A Preview of the 500th Reformation Celebration Dinner
By April Bayer
Over 700 students, faculty, alumni and visitors are expected to gather for worship and fellowship at a special service and German Fest dinner on Sunday, Oct. 29, as a part of Concordia’s 500th Reformation Celebration.
The event was organized by a special committee designated by President Brian Friedrich to plan all events involved with the 500th Reformation Celebration. The committee consists of volunteers including Director of Alumni and University Relations Jennifer Furr, Alumni Council Vice President Larry Noack, Associate Professor of Theology Ken Block, and Rev. Dr. John Mehl, who wanted to host a big event to culminate the university’s year-long celebration.
The service will begin at 3:30 p.m. in Walz Arena and will be led by Rev. Dr. Timothy Saleska, associate professor of exegetical theology at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis. The service will also feature scripture readings by students as well as performances by the University A Cappella Choir and Symphonic Band.
“(This day) is about fellowship and celebration,” Furr said. “The service is all about our faith and our love for our Savior.”
The German Fest dinner will begin in the Walz Fieldhouse immediately following the service.
The event will feature buffets for both adults and children. The adult menu will include a variety of German dishes such as asparagus salad, German potato salad, beef roulades, top round roast beef, chicken schnitzel with mushroom cream, bratwurst over sauerkraut, roasted red potatoes, brussels sprouts, assorted pretzel breads, cheese blintz with fruit topping and black forest cake. The children’s menu will include hot dogs, macaroni and cheese, and cookies.
Visitors will also be able to stop by information booths hosted by the dinner’s sponsors while they wait to get in line for the buffet. Sponsors include the LCMS Nebraska District Office, the Lutheran Church Extension Fund and the LCMS Foundation.
The dinner will also feature entertainment in the form of photo booth screens, a blowup Martin Luther and music from two local polka bands, The Firehouse Five and the Redeemer Lutheran Polka Band.
“The dinner is…church fellowship-focused,” Furr said. “(It’s) really a time for the Concordia family to come together and just celebrate this anniversary.”
All visitors and Concordia students are welcome and encouraged to attend the church service. Admission to the dinner requires pre-purchased tickets, which are now sold out. Visit https://reformation.cune.edu/ for more information about these events.
