IN THIS ISSUE:

Interfaith Pride Worship Service: Tonight!

Boo-Cycle: October 30

Midterm Election Prayer Service

Thanksgiving Food Bags

Watoto=Children 2026: Last Chance to Donate!

Godly Play Christmas Fundraiser

First Friday Feast: November 6

SOJ Financial Update

and much more!

Interfaith Pride Worship Service at Spirit of Joy: Join us for a joyful interfaith experience on October 29, where every person is celebrated, every voice matters, and everyone has a place at the table. Come celebrate love, dignity, and belonging!

You are invited to join us for a Midterm Election Prayer Service as we pray for our nation, our communities, and one another.


Whatever the election results may bring, our calling as baptized Christians remains the same: to love God and our neighbors. Together, we’ll pray for peace, seek wisdom for our leaders, and reflect on how we can continue to love and serve others with humility and hope.


Monday, November 2 | 6:00pm | Spirit of Joy Lutheran Church


All are welcome to join us for an evening of prayer, reflection, and hope!

THANKSGIVING FOOD BAG COLLECTION:


Spirit of Joy has been asked by Seguin Communities in Schools (CIS) to help assemble 25 Thanksgiving bags for identified low-income families in the school district.


Please consider donating items from the list below. A sign-up sheet will be available at church, or you may email Grace Mueller to claim an item early.


All donations must be at church by the morning of November 8, as CIS plans to begin distributing the bags on November 9.


Items Needed:


  • Canned green beans – 50 cans
  • Canned corn – 25 cans
  • Instant mashed potatoes (8 oz.) – 25 packets
  • Stuffing mix – 25 boxes
  • Cornbread mix – 25 boxes
  • Gravy packets – 25
  • Macaroni and cheese – 25 boxes
  • H-E-B gift cards ($20 each) – 25
  • Bags of 12 cookies (homemade or store-bought) – 25


The gift cards and cookie bags will each have 25 sign-up slots. Any item may be divided between two people; just let Grace know.


Thank you for your generosity and for helping make Thanksgiving a little brighter for families in our community!

WATOTO=CHILDREN'S BENEFIT: LAST CHANCE TO DONATE!


Hopefully, all of our Spirit of Joy-ers have been saving their pennies, nickels, dimes, quarters, half-dollars, and silver dollars over the past nine months in anticipation of supporting the lives of the children served through the Watoto=Children Ministry in Tanzania!


In October, we invite everyone to join us in advocating for these children and raising funds to help provide access to health insurance, nutritious food, and educational opportunities for children in need.


Our Joy Bear Jar will be returning to worship throughout the month of October! This gives each of us plenty of opportunities to remember to bring our loose change and, together, impact change in a child’s life.


Let’s continue our Spirit of Joy legacy of generosity, compassion, and support. Every coin counts, and together, we can make a meaningful difference once again!

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

FIRST FRIDAY FEAST:


November 6 | 5:30pm to 7:30pm

$20.00 Steak or Fried Fish Dinner

Big Red Barn Address: 390 Cordova Rd, Seguin, TX

*Proceeds benefit the Christian Cupboard


NEEDED: People to serve and bring Desserts to the

event by 5:00pm. A sign-up sheet is on the resource table.

COMPASS COOPERATIVE:


2026-27 Sunday 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)


For more information contact our Compass Director: hannah@elcseguin.org

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

Craig Wagner

Hoch Strauss

Madison Clark


MILITARY:

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


FAMILY OF MEMBERS:

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 1:

Assisting Minister: Barney Matocha

Lay Reader: Jim Germann

In-Person Greeter: Cathy Cordes

Ushers: Chris Frels, Craig Wagner

PrayGround: Patti Buckley, Jessica Cain

Altar Setup: Heidi Franzen, Becky Geinzer

Communion Assistants: Rhonda Westerfield, Arlynn and Nancy Hartfiel

Worship Slide Technician: Sharon Villalpando

Flowers: Helen Mycue

Refreshments: Bobbie and Marvel Maddox

Kitchen Manager: Nancy Doerr

Council Members Lock-Up: Xander Khalil

Council Member Count Money: Bruce Clark

November 8:

Assisting Minister: Stan Meyer

Lay Reader: Becky Geinzer

In-Person Greeter: Sharon Frels

Ushers: Helen Mycue, Nick Franzen

PrayGround: Caitlin Andima, Cathy Cordes

Altar Setup: Heidi Franzen, Rhonda Westerfield

Communion Assistants: Karen Wallock, Babs Kiel, Pat Hoppe 

Worship Slide Technician: Heidi Franzen

Flowers: Need Someone

Refreshments: Mike and Marj Peters

Kitchen Manager: Nancy Doerr

Council Members Lock-Up: Lois Hartzog

Council Member Count Money: Lorne Davis

October 29 (at 6:30pm):

InterFaith Pride Worship Service

Ushers: Cathy Cordes, Becky Geinzer

Worship Slide Technician: Nancy Hartfiel

YARD MAINTENANCE:

*Friday, October 30, from 7:30am to 11:00am

(GROUP 2)


*Saturday, October 31, from 7:30am to 11:00am

(GROUP 2)

*Friday, November 6, from 7:30am to 11:00am

(GROUP 3)


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

(GROUP 3)

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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