School Newsletter | 10/08/2026

Join Us at ReformationFest!

ReformationFest Is October 25: Faith, Family & Fun for the Whole Community

What do you get when you combine German food, family games, a little Lutheran history, and a whole lot of fun? ReformationFEST! St. John Lutheran Church and School invites families, friends, neighbors, and members of the community to join us on Sunday, October 25, from 12:00–3:00 p.m. for an afternoon of food, fellowship, games, and celebration.

Whether you’ve been part of St. John for years or you’ve never stepped inside our doors, you are welcome at ReformationFest!

What is the Reformation?

The Reformation refers to a movement in 16th-century Christianity that sought to return the Church to the truth of God's Word. On October 31, 1517, Martin Luther, a German monk and professor of theology, famously presented his 95 Theses, raising concerns about practices in the Church—particularly the sale of indulgences—and calling for a deeper conversation about repentance, forgiveness, and the authority of Scripture.

The Reformation ultimately led to significant changes throughout Western Christianity. Martin Luther and others emphasized the good news that we are saved by God's grace through faith in Jesus Christ, not by earning God's favor through our own works. The Lutheran Church grew out of this reform movement, continuing to proclaim the central message of Scripture: salvation is God's gift, given freely through Christ.

That message remains at the heart of who we are at St. John. While ReformationFEST is certainly a celebration, it is also an opportunity to share the joy of the Gospel and introduce our community to the faith and people that make St. John a special place.

Come for the Food. Stay for the Fun!

ReformationFEST is designed for the whole family, with something for everyone to enjoy.

This year's festivities will include:

  • Free bounce house and obstacle course

  • Cake Walk

  • Step-and-repeat photo opportunity with Martin Luther

  • German food and drinks, including brats, traditional German sides, plus a kids menu of hot dogs, chips, and applesauce! 

  • Raffle prizes and auction (click here to see a list of items) 

  • A stained-glass Luther's Rose, beautifully created by two of our own St. John members, will be available through the auction

And, of course, there will be plenty of opportunities to visit with friends, meet new people, and enjoy an afternoon together.

Reserve Your Meal—and Get a Bonus!

The menu will be a traditional German meal of Claus’ authentic Brats, homemade German potato salad, sauerkraut, green beans, and applesauce (kids menu: hot dogs, chips, applesauce).

We ask families to RSVP in advance so we know how many brats and hot dogs to prepare.

RSVP for ReformationFest

Sign up by October 18 and you'll not only be guaranteed your choice of meat—you'll also receive a complimentary raffle ticket!

Prefer to register in person? A sign-up table will be available at St. John over the next two weekends.

Suggested meal prices are $10 for adults and $5 for children, payable online in advance or at the event. ReformationFest is made possible through free-will offerings and generous donations.

To experience the joy of serving together, sign up to volunteer here! 

And if you'd like to show your ReformationFest spirit, official event T-shirts are available to order:

Order the official ReformationFest T-shirt

Come Celebrate With Us!

At St. John, we believe the Gospel is something worth celebrating—and sharing. ReformationFest is one way we open our doors, gather as a community, and celebrate the faith we have received through generations.

So bring your family. Invite a neighbor. Come hungry. And come ready for an afternoon of faith, family, food, and fun!

ReformationFest
Sunday, October 25, 2026 | 12:00–3:00 p.m.
St. John Lutheran Church & School
6630 Southeastern Avenue, Indianapolis, IN

All are welcome!