The month of February for me is one of love. Of course, I may be a little biased in my liking of February because it is the month of my birthday and I do like the chocolate of Valentine’s Day. The greatest commandment is the commandment to love. We start Lent this month in an effort to look inward and think on Christ, too. This is also a topic of love. While I know that February can bring feelings of being tired of winter and cold, maybe we can be reminded of the warmth of love in there somewhere.
The most infamous verses about love for a lot of us in the New Testament is from 1 Corinthians 13. What I once heard someone call the bathroom decor verses, which continues to make me laugh because I can picture the very decor I saw a lot growing up in, you guessed it, a bathroom. But, besides this being a cliche bathroom sign, these verses in their entirety hold such a strong voice for us as Christians, especially in today’s world.
Verses 1-3 read:
“If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. 2 If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. 3 If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing” (NIV).
Paul ends with the statement in verse 13 about the greatest of faith, hope, and love to be love. When we have love we have everything we need. Without love, we are missing the important pieces in our lives.
As we go into this month, no matter how you feel about February, may you have a month filled with love and may you share the love of God and neighbor.
With God’s Peace,
Pastor Leandra
Red Oak Grove Council Minutes – Jan 8, 2023
Meeting was called to order by President, Rony Magnuson. Other members in attendance included: Laura, Rachael, Holly, Cathy, Tom, Julie, Anna, Nancy. Pastor Leandra opened with a prayer.
Secretary’s Report: Secretary Report was emailed to everyone and approved by all present.
Pastor’s Report: One baptism and continued visits to Prairie Manor.
Trustee’s Report: Nothing new to report.
WELCA Report: Given by Nancy Wesely.
Deacon’s Report: Nothing new to report.
Treasurer’s Report: Approved by all present.
Revenue for December was $43,800.88
Expenses for December were $17,210.55
Old Business: Laura thanked the Council for the Christmas gift.
New Business:
1. Council Meetings will be held on the 2nd Sunday each month at 10 am.
2. $750 grant money will be allocated towards Books for Blooming Prairie 1st Graders. The balance will be donated to the Blooming Prairie Backpack Program.
3. Discussion / Exploration on replacing the damaged sign with a digital sign as we learn more moving though the insurance process.
4. 2023 goals were discussed and an official list will be presented at the next meeting.
5. Idea was presented by Pastor Leandra to do something fun during services for Superbowl Sunday. More information will be announced at a later time.
6. We welcomed new members to the council. Laura as Vice-President, Anna as our Youth Representative and Nancy as our WELCA Representative.
A motion was presented and seconded to adjourn with the Lord’s Prayer.
Notes taken by Rachael Magnuson.
WELCA Report
WELCA officers met on Sunday, January 8, 2023 following Sunday worship. There were 7 present.
Business: Nancy made a motion to give a payment to the church from quilts sold of $100. Seconded by Ardell Swenson. It can be used to help defray a utility bill.
Treasurer’s Report was given by Ardell and approved by Nancy and seconded by Judy Wambeam.
Stewardship: Noisy Coin offering gave us $40.68. Blooming Prairie and Austin Schools will each receive 38 pieces of hats and mittens.
A new Cheer List has been compiled with addresses updated. Copies will be made. Notes by Judy Wambeam
If you have changed your address or a phone number, please let the office know so that our records are up to date.
Just a reminder that the phone number for the office here at Red Oak Grove has changed to 507-320-8287. February Noisy Coin Offering will go to Paint the Town Pink (Hormel Institute).
February 12th will be Souper Bowl Sunday. Wear your favorite team colors. A special offering will be taken after church for people in need in the area.
We will be starting a Book Club here at Red Oak Grove on February 9 at 7 p.m. The book that we will be discussing is “Atlas of the Heart” by Brene’ Brown.
Ash Wednesday is on February 22nd. We will have two services with Communion. Service times will be 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.
A Letter of Thanks
Dear Red Oak Grove Family,
I wanted to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude for all of your support during my time at Wartburg College. Your encouragement and prayers have meant so much to me, especially as I have balanced my academic pursuits with my athletic endeavors. I am so grateful to have been able to represent our church on the cross country course, and I am constantly amazed by the way that sports can bring people together and point us towards something greater.
In addition to my time at Wartburg, I have also been blessed to spend my summers working as a videographer for a ministry organization in Colorado. It has been a wonderful opportunity to use my skills and passions to serve others, and I am so grateful for the support and encouragement of our church in this calling.
I am deeply thankful for all that our church has done for me, and I pray that I can continue to be a blessing to our community in return.
With love and appreciation,
Alec Ille
Red Oak Grove Lutheran Church 