Visual Arts & Drama - Sunday 31 October, 2021 – Reformation Sunday

COLOUR AND DISPLAY

The colour for the day is red, the colour of fire and the Spirit. A very striking effect can be gained if the church is decorated in red on this day. Here are some suggestions:

  • Use red flowers in the sanctuary (or red and white, white depicting the pure word of God) Decorate the church with red streamers
  • Display a red drape with the words SAVED BY GRACE THROUGH FAITH, each word on a separate card and displayed appropriately on the drape. A large special Bible and red (or red and white) flowers could be added.
  • Display a pair of doors made of wood or thick cardboard, in an appropriate size to fit the display area, with a scroll representing the 95 theses pinned (or nailed) on. This could be finished with a red drape and red (or red and white) flowers, and a card reading ‘We hold that a person is justified by faith apart from works prescribed by the law. (Romans 3:28)’.
  • Display a red drape, a card with ‘I am not ashamed of the gospel; it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who has faith (Romans 1:16)’, a Bible, red (or red and white) flowers, a candelabra with red candles. Candles in the church are usually white. This is said to be because they symbolise Christ. However, on this occasion the candles on the altar and in the sanctuary could be red, to symbolise the fire of the Spirit.

ALTAR BIBLES

In the past, Lutherans have often placed a large Bible in the centre of the altar. In many ways this was appropriate, as the sacrament of holy communion was rarely celebrated. However, if the sacrament is celebrated, the vessels for the Eucharist should be placed in the centre of the altar. In fact, the proper place for the Bible is on the lectern, where it is to be used. However, for services of the word, and perhaps for days of special focus on the Bible, such as Reformation Day, the Bible may be placed open on the altar to show the special emphasis of the service.

SYMBOLS

Suitable symbols for the day are: Luther’s coat of arms (Luther’s rose) Symbols of the word, eg the symbol for St Paul of the open Bible over a sword pointing downwards, the symbol of the open Bible and the lamp of knowledge burning on it, or the ark or ship of the church Sermon and Reading Art Ideas with Sources

Altar Colour: Red

Images for This Week's Readings and Sermons

Images related to the readings and sermons for use in PowerPoints and other projections. The images are provided with permission. Please include the acknowledgements for any images you use. You can access excellent examples of church art relevant to each season of the Church year on the Visual Arts website. . The Luther Rose embroidery used on some of the slides below was taken with permission from the Visual Arts site, and was created by Chris Longmire.

PPT Slides (Widescreen): / Set 1 / Set 2 / Images related to the readings and sermons for use in PowerPoints and other projections. The images are provided with permission. Please include the acknowledgements for any images you use. You can access excellent examples of church art relevant to each season of the Church year on the Visual Arts website. . The Luther Rose embroidery used on some of the slides below was taken with permission from the Visual Arts site, and was created by Chris Longmire. / Set 4 / Set 5

PPT Slides (Standard): / Set 1 / Set 2 / Set 3 / Set 4 / Set 5

Simply download your preferred slides and copy the liturgy and songs into each slide.

Recommended Sources for Images

His Word in Pictures
Heartlight.org
Unsplash.com
Refreshed Art Designs
freebibleimages.org

Drama

Dramatising the Readings

The readings can be read by more than one person to make the dramatic meaning of the text clearer.

ENTRY OF THE WORD

If a procession is held at the beginning of the service, the reader for the day may carry in a large Bible at the head of the procession behind the processional cross. The one who carries it should use both hands to hold it vertically at shoulder height. When the procession reaches the sanctuary, the Bible may be placed open on the lectern, or – if holy communion is not celebrated – open on the altar. See the discussion above under ‘Altar Bibles’.

Drama Resources