Since our classrooms will be set up in preparation for hosting Family Promise guests this Sunday, our children will meet together in the Fellowship Hall during the Education Hour.  All members of the congregation are invited to participate in the Sunday school activity which is a table game involving multiple generations.  

In addition, Kim Ho will give a children’s message about Family Promise during the worship service.  Following the service, our students will assist Pastor in blessing the rooms dedicated to our guests.  Their time spent at Peace is supported by members of our congregation, our friends at Or Atid, and many other people throughout the local community.  

This Sunday, our church will celebrate the Protestant Reformation.  Often in the past, our children have participated in a Sunday school lesson on the Reformation and Martin Luther.  Since these topics will not be the focus of our Sunday school time together this week, I’ve provided information for you to share with your children about Martin Luther and the importance of this day.  Your children will notice changes in the sanctuary, listen to special, celebratory music performed by our brass musicians, and hear Pastor speak of the Reformation and Martin Luther during the service on Sunday.  The information provided below may help your children understand why this Sunday in October is special in our church.  

Martin Luther (b.1483-1546) can be described as a leading Protestant Reformer, Monk, teacher, family man, one of the most significant figures in history, and Germany’s greatest theologian and Biblical scholar. His own study of the scriptures caused him to find the answer to the searching of his own questions about faith and forgiveness. As a Friar, he was able to share his discoveries with German people who at the time were hungry for truth. Following a pilgrimage to Rome, Martin Luther became disgusted with the moral decay in the church and wrote his 95 Theses, or points of doctrine where he felt the church was incorrect.  The posting of his 95 Theses became a call to discuss how the church could be reformed.  He was excommunicated and used his time of seclusion to translate the New Testament into German. He then returned to Wittenberg, married, and the Lutheran and Protestant Church began.                                                        

The start of the Protestant Reformation is “officially” October 31, 1517 when Luther posted the 95 Theses on the door of the Castle Church in Wittenberg. However, the reformation had been brewing across Europe for many years.  Luther was fortunate to have a protector and supporter, Frederick the Wise. The invention of moveable type by Gutenberg, also meant that Luther’s books, Bibles, pamphlets, etc. could be widely distributed.  

Red is the liturgical color for this day.  Red reminds us of the Holy Spirit who descended on Christ’s followers in tongues of fire on Pentecost.  It was by the power of the Holy Spirit that Martin Luther came to learn the gospel.  The Holy Spirit moved him to post his Ninety-five Theses and inspired him and his colleagues to work toward the Reformation of the Christian church.  The same Holy Spirit continues to come to Christians in the means of grace to forgive sins and strengthen faith.

 Also, visit the Luther Rose for children to learn about the Luther Rose.

-Kim Canning