Siblings in Christ,
As we wrap up Lent and move into the Easter season this month, I have been thinking a lot about the idea of community. What does it mean to be in community? What does it mean to steward relationships and connections in community both inside our church and outside? Much of Lent is meant and taught of through the lens of being together. We witness the lessons of Christ together. We worship in our waiting together. Lent is often about seeing one another and holding each other truly accountable and working on relationship with one another and with God.
On Maundy Thursday we talk about the community that surrounded Christ, that turned him over to be arrested. On Good Friday not only do we witness the community break apart, hide, and turn from Jesus, but we also take the time to carry the weight of the darkest day of the church year as a community. Then first thing on Easter morning we sing the joyous praises of resurrection together. Together we walk through the patience needed of Lent, the journey of the Last Supper, the sorrow of the crucifixion, and the delight of Easter. This mimics the journey of Jesus’ original twelve disciples: community that learns together, eats together, grieves together, and in the end goes out together.
Christ has a way of drawing us together. Without community in any church, town, country, or world, we wouldn’t have two legs to stand on. The disciples moved outward creating more connections leaning into more communities, creating more opportunities not only to teach others of Christ, but to also share in abundance those things which helped and showed God’s grace to others. This is true for our calling, too.
Community is so important to Christian life. We are better together, truly. I hope that we are inspired this Easter season to share the mission of the resurrected Christ even more with one another and with our surrounding community. The light that shines through us is the light of God, the light that is the resurrected Christ of Easter, and that light is worth showing to others, always.
With many Easter blessings and gratitude for our community,
Pastor Leandra
Red Oak Grove Lutheran Church
Council Minutes – March 17, 2025
The meeting was called to order by president, Rony Magnuson. Members in attendance included: Rony, Pastor Leandra, Mike, Julie H., Justin, Julie B., Nancy, Pete, Cathy, and Diana.
Pastor Leandra led opening prayer.
Secretary Report: Report sent via email and approved by all present.
Pastor’s Report: Attached report
Treasurer’s Report:
Beginning Balance: $67,154.07
Income: $6,031.11
Expenses: $12,506.40
Ending Balance: $60,678.78
CD Maturing on 4/21/25 made motion to renew by Mike and seconded by Pete and approved by all present. Cathy will work with the bank to get this taken care of.
Report approved by all present.
Deacon’s Report: Palm Sunday will be an Easter fun day for Sunday School.
On Mother’s Day, kids will be singing during church and have gifts for their moms to receive and it will also be our last day of Sunday School for this year.
Trustee’s Report: The bathroom will hopefully be finished soon as well as lights in fellowship room.
WELCA Report: Ardell is asking for any updates or if anyone would like to be added for the Prayer Chain to come to her. Update requested for those homebound members. Quilts will be finished for Honor Flight. They will be blessed at end of month. Hoping for better announcements for upcoming baptisms, funerals, and weddings for more pre-planning.
Old Business: Parish Council met and set up Lent and Easter services. Has been posted to the public.
New Business: Easter Breakfast: Council will plan to serve breakfast following church.
Egg Bakes: Diana, Julie H., Cathy
Fruit: Nancy, Julie B.
Muffins: Rachael, Nancy
Orange Juice: Justin
Meeting closed with the Lord’s Prayer.
Respectfully submitted, Diana Horan, Council Secretary
Next meeting: Tuesday, April 15, 2025
Council Coffee Servers:
April 6- Matt & Diana
WELCA Report
President, Nancy Wesely, called our March 4th meeting to order at 1 p.m. The purpose was read together. Devotions were given by Linda. Secretary’s Report was read from the February 4th meeting by Linda. Treasurer’s Report was given by Ardell. Both approved and placed on file.
Correspondence: Flyer shared for Good Earth Village Day – March 29th. $40 pre-registration forms available. An information flyer and in the River Channels News sharing information regarding the Zumbro River Conference to be held Saturday, April 5th. $15 to be paid at the door. River Channels news letter reviewed to all.
Visitation: Linda reported greetings sent. We will be updating our Cheer List with new names.
Committee Reports: Judy reported our donation to the Ed. Foundation Auction has been given. Quilting ladies continue the project of 40 lap quilts for Honor flight in April. Strawberry Social items have started getting ordered. Meal donated – paper products and tables for the north lawn serving noon and evening times. More information as things get completed.
Thrivent: Update – A plan for non-members of Thrivent can do an Action Team Project for a modest fee of $19.95. All members of Thrivent can do 2 Action Team Projects per year. A non-member can do 1. Questions, please ask Laura. Action Projects get $250.
Unfinished Business: CD at MBT Bank. Putting items together that are needed to update Red Oak Grove WELCA information at bank. Attached are: Copy of this month’s meeting – List of current 2025 officers – motion made by Laura T. to remove Lavonne (Gladys) Smith’s name from checking and savings accounts. To add Karen Beede’s name on CD. Linda L. Christianson’s name will be added to the checking and savings account. Linda is secretary motion seconded by Judy Wambeam. All in favor – yes, opposed – 0. Motion carried.
New Business: Meals on Wheels are delivered in April and August by WELCA. April schedule is
Tuesdays – 1st, 8th, 15th and the 22nd. Fridays – 4th – Karen Beede, 11th, 18th and 25th.
Council information can be found in the LOG.
Our next meeting will be Tuesday, April 1 at 1 p.m. followed by Bible Study.
Devotions by Judy W. Serving Joyce P.
Offering taken today, birthday song shared for March birthdays. Sang in office to our church office person – Marilyn Blume.
Lord’s Prayer was prayed and meeting was adjourned.
Linda L. Christianson, Secretary
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Would you like to be a part of the Red Oak Grove Prayer Chain? If so, or you want more information, please call Ardell Swenson at (507) 433-2450 or email her at ardellswen@gmail.com.
The Council will serve an Easter Breakfast after worship on April 20th. The menu is egg bake, fruit, muffins, juice and coffee. Freewill donation.
Red Oak Grove Lutheran Church 