Finding Peace and Grace Amidst Holiday Stress

Red Oak Grove

LOG November 2024

Friends in Christ, 

There are few things that I know is as true as the absolute stress that seems to be living with so many people right now in our world. We are stressed to do it all and be it all in so many aspects of our lives from inside our own spaces all the way to public places where so much is expected of us. I see and feel how often that stress wears on us all and our relationships with each other. In this time, it is so easy to be stressed, worried, upset, and to stop seeing one another as the neighbors we truly are. Luckily, we follow a God who gives us grace, peace, and love. Luckily, we believe in a God that teaches us that the path of a Christian is to see each other, to offer each other grace and to offer each other love. In this, we can find the peace of God dwelling among us. I hope in our stress that we can find the strength to also find grace, peace, and love with ourselves and our neighbors. 

This fits perfectly with the holiday at the end of November. We are invited in November to be grateful and find the blessings that the people around us offer. As far as the church goes, I am blessed to know two such wonderful church communities. Places where our neighbors exist alongside of us believing in the same God, helping us to see the blessing and the love in one another. My hope for you in this start of the holiday season, is that you encounter God’s love and grace, that you find peace, and that you may know the blessing of your neighbors. I also hope that you eat some wonderful food and find so much time to laugh and share in joy with all your family, friends, and neighbors. 

Happy Thanksgiving!! 

With God’s Grace and Peace, 

Pastor Leandra 

Red Oak Grove Lutheran Church Council Minutes
October 20, 2024

The meeting was called to order by president, Laura Tjomsland. Members in attendance included: Laura, Rony, Julie, Diana, Pastor Leandra, Pete, Cathy, Holly, Mike. Pastor Leandra led opening prayer.

Secretary Report:  Approved as sent out via email by all present.

Pastor’s Report:  Attached report

Treasurer’s Report:

Beginning Balance: 51,301.45

Revenue: 15,265.86

Expenses: 8,638.67

Ending Balance: 57,928.64            

Treasurers report approved as presented by all present.

Deacon’s Report:  Nothing new to report.

Trustee’s Report:

  1. Repair on sink in basement still being worked on.
     
  2. LP prices have been compared; we can get $1.25 contract with H&K. Motion to approve contracted price of $1.25. Motion approved.
  3. Quote from Malo Roofing Inc to redo the roof on the Sunday School wing, quote was $118,000.00. Patch work was done this year, and they felt we had little time before it needs to be replaced. Will have inspection every spring and patchwork if needed done to prevent any leaking. The Council is still seeking a quote to do steel and pitch roof. Will continue to plan and work and present to congregation at Annual Meeting.
  4. Ahrens will be out October 29 to do furnace check. Scheduled now to come every Spring to inspect air conditioners and Fall for furnace.

WELCA Report:  No Report

Old Business:

  1. Snow blower service is due to be done, machine is in rough shape and is probably due to be updated. Mike will start looking at options and get prices.
  2. Will check heater in well pit. 
  3. Will make an announcement in church with sign-up sheet for anyone needing new envelopes.
  4. Trunk or Treat next Sunday.

New Business:

  1. Holiday Bake Off for coffee hour will be on December 1st.
  2. Joint Parish meeting was held and discussed Christmas services. Christmas Eve services for ROG will be 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. Postcards will be sent out for all services for both churches.
     
  3. Will be decorating Advent wreaths after church on November 24.
     
  4. We will be going back to having 8:30 a.m. service beginning in January.
  5. Annual Congregational meeting following service on December 8, 2024.
  6. Weather cancellations will be posted on KAAL, Facebook, and Prayer Chain email.
     
  7. Noisy Coin for December will go to BP Ministries.
     
  8. Window frames on outside in Fellowship Room are rotting, too late in the year to paint but will be painted in the spring. 

Meeting closed with the Lord’s Prayer. 

Respectfully submitted, Diana Horan, Council Secretary

Next meeting: November 17, 2024

Council Coffee Servers:
November 3: Matt & Diana
December 1:  Holiday Bake Off

WELCA Report

On a beautiful Autumn day in October WELCA had their monthly meeting.  Seven were present as President Nancy Wesely called the meeting to order at 1 p.m.  On Tuesday, October 1st the meeting was opened in the Name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.  Ardell read devotions from Morning with Jesus by Guide Post.  Message about nature. This followed the reading of our purpose.

Secretary and Treasurer’s Reports were given by Linda and Ardell with one correction.  It is the men’s bathroom not the women’s getting repaired.

Strawberry Social showed that we do make a profit to help with the on going repairs of our building.  Correspondence from Orlie Grant’s family – Thank you for serving her service at church.  Linda had sent 3 greetings to those that needed check.

Committee:  Quilting – Judy W. reported on baptism quilt given.  We started quilting again for Fall on Monday, September 3rd.  Five were present.  Join us for fellowship and stewardship if you have a little extra time on Monday a.m.  All are welcome.

October 27th Cindy will be taking items to Marie Sandvik.  Loading on October 26th to Rachel’s Hope.

New Business:  Discussed needed repairs on coffee maker.  Motion made by Sue H. and seconded by Karen Beede to check into purchase of new one.  Karen will be doing some pricing and gather information.  Carried.

Council update news was given by Laura Tjomsland.  We have some work to do to keep our church in good condition.

Offering was taken, Lord’s Prayer was prayed and Nancy served treats.

Next meeting will be Wednesday, November 6th at 1 p.m.  Tuesday is election day so please note change.  Devotions by Linda, treat by Karen.

Respectfully,

Linda Christianson

Annual Meeting of Red Oak Grove Lutheran Church Sunday, December 8, 2024
After the 10 a.m. worship service

We are having a Holiday Bake Off on December 1st.  Your baked goods should be labeled and brought to church before the service on that day.  Prizes will be awarded.  Come join in the holiday fun!

Christmas poinsettias have to be ordered by November 24th.  The price is $12 and the sign-up sheet is in the narthex.

Let’s Get Ready For Advent!
An Advent Wreath making event is scheduled for November 24th after worship.  This event is for all ages.  The wreath is supplied but you should bring your own decorations (garland, berries, ribbon etc.)  One wreath per household BUT each child attending will get their own wreath to decorate.

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