On Monday, October 31, Pope Francis, Bishop Munib Younan and General Secretary Martin Junge and others will be participating in a prayer service in the Lund (Sweden) Cathedral on the occasion of Lutherans and Catholics commemorating jointly the 500th anniversary of the Reformation.  The live-streaming of this event can be accessed at  http://www.lutheranworld.org/lund2016/livestream

The event is to begin at 2:30 pm Central European Time which translates to 7:30 am in Iowa, assuming a seven hour time difference. A related event will be held in Malmo (Sweden).  Access the link to confirm times.  The theme of the events is From Conflict to Communion-Together in Hope.

The Lutheran World Federation, a communion of churches based in Switzerland, is participating in the event which will highlight the solid ecumenical developments between Catholics and Lutherans and the joint gifts received through dialogue.  The diverse commemoration program of over 24 hours is marked by a liturgical service, commemoration event and press conferences.

REFORMATION SUNDAY, October 30, we will have a festival worship service and a Katie’s Table celebration after worship.   A hearty Fellowship Hour will include foods from Katie and Martin Luther’s table. Wear red on Reformation Sunday to celebrate how the fire of the Holy Spirit continues to reform us.

Pr. Amy Zalk Larson shared, “I’m not saying who will be the surprise guests for the children’s sermon this Sunday as we commemorate the Reformation. I’m only happening to tag Lise Kildegaard and Luther K Snow on our Facebook page. Make of that what you will. Thank you surprise guests!”

Reformation Sunday commemorates Martin Luther nailing his 95 Theses (propositions for debate) to the church door in Wittenberg, Germany.  Tradition holds that this occurred on October 31, 1517.   The theses challenged medieval church teaching and papal authority. The liturgical color of the day is red, which represents the Holy Spirit and the Martyrs of the Christian Church.

Tuesday October 25
7:00 p.m. – CLA Circle, Fellowship Hall, Baby Care Kits
7:00 p.m. – Congregational Council Meeting

Wednesday, October 26
7:30 a.m. – Men’s Breakfast
6:00 p.m. – Handbell Choir Practice
7:00 p.m. – Choir Rehearsal
8:00 p.m. – Band Rehearsal

Thursday, October 27
10:00 a.m. – Bible Study with Pastor Amy

Sunday, October 30 – Reformation Sunday
8:45 a.m. – Choir and Band Rehearsal
9:30 a.m. – Worship with Holy Communion BROADCAST
10:30 a.m. – Fellowship Hour
10:45 a.m. – Sunday School
10:45 a.m. – Fellowship Hour: Katie’s Table Celebration

Assistant to the Bishop Pr. Mark Anderson will preach on Sunday, October 23, when new members will be welcomed.   He also will preside at the Generosity Project offered for the Synod and held at Good Shepherd from 1:00-4:30 in the afternoon.  He is a member of the Northeastern Iowa Synod staff who is responsible for developing financial gifts to mission support from congregations and individuals; representing the Bishop in various network ministries; helping coordinate youth and family ministries; coordinating the Companion Synod relationship with the Lutheran Church in Hungary; providing resources and serving as a liaison for the synod in partner ministries, and providing pastor care for the roster. Pr. Anderson is a graduate of The Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago (’89) and Luther College, Decorah, Iowa (Sociology/Religion ’85). At the present time, he serves as a member of the Iowa Council on Human Services (DHS),  the Bremer County Community Emergency Response Team (CERT), and is Emergency Coordinator of the Bremer County ARES and is president of the Saint Paul’s School Board.

At Adult Forum on Sunday, October 23, Catherine Moeller will be speaking about the ELCA Young Adult in Global Mission (YAGM) program and her year experiencing radical hospitality in Mexico. Join with Catherine at 10:45 in the Narthex to hear about her experiences.

The ELCA Young Adults in Global Mission program invites ELCA young adults ages 21-29 into a transformative, year-long journey in international service in one of nine countries around the world. Areas of service include, but are not limited to, health and development, congregational ministry, human rights, education, homelessness, addiction recovery, women’s issues and children and youth.