Sunday July 24, 2022 we celebrated 100 years of Central Lutheran Church in Dallas. In July of 1922 a handful of Lutherans gathered together to form a congregation of the “Old” ALC. This congregation worshipped for 9 months before finally being officially organized in 1923. The moved from downtown Dallas during the post WW2 era into the fast growing East Dallas area near what is now the Arboretum area. Living into that their sanctuary has open windows on the sides that highlight the beautiful trees in this area.
Central, like all our NT-NL Synod, ELCA, has dealt with the challenges of changing demographics, Covid-19, leadership transitions, and the realities of changes in church attendance patterns. Yet, they are hopeful and looking towards the future. A recent merger with Bethany-Dallas has provided new leadership and new identity and they are coming to the final stages of the call process.
So as we gathered and looked back on 100 years of God’s abundance I challenged them also to look forward. To take Jesus’ admonition in our Gospel reading today to “Ask, Seek, and Knock.” And to be open to the possibility that what you find and the doors that open may be different than you thought they would be, but they are still God’s gifts for you. Happy 100th Central!!! #NTNL #InMissionTogether