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The 40th anniversary for the Annual Equipping the Saints sponsored by the Bluebonnet Conference of ELCA Congregations will be celebrated in 2024. The all-day event is being hosted by St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, 400 N. Esplanade, Cuero on Saturday, Feb. 3. This year’s theme is “Celebrating the Past, Understanding the Present and Preparing for the Future.”
Equipping the Saints is known for its many workshops that provide important insights and Biblically based practical tools to equip people to do congregational and community ministry and mission. There will be opportunities for personal and spiritual growth, table fellowship (catered meal) with Christians of area congregations, childcare for young children of attendees, and the experience of worship as the body of Christ. While the event is sponsored by ELCA (Lutheran) congregations of a 10-county area, it is open to persons of all denominations. Join us for this special opportunity and invite friends and neighbors to attend. People must register beforehand.
The Rev. Herb Beyer, ETS Chair commented: “Our world, the culture and people are rapidly changing. There are those who readily embrace developing technology, others overwhelmed about the developments, and others who worry about our dependence and its dangers. How can we lift up the importance of developing and strengthening our relationship with God, one another, and our neighbor in need? The Church struggles with how to best reach persons with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. We experience the polarization of America, the growing lack of civility, confusion and conflict, and believers drifting away from a life within the Church. Shall we embrace a fearful uncertainty, or grab hold of a faith-driven future that God will lead us into a hopeful and fruitful future? And what tools and resources are available to us in this journey ahead?
We face a crisis at this point in communities, nations and the world. We have faced so many “storms” and struggles in recent years. Many rely on lesser things in solving their lives and society's problems. In a crisis, people either grow closer to or farther from God. Now is a time of opportunity, and that is to invite and challenge people to once again turn to God. The power and presence of Christ, the Cross, and the Church can serve to bring people together, to work for health and healing, and to guide us in caring for ourselves, one another, and our neighbors in need. But we must explore new ways of being present for persons.”
People can register in any of the following ways: Materials are available through area ELCA Congregations or Registration by E-mail: [email protected]; Registration by Phone: 361-275-2845, Church Office; Fax: 361-275-6726; Registration Materials available through website: https://stmarkscuero.com; or contact Pastor Herb Beyer, ETS Chair 361-798-0155, [email protected].
Speakers and workshop leaders include Bishop Sue Briner, Southwestern Texas Synod, ELCA; Pastor Patrick Melton, a United Methodist Church in the Hallettsville area, and who has organized and led mission trips both local and abroad; Rev. Dr. Norm Beck, Professor of Theology and Classical Languages at Texas Lutheran University; Lane Johnson, Chief Clinical Officer at Gulf Bend, a Licensed Professional Council and Life Coach; Elaine Thomas, an award winning non-fiction writer with a long public relations career; Mike Garcia, one of the founders of Iglesia Luterana San Lucas in Eagle Pass; Amerika Garcia Grewal, Director of Business Development Interactive Transitions and very knowledgable about the border situation and changing demographics in Texas; Levi Montgomery, educator, Athletic Director and Head Football Coach for Hallettsville ISD, and served in U.S. Army in Bosnia in the 1990’s; Pastor Sharon Wiggins who has traveled to Saudi Arabia, Palestine and Israel and been involved with the Christian Peacemakers; Pastor Jonathan Mollenkopf, once a professional musician with over three decades experience with piano and organ, and an ordained ELCA pastor serving in Nordheim; Dr. Maurice Wilkinson, Family Practitioner an Chief of staff for Lavaca Medical Center; Rev. Dr. Larry Green, pastor serving God’s Church, Victoria and Goliad Country Fellowship, Goliad, and chaplain with Hospice of South Texas; Deacon Leo Sharron, Chaplain and Bereavement Counselor/Coordinator for Hospice of South Texas; Christine Brown, Financial Advisor and Certified Exit Planning Advisor with Edward Jones; and Rebecca Guengerich, Educator and Spiritual Director, and serves on the Leadership for Rostered and Lay Leaders in the Southwestern Texas Synod; and Pastor Herb Beyer, Lead Pastor for the Tri-County Cooperative Ministries serving Lavaca, Fayette and Colorado Counties.
