On September 15, 2024, the congregation of Muhlenberg Lutheran Church celebrated 175 years of history at a special banquet in the Muhlenberg Activities Center (the “MAC”). Attendees enjoyed live music, a catered meal, special Muhlenberg desserts, the unveiling of Muhlenberg’s heritage signature quilt, as well as the presentation of Muhlenberg's history book, commemorative woodcut, and a special video "collage" of member interviews. See below for photos and videos from the event, as well as additional ordering information for some of our commemorative items!
In the spirit of supporting our church and its ministries that we experienced at this wonderful banquet, please consider making a donation to Muhlenberg Lutheran Church. Please click the button below to review your giving options, and thank you!
The Muhlenberg History Book: A Wellspring of God's Grace
Pick Up Muhlenberg's Newest History Book Today! Muhlenberg has been blessed with an updated account of our 175 years, carefully compiled by Muhlenberg member Terry Caywood. This beautiful book is available to all households (one per family) at no cost. If you'd like to purchase an additional copy, they are available for $10 each. Stop by the Gathering Area today or next Sunday (September 29) to pick up your book. You may also contact the church office (540-434-3496, i[email protected]) during regular office hours (M-F, 10:00am-3:00pm) to arrange for getting your book. We hope you enjoy diving into this newest telling of the Muhlenberg story!
The Muhlenberg Woodcut Keepsake
Church Building for Sale! Not our actual church building, of course...but an expertly crafted wooden replica of Muhlenberg Lutheran Church by the Cat's Meow Village. It's a meaningful keepsake specially commissioned for our 175th Anniversary. The 3/4” thick heirloom piece measures 4 1/2" high x 7 1/2" wide. Each replica is $25. Order deadline is October 27, with delivery in early December - just in time for Christmas gifts! Order forms are available in the Gathering Area. You can place an order in person between services at church or turn your order into the church office during the week. Contact Dave Barnes ([email protected]) with any questions.
The Muhlenberg Signature Quilt
A Stitch in Time and History Part of our 175th celebrations included the unveiling of the Muhlenberg Signature Quilt. This quilt, designed and crafted by Muhlenberg member Kelly Zuber, contains hundreds of signatures from the Muhlenberg community. It reflects a year in the life of Muhlenberg not just through these signatures, but through the liturgical colors representing the seasons of the church year. The cross is prominent in the center of the quilt, while the vibrant colors radiate out from the center, representing the love of Jesus Christ that we take out into the world. The corners contain the Luther Rose and the ELCA logo, reminding us of our foundational faith and the wider global mission of our church. This truly stunning work of art is now off to Muhlenberger Erin Burke, who will use a long arm sewing machine to quilt it and give it batting and backing. Once the quilt is complete, it will be displayed in our church building as a reminder of this milestone year in our congregation's life.
The Muhlenberg Interview Video Project: A Preview
Over the past year, Muhlenberg has been recording interviews with some cherished members of our congregation in order to capture wonderful reminiscences, stories, and glimpses into Muhlenberg's past. Long-time church member and volunteer Mary Elizabeth Skinner and Muhlenberg Communication Minister Christian Perritt have worked tirelessly to collect these interviews - and a preview "collage" of what's been recorded so far was presented at the banquet. Full edits of each interview will be uploaded to this webpage and YouTube in the coming months. Please enjoy this snapshot!
Muhlenberg In the News!
The 175th Anniversary Banquet received some great news coverage, thanks to WHSV! Check out the news story HERE.
Upcoming 175th Anniversary Events: Tours and Speakers!
LOCAL HISTORY AND MUHLENBERG SPEAKER SERIES Each presentation will be held in the Nielsen Room from 10:00 am until 10:45 am. October 13 - "A civil war has ensued, which has convulsed our whole land": Harrisonburg and Muhlenberg during the Civil War Civil War historian (and former Muhlenberg member) Dale Harter will give a presentation on the Civil War in Harrisonburg, 1861-1865. Dale will provide an overall look at the war in Harrisonburg and talk about how the church and its members were directly affected by the conflict. November 10 - Glimpses into 1849: Virginia Lutherans, Harrisonburg, & Muhlenberg Muhlenberg member Robert Alley will give a presentation about the formation of the Lutheran Church in Virginia in the late 1840’s as the Muhlenberg congregation was founded. November 17 -Early History of Harrisonburg Local historian Evan Knappenberger will share his expertise on the founding and early days of the Harrisonburg community.
TOURS OF MUHLENBERG History Tour Wednesday, October 9 - 12:00Noon and 6:00 pm; Sunday, October 13 at 1:00pm Learn the history of Muhlenberg Lutheran Church in this guided tour of the main church building. Hear the story of how the house of worship we know and love today came to be, and get to know the faithful people who stewarded this story. Mission and Ministry Tour Wednesday, October 16 at 12:00Noon and 6:00 pm; Sunday, October 20 at 2:00pm Explore the mission and ministry of Muhlenberg in this unique prayer tour of the building and grounds. Learn unique parts of our history of service to the community and join in praying together for a faithful future. Art and Architecture Tour Wednesday, November 6 at 1:00pm and 6:00pm; Sunday, November 10 at 1:00pm Discover the art and architecture of Muhlenberg in this guided tour of the church building and grounds. Sacred art and sacred space have helped generations of the faithful to learn God's story, and there are more stories being told around the halls of Muhlenberg than you may realize!