An ecumenical service in St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Summit Hill, commemorated the 500th anniversary of The Reformation begun by Martin Luther in 16th-century Europe.

The service was conducted by the Rev. Marjorie Keiter, designated pastor of St. Paul’s.

The chorus of the First Presbyterian Church of Summit Hill participated under the direction of David Perkins.

Various members of the two churches took part in readings during the service.

In her sermon, Keiter said Martin Luther emphasized the importance of faith in his writings to the Romans.

She told the congregation, “I’m not going to preach about the Reformation. I’d like to talk about what we’re still supposed to be doing.”

She said, “We’re commanded to be people who love God.”

She said the gift of the Reformation is “knowing that you are so loved (by God).”

Explaining the ecumenical service, she said, “The 500th anniversary of the Reformation is commemorated in an age of ecumenical accountability. We receive the many fruits of the Reformation and we repent our wrongdoing and division. We engage a spiritual and theological challenge: telling our story from a perspective of unity, not division.”

David Wargo, president of the St. Paul’s Lutheran Church Council, said the service was planned by a committee consisting of Brian Buzik, Sherri Buzik, Maxine Vermillion, Dana Henninger and Bob Davis.

He said the celebration kicked off last week with a German dinner. It will continue on Sunday with a reading of the Lord’s Prayer in German.

Besides the participation of the Presbyterian Church choir, representing the church was retired pastor the Rev. F. Leon Morgan.

Traditional hymns were sung at the service including “A Mighty Fortress,” “Amazing Grace” and “Praise to the Lord.”