Sola fide – by faith alone
Sola Scriptura – by Word alone
Sola gratia – by grace alone
Solus Christus – by Christ alone
Soli Deo Gloria – glory to God alone

Dear brothers & sisters in Christ,
Grace and peace to you from God our Father and Jesus Christ the Lord and Savior. Amen.
On October 31st of 1517, a young Franciscan monk posted a list of 95 thesis on the church door in Wittenberg in modern-day Germany. This list was intended as an invitation to church leaders of the Roman Catholic Church to discuss those 95 issues. Due to various political, technological, economic, and social realities and perceptions of the time, that list was not received as an invitation to discussion. The Reformation was born and history took a sharp turn.
One of the motifs of the Reformation is the Luther Rose used in Martin Luther’s coat of arms. The five petals of the ‘rose’ signify the 5 ‘solas’ – faith alone, Word alone, grace alone, Christ alone, to God alone be the glory. These ‘solas’ provide a succinct synopsis of the Biblical ideals of the Reformers. They continue to ground us in our confession of faith.
Leading up to the 500th anniversary of that fateful All-Hallows’ Eve, we will be focusing on those 5 ‘solas’ during October. Each Sunday we will examine one of these key principles. Looking at the past, the present, and into the future – these 5 ideals impact our lives of faith. You are invited.
The grace and peace of God which surpasses all understanding keep your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Amen.
In Christ,
Pastor Carla

Therefore, since we are justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have obtained access to this grace in which we stand; and we boast in our hope of sharing the glory of God. (Romans 5:1-2)