The Dove Newsletter
On October 25th, Hebron gathered for Reformation Sunday, taking time to remember our Lutheran heritage and the faith that brings us together. It was a wonderful opportunity to worship together and reflect on the enduring message of God’s grace, love, and forgiveness. Through scripture, prayer, hymns, and Holy Communion, we were reminded that we are saved by grace through faith. Our handbell choir enriched the service with the beautiful prelude music of “Onward, Christian Soldiers”. We give thanks for the generations who have shaped our church and for the community of faith we share today. May we continue to grow together in faith and carry Christ’s love into the world.
Sunday, October 25th, we gathered to dedicate our new playground, celebrating a wonderful addition to our community. We are grateful to the Walton and Ada Thompson Charitable Foundation of Madison, Virginia, whose generous funding made this project possible. Steve Engebretson spearheaded the project, bringing people together to turn the vision into reality. Many volunteers contributed their time and talents to help make the playground a success. We especially thank our community partner, Carlyle Weaver of Weaver Works Inc., for generously providing site preparation work. This new playground is a testament to what can be accomplished when a community comes together, and we look forward to the joy it will bring to children and families for years to come.
Above, a group photo from today’s service project.
God’s Work. Our Hands. Sunday – September 13
On Sunday, September 13, the congregation of Hebron Lutheran Church joined congregations across the ELCA in celebrating God’s Work. Our Hands. Sunday—a special day dedicated to putting our faith into action through service.
Following worship, our congregation came together for a hands-on service project: packing school backpacks filled with essential school supplies for local children in need. With support from Thrivent Financial, we worked together to prepare backpacks that will help local children begin the school year with supplies they need to learn and succeed.
The morning was a wonderful opportunity for people of all ages to work side by side, share fellowship, and make a meaningful difference in the lives of children in our community. Through this simple act of service, we were reminded that when we put our hands to work, we can be the hands of God’s love in our community.
Thank you to everyone who participated and helped make this special day a success!
God’s Work. Our Hands.
Join us at 10:00 a.m. each Sunday as we gather to worship our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Worship is also live-streamed on YouTube.
https://www.youtube.com/@HebronLutheran1717/streams
Hebron Lutheran Celebrated Annual Germanna Sunday
Hebron Lutheran Church welcomed visitors for its annual Germanna Sunday celebration, commemorating the faith and legacy of the German settlers who established one of America's earliest Lutheran congregations.
This year's observance featured a rare presentation of the 1748 Lutheran Liturgy, recognized as the first Lutheran liturgy used in colonial America. The historic service was carefully adapted through ongoing scholarship led by the Rev. James Kniseley. The sermon was delivered by Dr. Guy Erwin, President of United Lutheran Seminary in Pennsylvania.
A special highlight of the service was the display of a reproduction of the colonial clergy robe worn by the Rev. Peter Muhlenberg, one of colonial America's most influential Lutheran pastors and Revolutionary War leaders. The reproduction was created as part of a restoration effort supporting Muhlenberg's original robe and gave visitors a unique opportunity to experience an important piece of early American religious history.
Germanna Sunday was held as part of the 2026 Annual Historic Germanna Reunion and Conference, an annual gathering celebrating the history, heritage, and enduring legacy of Virginia's German settlers. Following the worship service, attendees enjoyed a boxed lunch featuring fried chicken and homemade sides prepared by Graves Mountain Lodge while continuing in fellowship.
The annual observance honored the 1714 and 1717 German immigrants who settled in Virginia under Governor Alexander Spotswood and whose descendants helped establish Hebron Lutheran Church. Through worship, history, scholarship, and fellowship, Germanna Sunday celebrated the enduring faith and lasting contributions of Virginia's early German settlers.
Hebron Lutheran Church was grateful to everyone who attended and helped make this year's Germanna Sunday a meaningful celebration of faith, heritage, and community.
“At the foot of the most charming little valley in Virginia, scarcely more than a rifle shot from where the Robinson River & White Oak run unite in a flush of bubbles, stands this old church nestled in a grove of oak trees.”
— A Hebron visitor in 1878
Contact
Please contact us with any questions.
Email Info@HebronLutheranVA.com
Phone (540) 948-4381
Address 899 Blankenbaker Road
Madison, Virginia 22727
(Mailing) P. O. Box 1009
Madison, Virginia 22727
Sunday Worship Service is held at 10:00 a.m.
Church office hours are by appointment.