Dear Beloveds,
November is already upon us! It is time for us to begin thinking about baking all those tasty thanksgiving treats, visiting with our communities, and if you are anything like me, fighting the urge to put up Christmas decorations until later in the month. Much of the decor and messages for this time of year shifts to an emphasis on blessing, thanksgiving, gathering, and gratefulness. For me, this means that we start to think about all of those things in our life that we are blessed with. It is something that the gospel invites us to count in several places and ways. Among better health, good friends and family, and all of the positive things that have happened, I am always grateful and blessed by all of you! It is wonderful to live in a community like our church community who cares for us and supports us.
As you gather, I hope that you are gathering with those who are blessings in your life. I hope that you remember all of those things that you are thankful for in the midst of all of the challenges of the year. Most of all, I hope that you have a very cozy, safe, and happy thanksgiving and start to the holiday season!
With God’s Peace,
Pastor Leandra
Red Oak Grove Lutheran Church Council Minutes-October 17, 2023
The meeting was called to order by president, Rony Magnuson. Members in attendance included: Rony, Laura, Joyce, Cathy, Holly, Pastor Leandra, Diana, and Tom. Pastor Leandra led opening prayer.
Secretary Report: Approved as is by all present.
Pastor’s Report: Report attached.
Treasurer’s Report:
August Beginning Balance: $48,970.11
Donations: $16,684.54
Expenses: $8,287.11
Ending Balance: $57,367.54
September Beginning Balance: $57,367.54
Donations: $32,937.12
Expenses: $15,208.55
Ending Balance: $75,096.11
Both reports approved by all present as is. Motion made and approved by all present to move $10,000 from General Fund to Improvement Fund.
Deacon’s Report: No Report
Trustee’s Report: Tom trimmed trees around the church.
WELCA Report:
WELCA ladies discussed projects around the church that they would like to help with paying for with money raised from Strawberry Social. One idea they thought would be good was replacing/fixing ceiling in fellowship room. Tom said he will talk to some people and getting quotes and those willing to do the work.
Old Business:
Parish Council: Christmas Services were decided to be Sunday, December 24 services will be 9:30 a.m. & 3:30 p.m. at Red Oak Grove and 5:30 p.m. at Community Lutheran.
New Business:
Fall cleanup outside of the church will follow church and coffee time on November 5, 2023.
Annual Congregational Meeting scheduled for January 7 at 10:00 a.m. with make up date (if needed) of January 21 at 10:00 a.m.
Motion made and approved by all to buy books for the 1st Grade students in Blooming Prairie Elementary School.
Winter weather plans will be the same as last year, Pastor Leandra will make decision and get word out to congregation through Prayer Chain, local tv station and on Facebook page.
Tom getting more information on a possible metal type sign from local business. Council will discuss once he gets details.
Will arrange to have sound tech guy come out to look at speakers that are not working and getting pastors mobile mic repaired or replaced.
Council approved to sell sound system to Dan Christianson and Rick Moe.
Next Council Meeting November 14, 2023 at 6:00 p.m. Meeting closed with the Lord’s Prayer.
Respectfully submitted, Diana Horan, Council Secretary
November 5- Rony and Laura
Open dates: December 3, January 7, February 4
WELCA Report
The October meeting of WELCA was called to order by President Nancy Wesely on Wednesday, October 4, 2023. There were 8 present. The purpose was read. Marilyn Helleck shared a Style Show that was shared years ago at Red Oak Grove and other churches. Many ladies remembered the women of the Bible they portrayed. Enjoyed. She also had a reading “The Best Friend we ever had – Our Savior and Pilot”.
Secretary and Treasurer’s Reports were read. No corrections.
We passed a card to give to Pastor Leandra in show of appreciation for what she does for us.
Correspondence: Thank you from the family of Doris Draayer.
Committee Reports: Quilting – The ladies have 3 rolls of batting to begin for this Fall. Six workers started Fall quilting on Monday, October 2nd and will go for 6 weeks.
Old Business: A thermostat has been ordered for the coffee pot.
New Business: On October 15th, Cindy will be taking item to Marie Sandvik. She will leave following worship so load items before. A motion made by Judy W. and seconded by Linda C. to serve strawberries and shortcake for coffee and sell the balance of items in the freezer.
Thank offering envelopes were handed out and return to Ardell, treasurer, in November.
Voted on list for end of year donations. One change. We no longer need to give to Austin Public Schools. That amount will be added to Life (formerly Arc). List is as follows:
Pastor $100
Marilyn Blume $50
Katie Zipse $50
Lutheran Campus Ministry – Winona $100
Good Earth village $50
Marie Sandvik $50
LC Services $100
BP Youth club $100
Peace and Power $125
Arc-Austin $200
WELCA-Chicago $100
Rachel’s Hope $50
College Youth – Mankato $100
Total $1,175
There will be no November meeting. Thanks to Nancy W. for treat. Closed with the Lord’s Prayer. Next meeting will be a potluck on Wednesday, December 6th.
Linda Christianson, Secretary
Red Oak Grove Lutheran Church 