Because Lutherans are human : Lutherans might have a perception of downplaying their emotions. However, as faithful followers of Jesus we know that He experienced a wide range of emotions. Scripture shares that Jesus felt joy, exhaustion, anger, disgust, sorrow, compassion, frustration, agony, empathy, and forgiveness. It is okay to let people know how you are doing when they ask. Hardly anyone is "fine" right now. Name it. Accept your feelings. Know you are loved. W e are in this together. We are better together. We may be apart, but we are not alone.

No Gatherings AT the Church,
BUT the Church Still Gathers

Find our services, videos, and podcasts on SoundCloud , YouTube , Facebook and Radio KWED AM 1580.

Join us on Sundays at 10:30
Sunday, May 3, 2020
Easter 4
Early Believers

Each week Sunday school curriculum developer (and former summer camp Arts and Crafts director) Dr. Dawn Rundman and her family will host Family Sunday School.

Each episode presents a lesson based on Lectionary readings that families can watch together. The Bible story, illustrations, and other content are based on Spark: Activate Faith Lectionary Sunday school lessons.
Hello Pastor John and Faye!
The Van Deusen's shared the following note and photos. So glad they are staying out of trouble!

"We have whiled away some of our leisure by making masks of various and sundry materials. Faye has decided that we will supply everyone who has an interest in the wearing of such pod's! We have also discovered a fruit-laden Loquat tree in the Preschool yard, of which we have availed ourselves a gleaming thereof, and from which we have made some quite delicious Loquat Jam! Few people know the joy of such a delectable spread, yet we have painstakingly managed this as our own kitchen-cottage industry to the delight of all! But, due to the efforts required of this enterprise, we have limited our production for the present time. All this does, however, eat up a bunch of extra time; a very good thing indeed in these present days and times!"
There are other mask makers in our midst, too. Gloria Hanna said she sewed 30 masks for a local nursing home and 50 masks for a neighbor who is an EMT. Go Gloria!

Sherry Hardwick has been sewing away also. She's topped about 100 now, sharing with family, neighbors, members of her home congregation, and Emanuel's Day School staff.
We want to know what you are doing, too! Please drop Sherry a line at sherry.hardwick@emanuels-seguin.org . You are missed! This is a great way to be neighborly and check in with each other.
Mrs. Valdez and Miss Caroline
Miss Jayme
CAMP EMANUEL'S
OPEN HOUSE
Thursday, April 30th
5 - 6:30 PM

If you are looking for childcare for a child in grades Kindergarten thru 6th grade, come join us for a "Social Distancing" open house. Drop in between 5 and 6:30 pm to meet our awesome Camp Emanuel's staff and peek in the classrooms. Theses ladies provide school help and fun to elementary age children, Monday thru Friday from 7 am - 6 pm.

Miss Caroline is a senior at TLU majoring in Computer Science. She helps out in the morning with online schoolwork for children who have computer learning with their classes online.

Mrs. Valdez is a TEA Credentialed Elementary School Teacher. These two ladies have been helping with everything from videoing Kindergarten PE activities and uploading to the teacher to helping zoom 6th grade Spanish Class.

Miss Jayme is a childcare provider who provides fun afternoon activities for our elementary school children.
For more information or to RSVP please call the Day School office 830-372-0332
WWJB with PK
Young Adults continue to meet on First Fridays at 7pm.

Join us May 1st on Zoom with your favorite brew in hand.

Contact PK for the link.

LADIES AID will not be meeting in May.
Ladies Aid, like other groups at the church, will resume regularly scheduled meetings, gatherings, and events once it is recommended safe to do so by the Congregational Council and Emanuel's Staff.
Confirmation Class Continues Online
Please say a little prayer for the Pastors as they attempt the valiant feat of transformative theological education for middle schoolers in a virtual classroom through Zoom.
Have a Musical Summer 2020
at Emanuel’s Lutheran Church
Let’s get ORGAN-IZED!
What’s going to happen?   An Introduction to the King of Instruments: The Organ
When will “Let’s Get ORGAN-IZED!” happen?   Current target dates are June 15 through the last week of July.
Who will guide and teach the sessions?   Mr. Thomas Engler, Director of Music Ministries and Organist at Emanuel’s Lutheran. Other area organists may be asked to do some instruction as well.
Who is invited to participate? Anyone, young people or adults who has had 3 or more years of experience playing the piano, who wants to get to know something about the organ, how to use its components to produce beautiful music. It will be assumed that participants can read music. 
What kinds of activities will participants take part in?  Mostly “hands on” opportunities. Lots of actual playing experiences.
How will the experiences be organized?  Participants will receive 6 private sessions during the summer. There will, in addition, be at least 2 class sessions in which participants will play music for each other under the direction of Mr. Engler. At the end of July.
What is the cost of the event?   The event is tuition-free. The only out-of-pocket expense will be for the purchase of the textbook, and, perhaps, special organ shoes. All this will be explained in time.
What textbook will be used for the event?   We will use KING OF INSTRUMENTS, a very approachable organ introduction prepared by Dr. Joyce Jones, professor emeritus of organ at Baylor University in Waco, Texas. The book costs roughly $30.00.
How do I find out more about this event?  Contact Thomas R. Engler, Director of Music Ministries and Organist. Emanuel’s Lutheran Church. 206 North Travis St. Seguin, TX 78155 Phone: 830.379.5046. Email: tom.engler@emanuels-seguin.org
From Cross Trails Ministry:
The Cross Trails Ministry Board of Directors met on Saturday, April 25 th . Keeping the safety of our campers, staff and communities in the forefront, they reviewed the federal guidelines for re-opening, as well as varying possibilities for adapting summer programs at Camp Chrysalis, Ebert Ranch, Congregational Day Camps and Off-site Adventure Programs. This was in preparation for Governor Abbot’s announcement on re-opening Texas on Monday. 
This week we learned that the American Camp Association and the Center for Disease Control are planning to release guidelines for opening summer camps, beginning with day camps, at the end of this week. The staff and board will be reviewing these in light of our programs, as well as the binding guidance from state and local health authorities as they become available. 
Starting this Friday, Cross Trails will begin to share weekly updates on summer and Cross Trails Ministry via email and social media. 
Please keep the Cross Trails Ministry Board and leadership staff in your prayers as they work creatively and faithfully in this new and uncertain world, with hope in, and the guidance of, our creative and faithful God.
2020 Synod Assembly Cancellation
Earlier this month The Southwestern Texas Synod announced that the 2020 Synod Assembly had been postponed to a time uncertain. This past week, the Executive Committee of Synod Council met and voted to cancel our 2020 Synod Assembly altogether. This decision was ratified on April 22nd by the full Synod Council. They had investigated possibilities of trying a multisite assembly using technology later in the fall, but there is too much uncertainty about when even groups of 50 people could come together, and they did not want to take any unnecessary health risks.
In response to the COVID-19 Coronavirus pandemic, the Emanuel's Lutheran Church office staff is working from home until further notice. 

  • Hey! There is Denise at her home office. She pops in the church office occasionally, but does a lot of work remotely. She also has a second grader finishing school from home. (Wow!) Kudos to everyone for being flexible right now.

Everyone is still accessible via email and telephone. You may continue to call us at 830-379-5046. Messages are checked daily. 

We continue to hold each of you and your families in our prayers. We are BETTER TOGETHER… even if it is virtually!
THANK YOU for your continued financial support of the ongoing ministries of Emanuel's Lutheran Church.
Online giving is 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
Giving comparison for 2019-2020:

April 1-29, 2019: $37,835.34
Last week of April 28-29, 2019:
$3,410.00

April 1-29, 2020: $32,986.00
Last week of April 26-29, 2020:
$1,305.00

If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact the church either through email or phone.
April 29, 2020 Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update
 
The health of our church family, and of the public, is important to the Council and Staff of Emanuel' Lutheran Church. The following provisions are now in place:
​
  • Worship services on campus are suspended indefinitely.  This includes all campus activities.
  • Staff and Council continue to monitor City/State sanctions and Synod recommendations. Plans are being made to safely return to campus gatherings.
  • Office Staff is working from home and participating in remote online staff meetings. 
  • Nursing home visits are suspended. 
  • Hospital visitation is limited.
  • Council Members will contact Emanuel's members as information needs to be shared. 
​
Things we CAN do at this time:
  • Worship with us online! 
  • Follow us on Facebook and join our Daily Devotional page. 
  • Let the office know if you or a loved one is in the hospital. We are checking emails and voicemails frequently.
  • Practice good Stewardship. Continue your financial support for the ongoing ministries of ELC by giving online or mailing contributions to the church. 
  • Keep in touch with your Pew Pals. Need a virtual Pew Pal? Call the church office and we will pair you up.
  • Pray daily with us at every day 12:05. 
(830) 379-5046
Announcement to share?
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.