Category: Anniversary

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“The Power of Faith: The Story of Zion Lutheran Church” by author and member Tim Eyerman

The story of Zion Lutheran Church

Some people say that nothing is impossible when people have a strong faith. The bible illustrates this concept in Matthew 17 as follows: Matthew 17:20 He replied, “Because you have so little faith. Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.”

This was the case with a very small group of determined German Lutherans in the late 1800s that found themselves in the wild west newly formed town of El Paso in far west Texas that wanted to start a church. Against all odds and after a less than successful start they persevered and out of that several churches were formed in El Paso, New Mexico, Ciudad Juarez, Chihuahua City Mexico, and as far away as New Guinea.

Tim Eyerman tells the story as he and his wife became a small part of this story of faith at work.

Tim has written a book about the History of Zion Lutheran Church and the parallel history of Ft. Bliss, El Paso, the world at large, and 5 points. He is donating 50 copies to Zion to sell, with all proceeds of these fifty benefitting the ministry of Zion. Pre-order your paperback copy for $12.50 (+ $4.60 shipping if necessary)

Please fill out this form to reserve your copies of The Power of Faith and we will let you know when they are available, and you can pay at that time.

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Zion Lutheran Church Proclamation

Proclamation
City of El Paso, Texas

Whereas, Zion Lutheran Church was organized in 1898 under the leadership of Rev. Huebotter and a small group of dedicated members, meeting in various locations in Downtown El Paso before constructing its first church building in 1900 on San Antonio St.; and

Whereas, Zion Lutheran Church quickly became a place of worship that also served numerous soldiers deployed to Fort Bliss, drawing so many people that they began plans to dedicate a new building and property to accommodate this growing number of attendees; and

Whereas, in October of 1922 the cornerstone was laid for a new building for Zion Lutheran Church to call home and dedicated less than a year later in January of 1923 and the year 2023 will mark the 100th anniversary of the sanctuary itself: and

Whereas, El Pasoans not only gathered at Zion Lutheran Church for worship and growth in their Christian faith, providing chaplain services in the early years of Thomason Hospital, provided services to Deming, New Mexico, and started working with businesses, governments, nonprofits, hospitals, and schools, eventually becoming the mother church of Lutheran congregations throughout El Paso, New Mexico, and Ciudad Juarez; and

Whereas, we give pause, honor, and praise this day for the deep and abiding commitment of those, who in faith, began this work, and for all those who have given so unselfishly during these many years to help this church grow and thrive, and provide valuable human services where the need was great; and

Whereas, the City of El Paso expresses best wishes to the members of Zion Lutheran Church as they are the oldest entity in Five Points with 125 years of service to the El Paso community;

Now, Therefore, Be It Proclaimed: by the Mayor and Council of the City of El Paso that December 31, 2023, shall be known as:

“ZION LUTHERAN CHURCH DAY”.

In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the official seal of the City of El Paso to be affixed this 31 day of December A.D., 2023
Mayor Oscar Leeser

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100 years in Five Points – November 16th Open House and Concert

Featured Image - Open House and Concert

History, Music, and sweet times together. Thursday, November 16th

4pm-7pm Open House, History Exhibit, and Snacks

7pm Concert

For a recording of the concert click here.

In 1923 our current property was dedicated and began one hundred dynamic years in the Five Points community. The Five Points Development Association last month honored Zion as its featured member noting that it is the longest continually operating entity in Five Points. In 1898, the year the church was organized, it met in many locations in downtown El Paso. In this two-fold anniversary year for Zion (125th and 100th), we have planned a celebratory event for the entire community, recognizing that we have been and still are blessed by El Paso and Five Points. A multitude of El Pasoans and have been part of our life these 125 years and shared in the good and hard of life together on the border.

The open house invites the public to come and go between 4pm-7pm, viewing the 100-year-old sanctuary and the glow of its historic stain glass windows at sunset and walk through a special history exhibit. Life in El Paso and Five Points from the eras of gun-slinging gangs and law enforcement of the late 1800s to the dynamics of the Mexican Revolution, WWI, Prohibition, the boom of Five Points, the Great Depression, WWII and POW camps, White Sands missile development, the population boom of the 50s and 60s, the Chamizal Treaty and impact on Five Points, NAFTA, and into our city life of recent years.

The evening will be capped off with a beautiful concert that will allow the acoustics of our 100-year old sanctuary to resonate with music of professional El Paso classical musicians. The fast-moving hour of music will showcase historic music of Zion and other sacred traditions and include strings, voice, piano, trumpet, handbells, choir, and mariachi. We sincerely desire your presence if possible so that we can share our joy with you, celebrate our common history, and enjoy the sweet moments these occasions provide.

Open House: 4pm-7pm (snacks will be available)
Concert: 7pm

Consider arriving at 4pm to view the building while the sun is illuminating the stain glass windows. Then enjoy some dinner at a nearby Five Points restaurant and return to Zion for the evening concert.

One Hundred Years of Life, Grace, and Song in Five Points

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Zion Anniversary T-Shirts!

Zion Anniversary T-Shirts are on sale! Get yours now so we have them in time to wear at the picnic on September 10th.  The shirts will be red, 100% cotton, with an over the heart Zion Anniversary logo. You can order and pay online or using envelopes and order sheets you find at the back of the church. The shirt sizes range from youth small to adult XXXL. The cost is $5.00. We’re hoping to get everyone excited about our 125th anniversary kick-off picnic by wearing one of these shirts. Watch the bulletin for information on the order form.  The deadline to order is August 6th, so get them while you can!

Write the Number of Shirts desired in each of the size options below:

Please fill out the form above with your T-shirt order and pay using the link below.

Payment Form