Reformation Sunday (October 30, 2022)
Scripture Passage – John 8:31-36
Today is a special day in the calendar of the church. It is the day when we remember something that happened a very long time ago. We remember a man named Martin Luther who now more than 500 years ago nailed to the door of his church in Germany a paper with 95 things he wanted to discuss about ways he thought the church should change. Martin Luther wanted the church to reform. Reform means to make changes in order to improve. Luther thought his changes would improve the church. Some people agreed with him and some did not. Luther began what is known as the Reformation. Those who agreed with Luther became part of Lutheran and other Protestant churches (those churches who agreed with at least some of the changes Luther wanted).
Watch this video together:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tox2TflUH90
Read:
On this special day that we call Reformation Sunday, what we celebrate is the truth that we are made right with God, that our sins are forgiven, because of Jesus. It’s not because of anything we do, but it is because God loves us with a love so strong that nothing can separate us from it. We are children of God and nothing can change that. While God’s love for us doesn’t change, the church is called to change. As God’s people called and gathered by the Holy Spirit to be the church, we are called to follow where God leads us. Sometimes we worship God at home in our pjs, sometimes outside, sometimes online, sometimes in our congregation’s building. Whether we are together or apart, we are the church, because the church is God’s people, and the church is always changing, always improving, always reforming, as follow God.
Discuss
- Martin Luther make a promise to God when he was caught in a thunderstorm. When have you made a promise?
- The Bible helped Martin Luther learn about God. Who helps you learn about God?
- What reminds you of God’s love?
Song
Jesus Loves Me. Go Fish Guys. I love this version of Jesus Loves Me by the Go Fish Guys. This one has some motions. Why not follow along and do the motions?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RmBGNdZ70bU
Activity
Martin Luther wrote songs and hymns. One of his most famous is called “A Mighty Fortress is our God.” Watch this video of this song performed by 176 people from 34 countries. The person who coordinated this project plays the piano and different brass instruments and sings two different parts. See how many times you can spot him!
Read Psalm 46 and compare it to this hymn by Martin Luther.
Activity
Download this Color by Number Luther’s Rose. (Thanks to Hip Homeschool Moms website for giving us permission to share it. Their website can be found at www.hiphomeschoolmoms.com).
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Activity
Download this Luther’s Rose which can be printed in color, cut out, and then constructed. (Thanks to Concordia Publishing for sharing this.)
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Prayer
God, we thank you that nothing that can separate us from your love. We thank you for the church. Help us always be reforming so that we can always grow closer to you and closer to one another. We pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Pastor Dan Fugate, Assistant to the Bishop for Discipleship in the Indiana-Kentucky Synod, ELCA, put this lesson together for Sunday School @ Home. Contact him at [email protected].
