Good Shepherd Lutheran Church invites the community to a service of Prayers for Healing and Hope on Tuesday, November 1 at 7:00pm. On All Saint’s Day, and one week before the national election, we will gather for a contemplative worship service to pray for healing and hope for individuals, the Decorah community and our nation.

We will remember saints who have gone before us, share scripture, light candles amidst the darkness and join our voices in song and prayer. We will include prayers for all affected by flooding and natural disasters. Good Shepherd Music Director Brooke Joyce, Pastor Amy Larson and Liz Rog will provide leadership for the service. All are welcome.

On Monday, October 31, Pope Francis, Bishop Munib Younan and General Secretary Martin Junge and others will be participating in a prayer service in the Lund (Sweden) Cathedral on the occasion of Lutherans and Catholics commemorating jointly the 500th anniversary of the Reformation.  The live-streaming of this event can be accessed at  http://www.lutheranworld.org/lund2016/livestream

The event is to begin at 2:30 pm Central European Time which translates to 7:30 am in Iowa, assuming a seven hour time difference. A related event will be held in Malmo (Sweden).  Access the link to confirm times.  The theme of the events is From Conflict to Communion-Together in Hope.

The Lutheran World Federation, a communion of churches based in Switzerland, is participating in the event which will highlight the solid ecumenical developments between Catholics and Lutherans and the joint gifts received through dialogue.  The diverse commemoration program of over 24 hours is marked by a liturgical service, commemoration event and press conferences.

REFORMATION SUNDAY, October 30, we will have a festival worship service and a Katie’s Table celebration after worship.   A hearty Fellowship Hour will include foods from Katie and Martin Luther’s table. Wear red on Reformation Sunday to celebrate how the fire of the Holy Spirit continues to reform us.

Pr. Amy Zalk Larson shared, “I’m not saying who will be the surprise guests for the children’s sermon this Sunday as we commemorate the Reformation. I’m only happening to tag Lise Kildegaard and Luther K Snow on our Facebook page. Make of that what you will. Thank you surprise guests!”

Reformation Sunday commemorates Martin Luther nailing his 95 Theses (propositions for debate) to the church door in Wittenberg, Germany.  Tradition holds that this occurred on October 31, 1517.   The theses challenged medieval church teaching and papal authority. The liturgical color of the day is red, which represents the Holy Spirit and the Martyrs of the Christian Church.

Tuesday October 25
7:00 p.m. – CLA Circle, Fellowship Hall, Baby Care Kits
7:00 p.m. – Congregational Council Meeting

Wednesday, October 26
7:30 a.m. – Men’s Breakfast
6:00 p.m. – Handbell Choir Practice
7:00 p.m. – Choir Rehearsal
8:00 p.m. – Band Rehearsal

Thursday, October 27
10:00 a.m. – Bible Study with Pastor Amy

Sunday, October 30 – Reformation Sunday
8:45 a.m. – Choir and Band Rehearsal
9:30 a.m. – Worship with Holy Communion BROADCAST
10:30 a.m. – Fellowship Hour
10:45 a.m. – Sunday School
10:45 a.m. – Fellowship Hour: Katie’s Table Celebration