Because Lutherans celebrate milestones of all kinds. On Sunday Emanuel's Children's Ministry Coordinator Jordana Gutierrez hosted a Grandparent Milestone event in the Women's Ministry Room. Senior Care Coordinator Donna Simmons and Vicar Rudy shared about being grandparents and what it means to them. Attendees participated in crafts while they talked about this vital relationship and the opportunities it brings to pass on faith and heritage while continuing to see God in new ways. We are better together.

Please join us Sundays at 10:30 a.m.

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

Fifty Sunday in Lent, Year C

Our God makes all things new. In the first reading God promises it. In the gospel Mary anticipates it, anointing Jesus’ feet with costly perfume in preparation for the day of his burial. In the second reading Paul recalls his transformation from the persecutor Saul into an apostle. In baptism, God’s new person (you!) rises daily from the deadly mire of trespasses and sins.

WELCOME PASTOR WES!

The Rev. Wes Cain is the campus pastor for the Texas Lutheran University community. He is passionate about pouring into the lives of the students, faculty, and staff of his alma mater and being a part of the world-changing work of raising up disciples of Christ. Pastor Wes is a United Methodist elder and has previously pastored in congregations in central New Jersey, Kyle, Boerne, and Wimberley. His wife, Jessica, is an ELCA pastor serving at Living Word Lutheran Church in Buda. They have three amazing children: James, Joseph, and Rebekah. We are grateful to have him back at Emanuel’s this week.

Ash Wednesday reminds us that we enter this season together “with the whole church.” Though many common Lenten practices rightly invite us to individual acts of “repentance, prayer and fasting, sacrificial giving and works of love,” Lent is also a time for the deepening of community. Using readings from Mark’s gospel, this midweek series invites the congregation to reflect on what it means to be in community with one another, with the world, with creation, and with God. Our evening will begin with a meal. There is a place for you at the table. 

2025 LENTEN DEVOTIONAL

Emanuel’s invites you to use the Luther Seminary 2025 Lenten devotional, “There in God’s Garden” for daily personal study and reflection. Simply download the pdf here to your phone or computer.

First Communion Classes will be held on Sundays April 6 & 13 at 9am in the Church Office. All 5th grade and older youth who have not participated in the class and are wishing to do so are invited. We will gather for study, fellowship, and bake the bread used for Holy Communion at the Maundy Thursday service. It will be at this service, Thursday, April 17, that First Communion students and their families will celebrate the Meal together. Please reach out to Pastor Marcus to get your youth on the list for this year’s classes.

We are on the downhill slide until the spectacular, amazing, totally awesome, stupendous, thrilling, and just plain wholesome fun that is Eggapalooza!!! You, too, can be a part of this magical day. Bring the kids in your life, share on social media, and/or sign up below to be part of our crew!

EGGAPALOOZA is Saturday, April 12 and we are back at TLU Bulldog Stadium! The egg hunt is free and open to everyone, of all abilities, from ages 2 to 12 years old.

Emanuel's will welcome Easter with beautiful lilies at our 10:30 worship service. You may donate Easter lilies as you rejoice the season, or in memory or honor of loved ones. Plants may be taken home following the service on Sunday, April 20. Return forms and payment to an offering basket or the church office by April 8. Each plant is $15.

8:30 am - 9:45 am

Women's Ministry Room

The Congregational Care Team invites you to take a little break from the bustling Easter activities. Come catch your breath and enjoy some hot coffee and breakfast goodies on this festive, glorious morning.

There are signup sheets in the Narthex and Chapel entrances if you would like to delight us with one of your breakfast specialties, bring juice, or help serve/clean-up. Thank you!

SENIOR SOCIAL CLUB BUS & TRAIN TO BURNET on Saturday, May 3 has 3 extra seats available on the bus and train. If you are interested in going, please let donna@elcseguin.org know so she can add your name. Once filled then a waitlist will be formed. The cost per person for the bus and train ride is $65. Lunch in Burnet will be on your own and there is also a concession car on the train. Make your check payable to Emanuel's Lutheran Church with May 3rd bus trip on the memo line.

GOD'S EXPLORERS: FAITH & SCIENCE COME ALIVE is open and ready for registration for all 3rd to 8th grade youth. Hosted June 30 to July 3, from 8am to 5pm, this incredible group of youth, chaperones, and pastors will traverse central Texas visiting the USS Lexington, the Alamo & Tower of the Americas, the Dinosaur Park, and the Safari at Natural Bridge Caverns. We will eat together, have Bible studies, and explore each of these fascinating locations. All participants must have turned in their registration form in order to participate. The only costs incurred by each youth will be any souvenirs they wish to purchase. 

UPCOMING DATES:

• May 3: Synod Assembly
• May 4: College Graduation Sunday
• May 18: High School Graduation Sunday
• June 1: Confirmation Sunday
• June 5-8: Emanuel's @ the Beach, Pioneer Beach RV Resort, Port Aransas. Fun for you and the whole family!
• June 15: Ladies Aid Father's Day Bake Sale
• June 24 & 25 VBS @ Friedens Church, 5:30-8:30pm, Open to all pre-K to 5th graders! Volunteers, too!
• June 30 to July 3: God's Explorers, 8:30am - 3:30pm, Open to all 3rd to 8th graders.
• July 12-19: Puerto Rico Mission Trip

Contact Pastor Marcus if you have questions about these events.

Thanks to all for making the switch to Monday All Team Nights last month and next. Will see you April 7 as final preparations are made for Eggapalooza, Easter, and the summer calendar. Please find the Congregation Council minutes from the March meeting below.

Please join us for our annual Cibolo Creek Conference event for Women of the ELCA on Saturday, April 26th at Peace Lutheran Church in New Braunfels. The theme, “Planting Seeds of Peace”, is centered around John 14:27, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid.” In our lives today, we deal with fear, uncertainty, and division every day. God, through Jesus, assures us that we do not need to fear. We come together as Women of the ELCA to “grow in faith, affirm our gifts, and support one another in our callings”. Pastor Judi Miller will be our Bible study leader. We are looking forward to a day of nurturing, fellowship, Bible study, and developing new friendships.

Our day will begin with registration at 8:30 am. Breakfast will be provided. In addition to our Bible study, we will worship together, hear from the Synodical Board, and hold our annual conference meeting. Think and pray about becoming a member of the conference board. All three positions are open election. Registration is $20 (deadline April 18th).

We will collect a monetary offering, which will be divided 50% to Churchwide, 25% to the Southwestern Texas SWO and 25% to First Footing, a part of New Braunfels Housing Partners, which assists those who are homeless with mental and physical health care, employability skills training, budgeting education and housing navigation. The physical offering will be collected for Peace Lutheran’s Parking Lot Pantry. Suggested items are Pop Tarts, Tuna Packets, Crackers, Granola Bars, and Juice Boxes.

Save the date, spread the word among the women in your congregation, and make plans to join your sisters in Christ at this event. Your conference board and the women of Peace Lutheran Church are looking forward to seeing you there!

Dawn Young, Conference Coordinator

Cindy Bonaccorsi, Secretary

Kathleen Beierle, Member at Large

Catch up on camp news here. There is information about Summer Staff needs, Spring Women's Retreat registration, and Fall Retreat dates.

CHILDREN & YOUTH EDUCATION

During worship Children's Ministry Coordinator Jordana Gutierrez leads our Pre-K to 5th grade learners to the Children's Church room, just down the hall from the sanctuary, as we begin the "Gathering Hymn: and then returns as we "Share the Peace."

The Compass Cooperative gathers on Sundays with our four church partners - Emanuel's, St. Andrew's, Spirit of Joy, and Friedens Church- at the Spirit of Joy's campus. Contact: Compass Program Director Hannah Hansen.

• Middle School Compass (6th to 8th grade) from 4-5pm
• Dinner for everyone at 5pm
• High School Compass (9th to 12th grade) from 5:30-6:30pm

Confirmation Classes for our 6th to 8th graders meet on the 4th Sunday of every month after worship in the Women’s Ministry Room on Level 1. Pastor Marcus is available to answer any questions about our new schedule and curriculum focus. 

SUNDAY ADULT CLASSES

THE HERITAGE CLASS meets at 9:15 am Sunday mornings on Level 3 in room 307. Participants explore the deeper meaning found in the Bible and seek to unlock its wisdom through fellowship and robust group discussion, making the Bible relevant and applicable to daily life.

This spring, our Bible lessons follow the theme “Exclusion and Embrace,” a series in two units during Lent and the weeks following that encourage us to consider what we need to let go of and what we need to take on as followers of Jesus. 

THE JOY CLASS: Bible stories and songs for adults with intellectual disabilities at 9am on the first Sunday of the month in the Women's Ministry Room.

HABAKKUK: FAITH IN TOUGH TIMES is Sundays, March 9 – April 13 at 9am. Join us for our Sunday morning Lenten study in the Family Life Center. We will read together the book of Habakkuk and other related Biblical texts as we ponder God’s work during challenging times and how we can respond faithfully.

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 1, 2025: 

Budgeted Church Offering Receipts: $ 104,902.77

      Actual Church Offering Receipts: $ 127,391.58

       Actual Other Receipts: $  6,394.00

Total Receipts From Offering and Other Receipts YTD: $ 133,785.58

Operating Expenses YTD: $ 116,646.00 *

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

Jan 1 - April 1, 2024:

Budgeted Church Offering Receipts: $  104,902.77

     Actual Church Offering Receipts: $ 110,573.78

     Actual Other Receipts: $ 3,777.70

Total Receipts From Offering and Other Receipts YTD: $ 114,351.48

Operating Expenses YTD: $  123,260.62 *

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

Emanuel's 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.