Because Lutherans love group photos. The Congregational Care Team once again pulled off a stunning event! Everyone is still recovering from the fabulous 3rd Annual Mardi Gras celebration and a recap is coming soon. Thanks to Darlene Z. for submitting this fun family+ photo. Please SHARE YOUR PHOTOS with Sherry at sherry@elcseguin.org. We are better together.

Please join us Sundays at 10:30 a.m.

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

First Sunday in Lent, Year C

These forty days called Lent are like no other. It is our opportune time to return to the God who rescues, to receive the gifts of God’s grace, to believe with the heart and confess with the mouth the wonder of God’s love in Jesus, and to resist temptation at every turn. This is no small pilgrimage on which we have just embarked. It is a struggle Jesus knew. It is a struggle Jesus shares. The nearness of the Lord, in bread and wine, water and word, will uphold and sustain us.

Ash Wednesday reminds us that we enter this season together “with the whole church.” Though many common Lenten practices rightly invite us to individual acts of “repentance, prayer and fasting, sacrificial giving and works of love,” Lent is also a time for the deepening of community. Using readings from Mark’s gospel, this midweek series invites the congregation to reflect on what it means to be in community with one another, with the world, with creation, and with God. Our evening will begin with a meal. There is a place for you at the table. 

2025 LENTEN DEVOTIONAL

Emanuel’s invites you to use the Luther Seminary 2025 Lenten devotional, “There in God’s Garden” for daily personal study and reflection. Simply download the pdf here to your phone or computer.

So much behind-the-scenes work happening right now to make this year's Eggapalooza the best one yet! Do you want to be part of the action? This is one of those rare events that is as fun for the volunteers as it is for the participants. From sitting down to running around, we have a place for you! Don't miss out - sign up to volunteer today.

EGGAPALOOZA is Saturday, April 12 and we are back at TLU Bulldog Stadium! The egg hunt is free and open to everyone, of all abilities, from ages 2 to 12 years old. Follow our Facebook Event Page for updates.

Sundays, March 2, 9 and 16

2 -4 pm

Family Life Center

Making Your Grief Count is a three-week program for those who have experienced loss. Participants will learn about healthy coping tools and a path to healing in a supportive environment facilitated by Pastor Darwin Huartson. Director of Bereavement Care Donna Simmons can be reached at donna@elcseguin.org.

Due to Ash Wednesday the March All Team Night is moved to MONDAY, MARCH 10 at 5:30pm in the Women's Ministry Room. All of Emanuel’s Ministry Teams gather on a single evening each month to share a meal, collaborate, plan, and schedule upcoming events and ministry projects. Council Members act as team leaders/coordinators, but Ministry Teams are open to, and run by, everyone in the congregation. Please join us!

The Caregiver Cafe is a support group for caregivers meeting on the 3rd Sunday of the month from 2-4 pm at Emanuel's and 2nd Tuesdays of the month at 6pm at Argent Court Assisted Living.

Family members, non-professionals, and professionals are invited to share with others who understand and care. Guest speakers present on occasion and program resources are available. There is no cost to participants. Please contact Donna Simmons at donna@elcseguin.org for more information. 

WE SEE YOU!

Saturday was a beautiful day in the Garden of Eatin' with our friends from Texas Lutheran University! Thank you for spending time with us on the TLU Day of the Dog annual spring day of community service.

📷 Wayne S.

The Seguin Police Department will speak at the next Safety Team meeting on Sunday, March 16 in the Family Life Center following worship. Officer Stephanie Laramore will address church safety awareness and answer any questions. The congregation is invited to attend this informative meeting. 

The Senior Social Club will enjoy a potluck lunch and visit from the Bexar County Buffalo Soldiers Association of San Antonio on Thursday, March 20 at 11:30am in the Fellowship Hall. The Buffalo Soldiers were created by Congress back in 1866. They started with six all-Black Army regiments - later consolidated to four - that became known as the buffalo soldiers. Please bring a dish and come to see the wonderful presentation. Friends and family are welcome!

Read more about the Buffalo Soldiers here.

The Senior Social Club Train to Burnet is Saturday, May 3! Riding on a historic train is a unique experience. Join the Senior Social Club as we take a chartered bus to Cedar Park and board the Hill Country Flyer headed to Burnet, Texas. There will be two hours to sightsee, shop, and dine around the historic town square. Relax with your friends on the way back home. It's going to be a great spring day! RSVP by March 16 to donna@elcseguin.org.

WE SEE YOU!

Sunday, March 2 was the “all hands on deck” planning meeting for this summer’s Puerto Rico mission journey. Please keep our travelers from Emanuel's, Palm Valley Lutheran Church, and Cross Trails Ministry in your prayers as they proceed with the continued work at Campamento Luterano and Holy Trinity Lutheran Church on the island this July.

UPCOMING DATES:

• May 3: Synod Assembly
• May 4: College Graduation Sunday
• May 18: High School Graduation Sunday
• 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 15: Ladies Aid Father's Day Bake Sale
• June 16-19: 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.
• July 12-19: Puerto Rico Mission Trip

Contact Pastor Marcus if you have questions about these events.

CHILDREN & YOUTH EDUCATION

During worship Children's Ministry Coordinator Jordana Gutierrez leads our Pre-K 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 returns as we "Share the Peace."

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. 

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.

HABAKKUK: FAITH IN TOUGH TIMES is Sundays, March 9 – April 13 at 9am. Join us for our Sunday morning Lenten study in the Family Life Center. We will read together the book of Habakkuk and other related Biblical texts as we ponder God’s work during challenging times and how we can respond faithfully.

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 - Mar 4, 2025: 

Budgeted Church Offering Receipts: $  73,629.03

      Actual Church Offering Receipts: $ 89,253.50

       Actual Other Receipts: $  5,388.00

Total Receipts From Offering and Other Receipts YTD: $ 94,641.50

Operating Expenses YTD: $ 79,235.87 *

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

Jan 1- Mar 4, 2024:

Budgeted Church Offering Receipts: $ 73,629.03

     Actual Church Offering Receipts: $ 88,360.57

     Actual Other Receipts: $ 2,160.82

Total Receipts From Offering and Other Receipts YTD: $ 90,521.39

Operating Expenses YTD: $  87,519.70 *

* 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.