Because Lutherans love the hope that comes at Christmas: we get giddy this time of year with the music, lights, and other signs of joy. There were celebrities all around the church last week filming a movie, but this famous guy stole the hearts of the Lady Property Stewards. Peace to you all as you experience the sights and sounds of the season. We are better together.
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Please join us Sundays at 10:30 a.m.
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The 7pm service will be livestreamed on YouTube and aired on KWED 1580. |
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COVID-19 SAFETY UPDATE
The Congregation Council approved the following at their November meeting. Fully vaccinated people are not required to wear a face mask or social distance on the church campus. Unvaccinated people are to wear masks inside the building and maintain social distancing. These guidelines apply to all ministry groups, rentals, tenants, staff, congregants, and visitors until further notice.
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Lutheran Disaster Response is engaging with partners in the affected areas, including the Indiana-Kentucky Synod, to respond to immediate needs. Given the initial damage assessments, recovery will likely take years, and Lutheran Disaster Response is prepared to accompany survivors until the response is complete.
Gifts to Lutheran Disaster Response designated for “U.S. tornadoes" will be used entirely (100%) to assist those affected by tornadoes until the response is complete. Together, we can support those who are on the long road to recovery. Read more about giving here.
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A big THANK YOU to the following volunteers who rang the bells in this year’s Salvation Army Kettle Campaign on Monday, December 6, for Emanuel’s Lutheran Church at Walmart’s market entrance: Jim Sagebiel, Elaine Giesber (and her sweet dog Tillie), Gloria Hanna, Carolyn Ehler Blumberg, Ruth Ander, Greg Ander, Charles Jobe, Hughlene Micheli, Jay Allen (a member of Crossroads Church who rang the bells for FOUR (4) hours), and Keith Vinyard. |
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How fun to have children from Emanuel's Lutheran Day School join us last Sunday at worship! Their bright voices brought Christmas cheer to everyone present. Thank you to Karen V., Tom. and PK for working on the songs with the kids in Chapel. But what else have these little guys been up to this month at school? Take a gander at the pics below of the holidays in action at ELDS, including a visit from the big man himself. |
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Let's not forget the school's adorable room contest this year! Congrats to "Judges Favorite" - PreK 3, "Most Creative" - PreK 4, and "Most Crafty" - Infant 2. Big THANKS to the Day School staff for making the halls merry and bright for everyone. |
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CHRISTMAS AND THE CROSS
Can the cross be the hope of Christmas? Christmas is about angels and shepherds and the babe, lying in a manger, not betrayal and death. But think about it: All our glories are realized in Jesus’ glorification on the cross. It’s the best gift ever!
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A MESSAGE FROM THE PASTORS
It is probably fair to say that 2021 was not the year many anticipated. In many ways, 2020 carried its pandemic shadow throughout another year and we have been pivoting to keep up with the changes that shadow presents. However, amidst all the uncertainties, changes, losses, and celebrations of our year, we have found ourselves, together, again at the manger.
Again, the stories of God’s love breaking into this world by the Holy Spirit through a young family have been read among us, the songs of angel-filled skies and cold night proclaimed by our voices, and the partaking of the bread and wine of our life-giving Savior have been shared. We may never know exactly what the future will hold for us, but we can faithfully rest assured that no matter what comes our way, God has done something so amazing, so life-altering on this night, that God in Christ Jesus is always with us; always.
Thank you for being a part of our worshipping community this year. Thank you for enlivening us with your voice and presence; we have certainly been made better because of it. May God bless you and yours this Advent and Christmas season, always. Amen.
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In God’s grip,
Pastor Marcus & Pastor Kelsie
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ELCA PRESIDING BISHOP'S CHRISTMAS MESSAGE |
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Click here to read the Bishop's Message in a larger format. ELCA Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton shares her 2021 Christmas message in the video link below.
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CHRISTMAS GREETINGS FROM THE SOUTHWESTERN TEXAS SYNOD |
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O holy night, the stars are brightly shining. It is the night of the dear Saviour’s birth. Long lay the world in sin and error pining, 'Till he appeared and the soul felt its worth. A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices, for yonder, breaks a new and glorious morn. -“O Holy Night,” translated by John Sullivan Dwight
Dear People of God,
Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus the Christ. 2021 was supposed to be the year when things got better. The pandemic should have receded, political tensions should have calmed, and racial justice should have progressed. While certain aspects of life have improved, we are still in many ways a weary world laying in sin and error, and the brokenness around and within us cannot be ignored or swept away by turning a page on the calendar.
In the midst of our brokenness, God promises to show up to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death and to guide our feet into the way of peace (Luke 1:79). God finds ways to break into the world, and this year especially we give thanks to God for showing up. Where did God show up for you in 2021? How might you share that story? Or maybe you are still waiting for God to appear?
Whatever your response may be, the coming holy and divine night is for you. God has sent the dear Savior into the world to meet our unsettled pining with a peace that passes all understanding. We pray that this weary world will once again rejoice with a thrill of hope over the coming of our Lord and that God will see us through this holy night to a new and glorious morn.
In peace,
Bishop Sue Briner
Deacon Darcy Mittelstaedt
Pastor Chris Steubing
Pastor Lisa Hoelscher
Deanna Zitelman
Susie Winterhalter
Pastor Judi Miller
Katy Miles-Wallace
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HOPE was born that night.
With much joy and grateful hearts, we wish you a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
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CHILDREN & YOUTH EDUCATION at 10:30 a.m.
Ignite! KIDS (First Floor): Gather in the IGNITE! KIDS room in the 1st Floor Green Classroom at 10:30 a.m. on Sunday Mornings for song and Bible stories. Age groups will transition to different rooms following the gathering time then return to families in worship for Communion.
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Ignite! KIDS needs you! Our Sunday morning children and youth program is growing, and that means we also have a growing need for adult leaders. To sign up to serve on a day that is convenient for you please check out our SignUp Genius link here. |
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SUNDAY ADULT CLASSES
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 Justice, Law, History.
PASTOR MARCUS' CLASS: resumes December 12 at 9:00 a.m. in the Family Life Center looking at the “Life and Legacy, of Martin Luther: A Video Discussion:”
WEEKDAY STUDIES
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Faith Circle (Women’s Ministry Room): Third Tuesdays at 5:30 p.m.
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Joy Circle (Women’s Ministry Room): Second Thursday at 9:30 a.m.
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Ladies Aid (Women’s Ministry Room): First Wednesdays at 2:00 p.m.
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MAKING YOUR GRIEF COUNT
Making Your Grief Count is a Bereavement Support Group sponsored by Porter Loring Mortuaries. Emanuel’s will host the 8-week* program facilitated by Rev. Darwin Huartson on Sundays from 3-5pm in the Family Life Center beginning January 16th.
This program is designed to create a safe place to:
- embrace your grief and learn to bear it,
- discover how your loved one can live on into your life story,
- strengthen your characteristics of resilience,
- and plan for how you will continue to heal and live a meaningful life.
*Attending all sessions is most beneficial, therefore no new participants are accepted after the second session.
Please contact Donna Simmons at 830-556-3542 with questions or to register.
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Hey ... you thought only the Property Steward Ladies clamored to have Santa photo last week? Not so, not so! Some of the men were equally, if not more so, excited to meet the jolly fellow in red.
Want to serve the church with a fun loving group of folk like this? Check out the list below for contact information of our various ministries. We'd love to have you join us in 2022!
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PROPERTY STEWARDS are a stalwart group of doers at Emanuel's who meet on Tuesday mornings. All skillsets are welcome. There are carpenters and gardeners and people good at changing light bulbs! Contact Garry Miller for more information.
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MUSIC MINISTRY includes the Jubilation Singers Choir and Heavenly Ringers Handbell Choir. Heavenly Ringers meets at 6:30 on Wednesday evenings followed by Jubilation Singers at 7:30. Contact Thomas Engler, Emanuel's Director of Music.
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LWR QUICK QUILTERS gathers in their first floor sewing suite on Monday mornings to assemble quilts that are distributed globally to those in need. If you are interested in this productive group call or text Jeanne P. at (830) 624-6478.
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SWEET HOUR OF PRAYER meets in the chapel on Thursday mornings at 10am to lift in prayer our church, community, and the world. Contact is Donna Simmons.
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HEALING THROUGH CONVERSATION is a support group for those who have lost a loved on to death. The group meets on the 1st Thursday at 11 a.m. in the Family Life Center. Facilitated by Donna Simmons,
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FOOD, FUN & FELLOWSHIP gathers on the 1st Sunday of each month at Noon. This ministry is for widowed, divorced, separated, and simply lonely people. Donna Simmons is the contact.
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3rd THURSDAY SENIOR SOCIAL will NOT meet in December. Join us in January on the 3rd Thursday at 11:30. This fun group gathers for lunch, conversation, and games. Donna Simmons is the contact.
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WORSHIP LEADERS are the backbone of our services on Sunday mornings. If you would like to be an usher, reader, assisting minister, Altar Guild, communion assistant, hospitality. or radio announcer contact Sherry H.
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COUPLES NIGHT OUT is an opportunity for couples who are 20-40ish to try new adventures, hang out, and get to know one another. They meet once a month(ish) at various locations. Contact is Pastor Marcus.
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DO YOU PLAY 42? A group of domino players are excited to be playing the game 42 at Emanuel’s on Thursdays from 1-4 p.m. Experienced players are invited to pull up a chair and join in the fun with “The 42 Crew.” Please contact Alton Mattke at 433-1193 and he can answer all your questions.
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CHRISTIAN CUPBOARD provides food and other basic need items to those living in Guadalupe County. Emanuel's has collection sites in the Narthex and the Mountain St. entrance. Most needed items include: cans of tuna and other meats; cans of fruit, veggies, beans, soup; mac & cheese; dried beans and rice; pasta and sauces; PB&J; cereal; toilet tissue, soap
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THE GARDEN OF EATIN' is Emanuel's community garden on the corner of Walnut and Bowie Streets. The garden enjoys a partnership with Seguin ISD and provides produce for the Christian Cupboard as able. We'd love to have you dig in with us. Contact our resident gardener Wayne S.
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NAMI GUADALUPE COUNTY provides education, advocacy and support to families and individuals affected by mental illness. Online Connection Recovery Support Group for individuals living with a mental health condition meets twice a month. Contact John B. to register. Online Family Support Group meets twice a month. Contact Barbara V. to register..
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CHURCH WOMEN UNITED is a valuable ecumenical organization with women from different churches who worship and work together on various projects. Contact is Elaine G.
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HABITAT FOR HUMANITY builds and improves homes in partnership with individuals and families in need of a decent and affordable place to live. The current house is at 503 E. Pine St If you can help out, please contact Garry Miller at 830-534-3290 or glmiller1948@gmail.com. Stay tuned for the Ecumenical build days for Habitat in 2022.
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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 still accessible via email. Thanks for understanding our need pace ourselves during these very trying times.
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THANK YOU for your continued financial support of the ongoing ministries of Emanuel's Lutheran Church.
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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:
January 1- Dec 21, 2021
Receipts: $ 410,817.88
Expenses: $ 472,976.45
January 1- Dec 21, 2020
Receipts: $387,893.61
Expenses: $ 536,427.40
If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact the church either through email or phone.
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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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