring how the New Testament book of Hebrews presents Jesus as the quintessential high priest with the courage to face up to God and to us – discovering help when we are innocent, but moreover also when we are guilty. Jesus is qualified like no other to be our mediator where no others can stand. No one can thwart His plan and relationship with us. Jesus the eternal high priest and King asks, “What do you want me to do for you?”, when the captors of our soul will not negotiate.
Primordial Priesthood - Sunday Worship Podcast of Oct. 18th
Second of five messages exploring how the New Testament book of Hebrews presents Jesus as the quintessential high priest with the courage to face up to God and to us – to go where neither God nor human has gone before – to expose and confirm God. Jesus is the high priest who offers prayers for our eternal life with loud cries and tears. As ultimate High Priest, on our behalf, Jesus opens access to God for gentleness with our weaknesses, the hearing of our prayers and freeing us from the fear of death.
In the Company of the Suffering God - Sunday Worship Podcast of Oct. 11th
First of five messages exploring how the New Testament book of Hebrews presents Jesus as the quintessential high priest with the courage to face up to God and to us – to go where neither God nor human has gone before – to expose and confirm God. Jesus is the sympathetic high priest who has been tested in every way every human has. With Jesus as our sympathetic High Priest, we can confidently approach the God who suffers with us and boldly request the grace we need for any trial.
Please Help Us Build a Dental Clinic at Southwest Good Samaritan Ministries
We have an opportunity to help launch an exciting new program at SWGSM in Los Fresnos, Texas. A Dallas-area dentist has offered the equipment and expertise to start a dental clinic within the SWGSM ministry facilities. This generous gift will improve the quality of life for many.
There is an existing building at the SWGSM facility that will be suitable but it needs interior finish-out work before the dental equipment can be installed. For our part of the project, we have committed to do this remodeling and provide the volunteer labor for the project.
If you can support this effort financially to help with the costs of the building materials, defray the cost of travel for the volunteers or support the SWGSM ministry in general, please make you donation on-line at the link below. 100% of the funds you donate will go to this ministry.
Celebrating Reformation Sunday with Music
The 11:00 AM Sunday Worship Celebration on October 25 will feature joyful music in a big way. The Central Christian Church “Kid’s Club” directed by Holly Seeley will sing and dance. The Chancel Bells will play twice, and one of our outstanding soloists will sing. All this is beside what the Chancel Choir contributes every week. Don’t miss the festivities that will accompany Pastor Boddy’s message on Jesus the ultimate high priest from Hebrews 7:23-28 and our gathering together around the Lord’s Table.
Unbinding Your Soul September 27- October 25 at 9:45 AM there will be a different Sunday Morning Adult Learning Opportunity that will be taught by Norman Stolpe in Room 101. Many people would love to try a no-obligation “experiment” of substantial spiritual discussion, prayer and community. Some of them are active church participants, some are more on the uninvolved edges of the congregation, and yes, many aren’t connected with a church at all.
Martha Grace Reese’s book Unbinding Your Soul: Your Experiment in Prayer and Community will engage the group in short study chapters, individual prayer journal, prayer partners and group exercises to spread the excitement of prayer and community within and beyond the congregation.
Our regular adult Sunday school classes will continue as usual. Whether or not you are active in an adult class, you are invited to benefit from Pastor Stolpe’s teaching gifts and special focus on prayer in this short term experience. While not a requirement for participation, you are encouraged to invite someone to come with you who may not be active in church at the moment.
The Westside Café Has Great Music!!
The Westside Café loves to feature great music. The newly released back-to-back episodes 27 and 28, feature some distinct new sounds which can open up any heart.
Episode 27 includes two new tracks, "I've Got to Find Myself" and an original arrangement of "Jesus Loves Me," by John Tracy Wilson with Michael Riggs on the piano.
Episode 28 includes two spirituals, "Hush, Somebody Is Calling My Name" and "Joshua Fought the Battle of Jericho" featuring Joseph Golf on the acoustic bass guitar, and singing duet with our own Eran McGowan from our Chancel Choir.
The purpose of WSC is to help people to get off the diet of spiritual junk food into the flow of the Holy Spirit through God's word. How is your diet of spiritual nourishment?
John Tracy Returns in Episode 27 of the
Westside Cafe Award-winning singer-songwriter John Tracy Wilson returns of a second time to the Westside Cafe to perform two songs along with Rev. Michael Riggs, the Associate Minister of Worship and Christian Education at Community Christian Church in Aledo, Texas. John Tracy's first appearance was in Episode 9. Welcome back, John Tacy!
Click here for the Media Catalog Page for Episode 27. Click here for the Media Catalog Page for Episode 9.
The Blessing of the Animals In the Sanctuary of Central Christian Church - St. Francis Pet Blessing
All The original outdoor-indoor worship service moved completely under the roof of the main sanctuary in light of the Noah’s ark deluge on tap the entire weekend of Sunday Oct. 4th. Many overcame the rain however with rubber boots, high steps and a little courage. A towel patrol waited at the front door if needed. And no, the ark never pulled up, but it could have. This year’s Pet Blessing service reserved the first four pews for owners and their animals. The service was shortened up a bit for those dealing with ADADD (adult doggie attention deficit disorder). Representatives from the Central Dog Park and Central Christian Church served as the official blessors.
Chili Cook-Off! - Sunday, October 11th
After church on Sunday, October 11, 2009, our Fellowship Lunch will be the CWF Chili Cook-Off. Everyone is invited to cook up a pot of your favorite chili and bring it to Fellowship Hall after church where it will be judged and eaten! Contestants, please RSVP to the church office. First through third places will be awarded ribbons and bragging rights! Everyone, please come! The cost of admission to this Fellowship Lunch will be $7 at the door; proceeds will go to Disciples Women and their missions. Your ticket will be your ballot in the contest.
St. Francis Feast Day - Sunday, October 4
The Blessing of the Animals In the Sanctuary of Central Christian Church
All members and visitors who would like their pet to be blessed in the ceremony, meet in front of the church at 10:45 AM with your pet in your arms or on a lead. (Be sure to bring your camera.)
We are shifting format of the wonderful St. Francis Pet Blessing for 2009. This year Central Dog Park will host this celebration in front of and in the main sanctuary of Central Christian Church at 11:00 AM, Sunday October 4th. We’d like all participating to be out on the front lawn at 10:45 AM. This service will be flexible and provide accommodating seating to those with pets.
We are excited that Paws in the City will be holding a doggie adoption at the same time. In the spirit of St. Francis, a blessing will be given for all the orphan pups first and then all the other guest animals. We’d like all pets to be on a lead or if needed, a carrier. (If you are bringing a pet over 200 lbs. please call first.)
This will be a glorious service. Pastors Norm and Todd will share a lively message about St. Francis entitled, “From Knighthood to Sainthood.” Several “Friends of Central Dog Park” will help in the blessing of the animals along with providing St. Francis medallions for all the pets. A reception will follow on the front lawn. This service will be flexible and provide accommodating seating to those with pets.
You Call This Health Care? - Sunday Worship Message, September 27th
Fourth of four messages from the New Testament book of James: Nuts and Bolts in Your Face. The health care debate is full of passion and controversy. Jesus and the New Testament are concerned with health and healing. How do we live that in a society of modern medical technology and business? The intensity of singing, prayer and confession can be increased so spiritual power drives health care.
Captain W. Kyle Fauntleroy, Chaplain Corps,
United States Navy, Preached At Our 2009 Homecoming Service
Central Christian Church hosted an extraordinary Homecoming on Sunday, September 20, 2009. We celebrated the wonderful past of this historic congregation, the oldest, continuing protestant congregation in Dallas, Texas. Special special music was performed and we had a catered lunch after worship in Fellowship Hall that gave us all time to renew old friendships and catch up on what has been happening with our friends, loved ones, and fellow church members.
Kyle Fauntleroy, a captain in the U.S.Navy, who has previously served as an assistant minister at Central while he attended Brite Divinity School, will be our guest preacher. Capt. Fauntleroy is currently Senior Chaplain of the United States Coast Guard Academy, New London, CT.
Letter to St. Roch
Pastor Todd Boddy has written a letter to St. Roch in which he says, "The inspiration of your short life stands very grand on its own as a witness to your love for God and following the path of Jesus Christ."
Click hereto read the letter to St. Roch. Click here to hear the St. Roch Sunday Service.
Central Christian Church Now Accepts Secure On-Line Donations!
As of September 15th, we have added secure e-commerce features to our website that will allow our many website visitors to partner with us in all of our ministries. Using this new feature, you may make one-time donations or recurring donations to support our ministries.
An important aspect of our on-line giving will be the ability to not only donate to support the church and its general ministries, you also have the ability to partner with Central Christian Church extending the hospitable hands of Jesus to our neighbors near and far. Your contributions reach out to people from our doorsteps in our neighborhood, the city of Dallas, across Texas as far as Los Fresnos and Matamoros, Mexico to the ends of the world in Sudan, Thailand and Burma. Your gifts energize opportunities for personal participation and relationships so we, our neighbors and even you can be the hospitable hands of Jesus. 100% of the funds donated for these ear-maked ministries will go to this minisitry. Central Christian Church is able to do this because many people faithfully give to support the overall ministry of Central Christian Church: staff, facilities, operations and programs.
To start a donation (on only takes a minute!) simply click on one of the blue buttons in the sidebar at the right. The "Support - This Ministy" is context sensitive and will link you to the appropriate ministry in the context of the page you're viewing. The "Support - Any Ministry" will link you to a "catalog" of all of our giving opportunities.
Click here for the giving opportunities for our General Ministry.
Click herefor the giving opportunities for our Neighbors Near and Far.
Technology Broadens the Access to the General Assembly Experience
We Disciples meet every other year in General Assembly. Last week, we held our 2009 General Assembly in Indianapolis, the home of the General Ministry of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). For those who couldn't attend physically, the use of technology provided remote access; we were able to attend virtually. The use of these technolgies made an impact on Disciples throughout the Southwest.
Click here to read a report on the use of these tools and an opinion piece by Bill Anderton.
The Case for Resurrection
We live in a skeptical age, at least when it comes to Christian faith. Is there really any reason for believing that Jesus actually rose from the dead? Is it just a story we tell?
St. Roch Celebration Sunday, Aug. 16th!
Pastor Todd Boddy introduced St. Roch in his message on Sunday, August 16th. The highlight of this service will be the opening procession of a new St. Roch Banner leading a parade of happy dogs and owners in honor of our Lord and Creator of creatures great and small. Dog sitters will be ready to care for them immediately after the procession, in the dog park.
You and your leashed dog are welcome to join this procession as well. Just meet at 10:45 AM in front of the Sanctuary. After the service ends at 12:00 PM we will celebrate with ice cream and watermelon in the dog park.
Click here to learn more about St. Roch. Click here to go to the Central Dog Park website.
John Tracy Returns to Central Dog Park on Aug 16th Back by popular demand! Singer and song writer John Tracy will return to to perform in the Dog Park as part of our St. Roch Celebration on Sunday, August 16th. His first live outdoor concert in Central Dog Park on May 17th was wonderful. John’s smooth country-folk style lyrics invited the listener to walk with him downs the paths of life where we sometimes hesitantly go to reflect back on the significant events in life which were taking place at the moment, but didn’t always realize it. His great guitar picking and rhythms synced well with his strong voice, personality, and warm smile.
You’ve Got Mail ... at “84 Charing Cross Road” When was the last time you got a letter?
There’s nothing like the anticipation and excitement of seeing an envelope with your name on it, and a return address that’s not a junk mail Post Office Box.
In these days of email and text messaging, a letter is a gift. In the upcoming Westside Players Production of “84 Charing Cross Road,” the letters between a New York writer and the staff at Marks & Co., a London bookshop, become “gifts” that are exchanged over a 20-year, trans-Atlantic friendship.
Click here to find out more about this new production!
The Highland Park 4th of July Parade for 2009
For the fourth 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 our friends of Central Dog Park (plus their dogs). Continuing the tradition of past years, we also served a tailgate breakfast to all of the people who crewed the other floats in the parade. These folks line up very early in the morning (starting at 6:30 a.m.) along Euclid Avenue to get a good position in the parade for a 9 a.m. start. Our congregants walked up and down the parade line beginning at 6:30 a.m. passing out orange juice, fresh coffee and freshly-baked pastries from Breadwinners.
We would like to specially thank Breadwinners for their third straight year of partnering with us for this service project.
Click on the "start arrow" in the Flash player below to see the video of this year's parade.
Click here to see all four of our past parade videos beginning in 2006. You can see what has become a tradition of our church, our history of service to our neighbors, as well as the just plain fun we had in patriotic celebration with our community.
We Celebrate the Life of Our Friend and Brother in Christ, Otis Lloyd
Otis Joseph Lloyd made a big impact wherever he went; he left his mark on institutions and, importantly, on people. That includes our congregation here at Central Christian Church. Otis enriched our worship with his presence and with his gift of music.
Otis passed from this life at age 80 in his home in Dallas on Tuesday, June 23, 2009.
Click here to read his obituary in the Dallas Morning News.
Only one small way to celebrate the life of this beloved Christian gentleman is to share his music. On March 30, 2008, Otis directed the “Festival of Spirituals” with our Chancel Choir and guest singers from his South Dallas Concert Choir. On September 9, 2007, Otis introduced his son Eran to our congregation by directing and accompanying him in featured solos.
Otis "brought joy, great joy, to my soul."
Moving Day
The third of six messages from Ephesians answering the question: what good is being a Christian? In a world of ethnic, linguistic, political, cultural, national division and hostility, God’s plan for the fullness of time is to gather up all things in Christ and for Christians to begin to express and experience that unity now. It sounds perfect and idealistic, because it is.
How does God work to help us close the discrepancy between these lofty thoughts and our real world living? Ephesians 3:14-21 encourages us to be ready when God provides “moving days” where we are suddenly given the opportunity to bridge the gap.
2009 General Assembly Will Explore Wholeness for All
Disciples from all walks of life will gather in Indianapolis from Wednesday, July 29 to Sunday, August 2, 2009 for the church’s biennial Assembly. Attendees will come from across the United States and Canada – and in many cases from around the world – to worship, learn, fellowship and discuss the future of our Church.
The 2009 General Assembly of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) will center its work around Revelation 22:2 …“And the leaves of the trees shall be for the healing of the nations.” In choosing this verse as the centerpiece and guiding scriptural reference, organizers seek to complement the Disciples’ new identity statement (We are Disciples of Christ, a movement for wholeness in a fragmented world) with a theme of relevance, energy, conviction – and healing.
Click on the "start" arrows of the Flash players below to play each promotional video.
Destroying Divisions and Hostility
The second of six messages from Ephesians answering the question: what good is being a Christian? In a world of ethnic, linguistic, political, cultural, national division and hostility, God’s plan for the fullness of time is to gather up all things in Christ and for Christians to begin to express and experience that unity now. With Christ as our peace, God uses the wreckage of our human divisions and hostilities to build us into a living, growing temple where God dwells.
Church Parking Lot Sale Is Huge Success for Paws in the City
Thanks to the hard work generous spirit of Central Christian Church members, the parking lot sale held held Saturday, April 25 benefiting Paws in the City was an overwhelming success. Paws in the City is a nonprofit organization that provides adoption for dogs and cats from city shelters. They also help supply funds for medical and maintenance expenses for animals whose owners cannot provide for them. Each week volunteers from Paws in the City go to various locations and offer lovable dogs and cats for adoption. This past Saturday Paws conducted a dog adoption in conjunction with our parking lot sale.
From Prosperity to Poverty - Regifting
The fourth of five messages from 2 Corinthians to incentivize for the long haul in an immediate gratification culture. This week, we find out “regifting” was in vogue before the economy tanked. We all understand how to regift those “white elephants” no one wants. But do we excel at regifting God’s grace to others? Jesus came to earth in relative poverty to make us rich. This passage reminds us of the super abundant grace of God which was made for regifting, supplying the greatest of needs.
Central's Conversational Communities
Central Christian Church offers a series of blogs to engender a community of conversation around questions of God, Jesus Christ, the Christian church and being people and communities of faith. As Proverbs 27:17 says “Iron sharpens iron, and one person sharpens the wits of another.” The purpose of this conversational community is that all who participate will be sharpened.
The first of our conversational communities are "Living In Tents," the blog of our Senior Pastor, Rev. Norman Stolpe, "Theological Tavern" by our Associate Pastor, Rev. Todd Boddy, "Living Large" by our Minister At Large, Rev. John Cunyus, and the Twitter mini-blog of Bill Anderton, President, Board of Directors.
Episode 13 of the Westside Cafe - "Perfect Love, Interview with Director of Free Burma Rangers" Central Christian Church has been a long-time supporter of the Free Burma Rangers and their incredible humanitarian and medical relief efforts in Burma. We have released Episode 13 of the Westside Cafe Podcast with a special interview with the founder and Director of the Free Burma Rangers.
We often talk about the Bible being "the living Word" and here, just as we are finishing Daniel 2 in our study of the Book of Daniel, a living example of how oppressed people under brutal political rulers respond with love and compassion walks into our church and sits down to talk. You don't want to miss this special episode!
Our Podcasts Have RSS Feeds Both of our podcats (our Sermon podcast and the Westside Cafe podcast) now have RSS feeds that will allow you to keep up with new episodes as they are added to our media catalog. A direct feed from us will help you keep up with our new episodes as the are released if you don't use iTunes or another podcast syndicator. The icons are linked to our XML feeds for each of our podcasts and for each of the file types we support. By clicking on the icon associated with each of our XML files, you will see the entire contents of our media catalog in your web browser and you will be able to subscribe to the feed so your computer will automatically download new episodes as thy are released.
Look for the RSS icons at the bottom of the sidebar on the right.
Reception and Book-Signing After Worship - Sunday, March 15, 2009
The release of Ebby Halliday Acers’ biography by Michael Poss and her 98th birthday have combined into a wonderful occasion for celebration. We celebrated this birthday milestone with our good friend at the same time we celebrate her immeasurable contribution to the Dallas community and to Central Christian Church.
In our 11 am service, we read a special proclamation from the City of Dallas and had a wonderful reception honoring our friend.
Click herefor the photo gallery of the day and the audio of the reading of the proclamation.
John Tracy Performs in Episode 9 of the Westside Cafe Award-winning singer-songwriter John Tracy performed two songs and was interviewed in Episode 9 of the Westside Cafe. John describes his music this way: “As a licensed minster, through music, I connect people with Christ and with His people, I give them hope, help them forgive, help them remember why they fell in love with their spouse, help them see God’s greatness. My sole mission is to the share the peace and comfort I have found in my faith and my walk with Christ, even when the road has not been smooth.”
Click here for the Media Catalog Page for Episode 9.
"All or Nothing - The Surge" Sunday Message, June 21st Third of five messages from 2 Corinthians to incentivize for the long haul in an immediate gratification culture. This week, we find inspiration to validate the good news even when times seem hard. The apostle Paul prods us to “commend” ourselves for the sake of the gospel. The “surge” philosophy was long ago emphasized as an important piece of Christ’s mission before employed by armed forces in modern nation building.
"We’re Going Home," Sunday Message, June 14th Second of five messages from 2 Corinthians to incentivize for the long haul in an immediate gratification culture. This week, finding inspiration to no longer live for ourselves, but for him who died and was raised for us. Also illustrated by the anointing of David as King of Israel in 1 Samuel 15:34-16:13 and Jesus’ seed parables in Mark 4:26-34. We are confident being at home in the body, knowing that when the day comes we will be away from the body, we will be at home with the Lord, because “in Christ there is a new creation: everything old has passed away; see, everything has become new!”
Update on the Casita Project Dog Wash Wow, last Sunday, May 17th our doggies helped raise money for a needy family in Matamoros Mexico, through our first ever Dog Wash. Many dogs of all shapes and sizes and their owners came down to the dog park for the custom “rub-a-dub-dub in a tub” doggie shampoo. Their donations for the bath went towards helping construct a new home, (the Casita Project) by a short term mission group from Central Christian Church. And yes, there are a few openings if anyone wants to go with them in June.
Sunday's Sermon
Establishing Effectiveness - May 24
Fifth of five messages in which the promise of Isaiah 58, that God’s blessing comes in response to serving people in need, is viewed through the lens of a Gospel narrative, this week Jesus says, "Those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake will find it." Playing it safe for survival is illusory and futile but relinquishing survival to serve beyond ourselves establishes eternal effectiveness. Curent examples are provided by the Free Burma Rangers.
Help Provide Homes for Extreme Needy in Matamoros Mexico
“The Casita Project" goal is to provide housing to persons who either have none or who live in truly horrible conditions in the colonias of Matamoros, Mexico. If you’d like to go, a group from Central Christian Church will be working from the compound of Southwest Good Samaritan Minstries, in Los Fresnos Texas. They will be going across the boarder daily to build a “casita(s)” between June 7-12th.
Central Dog Park Has a New Website! We have built a new website to support our many visitors to Central Dog Park. The Cog Park will have its own “home page” that will be a mini-site that is actually a “site within a site” and part of our overall web presence. The new website will put news and information in one place for the convenience of our friends and neighbors who use the Central Dog Park.
Dog Wash Event Will Help Provide Homes for Poor in Matamoros Mexico - May 17
Central Sunday Afternoon, May 17th, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. a good time Dog Wash will be held at the Central Dog Park parking lot. There will be no set charge. Donations will be accepted and designated for the “Casita Project” in Matamoros Mexico. Choice of shampoos, warm water, towel dry, blow dry, and conditioners, will be provided. We’ll get the grills fired up as well with good music and have a great time.
Update: April 25th Work Day In Dog Park Just in the nick of time, six pallets, almost 4000 square feet of Bermuda were laid by a small but rough-neck crew with “get 'er done” attitude last April 25th. If you are in the park and the grass looks dry, please hand water it. We hope the grass makes it to the first freeze! Great thanks to all who put in some hard labor.
The park has been experiencing high volume so everyone’s help is appreciated. We still have limbs, a dead tree, and some chair repair, and gravel to work on.
North Texas Area Assembly 2009 Continuing the emphasis on the release of the Southwest Regional Guiding Vision for ongoing transformation, Sothwest Regional Minister and President Rev. Dani Loving Cartwright delivered a heartfelt message to several hundred Disciples at the North Texas Area Assembly, Sunday May 3, 2009 at Northway Christian Church in Dallas.
Click here for the high-resolution video version of Rev. Cartwright's message.
Westside Café Bible Study and Worship
Do you need another approach to Bible study and meaningful wisdom for your life? You are invited to the Bible Teaching Ministry of the Westside Café, with Pastors Todd Boddy and Dr. John Cunyus. Join John and Todd each week as they teach, converse, and thoughtfully engage each other from the Biblical text at the Westside Café. It is fast paced, in depth, and strong on application. Become part of the deep conversation as the Spirit speaks through the scriptures.
The Westside Cafe Has a New Website! We have built a new website to support our Westside Cafe and Worship. The Westside Cafe will have its own “home page” that will be a mini-site that is actually a “site within a site” and part of our overall web presence. The new website will put summaries of released episodes, downloads and other information in one place for our many user both within our congregation and our Internet visitors.
Your Light Shall Break Forth like the Dawn
Worship Messages by Norman Stolpe - Sundays April 26 – May 24, 2009. Whether the economy or church attendance, rush hour traffic or keeping up with a personal schedule, something discouraging, declining or disintegrating can always be found by looking hard enough. God’s message of hope in Isaiah 58 is just as vital today as it was for the ancient Israelites. On the Sundays approaching Pentecost, Central Christian Church’s worship will celebrate the hope of God’s presence breaking into our personal experience and our shared life as a community of faith.
Special Episode of the Westside Cafe Podcast To Be Released This Wednesday Central Christian Church as been a long-time supporter of the Free Burma Rangers and their incredible humanitarian and medical relief efforts in Burma. On Wednesday, May 27, we will release Episode 13 of the Westside Cafe Podcast with an interview with the founder and Director of the Free Burma Rangers.
We often talk about the Bible being "the living Word" and here, just as we are finishing Daniel 2 in our study of the Book of Daniel, a living example of how oppressed people under brutal political rulers respond with love and compassion walks into our church and sits down to talk. You don't want to miss this special episode!
Sunday's Sermon
Building a Reputation - May 17
At a fancy dinner party, Jesus observes how people jockey for prestigious positions, and he says that those who humble themselves will be exalted. Isaiah promises that God will honor those who serve humble people. An individual’s or congregation’s reputation for great is short lived, but God will establish the reputation of a congregation who serves with humility in the name of Jesus.
Dog Wash Event Will Help Provide Homes for Poor in Matamoros Mexico - May 17
Central Sunday Afternoon, May 17th, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. a good time Dog Wash will be held at the Central Dog Park parking lot. There will be no set charge. Donations will be accepted and designated for the “Casita Project” in Matamoros Mexico. Choice of shampoos, warm water, towel dry, blow dry, and conditioners, will be provided. We’ll get the grills fired up as well with good music and have a great time.
John Tracy in Concert Sunday Afternoon in Central Dog Park May 17th Award-winning singer-songwriter John Tracy will be on Central’s Campus Sunday May 17th. John describes his music this way: “As a licensed minster, through music, I connect people with Christ and with His people, I give them hope, help them forgive, help them remember why they fell in love with their spouse, help them see God’s greatness. My sole mission is to the share the peace and comfort I have found in my faith and my walk with Christ, even when the road has not been smooth.”
Sunday's Sermon
Embarking on an Adventure - May 10
When Jesus speaks in his home synagogue, he claims to fulfill the prophecy of Isaiah 61 that by the Spirit of the Lord he is bringing good news to the poor, release to captives, recovery of sight to the blind and freedom to the oppressed. Isaiah promised those who serve similarly will ride on the heights of the earth. In a time with no clear answers, individuals and congregations find a center in serving in the name of Jesus, which keeps them focused in a seemingly trackless adventure.
Sunday's Sermon
Proceeding with Confidence - May 3
When John the Baptizer asks Jesus if he is the Messiah, Jesus points out how he is helping hurting people. Isaiah says that God will guide those who seek to serve those in need. Individuals and congregations that seek to serve beyond themselves in the name of Jesus rather than seeking their own success or survival can be confident that God will lead.
Insuring a Legacy - April 26
Jesus says a woman will be remembered for “wastefully” anointing Jesus with luxurious oil. Isaiah says that those who serve the needs of hurting people will be remembered as the restorer of streets to live in. The legacy of an individual or congregation is not in tangibles, temporary success, glorious history, property and buildings or institutions but in the investment in people in the name of Jesus. This is the first of a five-part series titled "Your Light Shall Break Forth like the Dawn."
Parking Lot Sale and Dog Adoption Benefiting "Paws in the City" - April 25
On Saturday, April 25, Central Christian Church will conduct a sale on its parking lot of donated treasures from church members. The proceeds for the sale will be given to "Paws in the City," a non-profit 501(c)3 all volunteer agency that is committed to ending abuse, neglect and overpopulation of Dallas area dogs and cats. One of the many services that Paws in the City offers is off site dog adoptions, and they will be conducting a dog adoption on the parking lot at the same time as our sale.
Passing the Toughest Test - Sunday – April 19, 2009
Everyone has at some time disappointed or hurt someone they love very much. Everyone has felt the shame and embarrassment of that awkward next conversation. Even when apologies are accepted and forgiveness extended, regret gnaws at the gut. The toughest test for a serious disciple of Jesus may not be resisting temptation as much as accepting restorative grace. Through Pastor Stolpe’s worship message, we will listen in on Jesus conversation with Peter after the breakfast on the beach. As we listen to Jesus speak to Peter, we will let his words expel our stubborn guilt.
Just As We Are One Video Testimonies New and long term members of Central Christian share how participating in Christian church community has been vital to their spiritual growth. Hear their unique stories of how God is using relationships with others to experience Christ’s sacrificial love. By engaging one another in a sacrificial life together—open, confessing, forgiving and loving relationships for the sake of God’s mission, they have found oneness, joy, and love of God.
Jesus’ open invitation still stands in his prayer, “…..I have honored my followers in the same way that you honored me, in order that they may be one with each other, just as we are one. I am one with them, and you are one with me, so that they may become completely one. Then this world's people will know that you sent me. They will know that you love my followers as much as you love me. Father, I want everyone you have given me to be with me, wherever I am. Then they will see the glory that you have given me, because you loved me before the world was created.” John 17:22-24, CEV.
Central Dog Park Has a New Website! We have built a new website to support our many visitors to Central Dog Park. The website will have its own “home page” and be a mini-site that is actually a “site within a site” and part of our overall web presence. The new website will put news and information in one place for the convenience of our friends and neighbors using the Central Dog Park.
Breakfast on the Beach - Easter Sunday – April 12, 2009
Easter morning can be a giant “Where’s Waldo?” game. Where’s Jesus? Neither the women nor Peter and John could find him in the tomb. He seems to keep popping up and disappearing for the disciples in the first few weeks after his resurrection, then up to heaven (or at least into the clouds) never to be seen again. For 2,000 years Christians have celebrated his resurrection but still keep asking, “Where’s Jesus?” Through Pastor Stolpe’s Easter Sunday 2009 message, we’ll drop in as the risen Jesus has breakfast with his disciples on the beach. Their experience may not be so different from our own. Just when you least expect him, the risen Jesus shows up to transform our daily routine into a holy encounter.
Jesus Speaks - Good Friday Tenebrae Worship - April 10 at 7:00 PM in the Chapel
From the middle of the noise and chaos of Jesus’ trials and crucifixion, he speaks with startling control and compassion and a personal voice. In this service of shadows, as the candles are snuffed and the lights dimmed, we will listen for Jesus’ voice speaking to us in the words he spoke to those who were with him through his passion: soldiers, Peter, Pilate, Mary and John, and even in the hush of death to Joseph of Arimathea. Contemplative music will give us space to listen as Jesus speaks even as we depart into silence.
Seeing God - Maundy Thursday Candlelight Communion - April 9 at 7:00 PM in the Chapel
Unlike the other Gospels, John does not record Jesus presiding at the Last Supper. Rather, John reports Jesus personal, intimate final teachings for his disciples before his death. He speaks to relieve their anxieties and fears. He tells them that as they have watched him for the past three years they have been seeing God. As he prepares to leave the security and warmth of the Passover meal with his disciples for his arrest, trial and crucifixion, he effectively tells them, “If you really want to see God, watch me now.”
As we commemorate Jesus’ Last Supper with his disciples, we will meditate on his words of assurance to his disciples (John 14:1-14) so we can appropriate them and see God present in the turmoil of our times and of our lives. After observing communion by candle light, we will go with Jesus into the Garden to pray (John 18:1-2)
Try Something Positive for Lent Forum
Interact with this forum to tell us what you are going to do during Lent to make life better for someone else. Then come back and record how it went. Most people think of Lent as what they are going to give up; “Hey let’s hit the Mardi Gras party and then give up something like ice cream or coffee or Mexican food”.Instead what we’d like to suggest is thinking of positive things we are going to do as a step of faith and kindness for our neighbors.
Click here to go to the "Try Something Positive for Lent Forum."
Do You Need Help Praying?
The following are famous prayers of oneness, in entirety or excerpts which have helped others. They remind us that our faith is not meant to keep us deserted on an isolated island. Our lives are meant to be lived in relationship with God and our neighbors. The following 14 prayers are divided as individual prayers, community prayers, and Jesus’ prayer for oneness.
Click here for Individual Prayers for Oneness Click here for Community Prayers for Oneness Click here for Jesus’ Prayer for Oneness
Just As We Are One; 40 Days To Finding Oneness With God
Recently one of our members shared, “As I began to visit worship services at Central, I wasn’t sure what I was looking for, but I knew it when I found it! I have made friends here and am surrounded by people who love me. God led me to this church.” Maybe you too are not sure what you are looking for when it comes to God, but you’ll know it when you see it. Allow yourself to be compelled by the study of scripture, prayer and the Holy Spirit this Lent, and join us for “Just As We Are One”.
“Just As We Are One” Message Series for Lent - March 1st-April 5th, 2009
Experiencing complete, harmonious oneness with God, with the universe and with humanity is the elusive, universal goal of all human spiritual pursuits. People have explored many forms of prayer to open themselves to experience such oneness. Jesus’ prayer in John 17 pulses with an astonishing confidence that everyone who followed him would be in such complete oneness with his Father as he felt he was that they would also experience oneness with each other.
This amazing prayer of Jesus is especially appealing in the heightened spiritual sensitivity and endeavor of the season of Lent. Pastor Stolpe’s messages in worship will extract from Jesus’ prayer the essence of how to enter the experience of complete oneness for which Jesus prayed. By listening in as Jesus prays for us, we will be prompted to pray for ourselves, our church and our neighbors.
On Palm Sunday, the message by Pastor Boddy will help us experience how the disciples may have wanted to escape the tightening vice grip of pressure, caused by Jesus’ controversial public statements just prior to this prayer. Jesus had a secure place of peace for his followers in the midst of life’s storms; the same place He had known for eternity. This Lent, let’s visit this place together to find a deeper faith and life mission.
Want to Get Away? - April 5th — John 12:12-19 and Eph. 4:11-16
Palm Sunday celebrates Jesus triumphal entry into Jerusalem, beginning the last week of his public ministry. From the perspective of the disciples, they must have cringed at some of Jesus outlandish words and bold claims during this most important week. But were Jesus words about himself and the kingdom so farfetched? Jesus disciples may have been the first to mumble, “want to get away”?
Wow! God Knows You - March 29 – John 17:24-26
All who know and are at one with God revel in realizing that God knows them even more completely than they know God. Through the community of those who are known by God, God universe and with humanity.
Blaze Away - March 22 – John 17:20-23
To look out from an intimate relationship with God is to see the glory of God all around: in the universe, in people made in God’s image, in relationships of love and faithfulness, even in the unfolding of daily events. Exuberance inevitably radiates when such an eye for glory brings together a community of oneness among those who are one with God.
Look Out for Joy - March 15 – John 17:13-19
The joy of oneness with God and God’s people insulates from the fickle winds of economics, health, politics and emotions. Such joy arises by looking outward from the security of oneness with God, to become someone who is for others, just as Jesus was.
Immune to Peril - March 8 – John 17:6-12
To be on speaking terms with God is threatening to powerbrokers and wealth-builders. Complete oneness with God and the faith community of God’s people is the most reliable protection from spiritual hazard and danger.
The Clock is Off - March 1 – John 17:1-5
To know God is eternal life. To know God is an intimate relationship, not religious or theological or biblical information. Such eternal life is a present experience of love and joy, not chronological, hoping for a time in a far off future where clocks run endlessly.
Fresh Lenten Journey Starting Today - Ash Wednesday February 25
Supper will be at 6:00 PM in Fellowship Hall and Worship at 7:00 PM in the Sanctuary. If you have avoided Ash Wednesday services because of their dour emphasis on mortality and sin or because the messy ashes are just not your style, then this is your year! If you have attended Ash Wednesday services because you benefit from tangible leaving behind the burdens of the past, then this is your year too!
No ashes this year, but a creative and tangible culmination of a re-emerging butterfly theme – cracking the chrysalis in preparation for celebrating new beginnings in worship the first Sunday of Lent, March 1.
Rob Bell’ eleven minute video Today will lead us to creative contemplation of Mary Magdalene’s encounter with the risen Jesus in John 20:11-18. Together we will listen for Jesus calling us to our best days that are ahead of us as the present moment opens into God’s future.
You DID 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 Fantasy Tree. Neiman Marcus selected six of these drawings to build and display in the windows of their downtown Dallas store. All six tress were auctioned and all of the proceeds went 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! That is Richard in the picture at the left in front of the tree he designed titled "Scotish Rite Rocks!"
Neiman's website also allowed people to vote for their favorite tree among the six presented. We carried a link to the voting page on this site all during Advent. We heard from Lori today that Richard's tree took first place in the voting with nearly 60% of the total votes; almost 70,000 people voted for Richard's magnificent design.
Way to go Richard!
Who Will Win the Superbowl?
Since the Cowboys are not participating -- AGAIN -- why should we care? (grumble, grumble ;-) Let's make it more interesting (and help North Dallas Shared Ministries at the same time!) by voting on who we think will win. This is what we’ll do:
If you vote for the Arizona Cardinals, bring jars of peanut butter.
If you vote for the Pittsburg Steelers, bring jars of jelly.
If you don’t care who wins, bring cans of tuna.
Place them in the baskets in the Hall of Missions. We'll tally the "votes" and see if we backed the winner. Of course, the real winner will be North Dallas Shared Ministries. So bring your "votes" by February 1st and cheer on your team in this manner.
P.S. Vote early; vote often. Voter registration or picture I.D. are not required.
Click here to go to the North Dallas Shared Ministries website.
Sharon Watkins Preached at the National Prayer Service
Rev. Dr. Sharon Watkins, General Minister and President of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), preached the sermon at the National Prayer Service in Washington, D.C. on Wednesday, Jan. 21. Her sermon concluded Presidential Inauguration activities for our country's forty-fourth President, Barack Obama. Rev. Dr. Watkins was joined by a diverse group of religious leaders at the prayer service, which took place at the National Cathedral.
Meet the Members of Central Christian Church
Here is a chance to meet the members of our church in video and audio. 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 audio and video media. As you watch and listen you may be inspired, have questions or even discover something new about your own journey.
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.
WESTSIDE CAFE PODCAST
The Westside Cafe is now available as a podcast. Click here to go to the Westside Cafe home page on this website.
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.
All recorded sermons are available
for streaming or downloading
from this web site or from Apple's iTune Store.
SERMON PODCAST
Subscribe to our free podcast of all of our 2007, 2008 and 2009 sermons.
MEET OUR MEMBERS
Click on the image below to see the video interviews with members of our congregation.
CAN'T GET TO CHUCRH?
TELEWORSHIP!
Listen to Sunday Worship live
from any telephone.
TeleWorship with us by simply calling
toll-free to (866) 844-6291 and
entering the access code 6371829
when prompted.
TeleWorship begins at 10:55am
every Sunday. Click here for details.
RSS MEDIA FEEDS FOR OUR PODCASTS
Click on the RSS icons below for the XML feeds for each of podcast.
Click on the icon for the Sunday Worship Podcast for M4A files.
Click on the icon for the Sunday Worship Podcast for MP3 files.
Click on the icon for the Westside Cafe Podcast for M4A files.
Click on the icon for the Westside Cafe Podcast for MP3 files.
