Dear Beloveds,
In college my friends and I kept a brightly puffy paint decorated jar in our dorm room called our gratefulness jar. When finals rolled around each semester we would sit down and read some of the things we dropped in the jar. Maybe that was friends, a hike, or a quick trip home to see our families. Some of the little neon notecards had things that were just helping us get through. Some, were random and downright silly. There was one card, however, that was not in the handwriting of any of the usual people who came over to hang out. This mystery person listed one word: potatoes. Sometimes when I need to remember to breathe and feel the gratitude of life, laughing, I think of a hot pink notecard that simply read potatoes. Much like Tolkien’s hobbits, how can we not be grateful for potatoes and their various forms?
In November we give thanks and celebrate all that we have, no matter how big or how small. We enjoy those last bits of Halloween candy hidden in the kitchen. We express gratitude over turkey and pies. We feel the joy found in a parade and we smile as we begin decorate for Christmas. We are surrounded this time of year by people we love and the fun that goes with it.
I hope this November you remember those things you are grateful for and have warmth around your tables. I give thanks for all of you! And, if right now it is hard to think of something you are thankful for, maybe you simply start with potatoes.
Happy Thanksgiving!
With God’s Grace and Peace,
Pastor Leandra
November Highlights
Quilting – Come tie with us this fall! Quilting is at 9 a.m. on Monday mornings.
Sunday School – Sunday mornings at 9 a.m.
Annual Bake Off – November 22, 2026, following service. All are welcome to bring a treat to share and be voted on.
Annual Meeting – Sunday December 6th following worship.
Poinsettias — The cost is $10 this year due by November 22nd. The sign-up sheet is in the narthex. Please stop and write down your name. Payment goes to Ardell Swinson. Checks made out to WELCA.
A big thank you to Louise and Kim Peterson for the beautiful flowers from April to October. We are blessed by you making the church beautiful!
Red Oak Grove Lutheran Church
Council Minutes- October 18, 2026
The meeting was called to order by president, Justin Ferguson.
Members in attendance included: Justin, Nancy, Pastor Leandra, Diana, Julie B., Mike, Rony
Pastor Leandra led opening prayer.
Secretary Report:
Sent via email with no corrections sent back. Approved as is by all present.
Pastor’s Report:
Confirmation has restarted and had evening of sharing with those getting confirmed at CLC.
Treasurer’s Report:
No Report
Deacon’s Report:
Trunk or Treat will be on October 31, 2026 from 2-4 p.m.
Trustee’s Report:
Gutters will be cleaned out this week for fall. Roof check will be done soon to make sure no areas need attention before winter. Tree removal and stump grinding will be getting done soon also.
WELCA Report:
Old Business:
Rony & Rachel will get cake for serving on Confirmation Sunday, October 25, 2026.
Job posting flyers will be posted in various locations and will be getting ads put in Shopper and Steele County Times.
Recap of Cowboy Service: Potato salad for 75 people and 20lbs of pork which was about right. Around 80 in church with around 50 coming down to eat.
New Business:
Annual Bake Off will be November 22, 2026 following service. All welcome to bring treat to share and be voted for.
Annual Church Congregational Meeting will be December 6, 2026 after service. With weather make-up date December 13, 2026.
Rony & Rachel plan to host Christmas Dinner on Christmas Day again, times and details to come.
Meeting closed with the Lord’s Prayer.
Respectfully submitted, Diana Horan, Council Secretary
Next meeting: November 15, 2026
October WELCA Minutes
Our October meeting was held on 10-4-26 following Sunday service. Nancy Wesley opened the meeting. There were 7 present. No secretary minutes were read by Linda. Only a short update from Ardell on treasurer report.
Committee report by Judy. There are 9 veterans at Prairie Manor. Karen Beede will check if any new residents from New Richland are veterans and get new total count. Quilting started 9-28-26 at 9am. Flower Committee: Louise Peterson has officially retired after many, many years of providing us with flowers all summer. We thank her so much. Will follow up with others to see if they want to do flowers. Confirmation will be Sunday October 25, 2026 at church service. Two being confirmed – Samantha Horan and DeAnna Schaub. Linda to make stoles. Have supplies. Prayer books will be given by WELCA. Ardell to purchase. Thank you to Charley and Louise. Next meeting will be Nov. 1 following church at 11am. Dec. 1 WELCA will be a pot luck at noon and short meeting. Jan. 2027 change time back to 8:30am for services.
Linda Christianson
Secretary
