Because Lutherans love our youth! Compass Cooperative Youth Ministry had an amazing weekend on campus - lock-in, dinner, movies, worship planning, snacks, scavenger hunt, "sleep", breakfast, and for good measure ... they led worship! Catch them on our YouTube channel here in case you missed it. Thank you to our esteemed director Hannah for all of her leadership and especially to our youth! What a Sunday with our friends from Spirit of Joy Lutheran Church and St. Andrew's Episcopal Church! We are better together.

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

21th Sunday after Pentecost, Year A

This Sunday: Called. Gifted. Giving. Sent.

For four weeks we have been asking questions. Where have we experienced God's grace? How are we being called to grow in generosity? What gifts has God entrusted to us? This Sunday we bring our answers together. During worship, every household will have the opportunity to offer a Giving in Grace intention for financial generosity and a Serving in Grace response identifying gifts and ministries you may wish to explore. No one is required to complete either card. There will be no public totals, rankings or comparisons during worship. Instead, we will surround these commitments with prayer and entrust them to God, remembering again that everything begins with grace. Called. Gifted. Giving. Sent. Together, our gifts become ministry.

Read more about the vision we are funding, your gifts at work, and how we give and serve in grace in the 2027 Stewardship Campaign Booklet at the link below.

LWR BLESSING OF THE QUILTS is Sunday, October 18 during worship. Emanuel's Lutheran World Relief Quick Quilters have made more than 200 quilts this year that will be shipped across the globe to be of service to people in need. Please join us as we bless these quilts made in love for our neighbor. 

ALL SAINTS’ DAY is Sunday, November 1. 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 "God With Us" sculpture. Everyone is invited to bring a framed or standing photo of loved ones they would like to honor this day, even if they passed away before this year or were not affiliated with Emanuel’s.

IT'S COFFEE CAKE SEASON! Emanuel's Ladies Aid is baking their famous coffee cakes one more time on Tuesday, October 20 as they celebrate their 127th Anniversary! Contact a Ladies Aid Member or the Church Office at 830-379-5046 for more information. Coffee Cakes can be picked up on the baking day between noon and 2pm. The price is $8.00 each -- Apple, Peach, and Streusel. 

HOMECOMING SUNDAY IS OCTOBER 25!

Mark your calendars for Reformation Sunday's Homecoming worship service followed by our annual sausage lunch on the lawn! 

At the 10:30 am worship service, artist Paul Oman with “bring the word to life before your eyes” by creating a large-scale painting of "Feeding the 500" before the congregation. The morning will also celebrate our Reformed heritage with musical selections on the organ and special music from Emanuel’s Chamber Chorus and Emanuel’s Ringers handbell choir.

Randall Springs, and the Iron & Ember men’s group, is smoking delicious sausage links and Mike and the Middletones German Band returns to entertain during the meal. First responders are invited to lunch as a small token of appreciation for their service. There will be additional fun and games for all ages on the lawn, including games and bouncy houses. Ladies Aid coffee cakes will be for sale - if still available!

Check the Narthex for sign-up sheets from what to bring to how to volunteer. 

This is truly a Homecoming Sunday- invite your family and friends to the celebration!

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 is 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 of "Feeding the 5000" 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.

TRUNK OR TREAT is a great way to welcome cooler temps, all things pumpkin, and a wee bit of mischief. Let Pastor Marcus know if you will be hosting a trunk and handing out treats to little goblins on Friday, October 30th from 6-7:30pm in Emanuel’s parking lot. Candy donations are also welcome in the church office. Start thinking about your costumes and invite your friends. We are going to have a delightfully spooky time.

Exciting plans are taking shape for the renovation of Emanuel’s sanctuary and narthex! Our proposed improvements include expanded accessibility, updated restrooms, enhanced worship seating, new audio/video and lighting systems, and refreshed spaces for worship, music, and fellowship. We are currently in the proposal and congregational review stage, with final designs, costs, and construction plans still to be determined. We invite everyone to review the proposal in the links below, share with others, and bring forward questions, ideas, and feedback. Your participation is important as we thoughtfully plan for the future of Emanuel’s and our continued ministry together!

Members of the Renovation Task Force will be available for conversation at the following dates, times, and locations. 

• Sunday, October 18: 9am, Women's Ministry Room
• Thursday, October 22: 8:30-9:30am; 6-7:30pm, Family Life Center
• Tuesday, October 27: 9-10:00am; 6-7:30pm, Family Life Center
• Sunday, November 1, 8, 15, 22: 9am, Women's Ministry Room

WE SEE YOU!

There is a lot to love about our Property Stewards. Now their weekly reports include captioned photos!!! If you want to get in on the fun, especially when the weather is this nice, send them a note at propertystewards@elcseguin.org.

"The ADA Rails have been sanded, primed, and painted by the team of Tommy H, David E, and Charles J. (Dave and Tommy pictured.) They made this safer and prettier. The team is now working on the railings on the sides of the entrance to the Sanctuary.

"Also is a photo of a high level access to the Bowie St gutters. We rented a lift to do this as a ladder had gotten too dangerous. Gutter guards are now installed which should eliminate the need to do this very often."

PARK N’ PLAY with Ignite Youth and Family (and Friends!) is Saturday, November 7 at 10:30 am. Everyone is invited to Starcke Park (600 River Dr W, Seguin, TX 78155) for burgers, hotdogs, and ice cream. Playgrounds await us as we eat and fellowship together under a pavilion. There are tennis and pickleball courts, a volleyball court, wave pool, and a huge kid’s playscape in addition to all the time we have to talk and laugh together as a Church family. Sign-up sheets will be in the narthex soon with additional information about the day.

THE HEALING HOLIDAYS SYMPOSIUM is Thursday, November 12, at Emanuel’s Lutheran Church in the Women’s Ministry Room from 9am to 12pm, in partnership with the Resilient Foundation. Grief during the holidays is always challenging. This workshop will help identify resources that contribute to compassion and resiliency. Led by The Rev. Darwin Huartson, B.C.C., the conversation will help participants identify internal and external resources that foster self-compassion, strengthen resilience, and support healthy grieving during the holiday season. Whether your loss is recent or many years past, this gathering offers a supportive space to acknowledge the realities of grief, discover resources for the holiday season, and find meaningful ways to carry love, memory, and hope forward. RSVP with the link below or by calling 830-379-5046.

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, November 3 at 5:30pm in the Women's Ministry Room.

The next Council Meeting is Sunday, November 8, 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 - Oct 13, 2026: 

Budgeted Church Offering Receipts: $ 325,752.66

Actual Church Offering Receipts: $ 324,041.50

        Actual Other Receipts: $ 119,389.74

Total Receipts From Offering and Other Receipts YTD: $ 443,431.24

Operating Expenses YTD: $ 444,380.86 *

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

Jan 1 - Oct 13, 2025:

Budgeted Church Offering Receipts: $  325,752.66

Actual Church Offering Receipts: $313,434.07

Actual Other Receipts: $ 60,681.59

Total Receipts From Offering and Other Receipts YTD: $ 374,115.66

Operating Expenses YTD:  $ 382,986.64 *

* 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.