October 31, 2022

Grace and peace to you from our Savior Jesus the Christ!

Happy Reformation Day!!

This is a significant day for Lutheran Christians. On this day we remember and give thanks for a 16^th Century German monk named the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther. October 31, 1517 is the day that Lutheran Christians believe Dr. Luther offered 95 theses or the Disputation on the Power and Efficacy of Indulgences that expressed concerns he had about the church. I don’t believe Luther was looking for fame as one of the world’s great church fathers and reformers. I don’t think Luther was interested in starting a new branch of the Christian tree. Luther was challenging the church to be in the daily practice of reform.

Here’s the simple and honest question I’d like us to think about on this year’s Reformation Day …

Is the church you and I are connected to a church that has reformed?

This church started a long time ago and hasn’t done anything new since. And refuses to do anything new now.

Or…

Is the church you and I are connected to a church that is constantly reforming?

These churches constantly look for new ways to bless and serve their neighbor in Jesus’ name; seek new opportunities to proclaim the gospel of Jesus for the sake of the salvation of all of God’s creation; and have an ongoing awareness of where the Holy Spirit may be leading them next in mission and ministry.

Has your church reformed??

Or, is your church reforming??

As you think about the church being in a constant state of reform on this year’s Reformation Day, I’d love hear what’s happening in your faith community that is bringing forth reform!

Use the comment sections to share your faith community’s story of reform.

Until next time, may the peace of Christ be with you always and in all ways…

Bishop Craig