World Communion of Reformed ChurchesAll invited to join Reformation Day worship service
Leaders of the World Communion of Reformed Churches will gather for a Reformation Day worship service at the Waldensian Church at the Piazza Cavour, in Rome, Italy, on 30 October at 13:00 (CET).
The service will be live-streamed in English, Spanish, and French through Facebook. All are invited to join.
The service will follow the 2022 Reformation Day order of worship, “Witnessing to the God of Life,” created in conjunction with the Calvin Institute of Christian Worship (CICW).
“The theme of the service honors the contribution of Kim Yong-Bock, who died in April 2022, to ecumenical theology. In the service we will give thanks and praise to the God of Life and pray for God’s blessing on the Reformed churches, the global church, and the entire creation, which has been groaning until now, but in hope ‘will be set free from its bondage to decay and will obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God,’” said Kathy Smith, CICW senior associate director, citing Romans 8.
Songhee Chai, an ordained minister in the Presbyterian Church of Korea, will bring the message, interacting with children from the congregation.
“The Waldensians have had a tremendous legacy of faithfulness, love, and perseverance since pre-Reformation times, even amidst the most challenging conditions. It will be an honor to be hosted by the Waldensians in Rome for this Reformation Sunday worship service, especially considering their steadfast Christian witness and ecumenical vocation,” said Maria Eugenia Cornou, CICW associate director and program manager for international & intercultural learning.
A special moment that is not contained in the original liturgy will be prayers offered by a group of South Africans on a pilgrimage for justice and peace. Connecting virtually on their trek, they will offer prayers for the Communion.
The order of worship can be downloaded in English and Spanish, as well as in parallel English/Italian (as used as the service).
The recorded live-streams can be watched through the following links: