Because Lutherans believe in acts of service: they allow us to explore one of our most basic Lutheran convictions: All of life in Jesus Christ — every act of service, in every daily calling, in every corner of life — flows freely from a living, daring confidence in God’s grace. Last Sunday these acts of service at Emanuel's included letter writing (pictured here), quilting, providing school supplies, and cleaning our highways. For more than 30 years, the ELCA has been deeply rooted in faith and in sharing its passion for making positive changes in the world. Emanuel's joined other ELCA congregations across the country to boldly participate in God’s work in the world — restoring and reconciling communities, and pursuing peace and justice. We are better together.
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Please join us Sundays at 10:30 a.m.
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Online video live streaming will resume soon.
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COVID-19 SAFETY PROTOCOLS: The Emanuel's Executive Council and Pastors are monitoring rising Covid numbers and protocols as they emerge.
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All people gathering for activities on the campus are encouraged to WEAR MASKS while inside. Per the current CDC guidelines, vaccinated people may still choose to wear masks and social distance. Unvaccinated people should be masked and practice social distancing on the church campus.
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There is a suspension of serving food at large church gatherings, which includes fellowship events or potlucks at funeral or wedding receptions. Prepackaged foods or foods that are pre-plated for small gatherings such as Sunday School, hospitality cart, Bible studies, Property Stewards, and Ladies Aid are allowed as desired.
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JOIN THE AV & TECH TEAM
Our brand-new video and sound systems are installed and ready for launch. If you are interested in being a part of the team that gets worship services back online, makes sure the sound system, microphones, and other worship needs are in place and ready, then email Pastor Marcus today! A training session will be scheduled for anyone who is interested. Our goal is to be back online, live streaming, by Sunday, October 31st in celebration of our anniversary and Reformation Sunday.
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A DAY OF SERVICE AT EMANUEL'S & BEYOND
Thanks to all who participated with Emanuel's and Spirit of Joy Lutheran Churches as we engaged in service work in our community. We were two of over 9,100 congregations who participated in "God's work. Our hands." day of service on Sunday, September 12. Quilts were tied, letters were written, school bags were stuffed, trash was picked up, relationships were deepened, and God's love was shared abundantly. It was a day of positivity and hope. It was a bright light in our year. Shout out to all who shared photos! You make us look good! If you have more please send them to Sherry H. |
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Please come learn about our Ministry Teams and Service Opportunities in September after worship in the Narthex. Each Sunday a different Ministry Team and all their umbrella groups will be featured.
September 5: Christian Education
September 12: Service & Outreach (On “GWOH” Sunday)
September 19: Congregational Care
September 26: Stewardship and Worship
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MINISTRY FAIR SUNDAY:
CONGREGATIONAL CARE
Of all our ministry teams, Congregational Care might be the one that stretches the farthest across our congregation. From potlucks and fellowship events to funeral hosting ministries and welcoming new members to the congregation, Congregation Care seeks to foster and strengthen the ties that bind us together as a church.
Bereavement and Senior Care Ministries are coordinated by Donna Simmons. She will be on hand Sunday to talk about Food, Fun & Fellowship for single folk, Healing Through Conversation bereavement group, and the new 3rd Thursday Senior Social Club. The Van Deusen’s will also be available to share our newest ministry, a Caregiver Support Group that is open to the community.
Please find time to stop by the tables in the Narthex and connect with our team leaders to get more acquainted with this ministry and all its facets, where you can get connected and plugged in, or where we might be missing something. Your eyes, ears, and hearts for all who call Emanuel's home are vital to the care we share. Let us know what's out there!
~Pastor Marcus
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Cultivating Character
Thinking about character leads to many questions. Do our actions and words align with Christian faith? What virtues form a Christian character? How do practices such as prayer affect our character? This month’s lectionary readings from James invokes such questions.
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COFFEE CAKES ARE BACK THIS YEAR!
Ladies Aid will be baking coffee cakes on
Thursday, October 7th.
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Pre-orders can be placed for pickup on that Thursday from 12-2.
Order peach, apple, or streusel at only $6 each.
Reserve yours by calling the church office at (830) 379-5046.
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CAREGIVER SUPPORT GROUP
New dates added for the year.
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. Join us on the following Wednesdays at 10:00 a.m. in the Family Life Center:
September 22 (repeated Saturday, Sept. 25)
October 27 (repeated Saturday, Oct. 30)
November 17 (repeated Saturday, Nov. 20)
December 15 (repeated Saturday, Dec. 18)
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BASKET OF PRAYERS
beginning Sunday, September 5th
In the chapel you can add your personal written prayers to the basket. Donna Simmons will gather them each week for Thursday’s Sweet Hour of Prayer where the group will lift requests as they pray together.
- Please note that the Basket of Prayers will not be shared with the congregation in our weekly Prayers of the Church email. For the weekly email, prayer requests may be submitted online on our website, by calling the church office and leaving a message, or by emailing Donna Simmons at donna@elcseguin.org.
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SUNDAY ADULT CLASSES at 9:15 a.m.
PASTOR MARCUS' CLASS: New Series (Adult Ed): I will kick-off my new series, “The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe – A Movie Study,” on Sunday, September 19th at 9am in the Family Life Center. We will begin with a brief historical study of C.S. Lewis, what theologically is being talked about in his writing of the Chronicles of Narnia series, and what to look for in this movie. We will then watch and discuss portions of the movie each Sunday. We will be using the 2005 screen adaptation of Lewis’ book for those who wish to prime the discussion pump.
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..
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.
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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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. Hoping to start on September 23. |
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ARE YOU A QUILTER? Emanuel’s Ladies Aid has a longstanding tradition of crafting beautiful, hand stitched quilts. The quilters have a good time gathering and gabbing, and the funds from quilt sales support Ladies Aid projects. If you know how to quilt and would be interested in joining us, or even teaching new folk, we’d love to hear from you. Please contact Jeannie Hall at 379-4185. |
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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 first Thursday at 11 a.m. in the Family Life Center. Facilitated by Donna Simmons,
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FOOD, FUN & FELLOWSHIP will not be gathering in September. Please stay tuned for our next 1st Sunday gathering at Noon. This ministry is for widowed, divorced, and separated people. Donna Simmons is the contact.
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3rd THURSDAY SENIOR SOCIAL will not meet in September. We will keep you posted if this fun group is able to gather for lunch, conversation, and games soon. 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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Thank you, Wayne, for the great photo of the fall garden prep at the Garden of Eatin' with students participating in TLU Hot Dog Days and Emanuel's friends on Saturday, September 11, 2021. |
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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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HABITAT FOR HUMANITY builds and improves homes in partnership with individuals and families in need of a decent and affordable place to live. Stay tuned for September day and times. The current house is at 521 Newton. If you can help out, please contact Garry Miller at 830-534-3290 or garry.miller@satx.rr.com.
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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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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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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. Meeting at 10am in the Family Life Center on Wednesday, September 22, repeated Saturday, September 25. Facilitators are the Rev. John and Faye Van Deusen. You can reach Rev. John at (830) 305-5658 and Faye at (830) 305-8851.
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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.
You are welcome to make an appointment 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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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- Sept 7, 2021
Receipts: $ 300,201.37
Expenses: $ 332,551.00
January 1-Sept 7, 2020
Receipts: $ 283,193.39
Expenses: $ 400,650.47
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@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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