Dear Beloveds in Christ,
One of my favorite Christmas books and movies is The Polar Express it is something I will watch while doing many of the tasks while preparing for Christmas. For those unfamiliar, this story follows our young narrator through a train ride that lands at the North Pole where a child is chosen to receive the first gift of Christmas. In the movie, this follows a boy who finds himself having a hard time believing in the joy and the gift that comes with Christmas. He doesn’t believe anymore, not even in Santa. He goes on a journey to discover that Christmas isn’t about how provable facts or the gifts that we receive. The gift chosen is as simple as a bell from Santa’s sleigh. This movie shows us that this time of year is about Christmas living in our hearts. In the end, if we believe, Christmas rings in our heart like a clear bell always.
Advent is the season where we explore hope and longing for the Christ child who comes to us on Christmas Eve. Jesus comes into our lives at Christmas unglamorously in a lowly stable. He comes into our lives as a newborn baby who will change the world, but who for now is nestled in a manger. When Jesus comes we sing songs of worship and praise. We light candles in the dark to remember that he is the light that comes into our world to offer peace, love, hope, and joy. He is the light that we see and hold close. He is the light that reminds us of what truly matters this time of year.
Friends, Jesus is the light we believe in and hold in our hearts year round. In a weary world he is our ringing bell, our hope, our joy, our love, and our peace. My hope for you in this Christmas that you remember what Christmas truly means. I hope that you hold Christ’s presence close to you throughout Advent. I hope that you always live with a bit of Christmas in your heart.
Merry Christmas!
With God’s Peace and Joy,
Pastor Leandra
Red Oak Grove Lutheran Church Council Minutes
November 18, 2025
The meeting was called to order by president, Rony Magnuson. Members in attendance included: Julie B., Rony, Justin, Pastor Leandra, Diana, Julie H., Mike, Cathy. Pastor Leandra led opening prayer.
Secretary’s Report:
Report sent out in email, Cathy asked for minutes to be more detailed about signers on checking account for 2025 and 2026 for updating to a non-profit checking account with bank. They use minutes of proof for change to take place. Approved by all present.
Pastor’s Report:
Confirmation is ongoing and going well. Parish Council met and discussed Pastor’s upcoming maternity leave. We do have a person interested in filling in at both churches for Pastor’s leave but wanted to clarify if they would be filling like a pulpit supply pastor for Sunday services and emergency need. Council agreed this would be the expectation so Pastor will bring back to synod.
Treasurer’s Report:
Opening Balance: $55,930.94
Revenue: $12,945.35
Expenses: $11,293.70
Ending Balance: $57,582.59
We have 1 CD maturing on December 21, 2025. Motion was made to rollover CD for another 8 month period by Julie H. and seconded by Justin and approved by all.
Deacon’s Report: Nothing to report
Trustee’s Report:
Katie will be painting bathroom as soon as she can.
Mike will be looking at door and fixing/replacing at parsonage.
Mike will be finishing lights in Fellowship Room hopefully by Spring.
North wall of the church is being looked at but will need more attention and have to address in the Spring.
WELCA Report: Nothing to report
Old Business:
- Currently no volunteers for open Vice-president spot or Deacons spots.
New Business:
- Combined service with Community Lutheran in Geneva on December 21 for a kids Christmas program. No service at Red Oak Grove that day. Will be posted on Facebook page and have sign up.
- Christmas services will be Red Oak Grove at 4:00 p.m. and Community Lutheran at 5:30 p.m.
- We are going to investigate either updating pastor’s phone or getting an I-pad to be able to stream all of Sunday service without it cutting off. Will check on prices and see what we want to do.
- Christmas meal will be served on Christmas Day at 11:00 a.m. at Red Oak Grove for anyone who would like to come for a holiday meal. Anyone needing a ride to and from this will be provided. Sign up is required for the meal. Will be put out in bulletin and mentioned in Log.
- Congregational meeting will be on December 14 following church service.
- Reviewed budget for 2026 and worked out. Cathy will prepare for December meeting to final approval before congregational meeting.
Next meeting: December 7, 2025 following church. Meeting closed with the Lord’s Prayer.
Respectfully submitted,
Diana Horan, Council Secretary
WELCA Minutes
On November 4th at 9:30 a.m. Joyce Peterson opened our WELCA meeting in the Name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. There were 6 ladies present. Joyce gave opening devotions and read “All the Saints. Secretary and Treasurer’s Reports were given. No corrections. Approved for October 7th meeting.
Unfinished Business: There are bags of pork left from Strawberry Social. Will check with Dennis as to what to do with them. At the last Council Meeting on October 21st Nancy was WELCA representative instead of Ardell due to meeting change in date.
Committee Reports: Quilting – Judy W. We received 3 very nice thank you notes from Veterans who received our Honor Quilts. October 27th was our last quilting day. We will resume after a little break. Karen Beede to check at Prairie Manor to see if we have more Veterans that could use a small 50 x 50 lap quilt. If a need we will make more. Judy took 26 small quilts to Rachel’s Hope. A very busy Fall quilting session. Please join us if you can.
New Business: Judy W. made motion to give same donations as in 2024. Total of $1,225.
A huge Thank You to the Altar Committee. They have cleaned the altar. In doing so discovered that the plexi glass that protects the altar from rain drops has a crack. Motion made to replace at $160. Ardell made motion. Sue Hamersma seconded. New piece will be purchased. Ardell did offering meditation on Stewardship. A birthday card will be sent to Pat Hanson 91st birthday.
Linda will be sending Thanksgiving cards to our “Cheer List” members. Thank you to those here today. Linda served a treat and coffee.
Closed with the Lord’s Prayer. Next meeting will be at 12 noon on December 2nd. It is a potluck. New officers will be installed. They are the same as 2025. President Nancy Wesely, Vice President Joyce Peterson, Secretary Linda Christianson, Treasurer Ardell Swenson and Judy Wambeam, Stewardship and Mission in Action.
Respectfully,
Linda Chritianson
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The Annual Meeting of Red Oak Grove Lutheran will be held on December 14th following the worship service. Please plan to attend.
We will have a combined worship service with Community Lutheran on December 21st at 9:30 a.m. This will be the Children’s Christmas Program.
Rony and Rachael Magnuson have volunteered to do a Christmas Dinner at church Christmas Day at 11 a.m. for anyone who doesn’t have plans. Rides to and from the dinner will be available if you do not wish to drive. There is no charge for the dinner.
A sign-up sheet is in the narthex.
Sign up by December 14th.
Worship time changes on January 1st.
Red Oak Grove will start at 8:30 a.m.
Community Lutheran at 10 a.m.
Red Oak Grove Lutheran Church 