From Faith D’Urbano+
Dating from Martin Luther nailing his 95 theses to the door of the Church in Wittenberg, the Reformation now marks 500 years. The Episcopal Church and St. John’s is inviting parishioners to reflect on Luther and his legacy.
Why might Episcopalians be excited about a course on Luther? I can tell you my own excitement. It was as a seminarian I first learned that Episcopalians and Lutherans had been for years and years in serious dialog for their churches to sculpt a visible, action union of witness and service to the world.
As a student I not only learned history, I watched the walk-up to this fabulous unity. Having studied the Lutheran-Episcopal document, “Called to Common Mission,” I reveled in its co-signing by the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America and the Episcopal Church of the United States. And I, with others, cried in jubilation during the very first and most significant outcome of the officially adopted agreement – a joint Episcopal-Lutheran celebration of Holy Communion, New York City, 2001. How palpable Christ’s call “…that all may be one”!
More close to home yet, because of the relationship between the denominations, exchangeability of clergy and members was permitted. As a priest, I came within inches of a call to witness and serve with a Lutheran congregation in a nearby inner city. Though this dream did not transpire due to health reasons, I am still ever grateful for experiencing the process of discerning mutual call with those brother and sister Christians. What an opportunity to learn from each other’s faith!
I am eager to take a course about Luther today. This one is short, and, if similar to other ChurchNext offerings, the course promises to be quite worthwhile.
Won’t you join me? Catch the course at home. Come to Adult Formation (Jan. 29 and/or Feb. 5 in Becker House) and discuss the question “What would Luther do today?” Bring a cup of coffee.
Description of the course:
A free, ChurchNext pre-recorded online class, “What Would Luther Do Today? with Elizabeth Eaton,” is taught by the Presiding Bishop of the Lutheran Church (ELCA), who is inviting the world to commemorate the life, legacy, and relevant teachings of reformer Martin Luther. Her class is rich in resources and inspiration and will be offered for free to all January 16-30.
“Jesus is asking the Church to pay more attention to the issues of poverty, climate change, human rights, and ecumenism – and Martin Luther offers a profound message to us in this regard,” says Eaton, “My hope is that Christ will use this class to inspire and invigorate Christians to follow Jesus more closely, engage in positive social change, and enter the next 500 years with a renewed faith in God’s grace and providence.”
In this course, students will learn more about Luther and make relevant connections that can lead to changes in our own days. The class is a series of video lectures, self-correcting question and answer, and discussions. No special software is required. It takes about 45 minutes for a learner, at average pace, to complete. Registration is free and open to all.
Click here for more information and to register,
or go to churchnext.tv > Menu > The Big Class
St. John’s will hold two adult conversations, between services on January 29 and February 5, to share thoughts about the course content, which has potential connections to our outreach, evangelism, stewardship (environmental), and other ministries. Join us for one or both sessions in Becker House!
(Note: Registration is free, and ChurchNext does not share contact info with other organizations.)