Be Reformed!

These words from St. Paul typify the spirit of the Reformation that Martin Luther started in 1517. That spirit continues today, in each of us, as we look for that daily transformation and renewing of our hearts and lives in Christ. Luther first translated the Bible into the language of the people (German). He wrote many of the hymns and chorales that survive yet today, the best know of which is "A Mighty Fortress", used by almost EVERY Christian denomination, even those who do not otherwise celebrate Reformation Sunday. That powerful hymn, written in 1529, has been called the "Battle Hymn of the Reformation", and is based on portions of Psalm 46. The final stanza is Luther's vow, and ours, to cling to God's Word and Truth in spite of the stresses of this life:

Why not INVITE SOMEONE to join you in church this Reformation Sunday (October 31st), as we celebrate the BIRTH of the Protestant church.

Local composer wins big! Our own Curt Caudill recently won $1000 of recording studio time at Kevin Ward Productions in Nashville. The contest, sponsored by Embassy Music (A Christian Publisher) in Nashville, was open to contemporary Christian musicians NATION-WIDE, and Curt was a finalist in this year's competition. He also received $250 towards a radio release and vocal coaching sessions, a set of "Artist Development" Tapes and CDs. "It was a fun and exciting experience," he said. Curt was in the popular local rock group "Even Steven" for 15 years before God inspired him to begin composing his own songs. Now, he uses his God-given talent to the Glory of the Lord! Curt joined St. John in 1986, and attends with his wife Patti (Bontz) and their three kids. He sings Bass in our choir, and provides music for the 9:30 service when Don is on vacation. Come to the 9:30 service on October 3rd and hear Curt play some of his works.

Why do we STAND during the reading of the Gospel?

The Holy Gospel is normally read by one who has been ordained. In the words of the Gospel, Christ comes to his people and speaks to them anew. This is the climax of the reading of the Scriptures to which the first two lessons point, and it is a principal way in which Christ is present in the eucharistic assembly. The Gospel, therefore, has a different character than the other readings; and an ordained minister, one of whose functions is to represent Christ to the people, is the reader. The people stand when the Gospel is announced and greet Christ, who comes in the Gospel, with the acclamation, "Glory to you, O Lord." When the reading is over, the congregation cries out again in joy, "Praise to you, O Christ." (from the book Manual on the Liturgy, Augsburg Publishing House, 1979, Pg. 220)

Meet our Members - Rose Scherer. This month, we feature Rose Scherer, one of our council-appointed lay-members of Worship Committee. Rose joined St. John in 1980 with her husband Dave. They have two teenagers, and Rose works at Cat as a Supervisor in Corporate Information Services. She studied cornet, and as an adult, she loves "to listen to good music". She likes a variety of music, including Classical, Jazz/Blues, "Oldies", and EZ Listening. What does she say about the role of music in worship and her life? "I don't read music very well, and my poor singing ability sometimes embarrasses my daughter in church." Her favorite hymns are On Eagle's Wings and Here I Am, Lord.

Until Next Month: Be guided by the prayer in Luther's hymn, "Lord, keep us steadfast in your Word."
(LBW 230).

Soli Deo Gloria (To God alone be the Glory)

Donald L. Bauer, Choral & Contemporary Music Director