40th Anniversary Equipping the Saints is Feb. 3

2024 is the 40th anniversary for the Annual Equipping the Saints (ETS) sponsored by the Bluebonnet Conference of ELCA Congregations. 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 persons 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, child care 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. Persons 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, nation and the world. We have faced so many ‘storms’ and struggles in recent years. So many have come to rely upon lesser things in solving the problems of their lives and society. 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.”

Persons can register in any of the following ways: Materials are available through area ELCA Congregations or Registration by E-mail: stmarkscuero@ stmarkscuero.com;

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 beyerfam55@ gmail.com.