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Because Lutherans value community. October's Living with Alzheimer's Symposium hosted by Emanuel's and Guadalupe Regional Medical Center was well attended at the Seguin Public Library. Participants learned about the latest in dementia care, early detection, treatment options, and local resources to help navigate the journey with confidence. Pictured from left to right: Donna Simmons, Emanuel's Director of Bereavement Care; featured speaker Dr Neela Patel, MD, MPH, CMD with UT Health Science and The Biggs Institute; soon-to-be Pastor Rudy, Emanuel's Associate Pastor of Congregational and
Community Care; and Phillip Saenz, RN MSN with GRMC Hospice. We are better together.
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19th Sunday after Pentecost, Year C
Pray always. Do not lose heart. This is Christ’s encouragement in the gospel today. Wrestle with the word. Remember your baptism again and again. Come regularly to Christ’s table. Persistence in our every encounter with the divine will be blessed.
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BLESSING OF THE QUILTS
Sunday, October 19
| The sanctuary will be awash in color on Sunday, October 19 with quilts gracing the pews and the altar. Emanuel's Lutheran World Relief Quick Quilters have made more than 200 quilts this year that will be shipped across the globe to be of service to people in need. Please join us as we bless these quilts made in love for our neighbor | | |
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 in the narthex and church office. Start thinking about your costumes and invite your friends. We are going to have a delightfully spooky time! | |
COFFEE CAKE SEASON IS WRAPPING UP!
There one more week to make your way down the Fellowship Hall for the heavenly scent of Emanuel's Ladies Aid's FAMOUS coffee cakes. Come get yours on Tuesday, October 21 as the women celebrate their 126th Anniversary. Contact a Ladies Aid Member or the Church Office at 830-379-5046 for more information. Pre-orders most welcome.
Coffee Cakes can be picked up on the baking day between noon and 2pm. The price is $8.00 each -- Apple, Peach, and Streusel.
| 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!
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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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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.
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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.
| | Everyone has great things to say about the new yoga classes at Emanuel's! Come see what they are talking about. Gina Touchstone is a Certified Yoga Instructor, RYT 200. Every Monday, Gina leads a beginner Floor Yoga Class at 6pm in the Family Life Center. On Wednesdays she leads the Chair Yoga Class pictured here at 9am in the Family Life Center. Classes are pay-as-you-can, $5+ suggested. Please bring a mat for floor classes. | | |
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
| | | | Emanuel’s Troop 12 needs additional female leaders who can gather with them 1-2 times per month during their meetings on Sunday afternoon from 2-3:30pm. These leaders would not be responsible for campouts or offsite gatherings, unless they truly wished to do those things, but instead would be supportive of the Sunday gatherings. If you are interested, please reach out to Tim Kent or Jonathan Zitelman for more information. | | |
🚒🔥 A Huge Thank You to the Seguin Fire Department🔥🚒
Our little lions had the best morning exploring the fire truck, meeting real-life heroes, and learning all about fire safety! We are so grateful for your their, kindness, and the excitement brought to our kiddos’ day. 💛
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🍂✨ Our Fall ButterBraid® Fundraiser is LIVE! ✨🍂
We’re raising funds for classroom improvements at Emanuel’s Lutheran Day School, and we need YOUR help to make it happen! Last year, with your incredible support, we raised nearly $2,000. This year, we’re aiming even higher! These pastries make the perfect holiday treat or gift 🎁—delicious for family gatherings, or a thoughtful surprise for a neighbor or coworker.
Fundraiser runs Oct. 1 – Oct. 20 Orders delivered frozen on Nov. 4 to Emanuel’s Lutheran Church. Orders may be placed in the church office or via the link below. Thank you for supporting Emanuel’s Lutheran Day School. Together, we can bless our students and classrooms in a big way! ❤️
| | 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.
THE DISCIPLES CLASS (Family Life Center): 9:00 am Sept 14 – Oct 19. “Sermon on the Mount: Living the Good Life of the Kingdom of God” led by Paul Sims. The Sermon on the Mount in Matthew is arguably the most influential sermon ever written. Even Gandhi found it life changing, and the Sermon on the Mount was the main idea behind his philosophy of nonviolence. Join us as we work through this literary work of art, grappling with the teachings of Jesus and how we can apply his sayings to our world today.
| | 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 14, 2025:
Budgeted Church Offering Receipts: $ 326,868.25
Actual Church Offering Receipts: $ 313,479.07
Actual Other Receipts: $ 60,681.59
Total Receipts From Offering and Other Receipts YTD: $ 374,160.66
Operating Expenses YTD: $ 383,126.96 *
* These figures do not include Forward In Faith remodel expenses or In-Kind Gifts
Jan 1 - Oct 14, 2024:
Budgeted Church Offering Receipts: $ 326,868.25
Actual Church Offering Receipts: $ 314,110.09
Actual Other Receipts: $93,530.79
Total Receipts From Offering and Other Receipts YTD: $ 407,640.88
Operating Expenses YTD: $ 383,830.88 *
* 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. | | 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. | | | | | |
