LifeTIMES
A monthly ministry of Lord of Life Lutheran Church of Maple Grove, Minnesota
The Reformation
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hat is the Reformation and why do we celebrate it? On the last weekend in October, Lutherans and other Protestants around the world remember the courage and vision of Martin Luther, a 16th century Catholic priest, who challenged practices of the misguided medieval church. On October 31, 1517, Martin Luther posted his Ninety-five Theses on the Castle Church door in Wittenberg, Germany. Those theses, or statements, dealt mostly with the church’s selling of indulgences—the selling of forgiveness and the fate of loved ones—a practice which Luther abhorred. Luther was a colorful and bold Christian. He was the first to translate the Bible into the language of the people. From his study of scripture, he was adamant that salvation is a gift freely given by a loving God— there is nothing we can do to earn it. Even though we do not deserve it, we are forgiven because of what Jesus Christ did on the cross. Grace continues to be held as a cornerstone in the Lutheran faith. At Lord of Life, Reformation is a highlight of the church year, with choir and brass and congregational singing of the hymn, A Mighty Fortress Is Our God, written by Luther and based on Psalm 46. The weekend will also include presentation of Bibles to 150+ third graders, and the Affirmation of Baptism (confirmation) services celebrated with 170+ tenth graders. Through these important milestones, young people are transformed by God’s grace and love, just as the church was transformed through the centuries, beginning with the work of Martin Luther.
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Happy October and Happy Reformation!
October 2014 “For me to live is Christ” Philippians 1:21a
October 2014