Lutherans in their happy place: All that work of deck building and river clean up has its rewards. Pastor Marcus shares, "We had an amazing time at our All Church Retreat last weekend! Cross Trails Ministry, with Pastor Katie, Lisa, and Caeley, were incredible hosts. We hiked, swam, canoed, ate, worshiped, played games late into the night, depended friendships, and so much more! We hope you will join us next year for another amazing weekend together!" Do you have more photos to share? Send them to info@elcseguin.org. We are better together.

But for me it is good to be near God; I have made the Lord God my refuge, that I may tell of all your works.

Psalm 73:28

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

13th Sunday after Pentecost, Year A

In Isaiah the people are advised to look to their spiritual ancestors as the rock from which they were hewn. Jesus declares that the church will be built on the rock of Peter’s bold confession of faith. God’s word of reconciliation and God’s mercy are keys to the church’s mission. Paul urges us to not be conformed to this world but to offer our bodies as a living sacrifice, using our individual gifts to build up the body of Christ. From the table we go forth to offer our spiritual worship through word and deed.

Join us for a Rally Day morning like no other! Festivities begin at 8:30 a.m. on the church lawn with a bounce house, water slide, snow cones, popcorn, carnival games and prizes, a cake walk, giant lawn games, a cornhole competition, and opportunities to visit with ministry leaders and discover ways to get involved.

After worship, we will enjoy a delicious pulled pork lunch in the Fellowship Hall, resume the outdoor activities, and celebrate the achievements of our recent fundraiser with the highly anticipated “Pie the Pastor!” The festivities will conclude at 1:30 p.m.

JOIN OUR COMPASS YOUTH FOR AN END-OF-SUMMER DINNER on Sunday, August 23 from 5-7 pm at Spirit of Joy! Dinner will be served by the youth, followed by an array of stories, songs, memories, pictures, and videos of all the wonderful things they participated in this summer, thanks to your donations, prayers, and support. Please RSVP by filling out the short form through the link below. Looking forward to seeing you there!

MAKING YOUR GRIEF COUNT is a three-week grief program for those who have experienced loss of any kind to work though their grief, learn about healthy coping tools, and discover a path to healing in a supportive environment. Pastor Darwin Huartson facilitates this program at Emanuel’s in the Family Life Center on Sundays, August 16, 23, and 30 from 2-4pm.

LWR SCHOOL SUPPLY &

PERSONAL CARE KIT DONATIONS

We are wrapping up supply collection for Lutheran World Relief School Supply and Personal Care Kits to be assembled at “God’s Work. Our Hands.” Sunday, September 13 and distributed across the globe to neighbors in need. Thanks to everyone for the great response!

FINAL UPDATE

To complete the kits we now only need:

• bath size towel. ONLY light weight, DARK colors between 20"x40" & 27"x52" can be accepted (23)

Emanuel’s projects will span the inside of our building as we assemble Lutheran World Relief Personal Care Kits, complete Quilt Tying, write thank-you cards for teachers and first responders, and assist Artable Curiosities with fabric sorting. An outdoor project, trash pick -up along Seguin’s Hike & Bike Trails, will also take place.

We will be one of over 8,300 ELCA congregations across the country making a positive change in our communities, building and deepening relationships, and sharing God’s love. Join us as we do God’s work with our hands!

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.

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, September 1 at 5:30pm in the Women's Ministry Room.

The next Council Meeting is Sunday, September 13 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 will resume Sunday gatherings on August 30 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. 

DISCIPLES CLASS August 30: The Moving Finger Writes. Family Life Center at 9:00am. Tom Engler and Paul Sims will present gems of wisdom from the Judeo-Christian and Islamic literary traditions.

THE WIRED WORD: Group discussions about important matters of faith raised by news of the week. This 8:45am Tuesday morning study is on summer break! See you in the Family Life Center in September.

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 - Aug 11, 2026: 

Budgeted Church Offering Receipts: $ 254,354.81

Actual Church Offering Receipts: $ 248,759.09

        Actual Other Receipts: $ 69,022.59

Total Receipts From Offering and Other Receipts YTD: $ 317,781.68

Operating Expenses YTD: $ 338,643.88 *

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

Jan 1 - Aug 11, 2025:

Budgeted Church Offering Receipts: $  254,354.81

Actual Church Offering Receipts: $ 252,607.67

Actual Other Receipts: $ 55,182.00

Total Receipts From Offering and Other Receipts YTD: $ 307,789.67

Operating Expenses YTD:  $ 296,625.78 *

* 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.