Dear Beloveds of Christ,
The four-leaf clover has an association with luck. We see it everywhere this time of year because of celebrating St. Patrick’s Day, but these symbolize much more than only luck. The first three petals represent faith, hope, and love, three of the very important fruits of the Spirit in our thinking. Add in the fourth petal for luck and you have this iconic symbol of good things. I think how we spent hours as soon as the clovers began to grow searching for the rare four-leafed clover. The excitement as soon as you found one was worth the long search. Each one that we found my grandma lovingly would set in her window in a little glass of water all spring and summer long, as flowers like dandelions and bachelor buttons would soon join in the cup too. All signs of joy, hope, love, and maybe a little bit of luck along the way.
I am always so excited to see the purple of lent come to the altar and maybe just maybe the wonderland of snow will slowly but surely start to be replaced over the next couple of months with green. The dandelions and clovers will grow and we will look at those little flowers with a smile because we remember the luck and happiness they bring.
These little plants also remind us to keep up our faith, our hope, and our love as the world naturally shifts into a greener season, but because we need to remember to carry these things with us throughout lent, St. Patrick’s Day and at last into Easter after these 40 days.
In this Lenten time, too, I hope that we will be lucky enough to see you at a Lenten meal, at Sunday service, at our family movie night, or at our new Friday night causal worship for a short service of prayer, acoustic music, and the Word of our Lord. It is with great faith and hope and love that the Spirit works through one another, so use this Lent as an opportunity to connect with your church community like clovers in a patch.
See you soon!
With God’s Peace and Love,
Pastor Leandra
Red Oak Grove Lutheran Church
Council Minutes-February 12, 2022
The meeting was called to order by president, Rony Magnuson. Members in attendance included: Rony, Rachael, Diana, Julie, Laura, Holly, Cathy, Pastor Leandra, Tom, and Joyce. Pastor Leandra led opening prayer.
Secretary Report:
Approved by all present as presented.
Pastor’s Report:
Normal church services and no service at Prairie Manor this month due to Covid lockdown. Working with Synod on Leaders on Council is on Sunday, March 19 at First Lutheran in Albert Lea, MN. Open to all leaders of congregation. Continue work with first call. Started book club and been planning Ash Wednesday services.
Treasurer’s Report:
Beginning Balance: $38,615.42
Revenue: $17,057.46
Expenses: $8,885.14
Ending Balance: $40,459.23
Received reimbursement from phone company. Report approved by all present as is.
Deacon’s Report:
Nothing new to report
Trustee’s Report:
Reprogrammed thermostats in all of church to help with usage. Worked with Katie on how to program thermostats and changing filters on furnace. New mailboxes have been purchased and installed. Terry came and fixed septic issues at parsonage.
WELCA Report:
Linda, Nolan, and Katie have been repairing wallpaper in back on narthex.
Old Business:
1. Will finalize book donations for spring for 1st graders at BPES.
New Business:
1. Reaching out to insurance on replacing sign.
2. Non-profit pricing to join Blooming Prairie Chamber for $60. Motion to join made by Laura and seconded by Cathy. Approved by all present, motion approved.
3. Ash Wednesday services will be February 22, 2023 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.
Mid-week Lent meal and lesson will begin March 1 and will be more community based with dinner and discussion style more then traditional worship based. Will look for volunteers to serve dinner for Lent services.
March 1: Pastor Leandra and Matt & Diana Horan
March 8: Church Council
March 15:
March 22:
March 29:
Next Council meeting will be March 12, 2023 after church.
Motion from Rachael and seconded by Julie to adjourn and closed with the Lord’s Prayer. Respectfully submitted, Diana Horan, Council Secretary
WELCA Report
On Wednesday, February 1, 2023, President Nancy Wesely called our monthly WELCA meeting to order. It was opened at 1 p.m. in the Name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Seven members were present. The purpose was read in unison. Our new 2023 WELCA books were distributed to the present members. Just a couple updates in the list of telephone numbers. Thanks to Suzanne Hamersma for a lot of proofing time and Marilyn Blume to putting books to print. Nancy lead devotions with the reading “Mary had a little Lamb”. The message given was the “Lamb” needs to be back in all our lives.
Correspondence: Thank you notes from Lutheran Campus Ministry Crossroads, Marie Sandvik, Women of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America for thank offering and Rachel’s Hope, Austin.
Secretary’s Report by Linda regarding January 8th small meeting following church service. Linda gave information regarding the Keegan Bronson Benefit on February 4th in Hayfield. WELCA donated a beautiful Diana Magnuson quilt.
Treasurer’s Report: Ardell gave our financial report. Both reports approved.
Unfinished Business: Loose wall paper in back of church removed. Other areas to be replaced that are loose.
Nancy gave report from Council. Seven items (goals) in place.
1. Help where possible with Strawberry Social.
2. Altar Repair
3. Repair sign by road
4. Update and streamline services
5. Change services
6. Moscow and Red Oak Grove exchange pastors for services.
7. Community Outreach Program
New Business: Visitors cards of Welcome to guests that attend. Discussion on serving funerals at Red Oak Grove. Adjust for each family’s needs. Discussed using regular coffee cup and wash instead of buying disposable.
Our next meeting will be March 1st at 1 p.m. followed by Bible Study. Judy gave closing devotions. It was a reading about a garden/footprints. Joyce read “Art of Love” – giving of ourselves, love one another, where there is love there is hope for tomorrow. Closed with the Lord’s Prayer.
Linda Christianson, Secretary
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Office hours are Tuesday from 8 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Office phone number is 507-320-8287.
Pastor Leandra will be in the office also on Thursday’s from 1 p.m. until 3 p.m. Her cell phone number is 507-438-6084 if you need to contact her.
Ladies – Quilting will start on March 13th at 9 a.m. No potluck.
Midweek Lenten Services are on Wednesday evenings. We will meet for a Lenten meal at 5:45 p.m. followed by an after meal discussion.
A Casual Friday worship service is planned for Friday, March 10th and Friday, March 24th at 7 p.m. All are welcome to come!
Red Oak Grove Lutheran Church 