Lutherans in their happy place: Heading out on an adventure with a bus full of Lutheran and Lutheran-adjacent friends is a happy place in its own right. Rolling into The Little Creamery in Brenham to sample The Best Ice Cream in the Country is a delight beyond compare. The Senior Social Club's summer sojourn last week was sweeter than most of The Wandering Lutheran's excursions, and just as fun. Come meet these fine folk at their next potluck in the Fellowship Hall on Thursday, August 20. There will be a presentation about Fraud Protection from Imael Herrar with AARP. Lutherans are happy AND alert! We are better together.

But for me it is good to be near God; I have made the Lord God my refuge, that I may tell of all your works.

Psalm 73:28

Sunday Worship at 10:30am is in the sanctuary, online on YouTube, and on radio KWED AM 1580.

9th Sunday after Pentecost, Year A

The seventh sermon in our 10-week 2026 Summer sermon series Odd & Holy: God's Grace in Scripture's Strangest Scenes is titled "The Laugh: When God's Promise Sounds Too Good." God is patient with skeptical laughter and faithful to promises beyond possibility.

Please join us for a Chili & Cornbread Cook Off on Sunday, July 26, immediately following worship in the Fellowship Hall. Everyone is invited to come and enjoy a delicious meal and great fellowship. Do you have a signature chili or cornbread recipe? Bring your best dish and compete for more than just bragging rights, you could take home the coveted Golden Ladle or the Iron Skillet. We invite everyone to participate, whether by cooking, serving, or simply enjoying the meal. For more information, please contact the Feast & Fellowship Team: (830) 832-1944.

FLOOD RELIEF

FLOOD RELIEF EFFORTS are led by our own Bryce Kennedy, Council President and Disaster Response Coordinator for the Synod. To receive emails regarding volunteer sites and projects, email disaster@swtsynod.org or call 281-450-7654. To give financially toward the relief efforts, specifically in our Synod, follow this link for more information: www.swtsynod.org/disaster-team. Social media pages for our church and synod also contain information about volunteer opportunities and gathering locations.

COMPASS COOP

NASHVILLE MISSION TRIP

Our Compass Cooperative Youth Ministry high school group is in Nashville for their week of missional service. Keep holding them and those they serve alongside in your prayers this week. Compass Director Hannah Hansen is posting daily on the groups Facebook page. It's simply amazing what people can do when working together!

Read more here.

Emanuel's Gather and Grow Ministry Team is excited to invite you to the upcoming All-Church Retreat at Lutheran Campy Chrysalis in Kerrville!

This two night experience includes:

Canoeing, Archery, Pool Swim, Arts & Crafts, S'mores,

Hiking, Sing-a-longs, Worship & Devotions

All meals and snacks are included.

Everyone is welcome - individuals, couples, and families!

Complete the online reservation below by July 27th.

LWR SCHOOL SUPPLY &

PERSONAL CARE KIT DONATIONS

We are now collecting supplies for Lutheran World Relief School Supply and Personal Care Kits to be assembled at “God’s Work. Our Hands.” Sunday, September 13 and distributed across the globe to neighbors in need.

School supplies are starting to go on sale now. To complete 100 School kits we need:

LWR School Supply Kits

• 30 cm rulers, or inches on one side and centimeters on the other (88 58)
• Box of 16 or 24 crayons (91 14)
• Pencil sharpeners (77 41)
• Scissors, blunt (92 59)

LWR Personal Care Kits

• Sturdy wide-toothed combs (91)
• Metal nail clippers (69)
• Bath size bar soaps, original wrap, 8-9 oz ea. (184)
• Bath size towels, light weight, dark color between 20"x40" and 27"x52" (67)

Collection boxes for your generous donations are in the Narthex, Mountain Street Entrance, and Church Office

MAKING YOUR GRIEF COUNT is a three-week grief program for those who have experienced loss of any kind to work though their grief, learn about healthy coping tools, and discover a path to healing in a supportive environment. Pastor Darwin Huartson facilitates this program at Emanuel’s in the Family Life Center on Sundays, August 16, 23, and 30 from 2-4pm.

Join us for a Rally Day morning like no other! Festivities begin at 8:30 a.m. on the church lawn with a bounce house, water slide, snow cones, popcorn, carnival games and prizes, a cake walk, giant lawn games, a cornhole competition, and opportunities to visit with ministry leaders and discover ways to get involved.

After worship at 10:30 a.m., we will resume the outdoor activities while enjoying a delicious pulled pork lunch in the Fellowship Hall. We will also celebrate the achievements of our recent fundraiser with the highly anticipated “Pie the Pastor!” The festivities will conclude at 1:30 p.m.

Sign-up sheets for cake walk donations, lunch sides and desserts, small bottled sodas for the ring toss game, and cornhole teams will be available in the Narthex beginning Sunday, August 2. 

All of Emanuel’s Ministry Teams gather on a single evening every other month to share a meal, collaborate, plan, and schedule upcoming events and ministry projects. Join us next on Wednesday, July 29 at 5:30pm in the Women's Ministry Room.

MUSIC MINISTRY MEETING will be on All Team Night, Wednesday, July 29. Dinner will be in the Women’s Ministry Room at 5:30 then at 6:00 we will head up to the music suite for vision sharing and planning. 

The next Council Meeting is Sunday, September 13 following worship in the Family Life Center.

CHILDREN & YOUTH EDUCATION

Children's Church is a weekly time for our younger learners to join in Bible study, crafts, and activities. During worship Children’s Ministry volunteers lead our PK to 5th graders to the Children’s Church room, just down the hall from the sanctuary, and return as we share the peace.

Our Education Team invites you to sign-up to help teach. Lessons are provided for each age group each week, encompassing Bible Study, games, crafts, and fellowship. Pastor Marcus has more details.

The Compass Cooperative will resume Sunday gatherings on August 30 with our church partners- Emanuel’s, St. Andrew’s, and Spirit of Joy - at Spirit of Joy campus. Let Hannah know if you aren’t on her email list to find out about Middle School and High School events this summer: Hannah@elcseguin.org 

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. Summer 2026 explores Spirit, Boldness, Opportunities.

THE JOY CLASS: Bible stories and songs for adults with intellectual disabilities at 9:00 am one Sunday a month in the Women's Ministry Room.

DISCIPLES CLASS: Seasonal topics that delve into the word and explore applications out in the world.

Aug 16 - Oct 18 | Led by: Paul Sims and Pastor Marcus | 9:00am | Family Life Center

The Theology of the Cross was Luther’s response to the Roman Catholic Church that set the trajectory of the Reformation. We will explore this pivotal essay by Luther just in time for Reformation Sunday. 

THE WIRED WORD: Group discussions about important matters of faith raised by news of the week. This 8:45am Tuesday morning study is on summer break! See you in the Family Life Center in September.

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 - July 21, 2026: 

Budgeted Church Offering Receipts: $ 230,927.40

Actual Church Offering Receipts: $ 228,225.76

        Actual Other Receipts: $ 66,470.59

Total Receipts From Offering and Other Receipts YTD: $ 294,696.35

Operating Expenses YTD: $ 307,730.01 *

* These figures do not include Forward In Faith remodel expenses or in-kind donations.

Jan 1 - July 21, 2025:

Budgeted Church Offering Receipts: $ 230,927.40  

Actual Church Offering Receipts: $ 230,417.67

Actual Other Receipts: $ 48,978.00

Total Receipts From Offering and Other Receipts YTD: $ 279,395.67

Operating Expenses YTD:  $ 275,319.39 *

* These figures do not include Forward In Faith remodel expenses or in-kind donations

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.