Because Lutherans are part of the whole: God of Creation, your Son Jesus prayed that his followers might be one. Make all Christians one with him as he is one with you, so that in peace and concord we may carry to the world the message of your love, through Jesus Christ our Savior and Lord. Amen. This photo by Pastor Marcus is of the gifted hands of our Ladies Aid making their delicious coffee cakes! Did you know that the first Ladies Aid coffee cakes were made in 1910? We are better together.
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Please join us Sundays at 10:30 a.m.
All people gathering for activities on the church campus are encouraged to WEAR MASKS while inside, per the current CDC Guidelines.
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Online video live streaming will resume Sunday, October 31, 2021
We will stream directly to our church’s YouTube channel where worship services will be archived. As we prepare for this incredible move, our AV Team wants you to be aware that your face may show up online. During times like Holy Communion, processionals or recessionals, or during the singing of the hymns, the cameras will pan across the congregation. If for any reason you cannot be seen online, please contact Pastor Marcus immediately. We want to be attentive to all the needs of our church and its members.
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October is Clergy Appreciation Month!
We need to take time and reflect on all our pastors have had to deal with since the onset of the pandemic in 2020 and give thanks to God for our clergy and express our thankfulness and appreciation. Below is an excerpt from a letter sent from Bishop Briner, with some paraphrasing, that is a reminder of what Pastor Marcus, Pastor Kelsie, Pastor John, and Pastor Darwin have been dealing with since early 2020.
Giving Thanks
- Pastors have faced unprecedented challenges to doing ministry in the face of this pandemic. They have had to make difficult decisions about worship, Bible study, small group meetings, funerals, weddings, precautions, congregational meetings, schools, and more. Much of the ministry had to continue, which meant learning new technologies, giving pastoral care without sharing physical space, and preparing for worship in new ways. This has been an anxiety-producing job for church pastors. Therefore, we call upon all ministry sites to give thanks to pastors. Individuals and groups can write notes of encouragement, send messages, or make calls to thank their pastors.
Emanuel’s Church Council will recognize our pastors during worship on Sunday, October 24th. Everyone is encouraged, in their own way, to reach out to our church leaders and let them know they are supported, cared for, and loved.
1 Timothy 2:1 says, “First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly, and dignified in every way.”
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It is fitting during Pastor Appreciation Month that a previously published article in Living Lutheran online magazine just came to our attention.
We are proud of our pastor's collaboration during the pandemic and thrilled that Living Lutheran shared their story. Click on the button below to read about the extraordinary efforts our leaders took during an unusual time of being the church.
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EMANUEL'S 150th ANNIVERSARY
CELEBRATION WEEKEND
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Please join us for Emanuel's 150th Anniversary Celebration Weekend. (Technically it is our 151st year, but this last one has been a doozy.) It starts on Friday with festivities at the Day School and ends on Sunday with a toe tapping performance by the Dirty River Jazz Band. It wouldn't be a celebration without you!
Friday, October 29, 2021
6:00 p.m.
Costumes, Games, Food, and Treats for the whole family
Saturday, October 30, 2021
10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Open House in the Sanctuary with musical selections
plus, a showcase of historical photos and artifacts
Sunday, October 31, 2021
Reformation Sunday
9:00: Fellowship and Coffee Hour under the Oak
9:45: Unveil the 150th Banner and
unlock Time Capsule sealed July 4, 1976
10:30: Worship begins outside under the Oak
11:45: Sausage Lunch on the Lawn
($8 suggested offering) with games, birthday cake,
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SUPPORT OUR DAY SCHOOL
TRUNKS NEEDED: Calling all vehicle trunk owners, you are invited to participate in this year’s Trunk-or-Treat festivities, Friday, October 29th in the Mountain Street parking lot. We will welcome hundreds of trick-or-treaters so come prepared with a costume, a smile, and candy! (You can buddy up with a friend.)
RSVP with Pastor Marcus no later than Wednesday, October 27th so that vehicles can be spaced out. Be parked and ready to welcome kiddos and families by 5:30pm.
"BEST TRUNK" WINS A RESERVED PARKING SPACE FOR THE YEAR!
CANDY DONATIONS ALSO ACCEPTED IN THE CHURCH OFFICE.
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ALTAR GUILD WORKDAY
Friday, October 29 at 9am.
Everyone is invited to come polish silver & brass and other tasks to get the sanctuary ready to gleam on Saturday for the Open House and Sunday’s special Anniversary Service.
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LADIES AID
is baking again on
Thursday, October 28th.
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Pre-orders can be placed for pickup on that Thursday from 12-2. Order peach, apple, or streusel at only $6 each. Reserve yours by calling the church office at (830) 379-5046. Remaining cakes will be sold at Sunday's Sausage Lunch on the Lawn.
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IT IS TAMALE TIME!
Sales begin October 31st
Emanuel's Youth are selling frozen Delicious Tamales from San Antonio. Proceeds go towards the 2022 National Youth Gathering and other summer events. If you can, buy a dozen tamales ... or three!
We've got traditional pork, spicy pork, chicken, and bean & jalapeno. Each is $12/dozen. Place your order with any youth or in the church office. Make sure to submit your payment when you place your order. Orders due by November 30. Pick up on December 7 from 4-6 in the Women's Ministry Room or December 12 after church.
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It is a joy to see Emanuel's members as we scroll across our news feeds. Y'all do the coolest things! Shout out to Jeanne Palmer and her mad art skills. |
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Martin Luther, Reformation, and
the Roman Catholic Church
It is 1517. Martin Luther has passed his 30th birthday and is settled in as a professor of theology at the university in Wittenberg, Germany. But all that is about to change.
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ALL SAINTS SUNDAY
November 7, 2021
During worship we will celebrate the lives of those who have passed, as well as those who have been baptized since All Saints Sunday 2020. As has become our tradition, a "Table of Remembrance" will be set up on the steps of the altar. Everyone is invited to place a photo of a loved one who has passed on the table. A limited number of small metal stands will be available for frames with standing arms. Carnations will be presented to those families whose loved ones' names are read.
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PAINTED CHURCHES OF TEXAS TOUR
Saturday, December 11, 2021
The Painted Churches of Texas are a gorgeous collection of 100 year old plus churches that share a storied history, beautiful interior paintings, and cathedral-like architecture. This tour is hosted by Emanuel’s Congregation Care Team and Senior Care Ministries and led by the Schulenburg Chamber of Commerce. We will begin our tour at 9:15 a.m. in Schulenberg, so please make sure to gather in the Mountain St. parking lot by 7:45 a.m. to caravan.
RSVP no later than Monday, November 22 with Donna Simmons so that lunch reservations and tour guides can be set. Bring money for lunch and any gifts you might wish to purchase. Emanuel's will pay registration fees for the tour. |
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HEALING HOLIDAYS – MAKING YOUR GRIEF COUNT
Sunday, November 12, 2021
3-5 p.m. in the Family Life Center
Grief during the Holidays is always challenging, and even more so in this past year. The season of the holidays renews memories, family ties, and traditions. We become painfully aware that our loved one is no longer present, and the pain of the loss is confused with the spirit of the season making it difficult for families to navigate.
This workshop will help identify resources that contribute to self-compassion and enhance resiliency. Participants will use the holidays to discover how their loved one can live on into their life story, using this special time to heal.
Led by Emanuel’s Visitation Pastor Darwin Huartson, this free workshop is in partnership with Porter-Loring Mortuaries in San Antonio. Reservations can be made with Bereavement Care Coordinator Donna Simmons by calling the church office at 830-379-5046.
If you are unable to attend at Emanuel's on November 12 but are still interested in the workshop then please check out additional times and locations here. Some are also offered virtually via Zoom. |
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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.
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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. |
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SUNDAY ADULT CLASSES at 9:15 a.m.
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 fall study is Celebrating God.
PASTOR MARCUS' CLASS: resumes in December looking at the “Life, Legacy, and Writings of Martin Luther.”
WEEKDAY STUDIES
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Faith Circle (Women’s Ministry Room): Third Tuesdays at 5:30 p.m.
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Joy Circle (Women’s Ministry Room): Second Thursday at 9:30 a.m.
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Ladies Aid (Women’s Ministry Room): First Wednesdays at 2:00 p.m.
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Thursday, November 4th
11am in the Family Life Center
This monthly support group is for people who have lost someone to death. It is facilitated by Bereavement Care Coordinator Donna Simmons.
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Sunday, November 7th
Noon in Women’s Ministry Room.
BBQ this month! If you are single, widowed, divorced, or simply need someone to chat with over lunch, please join us! RSVP to Donna Simmons at 379-5046.
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Please contact individual groups or the church office to see how each creatively proceeds with the ministry and life of the church.
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MUSIC MINISTRY includes the Jubilation Singers Choir and Heavenly Ringers Handbell Choir. Heavenly Ringers meets at 6:30 on Wednesday evenings followed by Jubilation Singers at 7:30. Contact Thomas Engler, Emanuel's Director of Music.
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LWR QUICK QUILTERS gathers in their first floor sewing suite on Monday mornings to assemble quilts that are distributed globally to those in need. If you are interested in this productive group call or text Jeanne P. at (830) 624-6478.
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PROPERTY STEWARDS are a stalwart group of doers at Emanuel's who meet on Tuesday mornings. All skillsets are welcome. There are carpenters and gardeners and people good at changing light bulbs! Contact Garry Miller for more information.
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SWEET HOUR OF PRAYER meets in the chapel on Thursday mornings at 10am to lift in prayer our church, community, and the world. Contact is Donna Simmons.
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HEALING THROUGH CONVERSATION is a support group for those who have lost a loved on to death. The group meets on the 1st Thursday at 11 a.m. in the Family Life Center. Facilitated by Donna Simmons,
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FOOD, FUN & FELLOWSHIP gathers on the 1st Sunday of each month at Noon. This ministry is for widowed, divorced, separated, and simply lonely people. Donna Simmons is the contact.
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3rd THURSDAY SENIOR SOCIAL meets on the 3rd Thursday (or other specified day) each month at 11:30. This fun group gathers for lunch, conversation, and games. Donna Simmons is the contact.
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WORSHIP LEADERS are the backbone of our services on Sunday mornings. If you would like to be an usher, reader, assisting minister, Altar Guild, communion assistant, hospitality. or radio announcer contact Sherry H.
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COUPLES NIGHT OUT is an opportunity for couples who are 20-40ish to try new adventures, hang out, and get to know one another. They meet once a month(ish) at various locations. Contact is Pastor Marcus.
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DO YOU PLAY 42? A group of domino players are excited to start playing 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 with “The 42 Crew.” Please contact Alton Mattke at 433-1193 and he can answer all your questions.
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CAREGIVER SUPPORT GROUP
Wednesday, Oct. 27 and again on Saturday, Oct. 30
10:00 a.m. in the Family Life Center
Emanuel’s hosts a community Support Group for Caregivers currently caring for loved ones with Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, Dementia, and other aging issues. Contact: Rev. John at (830) 305-5658 and Faye at (830) 305-8851.
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CHRISTIAN CUPBOARD provides food and other basic need items to those living in Guadalupe County. Emanuel's has collection sites in the Narthex and the Mountain St. entrance. Most needed items include: cans of tuna and other meats; cans of fruit, veggies, beans, soup; mac & cheese; dried beans and rice; pasta and sauces; PB&J; cereal; toilet tissue, soap. Egg cartons are not needed at this time.
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THE GARDEN OF EATIN' is Emanuel's community garden on the corner of Walnut and Bowie Streets. The garden enjoys a partnership with Seguin ISD and provides produce for the Christian Cupboard as able. We'd love to have you dig in with us. Contact our resident gardener Wayne S.
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NAMI GUADALUPE COUNTY provides education, advocacy and support to families and individuals affected by mental illness. Online Connection Recovery Support Group for individuals living with a mental health condition meets twice a month. Contact John B. to register. Online Family Support Group meets twice a month. Contact Barbara V. to register..
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CHURCH WOMEN UNITED is a valuable ecumenical organization with women from different churches who worship and work together on various projects. Contact is Elaine G.
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HABITAT FOR HUMANITY builds and improves homes in partnership with individuals and families in need of a decent and affordable place to live. The current house is at 503 E. Pine St If you can help out, please contact Garry Miller at 830-534-3290 or garry.miller@satx.rr.com.
The Ecumenical build days for Habitat are as follows at 8am:
October 30, November 20, and December 4
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During the fall months office hours are still 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 still accessible via email. Thanks for understanding our need pace ourselves during these very trying times.
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COVID-19 SAFETY
As a large worshipping community that gathers, please keep in mind the best Covid-19 Safety Practices:
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Wear a mask at all times while in public buildings
- Get vaccinated
- Practice great hygiene
- Physically distance from those who do not live or travel with you
- Stay home if you have a fever or do not feel well
- Quarantine for 10 days if you test positive for Covid-19 and have no symptoms
- Inform the church if you were Covid-19 positive while in the building so that we can alert people you may have come into contact with
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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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Year to Date Giving comparison:
January 1- Oct 19, 2021
Receipts: $ 340,772.92
Expenses: $388,996.13
January 1-Oct 19, 2020
Receipts: $ $ 332,548.65
Expenses: $ 457,757.60
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 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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