Because Lutherans celebrate all the mamas. We hold close to our hearts this weekend moms, step moms, new moms, chosen moms, grandmoms, those with a strained relationship with their moms, adoptive moms, pet moms, single moms, those longing to be moms, grieving moms, great-grandmoms, and those missing their moms. We are better together.

Shout out to the women who understand the importance of kinkeeping! (Click on the link and learn this valuable new word.) Pictured here during Mother's Day celebrations this month are Emanuel's Ladies Aid (above) and our LWR Quick Quilters.

Please join us Sundays at 10:30 a.m.

In-person, online on YouTube, and on radio KWED AM 1580.

GRADUATE & CONFIRMATION SUNDAY, May 19. We thank God for our high school, college, and post-graduate graduates and the beginning of their new chapters in life. During this special service, we will pray for and bless each of our graduates. Tables in the Narthex will feature memorabilia of each’s story and future. We will also have a special moment to celebrate our 8th grade confirmand as she affirms the promises of her baptism. AND it’s Pentecost! (Wear red!) You won’t want to miss this wonderful Sunday!

WELCOMING SUNDAY, May 26. If you are interested in joining the mission and ministry of Emanuel’s, then this Sunday is for you. For months now, our Council has prayerfully received numerous new and returning faces to our congregation. This unique service will center on the liturgy of welcome and affirmation and will be the time we formally receive all of these new and renewed faces. Please email Pastor Marcus, or fill out a blue card, if you would like to be a part of this “Welcoming Sunday!”

The Senior Social Club is meeting on Thursday, May 16 at 11:30 for their regular monthly luncheon. Everyone is to bring sandwiches, salads, sides, or desserts to share. We’ll play Bingo with treats for the winners!

May is a busy month so, unfortunately, the Bus Trip to Fredericksburg is cancelled. Stay tuned for future fun outings with this fantastic group of seniors. See you on the 16th in the Women’s Ministry Room!

BECAUSE LUTHERANS love to gather, even for meetings. Emanuel's was blessed with some exceptional voting members, as well as crucial staff and support staff helping host and guide the 2024 Southwest Texas Synod Assembly last weekend in Corpus Christi. We are better together.

NEW CHURCH DIRECTORY PHOTO SESSIONS

May 15 – 18

Here are some tips and ideas to prepare for and get the most out of your photo session. 

• Solid colors work best. Avoid busy patterns and choose a color theme that unifies the look of your family. If you wear glasses all the time, wear them in your portrait. Pets welcome.
• Please arrive a few minutes early to ensure you are ready for your photo session and so we can stay on schedule for everyone. Allow 45-60 minutes for photography and portrait previewing. You will receive an 8x10 photo and directory at no cost, but other package options are available.  
• All appointments are booked. The schedule is posted in the Narthex by the coffee pot. If you have questions or need to cancel then please text, phone, or email Sharon Kane and leave a message—979-482-6486 or skane49@att.net. 

HOSTS NEEDED on portrait days to assist with paperwork and help at the Mountain Street entrance. Let Sharon know if you are available. 

BECAUSE LUTHERANS support each other. We have a great time doing so, too! The Lutheran World Relief Quick Quilter raffle was a huge success. Pictured left is Elaine Giesber on Sunday for the drawing. Elijah McHaney drew the winners name: Ilene Cherry! Pictured right is the quilt made and donated by Darlene Zies, far left. Congrats to everyone for a successful fundraiser to fund quilt supplies and needs for the nearly 200 quilts in production this year to assist people in need across the globe. We are better together.

MAKING YOUR GRIEF COUNT

This three-week grief program is for those who have experienced loss of any kind to work though their grief, learn about healthy coping tools, and discover a path to healing in a supportive environment. Pastor Darwin Huartson facilitates the program at Emanuel’s in the Family Life Center on Sundays, May 26, June 2, and June 9 from 2-4pm.  

BECAUSE LUTHERANS know that pizza is perfect for any occasion. We are grateful to partner with our church friends to support our college students as the semester draws to a close! On Tuesday Emanuel's and St. Andrew's threw a pizza party for TLU students and wished them well on their exams. We are better together.

CHILDREN & YOUTH EDUCATION

CHILDREN'S CHURCH for our PK to 5th grade learners meets every Sunday. During worship the Vicars lead students to designated classrooms, just down the hall from the sanctuary, as we begin the "Gathering Hymn" and then guide them back as we "Share the Peace." We hope you will make this a part of your family's weekly worship rhythm!

THE COMPASS COOPERATIVE weekly gathering at Spirit of Joy on Sundays @6pm for 6th to 12th grade students, hosted by our four church partners - Emanuel's, St. Andrew's, Spirit of Joy, and Friedens Church- and held on Spirit of Joy's campus. We eat, worship, play games, and enjoy each other's company.

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL AT FRIEDENS: “SCUBA: diving into friendship with God” Emanuel’s is partnering again this year with Friedens Church, Spirit of Joy Lutheran, and St. Andrew’s Episcopal where kids will be immersed in the Word and discover what living water is really all about. Get it on your calendar now: June 17-20 from 6-8:30pm with a light dinner 5:30pm, Friedens Church, 2555 Friedens Church Rd, Seguin, TX 78155.

GOD’S EXPLORERS is an upcoming, epic adventure for 3rd through 8th graders! Our exploring takes place July 15-18 from 8:30 – 3:30 where we will head underground touring four of God’s most beautiful cave system creations in Texas. Each day will feature a Bible study, games, activities, food, and, of course, an awesome cave tour! Registration closes Sunday June 30.

SUNDAY ADULT CLASSES

THE HERITAGE CLASS meets at 9:15 am Sunday mornings on the 3rd floor in room 307. December, January, and February's study is Faith That Glorifies God. Participants explore the deeper meaning found in the Bible and seek to unlock its wisdom through fellowship and robust group discussion. The aim is to make the Bible relevant and applicable to daily life. 

THE JOY CLASS: Bible stories and songs for adults with intellectual disabilities. Gathers at 9:15 on the First Sunday of the month in the Women's Ministry Room.

WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE LUTHERAN? (Family Life Center): 9:00am. April 7 - May 12. Take a dive into the Reformation, the writings that shape our Lutheran witness, the people that wrote them, and the events that changed the world.

GIVING ENVELOPES

The church office is in the process of updating our Giving Envelope program. If you are currently receiving Emanuel's giving envelopes in the mail but no longer need them, having transitioned to our on-line giving platform, please call or email the church office. Also, if you are not part of the program and would like to receive weekly giving envelopes, please let us know as well!

Online giving is safe, simple, and quick to do through our giving 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

Year to Date Giving comparison:

Jan 1- May 7, 2024

 Church Offering Receipts: $ 166,594.88

Budgeted Church Offering Receipts: $ 146,142.46

Operating Expenses: $ 141,318.90 *

* These figures do not include Forward In Faith remodel expenses or In-Kind Gifts

Jan 1- May 7, 2023

Church Offering Receipts: $ 158,541.74

Budgeted Church Offering Receipts: $ 140,860.20

Operating Expenses: $ 143,691.08 *

* These figures do not include Forward In Faith remodel expenses or In-Kind Gifts

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 also accessible via email.