Because Lutherans notice signs of promise. Sometimes we don't have to look very hard; rainbows, children, children making rainbows. It is in the act of noticing that we, too, share love. (Learn more about that here). Thanks for sharing, Ms. Victoria. If you notice something that warms your heart, please let us know. We are in this together. WE ARE BETTER TOGETHER. We may be apart, but we are not alone.
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Sunday Worship in-person is suspended at this time for the safety of our congregation and community as COVID-19 numbers rise.
Please join us Sundays at 10:30 a.m.
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ANNUAL MEETING NOTES
On Sunday, January 24, 2021, 72 members braved inclement weather to participate in the drive-thru voting process. All of the items on the ballot passed without question. A special thank you to Council members Emily Prochnow, Keith Vinyard, Allan Bode, Linda Salt, and Susan Yeatts for their work on this pandemic-inspired process.
Council will elect the 2021 officers at the regularly scheduled meeting on Tuesday, February 9th. Due to continued high COVID numbers and our current “We are Better Together” policies, Council meetings are held via Zoom.
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Pastor Kelsie has been working behind the scenes on the E-Learning Team to help prepare a fantastic virtual Extravaganza happening February 4-6. The Extravaganza is the premier event for faith formation leaders in ELCA congregations. The event is held by the ELCA Youth Ministry Network. Every (non-COVID) year, 700-1000 adults who work with children, youth and families gather for spiritual renewal, continuing education and networking and support. In 2021, because the event has been re-created to be held On-Line , we anticipate an even larger community gathering.
Extravaganza 2021 will explore God’s call to “Hold Loosely” and to trust in the one who comes to create, to redeem and to sustain. This is more important now than ever, as we live and do ministry in a time of pandemic, of racial injustice and unrest, of social division and political turmoil.
Our conversation and learning at #ext21 will center around five questions:
- How do we help those we work with navigate the grief of losing “normal?” How do we navigate that same grief for ourselves?
- How do we care for ourselves in the midst of accompanying others in their pain?
- How do we navigate change?
- What should we do next?
- How do we find hope in the midst of chaos?
If you're interested in registering, email her ASAP so she can add you to our congregation group registration. Learn more about the event here.
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2020 ANNUAL REPORT
The completed and finalized Annual Report for calendar year 2020 will be available via email and mail Friday, February 5th. This allows for completion of all reports, including financial reports and supporting documents, from a year that was certainly not normal.
Thank you for your patience in this matter as our staff want to provide a complete report, versus one with missing components.
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ASH WEDNESDAY
We will gather for song, Word, and prayer on the lawn Wednesday, February 17th at 5:30pm. All mask and physical distancing policies will be observed. Our pastors have put in place measures to safely and prayerfully administer the ashen crosses at the close of our service.
Please bring your lawn chair, a light blanket, your mask, and your singing voice.
If you are unable to join us in the evening, please join us for “Ashes-to-Go,” from 12-1:00 p.m. at the sanctuary entrance on Travis Street. Our pastors will be on the sidewalk ready to pray with and administer crosses to any and all who want them.
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We join together in study around the A Sanctified Art’s series, “Again & Again.” The Creative Team writes, “With exacerbation we exclaim, ‘Again?! How long, O God?’ And yet, in the midst of the motion blur chaos of our lives, God offers a sacred refrain: ‘I choose you, I love you, I will lead you to repair.’ Again and again, God breaks the cycle and offers us a new way forward.”
Taking on a new rhythm, you are invited to ponder poems, scriptural reflections, and selected pieces of art as we dive deeper and deeper into the refrain of God’s never ending, never yielding, love for us and all that God has made. Devotionals will be available for download Thursday, February 11th. Print copies will be mailed to those without internet. Print copies will also be available in the church office.
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MIDWEEK LENTEN SERVICES
Each service will center on the “Holden Evening Prayer” liturgy with a reflection, based on our Lenten Devotional series, provided by one of our pastors. We invite you to follow along, as you are able, and in preparation for Easter.
Due to Covid-19 safety restrictions, our Midweek Services will be on Facebook and YouTube, Wednesdays at 12:05pm & 6pm
February 24 - March 24.
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Emanuel's Day School Director Victoria Bower shares these energetic photos from chapel on Wednesday, January 20. From Blind Bartimeaus to the Ten Lepers, the theme of the day was "Jesus Heals." Oh, my, there is so much to be thankful for here! |
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IT'S REGISTRATION TIME
Excitement, Adventure, and Faith Filled Fun!
Cross Trails Ministry summer camp registration is now open for Emanuel's youth.
- Camp Chrysalis, June 13-18, Confirmation Program
- Ebert Ranch Camp & Camp Chrysalis, July 9-16, LYLE II Program
- Camp Chrysalis, July 11-16, Explorers Program
- Camp Chrysalis, July 11-18, Confirmation Program
- Ebert Ranch Camp, July 18-23, LYLE I Program
Contact Pastor Kelsie if you have questions or are ready to register.
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SMALL GROUP UPDATES
Small groups at Emanuel's are patiently pivoting as new restrictions are implemented following our “We Are Better Together” COVID Safety and Gathering Policy. Rising COVID-19 numbers necessitate such action.
Please contact individual groups or the church office to see how each is creatively managing to proceed with the ministry and life of the church. Groups may be meeting online, in clusters of 2-5 people, or by other flexible means. Call first to see how best to participate.
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- Jubilation Singers Choir
- Heavenly Ringers Handbell Choir
- Ladies Aid
- Joy Circle
- Faith Circle
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- Heritage Bible Class
- Youth Ministry
- LWR Quick Quilters
- Property Stewards
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Online and other social distancing opportunities are also available.
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DEVOTIONAL PODCAST every Tuesday @10am on Facebook and Soundcloud. This is the last week of the Faces of Our Faith devotional podcast. Devotional Booklets are available here.
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WWJB (What Would Jesus Brew?) meets on First Fridays at 7pm on Zoom. WWJB is our once-a-month young adult fellowship where we talk about life, faith, movies ... anything and everything. Contact Pastor Kelsie for Zoom link.
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HOLY YOGA meets online at 6:45 pm on Mondays. Contact Pastor Kelsie to join this dedicated group.
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CONFIRMATION CLASS meets monthly online and in-person with students and leaders from Emanuel's. Spirit of Joy and St. John Marion.
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Face masks and other Emanuel's merch is available at our Teespring ELCSD ONLINE STORE. Order at teespring.com/stores/emanuels-lutheran-church.
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Tuesdays at the GARDEN OF EATIN' from 9-11. Come see what the winter garden looks like and how you can dig in with us!
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CHRISTIAN CUPBOARD is taking donations. Oatmeal, canned soup, empty egg cartons (esp. 18 count) , and personal care products are needed now. Monetary donations are especially welcomed
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CARE CLOSET in the church office meets small, immediate needs of those coming to our door seeking assistance. We are always in need of small snack bars, toiletries, new socks, and other items.
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Emanuel's Office Staff is working both at the office and at home. Staff may be in the office as needed or by appointment Mondays through Thursdays from 8-5. Don't forget to wear a mask on the church campus. Everyone is still accessible via email and phone.
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Face It! You're Bad At Judging Physical Distance. Here's How To Do It |
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MORE CAMPUS SAFETY REMINDERS:
- Masks. Wear them in the church building at all times. Masks should cover both nose and mouth. Everyone is in a mask. It’s what all the cool kids are doing these days.
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Small groups who gather must maintain a minimum six-feet physical distance. Be bold- go for ten-feet. Or more!
- Do not come to the church if you are feeling poorly, have a fever, or have been around people who have tested positive for the Coronavirus. This is true even if you just think it is cedar fever. (Another reason to hate allergies.)
- Embrace hand sanitizer. Use it when you enter and leave the building. Wash your hands if you touch your mask or face. Handwashing is an act of love for your neighbor. Love ALL!
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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 1-27. 2020
Offering: 48,500.99
Expenses: 32,162.76
January 1-27, 2021
Offering: 51,055.50
Expenses: 29,721.80
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 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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