**New Resource List**
Visit the ELCA Reformation Observance website at www.ELCA500.org and the ELCA Reformation 500 Facebook page!
Please use these new online spaces to share anything your congregation is doing to observe this anniversary and find other events to share with your congregation! You may share events and resources on the website under the “Post It!” tab, on the facebook page, or by sending them to 500@elca.org.
Sharing with others will not only create community around observances across the ELCA but also facilitate ideas for planners and observers on any scale.
Resources for your 500 Celebration
- ELCA press release
- www.ELCA500.org
- Facebook ELCA Reformation 500 page
Reformation 500 Sourcebook: Anniversary Resources for Congregations
- Calendar of Events
- Reformation Celebration News
- Other Resources
Eco-Reformation
- Images
- Resources from Augsburg Fortress
- Education – Engage with the stories and teachings of faith through education resources – for all ages.
- Foundations – Hear Luther and other reformers in their own words from these primary sources.
- Martin Luther – Learn about the life, theology, and times of this highly influential reformer.
- Reformation Studies – Join the conversation about the Reformation in history and its vital significance today.
- Writings of the Reformation – Dig deeper with Lutheran confessional writings and Reformation documents across the years.
- View all 111 items in Reformation 500
- The Annotated Luther series
Reformation Events

Here We Stand: Dialogues of Faith and the Reformation
Rockford area Lutheran Churches (ELCA) and Katie’s Cup invite you to:
HERE WE STAND: DIALOGUES OF FAITH AND THE REFORMATION
Tuesdays
- September 12
- October 3
- November 7
6:30pm
at Katie’s Cup
Read more...
Ecumenical Reformation Anniversary Celebration - September 24
On Sunday, September 24, 4 pm, an ecumenical service will be held at Augustana Lutheran Church in Andover to celebrate the 500th anniversary of the Reformation. It will include portions of the Common Prayer Service compiled by the Liturgical Task Force of the Lutheran-Roman Catholic Commission on Unity.
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Central Conference Reformation 500 Gathering - October 15
An opportunity to commemorate together the 500th Anniversary of the Reformation
Sunday, October 15, 2017
St. Paul Lutheran Church
1701 16th Ave
Sterling, IL 61081
2:30 Presentation by Prof Wanda Deifelt: “The Legacy of the Lutheran Reformation and its Influence in Shaping Current Ecumenical Dialog and Partnerships”
4:00 Worship with Bishop Jeffrey Clements featuring a hymn-sing: “Through the Church Year with Martin Luther”
followed by a light supper.
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On the Way... Lutherans and Catholics in Dialogue - October 15
Join us
On the Way... Lutherans and Catholics in Dialogue
Lutherans & Catholics ... Together in Christ
An historic event marking the 500th anniversary of the Protestant Reformation sponsored by the ELCA and Roman Catholic parishes of Moline, IL.
Sunday, Oct. 15, 2017
Hosted by: First Lutheran Church, Moline & St. Mary’s Catholic Church Moline
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South Conference Reformation Fair was a great success
On Sunday afternoon, April 30, approximately 100 people attended the South Conference “Reformation Fair” at St. John’s Lutheran Church, Mendota. This event featured a variety of activities for all ages.
The afternoon program began with a first-person portrayal of Dr. Martin Luther by Roger Haeffner. Attendees then had the opportunity to experience hands on learning at different stations which included the following:
- mixing and baking German pretzels with chefs Pr. William Weidenbach and Pr. Marilyn Hanson
- a review and posting of Luther’s 95 Theses on a replica door of the Castle church by Pr. Kim Lee Brown
- the press printing of Luther’s Seal by Pr. Tim Kenyon
- a Luther’s Seal craft project by Pr. Janet Lepp and members of the Mendota congregation
- Pr. Kris Zierke (conference dean) presented background to Luther’s musical contributions and hymn writing
- examples of Reformation art by Pr. Tammy Anderson
- Pr. Rodney Juell provided a philatelic (stamp) display of Martin Luther.
Bishop Jeffrey Clements was also in attendance.
The afternoon concluded with worship. Pastor Janet Lepp, St. John’s, Mendota, served as Presider and Pr. Bill Callister preached excerpts from a sermon written by Martin Luther. Combined choirs were directed by Ms. Sarah Breyne, Streator. Organist was Mrs. Rose Potthoff, Streator.
Very special thanks to the members of St. John’s, Mendota, for refreshments and generous hospitality. The promotional banners, posters, and pamphlets were designed and published by Pr. Scott Schmidt.
What a tremendous joy it was to gather as sisters and brothers in Christ, giving tribute to Martin Luther, yet knowing that it is the Risen Christ to whom we give thanks and glory.
If you have more photos of the event, please share with karin@nisynod.org.
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