Sunday, October 29, 2023 —
Festival Morning Service at 9 AM
Festival Joint Service with Cross of Christ Kingman at Our Saviour 4 PM
Bratwurst Supper at Our Saviour 5 PM
What is Reformation Sunday? Why do we celebrate it?
The church was (and still is) in need of being re-formed whenever it is de-formed. By the time the middle ages were drawing to a close, the deformities were huge and grotesque. People were being taught that buying masses, going on pilgrimages and even buying pieces of paper with “complete forgiveness” written on them in impressive Latin letters were what were needed to get into heaven!
By studying the Bible, Luther learned the beautiful good news that forgiveness is a free gift, given to us by God purely out of His divine love, mercy and grace. Pastor Martin made it his life goal to help everyone understand this. He translated the Bible into the language of the people so they could read it themselves. He wrote hymns to teach people the doctrine of grace and faith through singing. He took false doctrine out of the church’s ancient liturgy.
Sunday, we thank God for these reforms, and commit ourselves anew to appreciating God’s grace, keeping our doctrine pure, and sharing it with our neighbors and the world.