Autumn approaches, and what an autumn it will be! St. Timothy will observe two anniversaries in the fall of 20. First is St. Timothy’s Diamond Anniversary. Our congregation incorporated on the feast of St. Michael and All Angels, September 29, 1957, which means we’re turning 60. We’ll celebrate that anniversary on the Sunday closest to Michaelmas, October 1, with a combined festival service (only one Sunday liturgy) at 9:30, followed by an anniversary brunch in the Fellowship Hall. While we dine, we’ll look at photos old and new of life at St. Tim’s, and we’ll have an opportunity to answer questions about the pictures we see. Throughout the day, James Koppenal and Ed Cleaver will be taking our pictures for a new, online St. Timothy photo directory.

The other anniversary falls at the end of October, 10/29 to be exact. This date commemorates the 500th anniversary of Luther’s posting 95 Theses on the doors of the Castle Church in Wittenberg, signifying the start of the Reformation. Although October 31, the Eve of All Saints, was the day on which Luther posted the theses, we’re celebrating the anniversary on the Sunday closest to Reformation Day. On October 29 we’ll again gather for a combined service at 9:30, followed by a German theme luncheon. We’re calling this observance Luther Fest 500.

Both anniversary celebrations offer something for everyone. I’ll preach children’s sermons on both October 1 and 29. After the children’s sermon, Hannah and Christian Wantula will gather the younger kids for fun and learning while their parents and older siblings remain at worship. In conjunction with Luther Fest, we’ll also have a chance to view Rick Steves’ new video, “Luther and the Reformation” and maybe the classic, award-winning, “Martin Luther” from 1953.

We’ve intentionally worked to make both celebrations affordable. Unlike previous congregational anniversaries where everyone gathered for a formal dinner at a local restaurant or banquet hall, we’ve decided to eat in the Fellowship Hall. The 60th anniversary dinner will be a very special pot luck brunch. While participants are encouraged to contribute food items to the meal (see the sign-up sheet on the church’s main floor), St. Timothy will provide meat, beverages, bagels, and muffins. And, unlike our traditional Oktoberfest, tickets won’t be sold for Luther Fest. Traditional German fare will be served, and except for “traditional German beverages,” St. Timothy will provide the food and drink. Both anniversary meals this fall are offered free of charge in order that everyone can enjoy them.

By the time you read this, sign-up sheets for the 60th anniversary celebration will be posted on the main floor bulletin board, to the left of the elevator. Please plan to join your brothers and sisters in join together in celebrating God’s continuing goodness.

In Jesus’ name,

Pastor Robert M. Mountenay