Because Lutherans share their joy. This month a group of Ladies Aid members hosted a bingo party for Guadalupe Valley Nursing Center residents. What a marvelous way "to be the church God is calling us to be by declaring God’s love, serving others, and embracing all." We are better together.

On Sunday, March 23, we welcomed Livy Jonell Mueller into the body of Christ and into the mission we share as a new member of Emanuel's Lutheran Church through the Sacrament of Baptism. Thanks and praise to God.

Please join us Sundays at 10:30 a.m.

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

Fourth Sunday in Lent, Year C

The psalm sets the tone this day: “Happy are they whose transgressions are forgiven, and whose sin is put away!” Happy are those who have “become the righteousness of God” in the merits of Christ Jesus. Happy are those for whom the forgiveness of God has “rolled away . . . the disgrace” of former times. Happy is the father at the return of his prodigal son. Happy are we that our sins are forgiven for Jesus’ sake. Rejoice!

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.

First Communion Classes will be held on Sundays April 6 & 13 at 9am in the Church Office. All 5th grade and older youth who have not participated in the class and are wishing to do so are invited. We will gather for study, fellowship, and bake the bread used for Holy Communion at the Maundy Thursday service. It will be at this service, Thursday, April 17, that First Communion students and their families will celebrate the Meal together. Please reach out to Pastor Marcus to get your youth on the list for this year’s classes.

Only 2 weeks away! Can it be? Final details and schedules will be posted on our Facebook Event Page. We can’t wait to share the day with our community!!

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.

Emanuel's will welcome Easter with beautiful lilies at our 10:30 worship service. You may donate Easter lilies as you rejoice the season, or in memory or honor of loved ones. Plants may be taken home following the service on Sunday, April 20. Return forms and payment to an offering basket or the church office by April 8. Each plant is $15.

WE SEE YOU!

Last week, Trooper Bernice Brown AKA Private Cathay Williams conducted a Buffalo Soldiers History Lecture for the Senior Social Club at the March potluck. It was just outstanding!! "We can. We will!!"

The next 3rd Thursday Senior Social lunch will be on April 17th in the Fellowship Hall. Stay tuned for details.

It was an exquisitely beautiful night for some golf with our Couples Night Out group! Faces hurt from laughing so much, so deeply, and so often with this incredible group! Thanks to everyone who made it out!

Our next outing will center itself around our 3rd annual Eggapalooza all abilities egg hunt on April 12!

The Senior Social Club Bus and train to Burnet on Saturday, May 3 has reached its goal of 56 people with a waiting list started. If you are interested in going, please let donna@elcseguin.org know so she can add your name to the wait list. You never know who might have to back out before May 3rd. Donna will be collecting the money for the bus trip starting Monday, March 31st. The cost per person for the bus and train ride is $65. Lunch in Burnet will be on your own and there is also a concession car on the train. Make your check payable to Emanuel's Lutheran Church with May 3rd bus trip on the memo line.

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 24 & 25 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.

Thanks to all for making the switch to Monday All Team Nights last month and next. Will see you April 7 as final preparations are made for Eggapalooza, Easter, and the summer calendar. Please find the Congregation Council minutes from the March meeting below.

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 25, 2025: 

Budgeted Church Offering Receipts: $ 97,056.44

      Actual Church Offering Receipts: $ 114,980.34

      Actual Other Receipts: $  5,146.00

Total Receipts From Offering and Other Receipts YTD: $ 120,126.34

Operating Expenses YTD: $ 102,436.43 *

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

Jan 1 - Mar 25, 2024:

Budgeted Church Offering Receipts: $  97,056.44

     Actual Church Offering Receipts: $ 105,107.78

     Actual Other Receipts: $ 2,891.70

Total Receipts From Offering and Other Receipts YTD: $ 107,999.48

Operating Expenses YTD: $  109,453.19 *

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

Say "Hi!" to Leia, everybody! She has joined the illustrious Office Angels crew and helps keep the church running smoothly on Tuesday afternoons. We love her can-do attitude and willingness to tackle whatever comes her way. Are you interested in helping out on Wednesday mornings or afternoons? Stop by or call Sherry to chat about the possibilities.

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.