Return to the Heart: R2W 2026
Advertisement
The Year of our Lord 2026 marks the 10th anniversary of Return to Wittenberg (R2W)! The theme of our 10th annual conference, "Return to the Heart," celebrates another auspicious anniversary: The quincentennial of Luther's publication of the Deutsche Messe in 1526, which we will have the chance to experience together (translated into English) as part of the conference.
The Deutsche Messe, which means "German Mass," was Luther's prototypical example of what the principles of his 1523 "Order of the Divine Service in the Congregation" could practically look like in the German language. The structure was the same as his 1523 publication of a reformed Latin Mass, but with different musical and textual emphases as befitted the differences in culture and language.
On a deeper level, Luther's composition of the Deutsche Messe underscored a return to the heart of the Mass—Word and Sacrament—in much the same way that the entire Evangelical Reformation underscored a return to the heart of the Christian faith. That is, the understanding that we are not justified by a legalistic adherence to the letter of the Torah, but rather by faith in the unmerited gifts of God's grace that we receive through the death and life of our Lord Jesus Christ. All of this is to the end that we might live with Him in His Kingdom, which is found within you—in the heart.
We will take this theme of "Return to the Heart" to an even deeper level, considering what it means for each of us individually and for the cosmos as a whole for time and eternity. The contexts of the Feasts of the Reformation and All Saints, which will coincide with our 2026 dates, will help to scaffold our discussions and presentations.
Join us for an unforgettable weekend of fellowship, growth, and worship with your fellow brethren in our Lord Jesus Christ.
The Deutsche Messe, which means "German Mass," was Luther's prototypical example of what the principles of his 1523 "Order of the Divine Service in the Congregation" could practically look like in the German language. The structure was the same as his 1523 publication of a reformed Latin Mass, but with different musical and textual emphases as befitted the differences in culture and language.
On a deeper level, Luther's composition of the Deutsche Messe underscored a return to the heart of the Mass—Word and Sacrament—in much the same way that the entire Evangelical Reformation underscored a return to the heart of the Christian faith. That is, the understanding that we are not justified by a legalistic adherence to the letter of the Torah, but rather by faith in the unmerited gifts of God's grace that we receive through the death and life of our Lord Jesus Christ. All of this is to the end that we might live with Him in His Kingdom, which is found within you—in the heart.
We will take this theme of "Return to the Heart" to an even deeper level, considering what it means for each of us individually and for the cosmos as a whole for time and eternity. The contexts of the Feasts of the Reformation and All Saints, which will coincide with our 2026 dates, will help to scaffold our discussions and presentations.
Join us for an unforgettable weekend of fellowship, growth, and worship with your fellow brethren in our Lord Jesus Christ.
Advertisement
Where is it happening?
The DeKoven Center, 600 Caron Butler Drive (21st St.),Racine, Wisconsin, United States
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
Know what’s Happening Next — before everyone else does.
Host or PublisherReturn to Wittenberg
