September 2017
Reformation Celebration on October 28 – Don’t Miss It!
By Rev. Dr. Jeff Leininger
Hundreds of children’s voices singing praise to God; little kids interacting with 16th-century characters; parents and pastors learning and discussing timeless truths; trumpets blasting stirring hymns; falconry, armor and puppet shows on display; and 500 year-old documents to be viewed with awe and wonder…
All of the above and more will be part of the district-wide 500th Anniversary Reformation Celebration Day, on Saturday, October 28, 2017. Held on the campus of Concordia University Chicago, this true partnership with the Northern Illinois District will mark the 500th anniversary of the Reformation with fun, fellowship, education and praise.
For Lutheran Christians, this monumental year is more than a cultural or historic observance. It is a time to give thanks to God for His work in raising up an obscure German monk named Martin Luther, who brought the Church back to the Scriptures, back to the Gospel and back to Christ.
We cannot let this moment pass us by without exploration and celebration!
Schools, congregations, circuits, and families have already begun preparations for the day. The cost of the celebration is $12 for adults and $5 for children, which includes “Lunch with Luther” and all activities. People will begin arriving at 9 a.m., the grand opening begins at 10 a.m., and closing festival worship is 2-3 p.m.
The day will be filled with activities for children, families, schools and church workers including adult seminars on our Reformation past and future, a “Wittenberg Walk” for the children, and fun-filled educational games for all.
Additionally, guests will have a chance to view the unique “Bach Bible”—J.S. Bach’s personal Bible, which has his signature and hand-written notes in it. Thirty-five authentic 16th-century rare books will also be on display, including Erasmus’ first Greek New Testament (1516), the first Lutheran Hymnal (1524), a first edition of the Augsburg Confession (1531), the famous “Luther Bible” (1534), the first Bible printed in Spanish (1569), the Book of Concord (1580), the Geneva Bible (1599), and many more.
Online registration is open now and space is limited, so register today: cuchicago.edu/reformation. Information is also available at CUC’s website if you would like to participate in the festival children’s choir.
We’ll see you on Saturday, October 28, as we celebrate enduring faith, abiding grace and abounding love. All activities are at 7400 Augusta St. in River Forest, Illinois (use the parking structure on Bonnie Brae and limited street parking).