Essays by three Wartburg College professors are included in the newly published book “Together by Grace: Introducing the Lutherans.”

The Rev. Kathryn Kleinhans, professor of religion and the Mike and Marge McCoy Family Distinguished Chair in Lutheran Heritage and Mission; the Rev. Walter Bouzard Jr., professor of religion; and Karen Black, professor of music and the Rudi Inselmann Endowed Professor in Organ, each contributed to the book, which was published as part of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America’s celebration of the 500th anniversary of the Protestant Reformation, which will be commemorated in 2017.

Kleinhans also edited the book.

“We wanted the book to be a commemorative piece, something that people might buy for themselves or give as a gift, but we also wanted it to be something that could be used for years to come as the basis for a group discussion or book study,” Kleinhans said.

Her pieces include “It’s All About Grace,” “Lutheranism 101: Culture or Confession,” “Lutheranism 202” and “Organizing to Serve: Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Services, Lutheran World Relief, and Lutheran Services in America.” She also collaborated with Sarah Herzer, the music director of the Castle Church in Wittenberg to pen “Luther, Music, and the Reformation.”

Bouzard contributed “A Lutheran Educator Reflects on Religion and Science,” while Black added “J.S. Bach as Theologian-Musician.”

Kleinhans said the compilation of essays explores what it is like to be a Lutheran across time and around the world.

“We wanted to show how much Lutheranism has grown,” she said. “We didn’t want this to just be a book for the ‘usual suspects.’ We wanted to capitalize on this opportunity to educate people about the difference Lutheranism has made in the world.”

The book is available online or in The Wartburg Store on the Wartburg campus.

“Together by Grace,” is one of three books commissioned by the ELCA for the celebration. Also available is “The Reformation 500 Resource Book,” for pastors and church leaders, and “Papa Luther,” a graphic novel for the younger readers.