Dear Siblings in Christ,
While visiting Gettysburg just a few weeks ago, my mom picked up a book about some of the witness trees in Gettysburg. These trees saw the battle 161 years ago and many of them have now been found. On this self-guided journey, we set out to find these trees and we had so much fun trying to find them all. It was one of those moments where not only did we get to see the place we drove around and lived for years in a different light, but it also reminded me to take some time to be present. It was in this fun journey and in hiking up the mountains and seeing the sunset on Little Round Top finally that the world gave us time to laugh and breathe easy. A time to rest and a time to let any worries be set aside for the time being.
There are many places in the Bible that teach us about being present. In Matthew Jesus reminds us to let the worries of tomorrow be the worries of tomorrow (6:34). We are reminded in places like Psalm 118, where we are reminded that each day is a day the Lord has made and is meant for rejoicing. As we begin into the time of year again where life gets busy, my hope for you is that you find ways to be present. I hope you find ways to meet God in each day for rejoicing and for some rest.
As we strive to be present, I hope to see you at our combined worship at Red Oak Grove on September 8th at 10am for the annual Cowboy service and lunch. I hope to see all our Sunday School kids starting after worship on September 15th at both churches. I look forward to a great year with the Confirmation kids starting in September, too! Let’s be present together by the grace of God.
With Peace from our Ever-present God,
Pastor Leandra
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Thank you to the Red Oak Grove Congregation for sponsoring us to attend Good Earth Village again this summer.
(Sam) I had a great week and attended the art themed camp again this year. We learned and played a lot!!
(Kori) I attended my first full week this summer and was able to go with the friend I made last year that I have been writing to for the last year. Camp is so fun!!
(Morgan) I enjoyed going for the day and trying and want to go for a whole week next year!!
Thank you for supporting us! Sam, Kori and Morgan Horan
Red Oak Grove Lutheran Church – Council Minutes August 18, 2024
The meeting was called to order by President, Laura Tjomsland. Members in attendance included: Laura, Rony, Pastor Leandra, Diana, Cathy, Pete, Holly, Mike, Nancy. Pastor Leandra led opening prayer.
Secretary Report:
Report sent via email, only correction was date of next meeting.
Pastor’s Report:
Not much to report since last meeting, been on vacation for 2 weeks. Other than that just regular services and Prairie Manor service.
Treasurer’s Report:
Opening Balance: $79,638.49
Revenue: $10,985.53
Expenses: $15,957.47
Ending Balance: $74,666.55
Deacon’s Report:
Vacation Bible School will start tonight and be Sunday to Tuesday evenings at Community Lutheran.
Sunday School will start in September, meeting with teachers August 25. Curriculum has been ordered and arrived.
Trustee’s Report:
Still working on getting bids for bathroom. Waiting for parts for sink in basement to repair. Roof is patched and done. Waiting for bids for ceilings in bathrooms and Fellowship Room.
WELCA Report:
No meeting this month
Old Business:
- Cowboy Service is set and will plan to serve in Fellowship Room and can eat inside or outside.
- Will check on removal of brick post by new sign.
New Business:
- Review of CD investment, current CD will mature in November. Motion to start new CD and put $30,000 in CD for 8 months at 5%. Motion seconded and approved by all present.
- Ideas for next meeting for 4th quarter charitable giving. (Previous donations: Girl Scouts, Rachel’s Hope, Seibel Center)
Next meeting will be on September 15, 2024. Meeting closed with the Lord’s Prayer.
Respectfully submitted, Diana Horan, Council Secretary
Council Coffee Servers:
September 1: Rony & Rachael
September 8: Cowboy Service
October 6: Covered
November 3: Matt & Diana
December 1:
Red Oak Grove Lutheran Church 