Pastor Jim toured parts of Europe after serving two weeks as part of the Wittenberg English Ministry.

WITTENBERG, Germany — The Rev. Dr. James Stoltenberg, Interim Pastor at Lake Oconee Lutheran Church, recently had the opportunity to lead worship for two weeks at two historic Lutheran churches in Wittenberg, Germany, where Reformation leader Martin Luther preached and taught in the 16th century.

Pastor Jim greatly enjoyed this two week leadership role in the Wittenberg English Ministry program interacting with Christians from all over the world. A group of 43 Christians from Singapore visited one day along with their church organist, who played the organ at the Corpus Christi Kapella. Included in the many Christians was an Atlanta woman who keeps her boat at Lake Oconee.

The Wittenberg English Ministry, a program that runs from May through October each year, is led by pastors from many different countries. English worship services are held each Saturday at either the Castle Church or the City Church. Devotional services in English are also led at the Corpus Christi Chapel three times a week. In addition, a Stammtisch (or Table Talk) is held once a week in a town pub for Germans desiring to learn to speak English.

Both of the historic churches, which were locations of events during the 16th century Reformation, are undergoing extensive renovations as the city of Wittenberg gears up for the 500th anniversary of the Reformation. Some of Pastor Jim’s photos show banners hanging in Wittenberg pronouncing the 2017 anniversary date. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the City Church must preserve its history, architecture and culture.

Wittenberg is the site where Martin Luther, Catholic priest and professor of theology, led the Protestant Reformation movement in the 16th century Christian Church. He nailed his 95 theses to the door of the Castle Church in Wittenberg on Oct. 31st, 1517, in protest of the sale of indulgences, payments made at the time for freedom from God’s punishment for sin. Luther taught that salvation and eternity in heaven is not earned by good deeds, but is received as a free gift of God’s grace through the Redeemer from sin: Jesus Christ.

Luther preached in sermons later about the need to return to trust in God’s word rather than violence to bring about necessary change, plus the need to return to Christian values such as love, patience, charity and freedom.

During their European travel, Pastor Jim and his wife Judy were also able to include spiritual retreat in Iona, Scotland, a driving tour of northern Ireland and visits to the cities of Dresden and Prague.