Reformation Sunday • October 30, 2022 • Worship Table Decorations

Honoring the reformed tradition is the purpose of Reformation Sunday, this year celebrated the day before Halloween — hence, the tartan pumpkin with tam o’shanter on the worship table!

The Presbyterian Church had its origins in Scotland, which is why you will see tartan decor today. Tartans affiliated with several Bethany families were draped on the table alongside Celtic crosses and framed quotes from Martin Luther and John Calvin, leading “reformers” whose work helped found the Protestant church. You’ll also spot a “wee Highland koo” (the shaggy cattle raised in Scotland) and a silk scarf depicting the Book of Kells, the historic illuminated Celtic manuscript of the four New Testament gospels.

The Martin Luther quote showing the church features the “kirk” (church) bell tower dedicated in 1884 at Insch Presbyterian Church in Aberdeenshire, Scotland; that church was pastored at the time by Rev. Archibald Storie, great-grandfather of Bethany members Bob Betts and Dodie Elswood.