Because Lutherans carry the light of Christmas all year long. "May you be filled with the wonder of Mary, the obedience of Joseph, the joy of the angels, the eagerness of the shepherds, the determination of the magi and the peace of the Christ child. Amen." (Sundays and Seasons) We are better together. | |
Thank you to our Christmas Eve photographers Cynthia B., Natalia A., and Kristen B. for sharing their lovely images of such a beautiful evening of worship at Emanuel's. | |
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Our year together has been one of new beginnings on so many fronts. Our mission and ministry have ebb and flowed as we have embraced numerous needs to change and adapt as the life of our congregation, its ministries, and its outreach have turned over new leaves, trying new things and refashioning old things. We have undertaken the much-needed renovation of our fellowship hall, kitchen, and campus bathrooms and are driven by our enormously successful “Forward in Faith” capital campaign. Led by the gifted members of our Phase 1 Build Team, our gathering and fellowship spaces will be primed for brand new opportunities for outreach, fellowship, and personal relief for decades to come. The challenges of COVID have continued to mold and shape all that we seek to do, but by the grace of God, we will press on in this new year.
As this new year begins, I invite you to take stock of what we have done a congregation and for the ways you might engage, in new ways, in the mission and ministry we share. Our focus, as leadership in the church and in our ministries, will center around evangelism and education, two powerful “E’s” in
the work we are called to for the sake of Christ’s church. Brand new community outreach programs that bring together non-profit and the TLU campus, new ecumenical youth programs that celebrate long-held working relationship with numerous congregations, as well as adult education opportunities, mission
trips to help hurricane embattled communities, and a refocus on congregational fellowship are all a part of this revitalized focus for our ministry. I invite you to join us, not just in worship, but in the vibrant life of our congregation; find new ways to get plugged in. Join us and our incredible members in the work of
sharing the Gospel in and through all we do. Join us in inviting new and seasoned faces to the ministries we have and let’s keep our eyes and hearts open for where the Holy Spirit might be calling us for we are always better together.
Merry Christmas, dear church friends and family, and the most blessed of new year’s!
In God’s grip,
Pastor Marcus Bigott
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Need a boost of joy? Take a stroll down the second floor hallway. It is lively with winter well wishes from the Day School classes and teachers.
The Office of the Bishop Staff of the Southwestern Texas Synod shares greetings for the New Year.
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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.
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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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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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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