Because Lutherans support those who support others. Emanuel's Ignite! Youth delivered treats to our local first responders on Sunday. Thank you to everyone who provided delicious baked goods as an expression of our gratitude. Jordana reports that both the Seguin Fire Department and Police Department were super appreciative! We are better together.

Please join us Sundays at 10:30 a.m.

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

Stewardship comes in a variety of shapes and forms. Sometimes it is a financial response. Other times it is a service response. While still other times it is about our response to God’s call to love and serve our neighbors. Emanuel’s Stewardship Team invites you to join us in worship for a 5-week sermon series centering on Nehemiah 2:18. Reflections on “Stewardship & Mission” will be presented from five distinctive voices: Garry Miller, Paul Sims, Pastor Gerry Harrison, Deacon John Dellis, and Bishop Sue Briner. 

The TLU orchestra will be present to lead worship on Sunday, October 6. Dr. Doug Boyer and Dr. Eliza Jeffords of Texas Lutheran University have written and created a beautiful liturgy, using the hymn "Cantad al Señor," that will lead and guide our service. Featuring voices from TLU's choirs, this service will certainly stand out as a highlight of our year. Please help us spread the word and invite friends, neighbors, and family to worship with us.

Sunday, September 29 at 9:00 am

in the Sanctuary front pews

Whether you are interested in ushering or greeting, or have ushered and greeted your entire life, please join Pastor Marcus in this Sanctuary for this quick refresher training and updates. We will gather for an hour to go over new requests of this vital ministry, define roles and responsibilities of our numerous teams at work on Sundays, and answer any questions about before, during, and after worship responsibilities. A new usher and greeter checklist will provide the outline for our brief and focused conversation.

Because Lutherans love to welcome. The Quick Quilters invited Vicar Rudy to join them for a tour of the sewing suite and snacks on their Monday break. He learned a lot about our Lutheran World Relief projects and they learned a lot about our new intern. We are better together.

BLESSING OF THE ANIMALS

Sunday, October 6 at 3pm

You are invited! Our Compass Cooperative youth will celebrate St. Francis Sunday at Friedens Church with a pet/animal blessing and stuffed animal drive. Live animals must be on a leash, lead or in a carrier, etc. Lightly used an new stuffed animal companions will find loving homes with the children at Plaza de Paz, San Antonio. 

Because Lutherans love to work with others. It was an honor to have Tori and Michelle from Emanuel's Lutheran Day School visit with church members during September's Conversation with Emanuel's Partners in Service presentation. Our Day School celebrates its 75th anniversary this year! We learned about the ever developing ways of educating and loving young children in our area and how we can be involved in their lives. Opportunities to volunteer including Reading Mentor, Music Master, Garden Helper, and Lunch Buddy among others. Contact the Day School here if you are interested in learning more. We are better together.

The Day School craft supply closet is now FULL thanks to your generous donations. Please do not drop off any items at this time. We will let you know when special needs are requested. However, donations from the Day School wish list directly from Amazon are always welcome!

C3 (Community-Connection-Conversation) is a time of gathering out under the Oak Tree starting in October from 7:30 - 8:30 in the mornings. Bring a chair and join us as we share in fellowship, invite new faces to sit and share their stories, and welcome visitors who pass us on the street. Our format is to be open, very fluid, and provide a place to share, visit, and grow together as a community of faith.

Mark your calendars for Reformation Sunday worship service followed by our annual sausage lunch on the lawn. This year we are also celebrating the 75th Anniversary of Emanuel’s Lutheran Day School, the 125th Anniversary of Emanuel’s Ladies Aid, and the 155th year of Deutsche Evangelish Lutherische Emanuels Kirche, now fondly known as Emanuel’s.

The traditional worship service in the sanctuary honoring our Reformed heritage will feature organ, choral, handbell, and Day School children musical selections. Randall Springs will smoke delicious sausage links and Mike and the Middletones German Band return to entertain during the meal. First responders are invited to lunch as a small token of appreciation for their service. Canned goods donations will be collected for the Christian Cupboard.

Sign-up sheets will soon be in the Narthex for what to bring as well as volunteers for set up on Saturday and Sunday, serving food and beverages, and clean up following.

This is truly a Homecoming Sunday- invite your family and friends to the celebration!

Because Lutherans love stay connected. The first proof of our new photo directory arrived this week! The Directory Team is pouring over every photo, name spelling, phone number and such. Spoiler alert: We are a good lookin' group! Be patient. Final copies will be here as soon as possible. We are better together.

MY HEART SHALL SING! CONCERT

Sunday, October 20 at 4pm

All are invited to a casual concert celebrating the gift of music at Spirit of Joy Lutheran Church, 416 Dolle Ave., Seguin.

Musicians in Collaboration: Pastor Kara Hairell-Speed, Leah Matocha, & Keith Robinson. Guest Artists: Madison Clark, dancer, and Debbie Ealy, flute.

Cub Scout Lions and Wolves are collecting pet supplies for the Guadalupe County Humane Society. A Collection box will be in the narthex Sunday, September 22 – October 6. Needed: contractor strength trash bags, Clorox bleach, paper towels, toilet paper, Purina Kitten Chow Dry Food, Purina Dry Dog Food, hand sanitizer and cat litter. Thank you for supporting your local Pack and Humane Society!

EMANUEL'S TRUNK OR TREAT

Friday, October 25 from 6-8pm

Mountain Street Parking Lot

Emanuel's annual community-wide Trunk-or-Treat is a great way to welcome cooler temps, all things pumpkin, and a wee bit of mischief. Let Jordana know if you will be hosting a trunk and hand out treats to little goblins.

Candy donations are also welcome in the narthex and church office. Start thinking about your costumes and invite your friends. We are going to have a delightfully spooky time!

JOIN US AT THE BEACH!

Emanuel's Family Beach Trip reservations can now be placed for our 3rd annual congregation-wide trip next summer in Port Aransas on June 5-8, 2025. Come for the entire time, for just the weekend, or even just a single evening. Individuals, groups, and families are all invited to call Pioneer Beach RV Resort, 361-749-6248, to reserve one of their cabins (which sleeps 4) or an RV slot. Information regarding hook-ups, length of spaces, and cabins is available on their website: www.campspot.com/book/pioneer-beach-tx . Once you have made your reservation, email or call Pastor Marcus so you can stay updated. 

CHILDREN & YOUTH EDUCATION

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 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

"Godly Play" for children ages 4 years old through 5th grade also meets at Spirit of Joy from 4-5pm. Friends welcome as we learn and wonder together.

Confirmation Classes for our 6th to 8th graders meet this year on the 4th Sunday of every month after worship in the Women’s Ministry Room on Level 1. Lunch is 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

WHERE WELCOME MEETS COMMUNITY

September 15 – October 6

Gathering in the Family Life Center on Level 3 at 9:00 am on Sundays. This follow-up to our summer Innovating Welcome series will focus on the theology and practice of being a welcoming presence in the community. Come learn with us!

HYMNS & HYMNOLOGY II

Sunday, October 13 at 9am

Tom Engler invites you to join him in the Family Life Center for the last of the three sessions on hymns of the church. This session will be entirely devoted to Advent and Christmas hymns. "Some of what we do will be familiar, and some will not. But I want to introduce you to a selection of wonderful hymns contained in ELW, and I hope that we will get to sing them at one point. Then, to bring the whole thing to a close, I have a presentation on the 12 Days of Christmas that I would like to share with you. It is fun and it is light, and I trust you will enjoy it. See you then. Bring friends!"

THE HERITAGE CLASS meets at 9:00 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. 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. Upcoming dates are Sept. 8, Oct. 20, Nov. 10, and Dec. 8 at 9:00 am 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 - Sept 24, 2024

 Church Offering Receipts: $ 292,250.28

Budgeted Church Offering Receipts: $ 304,333.30

Operating Expenses: $ 358,637.86 *

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

Jan 1 - Sept 24, 2023

Church Offering Receipts: $ 306,277.56

Budgeted Church Offering Receipts: $ 293,333.30

Operating Expenses: $  315,689.93 *

* 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.