Beloveds in Christ,
In the month of May, I often get to shift some of my focus towards the younger members of our congregation. Between confirmation, baccalaureate, writing recommendation letters, camp blessings, and planning summer events, it amazes me each year how very much our young people are doing in their lives, church, and community. Our youth carry so many different gifts given by the Holy Spirit and they find in so many ways to share those gifts with others in their lives. I encourage everyone to stop by the bulletin board in the hallway to see all of the interest and faces of the Sunday school classes as well, as we are growing their faith in God’s house together.
Jesus teaches us often to look to these voices as a place of inspiration for our faith. The voices that teach us to see and experience God in new ways and with eyes and hearts that are not limited by the way we adults get “stuck in our ways”. When the disciples attempted to prevent children from coming and being blessed by Jesus, Jesus said “Let the children come to me, and do not stop them, for it is to such as these that the kingdom of heaven belongs.” There Jesus laid hands on them and treated them like any member of his flock. Let us this warming month of May experience faith in the way of our young people, and may we see God with new eyes and a lighter heart.
With God’s Peace,
Pastor Leandra
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
On May 5th we will be celebrating the Affirmation of Baptism (Confirmation) for Charley Korsmoe.
Here is Charley’s faith verse and statement:
To me, faith is knowing no matter where I am in life, God will always watch over me. -Psalm 23:1
Red Oak Grove Lutheran Church Council Minutes-April 14, 2024
The meeting was called to order by President, Laura Tjomsland. Members in attendance included: Laura, Nancy, Holly, Rony, Pete, Rachel, Diana, Cathy, Mike, Julie, and Pastor Leandra. Pastor Leandra led opening prayer.
Secretary’s Report:
Report approved as is by all present.
Pastor’s Report:
Report attached.
Treasurer’s Report:
Beginning Balance: $113,039.89
Received: $8,397.61
Expenses: $40,954.02
Ending Balance: $80,483.48
Have used are contracted LP and will now be market price if we need filled. Youth fund will sponsor Sam, Kori, and Morgan attending Good Earth Village $468 approved. Motion from Nancy and seconded by Julie. Approved by all present. New CD approved last month will be added to report.
Motion to approve report by all present.
Deacon’s Report:
Live streamed Easter. Will be posting Strawberry Social online. Nothing planned yet for Summer Bible School, planning to have something joined with Community Lutheran.
Trustee’s Report:
Look into contracting with Ahrens to have furnace checked in Fall and A/C units in Spring. Lawn mower will be serviced and checked over by Mike. Heater in well pit turned off. Shrubs on north side of church will be removed.
WELCA Report:
Twelve tables are requested for the Strawberry Social. Five ladies going to the Zumbro Valley Conference.
Meals on Wheels schedule arranged by Joyce.
Old Business:
- Roof inspection still being looked at.
- Mike installed new light in Fellowship room, Council agreed was too bright. Mike will try another one.
- Received check from insurance for new sign, need to double check settlement Rony thought we would get another check once project complete. Nothing has been decided yet for what we will get for a new sign.
New Business:
1. Will have a yard clean-up day after church on May 19.
2. Pastor will be emailing to setup joint meeting with Community Lutheran to renew contract.
3. Council will purchase cake and serve for Confirmation Sunday.
4. Encourage Thrivent members to claim their Thrivent Choice Dollars.
Council Coffee Servers: May 5: Council serving Cake for Confirmation
Meeting closed with the Lord’s Prayer. Next meeting: May 14, 2024 at 6:00 p.m.
Respectfully submitted, Diana Horan, Council Secretary
WELCA Report
Tuesday, April 2nd was our monthly WELCA meeting. It was called to order by President Nancy Wesely. The purpose was said together. Nancy read a devotion from “How God made a Woman”. The March meeting Secretary’s Report was read by Linda but Judy Wambeam had taken good notes. Treasurer’s Report was given by Ardell. She said she gave the rest of our designated donation for the last 3 quarters to Youth Campus Ministry.
Quilting Report: Two quilts did good at the Bowling for Cancer Fund Raiser. Farmall $90 and Minnesota Wild quilt $65. All proceeds go for quilting supplies. Getting quilts ready for on line auction in late April. Our four senior quilts are completed. Another quilt donated for another cancer fund raiser and also given to Ed. Foundation Auction.
New Business: Rebekah Circle has $103.09 left before disbanding and Marilyn Helleck made a motion to transfer into our General Fund. No longer have three circles but just a master list of ladies. Nancy updated us on Council notes from their meeting. They will pay for picnic tables for the Strawberry Social. Joyce Peterson updated our schedule for Meals on Wheels delivery for April. Thanks to all who volunteer. On Thursday, April 18th four will be attending the Zumbro River Conference to be held at St. John’s in Kasson. Ardell, Judy, Nancy and Linda will be attending. If anyone would consider helping on the Altar Committee it would be much appreciated. Please contact Nancy Wesely if you have any questions or Joyce Peterson.
Sunday School will be happening in April and May. Two groups will be gathering. Four years to second grade and 3-6th grades. Thank you to all who volunteered to teach our younger children. God will richly bless you.
Offering taken. Devotions ready by Nancy “April has kept its Promise”. The Lord’s Prayer was prayed and birthday wishes given.
Next meeting will be Tuesday, May 7th at 1 p.m. Karen will have devotions and Linda will have treat.
Linda Christianson, secretary
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Thank you to all who helped deliver “Meals on Wheels” in March and April.
Your help is very much appreciated. Joyce Peterson
We are looking for someone willing to serve on the Altar Committee. Please contact any WELCA officer.
Red Oak Grove Lutheran Church 