Family and Friends of Red Oak Grove,
The Christmas season is upon us once again! I hope that in all of the busy times this season that you are finding time to relax and reflect on the peace and joy that Christ brings through the story of his birth. This year we are exploring a theme of “Home for Christmas”. We will think about many of the things that define home for us, whether that be the people we surround ourselves with to the traditional stories we have heard our whole lives. The feelings of home wrap us like a fresh batch of cookies and maybe leave us with a little sadness as we remember all of the things past. These are the things that make up home to us.
I invite you to find videos on our YouTube Channel:
ROG’s YouTube Channel or on ROG’s Facebook Page
This will be our weekly devotions for the Advent season.
My hope is that in this our eyes are better set for the manger, that our love for one another is rekindled, and that you may all find your way home to Red Oak Grove for Christmas.
Merry Christmas!
May the light of the newborn Christ shine on you this season and always.
With God’s Peace,
Pastor Leandra
Christmas at Red Oak Grove
December 24th – 2:30 p.m. Worship with Holy Communion
5:30 p.m. Candlelight Worship/ with Holy Communion
December 25th – NO Church Service
Red Oak Grove Lutheran Church Council Minutes-November 8, 2022
The meeting was called to order by president, Gary Ulland. Members in attendance included: Gary, Diana, Julie, Holly, Pastor Leandra, Joyce, Cathy, and Rony. Pastor Leandra led opening prayer.
Secretary’s Report:
Report approved as is by all present.
Pastor’s Report:
Normal services on Sundays and a wedding a few weeks ago. Participated in Trunk or Treat. Fall Theological Conference from Sunday afternoon till Tuesday.
Treasurer’s Report:
Starting balance: $5,054.30
Revenue: $13, 013.69
Expenses: $12,292.24
Ending Balance: $5,775.75
Proposal to use money from Memorial Fund if church is in need to cover monthly expenses. If money is taken and used from the Memorial will be noted in monthly statement and noted in budget. Council approved adding Cathy to the Memorial Fund to be able to move money if needed. Motion made by Rony and seconded by Holly, approved by all present.
Due to questions about where expenses are going, Council has decided to post outside Marilyn’s office the monthly Treasurer’s Report to view.
Report approved as is by all present.
Deacon’s Report:
Trunk or Treat had a great turn out and participation from church members.
Trustee’s Report:
No Trustee’s present for report
WELCA Report:
Ladies have been quilting and have finished up for the Fall. At last meeting WELCA voted on their donation list and how much they will be giving out to the many organizations throughout the years. Will be fixing areas of the church where the wallpaper has come loose.
Old Business:
1. Snow Removal List for Winter: Tom is working on the list.
2. Snowblower serviced: Serviced and ready for winter that we know of.
3. Turn heater on in well pit: Has been turned on and ready for winter.
New Business:
1. Thanksgiving Service: Pastors met and decided to not hold a special joint service this year for Thanksgiving. Pastor Leandra will change some of the service on Sunday, November 20 to acknowledge the holiday. Council decided to have Lefse making after church during coffee hour. Anyone is welcome to bring griddle and dough to cook that day with others.
2. Radio Stations for bad weather are: KAUS, KATE, KRFO, and KOWZ.
TV Stations for bad weather are: KAAL and KTTC.
Pastor does her best to reach out to all these TV and radio stations but sometimes is not able to reach. Best bet is to watch the TV and the church’s Facebook page.
3. Advent Focus: Special night on Wednesday, November 30 at 5:30, will make homemade pizza and make Advent wreaths and talk about Advent and learn. All are welcome and would love all ages to join in. Please RSVP to Pastor for meal count.
4. Christmas Services: Saturday, December 24 services at 2:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. Service at 5:30 p.m. will be a candlelight service. No services on Sunday, December 25.
5. Congregational Letter: Will be drafting special letter to send to congregation highlighting our financial situation and status. This letter will be in the works over the next few months to send out early 2023.
Motion from Rony and seconded by Cathy to adjourn and closed with the Lord’s Prayer. Respectfully submitted, Diana Horan, Council Secretary
WELCA Report
The Red Oak Grove Women of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America met Wednesday, November 2, 2022 at 1 p.m. There were 9 present. Joyce Peterson, President, opened the meeting in the Name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. The group read the purpose. Opening hymn was sung #329 – Now Thank We All Our God. No devotions. The Secretary read the minutes of the October meeting.
Correspondence: Thank you from Lutheran Campus Center. Ardell S. gave Treasurer’s Report.
Unfinished: Linda checked on wallpaper paste to repair all loose sections. $56 at Sherwin Williams. Marilyn made a motion to get and Karen Beede seconded the motion. Motion carried. Will be bought and reimbursed.
New Business: A motion was made by Suzanne H. and seconded by Karen B. to give $5,000 to church on December 1st to go into the General Fund for expenses. Card was given to Pastor Leandra in appreciation of her service to us all. Joyce gave notes regarding her attendance at the Council meeting. Some discussion on Ecumenical Service for Thanksgiving. More information to follow.
We voted on a list of donations to be given at the end of the year. Ardell wanted to get started on them earlier. The list is as follows: Lutheran Campus Winona Ministry, Austin Public School, Good Earth Village, Marie Sandvik, Lutheran Social Service, BP Youth Club, Peace and Power, ARC Austin, WELCA Chicago, Rachael’s Hope, College, Mankato Youth.
Marilyn Helleck made a motion and Linda seconded it. Thank Offering for Synod taken. On November 20th Suzanne and Judy will serve WELCA Sunday coffee. Closed with the Lord’s Prayer. Next meeting will be December 7th for a noon potluck followed by Bible Study.
Linda Christianson, Secretary
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
December 9th at 7:30 p.m. We will have a movie night at church. All are welcome to attend.
Noisy Coin Offering for December will go to the Blooming Prairie Ministerium. We will again be ordering poinsettias for Christmas. The cost is $10. Make checks out to WELCA and give to Ardell Swenson. Orders must be placed by December 4th. Sign up sheet is in the narthex.
Red Oak Grove Lutheran Church 