Because Lutherans celebrate the harvest. We are grateful for God's blessings, the bounty of the earth, and the fruits of good works that come from our faith in Jesus Christ. Jim D. reports that the Garden of Eatin' is flourishing after the spring rains. There is more to do over there than just pulling weeds. Stop by, say "Hi!" and find a pepper or cucumber for dinner. We are better together.

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

Fifth Sunday of Easter, Year C

Easter initiates a new day. It anticipates a new heaven and a new earth. The risen Christ is making all things new. In the mystery of holy baptism God has made new people of us. Today Jesus invites us to see everyone in a new light—through the lens of love.

On Sunday we thank God for our 2025 graduates from Seguin and Navarro High Schools as they begin new chapters in their lives. During this special service, we will pray for and bless each of our graduates. Please take time to congratulate them after worship. 

Emanuel’s … let us pray. Sweet Hour of Prayer is sponsoring a “Summer of Prayer” series lifting in prayer following events and their participants: Emanuel’s annual beach trip; Camp Chrysalis and Ebert Ranch Camp youth; God’s Explorers youth and chaperones; Vacation Bible School at Friedens Church kids and volunteers; and the Puerto Rico mission trip participants. Our team has prepared colored sheets of paper with sample prayers for each group’s trip, as well as a calendar to sign-up if you would rather pray on a specific day for a specific trip. Stop by and visit with one of our prayer team members in the Narthex throughout May to get connected.

CAREGIVER CAFÉ is a support group for caregivers meeting Sunday, May 25 with Vicar Rudy from 2-4 pm at Emanuel's (generally 3rd Sunday’s) and 2nd Tuesdays of the month at Argent Court Assisted Living. Sessions are open to all caregivers: family members, non-professionals and professionals. Share with others who understand and care. Please contact Donna Simmons at donna@elcseguin.org for more information.

GOD'S EXPLORERS: FAITH & SCIENCE COME ALIVE is now forming a waitlist for all interested 3rd to 8th grade youth. Hosted June 30 to July 3, from 8am to 5pm, this incredible group of youth, chaperones, and pastors will traverse central Texas visiting the USS Lexington, the Alamo & Tower of the Americas, the Dinosaur Park, and the Safari at Natural Bridge Caverns. We will eat together, have Bible studies, and explore each of these fascinating locations. All participants must have turned in their registration form in order to participate. The only costs incurred by each youth will be any souvenirs they wish to purchase. Reach out to Pastor Marcus for more details.

“YEE HAW! Celebrating God's Greatest Gift” VBS at Friedens Church is June 24-25 from 5:30-8:30pm for Pre-K to 5th graders. We are once again partnering with our Compass Cooperative community for another fabulous vacation bible school experience. This evening event is geared for busy families to make time for each other, a little food and games, and a whole lotta fun and Jesus! Call the church office to register your kids.

• VOLUNTEERS NEEDED: Contact Vicki Wilson 830-660-7588 or the Friedens Church office at 830-303-7729 if you can be a crew or station leader.
• WESTERN GEAR NEEDED such as cowboy hats, weathered ropes, lanterns, bandannas, cowboy boots, and saddles that can be borrowed. Label with your name and bring to the front of the church.

VBS @ ST. ANDREW'S

St. Andrew's Episcopal Church is hosting a Vacation Bible School July 7-11 from 9-Noon. Snacks and t-shirt are provided. 201 E. Nolte St with drop off at the church garden. Call 830-372-4330 if you have any questions.

UPCOMING DATES:

• May 18: High School Graduation Sunday
• May 18: Compass Cooperative End of School Celebration
• May 25: End of Year Splash and Church Picnic
• June 1: Confirmation Sunday
• June 5-8: Emanuel's @ the Beach, Pioneer Beach RV Resort, Port Aransas. Fun for you and the whole family!
• June 8: Pentecost - Wear red!
• June 15: Ladies Aid Father's Day Bake Sale
• June 24 & 25 VBS @ Friedens Church, 5:30-8:30pm, Open to all pre-K to 5th graders! Volunteers, too!
• June 30 to July 3: God's Explorers, 8:30am - 3:30pm, Open to all 3rd to 8th graders.
• June 29 & August 31: "Wonderful Words" Hymn Study
• July 7-11: Waves of Gratitude VBS @ St. Andrew's
• July 12-19: Puerto Rico Mission Trip

Contact Pastor Marcus if you have questions about these events.

CHILDREN & YOUTH EDUCATION

*PLEASE READ*

CHILDREN’S CHURCH for our PreK to 5th grade learners has had an incredible level of participation this year and we are so grateful to every family, friend, and neighbor who made sure their children could participate. 

• Last Children's Church of the season is on May 18.
• Children's Church will resume on August 24.

During the summer break, members of our children's ministry team will be in the Prayground area each Sunday starting at 9:15am to interact and engage with our children through the education and worship hours. 

The Compass Cooperative gathers on Sundays with our four church partners - Emanuel's, St. Andrew's, Spirit of Joy, and Friedens Church- at the Spirit of Joy's campus. Contact: Compass Program Director Hannah Hansen.

• 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, making the Bible relevant and applicable to daily life.

This spring, our Bible lessons follow the theme “Exclusion and Embrace,” a series in two units during Lent and the weeks following that encourage us to consider what we need to let go of and what we need to take on as followers of Jesus. 

“WE HAVE SEEN THE LORD” Devotions for the Easter Season (Family Life Center): April 27 – June 1 at 9am. After Easter, the risen Lord appeared 12 times to his followers. We will follow these experiences of those who were the chosen witnesses, believers who were then sent out – as we are sent – to testify to good news that is absolute fact: Christ is risen! He is Risen indeed! Alleluia! 

THE JOY CLASS: Bible stories and songs for adults with intellectual disabilities at 9am one Sunday a month 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 - May 13, 2025: 

Budgeted Church Offering Receipts: $ 152,836.01

      Actual Church Offering Receipts: $ 169,962.41

        Actual Other Receipts: $  8,753.00

Total Receipts From Offering and Other Receipts YTD: $ 178,715.41

Operating Expenses YTD: $ 169,752.67 *

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

Jan 1 - May 13, 2024:

Budgeted Church Offering Receipts: $  152,836.01

     Actual Church Offering Receipts: $ 174,555.88

     Actual Other Receipts: $ 6,045.30

Total Receipts From Offering and Other Receipts YTD: $ 180,601.18

Operating Expenses YTD: $  166,961.68 *

* 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.