November 05, 2022
Dear Beloveds of Red Oak Grove,
Fall is coming to a close and we even begin Advent at the end of this month. It is the time of year where we begin to see one another and gather regularly with our friends and family. Often, the most important thing that brings us together in these times of year is food. We eat big meals, watch football, prep for shopping, spend time laughing and simply being together during the time surrounding Thanksgiving. It is a cozy time of year. For many, it is a favorite time of year, though a stressful time, too. I hope for all of you it is full of good food, fun, and safety!
In Psalm 95, we are invited to give thanks and worship for all the gifts that the Lord has given us. We know that in thankfulness, we find comfort in this message. Psalm 95:1-7 reads:
O come, let us sing to the Lord; let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation! Let us come into his presence with thanksgiving; let us make a joyful noise to him with songs of praise! For the Lord is a great God, and a great King above all gods. In his hand are the depths of the earth; the heights of the mountains are his also. The sea is his, for he made it, and the dry land, which his hands have formed. O come, let us worship and bow down, let us kneel before the Lord, our Maker! For he is our God, and we are the people of his pasture, and the sheep of his hand. (NRSV)
In this season of thanksgiving, I hope that we remember all of the things for which we give thanks, including the unending ways that God takes care of us and God’s creation. We also give thanks for being the people of God’s pasture all year long!
Happy Thanksgiving!
With God’s Peace and Blessings,
Pastor Leandra
November Worship Schedule
November 6th – 9 a.m. worship with Communion
November 13th – 9 a.m. worship
November 20th – 9 a.m. worship with Communion
Thanksgiving Worship – 7 p.m. worship place to be determined
November 27th – 9 a.m. worship
Red Oak Grove Lutheran Church – Council Minutes- October 11, 2022
The meeting was called to order by president, Gary Ulland. Members in attendance included: Gary, Diana, Tom, Pastor Leandra, Holly, Julie, Rony and Joyce.
Pastor Leandra led opening prayer.
Secretary’s Report:
Report approved as is by all present.
Pastor’s Report:
First Call education and usual Sunday services at ROG and Prairie manor. Invited to lead a group of Lutheran seminary students for innovative leadership class. Invited to be a part of Councils as Leaders for Synod event. Fall theological event in November.
Treasurer’s Report:
Opening Balance: $8,121.63
Revenue: $7,087.90
Expenses: 10,155.23
Ending Balance: $5,054.30
Report approved as is by all present.
Deacon’s Report:
No report this month.
Trustee’s Report:
Tree was taken down with no issues. Carpet project has started and will be completed soon. Having steeple and bell tower looked at to repair for leaks. Starting calls to look at repair to altar.
WELCA Report:
Quilting has started back up, many have been working on quilts at home and donated. Outside fall decorations have been put up and fall decor on alter. WELCA has discussed funding some of the altar restoration project. Senior Center in Blooming Prairie is in need of volunteer drivers if anyone is interested.
Old Business:
1. Bake Off and Trunk or Treat has been posted on Facebook and fine details being finished.
New Business:
1. Snow removal list for winter: Marilyn will send list to Tom to contact those that have done in the past.
2. Bad weather plans we will leave Pastor Leandra in charge with Laura and Gary/Rony to make that decision if needed.
3. Discussed and decided to move food drive to February and will look into options/ideas for drive.
4. Tom will give snow blower a look over and make sure is ready for the season.
5. Heater in well pit will be looked at and turned on for season.
6. Coffee servers for Council
- November 6: Gary & Marilyn Ulland
- December 4: Rony & Rachel Magnuson
7. Still in search for vice president.
Motion from Rony and seconded by Tom to adjourn and closed with the Lord’s Prayer.
Respectfully submitted,
Diana Horan, Council Secretary
WELCA Report
On a beautiful Autumn Wednesday, October 5, 2022 ROG WELCA was called to order by President Joyce Peterson at 1 p.m. There were 6 present. The purpose was read together. Ardell had devotions with an “Explanation of God” written by an 8 year old boy for a school project.
Secretary’s Report from September 7th read and approved. Correspondence from Dorothy Phipps to convey her gratitude for her birthday wishes from many of us. Ardell reported our Treasurer’s Report and that she had spoke with Rony M. for insite on where we can help financially with a project. It was decided, following discussion a couple were noted. A motion to get altar repaired and painted following rain damage. Motion we will pay for repairs necessary for $2,000 + was made by Nancy W. and seconded by Linda. All in favor. Linda to check on paste to repair all loose wallpaper.
Joyce thanked all who helped clean the basement tables.
Committee Reports: Quilting – Judy Wambeam reported quilting started Monday September 6th and had 6 eager quilters. A quilt given to “Life” auction for Laura T. to be October 7th. Quilts to Rachael’s Hope, Austin. Eight boys and 8 girls, 6 bedside quilts all donated. A quilt to Chad Hamersma following a fire that totally destroyed his home. Pat Hanson provided a Thrivent Action Team card to purchase batting for quilts. Thank you, Pat. Linda will serve coffee on October 16th – WELCA’s Sunday. Visitation Report given and many calls, cards and visits had been made.
October 23rd there will be a “Bake Off” fund raiser. Encourage all to join in the fun. The ladies will decorate for Fall soon.
Officers for 2023 will be: President Nancy Wesley, Vice President Joyce Peterson, Secretary Linda Christianson, Treasurer Ardell Swenson and Mission Education Growth, Mission in Action Stewardship Judy Wambeam.
Nancy, Linda, Ardell and Joyce gave a report of the Synod meeting at Bethel Church in Rochester. September 17th celebrated the anniversary of WELCA – 35 years. Speaker from Portland Oregon Conference. Sixty-four Synods in the USA. Twenty-three voting members in attendance. Style Show. Ended with a quote “Do you want to be right or do you want to be happy?” Closed with the Lord’s Prayer. Bible Study followed the WELCA meeting with Pastor Leandra.
Next meeting will be Wednesday November 2nd at 1 p.m.
Linda L. Christianson, Secretary
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URGENT NOTICE – According to the Red Oak Grove Constitution we have to have a Vice President. Please give this some serious consideration. This position needs to be in place by December 31, 2022.
Thank you to everyone who participated in our Bake Off. We had a wonderful turn out. Winners in each category were Rony Magnuson – taste, Diana Horan – appearance and Samantha Horan – creativity. A total of $249 in donations was received.
On November 30th we will start off the Advent Season by making pizzas and learning about Advent. This event will start at 5:45 p.m. and is for all ages of our congregation. If you plan to attend, please let Pastor Leandra know. Thanking you in advance.
Red Oak Grove Lutheran Church 