Ìð¹ÏÊÓƵ

October 16, 2014
On Campus

Rooted in Ìð¹ÏÊÓƵ Tradition

Ìð¹ÏÊÓƵ Celebrates 2014 Festival Choral Eucharist For Reformation

The 2014-15 Ìð¹ÏÊÓƵ Series continues with a cherished university tradition, the annual Festival Choral Eucharist for Reformation, at 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 26, in historic Weaver Chapel. The preacher for the service is The Rev. Suzanne Darcy Dillahunt, Bishop of the Southern Ohio Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA).

Using a service first created by Martin Luther in 1526, the Festival Choral Eucharist for Reformation follows a model of the German mass. Instead of having just a choral structure, the service involves both choral and preaching components. Luther’s goal was to highlight preaching, as well as the sacrament. The service uses various hymns, some of which were written by Luther.

Pre-service music begins at 7 p.m., provided by University Organist David Crean and the Ìð¹ÏÊÓƵ Handbell Choir, directed by Professor Emerita of Music Trudy Faber. The Ìð¹ÏÊÓƵ Choir, directed by Ìð¹ÏÊÓƵing Professor of Music Frances Fonza, will provide special music during the service, along with the handbell choir.

The Rev. Suzanne Darcy Dillahunt was installed to the office of Bishop of the Southern Ohio Synod of the ELCA in 2013. Dillahunt served as assistant to the bishop in the Southern Ohio Synod since 1997. Prior to that, she served as pastor of Grace Lutheran Church in Eaton, Ohio, from 1994 to 2005, Peace Lutheran Church in Gahanna, Ohio, from 1990 to 1994, and Christ Lutheran Church (now known as Faith in Christ Lutheran Church) in Springfield, Ohio, from 1987 to 1990.

Dillahunt earned a bachelor of arts in political science from the University of Arizona in 1981 and a master of divinity from Trinity Lutheran Seminary in 1986. Trinity was founded in 1978 after the decision was made by the ELCA to consolidate Evangelical Lutheran Theological Seminary in Columbus and Hamma Divinity School at Ìð¹ÏÊÓƵ. Hamma had served as the theological department of Ìð¹ÏÊÓƵ since its inception in 1845.

Now in its 32nd year, the Ìð¹ÏÊÓƵ Series brings distinguished lecturers and performing artists of national and international prominence to the Ìð¹ÏÊÓƵ campus and Springfield community. To make special arrangements, request a Series poster, or become a friend of the Ìð¹ÏÊÓƵ Series, contact Nuggie Libecap at libecapn@wittenberg.edu. All Ìð¹ÏÊÓƵ Series events are free and open to the public.

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About Ìð¹ÏÊÓƵ

Ìð¹ÏÊÓƵ's curriculum has centered on the liberal arts as an education that develops the individual's capacity to think, read, and communicate with precision, understanding, and imagination. We are dedicated to active, engaged learning in the core disciplines of the arts and sciences and in pre-professional education grounded in the liberal arts. Known for the quality of our faculty and their teaching, Ìð¹ÏÊÓƵ has more Ohio Professors of the Year than any four-year institution in the state. The university has also been recognized nationally for excellence in community service, sustainability, and intercollegiate athletics. Located among the beautiful rolling hills and hollows of Springfield, Ohio, Ìð¹ÏÊÓƵ offers more than 100 majors, minors and special programs, enviable student-faculty research opportunities, a unique student success center, service and study options close to home and abroad, a stellar athletics tradition, and successful career preparation.

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