This February has an interesting occurrence for the start of Lent because Ash Wednesday falls on the feast day of Saint Valentine this year. Ash Wednesday and Valentine’s Day being celebrated on the same day may feel a bit odd, but the two celebrations are not as at odd as it might seem. Little was known about Saint Valentine, except that he was a clergyman and healer in 3rd century Rome. Valentine is recognized as the patron saint for lovers, epileptics, and beekeepers. While we know that he was martyred in the Empire, there are more stories attributed to him than we know is certain. One of these stories is that he married couples in secret to spare husbands from war. Another is that he befriended the jailer’s daughter after healing her blindness, signing a letter “from your Valentine”. Some even say he ministered to those persecuted before he was martyred himself.
No matter what parts of his history is true or if it comes from two people to make one, Saint Valentine represents love to us. His day came about because he was killed for his belief and teaching in the church. As we begin Lent, we set our minds to thinking about Christ in our lives and the love of Christ that took form for us in his death and resurrection. Life, death, and love all come to us on February 14th, a perfect day to start Lent. A perfect day to remember our death and Christ’s love.
With Lent upon us already, I hope to see you at our weekly Wednesday night meals and service! It will be a wonderful time for both churches to connect and dine together!
Happy Valentine’s Day!
With God’s Peace,
Pastor Leandra
Thank you for your continued support through weekly offerings, donations, prayers and volunteering to keep Red Oak Grove going for our future generations. It is greatly appreciated.
Red Oak Grove Lutheran Church
Council Minutes – December 27, 2023
The meeting was called to order by President, Rony Magnuson. Members in attendance included: Cathy, Rony, Laura, Julie, Diana, Pastor Leandra. Pastor Leandra led opening prayer.
Special meeting called to finalize year end needs.
1. MN Sick & Safe Time approvals:
Pastor Leandra- Council approved to front load 80 hours starting January 1, 2024. Motion approved by all present.
Laura, Marilyn, & Katie- Council approved accrual rate would be based on hours worked. Katie & Marilyn would accrue 1.5 hrs. per month and Laura would accrue 0.5 hrs. per month. Motion approved by all present.
2. Raises approved:
Marilyn current $15 increase to $17.50, approved by all present.
Laura current $62 per service increase to $67 per service, approved by all present.
3. Motion to approve proposed 2023 Budget was approved by all present.
Meeting closed with the Lord’s Prayer.
Respectfully submitted, Diana Horan, Council Secretary
Council Coffee Servers:
January 7: Julie & Dan
February 4: Laura & Holly
March 3:
April 7:
Red Oak Grove Lutheran
Church Council Minutes – January 21, 2024
The meeting was called to order by President, Laura Tjomsland. Members in attendance included: Laura, Rony, Rachael, Grant, Diana, Julie, Pete, Cathy, Nancy, Pastor Leandra, Holly, and Mike. Pastor Leandra led opening prayer.
Secretary Report:
Report read out loud and approved as is by all present.
Pastor’s Report:
Report attached.
Treasurer’s Report:
Starting balance: $59,939.97
Revenue: $53,203.35
Expenses: $19,478.88
Ending Balance: $93,664.44
Report approved as is by all present.
Deacon’s Report:
Sunday school planning has begun and working on selecting a curriculum and getting more volunteers to teach. Will also work on drafting letter to send out to families with information.
Trustee’s Report:
Snow plowing schedule for Winter 23/24 has been setup.
WELCA Report:
Nothing new to report. Next meeting February 2, 2024.
Old Business:
Carpet project needing to be finished. Mike will work with Shad to get project finished.
New Business:
Met with Community Lutheran about Lenten/Easter Service:
Ash Wednesday service at Red Oak Grove at 5 p.m.
Lenten Service/Meals will be every other with Community Lutheran. Meals will begin at 6 with service to follow.
February 21(ROG)-Hotdishes/Soups with dessert. Served by council.
February 28 (CL)
March 6 (ROG)- Meal Covered
March 13 (CL)
March 20 (ROG)- Meal Covered
Palm Sunday will be regular services for both churches. Red Oak Grove service at 10 a.m.
Easter Sunday
Breakfast: 9:00 a.m. with service at 10:00 a.m.
Donation previously sent to Synod will be split into donations to 4 local organizations. First quarter donation will be to Rachel’s Hope.
Noisy coin offering will follow same schedule as 2023 year. Motion made and seconded, motion approved by all present.
Fellowship ceiling repair on hold till spring to look at roof before starting any repairs.
Next meeting: February 11, 2024 after service. Meeting closed with the Lord’s Prayer.
Respectfully submitted, Diana Horan, Council Secretary
Council Coffee Servers: February 4: Laura/Holly
WELCA Report
On Wednesday, January 3rd Nancy Wesely, President, opened the meeting in the Name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Nine were present at this 1 p.m. meeting.
Joyce Peterson had opening devotions and she shared a Christmas card she had received in the past from Effie Peterson, Dale Peterson’s mother. Effie wrote to Joyce that she was running out of cards and if she saw Lavonne Smith to please greet her from Effie. Very sweet.
Secretary and Treasurer’s Reports were given. No change in Linda’s report. We gave the church $1,000 for missions instead of $2,000.
Committee Reports – Judy Wambeam reported our totals for quilting. Forty in the Spring and thirty-six in the Fall. Total of 76 plus 16 extra so 92 quilts.
New Business – Motion made by Ardell Swenson that our mission money for the first quarter of 2024 will go to Winona Campus Ministry, Mankato Campus Ministry and Good Earth Village – $250 divided. Seconded by Marilyn Helleck. Karen Beede will follow up on Indoor Christmas Decorating. A little confused this year. Linda will ask the gentlemen on Outdoor Nativity if they wish to continue. Both will report back. Updated our Cheer List and added Dorothy Kittelson and Henry Helgeson.
A 2024 book will be updated and changes made where necessary. Try to have ready by February meeting.
A motion was made by Linda to change our WELCA meeting from first Wednesday to first Tuesday at 1 p.m. Seconded by Karen Beede
Offering was taken. Closed with the Lord’s Prayer. Pastor shared Strong Women in the Bible. Next meeting will be February 6th, Tuesday, 2024 at 1 p.m. Karen Beede will have devotion and treats.
Linda Christianson, Secretary
Lenten Services for February
Ash Wednesday – February 14th – 5 p.m. worship at Red Oak Grove
Imposition of Ashes and Holy Communion
Midweek Services
February 21st – Meal and Worship at 6 p.m. at Red Oak GroveFebruary 28th – Soup Supper and Worship at 6 p.m. at Community Lutheran
Red Oak Grove Lutheran Church 