Because Lutherans marvel in the magic of Christmas. We celebrate the miracle of God’s love that has come to us in the form of a tiny baby who gives his life for us, that we might have life. May the gifts of hope, peace, joy, and love surround you this Christmas in childlike wonder. (Mirthful photo credit to Scout Troup #107!) Merry Christmas! We are better together. | |
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Pastor Marcus shares, "One of my favorite days with our Day School kiddos is when this jolly man in red makes a visit! Even though we are without his stellar elf this year, it is always a blessing to see Ric and Jill! Thank you both for coordinating Santa’s visit!"
Below is Henry K. playing the bells at church a few weeks ago. He is going to be ready for the 4pm Family Service on Christmas Eve! (Hint. Hint. It's going to be a lively service,)
And we also spy Vicar Jordana as Pastor Marcus introduces her before the final Midweek Advent Service. Thank you for preaching, Jordana! We look forward to hearing more from you at the pulpit this spring.
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We even got an Instrumental Praise selfie this week sent in by PM as the group rehearsed on a cold first day of winter. We see can't wait to hear what they are cooking up for Christmas Eve! | |
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ACOLYTE FAMILIES were sent a Sign-up Genius link to get their youth signed up for Sundays starting in January and ending in May. Please take a look at the link here and find the Sundays that work for you and your youth. If your youth has never been an acolyte before and they are interested, please email Pastor Marcus for training. We can always use more faces!
CHILDREN SERMONS are a blessed part of our worship service that have come and gone and come again over the many years of our ministry. If you would be interested, in the coming year, to help facilitate this important time of learning during our worship services, please email Pastor Marcus.
PUERTO RICO MISSION TRIP is scheduled for July 7-14, 2023. Pastor Marcus has been sending out emails and garnering great interest but needs to confirm numbers by the end of January. If your current, 2022-2023 high schooler, is interested in attending, please email Pastor Marcus. Cross Trails Ministry is our host for this trip, but we are responsible for travel so solidifying flights is crucial to our overall cost. We hope your high schoolers can participate!
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CHRIST IN OUR HOME daily devotionals for January, February and March are now available in the narthex and church office.
COUNCIL & BOARD INSTALLATION will take place on Sunday, January 8 during our Sunday worship service. This time of prayer and celebration will formally install our 2023 Church Council and Officers, our Day School Board of Directors, and our Day School Director.
FOOD, FUN & FELLOWSHIP monthly luncheon will be on Sunday, January 8 at noon in the Women's Ministry Room. This ministry is for widowed, divorced, and separated people. Everyone is to bring a side or dessert to share.
SWEET HOUR OF PRAYER: You are invited to lift in prayer our church, community, and the world every Thursday morning at 10am. Join us in the chapel each week for this Sweet Hour of Prayer. Contact Donna for more information.
A BIG THANK YOU to the following members of Emanuel’s who rang bells on Monday, December 5, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Walmart’s Home and Pharmacy entrance for the Salvation Army Kettle Campaign: Jim S., Greg A., Ruth A., Elaine G., and her trusty friend Tillie, Susan G, Hughlene M., and Keith V. They shared many “Merry Christmas” greetings and “Thank Yous” to passersby whose donations will help many needy people.
HEALING THROUGH CONVERSATION is a support group for those who have lost a loved one to death. The group meets on First Thursdays at 11 a.m. in the Family Life Center. If you have questions please contact Donna Simmons at donna@elcseguin.org.
DO YOU PLAY 42? A group of domino players play the game 42 at Emanuel’s on Thursdays from 1-4 p.m. Experienced players are invited to pull up a chair and join in the fun. Please contact Alton M. at 433-1193 and he can answer all your questions.
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Pastor Marcus, Donna, Sherry, Katie, Tom, Vicar Jordana, Pastor Darwin, Jeni, & Pastor John | |
May the blessings of Christmas be yours as we celebrate this season of gratitude with family and friends.
Merry Christmas, Bulldogs!
- Debbie & Alan Cottrell
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Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton reads the Christmas story from Luke 2:1-20.
Merry Christmas and a blessed Advent! This is a season of preparation. As we prepare for family gatherings, home cooked meals, and Christ’s birth, let us take a moment to relax, breathe, and receive the Christmas story.
Merry Christmas, dear church!
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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 From Darkness to Light: 2 Chronicles, Isaiah, Joel, Luke, 1 Corinthians, 2 Timothy, James, 1 Peter. Class will not meet on December 25, 2022.
"Discerning an Exotic Species: A Lutheran Evangelist," will kick off an 8-week study in the Family Life Center on Sunday, February 12. Led by Paul Sims, Dennis Sagebiel, and Pastor Marcus, this conversation-tyle class seeks to dive deeper into our understanding of evangelism, what the Bible teaches about being an evangelist, and how it applies to our everyday faith walk. Come join us!
THE JOY CLASS: Bible stories and songs for adults with intellectual disabilities. Gathers at 9:15 on the First Sunday of the month in the Women's Ministry Room.
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CHILDREN & YOUTH EDUCATION | |
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CHILDREN'S SUNDAY SCHOOL (1st Floor Green Room near elevator): Preschool to 5th graders are invited to join the Education Team for a brand new, rotation style Sunday morning education program starting at 9:15am. We start together for song, Bible story, and then head off to our group projects.
Children's Sunday School (Preschool to 5th Grade)
Unit 4- Daniel and the Lions:
12/25 and 01/01 – No Sunday School
01/08 - Feelings and Prayer – Science
01/15 - Kings – Art
01/22 - Lions - Creative Drama
01/29 - Helping - Bible Skills and Games
02/05 - Belief - Cooking
CONFIRMATION CLASS meets next on Sunday, January 22 at 1pm in Emanuel's Family Life Center. Instruction for the year take place monthly at either Emanuel’s or Spirit of Joy.
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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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Year to Date Giving comparison:
Jan 1 - Dec 20, 2022
Church Offering Receipts: $ 380,545.21
Budgeted Church Offering Receipts: $ 436,693.55
Operating Expenses: $ 463,590.13 *
* These figures do not include Forward In Faith remodel expenses or In-Kind Gifts
Jan 1 - Dec 20, 2021
Church Offering Receipts: $ 412,411.88
Budgeted Church Offering Receipts: $ 417,284.93
Operating Expenses: $ 480,213.20
If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact the church either through email or phone.
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*Please accept our apologies for bulletin errors this week. Alas, we've counted 3 so far. Sherry's got a prize for whomever brings an edited bulletin to the office after the new year with the most corrections. Thanks to everyone for being so forgiving and understanding during this busy time of year. | |
Emanuel's regular 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. | |
Submit a brief, yet detailed description of your event below or to info@elcseguin.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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