500 Year Reformation Observance

Reformation, what does it mean? Restoration – rooted yet called to respond.

But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.
John 14: 26

Door with Thesus

October 31, 2017
500 Year Reformation Anniversary

October 31, 2017 marks the 500th Anniversary of Martin Luther posting his Ninety-Five Theses on the church door in Wittenberg, Germany, starting the Lutheran Reformation.   We invite you to learn more and become involved in the celebrations.

We have heard of the Ninety-Five Theses, but few of us have read them or even have a clear idea of what they say.   And many other writings of Luther are more significant, including his “Sermon on Indulgences and Grace,” written to the congregations explaining his views.

Join us at Highland Lutheran Church as we celebrate and learn what it means to be Lutheran in today’s world.

Ephesians 2:5-10  (NIV)

8 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— 9 not by works, so that no one can boast. 10 For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

Luther and his friends were teachers of all types of people – from university students to pastors, bishops and regular congregants, so education is also important in our observance of this histories event with all Christian faiths.

The Reformation is thought to have lasted for a few years, but its influence continues. It brought about divisions in the church Some of those involved responded in a variety of ways and some were hurtful. In observance of the Reformation, we need to find understanding, repentance as well as celebration and continue to remember it in our hearts for the future.

Highland Lutheran Church plans to observe the Reformation in many ways.

  • The first Sunday of the month, our bulletin will include inserts with historical facts and accounts.
  • A poster of the Lutheran Reformation, in context with the rest of the world, is being created and will be on display in the front of the chapel.
  • Copies of Martin Luther’s Small Catechism will be available, free for the taking.
  • Our worship services will include special hymns to commutate this historical event.
  • A booklet is being prepared for all families and individuals of “Blessing and Prayers” based on those in Martin Luther’s Small Catechism.
  • Our Sunday school children will be studying a youth based “comic book”  type novel called “Papa Luther.”
  • A poster will be developed by the Committee and will be on display later this year.
  • Because we are called to be good stewards of this God given world, we are planning to have our youth plant a tree and/or a rose in the spring of 2017.
  • We plan to have films, discussions and Bible studies based on what occurred in the beginning of the Reformation and how we are reforming and responding even today.

Answers to the quiz:

  1. Did Martin Luther use a hammer and nail to post the 95 Theses on the church door?No, If he posted it on the door, he probably used wax not nails or a hammer.   He probably posted the 95 Theses in the mail to his Bishop, and in Latin.
  2. Could the general public read Martin Luther’s 95 Theses? Probably not. During those 1st years it was not translated into German.  Later after the printing press was available it was printed in German.
  3. What did Martin Luther call himself and other?  Beggars.