To celebrate the 500th anniversary of the Reformation, a special service will be held at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Ridgeville at 3 p.m. Sunday, June 4.
The theme of the afternoon service is “Dr. Martin Luther’s Small Catechism in the Context of Historic Liturgy.” Published in 1529, his catechism, written in German, was complied as a result of religious instruction he led in his own home. Retaining the substance, an updated catechism is used in Lutheran youth education and confirmation classes today.
Luther, a German professor of theology, also was a musician and composer. Although he is well known for his hymn “A Mighty Fortress Is Our God,” he authored several hymns. As many as 31 are attributed to him in “A Lutheran Hymnal.”
Under the direction of David Moseley of Warrens, a 30-member joint choir will sing hymns Luther wrote to accompany lessons in the catechism. Also included will be Bach’s “Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring.”
Deb Doletzky of Tomah and Moseley will serve as accompanists on the pipe organ. A brass quartet under the direction of Todd Schendel of Iowa City, Iowa, will provide pre-service music and perform during the service.
The following will host the celebration: Pastor Mathew Minzlaff, pastor of St. Jacob’s in Norwalk, St. John’s in Ridgeville and St. Peter’s in Clifton, with assistance by Pastor Curt Bacchus of St. Paul in Tomah and Pastor John Meyer of St. John’s in Sparta. Holy Communion will be served.
Choir members come from area WELS churches: St. John’s, Ridgeville, Sparta and Kendall; St. Paul, Tomah; St. Matthew’s, South Ridge; and St. Peter’s, Clifton.
After the service, refreshments will be served in the church fellowship hall. The public is invited.
St. John’s Lutheran Church is located in Monroe County, on County Highway A south of Tomah and Sparta.