Because Lutherans proclaim Christ's birth to the world!

Go, tell it on the mountain,

over the hills and ev'rywhere;

go, tell it on the mountain

that Jesus Christ is born.

We are better together.

Please join us Sundays at 10:30 a.m.

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

HOLIDAY GREETINGS

From the Bishop's Office

Southwestern Texas Synod

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!

- Debbie & Alan Cottrell

We celebrated with a hearty breakfast, mug exchange, and silly elf names on the 23rd then back to work to prepare for Christmas Eve services. Tacos + coffee = Yule Fuel! We are better together.

FROM THE ARCHIVES

Pictured here is an announcement for Christmas worship services in 1944 at Emanuel's Lutheran Church in Seguin. There were both German and English services. Christmas Eve was on a Sunday with Christmas Day and New Year's Day on Mondays. This little flyer, folded, measures only 3 inches x 5 inches.

CROSS TRAILS MINISTRY

NEWSLETTER

See what is coming up in 2025 at Camp Chrysalis and Ebert Ranch Camp. Information about Summer Camps, Retreats, and Off-Site Adventures may be found at the link below. Emanuel's families have been sent info about Summer Camp. If you have questions, please reach out to Pastor Marcus.

CHURCH DIRECTORIES

ARE HERE!

Pick up your fabulous new photo directory on Sunday morning in the narthex.

NOTE: Directories are $10 each if you submitted a photo or if one of our volunteers snapped your picture. Additional copies may be available for $10 after distribution is complete. 

CHRIST IN OUR HOME

DEVOTIONAL AVAILABLE

Print copies of the January, February, and March 2025 Christ in Our Home daily devotional is now available to pick up in the narthex and church office. This quarterly devotional resource encourages readers to live out their faith daily. Each reflective reading is accompanied by a daily scripture reference and prayer for the day that follows the Revised Common Lectionary.

Sunday, January 5

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.

Pathways to Healing support group reflects on the journey through grief while learning to navigate life with loss. Emanuel’s Bereavement Ministry is combining elements of both the Healing Through Conversation and Journeying Through Grief programs into a new format meeting the 2nd Sunday of every month starting on Sunday, January 12 at 2pm in the Family Life Center. Each gathering will highlight a different topic and invite open sharing in a safe and supportive environment. Donna Simmons, Emanuel’s Bereavement Care Coordinator,donna@elcseguin.org 

CHILDREN & YOUTH EDUCATION

Children's Church will take a break on December 29 and January 5. 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 will resume regular Sunday gatherings on January 12, 2025 with our four church partners - Emanuel's, St. Andrew's, Spirit of Joy, and Friedens Church- and held on Spirit of Joy's campus.

• 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

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

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 at 9am on the first Sunday of the month in the Women's Ministry Room.

“BOOK OF ACTS: A THEMATIC STUDY” new Adult Bible Study. The Book of Acts, deeply connected to Luke’s gospel, continues the story of God’s redemptive work through the apostles after Jesus’ resurrection and ascension. The main themes of Acts include the empowering work of the Holy Spirit, the spread of the Gospel to all nation as part of the Great Commission, the establishment and growth of the early Church, and the inclusion of Gentiles in God’s covenant people. Join us every Sunday, January 12 to February 16, as we unpack these themes and are challenged by the Holy Spirit’s continued call to form and reform the church. 

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 - Dec 24, 2024: 

Budgeted Church Offering Receipts: $ 407,190.85

      Actual Church Offering Receipts: $ 378,849.28

      Actual Other Receipts: $ 104,682.86

Total Receipts From Offering and Other Receipts YTD: $ 483,532.14

Operating Expenses YTD: $  474,308.95 *

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

Jan 1- Dec 24, 2023:

Budgeted Church Offering Receipts: $392,473.11

     Actual Church Offering Receipts: $ 415,084.24

     Actual Other Receipts: $ 13,978.91

Total Receipts From Offering and Other Receipts YTD: $429,063.15

Operating Expenses YTD: $  421,621.04 *

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

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.