Because Lutherans are called to serve: What a day! Thank you to everyone who made Emanuel's "God's work. Our hands." 2026 happen. From trash gathers to window washers to health care kit makers to gardeners, wow . . . what a day! Praise God for this annual Sunday of service, proclaiming that we are one church, freed in Christ to love and serve our neighbor everyday! We are better together.

📸 Deanna Z., Judy S., Sharon K.

Sunday Worship at 10:30am is in the sanctuary, online on YouTube, and on radio KWED AM 1580.

17th Sunday after Pentecost, Year A

This Sunday we begin Growing in Grace: Called. Gifted. Serving. Sent. For four weeks we will explore stewardship as something much larger than a financial campaign. We will consider God's generosity toward us, the resources entrusted to us, the gifts present throughout our congregation and the ways God may be sending us into ministry. Our first theme is Called by Grace, rooted in Ephesians 2:8–10. Before we give anything, God gives. Before we serve, God calls. Join us Sunday as we begin asking together what it means for Emanuel's, and for each of us, to keep Growing in Grace.

Because Lutherans are welcoming: Many thanks to Geraldine Jordan and Charles Jobe for the freshly painted signs! We are better together.

PEANUT BUTTER & JELLY FOOD DRIVE for the Christian Cupboard is taking place all of September. Collection boxes are in the narthex and Mountain Street entrance. Plastic bottles only, please. Help Emanuel’s Outreach & Service Team spread the love with PB&J for our neighbors in need!

PRAYING IN COLOR, a visual, active, and playful way of meditating at the intersection of doodling and prayer, gathers on Sunday, September 20 at 11:45am in the Women's Ministry Room, immediately following worship. Deaconess Jennifer Clark Tinker will teach the basics of this prayer-doodling method. Lunch and materials will be provided so please RSVP by signing up in the Narthex.

You are invited to a church-wide meal on Sunday, September 27 in the Fellowship Hall immediately following worship.

Learn about the Luther House, an outreach ministry of Emanuel’s Lutheran Church. Hear about the programs it oversees and leads, and ways you can volunteer if you are interested. Lunch will be one of the meals planned for rotation as we look to host a community-wide hot meal program called Katie’s Kitchen. We hope you will join us!

Katie’s Kitchen is a hot meal program of the Luther House providing free, welcoming sit-down and to-go meals for our neighbors on the second Wednesday of each month from 5:30–7:30 PM. Housed in Emanuel’s Fellowship Hall kitchen and funded entirely through grants and designated donations, not ELC operating funds, Katie’s Kitchen brings food and fellowship alongside GED classes, music ministry gatherings, and other community programs already happening on campus. More than a meal, it is an opportunity to nourish our neighbors, build relationships, and strengthen community around a shared table.

Paint-along Event

Saturday, October 24, 2026

Emanuel's Fellowship Hall

8:30am Light Breakfast

9-11:30am Painting

$25/person

Register: 830-379-5046

Worship

Sunday, October 25, 2026

Emanuel's Sanctuary

"Bringing the Word to

Life Before Your Eyes"

10:30am

Reformation Lunch to Follow

Paul Oman, nationally acclaimed mural artist, pastor, and teacher, will join us for a special weekend of art, fellowship, and worship on Saturday, October 24, and Sunday, October 25.

On Saturday, Paul will lead a paint-along workshop in the Fellowship Hall from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m., with a light continental breakfast beginning at 8:30 a.m. The cost is $25 per participant, payable online or through the church office. All painting supplies will be provided. Registration for Saturday’s workshop begins Sunday, September 6, in the Narthex and through the church office.

During worship on Sunday, Paul will bring the Reformation Gospel lesson to life by creating a large-scale painting before the congregation. We are deeply grateful to everyone whose generosity and support have made this extraordinary weekend possible. We look forward to welcoming Paul and experiencing the Gospel through his remarkable artistic ministry.

Living with

Alzheimer’s Symposium

Thursday, October 8, 2026

9am - noon

Seguin Public Library, 313 West Nolte Street

Join us for a day of learning and support at the Living with Alzheimer's Symposium - let's navigate this journey together! This event is designed to provide valuable information and resources for individuals, families, and professional caregivers affected by Alzheimer's. Dr. Neela Patel is Professor and Chief of the Division of Comprehensive and Supportive Care, Outreach Recruitment and Engagement Core Director, and Glenn and Ann Biggs Distinguished Chair in Alzheimer’s Patient Care. This event is completely free and co-sponsored by the Resilient Foundation, Emanuel's Lutheran Church, and Guadalupe Regional Medical Center. Onsite respite care for your loved ones will be available during the event, provided by our compassionate hospice volunteers, so caregivers can attend and fully participate with greater peace of mind.

Registration and information is at the link below. Seats are limited - don’t miss this important conversation. For additional questions please call 830-379-5046.

CROSS TRAILS MINISTRY'S FALL FESTIVAL is Saturday, September 19 at the Marktplatz in Fredericksburg from 9am to 3pm. Activities for all ages include a quilt auction, craft show, children's games, live music, and food. Your own Iron & Ember Mens' Group will be grilling delicious hamburgers and hotdogs so be sure to stop in and say, "hello!" to some familiar faces. The money raised from the festival will be going toward the deck project we are helping with in January, as well as a dock project at Ebert Ranch Camp in Harper.

We've been invited to a fun and spooky evening on October 3 from 6-8:30pm hosted by St. Andrew's Episcopal Church,

201 E Nolte St, Seguin, TX.

St. Andrew's, Spirit of Joy, & Emanuel's Lutheran church members & friends ... meet in the St. Andrew's Community Garden on Milam St. for hotdogs, s’mores, & a “haunted” history walk to the nearby Heritage Village. Hear spooky stories from Seguin's past as you explore the Village after sundown!

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 Tuesday, October 6 at 5:30pm in the Women's Ministry Room.

The next Council Meeting is Sunday, October 11, 2026 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 Youth Ministry gathers on Sundays with our church partners - Emanuel’s, St. Andrew’s, and Spirit of Joy - at Spirit of Joy campus. Middle School (6-8 grades) from 4-5:50pm, dinner for everyone at 5:30pm, and High School (9-12 grades) from 6-7:30pm. Let Hannah know if you aren’t on the email list for Middle School and High School updates: Hannah@elcseguin.org 

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, 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.

Sep 20- Oct 18 | Led by: Paul Sims and Pastor Marcus | 9:00am | Family Life Center

The Theology of the Cross was Luther’s response to the Roman Catholic Church that set the trajectory of the Reformation. We will explore this pivotal essay by Luther just in time for Reformation Sunday. 

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 comparisons.

Jan 1 - Sept 15, 2026: 

Budgeted Church Offering Receipts: $ 293,958.30

Actual Church Offering Receipts: $ 299,550.09

        Actual Other Receipts: $ 117,975.09

Total Receipts From Offering and Other Receipts YTD: $ 417,525.18

Operating Expenses YTD: $ 415,115.70 *

* These figures do not include Forward In Faith remodel expenses or in-kind donations.

Jan 1 - Sept 15, 2025:

Budgeted Church Offering Receipts: $  293,958.30

Actual Church Offering Receipts: $281,850.77

Actual Other Receipts: $ 58,984.09

Total Receipts From Offering and Other Receipts YTD: $ 340,834.86

Operating Expenses YTD:  $ 354,943.07 *

* 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.