. NON‐PROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE PAID Permit No. 80 Seguin, Texas 78156‐1049 March 6, 2011 8:00 & 10:30 am Transfiguration of Our Lord Holy Communion/Hunger Sunday 9:15 am Sunday School/Confirmation Class 10:30 am Baptism 11:30 am Special Call Congregational Meeting March 9, 2011 12:00 pm Ash Wednesday Service/Holy Communion 7:00 pm Ash Wednesday Service/Holy Communion March 13, 2011 8:00 & 10:30 am First Sunday in Lent / Holy Communion/Temple Talk 9:15 am Sunday School/Confirmation Class 6:30 pm Youth Night March 15, 2011 NEWSLETTER DEADLINE! March 20, 2011 8:00 & 10:30 am Second Sunday in Lent /Holy Communion 9:15 am Sunday School/Confirmation Class 6:30 pm Youth Night March 27, 2011 8:00 & 10:30 am Third Sunday in Lent/ Holy Communion 9:15 am Sunday School/Confirmation Class 12:15 pm Singles Food, Fun & Fellowship 6:30 pm Youth Night 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 Debora Almquist Natalie Alexander (Vice-President) John Baumann (Treasurer) Evelyn Dittmar (Secretary) Lee Jahns Toni Ludzenski Roland Naumann Ronald Naumann (President) Christa Nichols Jeanne Palmer Donna Raetzsch 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.
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NON‐PROFIT ORG.U.S. POSTAGE
PAID Permit No. 80 Seguin, Texas 78156‐1049
March 6, 2011 8:00 & 10:30 am Transfiguration of Our Lord Holy Communion/Hunger Sunday 9:15 am Sunday School/Confirmation Class 10:30 am Baptism 11:30 am Special Call Congregational Meeting March 9, 2011 12:00 pm Ash Wednesday Service/Holy Communion 7:00 pm Ash Wednesday Service/Holy Communion March 13, 2011 8:00 & 10:30 am First Sunday in Lent / Holy Communion/Temple Talk
9:15 am Sunday School/Confirmation Class 6:30 pm Youth Night March 15, 2011 NEWSLETTER DEADLINE! March 20, 2011 8:00 & 10:30 am Second Sunday in Lent /Holy Communion 9:15 am Sunday School/Confirmation Class
6:30 pm Youth Night March 27, 2011 8:00 & 10:30 am Third Sunday in Lent/ Holy Communion 9:15 am Sunday School/Confirmation Class 12:15 pm Singles Food, Fun & Fellowship 6:30 pm Youth Night
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
Debora Almquist Natalie Alexander (Vice-President) John Baumann (Treasurer) Evelyn Dittmar (Secretary) Lee Jahns Toni Ludzenski Roland Naumann Ronald Naumann (President) Christa Nichols Jeanne Palmer Donna Raetzsch Aaron Seidenberger
A few weeks ago I was asked about the meaning of the number forty in the Bible. I thought about this request again today as I looked at my calendar and realized that the Season of Lent will soon be upon us. The duration of Lent is based upon an ancient church custom of preparing people for baptism. In the early church many baptismal candidates underwent a forty-day period of doctrinal instruction and fasting before being baptized on the evening before Easter. This time of preparation was called quarantine from the Latin word for forty. The number forty occurs frequently in the Bible and signifies the time required for discipline, testing, and separation prior to achieving a goal or new beginning. In our modern world where everything is instant this may seem strange and make us feel uncomfortable. It may also prove to be a big challenge for us because our attention span is very short. Yet the number forty is Biblical. It rained for forty days and forty nights during the flood. Moses spent forty days with God on Mount Sinai before receiving the Ten Commandments. The people of Israel wandered in the Wilderness for forty years. Jesus fasted in the desert for forty days prior to being tempted by the devil.
In a few days we will begin our forty day journey through Lent and once again the call for repentant preparation will be before us. As we journey through the season we are encouraged to prepare ourselves for Easter by contemplating our sin and our need for the atoning work of the Crucified Christ as we meditate on the great paschal mystery -- the salvation God won for us sinners by the suffering, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
And if you so choose, you may give up something or rededicate yourself to helping those in
need as a way to proclaim the salvation Christ has won for all by His suffering and death. However, it is essential to remember that nothing we do through self-denial or good works can ever earn the Lord's forgiveness or repay Him for what He accomplished for us. Lent is not about our giving up something to please God. Lent is about what Jesus Christ gave up to pay the penalty for the sins of the world – namely His holy and innocent life.
May the Holy Spirit strengthen you and guide you this Lenten Season Pastor Paul
From Willie’s Desk
Recently there was a matter which was bothering me. It was of a personal situation which, in some ways, was causing friction between me and another person.
Then I read an article in “Seeds for the Parish” about ‘conflict & resolution’. This article suggested that we should read scripture, meditate and pray. Like the line out of an old song book; ‘take it to the Lord in prayer’.
I’m going to offer a different approach. Let go & let God! A new motto, if you will.
Willie Let Go & Let God!
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Emanuel’s Women of the ELCA (WELCA) By Cathy Anderson Emanuel’s WELCA President
Lutheran World Relief kit preparations are well under way. Everything will need to be bagged and boxed in time to be delivered to TLU on April 27th. Stay tuned. Elin Oelke is coordinating the school kits. Those are at the assembly stage. Rhoda Oestreich with the Joy Circle is coordinating the Personal Care kits (aka Health Kits). A display of the ingredients is in the Narthex and in the bulletin. If you have clothing, please donate it to “The Cranny” or Goodwill. With March we are entering the season of Lent. Lenten lunches begin on March 16th. Ladies Aid will provide lunch that day. Faith Circle will host on April 6th. The San Antonio Conference Event, which we hosted last year, will be held on April 2nd at Zion Lutheran in Helotes. When the registration materials arrive, I will post a notice in the bulletin and get information to the circle and Ladies Aid leaders. March 4 is Church Women United “World Day of Prayer”. The meeting will be at Second Baptist Church, Seguin at 2pm. If you need a box of sympathy or get well cards, they are located in a case in the Women’s Ministry Room in the bottom floor of the church. Please give your money to the church office. This is a project of the Altar Guild. Individually priced Easter cards will be there soon. I don’t see a need at this time for the Coordinating Council meeting on March 20th, so it is cancelled.
Ladies Aid
No meeting due to inclement weather.
WELCA has a goal for sending 20 Personal Care Kits to Lutheran World Relief. Donations are welcome and boxes will be provided at both church entrances.
Personal Care Kit One bath-size towel (52" x27"), dark color
Two bath-size (4-5oz.) bars of soap, in original packaging One adult-size toothbrush in its original packaging
One sturdy comb, wide tooth One metal nail clipper
Hosted by ELYO Easter Morning
April 24, 2011
Serving from 7:00 – 10:00 a.m. In Emanuel’s Fellowship Hall
Freewill Offerings Accepted
Day school news
The staff treated Kelly Schoenvogel to dinner when she resigned to take care of her new daughter. Front row, lt. to rt.: Vanna Garcia, Kelly Schoenvogel, Cathie Shoenvogel Back row: Angie Pereira, Rachel Scott, Burlene LeClair Lanette Janz also joined us. She’s behind the camera…(“as always” quotes the staff ☺ )
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Note Time Change! Daylights savings March 13, 2011
Turn your clocks ahead on hour!
Donations to support the ELYO program And help with the cost of the upcoming
2012 ELCA Youth Gathering in New Orleans in July 2012
“Working Wednesdays” March 2, 2011 5:15 pm Executive meeting March 2, 2011 6:15 pm Congregational Council meeting All Committee Meeting no meeting in March
CALLING ALL ANGELS – EARTH ANGELS, PAST AND FUTURE!
Relay for Life will be held April 29‐30 this year, and it will be at the Fairgrounds, so we don’t have to worry about rain! YAY! Emanuel’s Earth Angels is already registered as a team, so now we just need the members. If you are interested in being a part of our group, please let us know. You can call Marsha Schroeder at 401‐1529 or the Church Office at 379‐5046. I will contact you with information about the team meetings, etc. There will also be a notice in the bulletin when the first meeting is scheduled. Thanks – See you there!
Toast to Texas At Sebastopol Historical State Park Wednesday, March 2, 2011
at 1:30 p.m.
Emanuel’s will be sounding the bells along with other Churches
Hostess: Jo Emily Prochnow Bible Study Leader: Elaine Giesber
Ladies Aid Wednesday, March 2, 2011
at 2:00 p.m. Hostesses: Nola Kleinschmidt,
Estelle Illhardt
Altar Guild No Meeting in March
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 throughout the week.
Those for whom we pray in March: March 6 Grace, San Antonio March 13 Agua Viva, Laredo March 20 Highland Park, San Antonio March 27 Mision Luterana en Laredo
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.
STRENGTHENING OUR FAITH THROUGH FOOD, FUN, AND FELLOWSHIP
Singles Group will meet at 12:15 pm on Sunday, March 27 at Eden Place Community Room 1220 Jefferson St. Please bring your favorite dish to share. If you have any questions please call
Evelyn Streng at 830‐379‐5342.
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.
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EASTER LILIES
Easter Lilies this year cost $10.00 each. Deadline to insure that lilies are on the altar for Easter is: Monday, April 11,
Supplies are limited, so please get your order in early.
Easter Lily Alternative: “Feathered Friends” Funds contributed for chicks and ducks will be sent to the
Donations of any size welcomed!
A YOUTHFUL APPROACH By Ariel Williams – Director of Youth & Family Ministries
On Sunday January 30, 2011 we had 19 youth gather to play Camp Games in the Fellowship Hall and enjoy a potluck meal. We played several games, but the overall favorite was Ga-Ga Ball.
THANK YOU!!!!!
Thank you to everyone who helped clean-up the recent flood in the Fellowship Hall. I don’t want to start listing names because I fear I would leave someone off the list. I do specifically want to thank our 20+ youth and their parents who rallied that morning to get the job cleaned up and the early service ushers who were incredibly helpful in locating extension cords, brooms, mops, and who also pitched in and helped with the cleanup effort. Everyone took a bad situation and dealt with it with grace and class and got the job done. Peace and thanks to all of you!!!
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Lectionary Readings for March 2011 Date First Reading Psalm Second Reading Gospel
March 6 Exodus 24:12-18 Psalm 2 2 Peter 1:16-21 Matthew 17:1-9 March9 Joel 2:1-2, 12-17 or
Isaiah 58:1- 12 Psalm 51:1-17 2 Corinthians 5:20b-6:10 Matthew 6:1-6,16-21
March 13 Genesis 2:15-17; 3:1-7 Psalm 32 Romans 5:12-19 Matthew 4:1-11 March 20 Genesis 12:1-4a Psalm 121 Romans 4:1-5,13-17 John 3:1-17 March 27 Exodus 17:1-7 Psalm 95 Romans 5:1-11 John 4:5-42
Music Ministry Notes Tom Engler, Director of Worship and Music
By the time this newsletter reaches you, we will be in the midst of the Lenten Season. The word “Lent” comes from an Old French verb which means “to lengthen.” This refers to the fact that the hours of daylight lengthen as the year moves toward the summer solstice. The dramatic panorama of Year A, the Year of Matthew, moves on. We have experienced the quiet but excited expectation of the Advent season, awaiting the coming of the promised Messiah. We have sung with the angels as they proclaimed “Glory to God in the Highest” at Christmastime. We have shared in the wonderment of Simeon and Anna as they encountered Jesus in the temple when he was eight days old. We have heard the story of the Wise Men as they discovered the child Jesus after having followed the Star in the East for many months. Now, as we journey with Jesus though his brief years of ministry to his last week of life , his death on Good Friday and his resurrection on Easter morning, it is time to enter into a time of reflection and self-examination. We, like Adam and Eve, have all fallen prey to sin through our actions and through our failure to act. All of us. Without exception. But, despite our sinfulness, we ARE children of God, and can comfort ourselves with the knowledge that God’s grace is ours through the sacrifice of God’s only son Jesus. During the Lenten season, we are provided with many opportunities to stand in front of the mirror of our conscience, look ourselves squarely in the eye and, in the presence of our brothers and sisters in the faith, bring our sins to God and be assured that we are forgiven through Grace. Because of this gift, our burdens are lightened because our sins are forgiven.
The music of the church during Lent is designed to reflect these dynamics. Gone are the “Hymn of Praise” and the “Alleluia” which frames the proper verse for the day and in its place is the “Kyrie” (Lord, have mercy…) and the admonition “Return to the Lord, your God” from the prophetic book of Joel. We will use some of the musical settings from Setting 5, which contains more contemplative music than either Setting 3 or 4. Hymns such as “In the Cross of Christ I Glory” and “Lord Jesus, Think on Me” appear.
I encourage you to attend the Sunday services and the Midweek services this Lenten season and become fully immersed in the experience. Sing the hymns, chant the psalms and pray the prayers. On Good Friday the choirs will lead the service in a special service of darkness known as “Tenebrae.” The Passion History, which describes the last days of Jesus’ life, will be solemnly read at that time. It will allow the Easter experience to be yet brighter and more glorious.
If you have been thinking about becoming a member of the music ministry of this church, this might be a good time to join us. We are a loving group of people who are about the business of giving back to God gifts that have first been given to us. God’s peace to you, brothers and sisters.
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I wish to take this time to thank Pastor Paul and Pastor Willie for visiting me in the hospital after my hip surgery. I also enjoyed the service during my stay at Nesbit Nursing Home’s rehabilitation facility.
Thank you also to all the well wishers, for their prayers and get well cards.
Sincerely, Martha Franks
Heartfelt Thanks from the Christian Cupboard for your donation of $142.00 on January 25, 2011. It is through support such as yours that we are able to continue our fight against hunger.
Mid-Week Noon Lenten Services March 16 - April 13
12:05 pm each Wednesday Soup & Sandwich Lunch to follow service
in the Women’s Ministry Room
Mid-Week Evening Lenten Supper March 16 - April 13
6:30 pm each Wednesday in the Women’s Ministry Room
Mid-Week Evening Lenten Services March 16 - April 13
7:00 pm each Wednesday In the Nave
Congregation will choose three hymns to sing at the beginning of
the service
Mid-Week Noon and Evening Lenten Services
FLOWERED CROSS FOR EASTER SUNDAY
Join us as we revive an Easter Tradition! On Easter morning, Emanuel’s members are asked to bring cut flowers to be placed on a cross symbolizing the hope we have in the resurrection of our Lord. The Cross will add to the beautiful lilies that will grace our church on Easter morning. Please be thinking what you have in the way of perennials, annuals, flowering shrubs, etc. from which you can take some cuttings on Easter morning and bring to church to be placed on the flowered cross. The flowered cross will be a beautiful and fragrant addition to the Easter service.
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6:30 a.m. Sunrise Service 7:00 - 10:00 a.m. Pancake Breakfast hosted by ELYO
8:00 a.m. Festive Service with Holy Communion Musical leadership by the handbell choir
10:00 a.m. Easter Egg Hunt for Pre-K -6th Grade Youth 10:30 a.m. Festive Service with Holy Communion
Musical leadership by the choirs and instruments
Easter Sunday April 24, 2011
with Holy Communion Thursday, April 21, 2011
at 7:00 p.m.
Good Friday Service of Darkness (Tenebrae)
Friday, April 22, 2011 at 7:00 p.m.
The Passion History will be read,
hymns will be sung, and the Choirs will sing music of the Passion
Holy Baptism
Haley Paige Benavides February 13, 2011
Sjoko Jonquille Taylor February 20, 2011
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Our Congregation
Prayers requested Members
Brenley Bierstedt, Georgia Barber, Benola Doran, Nelson Erxleben, Evelyn Friedeck,
Hortense Greiner, Perry Graham, Pearl Graham, Velma Huebner, William Koehler, Laura Merz,
Ellen Pittman, Jo Emily Prochnow, Taylor Quiros, Rebecca Sheley, Marian Strey and Alice Van Horn
Friends & Family
Mary Alexander, Danny Braden, Bill Bender, Allison Goodson, Dylan Castillo, Martha Hilger,
Jolene Woegenfiehr, Ott Goebel, Joey Mitscherling, Aline Lindemann, Arthur Luensmann, Jan Morris, Evelyn & Ernest Meier, Linda & Steve Mosley,
Alvin Morris, Doris Oertilo, Inez Roe, Terry Roth, Cindy Pennington, Dewitt Odom, Marie Dunn, Joshua Schoenvogel, David & Kathy Starch,
Marilyn Schuenemann, Lamar Schulz, Mason Sanders, Diane Smith, Gladys Willard, Bill Wieding,
Elsie B. Woods, David Van Houten & family
…the families of
Lena Schueneman Clayton “Butch” Bushman Jr.
A. J. Johnson Marie Riemenschneider
Emanuel’s Prayer ChainAnn Erxleben is the contact person. Please call Ann at 830‐379‐5259 with your prayer request.
