Because Lutherans are thankful. The Senior Social Club's annual Thanksgiving luncheon featured entertainment this year by our Day School students. They have been learning new songs each week in Chapel with Pastor Marcus, and were thrilled to perform. Intergenerational ministry embraces the gifts each generation provides to the other in God's church. Emanuel's offers opportunities for all ages to serve together and learn from one another. We are better, and grateful, together.

Please join us Sundays at 10:30 a.m.

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

Advent Midweek Service: From the Manger

Wednesdays, December 4, 11 and 18

6:00 p.m. in the Women’s Ministry Room

We will begin with a shared meal followed by a time of devotion as we prepare for the coming of Christ. Please join us for this intimate evening of waiting.

The Congregation Care team is organizing meals in conjunction with the services. Soup, sandwiches and simple desserts will be the fare, but we need your help to make it happen. Sign-up sheets for food and serving help are in the narthex after the Sunday services. Thank you for your participation.

If you are interested in joining the mission and ministry of Emanuel’s, then this Sunday is for you. Every month our Council prayerfully receives new and returning faces to our congregation. This service centers on the liturgy of welcome and affirmation when we formally receive new members. Email Pastor Marcus or fill out a blue card to be part of our next “Welcoming Sunday!”

3C (Community-Connection-Conversation) is a time of gathering on the church lawn 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 open, very fluid, and provides a place to share, visit, and grow together as a community of faith.

Pathways to Healing support group reflects on the journey through grief while learning to navigate life with loss. Emanuel’s Bereavement Ministry is combining elements of both the Healing Through Conversation and Journeying Through Grief programs into a new format meeting the 2nd Sunday of every month starting on Sunday, December 8 at 2pm in the Family Life Center. Each gathering will highlight a different topic and invite open sharing in a safe and supportive environment. Donna Simmons, Emanuel’s Bereavement Care Coordinator, donna@elcseguin.org 

The Lutheran Lunch Bunch is a lively group of post-worship food enthusiasts who gather at a local restaurant on the first Sunday of every month. With full hearts from the service and empty stomachs ready for fellowship, you’re invited to dive into hearty meals, laughter, and lively conversation. From swapping recipes for casseroles to friendly debates about whose sauerkraut salad recipe is best left forgotten, the Lutheran Lunch Bunch is a place where faith, food, and fun unite. It’s the perfect blend of sacred and savory, where everyone leaves nourished—body, soul, and spirit. Join us on Sunday, December 1 after worship at Los Cucos, 920 I-10, Seguin, TX 78155.

Christmas caroling at area care facilities on Sunday, December 1 is more than just singing songs. It is about creating connections, making memories, spreading joy, and making a wonderful difference in the lives of people who need it most. We will meet in the Emanuel’s parking lot at 2:30pm, carpool to Argent Court then visit Seguin Assisted Living. We should finish around 4:30. All are welcome to participate in this meaningful way to touch lives and make the holiday season brighter as we share the love of Christ. Vicar Rudy can answer your questions at 830-379-5046.

Spread holiday cheer by baking your favorite Christmas cookies! The Congregational Care Team is seeking home-baked treats for our homebound members to be delivered in December. Please bring your cookies (3-6 cookies per bag) to the church office by Monday, December 2. We will assemble gift bags on Tuesday and begin delivering on Wednesday.

We are excited to again host The Seguin Police Department 2024 Blue Santa gift wrapping in our Fellowship Hall every Tuesday and Thursday between December 3 – December 19 and Wednesday, December 4 from 4-8pm. Toys and gifts are collected throughout the city in November/December and will be wrapped by volunteers before being distributed to children in need by Christmas morning. Your assistance as a campus volunteer will help make the evenings run smoother and provide a cheery welcome to visitors. Sign-up sheets are in the Narthex. Outreach and Service Team member Sarah Kennedy (281) 734-3845 can answer any questions. 

This year Emanuel's is serving two days as Salvation Army Bell Ringers! We’ll be at Walmart on Monday, December 9 from 9am – 5pm AND Saturday, December 21 from Noon - 9pm. Sign-up sheets are in the Narthex. Come spread cheer and good will with us while raising funds to support our community! Fran (830-379-5041) can answer your questions. 

The Emanuel's sanctuary will be filled with beautiful poinsettias at Christmas. You may donate poinsettias as you rejoice the season, or in memory or honor of loved ones. Plants may be taken home following the 7pm Christmas Eve service. Return forms and payment to an offering basket or the church office by December 16. Each poinsettia is $15.

ELCA Good Gifts grow the church, fight hunger, and transform lives across the globe. Visit our giving trees in the narthex, chapel, and office to select a gift for a friend or loved one. It is easy to tell them about it with the clever greeting cards available. Forms an payment due by December 16 for inclusion in the Christmas Eve bulletins.

TLU VESPERS SERVICE

When All is Still is presented by the TLU School of Music on December 6, 7, and 8 in Jackson Auditorium. This holiday tradition lifts hearts and spirits with peace, harmony, and hope. Tickets are free but required. www.tlu.edu/news/when-all-is-still-christmas-vespers-2024 

This service is a time of reflection, prayer, and music, drawing attention to the reality that while Christmas is a joyful time we also know it can and does bring many griefs. We invite you to share a time of worship and reflection acknowledging our griefs and losses, taking seriously those feelings and hurts, while also hearing words of hope shared in community. 

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

Confirmation Classes for our 6th to 8th graders meet on the 4th Sunday of every month after worship in the Women’s Ministry Room on Level 1. Pastor Marcus is available to answer any questions about our new schedule and curriculum focus. 

SUNDAY ADULT CLASSES

SUNDAY MORNING ADULT CLASS: Join us November 3 – November 24 in the Family Life Center as we read and discuss “Life Together” by Dietrich Bonhoeffer, a book about real and practical Christian community from the perspective of one of the great modern Lutheran theologians who wrote during the reign of the Nazi Regime in Germany. As a bonus, there is a Bonhoeffer movie (Bonhoeffer: Pastor. Spy. Assassin) to be released in theaters during the final weekend which we will go see together as a matinee. Copies of Life Together are available in the Church Office for anyone who would like to read with us.

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. 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 at 9am on Sunday mornings. Upcoming dates are November 10 in Room 204 and December 8 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 - Nov 19, 2024

 Church Offering Receipts: $ 345,170.77

Budgeted Church Offering Receipts: $ 367,736.08

Operating Expenses: $ $ 430,237.23 *

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

Jan 1- Nov 19, 2023

Church Offering Receipts: $ 360,881.17

Budgeted Church Offering Receipts: $ 346,666.63

Operating Expenses: $  378,452.98 *

* 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.