Because Lutherans love to gather. Reports from last weekend's ELCA Youth Ministry Network's Extravaganza! confirm that a gaggle of Lutheran is indeed a blessing. Pictured above are leaders and future leaders from across the Southwestern Texas Synod, including students from TLU Campus Ministry and our own Emanuel's team. They had time to learn, worship, grow, (and EAT!) with colleagues from across the ELCA. Pastor Marcus also shared duties as the Event Chaplain and whet his New Orleans whistle for our Mardi Gras pancake supper next month. We are better together.

Please join us Sundays at 10:30 a.m.

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

Safety Team Meeting is Sunday, January 28 following worship in the Family Life Center. We have a growing group of engaged members addressing safety and security. If you are interested in learning more about safety policies and procedures on the Emanuel’s campus, then please join us. 

Because Lutherans love group ministry. Thanks to the Stewardship Ministry Team for launching the 2023 Time and Talent survey. Individuals are now being contacted by group leaders about new and existing opportunities to serve at Emanuel's. 2024 brings fresh adventures and challenges to every ministry. Please plan to attend informational meetings to keep up-to-date on goings-on. Big hello to the Funeral Hosts pictured above who gathered this week to familiarize themselves with the newly refurbished Fellowship Hall and Kitchen. We are better together.

“There are only four types of people: those who have been caregivers, those who are now caregivers, those who will be caregivers and those who will need caregiving themselves.”   Rosalyn Carter

Statistics show that there are more caregivers in this country than ever before. This includes all types of caregivers – family members, friends, non-professionals, and professionals. More than one in five people in the United States care for a family member, friend, or neighbor with a health care need or functional disability. Add to that those who are employed in the caregiving profession and the statistics are even more compelling. Although many find the caregiver role to be rewarding, they also report that it has impacted their own physical, mental, and emotional health.

Further, the COVID-19 pandemic compounded the need for caregivers in the United States. According to the National Alliance for Caregiving October 2023 publication, Caring for the Carers: A Spotlight Brief on Supporting the Mental Health of Family Caregivers, “The pandemic was mentally and physically taxing, causing widespread anxiety about how the virus was spread and contracted, the effects of social isolation, the loss of loved ones, and the loss of financial stability—all of which contributed to a decline in mental health. A Kaiser Family Foundation report noted that in the United States, four in 10 adults reported symptoms of a depressive disorder or anxiety during the pandemic. This number is up from one in 10 adults reporting the same symptoms in early to mid-2019.”  

In response to the growing need for mental, physical, and emotional resources for caregivers in the Seguin area, Spirit of Joy and Emanuel’s Lutheran Churches have joined forces to create the Caregiver Café - a ministry of understanding, healing, and hope for caregivers. Over a cup of coffee and some refreshments, participants will have the opportunity to learn stress-relieving techniques, learn from guest speakers on helpful subjects, and share with others who can understand, all at no cost to participants.

Beginning on February 1, 2024, the Café will be open on the first Thursday each month at 9:00am at Spirit of Joy Lutheran Church (formerly Juan Seguin School) and the third Sunday of each month at 2:00pm at Emanuel’s Lutheran Church. Our community is made its strongest when we come together to mutually support one another, learn from each other, and share with one another life’s journey. It is our hope and prayer that the Caregiver Café will be that kind of place. Together we can create a new way of engaging one another and we hope you will share this information with your congregation by posting the attached flyer in your church, adding an announcement to your church bulletin and/or including information in your congregational newsletter.

For more information, please contact Emanuel's Senior Care and Bereavement Director Donna Simmons.

LET’S MARDI GRAS!

Tuesday, February 13 at 5:30pm

in the Fellowship Hall

It’s that time of year again! Next month is Mardi Gras, which refers to events of the Carnival celebration, beginning on or after the Christian feasts of the Epiphany (Three Kings Day) and culminating on the day before Ash Wednesday, which is known as Shrove Tuesday. Mardi Gras is French for "Fat Tuesday", reflecting the practice of the last night of celebrations and eating rich, fatty foods before the ritual Lenten sacrifices and fasting of the Lenten season.

Our second annual Mardi Gras celebration will be held on Tuesday, February 13, at 5:30pm. This year we will hold it in the Fellowship Hall to accommodate the awesome, overflow crowd of over 80 celebrants we had last year. There will be a pancake supper, games, masks, beads, pancake eating contest and costume competition (with HEB gift cards as prizes), King Cake, photographs, and all sorts of merriment for all.

Brush off last year’s mask, create your own costume and come hungry. It’s time to party!

Sunday, February 25 at 2:00pm

in the Sanctuary

You are invited to join us for an afternoon of music, sharing, and celebrating the lives of our loved ones who have passed. Led by David Kauffman's powerful witness and music, this time together is certain to be one of hope and healing.

Learn more about David's music ministry and Good for the Soul Music™ online here.

Help Cross Trails Ministry raise funds

to keep camp affordable for all!

There will be a gathering at The Courtyard Marriott in New Braunfels

on Saturday, March 2nd beginning at 5pm.

Purchase your tickets to attend!

Cocktail Attire Requested

CHILDREN & YOUTH EDUCATION

CHILDREN'S CHURCH will return January 14 for our PK to 5th grade learners meets each Sunday. During worship the Vicars will lead students to designated classrooms, just down the hall from the sanctuary, as we begin the "Gathering Hymn" and then guide 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 is a weekly gathering on Sundays @6pm for 6th to 12th grade students, hosted by our four church partners - Emanuel's, St. Andrew's, Spirit of Joy, and Friedens Church- and held on Spirit of Joy's campus. We eat, worship, play games, and enjoy each other's company.

SUNDAY ADULT CLASSES

Join Paul Sims and Pastor Marcus for an image and theme based study on one of the most unique yet beautiful books in the Bible. Its images and stories have captivated generations of theologians and worshippers alike and we invite you to jump into this wild adventure with us as we study the "Images in Revelation." Family Life Center, 9:15am. Extended through January 28.

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.

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- Jan 23, 2024

 Church Offering Receipts: $ 24,738.15

Budgeted Church Offering Receipts: $25,658.60

Operating Expenses: $ 18,387.75 *

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

Jan 1- Jan 23, 2023

Church Offering Receipts: $  28,834.63

Budgeted Church Offering Receipts: $24,731.18

Operating Expenses: $ 18,844.63 *

* 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.