Because Lutherans know serving together is better (pt. 3). Volunteers from Emanuel's who participated in Blue Santa last year in our Fellowship Hall accepted this token of appreciation from the Seguin Police Department in September. Please make time to meet Office Larrimore (pictured here) on Thursday, October 24 as she discusses Blue Santa 2024 during our Conversations with Partners in Service at 9:15am in the Women's Ministry Room. We are better together. | |
Emanuel’s welcomes Bishop Sue Briner today as our guest preacher in the congregation’s “Stewardship and Ministry” series. The Rev. Susan (Sue) J. Briner of New Braunfels was re-elected May 5, 2024, to serve a second six-year term as bishop of the Southwestern Texas Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). She is the first woman to serve as a bishop in the history of the three ELCA synods in Texas. As an immigrant herself, Bishop Briner is passionate about welcoming the stranger, and our territory has the longest border with Mexico of any synod. She currently serves on the board of Global Refuge, and is the co-chair of the Bishop’s Immigration Ready Bench. Her synod is coordinating a multi-synodical grant, Sembrando en Los Margenes, focused on a coordinated effort to support and sustain vibrant ministry along the border. |
BLESSING OF THE QUILTS
Sunday, October 20
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Bishop Sue Briner will join us for Blessing of the Quilts as part of our “Stewardship and Ministry” series. Emanuel's Lutheran World Relief Quick Quilters have made more than 300 quilts this year that will be shipped across the globe to be of service to people in need. Please join us as we bless these quilts made in love for our neighbor.
| Stewardship comes in a variety of shapes and forms. Sometimes it is a financial response. Other times it is a service response. While still other times it is about our response to God’s call to love and serve our neighbors. Emanuel’s Stewardship Team concludes our 5-week sermon series centering on Nehemiah 2:18. Thank you to our presenters for sharing their reflections and opening our eyes and hearts: Garry Miller, Paul Sims, Pastor Gerry Harrison, Deacon John Dellis, and Bishop Sue Briner. | |
ALL SAINTS’ SUNDAY
November 3, 2024
During worship we will remember and celebrate those who have died this year and those who were baptized. As each loved one's name is read, families will be invited to come to the front of the church for a special time of prayer and the gift of flowers. A “Remembrance Table” will be at the front steps of the altar in the Sanctuary. Everyone is invited to bring a framed, standing photo of loved ones they would like to honor this day, even if they passed before this year or were not affiliated with Emanuel’s.
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Mark your calendars for Reformation Sunday worship service followed by our annual sausage lunch on the lawn. This year we are also celebrating the 75th Anniversary of Emanuel’s Lutheran Day School, the 125th Anniversary of Emanuel’s Ladies Aid, and the 155th year of Deutsche Evangelish Lutherische Emanuels Kirche, now fondly known as Emanuel’s.
The traditional worship service in the sanctuary honoring our Reformed heritage will feature organ, choral, handbell, and Day School children musical selections. Randall Springs will smoke delicious sausage links and Mike and the Middletones German Band return to entertain during the meal. First responders are invited to lunch as a small token of appreciation for their service. Canned goods donations will be collected for the Christian Cupboard.
Sign-up sheets are in the Narthex for what to bring as well as volunteers for set up on Saturday and Sunday, serving food and beverages, and clean up following.
This is truly a Homecoming Sunday- invite your family and friends to the celebration!
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EMANUEL'S TRUNK OR TREAT
Friday, October 25 from 6-8pm
Mountain Street Parking Lot
Emanuel's annual community-wide Trunk-or-Treat is a great way to welcome cooler temps, all things pumpkin, and a wee bit of mischief. Let Jordana know if you will be hosting a trunk and hand out treats to little goblins.
Candy donations are also welcome in the narthex and church office. Start thinking about your costumes and invite your friends. We are going to have a delightfully spooky time!
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Only one more baking day! Come see what the buzz is all about!
Thanks to Sharon K. for the photos below.
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LUTHERAN DISASTER RESPONSE | |
Two hurricanes recently have hit Florida and moved inland as tropical storms through the southeastern United States. Millions continue to be without power and remain isolated and cut off due to substantial damage in their communities.
Lutheran Disaster Response has strong relationships in the region and is already at work on the ground. Working alongside synods and other partners, Lutheran Disaster Response is prepared to expand to all impacted areas. We anticipate that our greatest impact will be reaching those in underserved and rural areas. By giving to Lutheran Disaster Response, you enable the ELCA to act quickly after disasters such as Hurricane Helene and to remain for as long as the recovery takes. You can support the response today at the link below.
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Because Lutherans love to learn from one another. Deacon John Dellis shares, "It was an honor to be invited to preach at Emanuel's Lutheran Church in Seguin this morning, part of a five-week Stewardship and Mission series. Thank you Pastor Marcus Bigott and Vicar Rudy Salazar and all members of Emanuel's for your hospitality!" We are better together. | |
BLUE SANTA
Thursday, October 24 at 9:15 am
Women's Ministry Room
Emanuel’s is partnering with the Seguin Police Department’s Blue Santa Program again this year to bring hope and joy to families who struggle to make ends meet. Please make time to meet Officer Larrimore as we learn more about Blue Santa, volunteer opportunities during the event, and ways Emanuel’s can to be a welcoming presence in our community.
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INSULIN RESOURCE
Seven vials of Novolg insulin are available at no cost to anyone who needs them. All vials are well under expiration dates, have never been opened and are still refrigerated. Value is $35/vile. Contact Deb Haug at 830-832-1944.
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C3 (Community-Connection-Conversation) is a time of gathering out under the Oak Tree starting in October from 7:30 - 8:30 in the mornings. Bring a chair and join us as we share in fellowship, invite new faces to sit and share their stories, and welcome visitors who pass us on the street. Our format is to be open, very fluid, and provide a place to share, visit, and grow together as a community of faith. | DAY SCHOOL CELEBRATES FAIR DAY | The Fellowship Hall was transformed last week into a festive arena showcasing spunky kids and crafty floats. Attendance was high with energy to match. From the directors, "Thank you to everyone who came and supported our Early Preschool, Pre-K3, and Pre-K4 classes at our first ever Shoebox Parade in celebration of Guadalupe County Fair Day! We had some truly creative and imaginative shoebox floats and we were so impressed by both our parents and students! You are all amazing!" | | |
INFORMATION MEETING
2025 MISSION TRIP TO PUERTO RICO
Sunday, October 20 at 9am
Pastor Marcus invites everyone who has already signed up, as well as those interested in partnering again with Cross Trails Ministry and Palm Valley Lutheran Church to work on new and continuing projects for an informational meeting on Sunday, October 20 in the Family Life Center at 9am. Due to some changing plans from partner churches, more spots have come available so if you are at all interested, please join us for this informational meeting.
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A WORKSHOP FOR NAVIGATING THE HOLIDAY SEASON
Emanuel’s Lutheran Church Family Life Center
Sunday, November 10 from 2-4pm
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Grief during the Holidays is challenging. The season of the holidays renews memories, family ties, and traditions. We become painfully aware that our loved one is no longer present. Learning to navigate a changing world combined with the sorrow of our loss causes us to grieve on many levels. How do we allow ourselves in these times to “make our grief count” and find our resilience?
This workshop will help participants learn self care and coping skills to prepare for the holidays. This will help families to embrace their grief, while strengthening characteristics of resilience. Participants will use the holidays to discover how their loved one can live on into their life story, using this special time to continue to heal.
Presenter: Darwin Huartson, M. Div., BCC
Contact: Donna Simmons, 830-556-3542
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ELDS VETERAN'S DAY PARADE
Monday, November 11 at 10am
Church Lawn
Emanuel's Lutheran Day School invites YOU to participate in our Veteran's Day Parade on the church lawn, honoring your service and dedication. This walking parade will take place on Monday, November 11th at 10 AM.
Veterans who attend Emanuel’s Lutheran Church as well as veterans who are family members of our day school children are warmly welcomed to join in the celebration. We encourage you to come dressed in uniform to proudly represent your branch of service.
Let’s gather together as a community to help teach our little ones to recognize the bravery and sacrifices of our heroes. For more information, please contact the Day School office at 830-372-0332.
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SCOUT THANK YOU
Emanuel's Lions and Wolves Scouts thank you for helping care for our local Humane Society animals. Donations were delivered this week as they visited the shelter and learned about caring for our four legged friends.
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MY HEART SHALL SING! CONCERT
Sunday, October 20 at 4pm
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All are invited to a casual concert celebrating the gift of music at Spirit of Joy Lutheran Church, 416 Dolle Ave., Seguin.
Musicians in Collaboration: Pastor Kara Hairell-Speed, Leah Matocha, & Keith Robinson. Guest Artists: Madison Clark, dancer, and Debbie Ealy, flute.
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BOLD GATHERING
Saturday, October 26
Grace Lutheran Church
708 Bluff Dr, Round Rock, TX 78681
The BOLD GATHERING is a day for men to come together to learn, to network, and be equipped to BOLDLY live out their faith!
Learn more and register here.
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CHILDREN & YOUTH EDUCATION | |
During worship Children’s Ministry Coordinator Jordana leads our PK 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 return as we "Share the Peace." | |
The Compass Cooperative is a weekly gathering for youth, 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. Our new rotations start Sunday, August 18 with:
- 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
"Godly Play" for children ages 4 years old through 5th grade also meets at Spirit of Joy from 4-5pm. Friends welcome as we learn and wonder together.
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Confirmation Classes for our 6th to 8th graders meet this year on the 4th Sunday of every month after worship in the Women’s Ministry Room on Level 1. Lunch is at 11:45 followed by gathering activities and breakout sessions ending at 1:45pm. Participants are also invited to attend a weekend retreat at Camp Chrysalis with our Compass Cooperative friends for the Synod’s Middle School Youth Gathering in November. Pastor Marcus is available to answer any questions about our new schedule and curriculum focus. | |
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NEW ADULT SUNDAY MORNING ADULT CLASS: Join us November 3 – November 24 in the Family Life Center as we read and discuss “Life Together” by Dietrich Bonhoeffer, a book about real and practical Christian community from the perspective of one of the great modern Lutheran theologians who wrote during the reign of the Nazi Regime in Germany. As a bonus, there is a Bonhoeffer movie (Bonhoeffer: Pastor. Spy. Assassin) to be released in theaters during the final weekend which we will go see together as a matinee. Copies of Life Together are available in the Church Office for anyone who would like to read with us. Please read chapters 1 & 2 before the first class so we can discuss together. | |
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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. 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. Upcoming dates are Sept. 8, Oct. 20, Nov. 10, and Dec. 8 at 9:00 am in the Women's Ministry Room.
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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 - Oct 15, 2024
Church Offering Receipts: $ 316,571.09
Budgeted Church Offering Receipts: $ 327,983.84
Operating Expenses: $ 394,075.89 *
* These figures do not include Forward In Faith remodel expenses or In-Kind Gifts
Jan 1 - Oct 15, 2023
Church Offering Receipts: $ 334,558.90
Budgeted Church Offering Receipts: $ 316,129.00
Operating Expenses: $ 345,798.23 *
* These figures do not include Forward In Faith remodel expenses or In-Kind Gifts
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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. | |
Submit a brief, yet detailed description of your event below or to info@elcseguin.org by 5pm on Mondays for consideration for that week's email news. Late submissions will be considered for the following week's email and/or social media posts. | |
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