Because Lutherans are human (pt. 2):
VERSE: "God created everything through him, and nothing was created except through him." - John 1:3(NIV)
VOICE: "I shall rest and continue to exist." - Virginia Woolf
PRAYER: God, we are grateful for each day as it comes. Keep us near to you and help us to find moments for rest. Amen.
W
e are in this together. We are better (rested) together. We may be apart, but we are not alone.
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Grace and peace to you in this time of physical-distancing and quarantining. Amen. What an odd time it is to be church. We have taken familiar words like "Zoom" and turned them into places of gathering and planning. We have undertaken new ways to worship and care for each other when we cannot be within 6 feet of each other. All of which, among many other learnings, it is our prayer, are making us stronger, healthier, and more equipped to be the church God is calling us to be beyond the virus.
As our leadership looks at the weeks and months ahead, we want to share with you our initial plans for Emanuel's returning to worship and answer some questions:
- When will we come back to worship in the sanctuary? Our plan, following the guidance and research of the CDC and other health officials, is to wait until we, as the State of Texas, have entered Phase 2 restrictions (https://www.whitehouse.gov/openingamerica/) to begin the process of returning to worship. A detailed plan is being worked on by the Executive Council, which takes into account the many variables that make up our weekly ministry together.
- What will worship look like when we come back together? We have learned a great deal about this virus since November 2019, but we are still learning new things. The precautions set out by the CDC and WHO will formulate the basis of our interactions in worship. Worship will have the same rhythms it has had for centuries, but our movement within the service, how we greet each other, how we serve communion, etc., will be changed. As more of the details get solidified, they will be shared, but prepare your hearts and minds for a great deal of change.
- Can we do Communion to go, or another style of celebrating the Lord's Supper? This question has surfaced a number of times for both our local and national leaders. Bishops and pastors have discussed, at great length, the pros, cons, and possibilities of such an offering. We have discussed it amongst our pastors here at Emanuel's and we don't feel we can celebrate it safely enough to hold such a service. Every car, person, or family that stops to take Communion from one of our pastors stands to pass along anything they have brought with them to those that follow, because we, as the pastors, become the common transmitter. We cannot take that risk, at this time, in our community.
There are certainly many more things resting on your hearts and minds and we ask that you continue to reach out and share them with us. Email us, call us, or text us and let's visit. New projections are coming out each and every day and our leadership are taking each into account as plans are being made. We will keep you informed with the most updated information relevant to our church as we can. Be well Emanuel's, be safe, and stay in touch.
In God's grip,
Pastor Marcus & Pastor Kelsie
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No Gatherings AT the Church,
BUT the Church Still Gathers
Join us on Sundays at 10:30
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Sunday, May 10, 2020
Easter 5
God's House
Each week Sunday school curriculum developer (and former summer camp Arts and Crafts director) Dr. Dawn Rundman and her family will host Family Sunday School.
Each episode presents a lesson based on Lectionary readings that families can watch together. The Bible story, illustrations, and other content are based on Spark: Activate Faith Lectionary Sunday school lessons.
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Howdy Fish!
Ervin Fisher checked in with us this week. His caregiver, Linda, has been keeping him busy, well fed, and out of harm's way. He said she has really taken to his lawn mower and gets the whole property done in no time. There are two hummingbirds that are regular residents now entertaining them both. Prayers, please, for his family doing missionary work in Kosovo. They are expecting their third child and trying to get the best healthcare available during this difficult time.
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Happy to hear from Gwyneth, our Nursery Attendant. Missing her smiling face on Sunday mornings. Let's see what she is up to.
My name is Gwyneth Tallier. I have just recently finished my first year at Texas Lutheran University which has been both challenging and rewarding in its own ways. Having finished my last weeks of classes online has been difficult because learning online vs in class, the information does not come across as well. While quarantined, I have been with my family (Christina and Ty Hauser, William Tallier and Abigail Hauser). The few times I have left my house I went to the store and got items for my family and also for my grandmother (Geraldine Jordan). There have been times when not being able to go out has been difficult but when I was not doing my classes I was practicing my instrument and swimming. As this summer progresses, I will continue to practice and swim, but I also plan on watching some of my favorite movies. When it is safe to go out, I plan on spending a lot of time with my friends and being able to go back to work.
Here are some of the furry friends keeping the family company and pics of pool time fun.
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We want to know what you are doing, too! Please drop Sherry a line at
sherry.hardwick@emanuels-seguin.org
. You are missed! This is a great way to be neighborly and check in with each other.
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More and more and more masks!
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Gloria Hanna shares some of her whimsically patterned masks. She's sewed more than 100! Many are off to family in Houston, nursing homes, and first responders. Thanks for sharing, Gloria!
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CAMP EMANUEL'S
IS ENROLLING FOR
SUMMER 2020
For more information or to RSVP please call the Day School office 830-372-0332
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Confirmation Class Continues Online
Please say a little prayer for the Pastors as they attempt the valiant feat of transformative theological education for middle schoolers in a virtual classroom through Zoom.
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Tom has been getting the Music Suite organized, and he wants you to get ORGAN-IZED too! Have you always wanted to try your hand at the king of instruments? Now is your chance!
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SUMMER VBS/CAMP UPDATES:
VBS/Day Camp has been cancelled this summer per the Cross Trails board and staff, as well as the overall safety of our campers and volunteers.
Onsite camp, for those heading to Chrysalis and Ebert Ranch Camp, will happen as previously scheduled. There is still space in most programs if youth are still interested in attending. Contact Pastor Marcus for details.
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In response to the COVID-19 Coronavirus pandemic, the Emanuel's Lutheran Church office staff is working from home until further notice.
- A little friend popped into the Zoom Staff Meeting on Tuesday. Hi mini Martin Luther! It was nice to have you hang out with us. Yes, we are ready to get back to the office. We are indeed getting a little punchy.
Everyone is still accessible via
email
and telephone, except Martin. You may continue to call us at 830-379-5046. Messages are checked daily.
OUR APOLOGIES IF YOU HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO LEAVE A VOICE MESSAGE WHEN CALLING THE CHURCH. THE SYSTEM HAS BEEN RESET AND IS NOW PROPERLY WORKING.
We continue to hold each of you and your families in our prayers. We are BETTER TOGETHER… even if it is virtually!
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THANK YOU
for your continued financial support of the ongoing ministries of Emanuel's Lutheran Church.
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Online giving is simple and quick to do through our
Vanco 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
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Giving comparison for 2019-2020:
April 1-29, 2019: $37,835.34
Last week of April 28-29, 2019:
$3,410.00
April 1-29, 2020: $32,986.00
Last week of April 26-29, 2020:
$1,305.00
If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact the church either through
email
or phone.
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Submit a brief, yet detailed description of your event to
info@emanuels-seguin.org before noon on Tuesdays for consideration for that week's email news. Late submissions will be considered for the following week's email and/or social media posts.
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