Dear Beloveds in Christ,
In Isaiah 35 it is written that “The wilderness and the dry land shall be glad, the desert shall rejoice and blossom; like the crocus it shall blossom abundantly, and rejoice with joy and singing.” With May comes the rest of the world coming back to life from the winter. As we drove from a state where Spring was just waking to one where trees have the beginning of leaves and the flowers bursting with color, it was such a real example of the life that awakes after death and the winter. It reminded me of joy and of peace that comes with more sun and the growing of the Spring.
We know that Easter fits so seamlessly into this time of year. We are reminded on such a tangible level of what new life looks like and what it means. With each day God’s creation awakens to new life, too. In our baptisms we become like the flowers that bloom and we are invited to grow continuously through our lives. Spring shows us that season of leaning towards the sun and growing and learning. Easter and Spring reminds us that this is our relationship with God through the gift of resurrection.
I hope that we are leaning into growing with God and God’s will for us this season. Spring shows us that fresh and new growth that bursts from the safe cover of last Summer, Fall, and Winter. There is a remembrance of what bloomed last year and what will certainly grow this year, too. I hope that you feel the joys of being invited into that space this spring, as the world reminds us of God’s creation coming back to life once again, just as Easter holds the joy of the resurrection always.
I want to take just a moment as well to say thank you to all who have given their condolences, prayers, and support with the unexpected loss of my grandmother, known to us all as Nanny. As many of you may know, we were incredibly close and your support made it so that we could be with my family. Nanny loved Spring, flowers, and the brightness of Easter, we were blessed to say goodbye in a season she loved, among the blooming pink azaleas. Thank you.
With God’s Easter Blessings,
Pastor Leandra
Following is the Confirmation Faith Statement from Jackson Sistek who will be confirmed on May 18th.
My Faith Statement
My name is Jackson. I am confirming my faith in Jesus Christ. My friends, my family, school, and sports are big
parts of my life. I have learned that faith is like training for sports, it takes time, hard work, and trust.
My Favorite Bible verse reminds me “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” That is Philippians 4:13. When I play sports, I always want to do my best. Sometimes I win and sometimes I lose, but either way I remember that my strength comes from Christ. He helps me stay humble during successes and helps me to keep trying when I fail.
Confirmation is important to me because it’s my way of saying “yes” to God’s Love and saying “yes” to following Jesus. I want to live my life doing my best, trying hard, and using the gifts God gave me to honor Him both on and off the field or court. I know that with his love and strength I can face whatever lies ahead.
WELCA Report
Our regular monthly meeting on April 1st was changed to meet on April 2nd before we served the Lenten supper. The meeting was called to order by Nancy Wesely, President, at 5:30 p.m. No purpose, hymn or devotions given. Secretary’s Report was approved by Laura T. as read in LOG. Ardell gave Treasurer’s Report and stated that WELCA is paying for men’s bathroom repairs and Fellowship Room repairs. No questions. Approved by all. MBT checking and savings account issues have been taken care of.
Correspondence: Lutheran Social Services are hosting an evening at the Rochester Golf and Country Club to celebrate the ways LSS are empowering SE Minnesota through services that inspire hope and change lives. It will be held May 1st. Social hour 5:30 p.m. Dinner and program 6:30 p.m. RSVP by April 10th. Visit lssmn.org/Rochester 25 to purchase tickets or call 651-432-4731. Notice on south bulletin board. Honor Quilts (53) were blessed on March 31st for the April 23rd Honor Flight out of Rochester, Minnesota.
A motion made and 2nd to reimburse Nancy for new water pitchers for kitchen. Linda made motion to buy 6 new paring knives for kitchen 2nd by Ardell. On April 5th Ardell and Joyce will be attending the Zumbro Conference held in Stewartville. May 8th Mother’s Day will be celebrated with Sunday School children singing. Last day of meeting together.
Next meeting will be May 6th. Devotions by Linda.
Linda Christianson, Secretary
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Thank you to all who helped deliver “Meals on Wheels” in April. Joyce Peterson
May 6th – WELCA meets at 1 p.m. followed by Bible Study.
May 11th – Last day of Sunday School.
May 18th – Confirmation Sunday
May 31st – Hughes/Peterson Wedding
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Red Oak Grove Lutheran Church
Council Minutes-April 29, 2025
The meeting was called to order by president, Rony Magnuson.
Members in attendance included: Pastor Leandra, Rony, Cathy, Pete, Justin, Nancy, Mike, Julie H., Diana and Lacey
Pastor Leandra led opening prayer.
Secretary Report:
Report sent via email with no corrections sent back. Approved by all present as is.
Pastor’s Report:
Attached report
Treasurer’s Report:
Beginning Balance: $60,678.78
Revenue: $14553.89
Expenses: $13,247.81
Ending Balance: $61,984.86
Renewed 1st CD that had reached maturity for an additional 8 months.
Received donation from Verna Magnuson estate. Motion made from Julie to put $40,000 into a CD and $6000 in improvement fund for small projects. 2nd by Nancy, approved by all.
Deacon’s Report:
Church website was down for a few days, Rachel was able to track down the owner of the site to get back up and running and get transferred to her name to have ownership to the site.
Sunday school will wrap up on May 11, kids will be singing that day during service.
Family movie night will be Friday, May 2 at Community Lutheran at 6:30.
Plans for summer bible school will be coming.
Trustee’s Report:
Sink in basement is being looked at. Well heater is off. Lawn mower will have spring check over for summer. Bathroom will be finished up soon and then painted. Motion made to put together little thank you note and gift to the 4 individuals that help with snow removal. Motion approved by all present. Rony, Pete, Mike, and Justin will be meeting to go up into bell tower and get pictures to see what we need to do to fix leak.
WELCA Report:
Prep has started for Strawberry Festival. Containers and bags have arrived.
Old Business:
Easter service had about 77 in attendance. Served around 50 for breakfast. Fruit was a big hit. Need 4 egg bakes and about 5 dozen muffins.
New Business:
- 2nd quarter donation will go to BP Park Fund.
- Girl Scouts offered to plant flowers for us this year as a thank you for using our church for their meetings.
- Joint Congregational meeting will by May 7 at 6:30 at Red Oak Grove to renew shared pastor contract.
- AED will be needing new pads by this August, Diana will get new pads ordered and checking over first aid kit.
Meeting closed with the Lord’s Prayer.
Respectfully submitted, Diana Horan, Council Secretary
Next meeting: May 20, 2025 at 6:30 p.m.
Council Coffee Servers:
May 4- Rony & Rachel
June 1- Matt & Diana
July 6-
August 3-
September 7-
October 5-
November 2-
December 7-
Red Oak Grove Lutheran Church 