Dear Beloveds of Christ,
Lately, we have been enjoying the brilliance of warmer weather. We have planted our flowers and planting our garden is coming so immediately soon. A wide variety of birds are now playing in the bird bath and eating at the feeder. Seeing all of these things reminds me of the journeys creation takes to get to warmer weather. Birds migrate, animals come out of their safe hiding spots, all the young wildlife is born, and our plants now have come alive and are restored to their green.
This whole process reminds me of a text from Matthew 6:25-34 or Luke 12:22-32. In this passage Jesus is reminding those gathered to hear him to not be anxious and toil life away because God has cared for even the smallest of birds in the air and even the grains of grass growing in the fields. This text even tells us to consider the lilies, as they never toil or spin. It tells us that God has created such an awesome array of these that we need to remember them and know that God can and is working with us, making us as awesome as all of the other pieces of creation.
My high school French teacher reminded us often to “consider the lilies”. She wanted us to see our anxieties, think of God working in our lives, and remember that if God is working miracles in all of creation, he is with us working, too. This summer as we travel, work outside, send kids off to camp, and so much more, I hope that you consider the lilies and how they grow.
With God’s Peace and Love,
Pastor Leandra
Red Oak Grove Lutheran Church
Council Minutes- May 14, 2024
The meeting was called to order by President, Laura Tjomsland. Members in attendance included: Laura, Julie, Rony, Rachael, Diana, Pastor Leandra, Pete, and Cathy. Pastor Leandra led opening prayer.
Secretary Report:
Minutes sent via email no corrections sent back.
Report approved as is by all present.
Pastor’s Report:
Report attached.
Treasurer’s Report:
Beginning Balance: $80,483.48
Revenue: 15,141.24
Expenses: 12,577.92
Ending Balance: $83,046.80
Report approved as is by all present.
Deacon’s Report:
Received details for Strawberry Social to get posted on social media.
Sunday School has 2 more sessions for this school year. Will be proposing curriculum to purchase for Fall of 2024 to Council in June/July. Still working on Summer Bible School combined with Community Lutheran.
Trustee’s Report:
Mike has inspected the roof on Sunday School area with a gentleman he knows and they said it was in overall decent shape with a few areas needing some patching done to get us more time before we need to fully repair. Sink drain in the ladies’ room has been repaired. Work continues on bell tower repairs.
WELCA Report:
Not present.
Old Business:
- Parish Council meeting next week to finalize and sign new 1 year contract. Motion made to approve contract with Community Lutheran. 1st Rachael, 2nd Julie.
- Review of current Confirmation requirements and proposed requirements for next year. All Council members present approved requirements of Confirmation students.
- Church yard clean up scheduled for this Sunday, May 19th following church.
- Motion made by Rachael and seconded by Diana to hire Jason Wilder Evans to make new sign to replace sign damaged. Approved providing $2,500 to Jason to start project for startup cost.
- Rony working on getting auction setup, more details to come.
New Business:
- WELCA purchased a new sandwich sign and has asked the Council to pay half on bill. Motion made by Rony to cover $75 of sign. Seconded by Cathy.
- Noisy Coin offering for June-August for BP Backpack Program.
Next meeting: June 9, 2024 after church. Meeting closed with the Lord’s Prayer.
Respectfully submitted, Diana Horan, Council Secretary
Council Coffee Servers:
June 2: Laura & Holly
July 7: Already filled
WELCA Minutes
The May meeting of the Red Oak Grove WELCA was brought to order by President Nancy Wesely on Tuesday, May 8th at 1 p.m. The purpose was read. Karen Beede had devotions “The Masters Way”.
Secretary Report read from April meeting by Linda, one change. The quilt donated to Cancer Fund had the purchase price go to them not our Quilting Fund.
Treasurer’s Report given by Ardell. One concern from quilts. The checks that the quilting ladies receive should go to the General Fund and any cash goes to quilting ladies to keep supplies on hand. Laura made motion and Linda seconded, approved.
Correspondence: Thank you from Campus Ministry. Over “whelmed” to receive our gift. Also, thank you from Good Earth Village.
Committee Report – Judy: Strawberry Raffle Quilt ready to sell. It was made by Diana Magnuson. Thanks Diana. Four senior quilts are ready to be given. The seniors are Anna Haberman, Addison Doocy, Grant Magnuson and Ben Riley. Ninety-two quilts have been made. List of quilts given: 1 baptism, 1 cancer for a young man, 2 Ed. Foundation in BP, 1 baby,1 cancer for woman, 1 Bowling for Cancer, 1 BP after Prom, 2 Youth Club Auction, 4 graduation, 3 Life Auction, 18 Marie Sandvik, 15 Rachel’s Hope and 19 sold at Strawberry Social. A very good year. Help is always welcome. Fall and Spring each Monday 9-12. Please come and help.
A motion to order new sandwich sign for outside at the Strawberry Social. To be used by anyone to post outside for activities at Red Oak Grove. Linda to order.
Some shared event of Zumbro River Conference held on April 18th.
Next meeting will be Tuesday, June 4th at 9:30 a.m. Please note Summer meetings will continue on Tuesdays but time will move to 9:30 a.m. This leaving the afternoon to enjoy Summer activities.
Nancy gave closing devotions. Closed with the Lord’s Prayer following offering.
Linda Christianson, Secretary
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Thank you to everyone who has been involved in our Sunday School this year. We had a good turn out of children eager to learn more about Jesus and the work he did. Special thanks to Diana Horan for getting this started. Looking forward to a new season in the Fall.
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Congratulations to all college graduates and the following Seniors who graduated from Blooming Prairie High School on May 31st:
Anna Haberman, daughter of Katie Zipse and John Haberman
Addison Doocy, daughter of Travis and Lianna Doocy
Grant Magnuson, son of Rony and Rachael Magnuson
Benjamin Riley, son of Shawn and Michelle Riley
Red Oak Grove Lutheran Church 