Reformation - In the Church and in Life
On October 31,1517, Dr. Martin Luther posted his 95 Theses on the church door/bulletin board in Wittenberg, Germany. In this controversial document he wasn’t necessarily trying to start a ruckus - he just wanted get people talking about things that had gone too far in the wrong direction in the church and wanted bring them back to a more Biblical way of understanding faith, life and the church.
In the end, because so much of medieval life was built around the church and its warped view of scripture and faith, his debate sparked fundamental changes in the church, politics, economics - virtually EVERYTHING in life. Talk about your unintended consequences!
He shouldn’t have been surprised, though. That’s what happens when scripture and the Holy Spirit are turned loose in our lives - fundamental changes take place. Things are turned upside-down on us, because often we are living our lives upside-down. Those things which should be of utmost priority are relegated to the bottom, and those things which are insignificant or even damaging to us take preeminent place in our lives.
During the month of October - keeping with that same Reformation theme - we will be restarting Confirmation classes and the Church on Wednesday (COW) programs for this year - and merging them together for a bit.
Confirmation. Beginning on Wednesday, October 1, with a student/parents meeting at 7:00 pm in the AMC. On October 8, we will resume the Confirmation class schedule: From 6-7 pm, the 6th and 7th grade students will meet in the library, and from 7-8 pm, the 8th graders AND 9th graders who will be confirmed on Reformation Sunday (October 26th, 10:30 am) will meet with Pastor Becker.
Church on Wednesday. Adults will be studying the book, Living in the Kingdom, Reflections of Luther’s Catechism, by Alvin Rogness. Classes will be held at 10 am and 6 pm on Wednesdays. (Kids will be making their own pirate-themed ruckus in their COW—see separate insert).
MOVIE NIGHT! Every year I show the Martin Luther movie to my confirmation class. This year I’d like to start a new custom: On the Wednesday before Reformation Sunday, I’d like to merge all the Confirmation classes, the COW study group, and anyone else who wants to attend, for a showing of the movie, Luther (the color 2003 version, NOT the 1953 B&W one! Ok, we’ll show a little bit of the old one for you traditionalists). We’ll set up the HD video projector in the AMC and spend an evening immersed in the 15th century with the founders of our faith. We meet at 6 pm, Wednesday, October 22. Refreshments provided! All are welcome.
Continuing the Ruckus...
Pastor Larry