Day 2: Let's Get This Festival Started

We had some time this morning and early afternoon before the welcome BBQ began so we walked around downtown Wittenberg. 

In the centre of town is the Market Square where one of the most famous statues of Luther is located.  In the background is what was the town council building but is now a museum.   

We did some shopping and had a great meal served with a small sample of the local beverage.

We still had some time so we asked ourselves "What Would Luther Do?"  And the answer was: Play bocce in front of the Castle Church.  So that is what we did.

After the opening BBQ the first main session began.  Lost and Found sang and then we heard about the reformation from Luther Himself.  Tomorrow we will see some of the sights of the events he described.

The evening officially ended with Evening Prayer in the Castle Church.  This is the church where Luther nailed the 95 thesis, and the place where he often preached from.  He is buried beneath the pulpit (more about that another day).  The acoustics were incredible here and it was a wonderful experience to hear the Word of God, pray, and sing in this church.

We have only begun, but the trip has already been very rewarding.  Tomorrow we break into small groups for plenary sessions and will learn more about the reformation and the people of it while we visit some of these historic sites.