Because Lutherans believe in joy: together we pray. Joy-Giving One, Thank you for the ways you accept and celebrate all of who we are. Thank you for the many, many ways you live among us. Teach us to recognize you and to share our joy.
Amen. We are in this together. WE ARE BETTER TOGETHER. We may be apart, but we are not alone.
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Sunday Worship in-person is suspended at this time for the safety of our congregation and community as COVID-19 numbers rise.
Please join us Sundays at 10:30 a.m.
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In winter's deepest night, we welcome the light of the Christ child. You are invited to rejoice with us in-person and online. Our hope is that God's greatest gift is celebrated in a way that you feel cherished, safe, and loved.
The Sanctuary will be open from 2:30 - 4 p.m. for quiet, contemplative meditation and prayers. The trees will be twinkling, soft music playing, and memories alive in every nook and cranny.
Bring a chair or blanket, and perhaps a flashlight, to enjoy Christmas music on the front lawn beginning at 4 p.m. Street parking will be reserved for those wishing to remain in their vehicle. The outdoor Candlelight Worship Service with Holy Communion will begin at 4:30 p.m. Communion will be brought to those in their cars
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In the spirit of love, safety is still a primary concern. Everyone who gathers on the church campus is to wear a face mask and keep 6 feet apart from non-household members and traveling companions. Joyful waves and salutations are strongly encouraged, as is singing outdoors. (Thanks be to God!)
Many of our members will be worshiping with us at home this year. At 4 and 5:30 p.m. you can enjoy Pastor Marcus and Pastor Kelsie's Children's Message on Facebook and YouTube. A traditional Emanuel's Christmas Eve Worship Service with Holy Communion will be broadcast on KWED, Facebook, and YouTube at both 6 p.m. and 11 p.m.
The heavenly chorus sings, "Glory to God in the highest!" We give thanks for all the saints who have proclaimed God's glory in word and deed. Let us join them this night in joyful praise for the birth of Jesus Christ bringing the light of salvation to all people.
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As has become our practice of setting aside bread and wine or bread and juice for the celebration of Holy Communion, we invite you to set aside four candles to join in the lighting of the Advent Wreath.
These candles can be anything you have. They can be used or new, fragrant or not, similar in shape in size or completely random. Set them in the place where you worship each week and light them along with those being lit in worship. If you can, take a picture of what you have created for your Advent wreath and share them with the church office or online. We would love to see them.
Shout out to the Bigott household for being resourceful and creating a meaningful Advent arrangement with items on hand. 2020 is a different year to be sure, but we are definitely creating lasting memories in unexpected ways!
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Emanuel's 2020 Annual Congregation Meeting is on Sunday, December 13, 2020 at 11:30 a.m. It will be on the front lawn of the church and online or on your phone via Zoom. For those attending in-person, you will need to wear a mask, bring a chair-unless you are comfortable in your car along the street, and a pen or pencil. Ballots will be brought to you. Voting by written ballot will take place for the approval of the 2021 Council Member Nominations. A voice vote will be used for the other actionable items on our agenda. For those at home, you may call into our meeting via your cell phone or land line or log in via a smart device or your computer. Please log in 10-15 minutes early. You may access the 2020 Annual Meeting Packet and the 2021-23 Council Nominee Bios below or on our website. |
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A Time to Mourn, A Time to Dance,
There is a Time for Everything
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We invite you to week three of Pastor Darwin and musician David Kaufmann's Advent exploration. In this session they look closer at Ecclesiastes and how we are called to relearn the world we know. Pastor Darwin reminds us that there is a time for everything, especially during Advent.
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Advent is a time to prepare one's heart for newness, newness inbreaking amid angelic song, newness inbreaking as innocence, newness drawing the world together in hopeful anticipation. You are invited to read these devotions daily, all at once, or however the Spirit moves you. A digital download is available at the link below. Limited print copies are available in the church office. May the Holy Spirit guide and lead you over the season of Advent. |
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CHRISTMAS GIVING WITH WATER TO THRIVE
Build Wells - Change Lives
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Emanuel's holiday giving campaign is now underway with Water To Thrive. Donations my be given as you rejoice the season, as a gift to someone special, or given in memory or honor of loved ones. Our Easter water well campaign was wildly successful, and we are excited to provide a second community across the globe with access to clean water. You can donate online at https://tinyurl.com/emanuelsgiving or complete the Water To Thrive giving form below. Printed forms are also in the church office. Return forms to the church by December 21, 2020 for inclusion in the Christmas Eve bulletin. Learn more about Water to Thrive and the amazing work they do here.
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HOLIDAY MEAL KIT APPRECIATION
Communities In Schools shares this awesome selfie and profound appreciation for Emanuel's donation of 52 Holiday Meal Kits that were distributed to some of Seguin ISD's neediest families. Pictured here are Pastor Marcus and Pastor Kelsie with Jana Evans and Andie Milligan from CIS.
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THE ORGAN IS TUNED!
Thanks to Tom for sharing this photo of Andrew the organ tuner getting the peddles and pipes ready for a new year. Aethereal Church Organs out of San Antonio has been providing quality workmanship on Emanuel's prized musical instrumant for many years.
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CHRISTMAS POINSETTIA
Pick Up Information
If you donated a poinsettia this year through the church office then you may come by to pick them up Thursday, December 17 or Monday, December 21 from 9-5. Poinsettias left after this time will be donated to area care facilities.
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CONGREGATION COUNCIL UPDATE
Emanuel's Congregation Council met for their regularly scheduled monthly meeting via Zoom on Tuesday, December 8, 2020 at 6:30 p.m. Details of the meeting are available by clicking the button below for the draft of the Council Minutes. They will be approved at the next meeting in January 2021.
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SMALL GROUP UPDATES
Small groups at Emanuel's are patiently pivoting as new restrictions are implemented following our “We Are Better Together” COVID Safety and Gathering Policy. Rising COVID-19 numbers necessitate such action.
Please contact individual groups or the church office to see how each is creatively managing to proceed with the ministry and life of the church. Groups may be meeting online, in clusters of 2-5 people, or by other flexible means. Call first to see how best to participate.
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- Jubilation Singers Choir
- Heavenly Ringers Handbell Choir
- Joy Circle
- Faith Circle
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- Heritage Bible Class
- Youth Ministry
- LWR Quick Quilters
- Property Stewards
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Online and other social distancing opportunities are also available.
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DEVOTIONAL PODCAST every Tuesday @10am on Facebook and Soundcloud. Join our pastors and their colleagues each week for the Faces of Our Faith devotional podcast. Devotional Booklets are available here.
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WWJB (What Would Jesus Brew?) meets on First Fridays at 7pm on Zoom. WWJB is our once-a-month young adult fellowship where we talk about life, faith, movies ... anything and everything. Contact Pastor Kelsie for Zoom link.
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CONFIRMATION CLASS meets monthly online and in-person with students and leaders from Emanuel's. Spirit of Joy and St. John Marion.
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Face masks and other Emanuel's merch is available at our Teespring ELCSD ONLINE STORE. Order at teespring.com/stores/emanuels-lutheran-church.
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Tuesdays at the GARDEN OF EATIN' from 9-11. Come see what the fall garden looks like and how you can dig in with us!
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CHRISTIAN CUPBOARD is taking donations. Oatmeal, canned soup, empty egg cartons (esp. 18 count) , and personal care products are needed now. Monetary donations are especially welcomed.
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CARE CLOSET in the church office meets small, immediate needs of those coming to our door seeking assistance. We are always in need of small snack bars, toiletries, new socks, and other items.
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DAY SCHOOL CHRISTMAS CHAPEL ONLINE
Wednesday, December 16 at 3 p.m.
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It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas around the Day School campus. Their Christmas Chapel Program will be live streamed on Facebook on Wednesday, December 16th at 3:00 p.m. Above is a photo of their first rehearsal weeks ago. We are so excited to see how much they've learned with their teachers, Mr. Tom, and Ms. Karen. |
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Emanuel's Office Staff is working both at the office and at home. Staff may be in the office as needed or by appointment Mondays through Thursdays from 8-5. Don't forget to wear a mask on the church campus. Everyone is still accessible via email and phone.
We've given fonts a lot of thought this holiday season. What do you think of this one?
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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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Giving comparison for 2019-2020:
December 1-9, 2020
Offerings $11,650.00
Expenses $8,711.00
December 1-9, 2019
Offerings $15,723.00
Expenses $12,101.99
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@emanuels-seguin.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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