congregational leadership worship services &...
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NON‐PROFIT ORG.U.S. POSTAGE
PAID Permit No. 80 Seguin, Texas 78156‐1049
December 5, 2010 8:00 & 10:30 am Gifts for the King/2nd Sunday of Advent Holy Communion/Hunger Sunday 9:15 am Sunday School/Confirmation Class December 12, 2010 8:00 & 10:30 am 3rd Sunday of Advent/Holy Communion
9:15 am Sunday School/Confirmation Class/Altar Guild 11:30 am Congregational Meeting
December 15 2010 NEWSLETTER DEADLINE! December 19, 2010 8:00 & 10:30 am 4th Sunday of Advent/ Holy Communion
9:15 am Sunday School/Confirmation Class 3:00 pm Christmas Caroling
December 24, 2010 Day School closed 12:00 pm Church Office Closed 2:30 pm Christmas Eve/Holy Communion 7:00 pm Christmas Eve/Family/Candlelight Service 11:00 pm Christmas Eve/Holy Communion/Candlelight December 25, 2010 9:30 am Christmas Day/Holy Communion December 26, 2010 8:00 & 10:30 am First Sunday of Christmas/
Holy Communion/ 9:15 am Sunday School/Confirmation Class
Staff Pastor The Rev. Paul J. Zwarich Hospital Visitation Pastor in San Antonio The Rev. Darwin Huartson Pastoral Assistant Willie Spreen Director of Music & Worship Thomas Engler Administrative Assistant Jeannie Hall Director of Youth & Family Ministries Ariel Williams Receptionist/Office Secretary Bonnie Cheatham Day School Director Burlene LeClair Nursery Coordinator Heidi Koepsel Wedding Coordinator Dee Dee Burns
Congregation Council
Natalie Alexander John Baumann Evelyn Dittmar (Secretary) Denise Hufnagl (Vice-President) Brian Jones Toni Ludzenski Roland Naumann Ronald Naumann (President) Christa Nichols Jeanne Palmer (Treasurer) Aaron Seidenberger
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
Emanuels’ Mission Statement
To proclaim God’s grace through Word and
Sacrament, and to bear witness to God’s Kingdom
in our daily lives.
Worship Services & Events Congregational Leadership
Worship Services 8:00 a.m.
& 10:30 a.m.
From the Pastor
ISSUE 9 DECEMBER 2010 VOLUME 12
Yes it’s that time of the year again. The Christmas Season is upon us. In just a few shorts weeks we will go through one of the most blessed and wondrous seasons where we will hear the familiar story of the birth of Jesus and sing the hymns and carols of the most wonderful time of the year. The Advent and Christmas period is a time of preparation, celebration and renewal. I would like to invite you to take advantage of all the worship and fellowship opportunities of the season and invite you to join us for worship. Our Christmas Eve and Christmas Worship Schedule is as follows:
Friday December 24 Christmas Eve Services
2:30 Worship with Holy Communion 7:00 PM Family Christmas Program and Candlelighting
11:00 pm Christmas Eve Service with Holy Communion and Candlelighting
Saturday December 25 Christmas Day Service
9:30 AM Christmas Day Service with Holy Communion
Sunday December 26 8:00 & 10:30 Worship Services with Holy Communion
and the Nine Readings & Carols
Please feel free to invite a friend, a neighbor, or a coworker to come and experience the joy
and wonder of the Christmas Season with you. “And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.’” Luke 2:9-14
Merry Christmas And may the news of the Christ Child fill your hearts and souls with joy. Pastor Paul
Lectionary Readings for December 2010 Date First Reading Psalm Second Reading Gospel
December 5 Isaiah 11:1-10 Psalm 72:1-7, 18-19 Romans 15:4-13 Matthew 3:1-12 December 12 Isaiah 35:1-10 Psalm 146:5-10 James 5:7-10 Matthew 11:2-11 December 19 Isaiah 7:10-16 Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19 Romans 1:1-7 Matthew 1:18-25 December 24 Isaiah 9:2-7 Psalm 96 Titus 2:11-14 Luke 2:1-14[15-20] December 25 Isaiah 62:6-12
Isaiah 52:7-10 Psalm 97 Psalm 98
Titus 3:4-7 Hebrews 1:1-4[5-12]
Luke 2:[1-7]8-20 John 1:1-14
December 26 Isaiah 63:7-9 Psalm 148 Hebrews 2:10-18 Matthew 2:13-23
ISSUE 9 DECEMBER 2010 VOLUME 12
From Willie’s Desk
I’ve just finished writing the annual report for the Outreach Committee. Outreach is the new approach for the old Evangelism Activity. The 2010 report is about the new members Emanuel’s has received. Outreach actually is a broader scope than just adding new members. Outreach encompasses all of those activities which demonstrates God’s love through us to others. All of those items in our budget which go to care for others is our Outreach. They include: Local benevolence, Christian Cupboard, Salvation Army, Angel Food, Drug Assistance, and all other appeals that occur during the year. Emanuel’s is a caring group of people, but the question remains,” Is Emanuel’s doing, for others all it can?” There’s a question that I recall from my youth. “Should I continue to give again and again?” The sage’s answer is, “You can stop giving when God stops giving to you.” Outreach isn’t only about money, but also your time and your continued caring. Willie
Thrivent Members: Choice dollars will be available soon. Watch your mail for your letter from Thrivent or you may visit Thrivent.com/thriventchoice or by calling 1‐800‐847‐4836 to vote. Potential designated Choice Dollar amounts range from $25 to $500 for eligible benefit members. By directing designated Choice Dollars, you can request funding for Lutheran campus, schools, seminaries, campus ministries – even Emanuel’s Lutheran Church.
New Class Starts 1st Sunday Advent Where: Chapel Topic: The Lutheran Liturgy – Heritage And Scriptural Origins Who: Everyone Welcome When:
November 28, 2010 Introduction To Lutheran Liturgy December 5, 2010 The Structure Of Liturgy December 12, 2010 Jewish Origins Of Christian Worship December 19, 2010 The Table Fellowship December 26, 2010 Liturgy And The Life Of Jesus January 2, 2010 The Liturgy Of The Word January 9, 2010 The Liturgy Of The Sacrament January 16, 2010 The Entrance, Preparation And Distribution January 23, 2010 The Lutheran Liturgy January 30, 2010 The Church Year And Sunday February 7, 2010 The Services Of Prayer Februrary 14, 2010Catechesis, Baptism And The Liturgy Of Life
Thank you to Pastor Paul and Willie Spreen for all the visits. The cards from the guilds helped to brighten my day. Thank you for the prayers.
Grace Saegert and family
To the Prayer Chain of Emanuel’s Lutheran Church, Thank you for your prayers for my healing after surgery it’s always a good feeling to be remembered.
Sincerely, Leslie “Pete” Kallies
Thank You! Thank You! The Ladies Aid would like to thank all the volunteers who gave of their time to help make the bazaar a success. Also thank you to all who donated items for the bazaar. Your time and talents are deeply appreciated.
Velma Huebner President
Autumn with the Day School
ISSUE 9 DECEMBER 2010 VOLUME 12
Sebastopol
The Pumpkin Patch
The Halloween Parade
The Fair Parade Best Entry… Business/Commercial
Willie Oscar Ariel
‘Happy Tails’ visited with some exotic animals
Emanuel’s Women of the ELCA (WELCA) By Cathy Anderson Emanuel’s WELCA President
“Gifts for the King” collection will be Dec. 5th. If you have any questions, talk to Estelle Illhardt.
The members of Dorcas Circle have decided to retire as an organized group. Their December meeting will be their last one. Please invite those ladies to join your circle.
If you like saving food labels, Campbell’s Soup for example, you can now give them to the Emanuel’s Day School. Take them to the church office and put them in the day school box. Please do not place them on top of the refrigerator in the Women’s Ministry Room.
For years, the women of Emanuel’s have collected cancelled postage stamps that were trimmed and sent on in bulk to an organization in Washington, DC that provides a job to mentally challenged adults processing the stamps for collectors. If you would like to participate, information about this group and their mailing address is now posted on the refrigerator in the Women’s Ministry Room. Please do not leave a bag of stamps on the top of the refrigerator anymore. There are stamps on the fridge top that you are welcome to take, process and mail.
Altar Guild has boxed Christmas cards for sale in the WMR case. They are $6 per box and the money can be left with Jeannie in the church office.
Thanks to Bonnie in the church office. She is working on the Yearbook for 2011.
ISSUE 9 DECEMBER 2010 VOLUME 12
Ladies Aid By Velma Huebner, Emanuel’s Ladies Aid President
Twenty two members and 3 guests were present for the Ladies Aid Meeting. It was reported that members made 34 visits in October.
Velma Huebner called the meeting to order and welcomed everyone. She also gave the opening prayer after which the members sang “We Give The but Thine Own.”
Pastor Paul presented a topic on stewardship. Birthday ladies were recognized as there were no anniversaries. Minutes were read by Beulah Reiley, and Judy Campbell gave the treasurer’s report. Standing committees gave their reports.
It was reported that the Christmas luncheon is going well, and special guests’ invitations will go out this week. Mary Margaret Bobo reported on the Windsor Nursing Home bingo with the help of Myrtle Huebinger and Maxine Luedke. All bazaar committees were finalized and ready to go for Tuesday, November 9.
The property stewards, Pastor Paul, Frances Vinyard, Willie Spreen and the hostesses were thanked. December hostesses will be the officers of Ladies Aid.
Velma reminded everyone of the bazaar on Tuesday, November 9 and last baking of coffee cakes on Monday, November 8. Velma also reminded members of the Festival of Thanksgiving on Tuesday, November 23, at Emanuel’s. Church Women United is hosting the World Community Day Celebration at Cross Church (on N. Bauer ) at 2 p.m. on Friday, November 5
Ladies Aid Christmas Luncheon on Wednesday, December 1 at noon.
The meeting adjourned with the Lord’s Prayer and singing “God Be with You ‘Til We Meet Again.”
ISSUE 9 DECEMBER 2010 VOLUME 12
Dates to Remember
Faith Circle
Wednesday, December 14, 2010 at 7:00 p.m.
Emanuel’s Women’s Ministry Room Hostess: TBA
Bible Study Leader: TBA Dorcas Circle
Thursday, December 9, 2010 at 2:00 p.m.
Hostess: Annabelle Koehler, Mary Margaret Bobo
Bible Study Leader: Mary Margaret Bobo Joy Circle
Thursday, December 9, 2010 at 9:30 a.m.
Hostess: Rhoda Oestreich Bible Study Leader: Pat Hoppe
Ladies Aid Christmas LuncheonWednesday, December 1, 2010
at 12:00 p.m. Hostesses: Ladies Aid Officers
Altar Guild Meeting Sunday, December 12
In the Hospitality Room
NOTICE
The Church Staff meets every Tuesday, from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm. The phone will be set so that you can leave us a voice message, and we can respond when we are done.
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.
“Working Wednesdays”Month of December, there will not be an Executive meeting, Congregational Council meeting and no All Committee Meeting
STRENGTHENING OUR FAITH THROUGH FOOD, FUN, AND FELLOWSHIP
Singles Group will meet at 12:15 pm on Sunday, December 19 at the home of Virginia Balter 130 Lone Oak. If you have any
questions please call Virginia at 830‐433‐4280 .
PRAY FOR OTHER CONGREGATIONS!
Each congregation in our San Antonio Conference is being asked to remember other congregations in prayer through the year, and all have been sent a schedule of weeks in which to pray for a specific congregation. We will remember these congregations in our prayers each Sunday, and you are asked to keep them in prayer through the week. Those for whom we pray in December: December 5 St. Paul, New Braunfels December 12 Camino Real, San Antonio December 19 The Branches Worshiping Community December 26 Beitel Memorial, San Antonio
Council Corner • Pastor Paul will work with Hawkins Personnel Services and King Janitorial Services to find a Janitor/Light
Maintenance Person.
• The compensation for the Nursery will be $ 40.00 per Sunday
• New Member Sunday will be Nov. 21
• The Handicap Ramp was discussed. Pastor Paul will announce Sunday Morning the status of the pledges we have received so far. The estimate cost for the ramp (not including the landscaping and curb work) is $ 19,700.00
• The Council Dinner will be held on Wednesday December 22 at 6:30 at Blakes.
A YOUTHFUL APPROACH
By Ariel Williams – Director of Youth & Family Ministries The weekend of Nov. 5-7th we had 11 confirmation youth attend the Synod Jr. High Gathering at Camp Chrysalis in Kerrville, TX. They participated in worship, small group studies, workshops, games, got to know youth from other churches in our Synod, as well as continue to bond with one another. A big thank you to Wayne Stalsworth who acted as our male chaperone. We all had a great time!!! On Sunday Nov. 14th 10 youth gathered following the 10:30a church service and made Christmas Cards to be delivered with the holiday meals and to our nursing home and care facility shut-ins. The kids made over 90 Christmas Cards. It was great to see the ideas and creativity that each of our kids possess.
ISSUE 9 DECEMBER 2010 VOLUME 12
ISSUE 9 DECEMBER 2010 VOLUME 12
December 5 will be “Gifts for the King” Sunday. This annual event is held to collect items to be given to those in need. Family Protective Services can use items in serving the children who come into their care, many of whom are living with grandparents on limited income. Suggested donations are baby items: wipes, shampoo, body wash, powder, and onesies in all sizes for boys and girls. Socks and underwear for boys and girls all sizes including teen. Walmart and HEB gift cards in $25.00 increments. When something that they don’t have on hand is needed for a child, they use the gift card to purchase what is needed, such as clothes, school supplies, etc. You may bring donations to services on that Sunday or leave them at the church office earlier. Contact Estelle Illhardt for more information (830)379‐3100.
Sunday Services Sunday, November 28, 2010
The First Sunday of Advent 8:00 & 10:30 a.m.
Worship Services with Holy Communion Blessing the Greens
9:15 a.m. Make an Advent Wreath for your home!
Sunday, December 5, 2010 The Second Sunday of Advent
8:00 & 10:30 a.m. Worship Services with Holy Communion
Gifts for the King Sunday
Sunday, December 12, 2010 The Third Sunday of Advent
8:00 & 10:30 a.m. Worship Services with Holy Communion
Sunday, December 19, 2010 The Fourth Sunday of Advent
8:00 & 10:30 a.m. Worship Services with Holy Communion.
After Service: Decking the Halls Fellowship 3:00 p.m. Caroling and Refreshments
Sunday, December 26, 2010
The First Sunday after Christmas Nine Readings & Carols
8:00 & 10:30 a.m. Worship Service with Holy Communion
Midweek Advent Services
Thursday, December 2, 2010 12:05-12:35 p.m. Advent Service followed by lunch
Thursday, December 9, 2010 10:00 a.m. Guadalupe Valley Nursing Center
11:30 a.m. Senior Service 12:05-12:35 p.m. Advent Service followed by lunch
Thursday, December 16, 2010 10:30 Nesbit Nursing Home
12:05 p.m. Advent Service followed by lunch
Christmas Services
Friday, December 24, 2010 2:30 p.m. Worship Service with Holy Communion
Light refreshments to follow 7:00 p.m. Family Christmas Service
Children's Christmas Program and Candlelighting
11:00 p.m. Christmas Eve Service of Holy Communion with Candlelighting
Saturday, December 25, 2010 9:30 a.m. Christmas Day Service with
Holy Communion
‘TIS THE SEASON AT EMANUEL’S
Social Concerns
Once again this year the Social Concerns Committee will offer the option of honoring or remembering a loved one by supporting the Lutheran World Relief Critters-Cow Project and/or by purchasing a poinsettia to decorate the altar at Christmas. Below you will find a form to specify your preferences this Christmas. Please fill out the form, enclose it in an envelope, and drop it in the offering plate along with payment or send it to: Emanuel's Lutheran Church 206 North Travis Street Seguin, Texas 78155
Cost of Poinsettias is $10.00. You may donate any amount you wish to the Critters-Cow Project. Deadline to ensure poinsettias for Christmas is Wednesday, December 8, 2010.
I WOULD LIKE TO DECORATE THE ALTAR WITH POINSETTIAS Given in MEMORY of: ________________ _________________________________
Or Given in HONOR of: _________________ _________________________________ GIVEN BY:_________________________ _________________________________ # of Poinsettias Ordered: _____________
I WOULD LIKE TO SUPPORT THE
Lutheran World Relief Critters-Cow Project
Given in MEMORY of: ________________ _________________________________
Or Given in HONOR of: _________________ _________________________________ GIVEN BY:_________________________ _________________________________ Amount of Donation: __________________
ISSUE 9 DECEMBER 2010 VOLUME 12
Emanuel's Ladies Aid Quilt Raffle Tickets $1 each or 6 for $5
The quilters of the Emanuel's Ladies Aid are raffling a queen‐size, hand‐ quilted, blue window pane quilt for their annual bazaar. The drawing for the winner will take place at their annual Christmas luncheon on Wednesday, December 1. Tickets are available from any of the quilting ladies or the church office.
Music Ministry Notes Tom Engler, Director of Worship and Music
Of the four services that Emanuel’s offers on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, which one should be your choice to attend? How about ALL of them: Oh, well, you know that I’m half kidding. Over my 32 years of service to Emanuel’s I have had ample opportunity to just sit back and enjoy the beauty that is the eye of the beholder within our walls during the Advent/Christmas cycle, and it made me think about writing this little piece for you today.
Nature provides, free of charge, the gift of natural light which fills the nave from all four compass directions and which has a profound effect on the appearance on objects within. It creates a kaleidoscope of shape and hues that I will attempt to share with you now. The first Christmas Eve service, at 2.30, finds the outside light streaming in mostly from the west, for even though the early is early, we are only three days past the winter solstice, and the shadows are long. The steeply angled position of the sun’s rays as they penetrate the west window and, to some degree, the south windows, cause the dominant colors in the nave to be rich and sumptuous – the red of the poinsettias, the rich green of the Christmas tree and the beautiful blues in the windows of the south transept, not to mention the reds and oranges that are found in the stained glass of the west window. This mid‐afternoon gift from God is such a quietly lovely sight. Let go of the hustle and bustle for about an hour and commune with God surrounded by family, friends and visitors. The evening services at 7 and at 11 are dependent upon artificial light until the time of the candle lighting service. The natural lights are extinguished for several minutes as we hum, and then sing, the dear, familiar strains of “Silent Night.” Our hearts are gently and firmly warmed as the candle glow grows from the front of the nave to the back. If only we could bask in its beauty for a longer time. God through Nature is showering us with His love. Christmas morning! Now there’s a special time. At the 9.30 hour, the light of God’s glorious Sun is streaming in the north and east windows and competes successfully with the giant oak and the organ. And then there are the poinsettias! Affected by this flood of morning light, the redness of the leaves, which we take so for granted, is infused with fire, as, perhaps, from the Holy Spirit. What a marvelous sight! I don’t think it is my imagination, but the whole atmosphere seems cleaner and fresher on Christmas morning. Maybe these are just the ramblings of middle‐aged bachelor who has nothing else to do but ponder aesthetic things. Maybe there’s more to than that. I like to think so.
ISSUE 9 DECEMBER 2010 VOLUME 12
Church Audit Emanuel’s Lutheran Church hired Randy Walker & Company Certified Public Accountants to perform an audit of the church for the year 2009. The audit has been completed, if you would like a copy to review you may come by the church office and pick one up.
Emanuel’s Lutheran Church Annual Congregational Meeting
is set for Sunday, December 12, 2010
at 11:30 a.m.
ISSUE 9 DECEMBER 2010 VOLUME 12
ALOA, Association of Lutheran Older Adults, is an inter-Lutheran movement that provides resources for older adult
ministry of the ELCA and LC-MS.
Senior Fest 2011
February 5
Theme Our Journey:
Memory and Mission
Sponsored by Association of Lutheran Older Adults In cooperation with Texas District - LC-MS Southwest Synod of the ELCA
Keynote speaker
The Reverend Doctor Robert G. Hughes Past President of Lutheran Theological Seminary, Philadelphia, PA
Professor of Preaching, Worship, Leadership and Renewal Vice President of ALOA
Author
Our life journey is composed of several interwoven stories—God’s Story, Our Story, Our Community Story and those of our faith models, to name a few. According to Dr. Hughes, our lives are sacred stories because God is at work in us. In the fourth quarter of life, we begin to gain perspective on our journey. Join us on Saturday, February 5, to reflect on the journey, savor the memory, claim the mission and refine the perspective.
Workshops: participants may choose to participate in two from a menu of nine,
Faith Lutheran Church 4010 Williams Drive
Georgetown, TX
Cost: $25 per person
Time: 8:00 am – 3:30 pm
Registration document will be available in
November
Joe & Sharon Kane 162 Forest Dr.
Seguin, Tx 78155 830‐401‐0708
Anne Kane 162 Forest Dr.
Seguin, Tx 78155 830‐401‐0708
Joyce Benton 1133 Ashby St. Apt. 1 Seguin, Tx 78155 830‐379‐2935
Sandra Kennedy 220 Pecan Dr. NE
McQueeney, Tx 78123 830‐743‐2744
Carol Pursley 1220 Jefferson Ave. # 214
Seguin, Tx 78155 830‐401‐0735
Amy Malik Lindsey & Trey P.O. Box 211
Geronimo, Tx 78115 830‐372‐1240
Peter & Jackie Silvius Casey & Peyton 603 N. River
Seguin, Tx 78155 830‐372‐3905
Ron & Kristi Quiros Joshua, Taylor & Makenzie
160 Plantation Dr. Seguin, Tx 78155 830‐560‐1353
ISSUE 9 DECEMBER 2010 VOLUME 12
Our Congregation
Prayers requested
Members
Laura Merz, Taena Miller, Mike Haug, Evelyn Friedeck, Pearl Graham, Jo Emily Prochnow, Marian Strey, Udo Schmokel, Lydia Whitwell, William Koehler,
Louis Schneider, Benola Doran and Grace Saegert.
Friends & Family
Marie Riemenschneider, Linda & Steve Mosley, Miranda Barker, Doris Oerlti, Jan Morris, Cindy Pennington, Jay Jones, Inez Roe, Pauline Trost, Bonnie Long, Robert R.
Tenayuca, Mary Jane Schaetter, Susan Kenndey, Jamine Dalton, Bill Wieding, Richard McCullough, Josh
Hrachovina, Sylvie Campbell and David Van Houten & family.
…the families of Gertrude Engler Schilling
Aunt of Tom Engler Frieda Lenz
Edmund Kuempel Rev. Robert Sauer Brother of Joyce Benton
Mariel Martinez Friend of Shiryl Gaitan
Emanuel’s Prayer ChainAnn Erxleben is the contact person. Please call Ann at 830‐379‐5259 with your prayer
request.
Congratulations to
Kevin Keoki and Brandi Lyn Stehling May Who were married here at Emanuel’s Lutheran Church on
Saturday, November 20, 2010.
Jarett Carroll, Landon Cheatham,
Ben Russell, Michael Sullivan
Our Family and Friends
in the Military
If you need to reach the church Sunday mornings during worship service, please call the church phone number (830) 379‐5046 and after the recording please dial extension 214. This phone will ring in the usher’s room in the Narthex.
We are putting together a list of persons who would like e‐mails sent to them of church events.
Please e‐mail the church at info@emanuels‐seguin.org
with a request to receive last minute notices.