The Westside Wanderers of Central Christian Church chose the Deep Ellum favorite, Pepe’s and Mito’s, to say “Vaya con Dios” to their 2017/18 intern, Amethyst Kelly.

Amethyst paired with Central last fall as part of the National Benevolence Association’s XPLOR program that allows young adults the opportunity to explore the intersections of a life of faith while gaining awareness of systems of injustice.

The Westside Wanders, church members who enjoy their own exploring through day trips around Texas and the best deals for learning and having fun while doing it, chose the Deep Ellum based restaurant known for its excellent Tex-Mex as the place to celebrate Amethyst’s time in Texas before beginning her next journey.

Twenty members of the church gathered in the colorful back room of the restaurant enjoying menu favorites like nachos, enchiladas, mole and more while visiting with Amethyst about her forthcoming plans and what she learned from her time at Central.

Amethyst, originally from Oklahoma, will attend graduate school at North Carolina State University in the fall.

Founded in 1863, Central is the oldest continuously operating Protestant church in Dallas.  For over 150 years Central has witnessed patterns and changes in how people worship.  Although it is as passionate today about following the teachings of Jesus and being a disciple of Christ as it was when it was organized all those years ago, the church is reaching into the community with a renewed vitality and spirit.

Realizing that church is not just visiting a building once a week on Sunday, Central offers numerous opportunities for a connected lifestyle throughout the week.  Co-op work space is being offered and the upper story of the building is currently being renovated featuring fresh designer paint colors and new office furniture.

In addition to participating in the XPLOR program, the church is home to Connecting Point of Park Cities, a day care program for adults with disabilities; Central Dog Park, a community off-leash dog park; Dance Idea, a modern and contemporary dance studio with spiritual connection and more.  The church offers financial and hands-on assistance to a variety of local and world-wide charities and the Disciples Women’s Ministry consistently reaches into the community through education and outreach.

Come for worship Sunday mornings at 11 a.m. or bring your dog to church at “church in the dog park” on the first and third Sundays of the month at 9 a.m. or stop in for Tuesday community lunch at noon.  You might decide to stay.