Because Lutherans value honor and service. On Monday the Emanuel's Lutheran Day School Pre-K3 & Pre-K4 students proudly paraded around the church lawn with their flags held high! Online they shared, "These little ones are learning what it means to show gratitude and respect for the men and women who serve our country. 💙❤️ At ELDS, we believe these moments plant the seeds of patriotism, kindness, and thankfulness that will grow for years to come. 🌱 Thank you to all our veterans and military families for your service and sacrifice! We are grateful today and every day! 🦁" We are better together.

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

23nd Sunday after Pentecost, Year C

The end is near. There is no doubt about it. The warnings are dire. The tone of today’s texts is ominous. But the baptized know how to live in the meantime. The baptized are strengthened for the living of these days in word and sacrament. The baptized rally around the invitation of the apostle: “Do not be weary in doing what is right.”

Advent Midweek Meal and Worship

Wednesdays, December 3, 10 and 17

6:00 p.m. in the Women’s Ministry Room

We will begin with a shared meal followed by a time of devotion as we prepare for the coming of Christ. Please join us for this intimate evening of waiting.

Advent midweek meals are organized by the Fellowship & Feast team in conjunction with the services. This is a simple meal fitting the quiet season of anticipation. The church is providing sandwiches and sides. Members of the congregation are asked only to sign up for soup and dessert. Sign-up sheets are narthex. Thank you for your participation.

Because Lutherans love group activities. The weather was absolutely splendid for Ignite's Park & Play gathering in Starcke Park on Saturday. Intergenerational church activities benefit all ages by fostering a strong sense belonging, supporting families of all sizes in new ways, responsibly using shared resources, and redefining our definition of community. This and ... we all love it when our Pastor cooks! Additional opportunities to experience faith more fully when generations come together this season include Zoo Lights, Deck the Halls, Advent Wreath Decorating, Advent Midweek Service, Blue Santa, and Christmas Caroling. See details below. We are better together.

We will be out under the night’s sky for this month’s couple’s night Saturday, November 15 at 6:30pm 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!

Pub Theology is back on tap! Join us on Thursday, November 20 at 5:30 PM at the Seguin Brewing Company, 111 W. Gonzales St., for “Beer, Conversation & God.” Grab your favorite drink, pull up a chair, and join the conversation. All perspectives welcome. 

WE SEE YOU!

Compass Cooperative Program Director Hannah Hansen shared on Facebook Wednesday, "We had a great time this morning at our high school breakfast Bible study! We discussed the important spiritual practices of eating together and gratitude while eating some delicious breakfast tacos at Su Casa Cafe. Grateful to all the kids who showed up this morning! We are looking forward to next month’s breakfast Bible study!" Check out the Compass youth holiday happenings here.

SENIOR SOCIAL CHRISTMAS BUS TRIP

Join the Senior Social Club for their Tuesday, 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. After registering, online payments may be made here.

Our Ignite Youth and Family ministry invites everyone (youth, families, individuals, friends) for a beautiful evening under the lights at the San Antonio Zoo on Saturday, December 6 at 6:30pm. Tickets are $15 per person attending. Sign up by Nov. 30 in the Narthex. Emails to follow regarding dinner and/or carpool options. Questions? Contact Pastor Marcus.

We are excited to again host The Seguin Police Department 2025 Blue Santa giftwrapping in our Fellowship Hall every Tuesday and Thursday between December 2-18. Toys and gifts are collected throughout the city in November/December and will be wrapped by volunteers before being distributed to children in need by Christmas morning. Your assistance as a campus volunteer will help make the evenings run smoother and provide a cheery welcome to visitors. Sign-up sheets are in the Narthex for time slots 3-4pm, 4-6pm, and 6-8pm. Outreach and Service Team member Darlene Zies (830) 560-6507 can answer any questions. Leave her a message and she will get back with you. 

BELL RINGERS NEEDED FOR KETTLE CAMPAIGN. Emanuel’s will participate in this year’s Salvation Army Kettle Campaign on Monday, December 8, from 9am-5pm at the Walmart Home and Pharmacy entrance. If you are willing and able to ring for one or two hours, please call Frances Vinyard at 830-379-5041. Thank you!

CHRISTMAS CAROLING to area care facilities with Compass Cooperative will be Sunday, December 14. Everyone is invited to spread cheer as we share the love of Christ. Gather in the church parking lot at 2:45pm to carpool. Contact: Hannah at hannah@elcseguin.org  

All Is Miracle: Christmas Vespers 2025

The annual Christmas Vespers is one of TLU's most cherished traditions. This year’s theme, All Is Miracle, promises an unforgettable service filled with the joyous spirit of the season. Vespers will take place on December 5–7 at Jackson Auditorium. Tickets, which are free but required, are available online and at the TLU Bookstore. www.tlu.edu/news/christmas-vespers-2025

COUNCIL LISTENING SESSIONS: In preparation for our Sunday, December 14, 2025 Annual Meeting two learning and discussion sessions are scheduled for Sunday, November 30 and December 7, at 9:00am in the Fellowship Hall. Discussion topics include, but are not limited to, the proposed 2026 budget, nominations for church council, and ministry programs for 2026. There will be plenty of time for questions and discussion. 

Please find the Congregation Council minutes from the November meeting below. The next Congregation Council meeting is Sunday, December 14, 2025 following worship in the Sanctuary.

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 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

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.

ADULT CLASSES

ADVENT HYMN STUDY

Sunday, November 30 at 9am

"Rejoice! Rejoice!" Advent Hymn Study is a discussion of selected Advent and Christmas hymns found in the ELW, aka the Cranberry Book! In the Music Ministry Suite with Thomas Engler, Director of Music and Church Organist Emeritus.

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.

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 - Nov 11, 2025: 

Budgeted Church Offering Receipts: $ 358,513.85

      Actual Church Offering Receipts: $ 344,396.07

        Actual Other Receipts: $ 62,645.59

Total Receipts From Offering and Other Receipts YTD: $ 407,041.66

Operating Expenses YTD: $  423,850.71 *

* These figures do not include Forward In Faith remodel expenses or In-Kind Gifts

Jan 1 - Nov 11, 2024:

Budgeted Church Offering Receipts: $358,513.85

     Actual Church Offering Receipts: $336,460.09

     Actual Other Receipts: $99,781.21

Total Receipts From Offering and Other Receipts YTD: $436,241.30

Operating Expenses YTD:  $416,717.17 *

* 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.