Because Lutherans rejoice!: "This is (still) the day the Lord has made!" How can we respond? "Let us rejoice and be glad in it," of course! We can also rejoice in our words and deeds. We can savor youthful egg hunts, marvel at azaleas that defy frost, lift voices in sweet hour of prayer, revel in couples night out, share stories of hope, and smile with shining eyes above loving masks. Again and again, as the body of Christ, rejoice! We are better together.
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Please join us Sundays at 10:30 a.m.
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We have resumed in-person services in the sanctuary. Covid-19 safety protocols will still apply. To best love and protect all our neighbors, masks and social distancing are required while in the church building. The congregation will be invited to sing during worship while masked.
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CARE FACILITY WORSHIP LEADERS
Area nursing homes and care facilities are slowly welcoming back visitors. This is exciting news for our Care Facility Worship Ministry! Pastor John is eager to resume monthly worship services and communion for these communities. If you are available during the day to serve as a greeter, communion assistant, pianist, or song leader please email Pastor John or call the church office.
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STORIES OF HOPE
Our year of being an intentional church began with the new year, celebrating people of color, and women of history. As April is now upon us, we turn to a celebration of hope and begin with stories of hope and joy.
Join us every evening throughout the month of April on Facebook or YouTube for stories that will make you smile, stories that bring you joy, and stories that will encourage you to listen and see the world through hope-filled eyes! Below is a story read to you by Melissa Barbre and is entitled, "A Perfect Day."
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If you have a short story, poem, hymn, or prayer that you would be willing to share while being recorded, Pastor Marcus is looking for volunteers. Our goal is to have 30 stories, from 30 voices, over April’s 30 days. We already have 13 voices on the list so please, sign up soon! More opportunities to share hope in our community are on their way so be on the look out.
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SWEET HOUR OF PRAYER
You are invited to lift in prayer our church, community, and the world every Thursday morning at 10am beginning April 8th.
Join us in the chapel each week for this Sweet Hour of Prayer. Please enter through the main sanctuary doors. Contact Donna for more information.
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Join Pastor Marcus and Kristen for the first, of what is planned to be many, Couples Nights Out! Bring your significant other an gather with us at on Saturday, April 10th at 6:30 pm at The Spot in San Marcos, just off !H-35, for food, drinks, bowling, and time for fellowship. Bowling and shoes are on us. The pandemic has kept us from being able to gather and get to know one another better. It is our hope that these outings can do just that: bring us together. Come as you can and leave when you need to!
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EASTER SUNDAY AT EMANUEL'S
Between the incredible music, the joining back together as a community – in-person, and the massive egg hunt that followed worship, energies soared throughout and across our sanctuary and campus. We will look back on this Sunday’s festivities as the pivot point following a year of hiatus of many things and a return to the traditions, events, practices, and fellowship we have so desperately missed. Thank you to Bryce Kennedy for taking and sharing this video that truly encapsulates the love and joy of Easter!
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Items for LWR Health Kits are urgently needed. The following items may be put in collection baskets at the church entrances or the office. Thank you for loving our neighbors across the globe!
- Two bath size bars of soap in original wrapping
- One adult size toothbrush in original packaging
- One sturdy comb
- One metal nail clippers
- Money for one towel that we will purchase
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PARTNERS IN SERVICE
It is that time of year again: The Guadalupe County Christian Counseling Center BBQ Chicken Fundraiser! Tickets are $8 for 1/2 a BBQ Chicken. Pick up is drive -thru at Faith Lutheran from 10am to 1pm. Both Doug Parker and Pastor Marcus have ticket and can answer any questions.
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CHRISTIAN EDUCATION UPDATE
Christian Education opportunities are in development for both Sunday mornings at 9:15 and midweek studies. Please stay tuned while we roll out programs for children and adults. It is a challenge as we return from our lengthy time apart to coordinate volunteers, physical space, and curriculum. Let Pastor Marcus or Pastor Kelsie know if you are interested in leading a group or sharing a special skill. On the horizon:
SUNDAY ADULT CLASSES at 9:15 a.m.
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The Heritage Class (307): Augsburg Fortress Quarterly Adult Bible Study led by Steve Richardson and Walter Seidenschwarz. Current study is of the Old Testament, Faithful to God’s Covenant.
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A Look at the Gospels (Family Life Center): Beginning May 2 with Pastor Marcus. We have four Gospels, among many other books and letters, that give us a window into the life, ministry, and legacy of Jesus Christ. But, there are differences, some small, others much more troublesome. So, what do we make of them? Join Pastor Marcus in the Family Life Center each Sunday starting May 2nd for a deeper look at each Gospel, their authors, their faith community, and their differences.
WEEKDAY STUDIES
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Faith Circle (Women’s Ministry Room): Third Tuesdays at 5:30 p.m.
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Joy Circle (Women’s Ministry Room): Second Thursday at 9:30 a.m.
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Ladies Aid (Women’s Ministry Room): Beginning August 4 at 2:00 p.m.
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The Way Forward to Legacy Generosity
April webinars to highlight planning for family, ministry
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Lutheran Foundation of the Southwest will offer “The Way Forward to Legacy Generosity,” a webinar on legacy planning for family and ministry. The webinar will be offered at 2 p.m. on two Sundays – April 11 and April 18 – and at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, April 13 and at noon on Thursday, April 15. Please sign up for the one that works best for you at https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0C49A8A629ABFFC25-theway
This webinar is open to all congregational members to learn more about the foundation’s comprehensive legacy planning services for family and ministry. The foundation is a partner ministry of the three ELCA synods in Texas and offers its services at no cost and no obligation.
A congregation member may say, “I like the idea of leaving a gift to my church when I pass away, but I’d like to know more about how to create a plan for family and ministry.” The church has a dedicated ministry for just this kind of support through Lutheran Foundation of the Southwest. A gift planner is available in each synod that can guide you to clarify your goals and objectives in planning. Any congregation member can establish a robust personal legacy plan with the guidance of the synod gift planner. Those with existing plans should consider reviewing their plans to make sure they continue to meet their goals for family and ministry.
All members of ELCA congregations are invited to participate in these webinars. Those who may have additional questions or need assistance with registration are invited to contact Deacon John Dellis, senior gift planner for congregations in the Southwestern Texas Synod, at (830) 305-2758 or jdellis@lfsw.org.
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Emanuel's Office Staff is working both at the office and at home. Our schedules are staggered so that someone is in the office Mondays through Thursdays from 8-5. It is best to make an appointment or call before coming in. Everyone is still accessible via email and phone.
This week provided a great funny from our silly Methodist friends. How did they know?
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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- April 6, 2021
Receipts: $140,118.81
Expenses: $116,035.51
January 1- April 6, 2020
Receipts: $132,837.39
Expenses: $156,730.43
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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