Because Lutherans are expressive about their faith (pt.2). A rain delay did not deter Trunk-or-Treat! More than 300 little ones stopped by Saturday afternoon to see what was going on in the church parking lot. Church members, Day School family, and friends opened up their trunks and their hearts. Thanks to all for the candy donations. Active community outreach, sometimes in costumes, can be a creative and relational way of sharing the Good News. We are better together.

📷 Dave E.

Sunday Worship at 10:30am is in the sanctuary, online on YouTube, and on radio KWED AM 1580.

24th Sunday after Pentecost, Year A

The prophet Amos calls for justice to roll down like waters. Paul urges us to encourage one another with the promised coming of the Lord. Jesus tells the parable of the wise and foolish bridesmaids. Surrounded by the faithful of every time and place, we celebrate Christ’s coming in our midst in the word of life and the feast of victory—the marriage feast of the Lamb.

Welcoming Sunday, continues, November 15. If you are interested in joining the mission and ministry of Emanuel’s, then this Sunday is for you. This service of welcome features a liturgy of affirmation as we formally receive people into the mission and ministry of our church. Please email Pastor Marcus, Pastor Rudy, or fill out a blue card, if you would like to be a part of this “Welcoming Sunday!”

2026 LWR INGATHERING

Emanuel's Lutheran World Relief Quick Quilters coordinated the assembly, packaging, and shipping of 305 custom made quilts, 116 school kits, and 100 personal care kits for the 2026 LWR Ingathering in Marion on November 4th. Kudos, of course, to our Monday and Wednesday quilters who work tirelessly and faithfully all year long. Thank you to everyone who assisted with kit prep and quilt tying on GWOH Sunday, and to those who have made monetary donations to keep production rolling along. Special shout out to Garry, John, Steve, Bryce, Gloria, Cathy, Sharon, and Rachel for showing up and loading up the trailer on a sunny morning. Making and distributing quilts and kits is a tangible way to express love to our neighbors in need. Each quilt, each kit, and each of you reflect God's loving presence in a world rife with suffering. We are better together.

📷 Sharon K.

Proposed improvements include expanded accessibility, updated restrooms, new flooring, enhanced worship seating, new audio/video and lighting systems, and refreshed painting. We are in the review stage, with final designs, costs, and construction plans to be determined.

Your participation is important as we plan for our future! Members of the Renovation Task Force will be available for conversation on Sundays, November 1, 8, 15, 22: 9am, Women's Ministry Room.

PARK N’ PLAY with Ignite Youth and Family (and Friends!) is Saturday, November 7 at 10:30 am. Everyone is invited to Starcke Park (600 River Dr W, Seguin, TX 78155) for burgers, hotdogs, and ice cream. Playgrounds await us as we eat and fellowship together under a pavilion. There are tennis and pickleball courts, a volleyball court, wave pool, and a huge kid’s playscape in addition to all the time we have to talk and laugh together as a Church family.

THE HEALING HOLIDAYS SYMPOSIUM is Thursday, November 12, at Emanuel’s Lutheran Church in the Women’s Ministry Room from 9am to 12pm, in partnership with the Resilient Foundation. Grief during the holidays is always challenging. This workshop will help identify resources that contribute to compassion and resiliency. Led by The Rev. Darwin Huartson, B.C.C., the conversation will help participants identify internal and external resources that foster self-compassion, strengthen resilience, and support healthy grieving during the holiday season. Whether your loss is recent or many years past, this gathering offers a supportive space to acknowledge the realities of grief, discover resources for the holiday season, and find meaningful ways to carry love, memory, and hope forward. RSVP with the link below or by calling 830-379-5046.

SENIOR SOCIAL CLUB THANKSGIVING LUNCHEON is Thursday, November 19 from 11:30 – 1:30. Join us for a catered turkey, dressing and gravy from Davila’s BBQ! Everyone is to bring a favorite Thanksgiving side or dessert to share. Family and friends are welcome! Let Donna know if you can come, donna@elcseguin.org.

COUPLES & FRIENDS (& FAMILIES!) NIGHT OUT at WURSTFEST is on Thursday, November 12. Join your Emanuel’s family at 6:30pm for a fun-filled evening at Wurstfest in New Braunfels! It’s one of the FREE admission nights, and everyone is invited—couples, singles, families, friends, neighbors, Men’s Group, Women’s Group, and YOU! We’ll do our best to find places to sit and stand together as we enjoy great food, music, and fellowship. Please sign-up in the Narthex or email pastormarcus@elcseguin.org if you plan to attend so we can coordinate carpooling, as parking can be challenging and expensive. Come join the fun, there’s room for everyone at the table! Gemeinsam sind wir besser. 

BOTANICAL GARDENS CHRISTMAS LIGHTS! Join your Emanuel’s family on Saturday, December 5, for a festive evening in San Antonio! We’ll gather for dinner at 6:30 p.m. at The Ridge at the Hill (2119 N. IH-35, San Antonio) before heading to the San Antonio Botanical Garden for the Illuminate Light Tour at 8:00 p.m. Tickets are just $15 per person! Sign up in the Church Office, Narthex, or by emailing Pastor Marcus. All are welcome to join us for this wonderful evening of fellowship and holiday lights!

BLUE SANTA AT EMANUEL’S

2026 Wrapping Nights

Tuesdays & Thursdays

4pm - 8pm, December 1-17

We are excited to once again host The Seguin Police Department Blue Santa giftwrapping in our Fellowship Hall Tuesday and Thursday evenings in December. 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. Stay tuned for updates from Emanuel’s Outreach and Service Team! Sign up sheets are in the Narthex with numerous opportunities to serve.  

All of Emanuel’s Ministry Teams gather on a single evening every month to share a meal, collaborate, plan, and schedule upcoming events and ministry projects. Join us next on Tuesday, December 1 at 5:30pm in the Women's Ministry Room.

The next Council Meeting is Sunday, November 8, 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 Youth Ministry gathers on Sundays 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 

ADULT CLASSES

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.

November 1-22: Creation, Power, and Truth

Family Life Center at 9:00am.

N. T. Wright’s Creation, Power, and Truth explores how the Christian understanding of God as Creator, Jesus as Lord, and the Holy Spirit as the Spirit of truth challenges our culture’s assumptions. Together, we’ll consider what this means for living faithfully and sharing the hope of the gospel in everyday life. Books are available in the Church office.

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 comparisons.

Jan 1 - Nov 3, 2026: 

Budgeted Church Offering Receipts: $ 349,291.63

Actual Church Offering Receipts: $ 348,067.50

        Actual Other Receipts: $ 120,847.74

Total Receipts From Offering and Other Receipts YTD: $ 468,915.24

Operating Expenses YTD: $ 489,414.76 *

* These figures do not include Forward In Faith remodel expenses or in-kind donations.

Jan 1 - Nov 3, 2025:

Budgeted Church Offering Receipts: $ 349,291.63

Actual Church Offering Receipts: $ 339,836.07

Actual Other Receipts: $ 62,485.59

Total Receipts From Offering and Other Receipts YTD: $ 402,321.66

Operating Expenses YTD:  $ 420,761.95 *

* 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.