"At the Edge of the Cross" - Solingen's Reformation Day Service on October 31st
The Protestant Church in Solingen will hold a special service on October 31 to mark Reformation Day. Titled Showing Up on the Margins, the event begins at 7:00 PM at the Evangelical Church of Widdert. The evening will also honour two local clergy for their long-standing service.
Reformation Day commemorates Martin Luther’s posting of the 95 Theses in 1517, a pivotal moment for the Protestant Church. Each year, congregations across Germany hold services to reflect on this history.
The Solingen service will feature contributions from Reverend Almut Hammerstaedt-Löhr, Reverend Kristina Ziegenbalg, and Reverend Thomas Schorsch. Superintendent Dr. Ilka Werner will deliver a short sermon and present congratulations to two milestones: Pastor Matthias Clever’s 25th ordination anniversary and lay preacher Klaus Dahl’s 10th year of service.
Music will be provided by Solingen’s pop cantor Manuel Füsgen, the band Crossfire, the trombone choir Pustekuchen, and a project choir of local pastors. After the service, the Evangelical Church District will host a small reception.
This event also marks a transition for Hammerstaedt-Löhr. After ten years leading the church’s membership office, she has taken up a new pastoral role in Solingen-Mitte. Her induction took place earlier this month.
The service brings together clergy, musicians, and the public to observe a key date in Protestant tradition. It also highlights the ongoing work of local pastors and lay leaders. Nearly half of Germany’s population still identifies as Christian, though major denominations face growing challenges.
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