LifeTIMES
A monthly ministry of Lord of Life Lutheran Church of Maple Grove, Minnesota
October 2013
Reformation
by Alice Woodard, Director of Worship and LifeGARDEN
A
t the end of this month, on Saturday and Sunday, October 26 and 27, we will celebrate the Reformation. Two very important things will happen on this weekend as part of the observance of this great event in the church. During all worship services, over 125 third graders will receive their own personal Bibles. And at special services on Saturday and Sunday afternoons, over 130 tenth graders who have completed their confirmation requirements will participate in services of Affirmation of Baptism.
Two significant milestones in the lives of these young people and in the life of the church. Why do these important things both happen on this one weekend? The reason for this goes back to October 31, 1517, when a Catholic monk named Martin Luther nailed a notice to the door of the Castle Church in Wittenberg, Germany, where he was assistant pastor. The notice was his Ninety-five Theses, points of difference Luther had with the doctrine and practice of the Catholic church. Meant to be an invitation to discussion, the theses instead sparked controversy which led, over many years and through many twists and turns, to the Lutheran Reformation.
Designed by Martin Luther in 1530, this seal contains a black cross at its center symbolizing Christ’s loving sacrifice for sinners. That cross is emblazoned on a red heart signifying believers’ faith. They are placed upon a white rose (symbol of joy, consolation,
While the Reformation addressed many issues concerning the Catholic church, two main ideas are central to Lutheran practice and beliefs, and to our worship at Lord of Life. First is Luther’s deep reverence for scripture. He wrote that scripture is “the work of God, that is, what God does in us, the power of God, with which he makes us strong, the wisdom of God, with which he makes us wise.” The second is the fundamental belief in the truth of the gospel—the good news that God is loving and merciful, that he offers each and every one of us forgiveness and salvation not because of what we do, but because of what Christ has already done for us. This was a radical departure from Catholic practice at the time and is an important belief not only to Lutherans, but to all Protestants. This gift of life, forgiveness, and salvation is imparted to all Christians at the time of their baptism. Thus, Luther’s belief in the value of scripture makes Reformation the perfect time for Bibles to be placed in the hands of our third graders, and his emphasis on the gifts received at baptism make it fitting that the Rite of Affirmation of Baptism for our tenth graders takes place on this date. Two milestones, over 255 young people, many blessings!
peace, angels & blessed spirits). All affixed on a blue sky (hope of heaven) surrounded by a gold ring of promise for eternal life.
Want to learn more about Luther and the Reformation? It is a component of our L5 “Becoming a Member of Lord of Life” class. See Page 15 for more info.
October 2013 “For me to live is Christ” Philippians 1:21a