Because Lutherans are expressive about their faith. Participants in guest artist Paul Oman's paint-along workshop on Saturday studied "Jesus Walks on Water" with the word brought to life by paint and brushes on canvas. This unique ministry engaged both seasoned artists and newcomers to the medium. You can re-watch our very expressive Reformation worship service, replete with splendid music and Paul's painting of "Feeding of the 5000", on our YouTube channel here. We are better together.

📷 Janice E.

Sunday Worship at 10:30am is in the sanctuary, online on YouTube, and on radio KWED AM 1580.

All Saints Day, Year A

All Saints celebrates the baptized people of God, living and dead, who are the body of Christ. As November heralds the dying of the landscape in many northern regions, the readings and liturgy call us to remember all who have died in Christ and whose baptism is complete. At the Lord’s table we gather with the faithful of every time and place, trusting that the promises of God will be fulfilled and that all tears will be wiped away in the new Jerusalem.

ALL SAINTS’ DAY is Sunday, November 1. 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 “Table of Remembrance” will be set up in front of the "God With Us" sculpture. Everyone is invited to bring a framed or standing photo of loved ones they would like to honor this day, even if they passed away before this year or were not affiliated with Emanuel’s.

HOMECOMING SUNDAY!

It was a Reformation & Homecoming Sunday for the record books! The beautiful music of our choirs, an absolutely incredible painting by Paul Oman during worship, and a masterful celebration on the lawn with music by Mike and the Middletones, smoked sausage with all the fixings, and bouncy houses galore! Thank you to everyone who worshiped with us, ate with us, celebrated online with us, and volunteered to make it all happen. In addition to all the fellowship and fun our team served more than 150 plates of food and donations to Blue Santa exceeded $650! What a day, praise be to God! 

Do you have pictures to share? Send them to sherry@elcseguin.org.

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 30th from 6-7:30pm in Emanuel’s parking lot. Candy donations are also welcome in the church office. Get your costumes ready and invite your friends. We are going to have a delightfully spooky time.

If your gang has extra energy this Friday, check out Spirit of Joy's Boo-Cycle costume bicycle parade starting at 5:30pm. More info here.

WE SEE YOU!

Because Lutherans know costumes are not really optional. Kids aren't the only ones enjoying the spooky season! Emanuel's Couples & Friends had a blast in San Antonio last weekend dining on the River Walk and cavorting about in costumes from head to toe, or wig to boot. This fun group will carry on the revelry next month at Wurstfest. Read more below and make plans to join them for the Chicken Dance! We are better together.

Exciting plans are taking shape for the renovation of Emanuel’s sanctuary and narthex! Our proposed improvements include expanded accessibility, updated restrooms, enhanced worship seating, new audio/video and lighting systems, and refreshed spaces for worship, music, and fellowship. We are currently in the proposal and congregational review stage, with final designs, costs, and construction plans still to be determined. We invite everyone to review the proposal in the links below, share with others, and bring forward questions, ideas, and feedback. Your participation is important as we thoughtfully plan for the future of Emanuel’s and our continued ministry together!

Members of the Renovation Task Force will be available for conversation at the following dates, times, and locations. 

• Sunday, November 1, 8, 15, 22: 9am, Women's Ministry Room

AT THE DAY SCHOOL

🎃 Our visit to the First Methodist Pumpkin Patch was filled with story time, science, a scavenger hunt, tabletop drawing, and picking our very own miniature pumpkins to take home🧡 What a blessing to have adventures like this within walking distance of our downtown school (plus loving teachers, chaperones, and neighbors who make them so special). We also had two VIP escorts from surprise guests, Pastor Marcus Bigott and Pastor Rudy. 

Thank you, First Methodist, for welcoming our little lions!

HomeTown Pastries fundraiser ends on FRIDAY! This year, in addition to the classic ButterBraids, Croissant Crowns and Cake Rolls, we are also offering online exclusives such as cookie dough, granola bites and popcorn! Please use this link to place an order. Orders will be delivered directly to Emauel’s. All funds raised go towards new toys, classroom furnishings, and continued facility wide improvements. Orders due by Friday, October 30. Thank you for helping us to RAISE SOME DOUGH!

PARK N’ PLAY with Ignite Youth and Family (and Friends!) is Saturday, November 7 at 10:30 am. Everyone is invited to Starcke Park (600 River Dr W, Seguin, TX 78155) for burgers, hotdogs, and ice cream. 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. Sign-up sheets will be in the narthex soon with additional information about the day.

THE HEALING HOLIDAYS SYMPOSIUM is Thursday, November 12, at Emanuel’s Lutheran Church in the Women’s Ministry Room from 9am to 12pm, in partnership with the Resilient Foundation. Grief during the holidays is always challenging. This workshop will help identify resources that contribute to compassion and resiliency. Led by The Rev. Darwin Huartson, B.C.C., the conversation will help participants identify internal and external resources that foster self-compassion, strengthen resilience, and support healthy grieving during the holiday season. Whether your loss is recent or many years past, this gathering offers a supportive space to acknowledge the realities of grief, discover resources for the holiday season, and find meaningful ways to carry love, memory, and hope forward. RSVP with the link below or by calling 830-379-5046.

SENIOR SOCIAL CLUB THANKSGIVING LUNCHEON is Thursday, November 19 from 11:30 – 1:30. Join us for a catered turkey, dressing and gravy from Davila’s BBQ! Everyone is to bring a favorite Thanksgiving side or dessert to share. Family and friends are welcome! Let Donna know if you can come, donna@elcseguin.org.

COUPLES & FRIENDS (& FAMILIES!) NIGHT OUT at WURSTFEST is on Thursday, November 12. Join your Emanuel’s family at 6:30pm for a fun-filled evening at Wurstfest in New Braunfels! It’s one of the FREE admission nights, and everyone is invited—couples, singles, families, friends, neighbors, Men’s Group, Women’s Group, and YOU! We’ll do our best to find places to sit and stand together as we enjoy great food, music, and fellowship. Please sign-up in the Narthex or email pastormarcus@elcseguin.org if you plan to attend so we can coordinate carpooling, as parking can be challenging and expensive. Come join the fun, there’s room for everyone at the table! Gemeinsam sind wir besser. 

BOTANICAL GARDENS CHRISTMAS LIGHTS! Join your Emanuel’s family on Saturday, December 5, for a festive evening in San Antonio! We’ll gather for dinner at 6:30 p.m. at The Ridge at the Hill (2119 N. IH-35, San Antonio) before heading to the San Antonio Botanical Garden for the Illuminate Light Tour at 8:00 p.m. Tickets are just $15 per person! Sign up in the Church Office, Narthex, or by emailing Pastor Marcus. All are welcome to join us for this wonderful evening of fellowship and holiday lights!

All of Emanuel’s Ministry Teams gather on a single evening every other month to share a meal, collaborate, plan, and schedule upcoming events and ministry projects. Join us next on Tuesday, November 3 at 5:30pm in the Women's Ministry Room.

The next Council Meeting is Sunday, November 8, 2026 following worship 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 volunteers lead our PK to 5th graders to the Children’s Church room, just down the hall from the sanctuary, and return 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. Pastor Marcus has more details.

The Compass Cooperative Youth Ministry gathers on Sundays with our church partners - Emanuel’s, St. Andrew’s, and Spirit of Joy - at Spirit of Joy campus. Middle School (6-8 grades) from 4-5:50pm, dinner for everyone at 5:30pm, and High School (9-12 grades) from 6-7:30pm. Let Hannah know if you aren’t on the email list for Middle School and High School updates: Hannah@elcseguin.org 

ADULT CLASSES

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. Summer 2026 explores Spirit, Boldness, Opportunities.

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.

DISCIPLES CLASS: Seasonal topics that delve into the word and explore applications out in the world.

November 1-22: Creation, Power, and Truth

Family Life Center at 9:00am.

N. T. Wright’s Creation, Power, and Truth explores how the Christian understanding of God as Creator, Jesus as Lord, and the Holy Spirit as the Spirit of truth challenges our culture’s assumptions. Together, we’ll consider what this means for living faithfully and sharing the hope of the gospel in everyday life. Books are available in the Church office.

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 comparisons.

Jan 1 - Oct 27, 2026: 

Budgeted Church Offering Receipts: $ 341,370.93

Actual Church Offering Receipts: $ 336,416.50

        Actual Other Receipts: $ 119,778.74

Total Receipts From Offering and Other Receipts YTD: $ 456,195.24

Operating Expenses YTD: $ 467,823.67 *

* These figures do not include Forward In Faith remodel expenses or in-kind donations.

Jan 1 - Oct 27, 2025:

Budgeted Church Offering Receipts: $ 341,370.93

Actual Church Offering Receipts: $ 330,004.07

Actual Other Receipts: $ 61,189.09

Total Receipts From Offering and Other Receipts YTD: $ 391,193.16

Operating Expenses YTD:  $ 401,777.18 *

* These figures do not include Forward In Faith remodel expenses or in-kind donations

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.