Because Lutherans adore. As on the first day of creation, on Christmas Day the Word illumines the world, shining forth to bring all things into being. On this day we celebrate the incarnate Word, God becoming flesh to live among us in the person of Jesus Christ then and now. Emboldened by the good news of Christ’s birth, along with the shepherds, Mary and Joseph, and all witnesses to the light of Christ, we declare to the world that we have indeed seen and been transformed by the arrival of “the salvation of our God.” O come, let us adore! We are better together. | | |
First Sunday of Christmas, Year A
As we celebrate the Twelve Days of Christmas, our gospel today confronts us with the death of innocent children at the hands of Herod. The birth of Christ does not remove the power of evil from our world, but its light gives us hope as we walk with all the “holy innocents” of past generations and today who have suffered unjustly. In our gathering around word and meal, God continues to redeem us, lift us up, and carry us as in days of old.
| | A Christmas Message from ELCA Presiding Bishop Yehiel Curry | | |
In his Christmas message to the church, Bishop Curry delivers a children’s sermon, describing the night when Jesus was born. “One silent night, far away in a town called Bethlehem, the stars twinkled brighter than ever. And the angels were there too. It was as if the whole sky was whispering: ‘Something wonderful is happening.’”
Curry emphasizes that “whispers make us stop, listen and pay attention” and reminds us that, this Christmas, we should listen closely because “the heavens are still whispering: ‘Jesus is here. God loves you. Share that love with the world.’”
| | Tidings of Joy from the Emanuel's Church Staff | | Emanuel's staff paused for a small Christmas gathering last week, grateful for a chance to reflect, reconnect, and remember the hope Christ brings into every corner of our work. Thank you to members of the Council for sponsoring our delicious meal. Merry Christmas! | | Holiday Greetings from the Southwestern Texas Synod Staff | | |
This Christmas, we give thanks for the gift of Christ born among us and for the communities we serve together. May love, justice, and peace guide us in the year ahead.
*Southwestern Texas Synod (ELCA)
| | |
Christmas Cheer from the
Compass Cooperative
| | On Sunday the Compass Cooperative youth and sponsors had a blast at their annual Christmas party. They played "Minute to Win It" games, Christmas music bingo, had dinner, and created gingerbread houses. Sunday gatherings will resume January 11, 2026! | | |
Registration is NOW OPEN! Everyone is invited to Camp Chrysalis in the beautiful Hill Country on January 23-25! We will worship and eat together, hike and canoe, swing on the giant swing, enjoy a night under the stars with s’mores, share in fellowship and do some service projects.
Registration and health forms are completely online. Costs per person are $70 for preschool and under, $90 for kinder to 5th grade, and $110 for 6th grade to adult. Prices include all meals, snacks, activities, and housing! Payments can be made to Emanuel’s online or via check or cash. Note “Church Retreat” in the memo line. All registration documents must be submitted by Sunday, January 11.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to our Gather & Grow leaders Janelle or Natalia.
| | |
GRIEF SYMPOSIUM:
CARING FOR CHILDREN & ADOLESCENTS
Thursday, January 8, 2025 from 9am - 12:30pm
Seguin ISD Boardroom, 1221 E. Kingsbury St.
Join us at Seguin ISD's Central Office for a morning filled with insightful discussions and valuable resources on supporting young individuals through grief and loss. Tami Logsdon of the Children’s Bereavement Center of South Texas will lead our conversations and discussions as we explore how young people understand and express grief, offering practical strategies for communication, emotional support, and creating nurturing environments at home, in schools, and throughout the community. Designed for parents, caregivers, educators, and community members, the symposium provides insight, understanding, and hope for those walking alongside grieving children. Sponsored by Emanuel’s Lutheran Church and the Children’s Bereavement Center of South Texas, this free event invites you to come, learn, and grow in your ability to help children heal and thrive. Register now to secure your spot.
| | |
Funeral Hosts & Ushers Gathering:
Sunday, January 4 with Pastor Marcus.
Pastor Marcus invites all current Funeral Hosting Team members, assistants, ushers, and those interested in this crucial ministry for our church, to an update meeting in the Women's Ministry Room on Sunday, January 4 at 9am. The plan for this meeting is to go over our current practices, update contact lists and teams as necessary, answer questions about hosting and ushering, and encourage new faces to join teams. Please reach out to Pastor Marcus if you are not able to make the meeting but would be interested in continuing to serve or joining a team.
Eucharistic & Care Facility Training:
Sunday, January 11 with Pastor Rudy
Pastor Rudy invites you to join him on Sunday, January 11 at 9am in the Women's Ministry Room for an informational session and training for anyone interested in joining our Eucharistic teams. Every month, volunteers from our congregation lead worship services in six of our resident care facilities. These services include singing, Holy Communion, and connection to our community. All current volunteers are invited to join the class as well. A special commissioning and blessing of volunteers will take place during the Sunday service in celebration of this new year of Eucharistic ministry. Please reach out to Pastor Rudy if you are unable to make this training and wish to join one of the teams.
Worship Leader Training
Sunday, January 18 with Pastor Marcus
Pastor Marcus and Worship Team invite you to join them for a training and refresher, for those currently serving or those interested in serving, on Sunday, January 18 in the chapel. We will have leads for every facet of service, including Readers, Altar Guild, Communion Assistants, Assisting Ministers, Audio Visual, and Ushers. We will break into training groups so that we can make sure everyone is familiar with practices, changes to storage systems and keys, sound system needs and hearing devices, updates to the worship space, and best practices for our vocal leaders. Please reach out to Pastor Marcus or one of our Worship Team members if you have any questions.
| | |
2026 CONGREGATION
COUNCIL MEMBERS
Top left: Charles Jobe, Secretary - Paul Sims, Janelle Leon-Weinman, William Salt, President - Bryce Kennedy, Vice President - Sheila English, Pastor Marcus, Natalia Almquist, Treasurer - Sharon Herbold, Rissa Springs, Tim Kent, Darlene Zies, and Pastor Rudy.
Please find the 2025 Annual Meeting Notes from the December meeting below. The next Congregation Council meeting is Sunday, January 11, 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 gathers on Sundays with our church partners - Emanuel's, St. Andrew's, and Spirit of Joy- 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.
| | |
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. Winter 2025-26 explores Light, Life, and Salvation.
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.
"Lord of the Rings and the Parables of Jesus," Jan 11 - Feb 15 led by: Paul Sims & Pastor Marcus at 9:00am in the Family Life Center. The story in the Lord of the Rings is so fundamental and incarnational, it’s no wonder people see the Gospel in them. Join us as we compare the Gospel as we know it, how it appears in J. R. R. Tolkien’s works, and learn to understand the parables that Jesus tells all the more clearly. We’ll work through “The Good News of the Return of the King: The Gospel in Middle-earth” by Michael T. Jahosky while reading Isaiah 40-55, along with many of the parables Jesus mentioned throughout the gospels.
Book available here.
| | 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 - Dec 23, 2025:
Budgeted Church Offering Receipts: $ 406,075.26
Actual Church Offering Receipts: $ 388,864.57
Actual Other Receipts: $ 111,297.88
Total Receipts From Offering and Other Receipts YTD: $ 500,162.45
Operating Expenses YTD: $ 493,576.04 *
* These figures do not include Forward In Faith remodel expenses or In-Kind Gifts
Jan 1 - Dec 23, 2024:
Budgeted Church Offering Receipts:$ 406,075.26
Actual Church Offering Receipts: $ 378,729.28
Actual Other Receipts: $ 104,681.06
Total Receipts From Offering and Other Receipts YTD: $ 483,410.34
Operating Expenses YTD: $ 474,431.48 *
* 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. | | | | | |
