The simultaneous conveyance of major forces usually results in seismic changes. This weekend we commemorate one such occurrence as we celebrate Reformation Sunday. 503 years ago, on the day before All Saints Day, October 31, 1517, Martin Luther posted his famous 95 Theses on a church door in Wittenberg, Germany. It wasn’t merely the opinions of Luther’s postings, but the swirling health, political, and technological issues of the day that sparked the Reformation. Germany and most of Europe were suffering through the bubonic plague, the church-state (Roman Empire/Catholic Church) was threatened by westward Turkish invasions, and Johannes Gutenberg had invented the printing press. This recipe provided a dish where indulgences were sold in response to the health fear, church and government leaders were distracted from ethical and moral practices, and the quick reproduction of Luther’s writings allowed the mass distribution of his grievances.
Similarly, today we face a “perfect storm” of different forces of health, political, and technological issues. The COVID-19 pandemic has drastically impacted practically every part of how we live our lives. The political climate of our nation is unquestionably fractured, with fear the pending Election Day results may only exacerbate the climate. The technological changes today have everyone “zooming,” something relatively unpracticed less than a year ago. Our society and culture are in the throes of seismic changes.
Our religious practices are also compelled to undergo many changes. While the Reformation reminds us that our faith rituals are ever-changing at the will of the Holy Spirit, today’s environment has forced us to alter the ways we express our faith in God. Health and safety concerns during the pandemic dissuaded public assembly for worship. In addition to limited communal worship, other faith practices were altered or suspended. The distribution of the Sacrament of Holy Communion was one cherished gift that was halted in many Houses of Worship.
On Reformation Sunday, October 25, at our 10:00 AM worship service, we will resume the celebration of the Eucharist. Respecting sanitary safety, we will consecrate and distribute individual hermetically sealed pre-filled bread & wine communion sets to the faithful. Celebrate Reformation Sunday with us as we celebrate Holy Communion. Converge with the Holy Spirit.