Because Lutherans prepare the way: We praise you, O God, for the victory wreath that marks our days of preparation for Christ's advent. As we light the candles on this wreath, strengthen our hears as we await the Lord's coming in glory. Enlighten us with your grace, that we may serve our neighbors in need. 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. 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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Congratulations to Hannah B. for making TMEA All-Region Band! Hannah (pictured at right) was spied at the Seguin Holiday Parade with her flute as part of the Mighty Matador Band. Your Emanuel's family is proud of you! |
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Lots of Lutherans greeting folk at Walmart on Monday. Thanks to everyone who smiled and rang bells while collecting money for The Salvation Army to aid our community. Pastor Marcus snagged this picture of Gloria H. being her jolly self on the blustery day. A HUGE THANK YOU to Emanuel's representative and organizer Fran V. for filling all the slots this year and making sure that things ran smoothly. |
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Hey ... more familiar faces around town. Allison, Lane, and Aaron S. were spotted wrapping presents for Blue Santa with the Seguin Police Department. Bless you for spreading good cheer! |
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Thank you to our Baking Elves, Assembly Line Elves, Elves with Sleighs, Spur of the Moment Elves, and everyone else with pointy ears and helpful hearts. Judy S. captured this moment of elves in their workshop. Shout out to Emanuel's Senior Care Coordinator Donna Simmons for her coordinating efforts. The Pastoral Care Team appreciates everyone's energy and love of Emanuel’s Homebound Ministry. You make spirits bright! |
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Did someone say "Coach of the Year?" Yes they did! Congratulations to Kristin B. for being named District 19 - AAAA Volleyball Coach of the Year. A well deserved honor for a well loved mentor and colleague. |
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We have a winner! Cindy P.s ticket was chosen from hundreds in the Ladies Aid Quilt Raffle last week during their Annual Christmas Luncheon. She is presented with the quilt below by Ladies Aid President Jeannie Hall. See more photos from the festive luncheon 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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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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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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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 were held on Sunday, November 21st, November 28th, and December 5th, at 9:00am in the Family Life Center. Discussion topics included the proposed 2022 budget, nominations for church council, and ministry programs for 2022. The sessions were recorded and shared below for additional listening for those not able to be present.
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Annual Meeting Preparation Session 1:
November 21, 2021
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Annual Meeting Preparation Session 2:
November 28, 2021
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Annual Meeting Preparation Session 3:
December 5, 2021
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TAMALE PICK UP
Pick up your Delicious Tamales on December 12 after church in the Fellowship Hall.
Thank you to everyone for supporting Emanuel's Youth ministry!
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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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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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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. 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 7, 2021
Receipts: $ 381,772.58
Expenses: $ 455,382.74
January 1- Dec 7, 2020
Receipts: $ $378,883.61
Expenses: $ 515,790.21
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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