Because Lutherans teach the sacraments: Extra love to Craig Kallus and Haley Benavides, our two Communicants this year. We were supposed to celebrate Maundy Thursday but were forced to do our study independently these past 6 weeks. The students baked their own bread and took communion for the first time with their families and the congregation last Sunday. It was a true moment of finding space to celebrate safely amid a pandemic! We are in this together. WE ARE BETTER TOGETHER. We may be apart, but we are not alone.
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Join us on Sundays at 10:30 in-person and online
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COVIN-19 UPDATES FROM THE COUNCIL
November 10, 2020
As COVID-19 cases increase throughout Texas the Emanuel’s Council is monitoring numbers in our 5-County region to keep us on the forefront of changes and safety practices in our community. Council has updated our COVID Safety and Gathering Policy with the following timelines.
- Singing is to cease by all those in worship starting Sunday, November 15, 2020. Musical selections will be offered by the Music Ministry.
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If the 5-County positivity rate reaches 5% then the Church Council will convene an emergency Zoom meeting to determine a timeline for discontinuing in-person worship, small group gatherings, and other church events. The Day School will continue its safe campus protocol as outlined by State mandate and internal policies as an essential institution for our community and families.
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If the 5-County positivity rate jumps above 8% then an immediate discontinuing of all, on-campus activities will happen. This includes worship, small group ministries, and outside organizations. Church staff will resume modified work schedules, making their home offices their primary workplaces.
- Following a required discontinuation of on-campus activities, activities will begin again when the 5-County positivity rate reaches 1% or below. The Church Council will reconvene to modify these protocols and make a plan to return to on-campus activities to include worship, small group ministries, and outside organizations.
Please refer to the larger “We Are Better Together” COVID Safety and Gathering Policy linked below or contact Pastor Marcus with any questions. Keep in your prayers our leaders as they continue to be the church while navigating strange waters. It is with grace and space for all that we move forward.
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TAMALE PICK UP!
Tamales will be boxed and ready for pick-up, for both the Church and Day School, on Friday, November 13th from 12pm to 6pm in the Women’s Ministry Room. Pastor Kelsie will be present throughout this window of time to help load orders, transport orders to the Day School as needed, and answer questions. Remaining tamales will be available for pick-up Sunday, November 15th from the Fellowship Hall following our 10:30am worship service.
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HOLIDAY MEAL KITS NEEDED
Emanuel's is collecting Holiday Meal Kits for 50 of Seguin ISD’s neediest families. Please consider donating $20 or shopping for the items below to create a complete Meal Kit. Bring completed meal kits in shopping bags or $20 donations to the church office by Wednesday, November 18. Contact Pastor Marcus for details.
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1 box Instant Potatoes
1 box Stuffing Mix
1 can Green Beans
1 can Corn
1 can Sweet Potatoes
1 bag Mini Marshmallows
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1 packet Gravy Mix
1 can Cranberry Sauce
1 can Cream of Mushroom Soup
1 can Fried Onions
1 can Pumpkin Pie Filling
1-2 bags of rolls
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SALVATION ARMY
BELL RINGERS NEEDED
Friday, November 27
Emanuel’s will be participating in the Salvation Army Kettle Campaign on Friday, November 27, the day after Thanksgiving, at Wal-Mart. This year, because of COVID-19, Salvation Army has an even greater need to raise funds for people in need. Many people face hunger, homelessness and poverty. If you can help by ringing a bell for one or two hours from 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., please call Frances Vinyard at 830-379-5041 (home) or 830-481-7726 (cell). Thank you!
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HOLIDAY MEAL DELIVERY VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
Saturday, December 5
Volunteers are needed to assist with Emanuel's annual Holiday Meal Delivery to our homebound members. We need folks to help dish up the meals in to-go containers and prepare them for delivery, and drivers for the routes. For more details contact Mike or Deb at 830-832-1944 as soon as possible. We will begin at 10:00am in the Fellowship Hall and the last delivery should be completed around noon. Covid-19 protocols will be followed.
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CHRISTMAS POINSETTIAS
Order Forms due by Dec. 9th
The Emanuel's Sanctuary will be filled with beautiful poinsettias this 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 11pm Christmas Eve service or on Sunday, December 27th. Return order forms to the office with payment made to Emanuel's Lutheran Church by December 9, 2020. Each poinsettia is $10.
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ADVENT DECORATING
November 22 & 29
Advent decorating will commence following worship on November 22 & 29. Please plan to help us assemble giant trees, drape lovely garland, fluff fancy bows, and make the house merry. Many hands make light work. We will do the essentials on the 22nd and what is left on the 29th. Christmas is coming, y’all!
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CELEBRATING GENEROUS GENERATIONS
"Celebrating Generous Generations" is the theme of our 2021 stewardship appeal. Every week, you will have a chance to read about and celebrate all that we have accomplished, by the grace of God, during this 2020 year of ministry, as well as prayerfully consider all that God might be leading us to in 2021. Our goal, in 2021, is to increase our total giving by $288 per week to provide $15,000 extra toward our mission and ministry. Please reach out to our stewardship team, Susan Yeatts, Hazel Dalton, Keith Vinyard, and Donna Dodgen, if you have any questions. Thank you for all you have done and made possible in 2020!
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ASSISTING MINISTER TRAINING
Training will be offered for new Assisting Ministers and those who need a refresher course on Sundays, November 8 & 15 at 9am in the Sanctuary. Pastor Marcus is happy to answer any questions you may have. Please prayerfully consider participating in this important ministry at Emanuel’s.
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HABITAT FUNDRAISER
Emanuel's confirmation class is sponsoring a stud, and you can too! For a $200 donation to Guadalupe Valley Habitat for Humanity you will receive a 2x4 piece of wood to creatively decorate. (Talk about a great family activity during Thanksgiving!) Please share your photos if you participate. Information and donation form below.
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DAY SCHOOL CLASS ROOM RIBBON CUTTING
Monday, November 9, 2020
Thanks to ALL who made this expansion of Emanuel's Day School possible! From Emanuel's Property Stewards to the Day School Teachers to the Emanuel's Staff to the entire congregation, this project could not have been done without the whole village participating. The joyous event was recorded and you can watch it here. |
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Small groups are now meeting on campus! Please know that masks are required in the building at all times unless seated. Social distancing of 6ft is to be maintained. Groups are not to exceed 15 participants. There is no sharing of snacks at this time. Rooms are to be left sanitized and tidied for other groups.
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JUBILATION SINGERS choir rehearsals on Wednesdays at 7:30 p.m.
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HEAVENLY RINGERS handbell choir meets on Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m.
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JOY CIRCLE will meet on Thursday, December 10 at 9:30 a.m. in the FLC.
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FAITH CIRCLE will meet on Tuesday, November 17 at 7:00 p.m. in the FLC.
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HERITAGE BIBLE CLASS gathers on Sundays at 9:15 a.m. in the FLC.
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YOUTH MINISTRY is back with MS and HS students in the Youth Room at 9am on Sundays.
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LWR QUICK QUILTERS meet on Monday mornings on the first floor.
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PROPERTY STEWARDS gather on Tuesday mornings and as needed to tend to physical needs of the church and Day School facilities.
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 fall 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.
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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.
Zoom staff meetings do have some advantages. Sometimes we have guests! Mrs. Bower was the lucky duck who got to feed one of the Day School's newest charges.
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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:
November 1-11, 2019 $18,397.00
November 1-11, 2020 $19,939.96
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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