Reformation Sunday: “Here I Stand” – Martin Luther

This Sunday we will gather like many protestant churches to remember the life and work of Theologian Reverend Martin Luther. Luther was influenced by Augustine (340–430) who emphasized the Bible rather than Church officials as the ultimate religious authority. He also believed that humans could not reach salvation by their own acts, but that only God’s grace made known through Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection could offer salvation.​

This is the reason that baptism is welcomed at any age. It is not what we do, but what God has done. The theologian Karl Barth, when asked when he was saved, famously replied, "I was saved at 3 o'clock on a Friday afternoon, on a hill outside the city of Jerusalem, in the year 33 A.D.

It is fitting that on Reformation Sunday; three students will affirm their baptisms at the 10 AM Worship. I invite you to consider these promises today:

“You have made public profession of your faith. Do you intend to continue in the covenant God made with you in holy baptism:
…to live among God’s faithful people.
…to hear the word of God and share in the Lord’s Supper
…to proclaim the good news of God in Christ through word and deed.
…to serve all people following the example of Jesus.
…and to strive for justice and peace in all the earth?

If so, please respond: ‘I do and I ask God to help and guide me.’”

This will be followed by an invitation to those gathered in worship,

“People of God, do you promise to support and pray for one another in your life in Christ?”

They will be invited to respond, “We do, and we ask God to help and guide us.”

In all of this let us prayer without ceasing:

“We give you thanks O God, that through water and the Holy Spirit, you give us new birth, cleanse us from sin, and raise us to eternal life. Stir up in your people the gift of your Holy Spirit; the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord, the spirit of joy in your presence, both now and forever. Amen.

Also, don't forget...

Trunk or Treat
Sunday, October 26th

Join us on October 26th from 4:30-6:00pm for a safe and fun trick-or-treating event. Come in your costumes and trick-or-treat from trunk to trunk in our church parking lot.

We could always use more trunks! If you are interested in decorating your own trunk and participating in Trunk or Treat please contact Andrea Griner at [email protected]

The best decorated trunk will be the recipient of the St. Luke’s Trunk or Treat Traveling Trophy--The Golden Troll!

Come and enjoy cider, popcorn, and a bonfire!