Happy Reformation Day !!!!

Today in Church History
October 31
Martin Luther, Protestant Reformation
On October 31, 1517, Martin Luther launched the Protestant Reformation
when he nailed his 95 Theses on the Wittenberg church door.

Contrary to modern impressions, the Augustinian monk's action was not a
defiant and revolutionary gesture, but rather a dispassionate invitation
for his fellow academics to debate the power of indulgences, and
especially their abuse under the salesmanship of John Tetzel. The theses
begin and end in this way:

1. When our Lord and Master, Jesus Christ, said, "Repent," He called for
the entire life of believers to be one of penitence.

2. The word cannot be properly understood as referring to the sacrament
of penance, i.e. confession and satisfaction, as administered by the
clergy.

3. Christians should be exhorted to be zealous to follow Christ, their
Head, through penalties, deaths, and hells;

4. And let them thus be more confident in entering heaven through many
tribulations than through a false assurance of peace.

In the years that followed, Luther's struggles to reform the church
prompted him eventually to strike at the heart of the Roman Catholic
doctrine of salvation, as he embraced the doctrines of sola Scriptura
(the Word of God cannot be subordinated to human tradition), sola fide
(justification is by faith alone and not dependent on
works-righteousness), and sola gratia (salvation is a gift of God's
grace and not earned by human merit). Though his rediscovery of the
gospel took shape over the course of years, it was foreshadowed in the
posting of his 95 Theses.
Thus it is fitting for all Protestants, including Orthodox
Presbyterians, to commemorate October 31 as "Reformation Day."

- John Muether

If you would like to learn more about Luther, watch the newer movie made just a couple years ago called Luther. This movie was very well done and Historically accurate.

Reformation Day Ideas for your very own Reformation Day celebration...Make a "Diet of Worms Cake" - recipe found here.

Have a "Baptismal Apple Dunk" Run a "Law and Gospel Shuffle Relay"

Create a "Fishers of Men" Fishing Pond

Do a "Defeat the Devil Ball Toss"

Play "Pin the 95 Theses on the Wittenberg Door"

Run a "Throw Indulgences in the Trash" relay Find a storyteller to tell of the events of Luther’s life!

Have a costume party – everyone dress up as their favorite reformation personality. Have a special showing of the Movie "Luther" at church or in your home!

• Present this skit on Luther that was written by Joan Peery.

Hold a "Mightiest Fortress" building contest- build a tower and see whose isstrongest Participate in the "Diet of Worms" - otherwise known as gummy worm eating contest. -