The Disciples Women (DWM) of Central Christian Church of Dallas enjoyed lunch and a beautiful spring day on the patio of Joe T. Garcia’s Mexican Restaurant in Ft. Worth.  A spring breeze, warm sunshine, lush gardens and flowing fountains created the ambiance for wonderful food served family style at the Ft. Worth iconic restaurant. 

April is traditionally “field trip month” for the women who are members of the ministry and they enjoy the spring beauty of North Texas and the charming eateries found throughout the area. Previous trips have taken them along the Bluebonnet Trail to Ennis, Texas with lunch at the Wildflower Café, to Waxahachie, Texas and lunch at the Dove’s Nest, The Ft. Worth Stockyards and more.

However, it is not all play for this group of volunteers.  The women serve the community by providing outreach and support to several local charities.  Juliette Fowler Communities, Genesis Women’s Shelter, Maple Lawn Elementary School, Austin Street Center and North Dallas Shared Ministries are a few of the non-profits where the women generously donate funds and time. 

 Additionally, through education, the organization provides opportunities for spiritual growth and enrichment, enabling women to develop a sense of personal responsibility for the whole mission of the Church of Jesus Christ.

All Women of the Christian Church are automatically members of the DWM, but you don’t have to be a member of the church to share the camaraderie and grace offered by the group.  All are welcome!

For more information, contact the church office at 214-526-7291 or Shelia Huffman at shelia0806@sbcglobal.net.

After three years of planning and construction, Monday, March 25th saw the arrival and installation of the first major pieces of the new core exhibition of the Dallas Holocaust and Human Rights Museum at its new location in the Historic West End District of downtown Dallas.

Some highlights of the new exhibition will include a floor-to-ceiling replica of the Brandenburg Gates draped in Nazi flags, as they were during WWII, symbolizing the reign of Adolph Hitler; ten 17-feet-tall, free-standing artistic interpretations of ten modern genocides with each featuring one of the ten stages of genocide such as classification, discrimination and dehumanisation; and a gallery of bullets raining from the ceiling, representing the taking of life that occurred prior to the Nazi death camps.

An authentic railroad box car made in Germany during World War II and brought to the Holocaust Museum in 1984 from Belgium is being refurbished for a walk-through audio tour. The renovations include wood from the era the box car was built acquired from a 100-year-old North Texas barn to replace missing planks. Local artisans (welders, painters, etc.) are meticulously restoring the car to its original integrity.

These exhibits and more will be part of the permanent exhibition displayed in the 55,000 square foot structure. 

Featuring three main sections, the Holocaust/Shoah Wing, the Human Rights Wing and the Pivot to America Wing, “the new structure is five times larger than the current building,” Museum President and CEO, Mary Pat Higgins said.

When asked how long it will take to tour the museum, she answered “there are three types of museum visitors, the skimmers, the swimmers and the deep divers, so length of tour will depend on the visitor.”  However, a 2 ½ hour audio tour is being prepared.

The museum has changed its name from the Dallas Holocaust Museum Center for Education and Tolerance to the Dallas Holocaust and Human Rights Museum, a change that will encompass even more evils initiated by discrimination.

The new museum is more than a museum.  It is a message to the world that we will never forget the Holocaust and we will do everything we can to make sure that the lessons are taught to future generations.

How do we teach the lessons learned from the Holocaust? 

“By telling the story over and over,” Museum Chairperson Frank Risch said. “And, by telling it to the children,” he added.

The future relies on education and it starts with children. As well as numerous programs for adults at the Holocaust Museum, there are many programs for middle school and high school students and family programs such as “Home School Day” and “Girl Scout Day.”

A visit to the Holocaust museum when taken back to the classroom can be compared to so many discriminatory acts that are practiced every day, often unknowingly.

Located at 300 North Record Street, the museum is currently still under construction but is scheduled to open on September 17, 2019.

Haven’t heard of it?  I hadn’t either.  But after spending an hour with Denae Richards in her therapy room at Westside Wellness Center Friday afternoon experiencing relaxing sounds and gentle vibrations in this holistic approach to relieving many symptoms that plague our bodies and minds, I want more.  I want to know more and experience more.

The treatment is a science-based practice that has been studied by researchers worldwide including the National Institutes of Health (NIH).  NIH reports the benefits of using vibroacoustic therapy for stress relief, migraines, Parkinson’s, PTSD, anxiety, physical injuries, brain function, COPD, Asthma and many other conditions.

Alternative or holistic medicine is certainly nothing new.  Herbs and poultices were studied and used long before modern medicine. As strides were made in the medical field we began relying more and more on pills and injections to relieve our aches and pains.  And, thank God for modern medicine. Many lives have been saved by miracle drugs and surgical procedures. 

But somewhere along the way, the twain did meet and today we combine medical discoveries with a holistic approach to ensuring better health for ourselves, our family and even our pets.   

Message therapy, acupuncture and meditation are no longer foreign terms to us. Tai Chi, yoga, diet and exercise all play a role in healthy lifestyles.  And, of course, eating organic is not a fad, but a way to help control what goes into our bodies.

Sound therapy is a little newer to me and perhaps to you.

I asked Denae how she got involved in vibroacoustic therapy.  Her answer was simple, “I have always loved sound.” “I loved sound even as a child when I played the piano,” she said.

We all know the power of music in evoking emotions. And we have learned that emotions have a physical effect on our bodies. We also know that relaxation and relieving stress are proven tools in making us feel better and helping our bodies heal.

Here is what happens in a session with Denae.  You are fully clothed, removing only your shoes.  (It is suggested that you wear comfortable, loose fitting clothing.)  You lie down on the table— a comfortable massage table that has been fitted with electronic devices and a comfy cover.  Aroma therapy adds to the pleasurable experience, if you choose.  Head phones and eye mask block out the world as you begin to relax and meld with the melodic sounds.  

“People have different experiences during the session,” Denae explained. Some see colors, others sleep. I had the sensation of being enveloped and wanting to sink deeper into the comfort I was feeling.  An extended benefit was a better night’s sleep following the session.

Vibroacoustic therapy is one of the many services offered at Westside Wellness Center located at 4711 Westside Drive. Call 214-207-4702 or email denae@denaerichards.com for an appointment or to tour the facility.

Palm Sunday Lunch is an annual tradition at Central Christian Church.  If you are a member or just visiting you won’t want to miss this lovely springtime celebration that follows morning worship.  All are welcome!

The menu is traditional “Easter-type fare” featuring ham, scalloped potatoes and green vegetables. Mary Ann Duckworth, one of Central’s favorites cooks, will be in the kitchen preparing the delicious meal.  The church fellowship halll will be transformed into a lovely dining room. 

The Disciples Women go all out preparing dessert specialties and the table of sweet endings is a sight to behold and enjoyed.  Favorites like banana pudding, red velvet cake, chocolate with strawberries, and coconut cake will tempt the strongest of wills.  

Plan to attend and bring your family.  There is no set price for lunch, but donations are appreciated and will be collected at the door as this is a big fund-raiser for the many out-reach programs and charities that the Disciples Women’s Ministries support throughout the year.  

The organization makes monetary contributions to local charities and many throughout Texas.  They offer hands-on support as well as donations to Dallas’ Juliette Fowler Communities, Austin Street Center, Genesis Women’s Shelter, Maple Lawn Elementary School and more.

Morning worship is at 11 a.m. and lunch will be at noon on April 14.  For more information, call the church office at 214-526-7291.

The March meeting of the Disciples Women of Central Christian Church met Tuesday in the church parlor. Guest speakers were Rev. Cara Gilger and Kirsten Burch.

With over 15 years of experience in serving churches and congregations, Cara has cultivated a strong professional reputation with proven skills in networking, church growth, and creative and sustainable visionary planning. She shared some of her ideas about today’s churches—how they have changed and what they need to be welcoming to all.

Kirsten is a master teacher and yoga therapist who holds an impressive list of certifications in the practice of yoga, holistic services and lifestyle. A strong supporter of holistic medicine, Kirsten teaches traditional yoga, Ayurveda, meditation, Yoga Nidra and more. In the wellness center, classes in tai chi, diet, nutrition and counseling will be offered. Kirsten is the project manager for the Wellness Center that is opening upstairs at Central.

Following the meeting, the women enjoyed lunch in fellowship hall.  Pastor Ken Crawford was “executive chef” for the luncheon, preparing tasty dishes like pasta salad, soup and toasted crostini.  Lavanga Latika served a vegan Shepherd’s Pie for those who do not eat meat and dairy.  The star of Pastor Ken’s culinary skills were strawberry crepes.  Everyone was impressed and upcoming events will likely include a cooking class on crepe making much like the popular instant pot classes that were held last fall.  A hearty thank you is extended to Grady Quick and Chris Kahlmorgan who helped serve the delicious meal, as well as to the visitors who attended the meeting.

If you want more information on all that is happening at Central visit the website or call the church office at 214-526-7291.