Reformation Sunday
In the Lutheran church, Reformation Sunday is celebrated on the last Sunday in October. It is a commemoration of an event which spared the Protestant Reformation, a movement which emerged in the 16th century as a series of attempts to reform the Roman Catholic Church in Western Europe.
On October 31, 1517, Martin Luther posted 95 Theses (propositions) on the door of the Wittenberg Castle Church as an invitation to debate the sale of indulgences for forgiveness. That event sparked a reform movement that eventually led to a Lutheran church and separate denominations.
While there is much sorrow in the disunity which the Reformation caused, Luther did establish the idea that the Church is always in need of reform in the light of the Gospel. Luther's primary principal that Christians are justified by God's grace through faith in Christ has also found universal acceptance among denominations. On this day we pray for church unity, for the purity of God's Word, and for a church that is always open to reform and the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
On this day the liturgical color is red, signifying the continuing work of the Holy Spirit to renew the church.
Follow these links to link to find out more about Martin Luther and Lutherans.
Adapted from materials contained in Liturgy for Reformation Sunday by Rev. Thomas L. Weitzel, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
“God's Word is our great heritage
And shall be ours forever;
To spread its light from age to age
Shall be our chief endeavor.
Through life it guides our way;
In death it is our stay.
Lord, grant while time shall last
Your Church may hold it fast
Throughout all generations.”
Hymn #239, Lutheran Book of Worship