Dear First Pres,
Reformation Sunday and All Saints Day – if you’re new with us, you might be wondering, “Huh? What? Why?” Here’s a very brief summary.
Reformation Sunday is a globally recognized day among many protestant churches. It always lands on the last Sunday in October because it’s connected with the day in 1517 that Martin Luther distributed his 95 theses. At its best, Reformation Sunday is a day to give thanks for the sacrificial stand that people like Luther and others made for the truth of the Gospel to be brought back into the center of Christian theology. We also acknowledge the roots of our particular tradition within Christ's worldwide Church while also recognizing the peril of Church division and pride. Horrible things were done in the name of Jesus throughout Church history, and the years of the Reformation were no different.
As a Presbyterian Church, our roots come most directly out of the story of reformation in Scotland. A Scot named John Knox was a fiery preacher who led the reforms that eventually gave rise to a presbyterian form of church governance rooted in the Reformed tradition. As Presbyterians immigrated to America, Presbyterian churches were birthed in the new land.
So, on Reformation Sunday we remember our Scottish roots, and we celebrate the way that God has moved us beyond them. That’s why we do things like wear tartan (plaid) and remember some of the old creeds that have guided our stream of the Church for generations.
To be clear, we don’t believe that being Presbyterian is the only way to truly worship Jesus and be faithful to His Kingdom. But we do believe that it is a really good way to be the church together. And so, we remember the good and the bad of our history, and we give God praise for His amazing grace.
All Saints Day isn’t much different. It’s a church tradition older than the Reformation that is commemorated on November 1 each year. When we commemorate All Saints Day in worship we take time to remember the believers who have died and are now fully in the presence of Jesus. They aren’t saints because of their own good works, rather because of the grace of Christ. So, we give God thanks for His amazing grace and the way it was made known through the lives of all our brothers and sisters who have died in the Lord.
We don’t always combine both Reformation Sunday and All Saints Day together. But when the last Sunday in October is only a few days from All Saints Day it makes absolute sense.
And there's even more special activities for the day after worship. Our 2nd annual Trunk-or-Treat fall festival starts at noon in our Parking Lot. I hope you’ll be ready to host and participate in the fun of this day. Look for details below, and be ready to park differently this week as spaces will be reserved for all this after church activity.
May the Lord be glorified in all we do.
Blessings.
Pastor Jeremy
Posted by
