Greetings and blessings to the congregations of the South Dakota Synod as together we commemorate the 500th Anniversary of the Reformation.
As we approach this milestone in the church’s history, we rejoice and give thanks for our confessional heritage and those, along with Martin Luther, who helped shape the Reformation movement.
This milestone is not just a time to look back on our Lutheran heritage and the story of Luther, it’s also a time to remember that though we were dead in our brokenness, through Christ’s death and resurrection, we too have been raised from the dead in our Baptism and set free to live a life as one of God’s children.
As the church is “always reforming”, remember that despite the changes in culture, and the changing landscape of our congregations, Christ is still the center of this church. It is His invitation to, “go and make disciples…teaching them everything that I have commanded you”, and we trust in his promise to be with us always.
Blessings to each of you as you continue to proclaim and live the Good News of Jesus Christ in and around your communities.
In Christ,
Bishop David B. Zellmer
