Because Lutherans love coming home. Homecoming Sunday was full of love, promise, and a whole lot of sausage. It was delightful to celebrate anniversaries, robustly proclaim the good news of God's grace, and enjoy being rooted in the past while growing into the future. Look for more pics of the day next week. We are better together.

📷 Joe K.

Please join us Sundays at 10:30 a.m.

In-person, online on YouTube, and on radio KWED AM 1580.

ALL SAINTS’ SUNDAY

November 3, 2024

During worship we will remember and celebrate those who have died this year and those who were baptized. As each loved one's name is read, families will be invited to come to the front of the church for a special time of prayer and the gift of flowers. A “Table of Remembrance” will be set up in front of the altar. Everyone is invited to bring a framed, standing photo of loved ones they would like to honor this day, even if they passed before this year or were not affiliated with Emanuel’s. 

COUNCIL LISTENING SESSIONS

Sundays November 10 & 17

In preparation for our Sunday, December 8, 2024 Annual Meeting two learning and discussion sessions are scheduled for Sunday, November 10 and November 17, at 9:15am in the Women’s Ministry Room. Discussion topics include, but are not limited to, the proposed 2025 budget, nominations for church council, and ministry programs for 2025. There will be plenty of time for questions and discussion. 

TRUNK OR TREAT 2024

What an epic night! Per Pastor Marcus' candy count we hosted about 250 trick or treaters last Friday. The parking lot was packed with fantastic decorations, costumes in all shapes and sizes, and even a real horse! Thanks to all for your participation, donations, creativity, and exuberance. Click on the photo link to see each image. We're already looking forward to next year!

Because Lutherans commemorate. Reformation Weekend at Dr. Eduardo Roig Lutheran Camp in Puerto Rico included the inaugural worship service under the recently rebuilt chapel. The plaque commemorates all of the volunteers who worked on the project, including our Emanuel's team! The small, white tube is a time capsule that contains photos, stories, and testimonies from many who participated in the week's efforts. We are better together.

LWR INGATHERING

Wednesday, November 6

Volunteers are needed to load a flatbed trailer and deliver 80-90 boxes of quilts and kits to St. John Lutheran Church in Marion. The boxes will be loaded onto 18-wheeler trucks and headed to a distribution center before being disbursed to people in need across the globe. Text 830-305-2970 to volunteer for this amazing, heart-warming experience. 

A WORKSHOP FOR NAVIGATING THE HOLIDAY SEASON

Emanuel’s Lutheran Church Family Life Center

Sunday, November 10 from 2-4pm

Grief during the Holidays is challenging. The season of the holidays renews memories, family ties, and traditions. We become painfully aware that our loved one is no longer present. Learning to navigate a changing world combined with the sorrow of our loss causes us to grieve on many levels. How do we allow ourselves in these times to “make our grief count” and find our resilience?

This workshop will help participants learn self care and coping skills to prepare for the holidays. This will help families to embrace their grief, while strengthening characteristics of resilience. Participants will use the holidays to discover how their loved one can live on into their life story, using this special time to continue to heal.

Presenter: Darwin Huartson, M. Div., BCC

Contact: Donna Simmons, 830-556-3542

ELDS VETERAN'S DAY PARADE

Monday, November 11 at 10am

Church Lawn

Emanuel's Lutheran Day School invites YOU to participate in our Veteran's Day Parade on the church lawn, honoring your service and dedication. This walking parade will take place on Monday, November 11th at 10 AM.

Veterans who attend Emanuel’s Lutheran Church as well as veterans who are family members of our day school children are warmly welcomed to join in the celebration. We encourage you to come dressed in uniform to proudly represent your branch of service.

Let’s gather together as a community to help teach our little ones to recognize the bravery and sacrifices of our heroes. For more information, please contact the Day School office at 830-372-0332.

C3 (Community-Connection-Conversation) is a time of gathering out under the Oak Tree starting in October from 7:30 - 8:30 in the mornings. Bring a chair and join us as we share in fellowship, invite new faces to sit and share their stories, and welcome visitors who pass us on the street. Our format is to be open, very fluid, and provide a place to share, visit, and grow together as a community of faith.

Because Lutherans are a playful bunch. Thanks to Judy S. for sharing a photo of the Senior Social Club Champion Halloween Trivia Team! They earned a trophy for their talents at the October luncheon. Don't forget to RSVP for next month's Turkey dinner! We are better together.

If you are interested in joining the mission and ministry of Emanuel’s, then this Sunday is for you. Every month our Council prayerfully receives new and returning faces to our congregation. This service centers on the liturgy of welcome and affirmation when we formally receive new members. Email Pastor Marcus or fill out a blue card to be part of this “Welcoming Sunday!”

Sunday, December 1

after worship gathering at Los Cucos

920 I-10, Seguin, TX 78155

The Lutheran Lunch Bunch is a lively group of post-worship food enthusiasts who gather at a local restaurant on the first Sunday of every month. With full hearts from the service and empty stomachs ready for fellowship, you’re invited to dive into hearty meals, laughter, and lively conversation. From swapping recipes for casseroles to friendly debates about whose sauerkraut salad recipe is best left forgotten, the Lutheran Lunch Bunch is a place where faith, food, and fun unite. It’s the perfect blend of sacred and savory, where everyone leaves nourished—body, soul, and spirit.

NOTES FROM THE TROOPS

SPAGHETTI DINNER FUNDRAISER for Scouts BSA Troop 12 is Sunday, November 10 from Noon-1:30pm in the Fellowship Hall. Tickets are $15. Each plate includes spaghetti, sides, tea and dessert. Also available to go. Please support our scouts!

SCOUT TROOP 12 needs volunteers. A female troop is new to the church and there is great hope that former Emanuel’s Troop members and leaders are willing to step up in committee roles. Individuals are needed to help as treasurer, advancement chair, etc., helping with fundraisers, membership drives, and more. We are happy to train you! Contract Jonathan Zitelman, jszitelman@gmail.com, for more information!

CHILDREN & YOUTH EDUCATION

During worship Children’s Ministry Coordinator Jordana leads our PK to 5th grade learners to the Children’s Church room, just down the hall from the sanctuary, as we begin the "Gathering Hymn" and then return as we "Share the Peace."  

The Compass Cooperative is a weekly gathering for youth, hosted by our four church partners - Emanuel's, St. Andrew's, Spirit of Joy, and Friedens Church- and held on Spirit of Joy's campus. Our new rotations start Sunday, August 18 with:

• Middle School Compass (6th to 8th grade) from 4-5pm
• Dinner for everyone at 5pm
• High School Compass (9th to 12th grade) from 5:30-6:30pm

"Godly Play" for children ages 4 years old through 5th grade also meets at Spirit of Joy from 4-5pm. Friends welcome as we learn and wonder together.

Confirmation Classes for our 6th to 8th graders meet on the 4th Sunday of every month after worship in the Women’s Ministry Room on Level 1. Pastor Marcus is available to answer any questions about our new schedule and curriculum focus. 

SUNDAY ADULT CLASSES

NEW ADULT SUNDAY MORNING ADULT CLASS: Join us November 3 – November 24 in the Family Life Center as we read and discuss “Life Together” by Dietrich Bonhoeffer, a book about real and practical Christian community from the perspective of one of the great modern Lutheran theologians who wrote during the reign of the Nazi Regime in Germany. As a bonus, there is a Bonhoeffer movie (Bonhoeffer: Pastor. Spy. Assassin) to be released in theaters during the final weekend which we will go see together as a matinee. Copies of Life Together are available in the Church Office for anyone who would like to read with us. Please read chapters 1 & 2 before the first class so we can discuss together.

THE HERITAGE CLASS meets at 9:15 am Sunday mornings on Level 3 in room 307. Participants explore the deeper meaning found in the Bible and seek to unlock its wisdom through fellowship and robust group discussion. The aim is to make the Bible relevant and applicable to daily life. 

THE JOY CLASS: Bible stories and songs for adults with intellectual disabilities. Upcoming dates are Sept. 8, Oct. 20, Nov. 10, and Dec. 8 at 9:00 am in the Women's Ministry Room.

Online giving is safe, simple, and quick to do through our giving link. One time or recurring donations can be indicated. You can still mail in your offering to the Church by sending a check to: Emanuel's Lutheran Church, 206 N. Travis Street. Seguin, Texas 78155

Year to Date Giving comparison:

Jan 1 - Oct 29, 2024

 Church Offering Receipts: $ 324,690.09

Budgeted Church Offering Receipts: $ 343,602.12

Operating Expenses: $ 396,635.91 *

* These figures do not include Forward In Faith remodel expenses or In-Kind Gifts

Jan 1- Oct 29, 2023

Church Offering Receipts: $ 342,436.07

Budgeted Church Offering Receipts: $ 331,182.76

Operating Expenses: $  349,493.77 *

* These figures do not include Forward In Faith remodel expenses or In-Kind Gifts

Shout out to our amazing counters who gather weekly to make the bank deposit from Sunday's offering. This behind-the-scenes group, an extension of the Stewardship Team, shows up rain or shine without fail. Thank you for your dedication and attention to detail. We value you!

Emanuel's office hours are Monday - Thursday from 8-5. However, if the office is understaffed, you may find the answering machine catching your call or a "Gone Fishing" sign on the door. Please know that we will get back with you as soon as possible. We encourage you to call before stopping by. Everyone is also accessible via email.