Because Lutherans are joyful. Joy is when you feel so thankful you could burst with excitement and gratitude. Flavor is part of what makes meals together joyful. We don't always agree on what flavors are best, and that is okay. Our diverse palates make eating more interesting, colorful, and adventurous. Finding joy in different foods helps us understand each other better, both in our homes and across the world! Jesus knew food brings people together, and when we eat with people unlike us, our lives are changed. Join us on Sunday as we light the candle of joy. There is a place at the table for you. We are better together. | |
|
Advent Midweek Service: From the Manger
Wednesdays, December 4, 11 and 18
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 Christmas. Our From the Manger series draws from the many connections to food and meals throughout the story of God. Did you know Jesus was born in a town called, "House of Bread"? God knew feeding people was much more than the food on our plates - Jesus came to fill our bellies and our hearts. Join us this Advent. We have a place at the table for you.
The Congregation Care team is organizing meals in conjunction with the services. Soup and sandwiches are still needed for December 18. Sign-up sheets for food and serving help are in the narthex after the Sunday services. Thank you for your participation.
| |
This service is a time of reflection, prayer, and music, drawing attention to the reality that while Christmas is a joyful time we also know it can and does bring many griefs. We invite you to share a time of worship and reflection acknowledging our griefs and losses, taking seriously those feelings and hurts, while also hearing words of hope shared in community. | |
Because Lutherans love to eat, drink, and be merry. The Emanuel's Lutheran Ladies Aid celebrated the holidays with abundant cheer at their annual Christmas Luncheon on December 5 in the Fellowship Hall. Members and guests were served a delicious turkey and dressing plate and enjoyed carols on the clavinova with organist Ed Workmon. Door prizes rounded out the festive event. It was lovely to see familiar faces and so many new faces around the tables! We are better together. | |
CHURCH DIRECTORIES ARE HERE! | | |
|
|
Pick up your fabulous new photo directory on Sunday morning in the narthex. Shout out to Susan Y., Sheila E. and Sharon K. for all their work! Pick up will also be available in the church office during the week.
NOTE: Directories are $10 each if you submitted a photo or if one of our volunteers snapped your picture. Additional copies may be available for $10 after distribution is complete.
| |
Because Lutherans love holiday sparkle. Ignight! Youth and Family had a spectacular evening on Saturday cruising the light show at Santa's Ranch in San Marcos with treats to follow. We are better together. | |
3C (Community-Connection-Conversation) is a time of gathering on the church lawn from 7:30 - 8:30 in the mornings. Bring a chair and join us as we share in fellowship, invite new faces to sit and share their stories, and welcome visitors who pass us on the street. Our format is open, very fluid, and provides a place to share, visit, and grow together as a community of faith. | |
Why 3C?
"Community to me is the group of people who gather to join in conversation around some kind of common purpose, whether that’s the coffee we share, the donuts we eat, or just to be in fellowship with one another for mutual support and care. A community that continues to be life changing to me was one that formed while I was in seminary. We all were walking through a common journey and had a common language for that journey, whether it was struggle or celebration. I learned very quickly in that setting that community also helped with success. Because if we could lean on each other then we could become successful as a whole."
-Pastor Marcus
| | |
This year Emanuel's is serving two days as Salvation Army Bell Ringers! Were at Walmart on Monday, December 9 from 9am – 5pm AND will be there Saturday, December 21 from Noon - 9pm. Sign-up sheets are in the Narthex. PM, pictured here with his bell ringing partner Alcina M., reports that they had a blast making tons of noise and greeting people. Come spread cheer and good will with us while raising funds to support our community! Fran (830-379-5041) can answer your questions. | |
We are excited to again host The Seguin Police Department 2024 Blue Santa gift wrapping in our Fellowship Hall every Tuesday and Thursday between December 3 – December 19 from 4-8pm. Toys and gifts are collected throughout the city in November/December and are 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. Outreach and Service Team member Sarah Kennedy (281) 734-3845 can answer any questions. | |
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 16. Each poinsettia is $15. | |
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 an payment due by December 16 for inclusion in the Christmas Eve bulletins. | |
|
Merry Christmas
from the LWR Quick Quilters!
| |
The birth of Jesus is narrated at the beginning of the Gospel of Matthew and the Gospel of Luke, but is not mentioned in Mark, and alluded to very differently in John. Although the story may seem familiar, a close analysis shows that there are significant differences between the accounts, with little in common between them. Join us during Advent as we rediscover the powerful birth narratives in the Gospels. | |
CHILDREN & YOUTH EDUCATION | |
During worship Children’s Ministry Coordinator Jordana leads our PK to 5th grade learners to the Children’s Church room, just down the hall from the sanctuary, as we begin the "Gathering Hymn" and then return as we "Share the Peace." | |
|
The Compass Cooperative is a weekly gathering for youth, hosted by our four church partners - Emanuel's, St. Andrew's, Spirit of Joy, and Friedens Church- and held on Spirit of Joy's campus. Our new rotations start Sunday, August 18 with:
- 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
New schedule coming soon!
| |
Confirmation Classes for our 6th to 8th graders meet on the 4th Sunday of every month after worship in the Women’s Ministry Room on Level 1. Pastor Marcus is available to answer any questions about our new schedule and curriculum focus. | |
|
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. The aim is to make the Bible relevant and applicable to daily life.
THE JOY CLASS: Bible stories and songs for adults with intellectual disabilities at 9am on Sunday mornings. Upcoming dates are November 10 in Room 204 and December 8 in the Women's Ministry Room.
“THE BIRTH OF JESUS IN THE GOSPELS” adult class meets in the Family Life Center at 9am on Sundays, December 8 and 15. The birth of Jesus is narrated at the beginning of the Gospel of Matthew and the Gospel of Luke, but is not mentioned in Mark, and alluded to very differently in John. Although the story may seem familiar, a close analysis shows that there are significant differences between the accounts, with little in common between them. Join us during Advent as we rediscover the powerful birth narratives in the Gospels.
| |
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 10, 2024:
Budgeted Church Offering Receipts: $ 391,572.56
Actual Church Offering Receipts: $ 363,382.02
Actual Other Receipts: $ 102,056.22
Total Receipts From Offering and Other Receipts YTD: $465,438.24
Operating Expenses YTD: $ 465,312.40 *
* These figures do not include Forward In Faith remodel expenses or In-Kind Gifts
Jan 1- Dec 10, 2023:
Budgeted Church Offering Receipts: $ 377,419.33
Actual Church Offering Receipts: $ 389,107.86
Actual Other Receipts: $ 12,552.08
Total Receipts From Offering and Other Receipts YTD: $ 401,659.94
Operating Expenses YTD: $ 412,721.17 *
* 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. | |
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. | |
| | | |
