Siblings in Christ,
It seems that the world is moving at a pace that is sometimes hard to keep up with. In times like these it is tough to feel like we have enough, and at the church it feels that way, too. It looks and feels like there isn’t enough people filling our pews, enough money in the bank, or enough time to be present with one another. While we tend to be away more in the summer and enjoying the outdoors or vacations, we know that we have our church home to be at come the days when we are no longer traveling. I myself know that summer adventures are often the highlights of our year, so I hope that you enjoy them fully, like I know we will ours!
That being said, it has come to my attention that concerns have been arising among many of us in the congregation about attendance and offering. More broadly, about what the church will look like in years to come and about our monetary situation. We are not a congregation that has stewardship campaigns or pledges, and I feel that is still the best route for us. Yet, we do still have to have the conversations, though they may be hard, around the ways in which we steward our time and our money so that we may continue to be an important place of ministry for years to come. Stewardship of our time, talents, and treasures not only guarantees that we can continue bringing the joy of Christ to others, but it also ensures that we can keep doing the services and activities that connect us as a church community.
The council and I will continue to work diligently with things to help us move forward, while also being transparent and responsible stewards of the gifts you all give to the church. We also hope that in the process you can look into the best ways you can steward your relationship with this church and one another. I want to say thank you to everyone who gives of their time, treasures, and talents. Each one of you is an integral piece that keeps Red Oak Grove going and we couldn’t do it without you!
With God’s Peace,
Pastor Leandra
**Please note that after this month we will no longer be mailing the LOG out. We will continue to send the LOG out by email, Facebook, and print copies at church. This change comes with the rising costs of postage and paper. Thank you!**
If you need a print copy specifically mailed to you, please contact the office.
Office hours: Tuesdays — 8am-noon Phone 1-507-320-8287
Pastor Leandra will be on vacation from July 1, 2022 to July 15, 2022.
Red Oak Grove Lutheran Church Council Notes — June 21, 2022
Members Present: Gary, Holly, Linda, Cathy, and Pastor Leandra
As only one voting member was present, meeting was not called to order. No voting took place.
Pastor’s Report
May vacation, normal services at church, services at Prairie Manor
Treasurer’s Report
May starting balance: $22,396.79
May Revenue: $7,267.75
May Expenses: $12,874.06
May ending balance: $16,790.48
No Deacon Report
No Trustee Report
WELCA Report
WELCA held the Strawberry Social on Tuesday June 14th. Overall, it was a really good day with them selling 465 plates to 165 cars.
Talking Points
- Good Earth Village Scholarships — $300 of scholarship to be rewarded from Youth Fund. Will retroactively be discussed in July as it was a time issue
- Speakers — 7 speakers to potentially be replaced to improve sound in sanctuary, more discussion next meeting.
- A conversation was held concerning future planning in the congregation and concerns surrounding monetary needs of the church.
- July 1, 2022 – July 15, 2022 Pastor Leandra will be on vacation. No pulpit supply found for July 3rd, July 10th pulpit supply has been filled by Jacob U.
Respectfully,
Pastor Leandra
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July Calendar Events
- July 3rd – 9 a.m. Worship/No Communion
- July 10th – 9 a.m. Jacob Ulland, Guest Speaker
- July 17th – 9 a.m. Communion
- July 24th – 9 a.m. Worship
- July 31st – 9 a.m. Worship
- July 6th – 1 p.m. WELCA/No Bible Study
- July 19th – 5:30 p.m. Council Meets
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WELCA Minutes
The June 1, 2022 WELCA meeting was called to order by President Joyce Peterson following Bible Study with Pastor Leandra. Continuing with the Study of Women in the Bible. Wednesday, at 1 p.m. Bible Study began. The purpose was read together. Judy Wambeam read opening devotions with “Bright Flowering”. Secretary’s Report was given by Linda C. There was no correspondence. Ardell gave Treasurer’s Report. Checking account has $2,135.45. Savings and undesignated report given. No questions. Both reports approved and placed on file.
Committee Reports: Judy reported 1 quilt has been sold and senior, Carson Brennecke, received his quilt. Council had a reception for family following church. WELCA will serve a meal for helpers to put in new carpet in Fellowship Room and balance of area. When it gets scheduled, we will do our part.
There will be a Women’s Day at Good Earth Village on Saturday June 25th from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Louise Peterson will be serving coffee for Kim’s birthday on July 3rd.
Any youth wishing to go to camp will be helped with a $100 donation by WELCA.
Visitation: Joyce updated information for Verna Magnuson. She has moved at St. Johns to 317 3rd floor, phone #473-2530.
Thank you to Linda and Joyce for planting flowers around the church south circle drive and planter on the north.
Work Day for 81st Strawberry Social will be Monday, June 13th starting at 8:30-9 a.m. until all set up. The Social will be on June 14th.
Next meeting will be July 6th at 1 p.m. No Bible Study.
Linda Christianson (finished by Nancy Wesely)
A note from WELCA President Joyce Peterson
A big thank you to everyone who helped with the Strawberry Social. Your time and effort was appreciated! The winner of the quilt raffle was Nancy Wesely.
Happy Birthday wishes to Dorothy Phipps. Dorothy will celebrate her 100th birthday on July 17th. Our Vacation Bible School was lots of fun and a success. Thank you to everyone who helped in any way.
Red Oak Grove Lutheran Church 