Holy Trinity Lutheran Church

500 years.

Let that number sink in. 500 years. That’s a really long time!

Of course, I hope you already know what the subject of my column is going to be this month. October 31, 1517. An Augustinian monk named Martin Luther. 95 theses. Nailed to the door of the Castle Church in Wittenberg, Germany. Well, that’s the legend at least. The 95 theses were probably not nailed to the door (most likely they were delivered by a messenger). Nonetheless, it was a defining moment in the life of the Church. From that day forth, the Church would never be the same. And, I’m not just talking about the Lutheran church; I’m talking about the Church universal.

There has been a lot of excitement in the Church throughout the world as we prepare to celebrate this monumental occasion. As I gather with church members and fellow pastors, much time has been spent in discussion as to how we are going to celebrate. Huge worship services? Sure! Festivals and parties? Sure! But, I have one more idea. In fact, as we prepare to celebrate the 500th anniversary of the Reformation, this idea is the most important. And, it is an idea that is expressed in a simple Latin phrase: Ecclesia semper reformana est. The Church is always reforming. Actually, to be more precise to the Latin, “The Church is always being reformed.”

Contrary to this phrase being linked to the Reformation, it actually gained popular usage in religious vernacular when used by the great 20th century Swiss Reformed theologian Karl Barth, and is thought to be derived from a saying of St. Augustine. Regardless of its origin, this phrase has become the epithet of the protestant reformation.

This, sisters and brothers in Christ, must be how we celebrate the 500th anniversary of the Reformation. The celebration should remember and reflect upon the history of that late October day 500 years ago; but, if our celebration ends there, if we treat this anniversary as some kind of historical remembrance, we miss the boat. Reformation is not about remembering the past; reformation is about how this present moment shapes our identity as we walk together as the people of God into God’s promised future.

And, how does this present moment shape our common life together as we live toward God’s promised future? Notice the important Latin distinction I made earlier. It is tempting to think about all the ways that we can bring about reformation in our midst. But, it is not we who do the reforming. It is not the Church that does the reforming. The Church is the gracious recipient of Reformation by and through the unending grace of a God who spoke all things into being, and who continues to speak and re-form us for life together—in this community, in this state, in this country, in this world—always for Jesus’ sake.

Sisters and brothers in Christ, we are always being made new in God through Jesus Christ, for the sake of the world. Prepare to never be the same.

The Rev. Matthew Masko
September 20, 2017

http://www.mhskids.org/news/milton-hershey-school-alumnus-core-award/

REGISTER NOW FOR THE 2ND ANNUAL HOLY TRINITY CHRISTMAS BAZAAR!

Hello friends!

We are beginning plans for our Christmas Bazaar and would like to invite you to join us again this year! Please find attached a registration form and waiver agreement, which can be mailed this year. We will be advertising for you and plan on an amazing turnout. We will verify your registration as we receive them.

Thank you for your participation!

Holy Trinity’s Evangelism Team

Any questions or concerns, please call Marti Allen 765-717-4414.

VENDORS, REGISTER HERE:

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/new-castle-holy-trinity-lutherans-christmas-bazaar-2017-registration-37941444883

Today is September 9. Do you know what that means? It means that tomorrow (September 10) is Rally Day and Worship Under the Pines! It is going to be a wonderful day, filled with great music, inspiring worship, and opportunity to learn all about our exciting educational ministries, and a good old fashioned Lutheran pitch-in! Pre-service music begins at 10:15am, worship begins at 10:30am.

” I am the LORD, that is my name; my glory I give to no other, nor my praise to idols. See, the former things have come to pass, and new things I now declare; before they spring forth, I tell you of them.”
(Isaiah 42:8–9 NRSV)

P.S. Pre-service music begins in the narthex, and we will begin worship gathered in the courtyard.

See you there!