All Sundays are special at Central Christian Church, but October 12 was especially so for the animal enthusiasts of the congregation. It was bring your pet to church Sunday for a special service and the “Blessing of the Animals.”
Dog fanciers from all around Dallas showed up with big dogs, little dogs, pure-breeds and mutts; in costume, au-natural, on lead and in strollers—to enjoy the beautiful cool October weather and the special worship service.
Central Associate minister Heather Santi-Brown welcomed everyone including “Crabby” the crab who made his way among the dog population for a blessing. She also remembered St. Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of animals who was believed to “talk to the animals.”
Following the sermon by Senior Co-Pastor, Dr. Debbie Chisolm, in which we were reminded of the joy and enrichment that all of God’s creatures bring to our lives and of the responsibility that we have toward them, each animal was brought forth for a blessing.
After the service, yoga mats were placed on the lawn in front of the huge, sprawling Bois d’ Arc tree and Terry Gwynne, with the assistance of her Border Collie, Teddy, and her Yorkie, Nick, led a class in “Doga.
“Practicing yoga together is just another step in the special bond that you and your dog share,” said Gwynne, a licensed yoga instructor and dog obedience trainer.
It didn’t take a dog’s nose to smell burgers cooking from the Easy Slider Food Truck or dog treats from the Homegrown Hound “Snackin’ Waggin.” As with any Dallas event, the food trucks, (both people and dog), were on hand to provide snacks before folks settled in to visit with each other, listen to music and enjoy home baked sweets prepared by the Fellowship Sunday School class.
Rosie and Friends, organic canine grooming products for dogs, provided a goody bag for each dog to take home. Oak Lawn’s new, upscale pet boutique, Jack and Jill, and Park Cities Pet Sitters provided prizes for the lucky winners of the drawings.
The Blessing of the Animals is just one more way Central Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) reaches out to the community.
Located at 4711 Westside Dr. in Dallas, the church is home to Connecting Point of Park Cities (CPPC), an adult habilitation center for people with disabilities; a community garden that supplies fresh produce to some of Dallas’ poorest residents through North Dallas Shared Ministries and a dog park that is open to the community.
The smells of the holidays will soon fill Central’s kitchen as pies are baked for the Austin Street Shelter and cookies baked and delivered for those hospitalized or home-bound.
Sermons can be heard on Sunday mornings at 9 a.m. on WRR (101.1 FM). Visit their website at www.cccdt.org. Or, best of all, visit the church. All are welcome!