This fall will be special. We know that every autumn is nice - I have experienced the pumpkin spice insanity here at GSLC, and I am SO on board - but this year, we are leaning into a bigger-than-usual anniversary.
On October 31, it will be 500 years since Martin Luther posted his 95 Theses, changing the history of the church and the world forever. And as we walk toward this commemoration together, we proclaim that it has not only been 500 years since the Reformation. Instead, we honor 500 years of continual reforming.
Because we know that Reformation wasn't a once-and-done thing, for the next seven weeks in worship we will remember reformers through which God has worked in the intervening centuries. These incredible people from God's family tree are musicians, mystics, and community leaders. They are men and women, black and white, rich and poor. They founded hospitals, religious orders, and churches. There are even beer brewers and politicians in the mix - can you believe it? And of course, we'll hear from good ole Martin Luther himself.
Each week, you will see a new Reformer's image in the sanctuary, and we'll learn about them together. This week, we focus on Dag Hammarskjold, peacemaker and former Secretary General of the UN, who was also man of deep and mystical faith.
And as we are surrounded by this beautiful cloud of change-making witnesses, remember: the Reformation continues. Whatever our vocation, whether theologian or farmer, executive or parent, waitress or project manager, grandparent or child, we too, can be reformers. God continues the Holy Spirit work of creation in our lives, in our churches, in our places of work and study, in every place and every time.
God is at work in you. And so, as we commemorate something that happened in 1517, we also celebrate what God is doing here and now, in all of us. Sunday, come at 9:30 am to check out how God is at work through GSLC's ministry with the Mnene parish in Zimbabwe. And you can also witness God at work starting Sunday as we host Family Promise all week. There are many ways to serve. Jump in, and be a part of God's ongoing Reformation.
See you Sunday-
PM