Dear Beloveds,
There is something about the summer that makes us a little restless. The nice weather fills us with warmth and we get busier. It’s the time of year where we like to travel and camp or be outside enjoying the grill with our friends and family. There is nothing better than a summer night fire with some s’mores and star gazing. The sun fills us with a warmth that we remember with fondness throughout the rest of the year.
I love that the Easter season ends with Ascension Sunday and Pentecost, two things we celebrated just at the end of May. These two Sundays, where Jesus moves into light to ascend into heaven and the fire of the Spirit in Pentecost feel so perfect for the summer season. A reminder that the light that surrounds Jesus and the wind and fire of the Spirit sends us into the ordinary time filled with the goodness of the resurrected Christ.
I hope that you all are enjoying this beautiful time of year, as you travel, work in your gardens, or spend time around the fire. Of course, with plenty of sunscreen and mosquito repellant. I hope that you are filled with the light of Jesus and the Spirit as we move seasons in the church as well.
Be safe and enjoy the summer!
With God’s Peace,
Pastor Leandra
Pastor’s Report Summary:
I continue to do our worship services (now open to the community), services at Prairie Manor, visits, text study, first call education, Bible study, and book club. Things to note for the month of May, I attended Synod Assembly, a friend’s ordination, and our Evening of Sharing with the Confirmation kids. Exciting things coming up are the Strawberry Social, our Confirmation service, Baccalaureate for BPHS, and possible summer activities for our kids.
Red Oak Grove Lutheran Church
Council Minutes-May 16, 2023
The meeting was called to order by president, Rony Magnuson. Members in attendance included: Rony, Laura, Pastor Leandra, Diana, Tom, Cathie, and Linda. Pastor Leandra led opening prayer.
Secretary Report:
Report approved by all present as is.
Pastor’s Report:
Report presented to Council and attached in LOG.
Treasurer’s Report:
Beginning Balance: $32,072.40
Income: $18,852.14
Expenses: $8,912.70
Ending Balance: $42,011.84
Report approved by all present as is.
Deacon’s Report:
Created event on Facebook for Strawberry Social and has been shared by many.
Trustee’s Report:
Lawn mower serviced and returned. Parts ordered for snow blower. Purchased new heater for well house for fall. Checked out bell tower and leak and made changes to catch water that does come in. Kitchenette sink has leak and Tom will try to have fixed by Strawberry Social. Loose banister on alter was looked at and secured.
WELCA Report:
Quilting finished completed 20 quilts. Busy working on Strawberry Social.
Old Business:
1. Easter services went well had over 100 church attendees between the two services. All events that day went well.
2. Insurance has all information submitted for the broken sign out front. Waiting to hear back from them.
New Business:
1. Strawberry Social- June 13, 2023. Linda reports planning is going well advertising has been started and out there.
2. Confirmation Guidelines/Expectations Council is proposing to Confirmands families:
– Kick off Night/Meet and Greet in September
– Three Acts of Faith
– Quarterly Worship Notes
– Evening of Sharing at end of Confirmation
– Fun Event for youth in Confirmation (Ideas from youth for Council to choose what will work)
3. Council will serve cake on Sunday, May 21 for the Confirmation class.
Motion from Laura and seconded by Diana to adjourn and closed with the Lord’s Prayer. Respectfully submitted,
Diana Horan, Council Secretary
WELCA Minutes
Wednesday, May 3, 2023 our monthly WELCA meeting was called to order by President Nancy Wesely. There were 7 present. Devotional reading was read by Linda about “Clothes on the Line” the story they tell.
The Secretary’s Report for the April 3rd meeting was read. Treasurer’s Report was given by Ardell. Both reports were approved and were placed on file.
Correspondence: Thank you from the Virginia Davis Family. Thank you from Sue Welidee. Note from Rachel’s Hope and their new address – 3313 2nd Avenue NE, Austin. They are having an Open House on May 20th from 10-2.
Committee Reports: Quilting-Judy Wambeam reported that the last day of quilting was May 1st. Some worked on Friday to finish up. Blessing Day will be May 7th. A total of 40 for year were made. Three by Diana, 13 large, 24 small. All are welcome to come and help. We have a very small crew but do wonderful work. Please come join us.
Nancy reported notes from the Council Meeting that the meter in the well house has been repaired, working on repairing the church sign on the west side of church. There are 2 going to Good Earth Village Camp this summer. Thursday, May 4th is World Day of Prayer. Joyce thanked all who helped with Meals on Wheels deliveries in April. ROG will again deliver in August. Devotional books have been reordered and were donated by Ardell. Thank her when you see her.
Strawberry Social Updates: Cindy has checked all paper products and packaging containers. Silverware has been wrapped and packaged, working on advertising with Mower County Shopper and Steele County Times. Tables have been reserved for the north side of the church. Signs too. KIK put new dates on. Thrivent card to help with expenses for water bottles from Pat Hanson has come. Ardell handling the meat. Water bottle labels are here. Council will help.
An offering was taken. Nancy closed the meeting with the Lord’s Prayer. Next meeting will be Wednesday, June 7th at 1 p.m. followed by Bible Study. Devotions will be by Marilyn H. and Suzanne will serve a treat. Thank you to Joyce for serving today.
Linda Christianson, Secretary
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Affirmation of Baptism (Confirmation) was celebrated on May 21st for
Aden Doocy, Lacy Haberman and Amelia Bucher.
Red Oak Grove has three high school seniors who will graduate on June 2nd at 6:30 p.m. They are Alex Riley, Jesse Cardenas and Cade Christianson.
We will recognize these seniors on June 4th and present them with a quilt made by our quilting ladies.
Strawberry Social is June 13th
Help is needed on:
June 8th at 9 a.m. prepare strawberries
June 12th 9 a.m. work day
June 13th at 8:30 set up for Social
Thanking you in advance for your help.
Red Oak Grove Lutheran Church 