Because Lutherans value a firm foundation: Even our littlest ones need a safe place to explore God's world. The Day School is thrilled with the new tile floor that was installed over the holiday break. It is a gorgeous continuation of the revitalization of our learning spaces. Thanks to all who labored to make this happen. We are in this together. WE ARE BETTER TOGETHER. We may be apart, but we are not alone.
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Sunday Worship in-person is suspended at this time for the safety of our congregation and community as COVID-19 numbers rise.
Please join us Sundays at 10:30 a.m.
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Christmas Eve on the Lawn
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The weather outsight might have been frightful, but the candles were certainly delightful. Thanks to all for being accommodating as we pivoted, yet again, to celebrate the Lord in new ways. We will never forget Christmas Eve 2020. There were bumps. There was bone chilling wind. And yet, we still gave "Glory to God in the highest!" and joyful praise for the birth of Jesus Christ. Special thanks to our ushers, tech support, ministry teams, and photographers.
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The annual meeting has been rescheduled for Sunday, January 24th from 12-1:00pm and will be done as a drive thru. Annual Reports will be electronically distributed the week before. Some print copies will be available.
Two discussion sessions will take place Sundays, January 10th and 17th at 9:15am in the Women’s Ministry Room. Zoom links are provided below for those who wish to login from home. Each session will be recorded for those who want to listen and learn later.
Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 842 9956 7726
Passcode: 763161
You can also join by phone by dialing 1-346-248-7799 and using the Meeting ID and Passcode above.
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A New Year and Some New Beginnings
Greetings Congregation!
It is with sadness that we inform you that at the end of this month, January 31st, Denise Jahns, our Director of Business Operations, will be stepping down from her position. Denise came on board just after Pastor Marcus was called in September 2017 and has faithfully served our church, its members, our day school, and its students and families ever since. We will miss Denise dearly in our office, especially her leadership among our staff. Her quiet yet dedicated demeanor always brought comfort and reassurance to the financial tasks laid before her and before our congregation. We invite you to wish her well in her transition by emailing her, denise.jahns@emanuels-seguin.org, or by mailed a note or card to the Church Office. We give thanks to God for Denise and wish her, and her family, all the very, very best in the weeks and months to come!
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A transition plan has already been put in place to help us navigate the waters beyond Denise’s leadership. Council President Susan Yeatts has been training with Denise on the inter-workings of our financial software to keep us in tip-top shape as we enter February. Other local support mechanisms are also being sought out to make sure ever “I” is dotted, and “t” is crossed. All “end of year” giving statements and other tax documents will be prepared and sent out prior to Denise’s departure this month. If for any reason you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to email, pastor.marcus@emanuels-seguin.org, or call, 830-377-8643, Pastor Marcus.
Again, we give thanks to God for Denise and we wish her all the best on life’s next chapter!
In God’s grip,
Pastor Marcus Susan Yeatts
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Welcome to the world, Matthew!
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Victoria and Glenn Bower got to meet their grandchild Matthew the day after Christmas. Baby is doing well and mom is on the mend. Congratulations to all and continued prayers for good health and much needed rest.
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New Year's Grieving Resolutions
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Pastor Darwin shares these suggested New Year's resolutions for the grieving from Hospice of the Red River Valley. 2020 has been a year filled with loss and rife with sorrow. Resolving to face our varied forms of grief is a healthy way to greet 2021.
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I resolve to not place time limits on my grief; it will take as long as it takes.
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I resolve to acknowledge my grief as my own—that it is as individual as I am—and will take shape in its own unique way.
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I resolve to be mindful of the need for flexibility when it comes to the expectations of others (and myself).
- I resolve to not be pressured by “shoulds.”
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I resolve to cut myself some slack when I am not as productive as I might like, behave in ways uncharacteristic of my usual self or simply “don’t care.”
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I resolve to accept that others may not understand my pain, and it is probably not realistic to expect that of them. (Until one has walked the path, how can one know the terrain?)
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I resolve to express my feelings without guilt, and not apologize for tears.
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I resolve to be grateful for concerned others who willingly just listen.
- I resolve to recognize that my acceptance of assistance and support of others allows them the blessing of giving.
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I resolve to forgive those who say or do that which feels hurtful, recognizing that unkindness is not intended.
- I resolve to extend to myself the same grace and patience I would to others, were they in my situation.
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I resolve to find some little way each day to begin to reinvest in life, in an effort to move toward hope and a sense of purpose.
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I resolve to continue to speak my loved one’s name, tell our stories and embrace my memories.
A printable form of this is available by clicking THIS LINK.
Another excellent collection of resolutions is available at the great website WhatsYourGrief.com. To see it, CLICK HERE
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Let Your Light Shine:
A Celebration of Women in Ministry
With gratitude for those who have gone before and hope for the future, the ELCA & Southwestern Texas Synod gives thanks to God for the ministry of women.
“Let Your Light Shine”
A Celebration of Women in Ministry
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POCKET SIZE EDITIONS OF
CHRIST IN OUR HOME
ARE HERE!
January, February, March 2021 pocket size editions of Christ in Our Home daily devotional have finally arrived. They are available for pick up in the box outside the Mountain Street door.
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SANCTUARY FLOWERS and
RADIO BROADCASTS
are sponsored by Emanuel’s members. If you would like to remember or honor a loved one in this way, please call the church office or sign up on the calendar in the office. Thanks to all who participate in this memorable ministry
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THANK YOU
PROPERTY STEWARDS!
Emanuel's faithful Property Stewards were immensely helpful hauling out all the Advent and Christmas decorations. They also packed everything back up again safely for next year. What would we do without you?
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SMALL GROUP UPDATES
Small groups at Emanuel's are patiently pivoting as new restrictions are implemented following our “We Are Better Together” COVID Safety and Gathering Policy. Rising COVID-19 numbers necessitate such action.
Please contact individual groups or the church office to see how each is creatively managing to proceed with the ministry and life of the church. Groups may be meeting online, in clusters of 2-5 people, or by other flexible means. Call first to see how best to participate.
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- Jubilation Singers Choir
- Heavenly Ringers Handbell Choir
- Ladies Aid
- Joy Circle
- Faith Circle
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- Heritage Bible Class
- Youth Ministry
- LWR Quick Quilters
- Property Stewards
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Online and other social distancing opportunities are also available.
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DEVOTIONAL PODCAST every Tuesday @10am on Facebook and Soundcloud. Join our pastors and their colleagues each week for the Faces of Our Faith devotional podcast. Devotional Booklets are available here.
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WWJB (What Would Jesus Brew?) meets on First Fridays at 7pm on Zoom. WWJB is our once-a-month young adult fellowship where we talk about life, faith, movies ... anything and everything. Contact Pastor Kelsie for Zoom link.
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CONFIRMATION CLASS meets monthly online and in-person with students and leaders from Emanuel's. Spirit of Joy and St. John Marion.
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Face masks and other Emanuel's merch is available at our Teespring ELCSD ONLINE STORE. Order at teespring.com/stores/emanuels-lutheran-church.
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Tuesdays at the GARDEN OF EATIN' from 9-11. Come see what the winter garden looks like and how you can dig in with us!
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CHRISTIAN CUPBOARD is taking donations. Oatmeal, canned soup, empty egg cartons (esp. 18 count) , and personal care products are needed now. Monetary donations are especially welcomed
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CARE CLOSET in the church office meets small, immediate needs of those coming to our door seeking assistance. We are always in need of small snack bars, toiletries, new socks, and other items.
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Emanuel's Office Staff is working both at the office and at home. Staff may be in the office as needed or by appointment Mondays through Thursdays from 8-5. Don't forget to wear a mask on the church campus. Everyone is still accessible via email and phone.
We are really looking forward to exploring 2021 with you!
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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 safe, 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:
2019
Offering: $383,938
Expenses: $576,948
2020
Offering: $400,072
Expenses: $531,224
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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