Because Lutherans love their neighbors (part 4): we participate in a multitude of activities to keep everyone safe and healthy. We have learned so much in the last few years. In figuring out how to worship together safely we learned that to be a truly welcoming church everyone deserves a full place at the table. Through hybrid worship, offering services both in-person, online, and on the radio, we affirm that we robustly love all our neighbors. Big "THANK YOU" to our Tech Crew! We honor the labor that goes into creating meaningful, sacred spaces online. (Love this behind the "screens" peek from last week's service, Deanna!) We are better together.

Please join us Sundays at 10:30 a.m.

In-person, online on YouTube, and

on radio KWED AM 1580.

The Scouting program at Emanuel's Lutheran Church is more than just an activity for youth to learn about the outdoors. Scouting provides fun, fellowship, and training to our youth as well as youth in our community. It emphasizes honesty, self-reliance, and respect. Through a year-round program, it affects character, citizenship, and personal fitness. But the success of our Scouting depends on our volunteers, who serve in a variety of leadership roles so that our young people may benefit from our Scouting ministry.

As the Boy Scouts of America celebrates its anniversary, we salute the splendid volunteers who serve as Cubmasters and in other positions of leadership. Our Cub Scout Pack 107 for boys and girls K-5th would like to invite you and your family to be a part of their program. Contact Sarah Westerfield at 830-203-1688.

COVID-19 SAFETY UPDATE: MASKS must be worn by EVERYONE in the church building. The Congregation Council approved the following at their January meeting. Both vaccinated and unvaccinated persons are to wear masks, covering noses and mouths, while on the church campus in response to rising Covid-19 infections. This includes moving through the hallways, elevator, while in the office, etc. Please continue to maintain 6-foot distancing practices. These guidelines apply to all ministry groups, rentals, tenants, staff, congregants, and visitors until further notice. Thank you for continuing to protect our neighbors. We are better together.

Jesus baffles people, even those he heals, by not telling them exactly who he is. But he does say that the kingdom of God is among us and that he will always be with us. And he tells us, as he told Andrew to “Come and see.” If we come, he’ll enable us to see, to be surprised, and even receptive to divine invitations. Epiphany. It’s a revelation.

The E: The Extravaganza is the ELCA Youth Ministry Network’s annual ministry conference for adults who work with children, youth, and family ministry! Our own Pastor Kelsie will be attending the 2022 gathering from February 9-14 in Minneapolis. Each day features a session with a Track Leader for an in-depth learning experience, followed by opportunities to choose from workshops within the learning tracks. This year's tracks include Leadership In Your First Few Years; Skills And Tools For Volunteers; Leadership: A Systems Approach; Mental Health In Ministry; Essentials Of Lutheran Theology; Reimagining Children's Ministry; and Technology And Digital Storytelling.

PK shares, "I serve on the E! Learning Team, so I have worked all year with the rest of the learning team to choose tracks, work through workshop proposals, choose presenters, and prepare those leaders for the conference all while preparing for a national conference during a pandemic. I was honored to be asked to be a part of this team two years ago and represent Emanuel's and our synod on a national scale. I've also been asked to be a part of the Spiritual Care of the conference by leading morning yoga. This conference is such an amazing way for me to learn from and collaborate with other youth workers across the nation."

Check out more about the Extravaganza! here. The Extravaganza is hosted by the ELCA Youth Ministry Network. Learn more about the Network here.

Hello from Kosovo!

We have noticed the last few months that we have received some financial gifts from Emanuel’s Lutheran and we wanted to reach out and say thank you! It is much appreciated and very much needed.

We have loved getting to be a part of your church over the years and love how you care for “Fish” as you call him. We are grateful for you all!

Blessings,

Adam and Raelene Fischer

The Fischer's joined us at Emanuel's last in July of 2021. You can learn more about their work in Kosovo here.

This year’s Gift of Faith Gala will be held as a hybrid event. There will be a gathering at Ebert Ranch and tickets can be purchased for the in person event. This event will be held on Saturday, March 12th from 5-9 pm. There will be great food, music, entertainment, live and silent auctions, and safe fellowship. You are invited to come and enjoy a wonderful time while you help to keep camp affordable for everyone!

If you can’t make the event, there is also the option to participate online from the comfort of your home beginning March 6th.

Tickets for the in-person event remain at $100 each this year. You can purchase them online by visiting our event website below. Housing for this event is available at Camp Chrysalis for an additional cost. Find more information at the Gala page on our website below. Buy tickets here.

Most of the funds raised at this event are raised through the auctions and sponsorships. Please consider contributing if you are able. If you would like to sponsor a portion of the event or contribute to the auction, please contact our Outreach Director, Jessica.

Contact our office at 830-257-6340 or email Jessica for questions or more information. Learn more about the Gala here.

This year, we're taking our youth to camp the week of June 19-24, 2022. This week encompasses ALL PROGRAMS whether your youth is a first-time camper (half weeks available) or a LYLE.  All programs (unless choosing a half-week program) run from Sunday-Friday, with the exception of LYLE II and III, which run for two weeks (June 19-July1). Please contact Pastor Kelsie for more details and information on how to sign-up!

CHILDREN & YOUTH EDUCATION at 10:30 a.m.

Ignite! KIDS (First Floor): Gather in the IGNITE! KIDS room in the 1st Floor Green Classroom at 10:30 a.m. on Sunday Mornings for song and Bible stories. Age groups will transition to different rooms following the gathering time then return to families in worship for Communion.

Ignite! KIDS needs you! Our Sunday morning children and youth program is growing, and that means we also have a growing need for adult leaders. To sign up to serve on a day that is convenient for you please check out our SignUp Genius link here.

THE HERITAGE CLASS: Augsburg Fortress Quarterly Adult Bible Study led by various class members meets on Sunday mornings at 9:15 a.m. in room 304. The winter study is Justice, Law, History.

PASTOR MARCUS' CLASS: 9:00 a.m. in the Family Life Center. "A Study of Martin Luther, the Reformation, and the Theology that Created Change."

Pizza and salad this month! Widowed, divorced, or separated people are invited to join us for our monthly gathering. Donna Simmons can answer your questions at 830-379-5046.

Continuing Programs:

Please contact individual groups or the church office to see how each creatively proceeds with the ministry and life of the church

FEBRUARY UPDATES:

Emanuel’s hosts a community Support Group for Caregivers currently caring for loved ones with Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, Dementia, and other aging issues. Meeting next at 10am in the Family Life Center on Saturdays, Feb 19, Mar 19, & Apr 16. Facilitators are the Rev. John and Faye Van Deusen. You can reach Pastor John at (830) 305-5658 and Faye at (830) 305-8851.

Door Codes used to access the Mountain Street entrance are being updated this month. New codes are being issued to current ministries on a rolling basis. Most previously issued codes will be disabled soon. If you need access to the church, or are in need of a temporary code for an event, please contact Sherry in the church office or sherry@elcseguin.org. Thank you for your patience as we take care of this important housekeeping task.

We encourage you to call before stopping by. Everyone is still accessible via email. Thanks for understanding our need pace ourselves during these very trying times.

Statements have been mailed. If you did not receive your statement and would like one, please contact Jeni Payton. Thank you for your generous contributions to Emanuel's! Your faithful support has blessed many. jeni@elcseguin.org

Online giving is safe, simple, and quick to do through our Vanco link. One time or recurring donations can be indicated.

Receipts: $ 67,989.42

Expenses: $ 40,083.10

Receipts: $ 63,193.50

Expenses: $ 35,852.80

If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact the church either through email or phone.