Central Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) will celebrate the late Ed Delatte and the Westside Players at a special service on Sunday, November 25.  In honor of his birthday, Ed and the drama troupe that he formed at Central, will be remembered during morning worship.

Ed was an actor in movies and one iconic television commercial, founder and artistic director of the NorthPark-based Dallas Repertory Theater, Associate Professor of Theatre in the Department of Dance and Drama at the University of North Texas, an instructor of drama at Hockaday School and El Centro College and founder of the Westside Players——but it was as church elder and friend to everyone at Central that Ed most wanted to be remembered.  

In addition to fond memories, Ed left a monetary gift to the musical ministry of Central.  The sanctuary’s beautiful grand piano is a result of Ed’s generosity and love for the church.

Join Central as the church re-unites the Westside Players, pays tribute to Ed and his legacy, and Central’s long-time support and recognition of the arts and the role they play in spirituality.

“Theatre both expresses and forms our feelings, beliefs and ideas. Whether about ourselves, the world, or God, we engage in this drama to re-member and re-create God’s work in and around us and convey our hopes and fears,” Rev. Ken Crawford said.

Following the service, a reception will be held in Central’s fellowship hall.  All are welcome!

Mary Quick was back in Fellowship Hall at Central Christian Church Friday morning with a convoy of Instant Pots, sharing with humor and wit her knowledge of food preparation and ” hands-on how to” use this modern pressure cooker that is all the rage.

The Instant Pot—everyone has one or is thinking about getting one. Even the kitchen TV and cookbook gurus are getting in on using the popular appliance. Have you seen Pioneer Woman Ree Drummond’s floral signature pot?

And why not take advantage of it?  Today’s busy lifestyle requires time-saving methods and instant gratification. And that is exactly what the Instant Pot provides.

Mary went over the basic applications associated with pressure cooking and safety measures to assure that you do not get burned with steam.  Many people grew up hearing horror stories of how Grandma’s cooker blew up the kitchen. The Instant Pot has come a long way from the old stove-top pot and is reinforced with safety features. However, as always in the kitchen, common sense must be used and children should never be allowed to experiment with an Instant Pot.

Mary prepared Trader Joe’s 1-Minute Chicken Soup, Mississippi Pot Roast, Creamy Mac and Cheese and a dessert of cheesecake with Dulce de Leche, all cooked in the Instant Pot.  A tossed salad and buttered rolls finished the meal which everyone enjoyed after class.

Proceeds from the class go to Disciples Women’s Ministry to help fund the community outreach that the service organization provides.  If you would like more information on Central’s Disciples Women or on future cooking classes, contact Shelia Huffman at shelia0806@sbcglobal.net.

“Called for God’s Purpose” is the lecture series that the Disciples Women’s Ministry of Central Christian Church is studying this year.  Program Chairman, Shelia Huffman, has arranged for professional women, who actually were called for God’s purpose, to share lessons selected from the study guide at the monthly meetings.

This month’s speaker was Rev. Dr. Debbie Chisolm who shared the Biblical stories of prophetesses Hulda and Anna. Beyond the inspiring presentation of the lesson was the moving reunion between Debbie and the Disciples Women.    Debbie was Senior Co-Pastor of Central until her retirement a few years ago.

Preceding the program was the monthly business meeting where it was decided that the Disciples Women’s Christmas charity would include adopting a family from “Literacy Achieves,” a group that assists moms in learning English.  Additionally, a monetary Christmas gift will be given to each of the 14 charities and non-profits that the ministry supports.

Following the program and meeting was a fiesta luncheon catered by El Fenix Mexican Restaurant. What a fellowship! It was a time to visit and catch up with former Pastor Debbie. And everyone enjoyed the traditional Mexican fare of enchiladas, tamales, guacamole, chips, queso and salsa.  Margaret Wilson brought delicious home-made pralines and Becky Riggins brought a fruit-topped tres leches cake.  

Tom Irwin displayed former Central Pastor Norman Stople’s new book, “Ripples: A Pastor’s Heartfelt Stories That Ripple Through Lives.”  Besides a great book to read and own, the collection of stories and recollections make a wonderful Christmas gift. Visit the web-site  to purchase.

If you are “being called for God’s purpose” during the forthcoming season of giving, consider Disciples Women’s Ministry.  You don’t have to be a member of Central, or any church for that matter, to be a part of the group.  Everyone is welcome.  The group of women laugh, share, eat and learn, but community outreach is their mission.

They are currently collecting warm clothing for Austin Street Center, food for North Dallas Shared Ministries and will be delivering Christmas cookies and goodies in December to those who are no longer mobile due to age and illness.   Email shelia0806@sbcglobal.net for more information. 

During the spring and fall semesters, the students of El Centro Community College Food and Hospitality Department prepare lunch on Thursdays and invite the public to take advantage of what they, as aspiring chefs, caterers and restaurant owners, are learning in this top-rated culinary program at the school. 

The Westside Wanderers, mostly seniors from Central Christian Church, love to check out the “best of Dallas and surrounding areas” and take advantage of those deals as a small group. They enjoy the $12.00 lunches provided by the El Centro students so much that they are returning on November 15 for a California Buffet.  

What is expected at a California Buffet? We see all around town at grocery stores and farmer’s markets signs that say “locally sourced” and signs that encourage the consumer to “buy local.”  Restaurants promote “farm to table” as the freshest ingredients on their menus. 

One of the first proponents of using fresh, locally available foods was Helen Evans Brown who became friends with James Beard after publishing “Helen Brown's West Coast Cookbook” in 1952. She advocated using produce and spices available in one’s own neighborhood, forgoing poor grocery store substitutes, as well as fresh seafood, caught locally. The book received wide acclaim and became the "template" for what is now thought of as California cuisine. 

California cuisine is typically chef-driven, low in saturated fats and high in fresh vegetables and fruits (which everyone needs to include in their diet) with lean meats and seafood.  The term arose as a result of culinary movements in recent decades. 

If you are a senior, new in Dallas or would just like to make new friends, you are encouraged to join the Westside Wanderers on any of their excursions.  If you would like to dine with them at El Centro, email shelia0806@sbcglobal.net for more information.  Seating is limited and on a “first come, first served” basis.  

Joining the Disciples Women of Central Christian Church on Tuesday November 6 as program guest speaker is former Senior Co-Pastor, Rev. Dr. Debbie Chisolm.

If you have ever heard Debbie speak, either in Central’s sanctuary or on WRR radio, you know that you are in for a treat.  If you have not—you are in for a treat.

Debbie was Senior Co-Pastor at Central from July 2011 until February 2016.  Looking back, some of the great memories include an old-fashioned "tent-type" revival in downtown Dallas. Modern skyscrapers were the backdrop while Debbie proclaimed, “we are standing on holy ground” as Central celebrated their 150^th anniversary.  Or the summer of surprises! That was the year the church had no air-conditioning and Debbie kept the congregation coming by preaching in front of a casket when no one had died and celebrating a wedding when no one got married. During Holy Week she directed the re-enactment of “The Last Supper” and wrote and directed the play, “Have You Seen My Son?” to bring Biblical stories to life.

Prompted by a busy lifestyle as wife to a General, mom to three daughters and grandma to 10 adored granddaughters with another on the way, after 39 years in ministry, Debbie retired from her position as a congregational pastor. However, she will never totally retire from the pulpit as her talent as a preacher is too well known. Debbie is frequently asked to speak at area churches when a minister is away.

The Disciples Women of Central are thrilled to have her at the November meeting to share the stories of Hulda and Anna, two women prophets who demonstrated their purpose and calling as they heard from and spoke for God.

The meeting will be held in the sanctuary and begins at 10:30 a.m.

Following the program, everyone is invited to enjoy a fiesta buffet on the church lawn by the sprawling Bois D’Arc tree. Lunch will be catered by El Fenix Restaurant in honor of Debbie and her heritage. In case of inclement weather, there is a back-up plan for lunch.

You don’t have to be a member of Central, or any church for that matter, to be a part of Disciples Women and their ministry.  Email shelia0806@sbcglobal.net for a reservation.   Cost for lunch is $5.00.  All are welcome.