Because Lutherans value hanging out. IGNITE Youth and Family enjoyed time at Fiesta Lanes in New Braunfels last weekend. "Rock and Bowl!" provided silly, wiggly, giggly time for folk to relax, connect, and show off some impressive bowling physiques. We are better together.

Please join us Sundays at 10:30 a.m.

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

My name is Rudy Salazar, Jr., a senior at Luther Seminary in St. Paul Minnesota. I am enrolled in the Master of Divinity program. I am an ELCA candidate in Word and Sacrament and pastoral ordination. I will serve this fall as a Vicar at Emanuel's and am currently an assisting minister at St. John's in Denhawken. My wife Estella and I have been married for 49 years and are lifelong Seguin residents. We are blessed with two sons, two grandchildren, and our first great granddaughter. I served in the United States Marine Corps. My hobbies are building projects and gardening.

SYNOD ASSEMBLY WEEKEND, May 3-5. Our voting members, Susan Yeatts, Darlene Zies, Paul Sims, and Pastor Marcus will make their way to Corpus Christi next weekend to undertake the work of our Synod. They will hear reports and updates from staff and ministries, approve budgets and mission plans, and hear from ministry partners near and far. Additionally, this weekend will also play host to the election of the next bishop of our Synod, please hold all of these leaders in your prayers.

GRADUATE & CONFIRMATION SUNDAY, May 19. We thank God for our high school, college, and post-graduate graduates and the beginning of their new chapters in life. During this special service, we will pray for and bless each of our graduates. Tables in the Narthex will feature memorabilia of each’s story and future. We will also have a special moment to celebrate our 8th grade confirmand as she affirms the promises of her baptism. AND it’s Pentecost! (Wear red!) You won’t want to miss this wonderful Sunday!

WELCOMING SUNDAY, May 26. If you are interested in joining the mission and ministry of Emanuel’s, then this Sunday is for you. For months now, our Council has prayerfully received numerous new and returning faces to our congregation. This unique service will center on the liturgy of welcome and affirmation and will be the time we formally receive all of these new and renewed faces. Please email Pastor Marcus, or fill out a blue card, if you would like to be a part of this “Welcoming Sunday!”

LWR QUILT RAFFLE

Raffle proceeds for a queen size handsewn and hand quilted quilt by Darlene Z. will provide supplies for Emanuel’s Lutheran World Relief Quick Quilters. Our quilters make hundreds of quilts each year that go across the globe to people in need. Tickets are $1 each or $5 for 6 tickets. Drawing will be May 5th. Please see a quick quilter or inquire in the church office. 

The Senior Social Club is meeting on Thursday, May 16 at 11:30 for their regular monthly luncheon. Everyone is to bring sandwiches, salads, sides, or desserts to share. We’ll play Bingo with treats for the winners!

May is a busy month so, unfortunately, the Bus Trip to Fredericksburg is cancelled. Stay tuned for future fun outings with this fantastic group of seniors. See you on the 16th in the Women’s Ministry Room!

NEW CHURCH DIRECTORY PHOTO SESSIONS

May 15 – 18

Here are some tips and ideas to prepare for and get the most out of your photo session. 

• Solid colors work best. Avoid busy patterns and choose a color theme that unifies the look of your family. If you wear glasses all the time, wear them in your portrait. Pets welcome.
• Please arrive a few minutes early to ensure you are ready for your photo session and so we can stay on schedule for everyone. Allow 45-60 minutes for photography and portrait previewing. You will receive an 8x10 photo and directory at no cost, but other package options are available.  
• All appointments are booked. The schedule is posted in the Narthex by the coffee pot. If you have questions or need to cancel then please text, phone, or email Sharon Kane and leave a message—979-482-6486 or skane49@att.net. 

HOSTS NEEDED on portrait days to assist with paperwork and help at the Mountain Street entrance. Let Sharon know if you are available. 

BECAUSE LUTHERANS share this beautiful planet. Tai Chi day of Peace practiced by the Seguin group led by Barry Johnson was hosted on the lawn at Emanuel's at 10:00am on Saturday, April 27. The form is practiced around the world as 10:00am arrives in the area. We are better together.

ELC "ALL CHURCH BEACH TRIP”

June 6-9, 2024

Come for the entire time, for just the weekend, or even just a single evening. Individuals, groups, and families are all invited to call Pioneer Beach RV Resort in Port Aransas, 361-749-6248, which has cabins or RV slots, or local hotels or AirBnB for lodging. Once you have made your reservation or if you have any additional questions, please email or call Pastor Marcus so that future planning information can be shared.

WELCOME BSA

TROOP 12!

Boy Scouts of America Troop 12 reclaims one of the old Emanuel's unit numbers from decades ago! This all-girl troop (and leaders) are busy navigating the additional details that come with starting a new troop, and as a partner of Emanuel's, would love your help. We are looking for additional youth (11-17) and adult volunteers to serve on the committee or serve as merit badge counselors. Fundraisers are planned, but until then, the unit is running on zero funds or supplies. If you would like to volunteer or donate, please reach out to Jonathan Zitelman, committee chair (210-643-8997).

CHILDREN & YOUTH EDUCATION

CHILDREN'S CHURCH for our PK to 5th grade learners meets every Sunday. During worship the Vicars 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 weekly gathering at Spirit of Joy 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.

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL AT FRIEDENS: “SCUBA: diving into friendship with God” Emanuel’s is partnering again this year with Friedens Church, Spirit of Joy Lutheran, and St. Andrew’s Episcopal where kids will be immersed in the Word and discover what living water is really all about. Get it on your calendar now: June 17-20 from 6-8:30pm with a light dinner 5:30pm, Friedens Church, 2555 Friedens Church Rd, Seguin, TX 78155.

GOD’S EXPLORERS is an upcoming, epic adventure for 3rd through 8th graders! Our exploring takes place July 15-18 from 8:30 – 3:30 where we will head underground touring four of God’s most beautiful cave system creations in Texas. Each day will feature a Bible study, games, activities, food, and, of course, an awesome cave tour! Registration closes Sunday June 30.

SUNDAY ADULT CLASSES

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.

WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE LUTHERAN? (Family Life Center): 9:00am. April 7 - May 12. Take a dive into the Reformation, the writings that shape our Lutheran witness, the people that wrote them, and the events that changed the world.

GIVING ENVELOPES

The church office is in the process of updating our Giving Envelope program. If you are currently receiving Emanuel's giving envelopes in the mail but no longer need them, having transitioned to our on-line giving platform, please call or email the church office. Also, if you are not part of the program and would like to receive weekly giving envelopes, please let us know as well!

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- April 30, 2024

 Church Offering Receipts: $ 159,484.35

Budgeted Church Offering Receipts: $ 138,333.32

Operating Expenses: $ 139,445.04 *

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

Jan 1- April 30, 2023

Church Offering Receipts: $ 150,674.32 

Budgeted Church Offering Receipts: $ 133,333.32

Operating Expenses: $ 142,225.75 *

* 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.