Springfield, Ohio – The 2015-16 Wittenberg Series continues with a cherished university tradition, the annual Festival Choral Eucharist for Reformation, at 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 25, in historic Weaver Chapel. The preacher for the service is the Rev. Dr. Marcus Carl Lohrmann, Bishop of the Northwestern 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. and is 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.

The Rev. Dr. Marcus Lohrmann was elected bishop of the Northwestern Ohio Synod in 1998, and he is currently serving his third six-year term. He is also a long-serving member of Wittenberg’s Board of Directors. Bishop Lohrmann received his B.A. from Concordia Senior College of Fort Wayne, Indiana, and his M.Div. and D.Min. degrees from Christ Seminary-Seminex. He previously served churches in the St. Louis area and in Hicksville and Sylvania, Ohio. He and his wife Heidi have three adult children and several grandchildren.

Now in its 33rd 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 Nuggie Libecap at libecapn@wittenberg.edu. All Wittenberg Series events are free and open to the public.