A Word From Pastor Stan
REFORMATION SUNDAY, October 27th – Reformation Day/Sunday is a time to remember the beginnings of our Lutheran heritage. It is a time to wear red and celebrate all things Lutheran, Martin Luther, and German.
Martin Luther began the Protestant Reformation by wanting to reform the church of his day, which was only the Roman Catholic church. He began by proposing a discussion around his 95 Theses, which he posted for the faculty of his seminary to read.
With the recent invention of the printing press, this and subsequent writings of Luther and his fellow reformers spread through the surrounding area. The two major writers of Lutheran documents that became part of our Lutheran Confessions were Martin Luther (pastor and seminary professor) and Philip Melanchthon (lay person and professor). They taught at the same seminary and consulted on the continuing disputes with the Roman Catholic church of that day.
Each year on the day that Luther posted his 95 Theses, we celebrate the beginning of the Lutheran Church. We honor the work, witness, and writings of Luther, Melanchthon, and others. We remember studying Luther’s Small Catechism in our confirmation instruction. Many of you probably memorized the Small Catechism and may have been examined before the congregation as you came to be confirmed.
We also recognize all the work that Luther and others did to organize a new church in a practical way without the structure and leadership of the Roman Catholic church. In forming a new church, Luther worked to energize this new church with new music, less formality in worship, and a focus on the heart of the gospel of Jesus Christ.
But it was not all work for Luther and the Reformers. This is also the time in Germany where they celebrate Octoberfest with all the appropriate beverages and foods. We will celebrate our heritage with them on October 27th with a Polka Service at 10:00 a.m., followed by a good German meal.
Lutherans know how to have a good time together.