So they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the child lying in the manger. 17When they saw this, they made known what had been told them about this child; 18and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds told them. 19But Mary treasured all these words and pondered them in her heart. 20The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them. (Luke 2:16-20)
There are a lot of different feelings going on in just a few verses of this text. The shepherds hurried to the manger. You can almost imagine them seeing the baby and rushing to tell all those around the story of who this child was. Words clanging together as they drew everyone into amazement about what was foretold about this child. Once they bore their witness the shepherds leave praising and glorifying God. You can sense their joy, the wonder, the excitement about all that this child could mean to so many people. A child who had angels announcing his birth and shepherds spreading the joy of everything he would come to be.
Mary, the mother of Jesus, filled with amazement, listened to the shepherds. She treasured their words, treasured their prophesy, and held all of these things close. Mary in a way brings us the peacefulness of the night. The listening and pondering that she would do, holding everything the shepherds knew the child would be from the angels. Mary listened, treasured, and held all aspects of her child’s birth in her heart. A mother who looked on her son and knew his path would be great.
Advent and Christmas is a time of both pieces of this story. It is the time of excitement, joy, and being hurried. A time where we may run to witness the big joys and celebration at church and in our homes. It feels loud and noisy. It feels special and bright. We have the wonder of the shepherds. Yet, we have a reminder from Mary that Christmas has its softness too. The birth of a baby whose life we will treasure and ponder. The love of a mother who treasures everything about her child in her heart. An invitation from mother Mary to hold peace in the middle of praise and noise.
In all the ways that we celebrate this season, I hope to see you at church to remember the love of God that came in the Christ child. I hope that you find peace among the noise. I hope that you find joy and wonder among the quiet and excitement. May God bless you this season.
Merry Christmas!
With God’s Peace,
Pastor Leandra
Red Oak Grove Lutheran Church Council Minutes- November 14, 2023
The meeting was called to order by president, Rony Magnuson. Members in attendance included: Laura, Holly, Nancy, Diana, Rony, Tom, Cathy, Pastor Leandra.
Pastor Leandra led opening prayer.
Secretary Report:
Correction to Date of next Council Meeting from November 7 to November 14. Approved by all present.
Pastor’s Report:
Attached Report
Treasurer’s Report:
Motion made to give interest earned from Educational Fund to WELCA to be given to Pastor to pay toward her student loans. Motion approved by all present.
Starting balance: $75,096.11
Revenue: $6,660.43
Bills: $19,183.54
Ending Balance: $62,573.00
Report approved as is by all present.
Deacon’s Report:
No report
Trustee’s Report:
Will have quote for ceiling in Fellowship room this week. Cleaned down spouts on roof for leaves. Working on snow removal list/schedule. Dumpster has been replaced as old one was rotted out.
WELCA Report:
76 quilts completed this year. Asked to look at Fridge in basement making noise.
Old Business:
Outside road sign still being looked at and ideas/quotes being gathered.
New Business:
Budget for 2024 rough draft made. Cathy will prepare Proposed 2024 Budget for December Council meeting for approval.
Will hold Auction Fundraiser for Church in 2024 to be put towards Steeple/Altar repair and restoration. More details to come.
ELCA National Youth gathering in New Orlean, LA in 2024, any youth 8-12 grade or young adult (18-35) interested should reach out to Pastor.
Next meeting: December 10th @ 1 p.m. Snack/Treat Potluck. Meeting closed with the Lord’s Prayer.
Respectfully submitted,
Diana Horan, Council Secretary
Council Coffee Servers:
November 5: Rony and Laura
December 3: Diana Horan
January 7:
Christmas Services at Red Oak Grove
December 24th – 9:30 a.m. Worship Service with Communion
3:30 p.m. Candlelight Service with Communion
December 25th – NO Church Service
Year End Offerings must be in the church office by January 2, 2024 to be recorded for the 2023 calendar year.
Annual Congregational Meeting is scheduled for January 7, 2024 at 10 a.m.
PLEASE NOTE– Worship Service time change starting January, 2024.
Red Oak Grove Worship time will be 10 a.m.
Community Lutheran Worship time will be 8:30 a.m.
Red Oak Grove Lutheran Church 