Celebrating Reformation Day on October 31st is very important to me. Each year we change it up a little bit, and we always hammer the 95 Thesis on our front door. This is not a day we choose to bash the Roman Catholic religion, but to explain to our children how God used Martin Luther to carry out His perfect plan. I was raised in a Catholic home and my parents are still practicing Catholicism. My parents and I agree to disagree on this matter. I would never want my children to disrespect my parents.
So knowing a little bit of my background, you can understand why Reformation Day is HUGE to me. I became a Christian 14 years ago and it was not until that season, I started reading and studying His Holy Word. I am a sinner saved by His grace alone.
Martin Luther preached that the Bible taught that forgiveness is a gift from God. Eternal life is a matter of faith, not what we say and do, and decisions about it belong to God, not the church. Luther believed that selling tickets to get into heaven was the church being selfish with greed and taking advantage of God’s chosen ones. He stressed the church was making a terrible mistake.
Here a several Reformation Sites and Ideas that we have done in the past.
Reformation Study – lots of great ideas including art projects, writing prompts, and activities
Design Your Own Coat of Armor
Luther’s Rose Coloring Sheet
Pin the Beard on the Theologian Game
The History of the Reformation
Explanation of Justification by Faith
A Mighty Fortress is our God – song and lyrics
Coloring Page – Martin Luther
Selected Works of Martin Luther
Martin Luther’s 95 Thesis – my children post a copy on our front door
Doorposts has an incredible resource to help you celebrate Reformation Day. We usually spend the afternoon watching the movie, Luther while the little ones nap. I highly suggest you preview this movie before allowing your children to watch it. There are gruesome scenes that might frightened little ones.
This year we will start our Reformation Study on Monday and dig a little deeper each day through Thursday. This year we will be participating in our church’s Fall Fest.
Have you pinned these FUN ideas yet?
Have you ever celebrated Reformation Day with your children?
Excellent! Thank you for putting all of these great resources together. We will be nailing those theses up this year.
This is great! I was raised and still attend the Lutheran Church. Reformation Day is a HUGE deal in my household. Now that my husband and I are expecting our first child, I have been looking for traditions to start. I love your resources gathered here! Pinning this for the future =)
Awesome ideas to celebrate the reformation. Thank you for sharing these at WJIM. Have a fabulous week.
This is so helpful! Excited about our Reformation lesson today!
I am so excited that it is a blessing to you, Stephanie.
Such great resources!