The marking of the 500th Anniversary of the Reformation ought to be quite a milestone internationally. To help celebrate the event and our confessional roots, Scott R. Blazek has developed an affordable item to both introduce a whole new generation to this amazing turn of events that changed Western civilization, while reintroducing a jaded generation to the wonders of this “second greatest story ever told” since the New Testament. Written and illustrated by Blazek, “The 500th Anniversary of the Reformation, 1517 – a True Story to be Retold – 2017” coloring book is available for the cost of a greeting card, and can be shared in both home schooling, parochial classrooms, Bible classes, Summer Sunday Schools (combining age levels) , VBS, give-aways to visitors or at church fair booths, and more. Please see Coloring Books link for information on ordering.

      Blazek has also developed the concept and executed designs for the on-going medallion series: “Countdown to the Reformation’s 500th Anniversary, 1517 – 2017″, produced by the American Lutheran Publicity Bureau. Eight medallions in the nine piece series are now available including: # 1. Luther (lightning storm) Vows to Become a Monk – 1505; # 2. Luther Ordained a Priest – 1507; # 3. Luther’s Trip to Rome – 1510-11; # 4. Luther Made Doctor – 1512; # 5. Luther’s Tower Revelation – 1513; # 6. Frederick the Wise Blocks Teztel (2014), # 7. 600th Anniv. of Jan Hus’ Martyrdom (2015), and this year’s # 8. 500th Anniv. of Charles V, King of Spain (2016). The dies for the ninth and last medallion (2017) in the series are being worked on at the time of this writing. While inventory lasts, these medallions may be acquired by visiting www.alpb.org and are available in three types: .999 fine silver (one ounce); antiqued bronze and aluminum with a gold anodized finish. (See “Coins and Medallions – Available” link.) The aluminum version is affordable to purchase in quantities to give to Sunday School or parochial students or worshipers on a special Sunday, like Reformation Sunday. Also available from ALPB (for the cost of a greeting card) is a custom 9 x 12 inch “Countdown Collector Board” (suitable for framing) to display all nine medallions plus an opening for one obverse medallion. The reverse side of the board has a detailed description of each medallion. Those individuals, churches or schools collecting this series should find a renewed interest in the richness of Lutheran history which will especially enhance the gala celebration of the 500th anniversary of the Reformation in 2017.