Faith is not a distant view, but a warm embrace of Christ.
John Calvin
This weekend we will celebrate Reformation Sunday!
Many of you, particularly those who grew up Catholic or Orthodox, may be saying, “Wait, huh?” And that’s okay.
On October 31st, 1517, Martin Luther posted his 95 Theses to those in positions of authority within the Church and State in which he lived. The legend is that he nailed them to the doors of Wittenburg Church, as well. Either way, his actions were the key catalyst that turned a small grass-roots movement into a full-blown Reformation of the Church.
It is for this reason that most of us within the Protestant churches remember the incredible works and words of the reformers who came before us on the final Sunday in October.
Remember that these men (and women) were not only in Germany, but also Switzerland, France, Scotland, England, the Czech Republic, the Netherlands, and so many other places. The key first reformers, named Jan Huss (Czech) & John Wycliffe (England), did their work around a hundred and fifty years before Luther. And to this very day, many would argue that their work continues.
Within the branch of Protestants known as the Reformed faiths – those who are theological descendants of John Calvin and Ulrich Zwingli (Switzerland) – our battle cry has always been:
Reformed and always reforming, according to the word of God.
Why? Because God’s work within the Church is not yet finished. God’s work within us is not yet complete. And the promise of Christ’s return has yet to be fulfilled.
So come to worship this weekend as we celebrate our ancestors. Come to hear how we honor the history that we have inherited. Come and see how God continues to brew a ferment in our very midst so that we may grow ever more into the image of Jesus Christ.
Come. See. Celebrate.
Blessings, Pastor Janie
First Welcoming All 