Spring has officially arrived! It is the welcoming of a friend that seems to bring some of my favorite things of the year. I have seen the early signs of Spring slowly begin to arrive. Our robin friends are flying back in, bunnies are back in the yard, and even around the church green little sprouts have begun to emerge from the ground. Soon there will be a hope of fresh flowers. It always feels right this time of year that Easter comes and reminds us of the beauty of Spring’s renewal/ Easter’s resurrection and the praises of the songs we sing echo the beauty that comes after the long winter and long Lenten season.
There is hope in this season that fills us. There is a joy that inspires us. We see things during Easter once again with the fresh lens of the newness of Christ’s triumph over death. This is a space where we are also invited into a sense of newness and joy. It is where we are invited to explore what a renewed life in Christ truly means for us. We were given such an amazing gift of grace and in Easter we are reminded of all the ways Christ helps us to see his love and the hope he brings.
I hope to see you at any or all of our Holy Week services this year. I hope that you feel the joy and love of Christ this Easter as we celebrate the empty tomb and the risen Christ!
Alleluia, Christ is Risen!
With God’s Peace,
Pastor Leandra
Red Oak Grove Lutheran Church Council Minutes- March 12, 2023
The meeting was called to order by president, Rony Magnuson. Members in attendance included: Rony, Diana, Laura, Nancy, Julie, Holly, Cathy, Pastor Leandra. Pastor Leandra led opening prayer.
Secretary Report:
Motion made and approved by all present to accept as is.
Pastor’s Report:
This past month led 1 funeral, casual Friday services started and had a few attend. Will have another March 24. Lenten services have begun and had good turnouts. Council of Leaders is next Sunday, March 19 in Albert Lea.
Treasurer’s Report:
Beginning balance: $40,112.06
Revenue: $8,107.59
Expenses: $13,328.90
Ending Balance: $35,220.75
Deacon’s Report:
No report this month.
Trustee’s Report:
No report this month.
WELCA Report:
Folders needed to be bought for Secretary and was approved to purchase by WELCA.
Old Business:
1. No update from insurance yet on sign replacement.
New Business:
1. Easter: Maundy Thursday Service, Palm Sunday Service, Early Easter Service at 7:00 and normal 9:00 service.
2. Easter breakfast: Egg bakes, cinnamon rolls and fruit.
Egg Bakes: Laura, Holly, Diana, Rony
Cinnamon Rolls: Nancy, Cathy, Julie
Fruit: Holly, Julie
Orange Juice/Milk: Cathy
Will have Easter egg hunt between services for kids.
3. Next year we will be getting envelopes as normal but will not have dates on so you can use at anytime and will be able to let church know when you are getting low and need another box. This will reduce waste and save money.
4. Will put in bulletin that Good Earth Village registration is open for summer camp if any youth is interested in attending. Church would assist and sponsor those attending.
5. Contact garbage company to fix/replace lid on trash that is broken.
Next meeting will be Sunday, April 16 after church. Motion from Laura and seconded by Cathy to adjourn and closed with the Lord’s Prayer.
Respectfully submitted,
Diana Horan, Council Secretary
Council Coffee Serving Dates:
April 2- Holly and Julie
May 7-
June 4
Brochures for the Summer Camp at Good Earth Village are in the narthex. A registration form is included. If any youth is interested in going Red Oak Grove will help you attend.
April is Red Oak Groves month to deliver Meals on Wheels. Drivers for the month are listed below.
Meals on Wheels Drivers for April
April 4th – Roger Peterson and Joyce Peterson
April 11th – Ardell Swenson and Joyce Peterson
April 14th – Roger Peterson and Karen Beede
April 18th – Jamie Hanson and Karen Beede
April 21st – Ardell Swenson and Joyce Peterson
April 25th and 28th – Linda and Nolan Christianson
Holy Week Services at Red Oak Grove
April 6th – 5:30 p.m. Maundy Thursday Worship/Communion
April 7th – Noon Good Friday Worship at First Lutheran
April 9th – 7 a.m. Easter Sunrise Worship/Communion
Breakfast and Easter egg hunt between services
9 a.m. Easter Worship/Communion
We have scheduled two family worship services on a Friday. Both services will start at 7 p.m. The first one is April 14th and then again on April 28th. Come and check them out!!
Noisy Coin Offering for April will go to the Blooming Prairie Youth club.
Be sure to check out the south bulletin board for events coming up in the community. HAPPY EASTER
Have you changed your address or your phone service? If so, please let the office know so that our records can be updated. Thank you.
Red Oak Grove Lutheran Church 