Submitted photo The Reformation Recital, Oct. 26 at St. John’s Lutheran Church, Lewistown, will feature Cora Rankin (left) and Geneva Kelly. Rankin will sing while Kelly choreographed her own ballet dance to 'Once Upon a December' from 'Anastasia.'

LEWISTOWN — For over three decades, St. John’s Lutheran Church has performed a Reformation Recital. This year, it will be held on Oct. 26 starting at 3 p.m. The church is located at 120 N. Main St., Lewistown.

The recital depicts the beginning of the protestant church, commemorating when Martin Luther posted the 95 theses, or points of disagreements he had with the Roman Catholic Church. The 95 theses were posted on the door of the Castle Church in Wittenberg in 1517.

“This event is St. John’s outreach to the community,” explained Scott Price. “It is an afternoon of music and fellowship.”

At 3 p.m., the tolling of the Reformation Bell will mark the beginning of the festivities. Pastor Allen Hulslander will give a welcome, then there will be the reenactedment of Martin Luther nailing the 95 Theses to the church door followed by a number of special performances.

Mrs. Patricia Loudenslager, the director of music and organist at St. John’s has organized the program for the last several years, taking up the mantle yet again.

“We are so blessed to have (Loudenslager), as many churches do not have an organist to play for their Sunday services.” shared Price.

In addition to coordinating the event, Loudenslager helps prepare performers, assists with rehearsals and even accompanies performers if needed.

Musical performances this year will include a trumpet duet by Peter Heaney and Graham Sanders; Fair Winds V consisting of Laurel Sanders playing the flute, Diane Haldeman playing the oboe, Jenny Koberna playing the clarinet, Stephanie Law playing the horn, and Lisa Schwartz playing the bassoon; Peter Marsh on the handbells; Joy Wagner performing on the piano; a piano and organ duet by Terri Limes and Loudenslager; and a celtic whistle and cello duet by Bill Cullingford and Rev. Ela J. Robertson.

Vocal performances will include the Singing strings – Carol Goss, Ken Longfield and Rhoda McClain, who will be performing with Lynn Peachey playing the dulcimer and Doug See playing the guitar; a vocal and guitar performance by Dr. Rich Burns; a vocal trio composed of Josh Hill, Jane Piper and Chris Prough accompanied by Kevin Zook on the piano; Rex Goss will be performing a vocal with Robertson on the Cello; and the 8 To The Bar Sisters- director, Terri Limes, Pauli Belfiore, Chris Ferencz, Lori Thomas, Katie Becker, Freda Richard and Stephanie Diehl.

Additional performances will include Cora Rankin, performing a solo while Geneva Kelly performs a ballet dance and a Lyrical Worship Dance performed by Abi Riden, Leah Donovan and Eden Peight. Jennifer Donovan is the choreographer.

There will be a free will offering taken during the recital with proceeds going to the quarterly tuning of the Steinway piano. Also, there will be light refreshments served by the Barnabas Brothers, the church men’s group, in the fellowship hall following the recital.

Church services will remain normal the day of the recital. Worship service begins at 9 a.m. with Sunday School to follow at 10:15 a.m.