Because Lutherans get tickled. Jim D. from the Garden of Eat'n got a chuckle out of these crazy carrots started from seed by our Day School kids. He explained that each wild reaching root is from a separate tiny seed. The All Team Night attendees also got a kick out of gargantuan, club size cucumbers. How grateful we are to share humor found in unexpected places. Has something at Emanuel's made you smile recently? Let Sherry know. We are better together.

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

2nd Sunday after Pentecost, Year C

This Sunday’s texts paint startling pictures of the horrific nature of sin. The church’s repeated celebration of holy communion counters that tragic reality in a continued showing forth of the death of Jesus until he comes again. It is a dramatic declaration of “how much God has done for you.”

PASTORAL CARE NOTICE

Pastor Marcus is on vacation Saturday, June 14 – Saturday, June 28. For pastoral emergencies during this time please call the church office (830-379-5046) or Vicar Rudy Salazar (210-387-5677).

The church is better when leaders have time to rest. Emanuel's graciously provides time to recharge. We all wish Pastor Marcus and Kristen safe travels, refreshed spirit, merry memory making, and renewed energy.

PUERTO RICO MISSION TRIP 2025

The pavilion at Camp Roig will be a multipurpose space for campers, church groups, and local leaders. Its rebuild offers a shaded sanctuary for worship, meals, and fellowship. We are building more than shade. We are helping rebuild a community. With construction and travel costs higher than expected, we invite you to walk alongside us with prayers and support. Meet more of our Mission Team and help us finish strong.

Janelle went on a medical mission trip to Peru eight years ago during college; Luke hasn't been on a mission trip before. "We are looking forward to getting closer to those in our church community in a new setting! We are excited to learn new skills and assist in growing the Dr. Eduardo Roig Lutheran Camp."

Puerto Rico 2024 was Karen's first ever mission or church camp trip despite being a lifelong Lutheran. "My initial mindset involved seeing a country and it's people that I had never visited before and, essentially, being part of an extension of our ELC Property Steward program. What the trip became was a goal directed ELC (+Palm Valley) family mission.

The excitement and expectations voiced by what became our Puerto Rican Lutheran family members was rather mind-boggling. I truly had the feeling that I was part of a Christ-led mission. As Puerto Rico 2024 became the extension of the awesome work done by our youth during Puerto Rico 2023, I expect PR 2025 to be an extension of PR 2024.

Debbie has experience volunteering at local food pantries. This will be her first time working on a large-scale project. Stephan has gone on several mission trips, two with the Appalachian Service Project and last year’s Puerto Rico trip. He’s also done several Habitat builds and local service projects. Debbie is looking forward to going somewhere she’s never been before, and exploring and experiencing a small piece of Caribbean life! Stephan is looking forward to helping with completing the project for the camp and the fellowship of working with the team.

Denise has been on about 20 mission trips, including twice to Puerto Rico and once to El Salvador. The others were stateside. This photo is with the frog she caught last year in Puerto Rico. She is looking forward to returning to see camp and continuing relationships with its people. She also wants to learn more of the Spanish language.

Garry's first mission trip was last year's Capilla Mission in Puerto Rico. "I learned that the Journey is just as important as the End Result. I made some lifelong friends from the Puerto Rico side of our mission team. I also learned how important it is to be ready to adjust to conditions and changing design criteria; but with an attitude that trusts God to lead us where he will." He is looking forward to working with new team members, catching up with last year's volunteers, and deepening his faith. Garry would also like to learn a little more Spanish and gain some proficiency in new areas of construction.

Donations may be made via the links below. For checks, please add “Puerto Rico Mission Trip” in the memo line.

Our Education and Faith Formation Team is using the summer to plan the next full year of education topics, in addition to the weekly Heritage Bible Study class, and we would love to hear from you!

On our online survey, share your thoughts to help us create an exciting year of opportunities to deepen our faith, strengthen our relationships, and grow deeper in our understanding of the love of God poured out into our world.

Line dancing is a fun, healthy, and rewarding activity. Our enthusiastic instructor is Rob Kennedy. He is experienced at teaching line dancing to all ages and differing levels of mobility. No previous dance experience is needed, just the desire to join us for some great exercise with a fun group of people!

WE SEE YOU!

Donna Simmons presented information about Emanuel's Senior Care Ministries and Bereavement Care Ministries at the June Ladies Aid meeting. She is shown here at left with Ladies Aid officers, Sharon H., Barbara H., and Jeannie H. Emanuel's is blessed to have so many people serve with giving, open hearts. It is exciting to learn from one another and also lift in praise the work of each ministry. We are better together.

📷 Judy S.

Compass Cooperative youth group had a great movie and craft night last Sunday! They painted tote bags, canvases, made jewelry, and watched Emperor’s New Groove. Be on the lookout for more Compass events coming up. We are better together.

Summer living may be easy, but planning never stops! Emanuel's Ministry Teams gather next on Wednesday, July 9 at 5:30 in the Women's MInistry. After dinner we will roll up our sleeves and get to work on events and projects for the second half of the year. Come see what is going on and how you can help.

Please find the Congregation Council minutes from the June meeting below.

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 Assistant Charis leads our PK to 5th graders to the Children’s Church room, just down the hall from the sanctuary, and returns as we share the peace.

The Compass Cooperative 6th – 12th graders celebrate summertime with our four church partners- Emanuel’s, St. Andrew’s, Spirit of Joy, and Friedens Church. Check out the schedule below for a host of projects and opportunities for youth to get to know each other, our community, and Jesus! Contact the Compass Cooperative Director Hannah Hanson if you have any questions about this dynamic program.

GOD'S EXPLORERS: FAITH & SCIENCE COME ALIVE is June 30 to July 3, from 8am to 5pm, for all registered 3rd to 8th grade youth. Please pray for our explorers and chaperones as they traverse central Texas visiting the USS Lexington, the Alamo & Tower of the Americas, the Dinosaur Park, and the Safari at Natural Bridge Caverns. History, science, and Bible study all in one magnificent week! Every participant must have turned in their registration form to participate. 

“YEE HAW! Celebrating God's Greatest Gift” VBS at Friedens Church is June 24-25 from 5:30-8:30pm for Pre-K to 5th graders. We are once again partnering with our Compass Cooperative community for another fabulous vacation bible school experience. This evening event is geared for busy families to make time for each other, a little food and games, and a whole lotta fun and Jesus! Call the church office to register your kids.

• VOLUNTEERS NEEDED: Contact Vicki Wilson 830-660-7588 or the Friedens Church office at 830-303-7729 if you can be a crew or station leader.
• WESTERN GEAR NEEDED such as cowboy hats, weathered ropes, lanterns, bandannas, cowboy boots, and saddles that can be borrowed. Label with your name and bring to the front of the church.

VBS @ ST. ANDREW'S

St. Andrew's Episcopal Church is hosting a Vacation Bible School July 7-11 from 9-Noon. Snacks and t-shirt are provided. 201 E. Nolte St with drop off at the church garden. Call 830-372-4330 if you have any questions.

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 summer our Bible Study is "Living Faith."

THE JOY CLASS: Bible stories and songs for adults with intellectual disabilities at 9am one Sunday a 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 - June 17, 2025: 

Budgeted Church Offering Receipts: $  192,513.87

      Actual Church Offering Receipts: $ 199,999.68

        Actual Other Receipts: $  41,178.50

Total Receipts From Offering and Other Receipts YTD: $ 241,178.18

Operating Expenses YTD: $ 230,507.91 *

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

Jan 1 - June 17, 2024:

Budgeted Church Offering Receipts: $  192,513.87

     Actual Church Offering Receipts: $ 203,936.07

     Actual Other Receipts: $86,973.08

Total Receipts From Offering and Other Receipts YTD: $ 280,348.46

Operating Expenses YTD: $  290,909.15 *

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

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.