Because Lutherans celebrate boldly. "This is the day the Lord has made! Let us rejoice and be glad in it!" From Vicar Prime to Pastor Prime, we celebrate the ordination to the Ministry of Word and Sacrament, Rudy Salazar, Jr! What a day Saturday was for Emanuel's and St. John's, for the The Southwestern Texas Synod, and for the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America! (Thank you to Kristen B. and Deb H. for capturing the day in pictures. Pastor Rudy reports that it is all still sinking in!) We are better together. | | |
Reformation Sunday, Year C
Genuine repentance and pretentious piety stand in stark contrast in the gospel and all around us. All creation stands in need of God’s forgiveness. Keep the faith. God’s people shall be accounted righteous for Jesus’ sake. Our God is merciful to sinners. For this we worship and glorify God forever.
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ALL SAINTS’ SUNDAY
November 2, 2025
During worship we will remember and celebrate those who have died this year and those who were baptized. As each loved one's name is read, families will be invited to come to the front of the church for a special time of prayer and the gift of flowers. A “Remembrance Table” will be at the front steps of the altar in the Sanctuary. Everyone is invited to bring a framed, standing photo of loved ones they would like to honor this day, even if they passed before this year or were not affiliated with Emanuel’s.
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REFORMATION SUNDAY AND
SAUSAGE LUNCH ON THE LAWN
OCTOBER 26, 2025
Mark your calendars for Reformation Sunday's Homecoming worship service followed by our annual sausage lunch on the lawn!
The 10:30 am traditional worship service will celebrate our Reformed heritage featuring musical selections on the organ and special music from Emanuel’s Chamber Chorus, Emanuel’s Ringers handbell choir, and Emanuel’s Lutheran Day School students.
Randall Springs is smoking delicious sausage links and Mike and the Middletones German Band returns to entertain during the meal. First responders are invited to lunch as a small token of appreciation for their service. There will be additional fun and games for all ages on the lawn, including games and bouncy houses.
Sign-up sheets are 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!
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IRON & EMBER is a new men’s fellowship group at Emanuel’s that will focus on conversation and shared meals cooked outdoors. The kickoff event will be on Reformation Sunday! Meet at the big oak at 7am on Sunday, October 26 to help smoke the sausage for lunch after the service.
| TRUNK OR TREAT is a great way to welcome cooler temps, all things pumpkin, and a wee bit of mischief. Let Pastor Marcus know if you will be hosting a trunk and handing out treats to little goblins on Friday, October 24th from 6-8pm in Emanuel’s parking lot. CANDY DONATIONS are also welcome! Don your costumes, invite your friends, and get ready for a delightfully spooky time! | The Gather & Grow Team invites you, family, friends, and neighbors for a relaxed evening at the Seguin Schoolyard on Thursday, November 6 at 225 N Saunders St. Food trucks will be open, the playground ready, tables set, and the pickleball court calling our name. We’ll gather around 6pm and stay until about 8pm or whenever the group is ready to head home. Stay the whole time, pop in and out, or drive by and honk! | |
Saturday, November 8 at 10:30am
Starcke Park (600 River Dr W, Seguin, TX 78155)
Bring the kids, neighbors, family, and friends! Burgers, hotdogs, ice cream, and playgrounds await us as we eat and fellowship together under a pavilion. There are tennis and pickleball courts, a volleyball court, wave pool, and a huge kid’s playscape in addition to all the time we have to talk and laugh together as a Church family. Don't forget your favorite chair and drinks!
| Ladies Aid completed another successful year of baking hundreds of coffee cakes. Did you know that Paul S. supplied farm fresh eggs and Maxine H. provided pecans from her own trees? So much love in every cake! Thank you to everyone for supporting this annual fundraiser. Didn't make it on a baking day? Extra cakes will be available for purchase on Homecoming Sunday. | |
A WORKSHOP FOR NAVIGATING THE HOLIDAY SEASON
Emanuel’s Lutheran Church Family Life Center
Sunday, November 9 from 2-4pm
Grief during the Holidays is challenging. The season of the holidays renews memories, family ties, and traditions. We become painfully aware that our loved one is no longer present. Learning to navigate a changing world combined with the sorrow of our loss causes us to grieve on many levels. How do we allow ourselves in these times to “make our grief count” and find our resilience?
This workshop will help participants learn self care and coping skills to prepare for the holidays. This will help families to embrace their grief, while strengthening characteristics of resilience. Participants will use the holidays to discover how their loved one can live on into their life story, using this special time to continue to heal.
Presenter: Darwin Huartson, M. Div., BCC
Contact: Donna Simmons, 830-556-3542
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SENIOR SOCIAL CHRISTMAS BUS TRIP
signups are open!
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Join the Senior Social Club for their December 2 bus trip to New Braunfels and the Brauntex Theater. Our fabulous seniors will enjoy a meal out at the Golden Corral before heading to the theater for the award-winning musical, "The Grand Ol' Christmas Show." Please contact Donna Simmons for sign-up information and details.
| | Sometimes costumes are just not optional. The October Senior Social Club Luncheon in the Fellowship Hall was just such an occasion. Pastor Marcus served up his Golden Ladle award winning Chili in style. Susie and Janice also rocked to costumes! Mark your calendars for the group's annual Thanksgiving Luncheon on Thursday, November 20 from 11:30-1:30. Catered turkey, dressing and gravy from Davila's BBQ! Everyone is asked to bring a favorite Thanksgiving side or desert to share. Family and friends are welcome. Let Donna know if you can come. | | |
WOLD COMMUNION DAY
Friday, November 7
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Church Women United celebrates World Communion Day at Emanuel’s on Friday, November 7 at 2pm in the Women’s Ministry Room. Socks for people in need this winter will be collected at this gathering. Church Women United is an international ecumenical Christian women’s movement celebrating unity in diversity, empowering women to work towards a world of peace and justice. The Seguin/Guadalupe County chapter is composed of nine area churches who meet four times during the year to worship, work and visit together. Please contact Elaine G. at elainegiesber@gmail.com
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PopStroke Mini Golf & Dinner
Saturday, November 15 at 6:30pm
We will be out under the night’s sky for this month’s couple’s night as we take on the PopStroke Mini Golf Course, 5539 Presidio Parkway, San Antonio, TX 78249. The course is right off 1604 and has a great menu of food and beverages. Prepare for exceptional laughs, immense fun, and of course, a chance to enjoy the company of new and renewed friends. RSVP with Pastor Marcus and Kristen to make sure you are on the list so that we can, again, carpool with care!
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Texas Lutheran University
October 2025
| In this newsletter, we are again sharing many examples of what it means to be a faith-based institution of higher education. Church visits, chapel services, Christmas Vespers, achievements of our alums, gallery and symposium events, and so much more remind us of the importance of our work and how it is centered on our ties to the Lutheran church. | | | | |
ELDS VETERAN'S DAY PARADE
Monday, November 10 at 10am
Church Lawn
Emanuel's Lutheran Day School invites YOU to participate in our Veteran's Day Parade on the church lawn, honoring your service and dedication. This walking parade will take place on Monday, November 10th at 10 AM.
Veterans who attend Emanuel’s Lutheran Church as well as veterans who are family members of our day school children are warmly welcomed to join in the celebration. We encourage you to come dressed in uniform to proudly represent your branch of service.
Let’s gather together as a community to help teach our little ones to recognize the bravery and sacrifices of our heroes. For more information, please contact the Day School office at 830-372-0332.
| | Please find the Congregation Council minutes from the October meeting below. The next Congregation Council meeting is Sunday, November 9, 2025 at noon 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 Assistant Charis leads our PK to 5th graders to the Children’s Church room, just down the hall from the sanctuary, and returns 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. Charis or Pastor Marcus have more details.
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The Compass Cooperative gathers on Sundays with our four church partners - Emanuel's, St. Andrew's, Spirit of Joy, and Friedens Church- at the Spirit of Joy campus, 416 Dolle Ave., Seguin, TX 78155. Contact: Compass Program Director Hannah Hansen.
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
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Confirmation Classes meet this year on the 4th Sunday of every month after worship in the Women’s Ministry Room. Lunch is at 11:45 followed by gathering activities and breakout sessions, ending at 1:45pm.
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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. Fall Bible Study begins in September.
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.
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DISCIPLES CLASS: Creation, Power, and Truth will be Sunday mornings Nov 2 - Nov 23 at 9:00am in the Family Life Center led by Paul Sims. Do you struggle to see how the church matters in a world as complex and technologically advanced as the one we live in? Join us as we read N.T. Wright’s book, “Creation, Power, and Truth: The Gospel in a World of Cultural Confusion”, while reflecting and challenging each other as we think about the Gospel of Jesus Christ in our modern age. Please order a book here before class starts.
| | 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 - Oct 21, 2025:
Budgeted Church Offering Receipts: $ 334,677.39
Actual Church Offering Receipts: $ 321,636.07
Actual Other Receipts: $ 60,810.59
Total Receipts From Offering and Other Receipts YTD: $ 382,446.66
Operating Expenses YTD: $ 395,920.65 *
* These figures do not include Forward In Faith remodel expenses or In-Kind Gifts
Jan 1 - Oct 21, 2024:
Budgeted Church Offering Receipts: $ 334,677.39
Actual Church Offering Receipts: $ 319,445.09
Actual Other Receipts: $93,845.71
Total Receipts From Offering and Other Receipts YTD: $413,290.80
Operating Expenses YTD: $ 391,801.54 *
| | 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. | | Submit a brief, yet detailed description of your event below or to info@elcseguin.org by 5pm on Mondays for consideration for that week's email news. Late submissions will be considered for the following week's email and/or social media posts. | | | | | |
