Red Oak Grove Friends,
Autumn has always been one of my favorite times of year. I love the colors and the coolness that returns to the air that gives us a good reason to have some time by a campfire or to wear some of my favorite plaids. Growing up in the Appalachian Mountains always meant that Fall brought many people to look at the changing leaves, but more than that it brings a certain kind of crunchy-leaf joy that seems to be contagious. Fall also is that constant reminder of the cycle of life and of the year. The vibrance before rest. The harvest before hibernation. We feel these cycles too, with each fall, winter, spring and summer. I know that we dread the winter, the time of drawing in and shutting down, but for now I love that we get the autumn.
A few fun fall activities for you this October. There will be a fall family night on Friday October 13th. We will have dinner, a short lesson, and we will watch a fall themed movie! It promises to be lots of fun! The annual bake-off will be Sunday October 15th after church. Our annual Trunk or Treat will be on Oct. 29th from 3:30-5:00. It will be the best time to have some fun together, throw on a costume, hand out candy or bring your kids to get some candy, maybe both! I hope to see you at church for one or all of these wonderful fall activities!
Autumn blessings to you all! I hope you have a safe harvest and that you get to eat some apples, carve some pumpkins, and step on the crunchiest of leaves!
With God’s Peace,
Pastor Leandra
Red Oak Grove Lutheran Church
Council Minutes- September 19, 2023
The meeting was called to order by president, Rony Magnuson.
Members in attendance included: Rony, Pastor Leandra, Joyce, Diana, Tom, Julie Pastor Leandra led opening prayer.
Secretary Report:
Received no corrections
Pastor’s Report:
Report attached
Treasurer’s Report:
Beginning Balance: $48,970.11
Income: $16, 684.54
Expenses: $8,287.11
Ending Balance: $57,367.54
Not enough members present to approve reports this meeting, tabled till next meeting.
Deacon’s Report:
Cowboy Service had less attention online than last year, but attendance was up. Will be advertising for upcoming Trunk or Treat and Family Movie Night.
Trustee’s Report:
Flooring is planned to be finished by end of Sept/Oct. Tom will do some tree trimming on low lying branches.
WELCA Report:
Invited Community Lutheran ladies to last WELCA meeting, 2 attended. Have donated several quilts to local benefits.
Old Business:
Cowboy Service had about 80 in attendance and served about 70 for lunch.
New Business:
- Upcoming Parish meeting scheduled for 10/10/23.
- Trunk or Treat is scheduled for October 29 from 3:30-5 p.m.
- Bake off scheduled for October 15 for all to participate. Prizes will be given for Most Creative and 2 for Best Taste.
Next meeting October 17 at 6:00 p.m.
Meeting was adjourned and closed with the Lord’s Prayer.
Respectfully submitted, Diana Horan, Council Secretary
WELCA Report
The Red Oak Grove September WELCA meeting was called to order by Nancy Wesely on Wednesday, September 6th at 1 p.m. She opened the meeting in the Name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Our purpose was read. There were 8 present from Red Oak Grove and 2 attended from Community Lutheran and were welcomed. Ardell gave opening devotions “Trust”. No correspondence. Secretary and Treasurer’s Reports were given. Final figures from Strawberry Social reported and are completed. Correction made and approved.
Committee Reports: Quilting will start October 9th at 9 a.m. for 6 weeks Judy said. Cancer Auction quilt was delivered for September 8th and 9th. Made by Diana Magnuson.
New Business: Joint Parish Committee formed with Geneva. Our representatives are Pastor, Rony, Laura T. and Julie H. Geneva’s representatives are Sue Stieglbauer, Jan Bartsch and Brooke Krohn.
On September 30th, the SE Synodical Women will meet at First Lutheran Church in Red Wing from 8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. Registration is $25.
Old Business: Coffee pot in basement is being repaired. Mike Hoffman taking care of it. Parts have been ordered. Thank you notes were sent to Holly Ille, Louise Peterson and Marilyn Ulland for all the pretty flowers at church all summer. WELCA donating strawberries for dinner on Cowboy Sunday. Nancy shared berries with residents of Sacred Heart and ice cream. Someone had a birthday so a perfect treat.
Offering was taken. Joyce gave devotions, “Life’s Simple Things. The Lord’s Prayer was prayed. Thanks to Marilyn Helleck for serving coffee and a treat.
Next meeting will be on Wednesday, October 4th at 9 a.m. Guest Day. Have not done this since 2019 so trying to bring it back.
Linda Christianson, Secretary
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October is Pastor Appreciation month.
Fall Family Night will be at 6:30 p.m. on October 13th. We will have a dinner, brief lesson and a movie.
Our Annual Bake-Off will be held on October 15th. Bring baked items to church by 8:30 a.m. Label them with your name and the name of your item. They will be tasted and voted on. No fee to enter but a free will donation to taste and vote.
October 29th – “Trunk or Treat” will be from 3:30 to 5 p.m. in the parking lot. Fill your trunks with candy, pencils, stickers etc. Donations are welcome for this community outreach event. Costumes and decorated vehicles are optional. Over 100 kids came last year!
Red Oak Grove Lutheran Church 