Because Lutherans are serious about following through: Pastor Marcus promised donors for the Compass Cooperative fundraiser that they could "throw a pie at the pastor." The whipped commotion was a stellar finale to an incredible Rally Day Carnival! From the Emanuel's Lutheran Day School bake sale to the snow cones and popcorn, to the waterslide bounce house, to the delicious pulled pork slider lunch, to the delectable cake walk with its oodles of goodies, to the around-the-block train, it was a Sunday for the records! A huge thank you to everyone who made every both, event, and moment possible! We are better together. | | |
14th Sunday after Pentecost, Year A
The prophet Jeremiah speaks of the incurable wound of his suffering yet finds in God’s words the delight of his heart. When Peter doesn’t grasp Jesus’ words about suffering, Jesus tells the disciples they will find their lives in losing them. Such sacrificial love is described by Paul when he urges us to associate with the lowly and not repay evil with evil. In worship we gather as a community that we might offer ourselves for the sake of our suffering world.
| | MAKING YOUR GRIEF COUNT is a three-week grief program for those who have experienced loss of any kind to work though their grief, learn about healthy coping tools, and discover a path to healing in a supportive environment. Pastor Darwin Huartson facilitates this program at Emanuel’s in the Family Life Center on Sundays, August 16, 23, and 30 from 2-4pm. | | PEANUT BUTTER & JELLY FOOD DRIVE for the Christian Cupboard will take place all of September. Collection boxes are in the narthex and Mountain Street entrance. Plastic bottles only, please. Help Emanuel’s Outreach & Service Team spread the love with PB&J for our neighbors in need! | | Emanuel's warmly welcomes leaders, families, and youth for another year of scouting. Troop 107 has been serving youth in Seguin for 99 years! We are very excited for the next generation to discover new adventures, build lifelong friendships, and develop skills to last a lifetime. | | |
Emanuel’s projects will span the inside of our building as we assemble Lutheran World Relief Personal Care Kits, complete Quilt Tying, write thank-you cards for teachers and first responders, and assist Artable Curiosities with fabric sorting. An outdoor project, trash pick -up along Seguin’s Hike & Bike Trails, will also take place.
We will be one of over 8,300 ELCA congregations across the country making a positive change in our communities, building and deepening relationships, and sharing God’s love. Join us as we do God’s work with our hands!
| | PRAYING IN COLOR, a visual, active, and playful way of meditating at the intersection of doodling and prayer, gathers on Sunday, September 20 at 11:45am in the Women's Ministry Room, immediately following worship. Deaconess Jennifer Clark Tinker will teach the basics of this prayer-doodling method. Lunch and materials will be provided so please RSVP by signing up in the Narthex. | | CROSS TRAILS MINISTRY'S FALL FESTIVAL is Saturday, September 19 at the Marktplatz in Fredericksburg from 9am to 3pm. Activities for all ages include a quilt auction, craft show, children's games, live music, and food. Your own Iron & Ember Mens' Group will be grilling delicious hamburgers and hotdogs so be sure to stop in and say, "hello!" to some familiar faces. The money raised from the festival will be going toward the deck project we are helping with in January, as well as a dock project at Ebert Ranch Camp in Harper. | | |
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, September 1 at 5:30pm in the Women's Ministry Room.
The next Council Meeting is Sunday, September 13 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 will resume Sunday gatherings on August 30 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 | | |
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. | |
Sep 20- Oct 18 | Led by: Paul Sims and Pastor Marcus | 9:00am | Family Life Center
The Theology of the Cross was Luther’s response to the Roman Catholic Church that set the trajectory of the Reformation. We will explore this pivotal essay by Luther just in time for Reformation Sunday.
| | DISCIPLES CLASS August 30: The Moving Finger Writes. Family Life Center at 9:00am. Tom Engler and Paul Sims will present gems of wisdom from the Judeo-Christian and Islamic literary traditions. | | 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 will be updated when
Jeni returns from vacation.
Jan 1 - Aug 11, 2026:
Budgeted Church Offering Receipts: $ 254,354.81
Actual Church Offering Receipts: $ 248,759.09
Actual Other Receipts: $ 69,022.59
Total Receipts From Offering and Other Receipts YTD: $ 317,781.68
Operating Expenses YTD: $ 338,643.88 *
* These figures do not include Forward In Faith remodel expenses or in-kind donations.
Jan 1 - Aug 11, 2025:
Budgeted Church Offering Receipts: $ 254,354.81
Actual Church Offering Receipts: $ 252,607.67
Actual Other Receipts: $ 55,182.00
Total Receipts From Offering and Other Receipts YTD: $ 307,789.67
Operating Expenses YTD: $ 296,625.78 *
* 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. | | 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. | | | | | |
