Why do we celebrate Oktoberfest? St. Luke’s originally began with members of families who had immigrated to the United States from Germany. Our first church services held at St. Luke’s were in German and English, and the ladies of the church held traditional sauerbraten suppers. Of course, Martin Luther, himself, also hailed from Germany! Therefore, we celebrate Oktoberfest as a way of remembering our story, and also a way of remembering the story of the Protestant Reformation, which began when Martin Luther nailed his 95 Theses to the doors of the Castle Church in Wittenberg, Germany on October 31, 1757. His theses called for a reform in the Roman Catholic Church of his day, declaring that the purchase of indulgences did not earn anyone a place in heaven, for salvation is a gift of God, and we sinners are justified by grace through faith in Jesus, not by any works of our own!
Come celebrate with us at the Dorchester Boat Club at 148 Old Dorchester Trail. Bring a lawn chair and a drink of your own, as we gather for good food and fellowship, songs and fun.