When I think of peace, I think of something like a meadow tucked away where the flowers and grasses are lightly moving in the breeze. It is those places where you see the little bugs coming to life and start to explore the flowers and surrounding area once more. I find that even the little baby spiders are a welcome sign of life that sets this time of year apart from the winter. Though I get really bad allergies in the Spring, it is one of my favorite seasons, especially after moving to Minnesota. It is one of those reminders of life.
We know that Easter fits so seamlessly into this time of year. We are reminded on such a tangible level of what new life looks like and what it means. With each day God’s creation awakens to new life, too. In our baptisms we become like the flowers that bloom and we are invited to grow continuously through our lives. Spring shows us that season of leaning towards the sun and growing and learning. Easter and Spring reminds us that this is our relationship with God through the gift of resurrection.
I hope that we are leaning into growing with God and God’s will for us this season. Spring shows us that fresh and new grows from the safe cover of last summer and fall. There is a remembrance of what bloomed last year and what will grow this year. I hope that you feel the joys of being invited into that space this spring, as the world reminds us of God’s creation coming back to life once again.
The wilderness and the dry land shall be glad,
-Isaiah 35:1-2
the desert shall rejoice and blossom;
like the crocus it shall blossom abundantly,
and rejoice with joy and singing.
Blessings, Pastor Leandra
Red Oak Grove Lutheran Church – Special Member Meeting
Sunday, March 27, 2022
Meeting called to order by Council President Gary Ulland at 9:49 a.m. with 36 present.
Purpose of meeting is to discuss the proposed changes to our bylaws. The 3 changes being proposed were read out loud to members present and had previously been posted in weekly bulletin and monthly log.
Motion made by Mike Hoffman to approve the proposed changes. Seconded by Nancy Wesley. Motion was approved by all present to accept changes/new bylaws proposed.
Motion to adjourn meeting at 9:55 a.m. by Nancy Wesley and seconded by Mike Hoffman. Meeting adjourned.
Respectfully submitted, Diana Horan, Council Secretary
Red Oak Grove Lutheran Church – Council Minutes-April 4, 2022
The meeting was called to order by president, Gary Ulland. Members in attendance included: Gary, Rony, Rachael, Julie, Holly, Pastor Leandra, Cathy, Tom, Joyce, and Diana. Pastor Leandra led opening prayer.
Secretary’s Report:
Motion made by Rony and seconded by Holly and passed by all present to accept report as presented.
Pastor’s Report:
Two Lent services along with normal Sunday services as well as services in Prairie Manor. Leadership Seminar went well and really enjoyed. Two baptisms in last month. Movie night was fun and a great turnout.
Treasurer’s Report:
Motion made by Rachael and seconded by Tom and passed by all present to accept report as presented.
Deacon’s Report:
Movie night had about 18 present and kids Lent service had about 10 present.
Trustee’s Report:
Cable hanging off east side of building, Tom looked into it and both ends had been cut off already so he took down. Women’s bathroom sink has leak. Tom will look into this.
WELCA Report:
Upcoming Zumbro Valley Conference some of the ladies will attend. WELCA is looking for volunteers to be greeters/ushers. WELCA is in charge of Meals on Wheels this month. Still looking for volunteer to join Altar Committee.
Old Business:
1. Auction raised approximately $3500.00. 3 items have not been arranged for pick up or shipped. Once those are finalized will have final total.
2. Phone services update is that phones somehow got suspended as of lately and Rony worked today to get that fixed he will follow up tomorrow to see that they did get fixed. We should receive credit from Verizon for the disruption of service.
3. Palm Sunday- Kids waving palms to open service and will also have Easter egg hunt after service. Maundy Thursday- 5:30 worship
Good Friday- Noon service at First Lutheran Church as joint service.
Easter Sunday- 7 a.m. & 9 a.m. Service w/breakfast after first service and before second service. Breakfast: Egg Bakes- Holly, Diana, Tom; Sausage- Gary; Pancakes/Syrup- Diana; Muffins- Rony & Rachael; Fruit- Diana, Holly; Juice- Cathy; Plates- Julie.
New Business:
1. Appointing a Vice President tonight at meeting to be in good standing with our by-laws. Rony Magnuson is being appointed to the position. Motion by Cathy and seconded by Tom. Motion passed by all.
2. Spring yard clean up scheduled for April 30 1-4 p.m. with alternative date May 14. More details to be announced closer to event.
3. New copy machine arrived today and will cost the church less as old machine was outdated and parts were no longer available.
4. Fees sheet to rent church space was discussed and will be posted in public space and was just brought to the Council attention so all were aware of the fees.
5. First Aid Kit will be put together and placed above coat rack in south entrance.
Council Coffee Servers: May 1- Holly, June 5- Julie, July 3-, August 7-, September 4-, October 2-, November 6-, December 4-.
Motion from Cathy and seconded by Tom to adjourn and closed with the Lord’s Prayer.
Respectfully submitted, Diana Horan, Council Secretary
WELCA Minutes
Our monthly WELCA meeting was held on Wednesday, April 6th following our 1 p.m. Bible Study with Pastor Leandra. There were 8 present and Bible Study is Women of the Bible and today was Mary Magdalene.
Joyce Peterson, president, opened the meeting in the Name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. The purpose was read in unison. No hymn. Judy Wambeam gave devotions “A Look in the Mirror”. A story of a robin. Linda read minutes from March 3rd. Minutes were approved. Ardell gave the Treasurer’s Report. The balance of the flooring for Fellowship Room has been paid. Check for $2,345.99 has been given to treasurer of Council.
Correspondence: Brochure from Rachael’s Hope, a thank you from pastor for her birthday gift.
Committee Reports: Bowling for the Battle auction quilts did well. Pink baby $55, Superman $60, Gopher $60, Twins $80, Farmall $230 and John Deere $120. A motion made by Marilyn to pay Senior Quilt bill to Judy. Ardell seconded it and passed. There are 4 ladies attending the Zumbro River Conference on April 21st. They are Nancy, Ardell, Joyce and Judy. Offering of $30 to be given. April we will do the needed deliveries and again in August for Meals on Wheels. Still working on committees. May contact to get organized. Many need prayer concerns. Cards to be sent. Offering taken and closed with the Lord’s Prayer.
Linda Christianson, Secretary
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Thank you to all who delivered Meals on Wheels for the month of April.
Donation of useful items will be taken to Marie Sandvik Center at a later date. DO NOT bring items now, watch for the collection date. Thank you.
Thank you to everyone who contributed to the Carpet Fund and Auction. We exceeded our goal!
$6,092.00 – Contributions
3,403.50 – Auction Sale Money
$9,495.50
Wednesday, May 4th at 1 p.m. Bible Study followed by WELCA
Tuesday, May 10th at 6:30 p.m. Council meets
Red Oak Grove Lutheran Church 