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Lutherans in their happy place:
O beautiful for spacious skies,
for amber waves of grain;
for purple mountain majesties
above the fruited plain!
America! America! God shed his grace on thee,
and crown thy good with brotherhood
from sea to shining sea.
We are better together.
O Lord, how manifold are your works! In wisdom you have made them all; the earth is full of your creatures.
Psalm 104:24
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6th Sunday after Pentecost, Year A
The fourth sermon in our 10-week 2026 Summer sermon series Odd & Holy: God's Grace in Scripture's Strangest Scenes is titled "Maniac Driver: Zeal Without Wisdom." Urgency can mimic faithfulness; God calls us to discernment, not adrenaline.
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Compass Cooperative's epic summer of "Created to Care" is hosted by Emanuel's Lutheran Church this week. We are continuing our annual explorations of Texas sights and wonders through God's Explorers with friends from Spirit of Joy Lutheran Church and St. Andrew's Episcopal Church. Pastor Marcus shared on Facebook:
God’s Explorers - “Created to Care” Day 1
Our Compass Cooperative Youth Ministry traversed epic trails, gorgeous ravines, daunting rock fissures, and one unforgettable view of the Texas Hill Country. We saw where water, with time and energy, no matter how small, can create pathways through some of the hardest stone. Enchanted Rock is one gorgeous granite dome of ancient, indigenous story!
God’s Explorers - “Created to Care” Day 2
Our Compass Cooperative Youth Ministry traversed the gorgeously shady Hamilton Pool and Preserve today! The water was refreshingly cold as we plunged in after a long hike. We learned the history of this “place set apart,” about the importance of maintaining natural spaces, and the benefits to communities and the wildlife that coexist in them. We swam with massive catfish, watched the swallows build incredible nests, and frolicked like never before.
Thank you to everyone who has volunteered or donated funds to help provide a memorable, educational, and spiritual summer for our children. Please keep the prayers flowing as they continue to stand in awe of God's creation.
To be continued next week!
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1221 E Kingsbury St., Seguin, TX
Thursday, July 9, 2026
9 AM - 12 PM
Join us in person to explore how communities cope with complicated grief after suicide loss.
Complicated Grief: Communities & Suicide is a community-centered symposium designed to equip participants with knowledge, compassion, and practical tools in response to suicide and its profound impact. Presented by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention and sponsored by The Resilient Foundation and Emanuel's Lutheran Church, this event will feature two nationally recognized programs. Talk Saves Lives provides an essential foundation in suicide prevention, exploring its prevalence, risk factors, warning signs, and evidence-based strategies for intervention. Caring Communities builds on this knowledge by offering guidance for supporting individuals and families navigating the complex grief that follows a death by suicide.
Whether you are a caregiver, ministry leader, educator, or concerned community member, this symposium offers critical insight and resources to foster awareness, reduce stigma, and strengthen communal care.
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Emanuel's Gather and Grow Ministry Team is excited to invite you to the upcoming All-Church Retreat at Lutheran Campy Chrysalis in Kerrville!
This two night experience includes:
Canoeing, Archery, Pool Swim, Arts & Crafts, S'mores,
Hiking, Sing-a-longs, Worship & Devotions
All meals and snacks are included.
Everyone is welcome - individuals, couples, and families!
Complete the online reservation below by July 20th.
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UPDATE: Scheduling changes are in the works. Anyone interested in volunteering with this project may still complete the form on the link below. We will keep you posted with up-to-date notifications.
All are invited to join us for a week of mission and service at Camp Chrysalis in Kerrville as we help rebuild the deck on the dining hall. Service days will be August 9–14, leading directly into our All Church Retreat weekend. Come for the full week, a day or two, or even just an afternoon—every helping hand is welcome!
There is no cost to participate, aside from personal expenses such as packing needs, transportation to Camp Chrysalis, or any snacks and drinks you may wish to bring. To help with planning, please complete the interest form by July 27. Please reach out to Pastor Marcus with any questions.
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LWR SCHOOL SUPPLY &
PERSONAL CARE KIT DONATIONS
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We are now collecting supplies for Lutheran World Relief School Supply and Personal Care Kits to be assembled at “God’s Work. Our Hands.” Sunday, September 13 and distributed across the globe to neighbors in need.
School supplies are starting to go on sale now. To complete 100 School kits we need:
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LWR School Supply Kits
- 70 sheet spiral notebooks, wide or college rule (300)
- 30 cm rulers, or inches on one side and centimeters on the other (88)
- Unsharpened #2 pencils (430)
- Ball point pens, blue or black ink (470)
- Box of 16 or 24 crayons (91)
- Pink erasers 2.5" (71)
- Pencil sharpeners (77)
- Scissors, blunt (92)
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LWR Personal Care Kits
- Sturdy wide-toothed combs
- Metal nail clippers
- Adult size toothbrushes in original packaging
- Bath size bar soaps, original wrap, 8-9 oz ea.
- Bath size towels, light weight, dark color (between 20"x40" and 27"x50")
| | Collection boxes for your generous donations are in the Narthex, Mountain Street Entrance, and Church Office | | |
All of Emanuel’s Ministry Teams gather on a single evening every other month to share a meal, collaborate, plan, and schedule upcoming events and ministry projects. Join us next on Wednesday, July 29 at 5:30pm in the Women's Ministry Room.
The next Council Meeting is Sunday, July 12 following worship in the Family Life Center.
| | CHILDREN & YOUTH EDUCATION | | |
Children's Church is a weekly time for our younger learners to join in Bible study, crafts, and activities. During worship Children’s Ministry volunteers lead our PK to 5th graders to the Children’s Church room, just down the hall from the sanctuary, and return as we share the peace.
Our Education Team invites you to sign-up to help teach. Lessons are provided for each age group each week, encompassing Bible Study, games, crafts, and fellowship. Pastor Marcus has more details.
| | The Compass Cooperative will resume Sunday gatherings on August 30 with our church partners- Emanuel’s, St. Andrew’s, and Spirit of Joy - at Spirit of Joy campus. Let Hannah know if you aren’t on her email list to find out about Middle School and High School events this summer: Hannah@elcseguin.org | | |
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, making the Bible relevant and applicable to daily life. Summer 2026 explores Spirit, Boldness, Opportunities.
THE JOY CLASS: Bible stories and songs for adults with intellectual disabilities at 9:00 am one Sunday a month in the Women's Ministry Room.
| | DISCIPLES CLASS: Seasonal topics that delve into the word and explore applications out in the world. | |
June 14 – July 19 | Led by: Pastor Marcus | 9:00am | Family Life Center
This comparative study, grounded in Lutheran theology, explores the deep connection between the Old and New Testaments as one continuous story of God’s saving work centered in Jesus Christ and sends us into the world as witnesses to that good news.
| | THE WIRED WORD: Group discussions about important matters of faith raised by news of the week. This 8:45am Tuesday morning study is on summer break! See you in the Family Life Center in September. | | 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 - June 23, 2026:
Budgeted Church Offering Receipts: $ 199,430.54
Actual Church Offering Receipts: $ 204,218.76
Actual Other Receipts: $ 65,570.58
Total Receipts From Offering and Other Receipts YTD: $ 269,789.34
Operating Expenses YTD: $ 268,701.85 *
* These figures do not include Forward In Faith remodel expenses or in-kind donations.
Jan 1 - June 23, 2025:
Budgeted Church Offering Receipts: $ 199,430.54
Actual Church Offering Receipts: $ 202,339.68
Actual Other Receipts: $ 47,820.50
Total Receipts From Offering and Other Receipts YTD: $ 250,160.18
Operating Expenses YTD: $ 240,266.02 *
* These figures do not include Forward In Faith remodel expenses or in-kind donations
| | 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. | | Submit a brief, yet detailed description of your event below or to info@elcseguin.org by 5pm on Mondays for consideration for that week's email news. Late submissions will be considered for the following week's email and/or social media posts. | | | | | |
