Because Lutherans believe in love. O God of Love, Come~ On this the last Sunday of Advent, as the new day dawns, may we remember how your birth lit the darkness of night with the hope of freedom, the joy of a promise fulfilled. Be with us. Shine your light in our hearts so that we might know your wisdom, see your faithfulness, and believe in your creative, seemingly impossible ways. We ask this through Christ, our Savior and our love. Amen. We are better, waiting, together. | |
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MIDWEEK WORSHIP MEALS are provided in the Women's Ministry Room following our service. We have one final Wednesday left on December 21 and would love to have a small team of volunteers help provide this simple meal. Sandwiches or soup are plenty for our small gathering. Sign-ups are available in the Narthex.
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Thank you to members of the Senior Social Club and Sweet Hour of Prayer for providing lunch last week! | |
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BIBLE PRESENTATIONS
AND VICAR BLESSING
Worship last Sunday included rich celebrations of our youth and education programs. Our 3rd through 5th graders were presented bibles from the church for their personal faith formation and exploration of scripture. Also in the service, blessings were bestowed upon Vicar Connor as his time with us comes to an end. He was presented a quilt stitched by our LWR Quick Quilters.
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Ladies Aid
Annual Christmas Luncheon
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Outgoing Ladies Aid President Jeannie Hall welcomed Ladies Aid members and guests to their Annual Christmas Luncheon last Thursday in the Women's Ministry Room. The catered turkey and dressing meal (with a fabulous peach cobbler!) was topped off with raffle prizes and carols accompanied by Thomas Engler on the violin. An unusual twist to this year's event was an impromptu tour of the Fellowship Hall and Kitchen renovations! Everyone had a grand time oohing and aahing over the new appliances and fine finishes. | |
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THE LONGEST NIGHT SERVICE
Wednesday, December 21
7:00 in the evening
St. Andrew's Episcopal Church
The Longest Night is a unique winter service of devotion hosted by Emanuel's and St. Andrew's Churches in St. Andrew's historic chapel. This introspective worship experience provides a place and time for comfort during the often chaotic days surrounding the celebration of Christmas. We come together seeking healing and room to share grief, sadness, loneliness, or confusion when these emotions often feel out of place during the holidays.
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JOY CLASS CHRISTMAS PARTY | |
The Joy Class had a festive gathering at the church on Saturday. It was an extra special day to have all of our Joy Class friends in attendance at the same time. Julie S. hosted the crew with the help of Vicar Jordana. Wishing this crew a Very Merry Christmas! | |
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MUSIC MINISTRY
HOLIDAY WEEKEND
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Friday evening Emanuel's Music Ministry performed at the historic Zion Lutheran Church out at the Texas Agricultural Education & Heritage Center "Big Red Barn" for the annual Country Christmas, a family affair with food, music, lights, and Santa. Tom reports that there was plenty of hand clapping and foot stomping and an all around feeling of joy. Thank you for the photos, Natalia A., Ruth A., and Sharon K.! | |
Following worship on Sunday the ministry team celebrated with good cheer at their Christmas party in the Women's Ministry Room. | |
The ramp is complete! Thanks, guys! | |
We appreciate you, Doris! | |
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#wearebettertogether isn't just a catchy hashtag or tagline. We ARE, indeed, better together. Take a gander at our goofy ramp re-build team. PM caught a glimpse of master scribe Doris J. personally inscribing the bibles presented to 3rd - 5th graders last Sunday. We also got a quick peek at the Congregational Care Team sorting and bagging all of the yummy treats Emanuel's bakers made for our homebound members.
HUGE THANK YOU to our cookie bakers and delivery drivers!!! We didn't "see" you, but the love is real.
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Y'all make fantastic elves! | |
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ACOLYTE FAMILIES were sent a Sign-up Genius link to get their youth signed up for Sundays starting in January and ending in May. Please take a look at the
link here and find the Sundays that work for you and your youth. If your youth has never been an acolyte before and they are interested, please email Pastor Marcus for training. We can always use more faces!
CHILDREN SERMONS are a blessed part of our worship service that have come and gone and come again over the many years of our ministry. If you would be interested, in the coming year, to help facilitate this important time of learning during our worship services, please email Pastor Marcus.
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THE HERITAGE CLASS: Augsburg Fortress Quarterly Adult Bible Study led by various class members meets on Sunday mornings at 9:15 a.m. in room 304. The winter study is From Darkness to Light: 2 Chronicles, Isaiah, Joel, Luke, 1 Corinthians, 2 Timothy, James, 1 Peter. Class will not meet on December 25, 2022.
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.
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CHILDREN & YOUTH EDUCATION | |
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CHILDREN'S SUNDAY SCHOOL (1st Floor Green Room near elevator): Preschool to 5th graders are invited to join the Education Team for a brand new, rotation style Sunday morning education program starting at 9:15am. We start together for song, Bible story, and then head off to our group projects.
Children's Sunday School (Preschool to 5th Grade):
11/27 - Angels Visits Mary and Joseph - Art - wreath and ornament making
12/4 - Name Him Jesus – Cooking
12/11 - Born in a Stable - Science
12/18 - Shepherds and Wise Men - Creative Drama
12/25 – No Sunday School
CONFIRMATION CLASS meets next on Sunday, January 22 at 1pm in Emanuel's Family Life Center. Instruction for the year take place monthly at either Emanuel’s or Spirit of Joy.
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Online giving is safe, simple, and quick to do through our Vanco 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 | |
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Year to Date Giving comparison:
Jan 1 - Dec 13, 2022
Church Offering Receipts: $ 364,609.71
Budgeted Church Offering Receipts: $ 428,225.81
Operating Expenses: $ 451,043.78 *
* These figures do not include Forward In Faith remodel expenses or In-Kind Gifts
Jan 1 - Dec 13, 2021
Church Offering Receipts: $ 403,671.58
Budgeted Church Offering Receipts: $ 409,193.53
Operating Expenses: $ 465,290.64
If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact the church either through email or phone.
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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.
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Submit a brief, yet detailed description of your event below or to info@elcseguin.org before noon on Tuesdays 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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