NON‐PROFIT ORG. Emanuel’s Lutheran Church U.S. POSTAGE 206 North Travis Street PAID Seguin, Texas 78155 Permit No. 80 Seguin, Texas

Get in touch with us! Emanuel’s Mission Phone: Statement (830) 379-5046 To proclaim God’s grace through Word and Fax: (830) 379-7518 Sacrament, and to bear witness to God’s Kingdom E-mail: info@emanuels- in our daily lives. seguin.org

Worship Services

8:00 a.m.

&

10:30 a.m.

Congregational Leadership Worship Services & Events

Staff

Pastor The Rev. Paul J. Zwarich January 1, Church Office Closed

Hospital Visitation Pastor January 6, 8:00 & 10:30 am of Our Lour/Holy Communion/ in San Antonio The Rev. Darwin Huartson Hunger Sunday/Installation of WELCA Officers and Pastoral Assistant Seminarian Donna Lou Zipp Congregation Council Director of Music & Worship Thomas Engler 9:15 am Sunday School Director of Youth & Family Ministries Ariel Williams January 13, 8:00 & 10:30 am Baptism of Our Lord/Holy Communion 9:15 am Sunday School Receptionist/Office Secretary Bonnie Cheatham Day School Director Burlene LeClair January 15, NEWSLETTER DEADLINE! Wedding Coordinator Dee Dee Burns January 20, 8:00 & 10:30 am 2nd Sunday after Epiphany/Holy Communion 9:15 am Sunday School Congregation Council January 21 Church Office Closed Deborah Almquist Natalie Alexander Deb Haug John Jandt January 27, 8:00 & 10:30 am 3rd Sunday after Epiphany/Holy Communion Toni Ludzenski Aaron Seidenberger 9:15 am Sunday School Walter Seidenschwarz Gene Vivroux 12:15 pm Singles Food, Fun & Fellowship

VOLUME 12 JANUARY 2013 ISSUE 1

From the Pastor

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

Throughout the Biblical story we are told over and over again that God keeps creating something new. As we read the Bible we discover that the God who created the heavens and the earth continues to create something new out of the old, and that we are called to be a part of the creative process.

One of the ways that we have been created in the image of God is that God has given us the ability to create.

We are not helpless creatures unable to take care of ourselves. God has provided us with a mind that thinks, an imagination that discovers and a body that can do things. Even still we all need our Lord Jesus Christ because of our sinfulness.

As we celebrate the beginning of the New Year, I think most of us find that our New Year’s Eve celebration is

indeed an odd celebration. We celebrate with parties and food, football and fireworks; yet what is there to

celebrate???

The fact is we are another year older and time continues to march on. And so maybe we celebrate the New Year because deep down inside each of us we hope that the coming year will be different. We all have made mistakes during the past year and we all have things that we wish we could go back and do or say over again. For a few brief hours on New Year’s Eve we celebrate and try to fool ourselves that the New Year will be different.

But “new” isn’t easy. As we journey into the New Year we carry our old habits and our old behavior with us. 2013 may be a New Year, but we are the same old people that we were in 2012. Winston Churchill once said, “Sometimes we learn from history, but most of the time we just pick ourselves up, brush ourselves off, and go right on as we had before.”

It’s tough to be new. And yet, we have been blessed with the four accounts that tell us stories/actual accounts of people who were born again and made new after they had an encounter with Jesus. One minute these people were walking along down the same old road they had always traveled, and then suddenly they were turned around and made new through their encounter with Jesus.

One of the promises of the Holy Spirit is that God makes all things new, even us. God’s creativity knows no bounds. We can be “born again.” We can be “made whole.” We can “start over.” Through God’s saving grace we can enjoy a New Year free from the sins we have committed in the past.

One of the verses of the Bible that I like to read at this time of the year is Joel 2:28. “I will pour My Spirit on all flesh; your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old people shall dream dreams, and your young people shall see visions.” As God continues to change us God also calls us to be a part of the creative process in the lives of others. And that truly is Good News for you and for me as we begin the year 2013.

Have A Very Blessed New Year!!!

Pastor Paul

Lectionary Readings for January 2013

DATE FIRST READING PSALM SECOND READING GOSPEL January 6 Isaiah 60:1‐6 Psalm 72:1‐7, 10‐14 Ephesians 3:1‐12 Matthew 2:1‐12 January 13 Isaiah 43:1‐7 Psalm 29 Acts 8:14‐17 Luke 3:15‐17, 21‐22 January 20 Isaiah 62:1‐5 Psalm 36:5‐10 1 Corinthians 12:1‐11 John 2:1‐11 January 27 Nehemiah 8:1‐3, 5‐6, 8‐10 Psalm 19 1 Corinthians 12:12‐31a Luke 4:14‐21

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Pastoral Assistant

Happy New Year!

“John's gospel gets it right: "The light shines in the darkness and the darkness cannot overcome it." Regardless of what the headlines say, what crisis and nonsensical trauma we may be disturbed with, there is reason to continue rejoicing… No matter how hard life might be, how confusing the circumstances. came just in time. Know today, that even in the midst of unbearable news, the Good News shines through…God is with us all -- nothing can separate any of us from the love of God we find in Christ Jesus.” (Seminarian Donna’s , 3)

I like the New Living Translation’s version of Philippians 4:4: Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again--rejoice! Join me in continuing Christmas, for even in dark days there is no better time to do so than this.

I look forward to continuing my home visitations and getting to know those of you I haven’t yet had the pleasure of meeting. Feel free to call the church office with a day and time that would be good for me to come out to meet and visit you. I look forward to all the possibilities the new year holds in store for us at Emanuel’s.

I ask for your prayers as I visit the Holy Land January 8- 22 and hold my Endorsement Interview (the next step toward ordained ministry) in the days following. I look forward to returning home on January 26!

God’s Peace for the coming year! Seminarian Donna

Upcoming Events: Senior Service: January 24 at 11:30

Seniorfest 2013, A Seasoned Life of Significance: I would surely love to attend with some of you! You get to choose from an excellent selection of workshop sessions. On February 2, I plan to travel to the Austin area for Seniorfest 2013, A Seasoned Life of Significance. Please consider traveling together with me. You can find registration forms in the narthex or in the church office. For more information, please give me a call or go online to access the form at: http://www.txdistlcms.org/downloads/2013_SeniorFest.pdf

A seasoned life of significance

Based on Biblical principles and cutting edge research, Dr. Kurt Senior Fest Senske will lead an interactive dialogue and share specific strategies to assist participants to discover and live out their calling during the February 2, seasoned years of their life so that the sum becomes greater than the 2013 parts; honestly tell their own story; care for themselves to enhance their ability to serve those who have been placed in their path.

Good Shepherd Lutheran Church 700 West Whitestone Blvd Cedar Park, TX 78613

VOLUME 12 JANUARY 2013 ISSUE 1

Emanuel’s Women of the ELCA (WELCA)

By Barbara Effenberger, President

Monthly Meetings: nd Faith Circle ‐Tuesday, January 22 7pm in the Women’s Ministry Room (WMR) (*note change in date) Joy Circle‐Thursday, January 10th 9:30am in the Women’s Ministry Room (WMR) Ladies Aid‐Wednesday, January 2nd, 2pm, Women’s Ministry Room (WMR)

Emanuel’s WELCA General Meeting: Tuesday, January 15th at noon in the WMR. *Note change in week day.

Hostess: Joy Circle. Covered Dish Luncheon‐bring a dish to share! Election of officers and acceptance of

2013 Budget.

Coordinating Council (WELCA Officers, Circle and Ladies Aid representatives) will meet on Wednesday, January 9th at 5:30pm to finalize plans for the General Meeting.

Installation of WELCA Officers and chairs/leaders of Circles, Ladies Aid, Guild on Sunday, January 6th

during both worship services.

Thanks to all who contributed to the “White Gifts for the King”. Recipient is the Rainbow Room at Child Protective Services.

All women of Emanuel’s are welcome to attend any of the above meetings. If you would like to help with Altar Guild (setting up for or cleaning up after communion and care of altar/communion ware and cloth) contact the church office.

Lutheran World Relief (LWR) quilts are made on Monday mornings from 9am to noon on the 3rd floor, across

from the north stairwell. Contact Elin Oelke with any questions.

LWR personal care kit items are being collected. A sample of the contents is on a table in the narthex. Joy Circle is coordinating this effort.

If you would like to contribute food for funeral receptions, contact the church office.

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 Prince of Peace, SA Ebenezer, Maxwell St. John, Marion Triumphant, Garden Ridge Trinity, Luling Peace, New Braunfels Christ, Elm Creek First, San Marcos Beitel Memorial, SA Christ The King, Universal City Christ Chapel, TSU, San Marcos Good News, SA New Beginnings, SA Emanuel’s, Seguin Lord of Life, SA Grace, Lockhart Spirit of Joy, Seguin Peace, SA St. Andrew, Canyon Lake

VOLUME 12 JANUARY 2013 ISSUE 1

A YOUTHFUL APPROACH By: Ariel Williams – Director of Youth & Family Ministries

Reformation 365 Progressive Dinner & Christmas Party: Reformation 365 went Christmas Caroling to local Nursing Homes with the rest of the Emanuel’s Congregation, and then held a Progressive Dinner / Christmas Party. A huge thank you to the Alexander Family, Zwarich Family, & the Ludzenski Family for graciously hosting us during the Progressive Dinner.

VOLUME 12 JANUARY 2013 ISSUE 1

The 11:00 p.m. Christmas Eve Service will be broadcast over KWED radio courtesy of American Bank of Texas. We are grateful for their generosity.

Thank You! The delicious Holiday dinner you delivered Saturday was very The Ladies Aid would like to thank everyone good. involved with the bazaar. Your donations, your Thank you again and also for the lovely cards. time and your talents were greatly appreciated. Wishing everyone a joyous and healthy Holiday Season. Your cooperation helped make the bazaar a Freddie and Glendora Ewald success again this year. Thank you again! Please extend a sincere thank you to all The Prayer Chain Velma Huebner Group at Emanuel’s. We certainly appreciated all the prayers Emanuel’s Ladies Aid and we know they were answered. Allen is now at home getting stronger and will start Physical Dear members of Emanuel’s, Therapy on Friday. Pastor Paul and Donna Zipp, Thanks again and May God bless each of you. Thank you so much for your prayers visits and Allen & Marilyn McKee cards while I was at rehab. Also to Social Concerns for the delicious turkey dinner. Dear Emanuel’s, May God Bless you. Once again, I am writing to thank you for all of your care, Love, concern, love, and support, this time after the loss of my Lorene (Bunny) Schriewer mother, Jo Emily Prochnow. My family and I truly appreciate

your kind expressions of sympathy and your continued prayers. Dear Emanuel’s Friends, Sincerely, I just got finished eating the delicious holiday Emily Huser meal that was delivered to me and my parents this morning. It is so nice that ya’ll think about Pastor Paul, Bonnie, Jeannie & Staff, me each time. Since the stroke in 2004, I am Thank You So Much for putting together a beautiful bulletin unable to cook. My dear mother brings me all my and service for Dad. We appreciate the time and meals. But it’s nice to give her a break, even if it’s consideration you spent in making it happen so smoothly. It just for one meal. was such a blessing to be back at Emanuel’s. So thank you very much. God bless you all. God Bless You all in your continued service of our Lord & Happy Holidays! Savior Jesus Christ. Charlene Green The Patten Kids, David, Carol, Mary and Janet

Salvation Army Kettle Bell Ringers‐ Thanks to Emanuel’s Bell Ringers for their work on Wednesday, November 28th. This year we teamed up with the TLU football team. We helped to raise $1,336.27. Adults who rang two hour shifts from 9am to 5pm at the Garden Center door were Rusty Clopton, Frances Vinyard, Joe Kane, Frank & Elaine Giesber, and Luther & Elin Oelke. Youth and Sponsor who rang bells from 5pm to 8pm were Christian Alves Meagan Cunningham, Hannah Stahl, Kirstyn Bode and Ariel Williams. Good Job‐

Roland Naumann, Salvation Army Board.

VOLUME 12 JANUARY 2013 ISSUE 1

Ladies Aid Report by Velma Huebner, President

The Christmas luncheon was held at noon on December 5, 2012 in the fellowship hall and was well attended. Each of the honorees was presented with a corsage as they registered. Velma welcomed all and gave a few introductory remarks. The members introduced their guests.

Emanuel’s Day School, under the direction of Burlene LeClair and teachers, entertained the group with several Christmas songs and was accompanied by Tom Engler at the piano.

Velma introduced the head table and the officers of the Ladies Aid. Pastor Paul offered a prayer prior to the meal. A delicious turkey meal and all the trimming was catered by Johnny’s Bar B Q and was enjoyed by all.

Vice President Ann Erxleben introduced the program honoring Annie Boecker, Clara Kallies and Ruby Zoboroski on their 100th birthdays. Dottsy Dwyer sang each lady’s favorite song, and Ann gave a biographical sketch between the songs of each lady.

Velma recognized the staff, custodians, property stewards, quilters, coffee cake bakers and bazaar helpers. Monetary gifts were presented to the staff and custodians.

The winner of the beautiful quilt was Jean Neumann. The door prize winners were: Debra Engelke, Maria Wright, Linda Rohan, Dorothy Schievelbein, Loretta Sanders, Frances Vinyard, Mary Margaret Bobo, Jessica Limmer, Sarah Barrientos, Pastor Walter Lenz, Gayle Stroh, Deb Haug, Gloria Winters, Barbara Effenberger, Ann Erxleben, Joyce Urban, Brenda Schrank, Margie Dietert, Clifton Micheli and Adeline Ploetz. Each was presented with a coffee cake.

Pastor Paul gave a closing prayer and Velma thanked everyone for attending the luncheon.

Pictured above Front row Honored Guests Clara Kallies, Annie Boecker, Ruby Zoboroski Second row Emanuel’s Ladies Aid Officers Velma Huebner, Ann Erxleben, Beulah Reiley, Judy Campbell VOLUME 12 JANUARY 2013 ISSUE 1

Financial Ministry Report November Year to Date 2012 Planned Ministries 48,280.00 531,080.00

2012 Actual Income 43,889.19 410,657.67

2012 Actual Expenses 44,222.59 475,301.89

Sunday Offerings for the Month of November

Sunday Offering 2011 Sunday Offering 2012 1st Sunday 7,822.00 1st Sunday 6,152.00 2nd Sunday 4,573.34 2nd Sunday 4,223.11 3rd Sunday 5,302.27 3rd Sunday 5,210.00

th th 4 Sunday 4,106.12 4 Sunday 3,674.06 5th Sunday 5th Sunday Total 21,803.73 Total 19,259.17

Singles Food, Fun & Fellowship

Sunday, December 30, at 12:15 pm. At the home of Carolyn Blumberg

at 511 N. River St. Please bring your favorite dish to share and also something to donate to the Christian Cupboard. Any questions please call Carolyn at 830‐379 ‐8021 for further information.

Sunday, January 27, at 12:15 pm at the home of Gene Vivroux on 859 Jefferson Ave. Please bring your favorite dish to share. Any questions please call Gene at 830372‐3592.

We are in need of people willing to be Funeral Reception Hosts.

Please contact Beth Jahns for more information (830) 379‐5291.

“Working Wednesdays”

Emanuel’s Day School January 9, 2013 5:15 pm Executive Committee is collecting the January 9, 2013 6:15 pm Congregational Council

January 16, 2013 6:30 pm All Committee Meeting

As you the box tops you may bring them to the church office.

VOLUME 12 JANUARY 2013 ISSUE 1

A Stewardship Minute

IIInnnssspppiiirrriiinnnggg aaa dddeeeeeepppeeerrr uuunnndddeee rrr ssstttaaannndddiiinnnggg ooofff tttrrruuueee gggiiivvviiinnnggg An introduction of Stewardship to the congregation

JANUARY 2013

“Stewardship is how we manage what God has given us in this life.” We are each meant to consider whatever we have as gifts from God and to be good

managers of those gifts. We each have bodies, brains and talents and time to use all of those gifts to glorify God. Good stewardship involves good management of the totality of God’s gifts to us. An elderly pastor tells the story of a pa rishioner in a church he was serving. The man took giving and serving the Lord seriously. If anyone asked him why he was so dedicated to using his talents, time, and money for the Lord’s work, he would smile and answer by saying: “The Lord has allowed me to have time, talent, energy, and a good income. If I don’t use my assets in the right way, God may stick out his foot and trip me. Then I might lose it all.” He meant his answer to be funny, of course. But it does show that the fellow knew where his time, talent, and financial resources ultimately came from. They came from our loving Creator whose blessings are showered daily upon each of us.

Remember that Jesus said to his followers: “You are the light of the world.”

He continued by saying “Let your light shine before others, so that they may

see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5: 3-

16) Should we not let our lights shine to glorify our loving Creator?

Prayer: Almighty and loving God, every good gift we have has come from you. Keep us mindful of your care for us and your desire for us to use our minds, bodies, energy and resources to bring light and truth to this often suffering world. Through Christ our Lord, we pray. Amen

A Stewardship Minute is available to subscribers of Stewardship at www.parishpublishing.org. Simply click on the “Stewardship Download Center” and log in using with your account number (Username) and zip code (Password), both of which can be found on the invoice or mailing label.

Parish Publishing, LLC (888) 320‐5576 www.parishpublishing.org

VOLUME 12 JANUARY 2013 ISSUE 1

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 34 years of service to Emanuel’s, I have had ample opportunity to just sit back and enjoy the beauty that is the eye of this 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 time 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.

Starting January 2, 2013 the Church Office will be closed from 12:00 to 1:00 p.m.

VOLUME 12 JANUARY 2013 ISSUE 1

Thursday bulletin stuffers say farewell to Jeannie Hall with a Happy Retirement party.

We are in need of cotton t-shirts terry cloth towels for cleaning around the church. Please bring to the church office.

NOTE: NOTICE DEADLINES

Please let the church office know The Church Staff meets on Information must be in the office by when you or a loved one is ill or Tuesday from 2:00 pm to 3:00 8:00 am Tuesday mornings for bulletins. hospitalized. Also let the office pm. The phone will be set so Newsletter Information must be know when you or your that you can leave us a voice message, and we can respond in the office by the 15th of each friend/relative can be taken off when we are done. month. the prayer list. Thanks!

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Emanuel’s Lutheran Day School Day School Christmas Program

2‐year‐ olds

Looking Cute!

The Nativity was made up of the

Pre‐K class

3‐year‐olds danced for us

VOLUME 12 JANUARY 2013 ISSUE 1

Year C, 2012‐2013 Church Year Calendar and Propers for Sundays, Principal and Lesser Festivals

Advent December 2, 2012 through December 23, 2012 Emanuel’s Prayer Chain Ann Erxleben is the contact person. Christmas Please call Ann at 830‐379‐5259 with December 24, 2012 through January 6, 2013 your prayer request.

Time after Epiphany January 13, 2013 through February 10, 2013

Lent February 13, 2013 through March 24, 2013

The Three Days March 28, 2013 through March 30, 2013

Please let the Church Office know of any changes to addresses, phone numbers or March 31, 2013 through May 19, 2013 emails address. Thank You!

Time after May 26, 2013 through November 24, 2013

‘TIS THE SEASON AT EMANUEL’S Sunday Services Christmas Services

Sunday, December 23, 2012 Monday, December 24, 2012 The Fourth Sunday of Advent 2:30 p.m. Worship Service with Holy Communion 8:00 & 10:30 a.m. Light refreshments to follow Worship Services with Holy Communion 7:00 p.m. Family Christmas Service After Service: Decking the Halls Fellowship Children's Christmas Program and Candlelighting Sunday, December 30, 2012 11:00 p.m. Christmas Eve Service of The First Sunday after Christmas Holy Communion with Candlelighting Nine Readings & Carols 8:00 & 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, December 25, 2012 Worship Service with Holy Communion 9:30 a.m. Christmas Day Service with Holy Communion

VOLUME 12 JANUARY 2013 ISSUE 1

Our Congregation

…the families of Prayer Requests

Edna Zunker Higgins (Debby Richardson’s grandmother) Members Esther Mayer Diane Althiser, Elnora Dove, Ed Bowles, Terresa Bowles,

Ruth Herbold Tuddy Dietz, Jeanette Dietz, Franklin Huebner, Ruby Engelke, John W. Anderson Ervin Fischer, Charlene Green, Kenneth Haas, Laura Merz, (John Anderson’s father) Mildred Moltz, Bill Ressler, Elmond Reininger, Velma Reininger, Jeannette Franks Shirley Schulz, Willie Spreen, Ottillie Schoenfeld, Kathy Sagebiel, Wes Lange Janet Stansberry, Betty Lee Reiley

Friends & Family Debbie Dykes, Lonnie Mosley, Kelsey Fort,

Our Family and James Kappelmann, Jennifer Hoelscher, Julie Jarzombek,

Friends Joey Mitscherling, Dean May, Burkhardt family, Jenny Ybarra Parker, Paul Mendez, Jimmy Trost, Terry Strawn, in the Military Sheryl Shupe, Sheryll Tovar, David Van Houten, Gladys Willard, Arianna Young, Salvador Ramero Jr., Frank Phillips, Duke Steven Sr., Jerry Janz, Linda Rutherford, Mary Wilson

Holy Baptism Jarett Carroll, Garrett Smith, Gordon Ehler, Brent Stehling, Landon Cheatham, Stephanie Tovar and Derek Schulz

New Members Received on December 23, 2012 Bralynn Ann Foster December 16, 2012 Michael & Martha Hilger Sara Von Minden 552 Kimbrough Rd. 957 Kunkel St. Seguin, TX 78155 Seguin, TX 78155 (830) 372‐4585