Because Lutherans prepare the way: We praise you, O God, for this wheel of time that marks our days of preparation for Christ's advent. As we light the candles on this wreath, open our eyes to see your presence in the lowly ones of this earth. Enlighten us with your grace, that we may sing of your advent among us in the Word made flesh. Grant this through Christ our Lord, whose coming is certain and whose day draws near. Amen. We wait 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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The 7pm service will be livestreamed on YouTube and aired on KWED 1580. |
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COVID-19 SAFETY UPDATE
The Congregation Council approved the following at their November meeting. Fully vaccinated people are not required to wear a face mask or social distance on the church campus. Unvaccinated people are to wear masks inside the building and maintain social distancing. These guidelines apply to all ministry groups, rentals, tenants, staff, congregants, and visitors until further notice.
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On the night of Dec. 10, a devastating outbreak of more than 30 tornadoes swept through six states. Kentucky was impacted the most, with more than 70 people reported dead. Homes and businesses were destroyed, including a candle factory in Mayfield, Ky., where first responders are still searching for survivors. More than 330,000 people are without electricity across multiple states. The full extent of the damage is expected to become clear in the coming days.
Lutheran Disaster Response is engaging with partners in the affected areas, including the Indiana-Kentucky Synod, to respond to immediate needs. Given the initial damage assessments, recovery will likely take years, and Lutheran Disaster Response is prepared to accompany survivors until the response is complete.
Gifts to Lutheran Disaster Response designated for “U.S. tornadoes" will be used entirely (100%) to assist those affected by tornadoes until the response is complete. Together, we can support those who are on the long road to recovery. Read more about giving here.
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Emanuel's hosted a gaggle of happy Lutherans exploring the world famous Painted Churches of Schulenburg on Saturday. They braved the wind and cold and had a marvelous time. Pastor Marcus took this great photo at St. Mary’s - Praha.
"Blessed to have Rev. Andrew Stafford as our guide today!" he reported on Facebook. Keep your eye out for future excursions this spring.
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Joe and Sharon K. have had their grandson Dean in tow this week. There was a lot of learning going on at the sewing machine with the LWR Quick Quilters on Monday morning. (Thank you for the cute snapshot, Elaine G.!) Dean also helped get some keys made at the hardware store for the church office. It is a joy to have little visitors around during the holidays! |
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Emanuel's Staff had a jolly time at their annual Christmas lunch last Thursday. The group walked over to A-Tan Bistro & Sushi Bar and enjoyed each other's company away from the office for a spell. The gift exchange was a hoot as Tom's grin and gnome cone can attest. Back to the grindstone now, of course. It is a very busy time in the life of the church! We are all grateful to be working with and for the people of Emanuel's. |
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ADVENT STUDY GUIDE
Deepen your engagement throughout this season of Advent with our weekly study guide, where you can find impactful, motivational stories and information about how your gifts to ELCA World Hunger are at work in the world. Paper copies are in the narthex or download a digital version here.
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MIDWEEK ADVENT WORSHIP
& BROWN BAG LUNCH
Wednesdays at 12:05pm
December 1, 8, 15 & 22
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You are invited to join us in the Sanctuary for a time of prayers and song as we prepare for Christmas. Discussion of the lesson and brown bag lunch to follow in the Women's Ministry Room.
Midweek Advent offerings support ELCA World Hunger. Together we can creatively and courageously work toward a just world where all are fed.
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ADVENT HOLY YOGA
Wednesdays at 6pm
December 1, 8, 15 & 22
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Pastor Kelsie invites you every Wednesday evening during Advent to join her as we center our minds and bodies in the Spirit and prepare for the birth of the Christ Child. No experience necessary. Please bring water and a mat.
Holy Yoga meets in the Family Life Center from 6-7pm.
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The Magnificat, the song of Mary recorded in the first chapter of Luke, is an extraordinary prayer of thanksgiving—and much more. German theologian Dietrich Bonhoeffer called it the oldest Advent hymn. Like Mary, we are called to give thanks even for what we didn’t ask for and look forward to what lies beyond on Christmas Eve.
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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
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 Justice, Law, History.
PASTOR MARCUS' CLASS: resumes December 12 at 9:00 a.m. in the Family Life Center looking at the “Life and Legacy, of Martin Luther: A Video Discussion:”
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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MAKING YOUR GRIEF COUNT
Making Your Grief Count is a Bereavement Support Group sponsored by Porter Loring Mortuaries. Emanuel’s will host the 8-week* program facilitated by Rev. Darwin Huartson on Sundays from 3-5pm in the Family Life Center beginning January 16th.
This program is designed to create a safe place to:
- embrace your grief and learn to bear it,
- discover how your loved one can live on into your life story,
- strengthen your characteristics of resilience,
- and plan for how you will continue to heal and live a meaningful life.
*Attending all sessions is most beneficial, therefore no new participants are accepted after the second session.
Please contact Donna Simmons at 830-556-3542 with questions or to register.
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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 will NOT meet in December. Join us in January on the 3rd Thursday 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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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
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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 glmiller1948@gmail.com. Stay tuned for the Ecumenical build days for Habitat in 2022.
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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 still accessible via email. Thanks for understanding our need pace ourselves during these very trying times.
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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- Dec 14, 2021
Receipts: $401,707.58
Expenses: $ 455,916.75
January 1- Dec 14, 2020
Receipts: $386,093.61
Expenses: $ 519,275.33
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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