Grace, Raleigh, reforms and serves

“This is what 500 years old looks like!” As an ever-reforming church, Grace, Raleigh, paired the recognition of the 500th anniversary of the Reformation with “God’s Work. Our Hands.” Sunday this year. First, they held “Lutherfest” to kick off this year’s Sunday school–celebrating the 500th anniversary of the Reformation which was both educational and fun-filled.  Since the Reformation was born at the university, making use of the ways our Sunday school forges us in faith lifelong seemed like the perfect way to kick off the educational year. Household units traveled through a variety of Lutherfest stations…activities that included historical information, arts and crafts, dress up, games, and very interesting food such as “Diet of Worms” muffins and Luther’s compass rose cookies. Families also had the opportunity to meet their child’s Sunday school teacher, make their own Luther compass roses, and meet Martin Luther himself. A “Here I Stand” photo corner had lots of dress up items to take Junker George selfies.

Additionally, a resource table had activities to translate Scripture from German into English and a Wittenberg door stood in the middle of the narthex on which people posted their dreams for the Church. At worship our confession, children’s sermon, and sermon all revolved around Martin Luther’s story and worship ended with the children assisting Pastor Sloop in blessing our Sunday school teachers.

The celebration did not end there as all were welcomed for a ham dinner followed by our “God’s Work. Our Hands.” Sunday event. All ages participated and packaged 10,000 meals for the “Rise Against Hunger” event. Our ever-reforming church 500-year-old family enjoyed every minute of God’s Work, Our Hands” Sunday!

Submitted by Laureen Tonnesen Wacenske.