Beloveds of Red Oak Grove,
As we wrap up Lent and move into the Easter season this month, I have been thinking a lot about the idea of community. What does it mean to be in community? What does it mean to steward relationships and connections in community both inside our church and outside? Much of Lent is meant and taught of through the lens of being together. We witness the lessons of Christ together. We worship in our waiting together. Lent is often about seeing one another and holding each other truly accountable and working on relationship with one another and with God.
On Maundy Thursday we talk about the community that surrounded Christ, that turned him over to be arrested. On Good Friday not only do we witness the community break apart, hide, and turn from Jesus, but we also take the time to carry the weight of the darkest day of the church year as a community with our friends in Blooming Prairie. Then first thing on Easter morning we sing the joyous praises of resurrection together. Together we walk through the patience needed of Lent, the journey of the Last Supper, the sorrow of the crucifixion, and the delight of Easter. This mimics the journey of Jesus’ original twelve disciples: community that learns together, eats together, grieves together, and in the end goes out together.
Christ has a way of drawing us all into community, and without community any church, town, or world would not have two legs to stand on. That is what we should do as Christians, strive toward community both in our walls and outside of them. The disciples moved outward creating more connections leaning into more communities, creating more opportunities not only to teach others of Christ, but to also share in abundance those things which helped and showed God’s grace to others. This is true for our calling, too.
The ways community shines through us is the ways in which we nurture ministries for youth. It shines through the quilting groups and their kind gifts to wrap others in warmth. It shines through the work of WELCA in many ways. It shines through our noisy coin giving and the ways in which we support local needs. It shines through allowing others to see our building as a safe place to gather, meet, and worship. It shines through the community found in that Sunday morning coffee hour of fellowship. I hope we can find more as time passes!
Community is so integral to life and especially to Christian life. We are better together, truly. I hope that we are inspired this Easter season to share the mission of the resurrected Christ even more with one another and with our surrounding community. Because the light that shines through us is the light of God, the light that is Christ, and that light is worth always showing to others.
With many Easter blessings,
Pastor Leandra
Red Oak Grove Lutheran Church Council Minutes-March 8, 2022
The meeting was called to order by president, Gary Ulland. Members in attendance included: Gary, Holly, Julie, Diana, Joyce, Pastor Leandra, Tom, & Cathy. Pastor Leandra led opening prayer.
Secretary’s Report:
Report was approved as presented by all present.
Pastor’s Report:
Past month have been in communication with synod on first call work and leadership seminar coming up. Held 2 Ash Wednesday services and making visits in past month. Also had 2 baptisms this last month.
Treasurer’s Report:
Motion by Cathy $2000 for ELCA and $2500 for mission work to Synod and 2nd by Julie. Report approved as is by all present.
Deacon’s Report:
No Deacons present at meeting. Pastor Leandra shared there will be Sunday School this Sunday after worship. Lent Service on March 23 geared towards youth, but all welcome. April 1st hosting a family movie night. April 9 holding Communion workshop for youth.
Trustee’s Report:
Carpeting is shipped and should arrive in Rochester this week. Stained glass window has come in and will be replaced when Gwilt is available to do. Toilet has been replaced in handicap bathroom.
WELCA Report:
Last meeting held on March 2nd. Shared the ladies have quilted 3 special quilts for upcoming auction. Donated special quilt for child in Austin battling cancer. Quilting will begin soon. Vote was passed to hold Strawberry Festival again this year on June 14 with more details to follow. WELCA sent card and letter to family of Mark Jacobson mission worker who passed recently.
Old Business:
1. Water heater update: Still no answer back from Terry on installing water heater. Council discussed current need to update water heater and decided that current water heaters are working and sufficient for church needs. Decision was made to table updating water heater for the current time.
2. Constitution changes meeting was set for March 27th, this will be a meeting to discuss the constitutional changes and get approval to add to agenda on next congregational meeting to be voted on.
3. Auction will open on March 19th at 6 p.m. and will end on April 2nd with time to be announced. All items need to be to church by March 18, contact Rony or Rachael Magnuson to drop off items at church. Information will be in bulletin over next couple weeks.
4. Phones continue to not work and Rony continues to work with Verizon to get working. Pastor’s cellphone 507-438-6084 is best way to get in touch with her. Marilyn’s office phone 507-320-8287 has been working still as far as we know.
New Business:
1. March 23 Lent supper and service: Deacons and Volunteers serving supper. This service will be set to be more kids based, all are welcome. March 30 Lent supper and service: 5:30-6:45 dinner served by Council members and work groups and service at 6:45. Palm Sunday, April 10th with Sunday School and Easter Egg hunt to follow worship. Maundy Thursday, April 14 service at 5:30 p.m. Friday, April 15 service will be joint with First Lutheran with time to be known soon. Sunday, April 17 Easter service at 7:00 a.m. and 9:00 a.m. Breakfast (egg bake, muffins, fruit and beverages) in between services served by Council with youth help.
2. May 18-25 and July 1-15 proposed Pastor vacation days.
Council Coffee Servers: April 3- Diana Horan, May 1- Holly Ille, June 5 and July 3 – open.
Next Council Meeting – April 4 at 6:30. Motion from Cathy and seconded by Julie to adjourn and closed with the Lord’s Prayer.
Respectfully submitted, Diana Horan, Council Secretary
WELCA Minutes
Wednesday, March 3, 2022 Red Oak Grove WELCA was called to order by Joyce Peterson at 1 p.m. There were 10 present. Opened meeting in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Purpose was read in unison. No devotions except a Bible verse from Marie Sandvik on their thank you note. No hymn. Secretary’s and Treasurer’s Reports were given. Checking account has $4,390.95. No changes or corrections.
Correspondence – Note from family of Lavonne Smith
Committee Reports – Judy W. – 2 quilts given to Blooming Prairie Ed. Foundation for April Auction. 2 baptisms in February, quilts given. Boy 5 years old given Super Hero quilt, fighting Cancer. 2 quilts given to 2 young ladies venturing out of a home situation. Thursday, March 4th the quilting ladies tied and finished 3 quilts for the Online Auction for the flooring project. Monday March 21st quilting will start at 9 a.m.
Joyce shared Council news – Stove in basement has been repaired. March 27th discussion will take place to change items in church constitution. She still needs a helper for the Altar Committee. Concern regarding Prairie Home regarding flowers for Louise Peterson. No bill yet. Linda to check.
New Business – Zumbro Spring Retreat will be held Thursday, April 21st at Gloria Dei Church in Rochester. Some discussion on project for “Feed Families in Hunger”. Decided to pass on idea. A world Lutheran Feed the Hungry Program.
A motion made and seconded to pay for Communion towel fabric, thread and supplies $18.50 to Linda for making. A motion was made by Ardell and seconded by Marilyn Helleck to start making plans for Annual “81” Strawberry Social, Tuesday, June 14th. All plans to follow guidelines same as last year 2021. Drive thru south driveway. A memorial gift of money for Missionary, Mark Jacobson’s family will be sent to wife, Linda. Doris Draayer made motion. Linda seconded it. Linda to send card. Gift of $25. On line Auction being handled by Rony and Rachael Magnuson. More information to follow.
April is Meals on Wheels for Blooming Prairie. Need people to volunteer.
1st week April 4th – April 8th Need Tuesday, April 5th and Friday April 8th
2nd week April 11th – April 15th Tuesday, April 12th Linda No Good Friday
3rd week April 18th –April 22nd Tuesday, April 19th Friday, April 22nd
4th week April 25th – April 29th Tuesday, April 26th Friday, April 29th
Lenten Suppers – March 23rd geared to youth & March 30th To be discussed following Council Meeting.
Offering taken – Birthdays to celebrate in March, Jean Farr, Lois Friesner, Delores Moe, Dawn Peterson and Marilyn Blume.
Next WELCA meeting, Wednesday, April 6th at 1 p.m. Adjourned – closed with the Lord’s Prayer and went to Ash Wednesday Service.
Linda Christianson, Secretary
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Meals on Wheels will be delivered in April by members of Red Oak Grove. Thank you very much.
On April 9th we will offer a First Communion Class for children from ages 7 +. It will be held at Red Oak Grove starting at 2 p.m. If you are wondering if your child is ready to come learn about communion, I would check to see if it is something they have begun to show interest about in church. Are they asking questions or ready to participate? Then, I believe the time is now, keeping in mind that you know your child the best. We will also
learn about how to acolyte, do readings in church, and other ways to get involved in worship together. I hope to see you!
-Pastor Leandra
Red Oak Grove Lutheran Church 