Because Lutherans are thankful: "With gratitude and thanks to God for Emanuel’s Lutheran Church of Seguin, Texas, we are gathered to celebrate the storied 150 years of mission and ministry in this place, for the worship of almighty God, and for the building up of the body of Christ. From January 30, 1870, when 19 families joined together to form this congregation, to this present day, Emanuel’s has been a place for the gathering of the people of God, a place for proclaiming the gospel through word and sacrament, a place for bringing life and hope to us and to this community." Bishop Sue Briner shared these words before Council President Allan Bode presented the door key to Pastor Marcus at Emanuel's anniversary worship service on Sunday, October 31, 2021. "Peace be to this house, and to all who enter here," she concluded before the congregation ceremoniously entered the sanctuary. We are better (yesterday, today, and tomorrow) together.
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Please join us Sundays at 10:30 a.m.
All people gathering for activities on the church campus are encouraged to WEAR MASKS while inside, per the current CDC Guidelines.
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We stream directly to our church’s YouTube channel where worship services are archived. Our AV Team wants you to be aware that your face may show up online. During times like Holy Communion, processionals or recessionals, or during the singing of the hymns, the cameras will pan across the congregation. If for any reason you cannot be seen online, please contact Pastor Marcus immediately. We want to be attentive to all the needs of our church and its members. |
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Pastor Marcus will be out of the office serving on the ELCA National Council Wednesday, November 10th through Saturday, November 13th in Chicago. Pastor John Van Deusen will be on call for any pastoral care emergencies, 830-305-5658. |
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Sunday, November 7, 2021
(Remember to set your clock back before you go to sleep.)
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ALL SAINTS SUNDAY
November 7, 2021
During worship we will celebrate the lives of those who have passed, as well as those who have been baptized since All Saints Sunday 2020. As has become our tradition, a "Table of Remembrance" will be set up on the steps of the altar. Everyone is invited to place a photo of a loved one who has passed on the table. A limited number of small metal stands will be available for frames with standing arms. Carnations will be presented to those families whose loved ones' names are read.
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150th (+1) ANNIVERSARY WEEKEND |
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What a glorious weekend! Shout out to everyone who pitched in to make Emanuel's 150th Anniversary Celebration a memorable event. Praise to those who brought food, moved tables, arranged flowers, and tended to everything in between. Extra love to Pastor Marcus who had a vision to celebrate the people of Emanuel's and tenaciously held on to it in the midst of a pandemic.
Thanks to our church shutterbugs for submitting photos of the weekend. Click below to see events from the eyes of Steve S., Deborah H., Pastor Marcus, Phyllis J., and Lindsay M.. There are even some excellent screen shots from the fabulous new video system in the Sanctuary!
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Thanks to all for donating candy, donning costumes, grilling hot dogs, and making the evening a spectaulalry spooky success for our kids and the community.
CONGRATULATIONS to our Trunk or Treat winners!!! Clockwise from top left: ELC Trunk: Lindsay and Brandon May Family; ELC Trunk (tie): Prochnow-Hernandez Family; Seguin Community Trunk: Seguin Public Library; Day School Staff Trunk: Mandy Goins Family.
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PHOTOS WANTED
Please share your pictures of the weekend festivities with Sherry at sherry@elcseguin.org. Really, she'd love to have pictures of anything and everything church related. Photos can be added to albums and shared as they are submitted. |
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THANK YOU
from the Lutheran World Relief Quick Quilters
On Friday, November 5th we send 94 boxes to the Ingathering in Marion with this year’s donations. The boxes hold 343 quilts, 187 school kits, and 109 personal care kits to be distributed worldwide for people experiencing urgent need. We send our sincerest appreciation to everyone for their donations to the cause.
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HEALING HOLIDAYS – MAKING YOUR GRIEF COUNT
Sunday, November 14, 2021
3-5 p.m. in the Family Life Center
Grief during the Holidays is always challenging, and even more so in this past year. The season of the holidays renews memories, family ties, and traditions. We become painfully aware that our loved one is no longer present, and the pain of the loss is confused with the spirit of the season making it difficult for families to navigate.
This workshop will help identify resources that contribute to self-compassion and enhance resiliency. Participants will use the holidays to discover how their loved one can live on into their life story, using this special time to heal.
Led by Emanuel’s Visitation Pastor Darwin Huartson, this free workshop is in partnership with Porter-Loring Mortuaries in San Antonio. Reservations can be made with Bereavement Care Coordinator Donna Simmons by calling the church office at 830-379-5046.
If you are unable to attend at Emanuel's on November 14 but are still interested in the workshop then please check out additional times and locations here. Some are also offered virtually via Zoom. |
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PAINTED CHURCHES OF TEXAS TOUR
Saturday, December 11, 2021
The Painted Churches of Texas are a gorgeous collection of 100 year old plus churches that share a storied history, beautiful interior paintings, and cathedral-like architecture. This tour is hosted by Emanuel’s Congregation Care Team and Senior Care Ministries and led by the Schulenburg Chamber of Commerce. We will begin our tour at 9:15 a.m. in Schulenberg, so please make sure to gather in the Mountain St. parking lot by 7:45 a.m. to caravan.
RSVP no later than Monday, November 22 with Donna Simmons so that lunch reservations and tour guides can be set. Bring money for lunch and any gifts you might wish to purchase. Emanuel's will pay registration fees for the tour.
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Navarro High School senior Jacqueline Springs finalized her commitment to join the golf program at Texas Lutheran University next year during a signing event on Monday at the Navarro Events Center. She was joined by her family and other supporters including Pastor Marcus. Congratulations Jacqueline, from your entire Emanuel's family! |
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ADVENT DECORATING
Sunday, November 21
immediately following worship
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Our goal for the day is to assemble and decorate both trees, fluff and hang the wreaths and garland, and hang the Chrismons. Anyone who is available to lend a hand, even for just 10 minutes, would be greatly appreciated. We will complete the decorations throughout the week leading up to Thanksgiving and the First Sunday of Advent.
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ADVENT WREATH MAKING
Sunday, November 28
at 9am in the Fellowship Hall
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We’ve got all the supplies for families to make a wreath to take home for the Advent season.
Join us in the Fellowship Hall and get crafty with greenery, candles, ribbon, and baubles. Wreaths will be blessed during worship at 10:30 a.m. in the Sanctuary.
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IT IS TAMALE TIME!
Sales begin October 31st
Emanuel's Youth are selling frozen Delicious Tamales from San Antonio. Proceeds go towards the 2022 National Youth Gathering and other summer events. If you can, buy a dozen tamales ... or three!
We've got traditional pork, spicy pork, chicken, and bean & jalapeno. Each is $12/dozen. Place your order with any youth or in the church office. Make sure to submit your payment when you place your order. Orders due by November 30. Pick up on December 7 from 4-6 in the Women's Ministry Room or December 12 after church.
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BE A SALVATION ARMY BELL RINGER!
Monday, December 6, 2021
9am - 9pm at Walmart
Emanuel’s will participate in the 2021 Salvation Army Kettle Campaign on Monday, December 6. Bell Ringers are needed from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. at the Market Entrance at Walmart. All you have to do is SMILE, RING A SMALL BELL and SAY THANK YOU. If standing is a problem for you, a chair will be provided.
Please call Frances Vinyard at 830-481-7726 if you can give one or two hours of your time. We can pair you with a group or you can bring the whole clan.
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Harvest Time
Only God can decide what lives and dies in his field filled with wheat and tares. But be encouraged: God routinely transforms weeds into wheat!
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Council Listening Sessions begin this month
In preparation for our Sunday, December 12th Annual Meeting three learning and discussions session are being scheduled for Sunday, November 21st, November 28th, and December 5th, at 9:00am in the Family Life Center. Please join us! Zoom links will be provided for people at home. The sessions will be recorded for additional listening for those not able to be present.
Discussion topics include the proposed 2022 budget, nominations for church council, and ministry programs for 2022. There will be plenty of time for questions. Per Continuing Resolution 10.01.B21, immediately following the 3rd learning and discussion session, the congregation will prepare for voting at the annual meeting. Instructions for this process will be outlined in the coming weeks.
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CHILDREN & YOUTH EDUCATION at 10:30 a.m.
Ignite! KIDS (First Floor): Gather in the IGNITE! KIDS room in the 1st Floor Green Classroom at 10:30 a.m. on Sunday Mornings for song and Bible stories. Age groups will transition to different rooms following the gathering time then return to families in worship for Communion.
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Ignite! KIDS needs you! Our Sunday morning children and youth program is growing, and that means we also have a growing need for adult leaders. To sign up to serve on a day that is convenient for you please check out our SignUp Genius link here. |
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SUNDAY ADULT CLASSES at 9:15 a.m.
THE HERITAGE CLASS: Augsburg Fortress Quarterly Adult Bible Study led by various class members meets on Sunday mornings at 9:15 a.m. in room 304. The fall study is Celebrating God.
PASTOR MARCUS' CLASS: resumes in December looking at the “Life, Legacy, and Writings of Martin Luther.”
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): First Wednesdays at 2:00 p.m.
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Sunday, November 7th
Noon
Women’s Ministry Room.
BBQ this month! If you are single, widowed, divorced, or simply need someone to chat with over lunch, please join us! RSVP to Donna Simmons at 379-5046.
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Thursday, November 18th
11:30 a.m.
Women’s Ministry Room.
This month will feature a turkey and dressing dinner with yummy sides and desserts. Please RSVP by Friday, November 12th to Donna Simmons. We will have a good time kicking off the holidays together.
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Please contact individual groups or the church office to see how each creatively proceeds with the ministry and life of the church.
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MUSIC MINISTRY includes the Jubilation Singers Choir and Heavenly Ringers Handbell Choir. Heavenly Ringers meets at 6:30 on Wednesday evenings followed by Jubilation Singers at 7:30. Contact Thomas Engler, Emanuel's Director of Music.
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LWR QUICK QUILTERS gathers in their first floor sewing suite on Monday mornings to assemble quilts that are distributed globally to those in need. If you are interested in this productive group call or text Jeanne P. at (830) 624-6478.
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PROPERTY STEWARDS are a stalwart group of doers at Emanuel's who meet on Tuesday mornings. All skillsets are welcome. There are carpenters and gardeners and people good at changing light bulbs! Contact Garry Miller for more information.
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SWEET HOUR OF PRAYER meets in the chapel on Thursday mornings at 10am to lift in prayer our church, community, and the world. Contact is Donna Simmons.
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HEALING THROUGH CONVERSATION is a support group for those who have lost a loved on to death. The group meets on the 1st Thursday at 11 a.m. in the Family Life Center. Facilitated by Donna Simmons,
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FOOD, FUN & FELLOWSHIP gathers on the 1st Sunday of each month at Noon. This ministry is for widowed, divorced, separated, and simply lonely people. Donna Simmons is the contact.
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3rd THURSDAY SENIOR SOCIAL meets on the 3rd Thursday (or other specified day) each month at 11:30. This fun group gathers for lunch, conversation, and games. Donna Simmons is the contact.
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WORSHIP LEADERS are the backbone of our services on Sunday mornings. If you would like to be an usher, reader, assisting minister, Altar Guild, communion assistant, hospitality. or radio announcer contact Sherry H.
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COUPLES NIGHT OUT is an opportunity for couples who are 20-40ish to try new adventures, hang out, and get to know one another. They meet once a month(ish) at various locations. Contact is Pastor Marcus.
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DO YOU PLAY 42? A group of domino players are excited to start playing the game 42 at Emanuel’s on Thursdays from 1-4 p.m. Experienced players are invited to pull up a chair and join in the fun with “The 42 Crew.” Please contact Alton Mattke at 433-1193 and he can answer all your questions.
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CHURCH WOMEN UNITED
is meeting at Emanuel’s on
Friday, November 5
in the Women’s Ministry Room at 2:00.
We would be so happy to have lots of women there as we worship with others from churches around Guadalupe County.
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CAREGIVER SUPPORT GROUP: Emanuel’s hosts a community Support Group for Caregivers currently caring for loved ones with Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, Dementia, and other aging issues. Facilitators are the Rev. John and Faye Van Deusen. You can reach Rev. John at (830) 305-5658 and Faye at (830) 305-8851.
Meeting in the Family Life Center at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesdays
October 27 (repeated Saturday, Oct. 30)
November 17 (repeated Saturday, Nov. 20)
December 15 (repeated Saturday, Dec. 18)
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CHRISTIAN CUPBOARD provides food and other basic need items to those living in Guadalupe County. Emanuel's has collection sites in the Narthex and the Mountain St. entrance. Most needed items include: cans of tuna and other meats; cans of fruit, veggies, beans, soup; mac & cheese; dried beans and rice; pasta and sauces; PB&J; cereal; toilet tissue, soap. Egg cartons are not needed at this time.
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THE GARDEN OF EATIN' is Emanuel's community garden on the corner of Walnut and Bowie Streets. The garden enjoys a partnership with Seguin ISD and provides produce for the Christian Cupboard as able. We'd love to have you dig in with us. Contact our resident gardener Wayne S.
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NAMI GUADALUPE COUNTY provides education, advocacy and support to families and individuals affected by mental illness. Online Connection Recovery Support Group for individuals living with a mental health condition meets twice a month. Contact John B. to register. Online Family Support Group meets twice a month. Contact Barbara V. to register..
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CHURCH WOMEN UNITED is a valuable ecumenical organization with women from different churches who worship and work together on various projects. Contact is Elaine G.
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HABITAT FOR HUMANITY builds and improves homes in partnership with individuals and families in need of a decent and affordable place to live. The current house is at 503 E. Pine St If you can help out, please contact Garry Miller at 830-534-3290 or garry.miller@satx.rr.com.
The Ecumenical build days for Habitat are as follows at 8am:
October 30, November 20, and December 4
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During the fall months office hours are still 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 still accessible via email. Thanks for understanding our need pace ourselves during these very trying times.
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COVID-19 SAFETY
As a large worshipping community that gathers, please keep in mind the best Covid-19 Safety Practices:
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Wear a mask at all times while in public buildings
- Get vaccinated
- Practice great hygiene
- Physically distance from those who do not live or travel with you
- Stay home if you have a fever or do not feel well
- Quarantine for 10 days if you test positive for Covid-19 and have no symptoms
- Inform the church if you were Covid-19 positive while in the building so that we can alert people you may have come into contact with
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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- Nov 3, 2021
Receipts: $ 361,510.47
Expenses: $414,782.55
January 1-Nov 3, 2020
Receipts: $346,837.65
Expenses: $ 467,790.57
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 below or 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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