|
|
 |
|
|
|
The first thing you notice when you walk into Unlimited Thoughts
bookstore is the smell of incense, which sets the setting perfectly for its
clearly unbiased selection of spirituality-based books ranging from Wicca to
God. Say what you want about UFOs or 2012, you're bound to be
fascinated by something as you tour the award-winning bookstore. Just as
the bookstore is not limited to one religion or aspect of the metaphysical,
it"s not limited to books either. The flyers highlighting different seminars and sessions
taking place at the store are complemented by tarot cards, jewelry, massage
oils, and, of course, incense, among many others.
On to the classes. Hypnosis lessons, anyone? Maybe you'd
prefer the Body-Mind-Spirit Fair taking place this weekend (July 10-12), or "Activating
Your Genius Mind,” a seminar on genius and exercises that help you
activate your mental potential (July 21). The list goes on; lessons on
Wicca, meditation, and Gnostic study sessions are a few of the many topics that
the bookstore covers on an almost daily basis (if not more). For more
information on some insight into your soul (or God or abundance or spiritual
drumming), visit their website at http://unlimited-thought.com.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rockhills Church is a little different than other
churches. They take their belief in God
a step further by getting people of all kinds together to carry out some of the
binding premises of most religions, namely, love and the community.
I spoke with one of its founders, Dave Lantz, who along with the other
founders grew tired of institution and politics playing a part in church and
wanted to try and represent Jesus for who he believes him to be. He and the others wanted to create an
environment that connects people of different kinds of life and cultures so
that he and others could help answer their questions about what it means to
follow Christ and create an environment for everyone despite their differing
beliefs.
Rockhills Church rents out a space at the AMC
Movie Theatres on Huebner Oaks for a non-traditional experience; this also allows
them to incorporate different kinds of media into the program, as well as live
music. The attendance rates are generally 150 people and up. Every first Sunday church members participate
in the program “Serve First,” in which they service and help meet the needs of
a particular part of the community. The
church focuses on spending time participating in community-driven tasks, and invites people of all sorts of
backgrounds, despite their take on religion, to come together to help.
People of all faiths go, including agnostics, those who’ve lost some of their
faith along the way, or traditional Christians who wanted more than their
previous church service. By encouraging people to come as they are, the
church is helping the community and getting people of all faiths and
backgrounds together. If you’re interested, you can learn more by visiting
their website, http://rockhills.com.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Who would have thought that resembling a porcupine could not
only be so relaxing, but a healing process as well? Anyone in need of some relief, healing or relaxation
should give acupuncture a try. Acupuncture looks
at the human being in a holistic fashion (mind-body-spirit) and recognizes that
emotions are capable of triggering physical symptoms. In Eastern medicine, the body has 12 meridians, or rivers of
energy, flowing through different locations. Acupuncturists tap into meridians that need balancing by
needling any of the points to get the balancing effect. It is a gentle process that aims to help your
body restore balance. Traditional
Chinese Medicine is based on the premise that health is a continuum; there are
many ways your body manifests stress and injury, i.e. digestive tract issues,
emotional imbalances, food cravings and numerous aches and pains.
I underwent a treatment at Acupunctureworkz with Leslie Droege, my
acupuncturist, for a little healing of my own.
Note to the needle-wary: Acupuncture doesn't hurt. The very thin needles (more like pins than
needles, really) left me relaxed and refreshed. Soon after came the cupping
treatment, designed to restore energy and blood flow, especially to any areas
in the body experiencing pain. During a cupping treatment, small
cups are rubbed all over the back in a style similar to that of a massage, but
the suction of the cups creates a different effect—Droege sees it as an
"inside-out massage.” I left feeling
rejuvenated and energized. Acupuncturists in Texas go through a graduate level program
that lasts anywhere from 3-5 years and have treated over 500 patients with
acupuncture and herbs by the time they graduate; they
also complete four board examinations for the National Certification
Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine in order to practice in Texas. For a little of your own mental, physical, or spiritual healing in San Antonio, take a visit to Acupunctureworkz or visit their website for more
information.
|
|
|
|
|
|
An inspirational pillar of San Antonio, especially to the East
Side, passed away Monday morning. Reverend E. Thurman Walker died
at the age of 50, after a long battle with cancer. He had been the pastor
of Antioch Missionary Baptist
Church since 1993, during
which the membership tripled in size to more than 3,000 members. Reverend
Walker visualized and implemented many initiatives during his time at Antioch, several of which
are still being realized today. He founded the Community of Churches for
Social Action (CCSA), a non-profit organization made up of 30+
interdenominational churches, which today represents more than 20,000 members.
CCSA enriches the San Antonio
community with a prophetic voice, while providing services such as economic
development, housing, education, and supportive services to those traditionally
under-served and/or live in disadvantaged communities. In 2000, he created the
Antioch Community Transformation Network (ACTN) to help remove financial, educational,
health and social barriers in minority communities, and create opportunities
through economic development, neighborhood revitalization, increasing
educational opportunities, elderly services, and job training in collaboration
with public and private organizations. Education was a priority for
Reverend Walker, which led to the creation of the Antioch
Christian Academy
in 1995 and most recently, the W.I.L.L.
B.E. Academy
- the Walker Institute of Learning and Leadership for Boys of Excellence.
The loss of such an inspirational figure has
saddened the hearts of many people all over the world. As a result of his
faith, leadership and vision, Reverend Walker and his legacy will continue to
change lives for many years to come. A memorial service will be held at
6:30 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 2, and the funeral service will be at 10:00 a.m. on
Tuesday, Nov. 3, both at the Antioch
Missionary Baptist
Church. Reverend Walker
leaves behind his loving wife, Jo Angelia; a daughter, Kim; and son, TJ, as
well as two grandchildren. He will be missed.
|
|
|
|
|
Page:
1
|
2
|
3
|
4
|
Next Page
|
|
|
