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Lutherans in their happy place: Pastor Marcus (pictured here wielding a sledge hammer in waist deep water) said, "Grateful to be out at Chrysalis (last) week with volunteers, church members, and fellow summer staff from my summers on staff rebuilding docks and picnic tables. Doubly blessed to do this work alongside my awesome wife, Kristen!!" Proof that happy places aren't just picnics in the park. After the recent storms damaged some favorite spots at Lutheran Camp Chrysalis, a crew of volunteers gathered with a clear mission: roll up your sleeves, pitch in, and restore camp ground! From firing up saws to building new picnic tables to setting the final boards on the new dock, it was a total team effort. Happy places need tending, and we are thankful to everyone who smiled getting the job done. We are better together.
But for me it is good to be near God; I have made the Lord God my refuge, that I may tell of all your works.
Psalm 73:28
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11th Sunday after Pentecost, Year A
The ninth sermon in our 10-week 2026 Summer sermon series Odd & Holy: God's Grace in Scripture's Strangest Scenes is titled "Peter Comes Knocking: When Grace is Too Good to Believe." God often answers prayer beyond our imagination - before we're emotionally ready to believe it..
| | 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. | | |
Join us for a Rally Day morning like no other! Festivities begin at 8:30 a.m. on the church lawn with a bounce house, water slide, snow cones, popcorn, carnival games and prizes, a cake walk, giant lawn games, a cornhole competition, and opportunities to visit with ministry leaders and discover ways to get involved.
After worship at 10:30 a.m., we will resume the outdoor activities while enjoying a delicious pulled pork lunch in the Fellowship Hall. We will also celebrate the achievements of our recent fundraiser with the highly anticipated “Pie the Pastor!” The festivities will conclude at 1:30 p.m.
Sign-up sheets for cake walk donations, lunch sides and desserts, small bottled sodas for the ring toss game, and cornhole teams are available in the Narthex.
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After a career filled with serving the public, Guadalupe County’s former elected lead officer recently received recognition for the work he did.
Last week, the Texas Sheriffs’ Association honored former Guadalupe County Sheriff Arnold Zwicke with its annual Tieman H. Dippel Texas Peacemaker Award at the association’s annual conference. The Peacemaker Award honors a law enforcement professional who exemplified extraordinary dedication to the public good and community over a lifetime of public service.
Zwicke spent nearly 50 years in service to his community, about half of that as the Guadalupe County sheriff. Before taking the post from which he retired last year, Zwicke spent time on the Seguin Fire Department and the New Berlin Volunteer Fire Department.
Thank you for your service Sheriff Zwicke!
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LWR SCHOOL SUPPLY &
PERSONAL CARE KIT DONATIONS
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We are wrapping up supply collection for Lutheran World Relief School Supply and Personal Care Kits to be assembled at “God’s Work. Our Hands.” Sunday, September 13 and distributed across the globe to neighbors in need. Collection bins are in the Narthex, Mountain Street entrance, and church office. Thanks to everyone for the great response!
AUGUST UPDATE
To complete the kits we now only need:
- sturdy wide-toothed combs (77)
- metal nail clippers (64)
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bath size bar soaps, original wrap, 4oz ea. (102)
- bath size towels, light weight, dark color between 20"x40" & 27"x52" (42)
Financial donations are also welcome, payable to Emanuel’s Lutheran Church with the memo “LWR Kits,” and will fund any remaining supply items.
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FLOOD RELIEF EFFORTS are led by our own Bryce Kennedy, Council President and Disaster Response Coordinator for the Synod. To receive emails regarding volunteer sites and projects, email disaster@swtsynod.org or call 281-450-7654. To give financially toward the relief efforts, specifically in our Synod, follow this link for more information: www.swtsynod.org/disaster-team. Social media pages for our church and synod also contain information about volunteer opportunities and gathering locations.
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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 in September on a date to be determined.
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 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. Let Hannah know if you aren’t on her email list to find out about Middle School and High School events this summer: 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. | |
Aug 16, Sep 6 - 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.
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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.
THE WIRED WORD: Group discussions about important matters of faith raised by news of the week. This 8:45am Tuesday morning study is on summer break! See you in the Family Life Center in September.
| | 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 - July 28, 2026:
Budgeted Church Offering Receipts: $ 238,736.54
Actual Church Offering Receipts: $ 235,464.09
Actual Other Receipts: $ 66,974.09
Total Receipts From Offering and Other Receipts YTD: $ 302,438.18
Operating Expenses YTD: $ 314,066.97 *
* These figures do not include Forward In Faith remodel expenses or in-kind donations.
Jan 1 - July 28, 2025:
Budgeted Church Offering Receipts: $ 238,736.54
Actual Church Offering Receipts: $ 234,414.67
Actual Other Receipts: $ 48,978.00
Total Receipts From Offering and Other Receipts YTD: $ 283,392.67
Operating Expenses YTD: $ 280,382.54 *
* 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. | | | | | |
