Presbyterians and Lutherans to worship together on October 29
COSHOCTON – Members of Emmanuel Lutheran Church will worship at The Presbyterian Church on Reformation Sunday, Oct. 29, as the two churches remember and commemorate their shared roots. Pastor Bryan Kittner from Emmanuel will join Pastor Carlisle and liturgists Dana Kittner and John Gano in leading the 10:30 a.m. service. Ed and Marty Bickel from Emmanuel will assist Presbyterian elders in serving the Sacrament of Holy Communion.
The Protestant Reformation was precipitated by Martin Luther’s posting of his 95 Theses, ideas about the church and its need to reform, on the doors of the Castle Church, now known as All Saints Church, in Wittenberg on Oct. 31, 1517. This year marks the 500th anniversary of that event.
The historic town of Wittenberg, Germany, is getting ready for a huge influx of visitors from around the world. The house where Dr. Luther lived when he launched the Reformation is undergoing massive renovations. Other tourist sites in what the Germans call “Luther Country” are also sprucing up. Here in the USA, special events are planned as well. Experts say this anniversary is indeed a big deal.
Professor Michael Root from the Catholic University of America, located in Washington, D.C., said, “The Protestant Reformation is in many ways the most significant event in Western Christian history.”
Charles A. Wiley III, coordinator of Theology and Worship in the Presbyterian Mission Agency, said, “The Reformation confirmed that every Christian life belongs to God and is to be lived out in Christian vocation, which makes a huge difference in how we live.”
Musical leadership will be provided by the Presbyterian Chancel Choir, led by Charles R. Snyder, including some singers from Emmanuel and the Celebration Singers from the Presbyterian Church. Members of the Crusaders and Carol Choirs, conducted by April King, will join the other choirs in singing Allen Pote’s “Festive Praise,” accompanied by Mark Wagner, organist; Matt Hayes, timpanist; and the Roscoe Brass Quintet. Pastor Carlisle will preach on “The Reformed Church Always being Reformed by God.”
All are invited to join in this worship celebration. The Presbyterian Church is located at 142 North Fourth Street, Coshocton, across from the Courtsquare, and ample parking is available. Preschool childcare will be provided.
Category: Faith
