Because Lutherans love group photos. Couples Night Out celebrated their first event of the season last weekend. From PM, "We had a wonderful time, with beaucoups of laughs, at Topgolf and ended our night family style around massive tables at Velvet Taco! Thank you to everyone who made it and we look forward to our next outing!" Young couples, get Saturday, September 28 on your calendar as the group is going bowling at the EVO in San Marcos followed by dinner at Chuy’s. We are better together.

Please join us Sundays at 10:30 a.m.

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

“Jesus: the Bread of Life” is a wonderful five-week sermon series beginning Sunday, July 28, 2024. Five different voices from across our congregation will dive into the sixth chapter of the Gospel of John. These "bread" texts appear every year our worship services read the Gospel of Mark. This pause in the rhythm of Mark's story gives us space and place to hear, read, and learn something new from very familiar stories.

Please join us in giving thanks for each distinctly powerful voice that will be leading us!

... AND briefcases, lunch boxes, dance bags, duffle bags, totes, etc.

Everyone is invited to bring their gear, whatever represents your vocation, for a special Sunday blessing on August 18. We will take a special moment to pray for our students, teachers, and school staff, as well as lifting up prayers for all the vocations to which God calls us.

The Education and Congregational Care Teams are hosting a breakfast meet and greet with new members and visitors on Sunday, August 18 at 9am in the Women's Ministry Room. Join us for a light breakfast and good conversation before church service. This will be a great opportunity for everyone to get to know each other a little better, and to talk about all that is happening at Emanuel’s. 

ORGAN REPAIR REPORT

The Organ Repair Fund has exceeded $28,000 in gifts toward the repair of the organ and initiated work with Curtis Bobsin, Bobsin Organ Builders. We still have a ways to go to meet our $34,000 goal, and the Church Council invites you to prayerfully consider making a gift, of any amount, toward the goal. Make sure to write "Organ Repairs" on the memo line of your online, check, or offering envelope gift. The repairs will extend the life of our organ for many decades.

Read more about our organ and the needed repairs here.

THE CHRISTIAN CUPBOARD

On Thursday, August 22 we welcome Regina Lee with the Christian Cupboard at 9:15am in the Women’s Ministry Room for coffee and conversation. The Christian Cupboard, founded by area church women in 1991, is a non-profit organization which provides food and other basic need items to those living in Guadalupe County, Texas. Please make time to meet Regina and learn more about the needs of people and families in our area, how those needs are being met, and ways Emanuel’s can be a welcoming presence in our community.

LWR REPORT

Emanuel's Quick Quilters thank you for your generous donations to Lutheran World Relief school bags and personal care kits. The following items are still needed to complete the personal care kits:

• 116 bath-size soap bars
• 44 metal nail clippers
• 31 light-weight, bath-size DARK towels (between 20"x40"and 52"x27")  

“God’s Work. Our Hands.”

Lutheran Day of Service

"God's work. Our hands." Sunday is an annual day of service for the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) that takes place on September 8, 2024. It's a day to celebrate the ELCA's identity as a church that serves and loves its neighbors through Christ. It's also a chance to renew commitments to love and serve communities, and to make God's love real by calling for justice. 

Our Emanuel's projects will take us across the inside of our building as we prepare  Lutheran World Relief School Kit assembly, Personal Care Kit assembly, and complete Quilt Tying. Additional outdoor projects are still in works with details coming very, very soon!

CHILDREN & YOUTH EDUCATION

CHILDREN'S CHURCH will not meet August 4 or 11.

We invite you to join us back for Children’s Church on August 18th for bible study, snack, and fun activities for the kiddos. During worship Children’s Ministry Coordinator Jordana leads our PK 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 return as we "Share the Peace."  

THE COMPASS COOPERATIVE final summer event is Sunday August 11 from 5:30-7:30pm at the Peters' home.

Compass is a weekly gathering for youth, 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. Our new rotations start Sunday, August 18 with

• 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 will kick off in late August for our 6th to 8th graders. We will meet this year on the 4th Sunday of every month after worship in the Women’s Ministry Room on the first floor. Lunch will be first at 11:45 followed by gathering activities and breakout sessions, ending at 1:45pm. Participants are also invited to attend a weekend retreat at Camp Chrysalis with our Compass Cooperative friends for the Synod’s Middle School Youth Gathering in November. 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 the 3rd floor in room 307. 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. This Summer the class will meet on June 16, July 14, and August 11 at 9:15am in the Women's Ministry Room.

"INNOVATING WELCOME" Summer Workshop Discussion meets at 9am on June 16, 23; July 14, 21; and August 11, 18 in the Family Life Center. We will engage scripture, seek to unpack three major themes of our hospitality: "The Act of Hospitality," "The Space of Hospitality," and "The Follow-up & Invitation," and build a new hospitality plan for Emanuel’s.

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 - Aug 6, 2024

 Church Offering Receipts: $ 257,004.37

Budgeted Church Offering Receipts: $ 248,776.86 

Operating Expenses: $ 297,080.14 *

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

Jan 1- Aug 6, 2023

Church Offering Receipts: $ 260,656.90

Budgeted Church Offering Receipts: $ 239,784.92

Operating Expenses: $  253,928.56 *

* 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.

We are looking for volunteers to join the Office Angels. This dedicated crew answers phones, monitors the door, and assists with small tasks. Our busy season seems far away, but the planning starts now. Having extra hands and smiling faces around is a huge help! If you are interested, then please contact Sherry.