Slate Belt ReformationFest Brings Three Congregations Together
Submitted by Georgia Suranofsky, member of Prince of Peace in Johnsonville, Pa
On, October 25th, the congregations of Trinity Lutheran Church (Bangor), Christ Lutheran Church (Stone Church), and Prince of Peace (Johnsonville) gathered for the Slate Belt ReformationFest: "Celebrating Change Together.” The ReformationFest included a combined worship service at Prince of Peace. Pastor Larry Laine, Pastor Deb Staniszewski, Pastor Michael Scholtes and Deacon Kat Tigerman, Director of Evangelical Mission of our Synod, officiated the festive call to worship remembering Martin Luther and the Reformation.
The sermon for the day was a very meaningful and informational play about Martin Luther written by Pastor Laine and acted out by Pastor Scholtes and Pastor Staniszewski. The play tells the story of Luther in 1521, appearing before Emperor Charles V and the imperial assembly at Worms. Ordered to withdraw his writings, he refused unless convinced by Scripture and sound reason. His conscience was bound to God’s Word; neither religious office nor political power could compel him to deny what he believed to be true.
A collective choir shared beautiful music during the service. We all shared in the Lord’s Supper and sang hymns written by Martin Luther. Generosity Sunday is celebrated the last Sunday every month at Prince of Peace. Each congregation contributed a generosity story to be shared on how we are doing God’s work with our hands. The offering for the day will be sent to Valor House for Veterans.
A reception was held in the narthex followed by a delicious lunch in the Fellowship Hall. Tables were arranged so people from other congregations sat with each other. Adults remained for a guided discussion about how our congregations can continue working together.
The questions posed and captured in the group were:
- What do you think of when you hear the word reformation?
- What are some things that need to be reformed right now - wherever, in our community, church, country, world.
- How might we work together to address some or any of these things? We got to know each other a little better, and we did have some thoughts and suggestions that might lead to more conversation, more relationship building, and possibly even working together.
A children's program was held during the adult discussion on working together.
During our Reformationfest celebration, the presence of the Holy Spirit was among us. The day reinforced the foundation of our Lutheran heritage and challenges us with the legacy we want to leave for generations to come.
Thank you, Georgia, for allowing us to share your story
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