Because Lutherans prepare the way: We praise you, O God, for the evergreen crown that marks our days of preparation for Christ's advent. As we light the first candle on the wreath, rouse us from sleep, that we may be ready to greet our Lord when he comes with all the saints and angels. Enlighten us with your grace, and prepare our hearts to welcome him with joy. 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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COVID-19 SAFETY UPDATE
The Congregation Council approved the following at their November meeting. These guidelines apply to all ministry groups, rentals, tenants, staff, congregants, and visitors until further notice. Fully vaccinate people are not required to wear a face mask or social distance on the church campus starting Sunday, November 21, 2021. Unvaccinated people are to wear masks inside the building and maintain social distancing.
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Waiting
The season of Advent is a beautiful and mysterious time of expectation woven into our church year. It is a season of waiting. Mary waited for the birth of her child, just as her ancestors awaited the fulfillment of God’s promises. We, too, wait, as we contemplate what God has done for us—and for what He is yet to do.
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Howdy Pastor John and Fran V. back there behind the piano! Faye V. sent photos from last week's worship service at Nesbit Living and Recovery Center. Thanks to everyone who participates in the monthly care facility services hosted by Emanuel's. It is a meaningful ministry for so many in our community. If you are interested in serving in this way, please get in touch with pastorjohn@elcseguin.org.
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PASTORAL CARE TEAM
NEEDS YOUR HELP
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CALLING ALL ELVES! The Emanuel's Pastoral Care Team could use a little extra help between now and Christmas. A few small projects are in the works for our homebound members, but we'd also like to have a team of volunteers ready to pitch in when the unexpected phone call comes requesting unforeseen needs during the holidays. Please call the office by December 1st if you can do any of the following.
- BAKING ELVES: We could use home baked cookies packaged in baggies of 6 and freezable. These are great for our home visits during the season.
- ELVES WITH SLEIGHS: Teams of traveling elves who could make a few deliveries in early December are needed. Schedules are flexible!
- ASSEMBLY LINE ELVES: Are you good at packing boxes? Hired!
- CRAFTY ELVES: If you are cranking out dozens of festive craft projects this year, let us know.
- SPUR OF THE MOMENT ELVES: We might need someone to run to the store or some such errand. Let us know if we can call you on short notice.
- WONDER ELVES: Have a skill set we haven't thought of yet? Please share!
- DONOR ELVES: Funds to make this all possible are always appreciated.
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BLUE SANTA GIFT WRAPPING
Monday, Nov. 29 from 6-7pm
1500 E. Court St. #200
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The Emanuel's Outreach & Service Team invites you to help spread good cheer in our community! We are teaming up with the Seguin Police Department to wrap gifts for Blue Santa. Wear an Emanuel's T-Shirt if you have one. Meet up with Sarah Kennedy and the team at Blue Santa Headquarters, the old Bealls at 1500 E. Court St. #200.
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BE A SALVATION ARMY BELL RINGER!
Monday, December 6, 2021
9am - 9pm at Walmart
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Emanuel’s will participate in the 2021 Salvation Army Kettle Campaign on Monday, December 6. Bell Ringers are needed from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. at the Market Entrance at Walmart. All you have to do is SMILE, RING A SMALL BELL and SAY THANK YOU. If standing is a problem for you, a chair will be provided.
Please call Frances Vinyard at 830-481-7726 if you can give one or two hours of your time. We can pair you with a group or you can bring the whole clan.
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ADVENT CALENDAR
Find daily inspiration from prayers, Scripture, hymns and information about ELCA Good Gifts in the ELCA World Hunger Advent Calendar. One paper calendar per family is available in the narthex or you can download a digital version here.
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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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ADVENT WREATH MAKING
Sunday, November 28
at 9am in the Fellowship Hall
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We’ve got all the supplies for families to make a wreath to take home for the Advent season.
Join us in the Fellowship Hall and get crafty with greenery, candles, ribbon, and baubles. Wreaths will be blessed during worship at 10:30 a.m. in the Sanctuary.
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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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CHRISTMAS POINSETTIAS
Order Forms due by Tuesday, December 14
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The Emanuel's Sanctuary will be filled with beautiful poinsettias this Christmas. You may donate poinsettias as you rejoice the season, or in memory or honor of loved ones. Plants may be taken home following the 7pm Christmas Eve service or on Sunday, December 26th.
Return order forms to the offering basket or church office with payment made to Emanuel's Lutheran Church by December 14, 2021. Each poinsettia is $12.
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SEARCHING FOR THE PERFECT GIFT?
ELCA Good Gifts
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Choose from dozens of life-changing, charitable gifts in lieu of traditional Christmas presents. ELCA Good Gifts provides an easy way to make a real impact. Your gifts share the love of Christ one goat, water well, or school uniform at a time. Check out the adorable trees and Good Gifts ornaments in the narthex soon.
You may honor or remember a loved on on the order form. Gifts may be in any dollar amount or as indicated on the specific ornament. Return forms to the offering basket or church office with payment made to Emanuel's Lutheran Church by Tuesday, December 14, 2021.
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TLU CHRISTMAS VESPERS
Friday, Dec 3 - Sunday Dec 5, 2021
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Christmas Vespers will be held in TLU's Jackson Auditorium at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 3; 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 4; 4 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 5; and 4 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 12 at St. Martin's Lutheran Church in Austin. Tickets for each Vespers service at TLU are free but required.
Tickets will be available for reservation online and in the TLU Bookstore beginning Nov. 1. All Vespers services at TLU are free and open to the public, but tickets are required due to limited seating. Learn more here.
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BIG RED BARN COUNTRY CHRISTMAS
Friday, December 10
Emanuel's Choir sings at 6:15pm
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Join the Jubilation Singers in the Little White Church around 6:15pm. Country Christmas is a family affair with food, music, lights, and Santa. Admission is $5/adult and $3/child. Read more about the event here.
Come on out to 390 Cordova Road to support our amazing choir and have a jolly time!
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COUPLE'S NIGHT OUT AT PUTT PUB
Friday, December 17 at 7pm
Join us on Friday, December 17th at 7pm in San Marcus for a merry evening of putt-putt with friends. Cost is $10 plus your food. Pay at the Putt Pub. Sign up in the Narthex to grab a spot. We will meet at the course and folks can leave whenever they wish. www.puttpub.com
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NEW ELC SWAG SHOP OPEN
Shopping with the click of a button!
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Pastor Kelsie chose a new vendor for the Emanuel's Store. Their prices, service, and selection makes for a more friendly shopping experience. Choose from a plethora of apparel for Men, Women, and Children to an expanded accessories inventory. There is a link to the ELC Store on our website or you can access it below. |
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ANNUAL CONGREGATION MEETING
Sunday, December 12, 2021
Immediately following the celebration of Holy Communion
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Emanuel's Congregation Annual Meeting will take place IN-PERSON on Sunday, December 12th immediately following the celebration of Holy Communion. This meeting will take into consideration with potential action the 2022 proposed budget and church council nominees.
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Council Listening Sessions
In preparation for our Sunday, December 12th Annual Meeting three learning and discussions session are being scheduled for Sunday, November 21st, November 28th, and December 5th, at 9:00am in the Family Life Center. Please join us! Zoom link provided below for people at home. The sessions will be recorded for additional listening for those not able to be present.
Discussion topics include the proposed 2022 budget, nominations for church council, and ministry programs for 2022. There will be plenty of time for questions.
Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 892 0605 2449
Passcode: 661107
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IT IS TAMALE TIME!
Sales ends Tuesday, Nov. 30th
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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ACOLYTES & CRUCIFERS
NEEDED
Is your youth an eager servant leader? Sign them up to serve as a crucifer or acolyte for worship!
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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 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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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 will NOT be meeting in December. Please contact one of the facilitators if you have any questions: the Rev. John and Faye Van Deusen. You can reach Rev. John at (830) 305-5658 and Faye at (830) 305-8851. Emanuel’s community Support Group is for Caregivers currently caring for loved ones with Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, Dementia, and other aging issues.
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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.
The Ecumenical build days for Habitat are as follows at 8am:
October 30, November 20, and December 4
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Emanuel's 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- Nov 23, 2021
Receipts: $ 373,682.83
Expenses: $ 436,433.03
January 1- Nov 23, 2020
Receipts: $ $ 367,604.61
Expenses: $ 490,967.56
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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