NON-PROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE PAID Permit No. 80 Seguin, Texas 78156-1049

Emanuel’s Lutheran Church 206 North Travis Street Seguin, Texas 78155

Emanuel’s Mission Statement To proclaim God’s grace through Word and Sacrament, and to bear witness to God’s Kingdom in our daily lives.

Get in touch with us! Phone: (830) 379-5046 Fax: (830) 379-7518 E-mail: [email protected] Catch us on the Web! www.emanuels-seguin.org

Congregational Leadership Staff Interim Pastor……………………. The Rev. Paul L. Cannon Hospital Visitation Pastor in San Antonio………………….The Rev. Darwin Huartson Director of Music………………………… …...Thomas Engler Administrative Assistant……..……… ……Bonnie Cheatham Coordinator of Children & Family Ministries…….Alex Norden Day School Director ……………………….Deb Haug Wedding Facilitator …………………………... Dee Dee Burns Grief and Loss Support Coordinator …… . Donna Simmons

Congregation Council Aaron Jenke Doug Parker Cindy Piqué Debbie Richardson Dennis Sagebiel (President) Marsha Schroeder (Secretary) Levi Stalsworth Marvin Strey Steve Tschoepe Heidi Ulrich Karen Weinstein (Vice President) Susan Yeatts (Treasurer)

Worship Services & Events April 3 April 10

09.00 am 10.15 am 09.00 am 10.15 am

2nd Sunday of Easter/Holy Communion Christian Education(Various Locations) 3rd Sunday of Easter/Holy Communion(Nave) Christian Education(Various Locations) NEWSLETTER DEADLINE

09.00 am 10.15 am 09.00 am 10.15 am

4thSunday of Easter/Holy Communion Christian Education (Various Locations) 5th Sunday of Easter/ Holy Communion Christian Education (Various Locations)

April 15 April 17 April 24

We had very tasty, fun and spirit-filled Lenten Supper this season! For those who attended, thank you, and for those who were unable to attend, we’d love to see you next year! A big thank you to all who helped with food and service: Arlene & Elmer Hill, Darlene Zies, Ilene & Pat Cherry, Bill Elley, Wayne Stalsworth, Sally Conlin, John Schwartz and Bev and Walt Seidenschwarz. Thank you again, as it wouldn’t be the spiritual even without your service! Donna Dodgen Greiner and Jerry Greiner

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Transition is a word we are using often as we describe our situation in pastoral leadership here at Emanuel’s. We are in the transition process. This is immediately evident to us because we are in an interim pastor situation. We will be forming a transition team and you will be seeing special events and meetings as we seek to chart the course we feel God is leading us for the future. The process will help us clarify our vision and mission for years to come, and of course, this transition process will lead to the call of a permanent pastor. I was in a conversation recently with one of our long-time members who has has gone through the transition/call process in the congregation many times over the decades. He went on to say that in his opinion, this may be the most important transition/call process in his memory. We are at a key juncture in our church’s history. Certainly we seek God’s guidance in this entire process. Personally, I am encouraged about the possibilities this congregation has as we live into God’s future. Seguin is growing. The headline in a recent Sunday newspaper said the city has surpassed 30,000. This growth shows no signs of letting up. I should think that there are persons moving to Seguin who would be attracted by many of the things the Emanuel’s Lutheran congregation has to offer: our inspirational house of worship, our history and tradition as a cornerstone church of the city, our reputation and commitment to be the education church, our commitment to good liturgical worship and quality music, our work in service to others and more. I’m prayerfully optimistic that as work through this transition process we will become more confident in our mission and ministry here in Seguin. In this transition process, we, like those early disciples, walk with the risen Lord. We seek Christ’s guidance in this transition process. He is risen; He is risen indeed! Alleluia! Pastor Paul Cannon Interim Pastor Lenten Offerings update: with one more Lenten Wednesday still to go as of our newsletter deadline, our Lenten offerings have totaled over $1600, meaning we have funded medical supplies for 22 weeks at $75/week. All of our Lenten offerings will be donated at the Synod Assembly and given through ELCA World Hunger’s Good Gifts program to medical clinic support.

Lectionary for March 2016 DATE

Apr. 3 Apr. 10 Apr. 17 Apr. 24

Day Easter 2 Easter 3 Easter 4 Easter 5

1st READING

PSALM

2nd READING

GOSPEL

Acts 5.27-32

Psalm 118.14-29 Psalm 30 Psalm 23 Psalm 148

Revelation 1.4-8 Revelation 5.11-14 Revelation 7.9-17 Revelation 21.1-6

John 20.19-21 John 21.1-19

Acts 9.1-6[7-20]

Acts 9.36-43 Acts 11.1-18

John 10.22-30

John 13.31-35

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NEWS FROM OUR LOCAL AREA: The Texas Lutheran University Choir invites everyone to their spring concert on Tuesday, April 12, 7:30 p.m. at the campus chapel. Spirit of Joy Lutheran Church, our sister church here in Seguin, will install their new pastor on Sunday, April 24, at 4 p.m. at the Silver Center. Congratulations to the congregation and may God bless their ministry and mission under their new pastor! NEWS FROM OUR SOUTHWESTERN TEXAS SYNOD The Cibolo Creek Conference, of which Emanuel’s is a member, will hold its spring assembly on Sunday, April 17th, from 2-5 p.m. at Peace Lutheran Church in New Braunfels. Discussion will center on the upcoming synod assembly to be held two weeks later. Emanuel’s is allotted six voting members. If you’d like to represent our congregation, please contact any of our council members. The annual Synod Assembly for the Southwestern Texas Synod will be start Friday evening, April 29th and end on Sunday, May 1st in San Marcos. Pastor Cannon and delegates appointed by the council per our constitution will represent our congregation. NEWS FROM OUR NATIONAL CHURCH Have you ever attended a national Churchwide Assembly of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America? Most of us have not because one normally has to be an elected delegate. However, this year the ELCA is hosting a “Grace Gathering” alongside the Churchwide Assembly. All interested Lutherans are invited to head to New Orleans for the event, August 10-13 this year. There will be special events for the Grace Gathering and many events will be held in conjunction with the Churchwide Assembly. For more info including registration, go to ELCA.org/GraceGathering.

Life After Loss This six-week grief support and educational series is designed to give grieving people a safe place to connect with others and remember their loved ones. Attending all six sessions is most beneficial, therefore no new participants are accepted after the 2nd session. Sundays, May 15, -June 19, 2016 3:00pm – 5:00pm Facilitated by: Darwin Huartson, M.DIV.BBC Emanuel’s Lutheran Church 206 N. Travis St. Seguin, TX 7815 Located in the Family Life Center On the third floor.

To RSVP or receive more information call Bonnie Cheatham 830-379-5046 Week 1: Overview of Loss Week 2: Stages of Grief Week 3: Healing Memories Week 4: Self-care Methods Week 5: Holidays Week 6: Movinag Forward

And your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, “This is the way, walk in it, when you turn to the right or when you turn to the left. Isaiah 30:21

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Congregation Council

The Church Staff meets on Tuesday from 1:00 PM until 2:00 PM. The phone will be set so that you can leave us a voice message, and we can respond when we are done.

Tuesday, April 19 Tuesday, April 26

6.15 pm Executive Committee 6.15 pm Congregation Council

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Pray for Other Congregations! Each congregation in our Cibolo Creek Conference is being asked to remember other congregations in prayer through the year. We will remember these congregations in our prayers each Sunday, and you are asked to keep them in prayer through the week as well. St. Mark, Adkins St. John, Marion Peace, New Braunfels Beitel Memorial, SA Good News, SA Lord of Life, SA St. John’s, Stockdale

Prince of Peace, SA Triumphant, Garden Ridge Christ, Elm Creek Christ The King, Universal City Grace, Lockhart St. Andrew, Canyon Lake

Ebenezer, Maxwell Trinity, Luling First, San Marcos Christ Chapel, TSU, San Marcos Emanuel’s, Seguin Spirit of Joy, Seguin

Thursday Morning Bible Study Emanuel’s Lutheran Church holds Bible Study each Thursday morning, 7:30-8:30am, led by Interim Pastor Paul Cannon. The Bible Study is open to the public and is held in the Family Life Center on the 3rd floor of the church next to the elevator at the Mountain Street entrance. Come join us.

DEADLINES Information must be in the office by 8:00 am Tuesday mornings for bulletins. Newsletter Information must be in the office by the 15th of each month.

OFFICE HOURS Monday thru Thursday 8:00 am -12:00 pm and 1:00 pm-4:00pm Fridays 8:00 am –12:00 pm and 1:00pm –2:00 pm

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Ladies’ Aid Report By Ann Erxleben Nineteen members, Pastor Cannon, and one visitor were present at the March 2 meeting of the Ladies Aid. The members made 37 visits to homebound and shut-in members. An opening prayer and hymn were followed by Pastor Cannon’s very interesting bible study based on Philippians 2:19. Vice President Beulah Reiley gave the names of the March birthday ladies and anniversary couples. The hymn Count Your Blessings was sung to honor them. Secretary Judy Stollewerk read the minutes of the February meeting and also read correspondence received. Treasurer Judy Campbell gave her report. Standing Committee reports were then made. There will be nursing home bingos to the held after Easter. The committee appointed to check on revising the Ladies Aid Constitution will be scheduling meetings in early spring and summer. The ladies voted to provide $550.00 for shipping expenses for the Lutheran World Relief quilts, hygiene kits and school kits. It was announced that baptismal napkins made by Dorothy Schievelbein were made for the church. The president reminded the ladies of the remaining Lenten services, including Holy Week and Easter Sunday services. A reminder was issued about Daylight Savings Time, would begin on March 13. There being no further business, the meeting adjourned with the Lord’s Prayer and the singing of God Be With You.

Emanuel’s Lutheran Grief and Loss Support Ministry Grief is the normal reaction to the loss of a loved one or to a major change in one’s lifestyle. Grief is natural and necessary as we continue to learn to adapt with the changes in our life; it is a process of adjustment, reconciliation, and healing. There is no one way to grieve or a particular time frame in which we accomplish this task. But we can benefit when we come together to share our experiences. Emanuel’s Lutheran Grief and Loss Support Ministry is available to anyone who has lost a loved one to death or who has gone through a major change in their lifestyle. We want to provide emotional and/or spiritual support for anyone who needs our help. Please contact Donna Simmons, the Grief and Loss Support Coordinator at 830-3795046 for more information.

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OCTOBER 2014

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April 2016 1. Mustard Seeds a. The children have responded to the worship space and find enjoyment in being together. 2. Family Faith Formation a. The children are enjoying helping the younger families and working with each other. b. The kids have enjoyed time together during our family events. 3. Family Events

a.

April is a fun month with exciting new projects!

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Day School News April, 2016 Our spring has sprung! The Garden of Eatin’ has been tilled by Hannah’s dad and prepared for planting by the Garden crew and TLU volunteers. Ms. Janz’s and Ms. Valdez’s classes have planted seeds and are watching tomatoes, peas and beans sprout in their classrooms. Soon little hands will plant the seedlings and watch them grow, all the while taking care of them by watering and weeding until time for harvesting. Carrots, potatoes and okra will be added to the mix. Ms. Janz’s class plants loofa sponges (which many people seem to mistake for cucumbers!) and will use them later for crafts, then capture the seeds for planting again next spring. During the Lenten season, our Pre-K4 and Pre-K3 classes told the “Journey to the Cross” depicted by a pop-up board. Our toddlers discovered “My Easter Basket”, the story of Easter told in colors and shapes. All three classes were able to take home their Easter stories to share with their parents. The big Day School Easter egg hunt was held on the church lawn and school playground on March 24. Check our FB page for great pictures of the fun and games. Last year our facilities improvement plan focused on the outside of the building with painting, new windows and awnings. This year we take a look at the inside with painting, cabinetry for storage and new carpet. A sign will be erected on the corner of Mountain and Travis Streets. Several years ago when the Day School interior walls and classroom shelves were painted, volunteers from the church donned their overalls and grabbed the nearest brush or roller and pitched in. We will ask for volunteers again in April and May, hoping to complete our task by the beginning of the summer session in June. As always, Day School families and staff appreciate the many ways the congregation of Emanuel’s supports this outreach ministry. Registration for the summer session and 2016-2017 school year is underway. We were fortunate to have our Literacy Skills program featured in the Gazette last month, an article which generated much interest and has resulted in phone calls and visits from not only families, but from some interested in employment, also. Three children have been registered for the fall as a result of the publicity from the article. Next month, when the Garden is underway, we will feature the Garden of Eatin’ program and how Ms. Janz incorporates the Garden into her classroom curriculum along with her many Montessori activities and local field trips. Our ministry has so many different experiences and opportunities to offer our church and Seguin community. You are all welcome to visit with us and spread the word to your friends and neighbors about this special program. May the Peace of the Lord be with you always. Deb Haug, Director

Are you handy with a paint brush? The Day School building interior will be painted this spring to present a bright fresh sparkle for the upcoming summer session ad new school year. We will pick a couple of weekends between now and June to paint, and we welcome volunteers from all who are willing and able. Just give Deb a call (3720332) or flag her down at church on Sunday. Thank you again for all of your support.

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Emanuel’s Women of the ELCA (WELCA) By Jeanne Palmer, President We would like to invite all the women of the Church to come join us in our monthly Bible study. If you are working, we have Faith Circle in the evenings. Joy Circle meets in the mornings for those that need an earlier time to meet. April 6 – Ladies Aid 2:00 pm Women’s Ministry Room, Ida Mae Schulz, Bernice Tschoepe April 14 – Joy Circle 9:30 am Women’s Ministry Room, Lorene Schievelbein, hostess April 19 – Faith Circle meets 7:00 pm Women’s Ministry, Room Beulah Reiley, hostess; Susan Yeatts, Bible Study Leader This year we set our goals high for Lutheran World Relief and went above our goals. We made over 275 quilts. This year we will also ship about 120 school kits and 55 Personal Care Kits. The gifts were packed and shipped March 30, 2016. This is a very rewarding ministry. You don’t have to sew. All are welcome to join this ministry. The Quilter’s for Lutheran World Relief meet every Monday 9:00 – 12:00. This year Joy Circle gathered the items for the Personal Care Kits. WELCA represents all the women of the church. We gather in fellowship twice a year. We send representatives to church conferences. Our projects are all the projects of the Circles, Alter Guild, Ladies Aide, Mission Action, Mission Community and Quilters of Lutheran World Relief. We invite all women to come join one or more of our organizations. We have great fellowship and service to others. Come join the fun.

EXCERPTS FROM JONATHAN YOUNG, OUR MISSIONARY IN HUNGARY

It's hard to believe this term of service and volunteering is past the midway point. The beginning of February starts a time of festivities throughout Hungary . . . much like Mardi Gras. A few days a week I am at the primary school . . . first and second graders . . . they are super cool . . . honest interest in things like animals and airplanes. On the fourth . . . students performed a song in English. . . . those involved should be dressed as clowns. My role was the circus announcer, sporting a polka dot bowtie and top-hat. I was proud of the students and realized how involved I had become in these classes that I teach, both in the primary and secondary schools. Also seized an opportunity to visit the Roma church in town . . . a group that systematically is oppressed by the majority, something some of us may be all too familiar with back home in the states regarding race and gender oppression. I have attended a couple of seminars about the Roma community and the racism they experience. (His letter concludes with a recipe for Plum Dumplings (Szilvas Gomboc). If you want the detailed recipe, stop by the church office and we'll make a copy!)

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EMANUEL’S LUTHERAN CHURCH ATTENDANCE/MINISTRY REPORTS Month: April Year: 2016

Special Services

Please let the Church Office know of any changes to addresses, phone numbers or email addresses. Thank You!

Seguin Assisted Living GVNC Remarkable Health Care Argent Court Nesbit Nursing Home Windsor Nursing Home Senior Service Hacienda Oaks

nd

2 Wed 2nd Thurs 4th Tues 3rd Wed 3rd Thurs 4th Wed Thursday 2nd Wed

Total 2:00 pm 10:00 am 10:30 am 2:00 pm 10:30 am 2:00 pm 11:30 am 10:00 am

12 22 16 20 15 29 36 16

Leaders and Volunteers for Community Senior Ministries Thanks! Thanks! Thanks! To Debbie Richardson and Bonnie Cheatham for all their tireless efforts in getting the time and talents sheet tabulated and ready for all of us to use. Thank, too, for all of you who took time to fill out a time and talents sheet. Come by the office to see all the people ready to help in the area for which you need workers.

Thanks to Celeste Koepsel for donating two air-pump thermoses to the church. One is used weekly at the hospitality cart while the office staff is enjoying the other one.

Pastor Paul L. Cannon Tom Engler Gene Vivroux Kathleen Boeder Judy Campbell Johnana Clark Ann Erxleben Hughlene Micheli Fran Vinyard Connie Meyer Karen Weinstein

Velma Huebner Beulah Reiley Betty Fischer Beverly Jobe Charles Jobe Beverly Funderburg Ervin Fischer Estelle Illhardt Margie Dietert Nelson Erxleben Walter Seidenschwarz Beverly Seidenschwarz

Note of Thanks Dear Emanuel’s Family, The family of Robert Lee Markgraf Sr. would like to thank the members of Emanuel’s who sent food, memorials, cards, and served at Roberts’ services. Special thanks to Pastor Cannon for his visits and to Willie for his comforting words at the service. God bless. The Markgraf Family

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Our Congregation Prayer Requests

…the families of Jeremy Hooper Ralph Davis

Our Family and Friends in the Military

THOSE IN NEED OF PRAYER...Please remember the following people in your prayers this week: Members of Emanuel’s: Suzanne Daugherty, Elnora Dove, Elaine Giesber, Fritz Grimm, Robert and Cindy Haecker, Ted Holtz, Lambert Hollub, Megin Koch, Rosa Lee Knutson, William Krueger, Melba Lentz, Kenneth Roach, Dennis Sagebiel, Kathy Sagebiel, Shirley Schulz, Nancy Cyrena Smith, Maxine and Robert Stansberry, Walter Ulbricht, Gene Vivroux, Beth Zies. Family and Friends: Nancy Ayotte, Kim Baehr, Gaylan Canada, Dr. Barbara Davis, James Deatherage, Wade Franklin and Jessica Franklin, Mary Garcia, Alicia Garcia, Marsha Harrison, Korey Kirchner, Mark William Kriewald, Lucille Krenz, Catherine Muehlbrad, Rosanne Mills, Gloria Mitchell, Mrs. R. Neuse, Salvador Ramon, Jr., Arlon Retzloff, Rick Roberts, Kenneth Schrank, Diane Smith, Elias Tovar, Lillie Mae Wieding, Rusty Williamson, Ariana Young, Patty Zimmerman.

Emanuel’s Prayer Chain Ann Erxleben is the contact person. Please call Ann at 830-379-5259 with your prayer request. HOMEBOUND COMMUNION ASSISTANTS Elliott Briell, Landon Cheatham, Jarett Carroll, Houston Edwards, Gordon Ehler, Danny Edwards, Alicia Jobe, Dustin Matula and Brent Stehling,

Emanuel’s Lutheran Church is in need of members who will give of their time to visit those from Emanuel’s who are homebound. We have many members who cannot attend church on a regular basis and who would love to have someone visit with them and also give them communion. Please call the church office if you would like to help out with this necessary and important ministry.

STRENGTHENING OUR FAITH THROUGH FOOD, FUN & FELLOWSHIP (FFF) is a support group of people who are widowed, divorced, separated, or single. FFF meets once a month for Sunday lunch at either a restaurant, here at Emanuel’s, or in one of the members' homes. FFF's purpose is to support each other, pray for each other, and just have a good time being together once each month. The next meeting will be Sunday, April 17 at 12 noon in the Women’s Ministry Room. Each attendee is asked to bring a favorite dish to share. Contact Donna Simmons at 830-372-3688.