DIFFERENT PATHS, SAME DESTINATION

I recently noticed a woman’s tattoo decorating all of her forearm, a colorful array of plants, birds and symbols. I asked her what it meant to her. She said that she didn’t know, just that it was a way of expressing what she believed. She said it represents her spiritual side. I commented on how beautiful it appeared. It obviously spoke to an important part of her identity. In other conversations, she’s told me that she’s not particularly religious. But clearly, there is a vital, deep spiritual side to her life.

Almost every week I meet people who describe themselves as “spiritual but not religious.”

By this, they mean that they believe in something beyond themselves. They acknowledge mystery and wonder. They often pray, but without understanding (or wanting to understand) what happens when they do. They value community. They think about the meaning of life. They connect with nature. The vast majority believe in a universal being or Spirit. They often recognize the importance of religious communities and the help given to the needy. But what about organized religion? Not interested.

While it’s troubling to many religious people that so many spiritual people don’t want a thing to do with church, I want to advocate a different position. We should celebrate when people are “spiritual but not religious.”

We should celebrate because we have much to learn from those who have marched out of the church into the fresh air of the world. It’s not always a choice for comfort, entertainment and wild living. Many reject wealth and the worship of gadgets to feed the hungry and teach in the inner city. They’re not rejecting God necessarily, just the easy answers that don’t sat- religious’ isfy their soul search.

We should celebrate because the spiritual but not religious can remind us of what truly matters. They serve as a corrective to a church that has in many ways forgotten itself, choosing judgment, control, lack of creativity, and restriction rather than beauty, life, joy, and freedom.

Those who are spiritual but not religious relish the journey. Many religious people have their sights on the destination such that they don’t enjoy the ride.

Finally, we should celebrate because the spiritual but not religious are on a quest. While many people are truly lost, many others are searching in science, in art, in dialogue, in education. They’re decorating their bodies to give expression to what’s in their hearts. They’re setting up altars in the world. All great quests have strange turns, pitfalls and stunning vistas. Those who are spiritual but not religious relish the journey. Many religious people have their sights on the destination such that they don’t enjoy the ride.

Jesus rejected the easy answers, choosing to spend the majority of his time not in a house of worship, but out in the fields, by the lake, and engaging in conversation. He called people together who would worship Him “in Spirit and in truth.” He was attracted to those who felt rejected by the organized religion, and people flocked to his brand of holiness. He walked in such a way that being spiritual and being religious were one and the same.

Education

Perri Carr, a science teacher at Bishop Dunne Catholic School, is one of 18 national finalists for the Shell Science Lab Challenge. As such, she won a $3,000 prize package for the school, which includes $2,000 in lab equipment, a $300 gift certificate to the National Science Teachers Association online store and two entry tickets to a national teaching conference. The Shell Science Lab Challenge recognizes teachers who find creative ways to deliver quality lab experiences with limited resources. Five grand prize winners will be chosen and each will win an educational package valued at $20,000.

People

Our neighbor David Marquis is known for many things — his stage presence, artistic pursuits, activism, the list goes on. After moving to Oak Cliff in 1993, he founded the Oak Cliff Nature Preserve, which is thought to be the first use of a conservation easement in Dallas zoning history. It’s more than just the 8-mile hike-and-bike trail. His development plans also included affordable senior housing, a library and an elementary school. Recently, Marquis celebrated his 65th birthday with an inspirational show at the Kessler Theater, featuring music by Denise Lee and Neeki Bey among others. “If you want to live in a better place you can do it,” he says. “It won’t be easy, but it can be done.”

Reggie Dupard, the college career coordinator at Texas Can Academy, was just inducted into the 2016 SMU Athletics Hall of Fame. According to the announcement, he “is known as one of the greats in SMU Football history. As a running back from 1982-85, Dupard helped the Mustangs clinch both an SWC Championship and a National Championship in 1982.” Upon graduation he spent five years playing professionally for the New England Patriots and Washington Redskins. In addition to working at Texas Can, Dupard volunteers with Fit and Faithful Living and The Boys & Girls Club.

Nonprofits

Oak Cliff Coalition for the Arts announced the directors of its 2016 Dallas Cinco de Mayo fest, to be held on Jefferson. Lourdes Manzo was named parade director; Sergio de Alva was appointed festival director; Christina Garcia Rodriguez will serve as marketing director; and JR Huerta will direct logistics and staging. Coalition founder Sylvana Alonzo will oversee their efforts.

HAVE AN ITEM TO BE FEATURED?

Please submit news items and/or photos concerning neighborhood residents, activities, honors and volunteer opportunities to editor@advocatemag.com. Our deadline is the first of the month prior to the month of publication.

Pre-K3 through Grade 8 4019 S. Hampton Rd. Dallas, TX 75224 214.331.5139 • www.saintspride.com

Lakehill Summer Camps

Bishop Dunne Catholic School

Contact: Charleen Doan at 214.339.6561 ext. 4020 or admission@bdcs.org

A co-educational, college preparatory school serving students in grades 6-12. We provide a strong faith and valuebased education with high academic standards, encouraging all students to achieve their full potential. Our curriculum emphasizes individualized attention, and is constantly at the forefront of technology integration through the use of laptops, ebooks, and our Online Education Program. Additionally, we provide a full range of extracurricular activities ranging from athletics, to the arts, to clubs and service organizations.

Lakehill Preparatory School

Leading to Success. 2720 Hillside Dr., Dallas 75214 / 214.826.2931 / lakehillprep.org Kindergarten through Grade 12 - Lakehill Preparatory School takes the word preparatory in its name very seriously. Throughout a student’s academic career, Lakehill builds an educational program that achieves its goal of enabling graduates to attend the finest, most rigorous universities of choice. Lakehill combines a robust, college-preparatory curriculum with opportunities for personal growth, individual enrichment, and community involvement. From kindergarten through high school, every Lakehill student is encouraged to strive, challenged to succeed, and inspired to excel.

ST. ELIZABETH OF HUNGARY CATHOLIC SCHOOL

4019 S. Hampton Rd. Dallas 75224/ 214.331.5139 / www.saintspride.com to advertise call 214.560.4203

At St. Elizabeth of Hungary, our fundamental task is the education of the whole child -- combining learning with faith, Catholic doctrines and moral teachings. We introduce all PK3-8th Grade students to the integrated ways of STEM. This approach to education is designed to revolutionize the teaching of subject areas such as mathematics and science by incorporating technology and engineering into regular curriculum. Over the past 10 years, 95% of St. Elizabeth 8th graders were accepted to their first choice high school. Join us for an informational school tour and see for yourself how easy it is to become a Saint! Call 214.331.5139 for information.

Recognizing the real estate professionals who promote our neighborhood with the Advocate’s second annual Top 25 Realtors in Oak Cliff.

Real estate is typically a family’s most valuable asset, and it shapes the face of the entire neighborhood. That’s why we honor the Top 25, along with all Realtors working in Oak Cliff, with this special section, determined by the 2015 North Texas Real Estate Information System (NTREIS) reported volume for residential sales in Area 14 as of Jan. 14, 2016. Find out more about the list at Oakcliff.advocatemag.com/Top25Realtors.

BRIAN BLEEKER

Dave Perry-Miller Real Estate Hewitt Habgood Group

JUANITA COUCH

Couch Realty

BRIAN DAVIS

Dave Perry-Miller Real Estate

GED DIPPREY

Dave Perry-Miller Real Estate

BILL FARRELL

Allie Beth Allman & Associates Mathews Nichols Group

CRYSTAL GONZALEZ

David Griffin & Company Realtors

GLORIA GONZALEZ

Value Properties Realty

DAVID GRIFFIN

David Griffin & Company Realtors

STEVE HABGOOD

Dave Perry-Miller Real Estate Hewitt Habgood Group

KATHY HEWITT

Dave Perry-Miller Real Estate Hewitt Habgood Group

CHRIS HICKMAN

Ebby’s Little White House HickmanWeber Group

TOMMY HILL

Dave Perry-Miller Real Estate

PAUL KIRKPATRICK

David Griffin & Company Realtors

ROBERT KIRKPATRICK

City Life Real Estate, LLC

ROBERT KUCHARSKI

David Griffin & Company Realtors

ROGER LOPEZ

Value Properties Realty

SUSAN MELNICK

Virginia Cook Realtors

MELISSA O’BRIEN

Dave Perry-Miller Real Estate Hewitt Habgood Group

MELISSA OATES

Allie Beth Allman & Associates

DIANE SHERMAN

David Griffin & Company Realtors

AJA SHROLL

United Real Estate

RANDALL SIMPSON

Randall Simpson Real Estate

JENNI STOLARSKI

Briggs Freeman Sotheby’s International Realty

CLAYTON TOMPKINS

Dave Perry-Miller Real Estate

DORI WARNER

Dave Perry-Miller Real Estate

Finally, Bishop Arts' Own residential Real Estate Brokerage!

Pop-up gallery

Exxir Group’s $42 million Bishop Arts development will feature a public art garden. Farrokh Nazerian, the owner of Exxir Group, hired Oak Cliff metal artist Manuel Sarmiento to design sculptures as well as unique metalwork signs, benches, trash cans, light fixtures and bike racks for the development. Nazerian opened a temporary art gallery in a warehouse on Zang at Seventh. Several local artists, including Carlyn Ray, Christopher Bingham, Meagan Cope, Ryan Rankin and Travis Haas are exhibiting their work in the space.

CLASSES/TUTORING/ LESSONS

CREATIVE ARTS CENTER More than 500 adult art classes/ workshops from metal to mosaic! www.creativeartscenter.org

MATH Shouldn’t Get In The Way Of Anyone’s Dreams. I Tutor Algebra To Calculus. Test Anxiety & ADHD Are My Specialties. Jonathan. 626-643-6700 holisiticmathtutoring.com

Employment

AVIATION GRADS Work with JetBlue, Boeing, Delta and Others. Start Here With Hands On Training For FAA Certification. Financial Aid If Qualified. Aviation Institute Of Maintenance. 866-453-6204

SERVICES FOR YOU

GLORIA’S FLOWERS The Finest Flowers for Any Occasion 214-339-9273 gloriasflowersdallas.com 3101 Davis St.

Legal Services

A FREE CONSULTATION Wills/Probate/Guardianships. MaryGlennAttorney.com 214-802-6768

Professional Services

JAMES H. DOLAN, MA, L.P.C. Therapist, Executive Coach 214-629-6315. Individuals, couples & teens. LGBT PROPERTY TAX PROTEST laurenmedel.com. 972-773-9306 Mobile. SEO Friendly. Maintainable.

NEED A NEW WEBSITE? AdvocateWebDesign.com 214.292.2053

MAY DEADLINE APRIL 6

Pet Services

GREEN PET DELIVERS FREE TO OAK CLIFF All natural dog/ cat food, treats/supplies. 214-942-6042, greenpetdallas.com

In-Home Professional Care Customized to maintain your pet’s routine In-Home Pet Visits & Daily Walks “Best of Dallas” D Magazine Serving the Dallas area since 1994 Bonded & Insured www.societypetsitter.com 214-821-3900

BUY/SELL/TRADE

SHARE FRONT ROW Texas Rangers, Stars & Mavs seats. Tickets are available in sets of 10 games (sets of 2 or 4 tickets per game available). Participants randomly draw numbers prior to season to determine a draft order fair to everyone. Call 214-560-4212 or rwamre@advocatemag.com

AC & HEAT

Family Owned & Operated

Serving the Dallas area for over 30 years

We raise our kids here, too!

972-274-2157 www.CrestAirAndHeat.com

TACLB29169E

CABINETRY & FURNITURE

JD’S TREE SERVICE Mantels, Headboards, Kitchen Islands, Dining tables. Made from Local Trees. www.jdtreeservice.com 214-946-7138

Cleaning Services

AFFORDABLE, PROFESSIONAL CLEANING

$100 off 1st clean for new weekly/bi-weekly clients. Staff trained by Nationally Certified Cleaning Tech. Chemical-free, Green, or Traditional Cleaning. WindsorMaidServices.com 214-381-MAID (6243)

CINDY’S HOUSE CLEANING 15 yrs exp. Resd/Com. Refs. Dependable. 214-490-0133

TWO SISTERS & A MOP

Move in/Out. Reliable/Dependable 20 Yrs Exp. 214-283-9732 twosistersamopmaidservice.com

WINDOW MAN WINDOW CLEANING.COM

Residential Specialists. BBB. 214-718-3134

Electrical Services

ANNA’S ELECTRIC Your Oak Cliff Electrician Since 1978. tecl25513. 214-943-4890

ANTHONY’S ELECTRIC Master Electrician. TECL24948 anthonyselectricofdallas.com

50 Yrs. Electrical Exp. Insd. 214-328-1333

BRIGHT LIGHT ELECTRIC • 214-553-5333 TECL 31347 Lighting and Electrical Services

TH ELECTRIC Reasonable Rates. Licensed & Insured. Ted. E257 214-808-3658

Irrigation tip: Tim Green, LSI Lawn

“The

FLOORING & CARPETING

Willeford

hardwood

214-824-1166

Garage Services

UNITED GARAGE DOORS AND GATES Res/Com. Locally Owned.214-826-8096

Handyman Services

Your Home Repair Specialists Drywall

Home Inspection

CONCRETE/ MASONRY/PAVING

BRICK, BLOCK, Stone, Concrete, Stucco. Gonzalez Masonry. 214-395-1319

BRICK, STONEWORK, FLAGSTONE PATIOS Mortar Repair. Straighten Brick Mailboxes & Columns. Call Cirilo 214-298-7174

CONCRETE REPAIRS/REPOURS

Demo existing. Stamping and Staining Driveways/Patio/Walkways

Pattern/Color available Free Estimates 972-672-5359 (36 yrs.)

CONCRETE, Driveway Specialist Repairs, Replacement, Removal, References. Reasonable. Chris 214-770-5001

Exterior Cleaning

G&G DEMOLITION Tear downs, Haul. Interior/Exterior. 214-808-8925

FENCING & DECKS

#1 COWBOY FENCE & IRON CO. Est. ‘91. 214-692-1991 www.cowboyfenceandiron.com

4 QUALITY FENCING Call Mike 214-507-9322 Specializing in Wood, New or Repair. FENCING & WOODWORK oldgatefence.com charliehookerswoodwork.com 214-766-6422

HANNAWOODWORKS.COM

Decks, Pergolas, Patio Covers. 214-435-9574

EST. 1991 #1

Cowboy

FENCE & IRON CO.

214.692.1991

SPECIALIZING IN Wood Fences &Auto Gates cowboyfenceandiron.com

FLOORING & CARPETING

THE TEXAN FLOORING SERVICES Wood, Laminate. Remodel Showers, Bathrooms. thetexanflooringservices.com 214-680-0901

GLASS, WINDOWS & DOORS

EAST DALLAS WINDOW CLEANING Power Wash. Free Est. Dependable. Derek. 214-360-0120

ROCK GLASS CO Replace, repair: windows, mirrors, showers, screens. 214-837-7829

Handyman Services

A R&G HANDYMAN Electrical, Plumbing, Painting, Fencing, Roofing, Light Hauling. Ron or Gary 214-861-7569, 469-878-8044

BO HANDYMAN Specializing In Historic Home Renovations & Pro Remodels. Custom Carpentry, Doors, Kitchens, Baths & more. 214-437-9730

HANDY DAN The Handyman. ToDo’s Done Right. handy-dan.com 214-252-1628

HANDYMAN SPECIALIST Residential/ Commercial. Large, small jobs, repair list, renovations. Refs. 214-489-0635

HOMETOWN HANDYMAN All phases of construction. No job too small 214-327-4606

HONEST, SKILLED SERVICE With a Smile. General Repairs/ Maintenance. 214-215-2582

House Painting

MANNY’S HOME PAINTING & REMODEL Int./Ext. Sheetrock. Manny 214-334-2160

RAMON’S INT/EXT PAINT Sheetrock, Repairs. 214-679-4513

KITCHEN/BATH/ TILE/GROUT

BLAKE CONSTRUCTION CONCEPTS LLC

Complete Kitchen And Bath Remodels. Tile, Granite, Marble, Travertine, Slate. Insured. 214-563-5035 www.blake-construction.com

FENN CONSTRUCTION Full Service Contractor. dallastileman.com 214-343-4645

STONE AGE COUNTER TOPS Granite, Marble, Tile, Kitchen/Bath Remodels. 972-276-9943.stoneage.dennis@verizon.net

TK REMODELING 972-533-2872

Complete Full Service Repairs, Remodeling, Restoration. Name It — We do it. Tommy. Insured. dallas.tkremodelingcontractors.com

LAWNS, GARDENS & TREES

A BETTER TREE MAN Trims, Removals, Insd. 12 Yrs Exp. Roberts Tree Service. 214-808-8925

DALLAS GROUNDSKEEPER Comprehensive services designed to meet your needs. 214-504-6788 dallasgroundskeeper.com

HOLMAN IRRIGATION

Sprinkler & Valve Repair/ Rebuild Older Systems. Lic. #1742. 214-398-8061

IRISH RAIN SPRINKLER SYSTEMS TXL#2738 Repair, Stonework & Drains 214-827-7446

LIGHT IT UP DALLAS

Your lighting specialists. 972-591-8383 Parties, Weddings, Patios, Landscape.

LSI LAWN SPRINKLERS “Making Water Work”

Irrigation system Service & Repair. Specializing In Older Copper Systems. LI #13715. 214-283-4673

ORTIZ LAWNCARE Complete Yard Care. Service by Felipe. Free Est. 214-215-3599

U R LAWN CARE Maintenance. Landscaping. Oak Cliff resident for over 15 years. uwereisch@yahoo.com 214-886-9202

YOUR TREES could look like a WORK OF ART, I Guarantee It.

APRIL SPECIAL

$200 OFF 4 man crew/4 hours

Call Mark Wittlich 214-332-3444

LAWNS, GARDENS & TREES

JD’s Tree Service

RESPONSIBLE TREE CARE FOR THE ENVIRONMENT

Firewood/Cooking Wood

Locally harvested wood!

Full service trimming & planting of native trees. 214.946.7138

Moving

AM MOVING COMPANY Specialty Moving & Delivery.469-278-2304 ammovingcompany.com

Pest Control

A BETTER EARTH PEST CONTROL

Keeping the environment, kids, pets in mind. Organic products avail. 972-564-2495

MCDANIEL PEST CONTROL

Prices Start at $85 + Tax For General Treatment.

Average Home-Interior/Exterior & Attached Garage. Quotes For Other Services. 214-328-2847. Lakewood Resident

Plumbing

AC PLUMBING Repairs, Fixtures, Senior Discounts. Gary Campbell. 214-321-5943

ANDREWS PLUMBING • 214-354-8521 # M37740 Insured. Any plumbing issues. plumberiffic69@gmail.com

Sewers • Drains • Bonded 24 Hours/7 Days

*Joe Faz 469-346-1814 - Se Habla Español*

ADVOCATE PUBLISHING does not pre-screen, recommend or investigate the advertisements and/or Advertisers published in our magazines. As a result, Advocate Publishing is not responsible for your dealings with any Advertiser. Please ask each Advertiser that you contact to show you the necessary licenses and/or permits required to perform the work you are requesting. Advocate Publishing takes comments and/or complaints about Advertisers seriously, and we do not publish advertisements that we know are inaccurate, misleading and/or do not live up to the standards set by our publications. If you have a legitimate complaint or positive comment about an Advertiser, please contact us at 214-560-4203. Advocate Publishing recommends that you ask for and check references from each Advertiser that you contact, and we recommend that you obtain a written statement of work to be completed, and the price to be charged, prior to approving any work or providing an Advertiser with any deposit for work to be completed.

Plumbing

ARRIAGA PLUMBING: General Plumbing Since the 80’s. Insured. Lic# M- 20754 214-321-0589, 214-738-7116, CC’s accepted.

M&S PLUMBING Quality Work & Prompt Service. Jerry. 214-235-2172. lic.#M-11523

NTX PLUMBING SPEC. LLLP 214-226-0913

Lic. M-40581 Res/Com. Repairs & Leak Location

214-328-7371

MetroFlowPlumbing.com

Remodeling

BLAKE CONSTRUCTION CONCEPTS, LLC

Complete Remodeling, Kitchens, Baths, Additions. Hardie Siding & Replacement Windows. Build On Your Own Lot. Insured. www.blake-construction.com 214-563-5035

BO HANDYMAN Specializing In Historic Home Renovations & Pro Remodels. Custom Carpentry, Doors, Kitchens, Baths & more. 214-437-9730

FENN CONSTRUCTION Full Service Contractor. dallastileman.com 214-343-4645

O’BRIEN GROUP INC. Remodeling Dallas For Over 17 Years www.ObrienGroupInc.com 214-341-1448

RENOVATE DALLAS renovatedallas.com 214-403-7247

REMODELING

Bob McDonald Company, Inc. BUILDERS/REMODELERS

30+ Yrs. in Business • Major Additions Complete Renovations • Kitchens/Baths

214-341-1155 bobmcdonaldco.net

Roofing

2700

Skylights

1 of the men is detained by police. The other runs but is found hiding in a nearby backyard.

Christian