Beloveds of Red Oak Grove,
The trees are already looking as if they are changing, school is starting back, gardens are ready to pick and autumn is just around the corner. Of course, while I am happy to pull out my fall decor, I’m always sad to see summer go. We have a very exciting September coming up. This month we have our annual Cowboy Service with good music and lunch. This 10am service will be a service shared with both churches, so we will have a great time together!
It is also time to look into starting Confirmation! If you do have Confirmation aged students, please plan to attend one of two opportunities for an orientation either on Sunday September 10th at 2pm at Community Lutheran in Geneva or on Wednesday September 13th at 6:30pm here at Red Oak Grove. This will be integral in us getting the year set and will give me the opportunity to meet you all!
I want to thank all of you for your patience, support, and care while I have begun sharing my time between the two congregations. It is because of your willingness to see the Spirit working among you and your ongoing support of me as your pastor that allows for new and wonderful things to unfold.
I hope that you all have a fantastic start to the autumn season and all the things it brings.
With God’s Peace,
Pastor Leandra
Thank you to all who helped deliver “Meals on Wheels” in August.
Red Oak Grove Lutheran Church – Council Minutes- August 15, 2023
The meeting was called to order by President, Rony Magnuson. Members in attendance included: Rony, Laura, Julie, Joyce, Holly, Tom, Pastor Leandra and Diana. Pastor Leandra led opening prayer.
Secretary Report: June minutes approved as is by all present.
Notes to relay from short meeting in July: Discussion from Geneva meeting finalizing Pastor contract. Presented to congregation then held brief Council meeting and contract was approved by all present. Contract to start August 1, 2023.
Pastor’s Report: Report attached
Treasurer’s Report: No Report
Deacon’s Report: No Report
Trustee’s Report: Double fridge in basement was serviced by tech from Sorenson’s Appliance and is now working again. WELCA has offered to pay for repairs.
WELCA Report: No August meeting. Nancy W. brought leftover strawberries and ice cream and served at Sacred Heart. WELCA has Meals on Wheels for month of August, had good volunteers.
Old Business:
1. Baseboards will be finished in next few weeks.
New Business:
1. LP tanks will be getting summer fill where we can get lowest cost. Tom will check around for prices for a winter contract. Motion approved to prepay for 4,000 gallons on contract with best pricing.
2. Cowboy Service scheduled for September 10, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. for a combined service with Community Lutheran.
Lunch Meal will be:
Hot Dogs (Rony)/Sloppy Joes (Holly & Joyce)
Buns- Holly/Rony
Ketchup/Mustard- Diana
Chips- Church/Rony
Beans- Julie
Cookies- Diana
Water/Lemonade- Church
Food planning for 75
3. Will be getting design and quote for donation envelopes from Albert Lea Church Printing and wouldn’t be dated anymore so can be used at any time and can be ordered at the need of members. Rony will have design started and receive prices for next Council meeting.
4. Geneva/ROG Council members will need to be formed. Each church will be looking to have 3 representatives. Current volunteers are Rony and Laura. Looking for third member from the congregation, if you are interested should reach out to Rony.
5. Church Use Form update: Our fee current: $150, New fee: $150
Fellowship Room $50, New fee: Combined to be a total fee for rental no longer separate. Custodian fee: $50, New fee: $75
Next Council meeting September 19, 2023 at 6:00. Meeting adjourned at 7:00.
Respectfully submitted, Diana Horan, Council Secretary
Red Oak Grove Lutheran Church 