Equipping The Saints Returns Feb. 4 in Victoria

Pastor Herb Beyer, Chair and Coordinator for the Annual Equipping the Saints commented, “Equipping the Saints (ETS) is making its comeback this year on Saturday, Feb. 4 with Trinity Lutheran Church, 106 North DeLeon, Victoria as the hosting church. Equipping the Saints, an all-day event, is sponsored by the Bluebonnet Conference of ELCA Congregations, but is open to all. The Covid pandemic put a stop to many of the usual events of communities and churches including ETS. But place ETS 2023 back on your calendar and plan to attend. Register early.”

This marks the 39th year of Equipping the Saints, 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, it is open to persons of all denominations and typically draws persons from a 10-county area and some from San Antonio and Austin and other small town areas.

The Church, country and culture have been through a lot these past three years. We have suffered many a “storm” that has come our way, figurative and literal. Discover what has been learned from our experiences, and how the Church can better serve the people of our communities.

The theme for ETS 2023— the post-pandemic church, seeking renewal and revival for our mission together will re-examine how we do ministry, the challenges we face in the future, and the hope that Christ and the Church provide.

We look forward to the return of some previous workshop leaders but also are looking for new faces and new approaches. Dr. Norm Beck, Professor of Biblical Studies at Texas Lutheran University; Counselor, Family Therapist and Life Coach Lane Johnson; Certified Financial Planner and CEO of Sather Financial Group, Inc. Dave Sather; CEO of Hospice of South Texas Michael Chavez; Chaplains Rev. Dr. Larry Green and Steve Hernandez; Pastors Rev. Sharon Wiggins, Rev. Ildiko Rigney, and Rev. Cheryl Kester-Schmidt; Master Gardeners Gerald Bludau, Michael Martignoni and Matt Bochat; Rev. Patrick Melton of the United Methodist Church; Family Practioner and Chief of Staff at Lavaca Medical Center Dr. Maurice Wilkinson; Director for Evangelical Mission--Southwestern Texas Synod Pastor Chris Steubing; and Minister of Music and Worship Marianne Gould.

Registration materials are available through any congregation of the Bluebonnet Conference, or by contacting host church Trinity Lutheran Church, Victoria Offices: (361) 573-4725 or (361) 573-4796; e-mail: Secretary@TrinityVictoria. net; (trinityvictoria.net) or Pastor Herb Beyer, ETS Chair at (361) 798-0155, cell or E-mail: beyerfam@hughes.net or beyerfam55@ gmail.com.

While all are welcome to attend, it is important for attendees to register early.