Because Lutherans know being together takes a bit of work. Kudos to our Photo Directory Team, especially hard working leads Sharon K. (pictured here at the Mountain Street Entrance on Picture Day this Thursday) and Sheila E. (not pictured here but equally hard at work in the Fellowship Hall). Everyone is excited about our new directories, but few appreciate the long hours put into the organizational process. Thank you for putting up with all of us so that we can truly be … better together.

Please join us Sundays at 10:30 a.m.

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

GRADUATE & CONFIRMATION SUNDAY, May 19. We thank God for our high school, college, and post-graduate graduates and the beginning of their new chapters in life. During this special service, we will pray for and bless each of our graduates. Tables in the Narthex will feature memorabilia of each’s story and future. We will also have a special moment to celebrate our 8th grade confirmand as she affirms the promises of her baptism. AND it’s Pentecost! (Wear red!) You won’t want to miss this wonderful Sunday!

WELCOMING SUNDAY, May 26. If you are interested in joining the mission and ministry of Emanuel’s, then this Sunday is for you. For months now, our Council has prayerfully received numerous new and returning faces to our congregation. This unique service will center on the liturgy of welcome and affirmation and will be the time we formally receive all of these new and renewed faces. Please email Pastor Marcus, or fill out a blue card, if you would like to be a part of this “Welcoming Sunday!”

BECAUSE LUTHERANS support each other. Best wishes to TLU Intern Aaliyah Kirton! She is pictured here in worship last Sunday draped in a quilt from our Quick Quilters and blessings from our kids and church leaders. Thank you for sharing your great love of Jesus with us all! We are better together.

SEGUIN SQUIRREL TRAIL AT EMANUEL'S!

Thanks to an incredible gift from one of our members, our squirrel has been purchased, but we need help with a design. We have so much that can be celebrated and highlighted including our church history, our historical location, our gorgeous Oak tree, our Lutheran witness, and even our outreach ministries, potlucks, and educational programs. Using the forms in the Narthex, please share with the Council your vision for our squirrel. We will take submissions throughout the month of May and return to the congregation later this summer for selections and voting. 

MAKING YOUR GRIEF COUNT

This three-week grief program is 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 the program at Emanuel’s in the Family Life Center on Sundays, May 26, June 2, and June 9 from 2-4pm.  

BECAUSE LUTHERANS support each other. Look at our fabulous lawn crew in action! They make sure the corner of Travis and Mountain Street looks welcoming to visitors and members alike. Thank you for your care all year long. We are better together.

ADOPT-A-HIGHWAY CLEAN UP DAY is Saturday, June 1. Join the Outreach and Service Team at the USDA building off I10 at 8am. Wear long pants, boots or closed-toe shoes, hat, and gloves. We are going to make our little stretch of highway look awesome and welcoming for our Seguin neighbors. Lunch at Chili’s to follow! Bryce Kennedy (281-450-7654) can answer any questions.

GARDEN OF EAT’N WORKDAY is Saturday, June 1. Emanuel’s community garden behind the Luther House on the corner of Walnut and Bowie streets can use your help. Before the weather gets too brutal, the Outreach and Service Team is going to spruce up the area and make some needed repairs. Bring gloves, wide brimmed hat, long pants, closed toed shoes, and a water bottle. Lunch at Chili’s to follow! Contact is Sarah Kennedy at 281-734-3845. 

WELCOME BSA TROOP 12!

Boy Scouts of America Troop 12 reclaims one of the old Emanuel's unit numbers from decades ago! This all-girl troop (and leaders) are busy navigating the additional details that come with starting a new troop, and as a partner of Emanuel's, would love your help.

We are looking for additional youth (11-17) and adult volunteers to serve on the committee or serve as merit badge counselors. Fundraisers are planned, but until then, the unit is running on zero funds or supplies. If you would like to volunteer or donate, please reach out to Jonathan Zitelman, committee chair (210-643-8997).

CHILDREN & YOUTH EDUCATION

CHILDREN'S CHURCH for our PK to 5th grade learners meets every Sunday. During worship Vicar Jordana leads students to the Children's Church classroom just down the hall from the sanctuary, as we begin the "Gathering Hymn" and then guides them back as we "Share the Peace." We hope you will make this a part of your family's weekly worship rhythm!

THE COMPASS COOPERATIVE: May 19th will be the last Sunday night Compass meeting of the 2023-2024 school year at Spirit of Joy with our friends from Emanuel’s, St. Andrew’s, Spirit of Joy, and Friedens Church.

Summer programing is in the works. Our first event will be a family movie night at Spirit of Joy Lutheran Church on June 2nd! Looking forward to “Serve and Swim!” This will be a day of fun for Compass aged youth (incoming 6th to 12th grade) with a service project in the community in the morning, followed by lunch and a pool swim in the afternoon! Stay tuned for more info! 

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL AT FRIEDENS: “SCUBA: diving into friendship with God” Emanuel’s is partnering again this year with Friedens Church, Spirit of Joy Lutheran, and St. Andrew’s Episcopal where kids will be immersed in the Word and discover what living water is really all about. Get it on your calendar now: June 17-20 from 6-8:30pm with a light dinner 5:30pm, Friedens Church, 2555 Friedens Church Rd, Seguin, TX 78155.

GOD’S EXPLORERS is an upcoming, epic adventure for 3rd through 8th graders! Our exploring takes place July 15-18 from 8:30 – 3:30 where we will head underground touring four of God’s most beautiful cave system creations in Texas. Each day will feature a Bible study, games, activities, food, and, of course, an awesome cave tour! Registration closes Sunday June 30.

SUNDAY ADULT CLASSES

THE HERITAGE CLASS meets at 9:15 am Sunday mornings on the 3rd floor in room 307. December, January, and February's study is Faith That Glorifies God. Participants explore the deeper meaning found in the Bible and seek to unlock its wisdom through fellowship and robust group discussion. The aim is to make the Bible relevant and applicable to daily life. 

THE JOY CLASS: Bible stories and songs for adults with intellectual disabilities. Gathers at 9:15 on the First Sunday of the month in the Women's Ministry Room.

GIVING ENVELOPES

The church office is in the process of updating our Giving Envelope program. If you are currently receiving Emanuel's giving envelopes in the mail but no longer need them, having transitioned to our on-line giving platform, please call or email the church office. Also, if you are not part of the program and would like to receive weekly giving envelopes, please let us know as well!

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 14, 2024

 Church Offering Receipts: $ 174,755.88

Budgeted Church Offering Receipts: $ 153,951.60

Operating Expenses: $ 165,507.88 $ *

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

Jan 1- May 14, 2023

Church Offering Receipts: $ 171,626.14

Budgeted Church Offering Receipts: $ 148,387.08

Operating Expenses: $ 146,695.33 *

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

Emanuel's regular 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.