Because Lutherans are always learning. The Southwestern Texas Synod met at Emanuel's this week for their annual Racial Justice Boundary Training. Clergy reviewed topics on race and racism in the parish and engaged in meaningful dialog about respect and inclusivity in the past, present, and future. Rev. Katy Miles-Wallace, pictured above, shared the importance of acknowledging the original stewards of our lands. Did you know that the corner of Travis and Mountain Streets, where we gather for worship, fellowship, and education, is the traditional, ancestral, unceded territory of the Karankawas, Tonkawas, Comanches, Lipan Apaches and others? For centuries, the indigenous peoples of this land hunted, gathered in celebrations, and engaged numerous visitors who were both hostile and peaceful in nature.* We are better, knowing each other, together.

*Adapted from TLU

Explore native lands here.

Please join us Sundays at 10:30 a.m.

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

SCOUT SUNDAY

February 11

Cub Scout Pack 107 celebrates its 14th year at Emanuel’s. They are excited about their growth and the opportunity to make a difference in our community. Scout Sunday is celebrated in honor of a Scout’s “Duty to God” and their commitment to the Scout Law that says, “A Scout is Reverent.” It is our privilege to recognize those involved in the ministry and welcome them to Emanuel’s.

Ashes-to-Go will be outside the church on Gonzales Street from Noon to 1pm. Pastors from Emanuel’s, Spirit of Joy, and Frieden’s Church will distribute ashes and give blessings to passers-by who may not have time to attend our evening service. 

Worship with Holy Communion and Imposition of Ashes will be in the Sanctuary at 6:30 PM.

LET’S MARDI GRAS!

Tuesday, February 13 at 5:30pm

in the Fellowship Hall

This month is Mardi Gras, which refers to events of the Carnival celebration, beginning on or after the Christian feasts of the Epiphany (Three Kings Day) and culminating on the day before Ash Wednesday, which is known as Shrove Tuesday. Mardi Gras is French for "Fat Tuesday", reflecting the practice of the last night of celebrations and eating rich, fatty foods before the ritual Lenten sacrifices and fasting of the Lenten season.

Our second annual Mardi Gras celebration will be Tuesday, February 13, at 5:30pm. This year we will hold it in the Fellowship Hall to accommodate the awesome, overflow crowd of over 80 celebrants we had last year. There will be a pancake supper, games, masks, beads, pancake eating contest and costume competition (with HEB gift cards as prizes), King Cake, photographs, and all sorts of merriment for all. Brush off last year’s mask, create your own costume and come hungry. It’s time to party!

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED! Show off your flapjack skills or simply help make everything festive. Sign up in the narthex or give Deb Haug a ring at 830-832-1944 if you can lend a hand. 

Dear Brothers and Sisters of Emanuel's

Please excuse me for this woefully belated but none-the-less sincere expression of thanks for all the many ways in which you support me as I transition into my life as a retiree. As I have said many times, be assured that I am not just riding off into the sunset, but am slowly but surely reinventing myself with a goal of becoming a better servant of both you, my beloved Emanuel's family, and of God.

Best wishes to all.

Tom Engler

CAREGIVER CAFÉ

Join other caregivers over a cup of coffee and refreshments. Share with others who understand and care. We are meeting at Spirit of Joy the first Thursdays of each month, starting Feb 1st, at 9am and also at Emanuel's Lutheran Church the third Sunday of each month, starting Feb 21st, at 2pm. For more information contact Donna Simmons at 830 556 3542.

Read more about the Caregiver Café in the news below!

Sunday, February 25 at 2:00pm

in the Sanctuary

You are invited to join us for an afternoon of music, sharing, and celebrating the lives of our loved ones who have passed. Led by David Kauffman's powerful witness and music, this time together is certain to be one of hope and healing.

Learn more about David's music ministry and Good for the Soul Music™ online here.

LENTEN SUPPERS and

HOLDEN EVENING PRAYER

Wednesdays, February 21 through March 20

Please join us in the Women's Ministry Room at 5:30 pm for a light supper before Evening Worship, "A Wandering Heart" Lenten series focused on the life and faith of Peter with Holden Evening Prayer liturgy. 

"WANDERING HEART" LENTEN STUDY

In our Lenten study series from A Sanctified Art, we are invited to look for ourselves in the stepping stones of Peter’s story. We will reflect on the stages of our own faith journeys as well as who and what has shaped us along the way, letting our hearts sing of God’s grace and rest in streams of mercy, never ceasing. Devotional booklets will be available in the Narthex and Church office before Ash Wednesday. Make sure to see the progression of the beautiful art installation on the 2nd floor, just past the chapel door, as it develops throughout the Lenten season.

Thursday, February 15

11:30 - 1:30

Women's Ministry Room

Bring a main dish, side, or dessert to share.

Let Donna know if you have any questions at 830-379-5046 or donna@elcseguin.org.

WORLD DAY OF PRAYER

March 1, 2024



You are cordially invited to join

Guadalupe County Church Women United for World Day of Prayer

Friday, March 1 at 2:00 p.m.

Emanuel's Lutheran Church

Women's Ministry Room

Following the service we will share a Palestinian mezze platter.

Because Lutherans love small groups. Carol H. received a lot of love on her birthday this week from the Quick Quilters. But did you know that Carol is also one of our Puerto Rico mission trip attendees? The idea of serving in this way piqued her interest and once it was confirmed that there was plenty of work for an 85 year old to do AND she would be sleeping in an actual bed (Great question on her part!) she signed up. Learn more about how you can find a way to be involved in the life of the church by asking an usher, stopping by the office, or at our next All Team Meeting Night on Wednesday, April 3 at 5:30 in the Women's Ministry Room. We are better together.

Help Cross Trails Ministry raise funds

to keep camp affordable for all!

There will be a gathering at The Courtyard Marriott in New Braunfels

on Saturday, March 2nd beginning at 5pm.

Purchase your tickets to attend!

Cocktail Attire Requested

CHILDREN & YOUTH EDUCATION

CHILDREN'S CHURCH will return January 14 for our PK to 5th grade learners meets each Sunday. During worship the Vicars will 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 is a weekly gathering 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.

SUNDAY ADULT CLASSES

RepLENTance (Family Life Center): 9:15am. February 18 – March 24. A deeper look at Lent and what it teaches us about repentance, faith, new life in Christ, and the reconciling work of the Holy Spirit bringing us closer to God.

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.

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- Feb 6, 2024

 Church Offering Receipts: $ 47,658.55

Budgeted Church Offering Receipts: $ 41,738.50

Operating Expenses: $ 34,492.78 *

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

Jan 1- Feb 6, 2023

Church Offering Receipts: $ 59,632.93

Budgeted Church Offering Receipts: $ 40,476.19

Operating Expenses: $ $ 36,978.09 *

* 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.