IN THIS ISSUE:

Spirit of Joy Financial Update

College Care Packs

Baptismal Font and Pitcher

Watoto Fundraiser: Thank You!

5th Sunday Benevolence: November 29

and much more!

Following worship this Sunday, November 15, we’ll have a brief presentation on the state of Spirit of Joy’s finances through the end of the current fiscal year.


Below is our Year-to-Date (YTD) Financial Update. Please take a few moments to review it before Sunday’s presentation.

COLLEGE CARE PACKS:


This year, we’ll be sending our college students gift cards instead of goodie boxes! Cards will be available on the back table this Sunday and next Sunday for you to write a note of encouragement.


If you’d like to contribute a gift card or donate money toward purchasing gift cards, please give your contribution to Diana Ball or Pastor Megan.


As always, thank you for your continued love and support of SOJ’s youth!

In April of this past year, we celebrated our ten-year anniversary working together. In gratitude for everything we have done and shared in this decade, I commissioned Canaan Hoffmann (son of Judy and Tobin Hoffmann) to make a new baptismal font and pitcher for Spirit of Joy as my gift to the congregation. The set is now complete and I couldn’t be happier with how it turned out. It will be used as a full set for the first time this coming Sunday; I can’t wait! Many thanks to Canaan for creating something so incredibly meaningful and beautiful. I hope that it serves as a reminder of the love and thankfulness I carry in my heart for this community of faith. There is nowhere else I would have rather spent the last ten years than with all of you. 


Pastor Megan 

Watoto Fund – Thank You, Spirit of Joy!


On behalf of the children and families in Tanzania who benefit from the Watoto Fund through the BMFSF Foundation, I am grateful to acknowledge the receipt of Spirit of Joy’s generous donation.


Here is a breakdown of this year's contributions:

  • Online Donations (General): $2,344.84
  • Online Donations (3 Individuals): $320.00
  • Joy Bear Jar: $745.34
  • Total Donations: $3,410.18


Thank you for your incredible generosity and support of the Watoto Fund this year. Your kindness is making a meaningful difference in the lives of families in need and reflects the true spirit of compassion and giving.


As Scripture reminds us in Matthew 25:40:

“The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’”


We are deeply grateful for your partnership and generosity!


With heartfelt thanks,

Rodrick M. Shao

GODLY PLAY CHRISTMAS FUNDRAISER:


The Godly Play students are excited to sponsor a special Christmas fundraiser through Lynch Creek Farm! Their beautiful, handcrafted holiday creations feature fresh Christmas greenery and include wreaths, centerpieces, amaryllis plants, and garlands—perfect for bringing festive cheer to your home or sharing as gifts.

10% of the proceeds will be split between two organizations chosen by our students: the Christian Cupboard and the Southside Community Center.


Located in San Marcos, the Southside Community Center provides valuable resources to Hays County residents, helping them access essential needs such as medical care, food, and shelter. We are especially proud that our own member, Jessica Cain, serves on the center’s board.


We invite you to visit the Lynch Creek Farm fundraising website and consider supporting this wonderful cause. Your purchase will help make the Christmas season brighter while supporting organizations that make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.


Thank you for supporting our Godly Play students and the organizations they have chosen to help. Your generosity is greatly appreciated!

SALVATION ARMY KETTLE CAMPAIGN:


It’s almost time to ring bells for the Salvation Army Kettle Campaign! The need is greater than ever this year, and the Kettle Campaign provides half of the funds available for distribution to help those in need. Every hour you volunteer makes a difference!


Once again, Spirit of Joy will have two opportunities to ring bells, making it hopefully easier for everyone to find a time that works with their schedule. You’re welcome to sign up for one day or both!


Our Dates:

  • Friday, December 11 | 9am to 9pm
  • Monday, December 21 | 9am to 9pm


We’ll be ringing bells at the Seguin Walmart Home and Pharmacy entrance on both days. The first time slots are one-hour shifts, while the final shifts are two hours. Feel free to bring a chair or stool if you’d like to sit while ringing.


Ready to sign up? Sign-up sheets are located on the resource table at the back of the sanctuary.


Have questions? Contact Jennifer Ehlers at 830-305-1352

5TH SUNDAY BENEVOLENCE:


The 2027 ELCA Youth Gathering will be our next 5th Sunday Benevolence observed on November 29.


Make checks payable to: Spirit of Joy Lutheran Church with memo line reading: for 5th Sunday Benevolence.


Remember that 5th Sunday benevolences are above and beyond giving.

THANKSGIVING BREAK: NO COMPASS ON NOVEMBER 22!


2026-27 Schedule:



4:00-5:30pm: Middle schoolers meet (6th-8th grade)

5:30-6:00pm: Combined dinner

6:00-7:30pm: High schoolers meet (9th-12th grade)



SEGUIN_things to do.jpg

SEGUIN EVENTS:


Want to know what's going on Around Town? Be sure to add these Seguin websites to your "FAVORITES" list: 


Seguin Community Calendar

Visit Seguin: www.visitseguin.com/events


Texas Lutheran University Events

Calendar & Events:: www.tlu.edu/events


Texas Lutheran University Athletics

TLU Official Athletics: www.tlubulldogs.com


The Texas Theater: www.thetexas.org


The Mid-Texas Symphony: www.mtsymphony.org/tickets

SCHEDULE TIME WITH PASTOR MEGAN:


You may now use the following link to schedule a meeting (personal or business) with Pastor Megan.


This links directly with her schedule, so no worries about duplication. Contact Chris with any questions.

SAFE CAMPUS

NOTICE:


Spirit of Joy is a welcoming and inclusive community. For everyone's safety, our campus is gun-free, smoke-free, and drug-free both inside and outside of all buildings.


The use of alcohol is restricted and permitted only with prior Council permission.


VISIT

US:


Monday through Thursday:

9:00AM to 4:00PM


Friday: by appointment only.


Worship is held Sundays at 9:30am in our Worship Center.

Prayer Requests:


Government and Elected Officials


MEMBERS:

Lynna Kraus

Bob Cantu

Patsy Heckmann

Cynthia Points

Mallie Stanchos

Hoch Strauss


MILITARY:

Jordan Kranda (Grandson-in-Law of Craig & Lorna Wagner)


FAMILY OF MEMBERS:

Ken Greinke (Father of Cody Greinke), Cameron Saunders-Matthews (Son of Kimberly Saunders), Amber Jendrusch (Daughter of Janene Jendrusch), Ron Janssen (Brother of Pam Sagebiel), Troy Currie (Great Nephew of Milly Watson), Bill Lester (Father of Rebecca Clark), Randy Cushatt (Husband of Rhonda Cushatt), Sean Stevens (Son of Debbie and Ken Stevens), John Semmler (Brother-in-Law of Chris Frels), Donald Olson (Grandfather of Pastor Megan), Jennifer Bulgerin (Niece of Bobbie Maddox)


FRIENDS OF MEMBERS:

Richard Coufal (Friend of Rick and Jennifer Ehlers), Cindy Scheffel (Friend of Sharon Frels), Mike Burris (Friend of Marvel and Bobbie Maddox), Sherry Moltz (Friend of Martha Rinn), Jeanna Black (Friend of Alfrieda Leiter)


If you would like to add any name, please send an email to chris@spiritofjoylc.com. We will include all individuals with health, emotional or family/work issues for a period of two weeks. At the end of that period, their name will be removed if a call/email has not been received regarding their continued inclusion.

SUNDAY WORSHIP LIVESTREAM LINK:


Can’t make it to Spirit of Joy Lutheran Church for worship?


THE 9:30AM Service streams LIVE every Sunday on YOUTUBE.

BREEZE:


Having issues accessing your BREEZE account? Stan Meyer is here to help!


Email Stan if you want to change something in your profile, or update your password.

SOJ

CALENDAR:


Want to know what’s going on at SOJ this month?


Click on the link below to access our PUBLIC calendar.

VOLUNTEER SCHEDULE:

November 15:

Assisting Minister: Jennifer Ehlers

Lay Reader: Liz Greinke

In-Person Greeter: Karen Wallock

Ushers: Marvel Maddox, Mike Peters

PrayGround: Diana Ball, Sharon Frels

Altar Setup: Heidi Franzen, Nancy Doerr

Communion Assistants: Diane Lippe, Helen Mycue, Becky Geinzer

Worship Slide Technician: Denise Crettenden

Flowers: Ken and Debbie Stevens

Refreshments: Ken and Debbie Stevens

Kitchen Manager: Nancy Doerr

Council Members Lock-Up: Lorne Davis

Council Member Count Money: Lois Hartzog

November 22:

Assisting Minister: Leah Matocha

Lay Reader: Dayna Cantu

In-Person Greeter: Diane Lippe

Ushers: Arlynn Hartfiel, Rick Ehlers 

PrayGround: Jennifer Terry, Kellsey Ballard

Altar Setup: Heidi Franzen, Nancy Hartfiel

Communion Assistants: Lorna and Craig Wager, Jessica Cain

Worship Slide Technician: Sharon Frels

Flowers: Karen Wallock

Refreshments: Keith and Helene Stadtmueller

Kitchen Manager: Nancy Doerr

Council Members Lock-Up: Martha Rinn

Council Member Count Money: Zander Khalil

YARD MAINTENANCE:

*Friday, November 13, from 7:30am to 11:00am

(GROUP 1)


*Saturday, November 14, from 7:30am to 11:00am

(GROUP 1)

*Friday, November 20, from 7:30am to 11:00am

(GROUP 2)


*Saturday, November 21, from 7:30am to 11:00am

(GROUP 2)

ONGOING OPPORTUNITIES:


Caregiver Cafe: 2nd Tuesday of the month at Argent Court Assisted Living from 6pm-7pm and 3rd Sunday at Emanuel’s in the Family Life Center from 2pm-3:30pm.

SOJ Women’s Circle: Every 3rd Tuesday at 2:00pm.

Location: SOJ La Casita

Wednesday Morning Bible Study: 7:00am, Location: El Olvido Hacienda Restaurant, 623 E. Kingsbury Street

Pastor’s Bible Study on Zoom: Wed. afternoon at 3:00pm

(Contact Pastor Megan for link).

Choir Practice in the SOJ Worship Center: Wed. evening at 6:30pm

Yoga in La Casita: $5.00 per class—Bring your

mat. (See calendar for schedules)

2026 SPIRIT OF JOY COUNCIL:


Bruce Clark: President

Karen Jones: Vice President

Helen Mycue: Treasurer

Martha Rinn: Secretary


Members:

Lois Hartzog

Lorne Davis

AJ Sjolander

Xander Khalil

CONTACT US:


REVEREND MEGAN D. ELLIOTT:

Cell: (614) 353-4270

EMAIL PASTOR MEGAN


ADMINISTRATOR: Chris Vogt

EMAIL CHRIS


MUSIC DIRECTOR: Luke Leverett


AV COORDINATOR: Tim Clark

MINISTRY TEAM LEADERS:

Hospitality: Patti Buckley

Worship & Congregational Life: Cathy Cordes

Faith Formation: Diana Ball

Mission and Outreach: Grace Mueller, Christa Strauss

Finance Team: Heidi Franzen, Jim Germann, Ken Stevens

East Campus Phase One: Cathy Cordes, Sharon Villalpando


FACILITY TEAM LEADERS:

Facilities: Tobin Hoffmann

Facility Use: Patti Buckley

Grounds: Arlynn Hartfiel

Maintenance: Andy Fisher and Calvin Points


2026 SWT SYNOD ASSEMBLY VOTING MEMBERS:

Nancy and Arlynn Hartfiel


RESILIENT FOUNDATION:

Pam Sagebiel, Karen Clark

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