Dear Beloveds in Christ, 

Faith alone. Grace alone. Scripture alone. Those three little tenants of Lutheran theology are so important. In theological terms we mean that we receive God’s limitless love and grace by no merit of our own but because in his boundless grace we are forgiven and receive salvation. We receive all grace through faith. The means in which we see this grace at work is through Holy Communion, Holy Baptism, the forgiveness of sin, and in the scripture. 

When I was in my entrance interview for candidacy I gave the above answer to the question of grace. To which my bishop went, so what does grace mean to you? But, he didn’t want the theological answer. Of course, he knew that one. He wanted to know what that grace looked like right here right now. It is something I have been thinking on a lot lately. What does grace look like? What does it mean? 

Then to me it looked like the forgiveness and the space where God moved to sew you back together when you were a bit worn. I found comfort in the knowledge that there is nothing we can do that removes us from God’s limitless grace. Now, like I am sure you have heard me say, that grace spreads from us. We have so much of God’s grace and love that we have no choice but to share it outward. Showing each other patience, forgiveness, kindness, and the grace that God gives us always. 

Grace isn’t easy for us to follow, but we are given the blueprint from our faith and from the scripture of God where God’s grace is revealed to us in the life and work of Jesus. Grace doesn’t come easy it takes us acting like the people who are full of God’s boundless grace and love. I can assure you that God’s children full of grace is exactly what this world needs right now.

Grace is us being forgiven by God and sewn together and it is also that limitless grace that we receive so freely and it is the way we share that same grace with others. Grace is also so much more. What matters is how we live into our lives filled with grace. So, my friends, what is grace to you? 

With God’s Peace, 

Pastor Leandra

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Red Oak Grove Lutheran Church Council Minutes
September 28, 2025

The meeting was called to order by president, Rony Magnuson. Members in attendance included: Julie, Sue, Pastor Leandra, Julie H., Mike, Rony, Justin, Diana. Pastor Leandra led opening prayer.

Secretary Report: No Report 

Pastor’s Report:

Returned from vacation and made a few home visits. Upcoming Fall Theological Conference in October. Will total conference fees and ask CLC about splitting. Confirmation has started and have 4 girls from ROG and 1 boy from CLC this year. 

Treasurer’s Report: No Report

Deacon’s Report: Sunday School has kicked off on September 21.

Trustee’s Report:

Received quote for tree removal, stump removal and trimming at $950. Back door of church is getting repaired. Men’s bathroom has been tapped and will be getting painted soon. Snow blower will be serviced in next few months. 

WELCA Report: Honor quilts have been sent and ladies continue quilting.

Old Business:

1. Cowboy Service went well, served about 50 for lunch.
   
2. LP Contract was made for 3,500 gallons at $1.35.
   
3. Justin and Rony will be finishing bell tower repair and so far have no leaks.

New Business:

1. Snow removal schedule will need to be made.
    
2. Karen Johnson estate has donated items to church. Items were cleaned and brought to church by Katie. Motion made to give Katie $50 Visa gift card and thank you for the work. Council has decided to let Rony go through the items and sell the Fostoria items and the rest will be saved to go on church auction. Motion made and seconded to move as planned. 
   
3. Council approved paying Laura vacation time for her Sunday off for Cowboy Service.
    
4. 3^rd quarter charitable giving approved to go to BP Ambulance Service. Motion made and seconded and approved by all present.
    
5. 4^th quarter charitable giving we are looking to find an organization that helps families in need during Holidays. Pastor will investigate what organization in the area we could donate to.
   
6. Marilyn’s computer is too old to update to Windows 11 so it will need to be replaced. Motion made to purchase Marilyn a new computer. Motion made, seconded and approved by all present.
   
7. Concerns brought forward about needing better communication with any changes in Sunday services, whether it be Pastor on vacation or weather related changes.
    
8. Concerns discussed with Pastor about home visits. Good she calls members in need and asked to add asking if person would like to be visited and making sure to follow through with home visits.
   
9. Trunk or Treat scheduled for October 26 from 3pm-5pm.

Meeting closed with the Lord’s Prayer. Next meeting: October 19 following service

Respectfully submitted, 

Diana Horan, Council Secretary

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WELCA Minutes

Fall has arrived and after 2 months of no WELCA meetings, we began again on September 2^nd at 9:30 a.m.  There were 7 present.  Please join us on these Tuesday mornings for meeting and planning, social time and Bible Study.  We shared our purpose together and Nancy Wesely read devotions from Psalms 24:1.

Secretary’s Report:  Just shared the things we did over our two month break. 

Treasurer’s Report:  Report was shared.  Still waiting on a couple of items to finalize Strawberry Social.  Sold 13 quilts at the tent that day.

Committee Reports:  Donated quilt to BP Cancer Auction on September 5^th and 6^th.  Finishing our 50 quilts for another Honor Flight.  Community Lutheran 20, Elaine Braaten and friend 13, Red Oak Grove 17 plus a couple extra.  Gave one to Roxanne and also Howard Lesterud.  Cowboy Sunday will serve remaining strawberries and ice cream, pulled pork, buns and chips.

Up-coming convention, September 27^th from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. at Bethlehem Lutheran in Waseca.  $25 registration.

Nancy also had offering meditation- Beloved Child of God.  Closed with offering and Lord’s Prayer.  Next meeting is October 7^th at 9:30 a.m.  Linda will have devotions.  Joyce Peterson will serve coffee and treat.

Linda Christiason, Secretary

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October 7^th – WELCA meets at 9:30 a.m.

October 15^th –Confirmation 6:30-8 p.m. at Community Lutheran

October 19^th – Council meets after church

October 26^th – Trunk or Treat from 3-5 p.m. at Red Oak Grove

If you are running low on Offering Envelopes and need a new supply, there is a sign-up sheet in the narthex.  Deadline for signing up is November 2^nd.