The 2016-17 Wittenberg Series continues with a cherished university tradition, the annual Festival Choral Eucharist for Reformation, at 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 30, in historic Weaver Chapel. The special guest preacher for the service is The Rev. Abraham Allende, Bishop of the Northeastern 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 Wittenberg Handbell Choir, directed by Professor Emerita of Music Trudy Faber. The Wittenberg Choir and the Wittenberg Singers, directed by Visiting Assistant Professor of Music Erik Zinter, will provide special music during the service, along with the handbell choir.
Allende was installed to the office of Bishop of the 180 congregations in the Northeastern Ohio Synod of the ELCA in 2014. Prior to his installation, he served the Lutheran Church of the Covenant in Maple Heights, Ohio, and was also pastor and mission developer of Iglesia Luterana La Trinidad in Canton, Ohio, the first church in the synod to worship in Spanish, according to an article in the Akron Beacon Journal.
Ordained as minister of Word and Sacrament in the ELCA on Jan. 18, 2003, Allende is a second-career pastor holding who held successful positions in the fields of education, broadcasting and baseball administration. He was a Spanish and French teacher at Akron City Schools for six years before becoming a sportscaster at various media outlets in North Carolina and Ohio for more than 20 years. He then worked for the Cleveland Indians’ front office before going into the seminary.
A native of Bayamon, Puerto Rico, and raised in the Pittsburgh, Pa., area, Allende and his wife, Linda, currently make their home in Plain Township, Ohio. He earned his undergraduate degree in education at California University of Pennsylvania, and received theological training at Trinity Lutheran Seminary in Columbus, Ohio.
Now in its 34th year, the Wittenberg Series brings distinguished lecturers and performing artists of national and international prominence to the Wittenberg campus and Springfield community. To make special arrangements, request a Series poster, or become a friend of the Wittenberg Series, contact Lisa Watson at WatsonL4@wittenberg.edu. All Wittenberg Series events are free and open to the public.
Additional 2016-17 Wittenberg Series Events:
- Tuesday, Nov. 1: Allen J. Koppenhaver Literary Lecture, 7:30 p.m., Bayley Auditorium featuring Eavan Boland, poet.
- Monday, Nov. 14: Concert with Sybarite5, 7:30 p.m., Weaver Chapel.
- Friday, Dec. 9: Lessons and Carols, 7:30 p.m. (Pre-service at 7 p.m.), Weaver Chapel.
- Monday, Jan. 16, 2017: Martin Luther King Jr. Convocation, 11:15 a.m., Weaver Chapel featuring Dorothy Tillman, Civil Rights Activist and former Chicago Alderman.
- Thursday, Feb. 16, 2017: Concert with Goldstein, Peled, Fiterstein Trio, 7:30 p.m., Weaver Chapel.
- Wednesday, March 15, 2017: - IBM Endowed Lecture in the Sciences, 7:30 p.m., Bayley Auditorium featuring Valentina Salapura, IBM.
- Friday, March 31, 2017: William A. Kinnison Endowed Lecture, 7:30 p.m., Bayley Auditorium featuring Michael Blakey.
