​It was good to get away and have some vacation time with family – and now it’s good to be back here with you!
 
On CBS News this week, a professor described research into what makes us happy. What makes you happy? In Mark 6:14-29, King Herod makes yet another terrible decision with an unhappy outcome. He was so consumed by the cares of this world that he couldn’t see straight, and he and his whole country suffered the consequences. God provides a life-giving alternative described in Ephesians 1:3-14 . Instead of being motivated by short-term cares OF this world, God chose us to care FOR the world and to live full of praise and thanks to God, providing a deep joy and happiness. 

Stay informed and get involved! I hope to see you at the congregational potluck and forum on Sunday and at one of the small group discussions afterwards. Sign up at the following link, (Click Here).

See you in church!

Pastor Lanny Westphal

​Exciting things are happening at Christ Lutheran Church! I hope you are planning to attend the congregational potluck and forum at 11:15 AM on Sunday, July 15, and that you have signed up (Click Here) for a small group discussion on one of the nine times available after that date.

I also hope that you thanked God for the blessings of this country as you celebrated the Fourth of July this week. The special music “America the Beautiful” during last week’s offering was so inspiring that I have posted the words along with accompanying images on my Facebook page.

This week I am out of town spending time with loved ones, including Mary’s family at their lake cabin and also my sister who comes home every summer from her position teaching in Ukraine. I look forward to being back with you on July 11. For pastoral emergencies, please call 214-363-4355 ext. 8, or contact Sergio during office hours at ext. 2.

This Sunday’s sermon will be given by Scot Redman about the recent mystery mission trip. I think you will find it very interesting.

Stay informed and get involved!

Pastor Westphal

​It’s good to be here with you! Here are some highlights of my first week: New apartment in the Village. First staff meeting. Fried chicken at Bubba’s. German bratwurst. Chinese dumplings. First worship service. Welcome potluck. First council meeting. Visiting the preschool classes. Dallas Arboretum (see my Facebook for photos and devotional thoughts). Funeral for Wren Worley. Individual meetings with council members, current staff, previous pastor and the assistant to the bishop. Getting settled.

I will be out of town July 3-10 for my monthly visit home, some vacation and the Fourth holiday. For pastoral emergencies, please call 214-363-4355 ext. 8, or contact Sergio during office hours at ext. 2.

This Sunday’s sermon, based on Mark 5:21-43, will tell how God reaches down to our lowly places and raises us up. See you in church!

Pastor Lanny Westphal