Because Lutherans value service (pt. 2). On Saturday, Cub Scout Pack 107 was busy with projects at the Emanuel's Lutheran Day School. Online they shared, "Some shovels, sweat and mulch to tidy up the Day School curb. Thank you cubs and parents for all your hard work. And thank you to Ehlers Tree Farm." ELDS Director Michelle Martin exclaimed, "It looks AMAZING!" See more of what they accomplished here. We are better together. | | |
Christ the King, Year C
Jeremiah’s promise of the execution of “justice and righteousness in the land” finds ironic fulfillment in the execution of Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews. It appears utterly contradictory that a king should be crucified with a criminal. This victory appears for all the world as humiliating defeat. Yet through the gate of death Jesus opens the door to paradise.
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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.
| | 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 Dear Christ Enters In daily devotions for Advent by Jane Wilke are available in the Narthex and church office. Home means different things to different people. These devotions explore what gives home its place of importance, from what we see to what we experience. Walking through the pages is an exercise in walking through our own homes and realizing the blessing home can be to everyone who finds sanctuary within. What sets a home apart is placing Christ at the center. True blessing comes to every home where Christ has entered and is centered. | | 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! | | ELCA Good Gifts grow the church, fight hunger, and transform lives across the globe. Visit our giving trees in the narthex, chapel, and office to select a gift for a friend or loved one. It is easy to tell them about it with the clever greeting cards available. Forms and payment due by December 15 for inclusion in the Christmas Eve bulletins. | | |
The Emanuel's sanctuary will be filled with beautiful poinsettias at Christmas. You may donate poinsettias as you rejoice the season, or in memory or honor of loved ones. Plants may be taken home following the 7pm Christmas Eve service. Return forms and payment to an offering basket or the church office by December 15. Each poinsettia is $15.
| | 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 | | |
Christmas Vespers
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
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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.
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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.
| | *NOTE: The Heritage Class and The Disciple Class WILL NOT MEET on Sunday, November 30. Everyone is encouraged to attend one of the other events at 9am: Council Listening Session, Advent Hymn Study, or Advent Wreath Making. | | |
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.
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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.
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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 18, 2025:
Budgeted Church Offering Receipts: $ 366,583.30
Actual Church Offering Receipts: $ 348,734.07
Actual Other Receipts: $ 62,852.06
Total Receipts From Offering and Other Receipts YTD: $ 411,586.13
Operating Expenses YTD: $ 438,020.24 *
* These figures do not include Forward In Faith remodel expenses or In-Kind Gifts
Jan 1 - Nov 18, 2024:
Budgeted Church Offering Receipts:$366,583.30
Actual Church Offering Receipts: $345,170.77
Actual Other Receipts: $99,797.71
Total Receipts From Offering and Other Receipts YTD: $444,968.48
Operating Expenses YTD: $ 430,310.95 *
* 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. | | | | | |
