February 2017

On Saturday, February 4, the council leadership will participate in a retreat at Red Oak Grove. The
retreat will be led by the council president, Jacob, and myself as together we seek to strategically
plan year-long goals for our ministry here. This will be done through clarifying values, identifying our
strengths, looking for opportunities, and setting goals. It will be a day-long adventure for us and I
thank the council for dedicating a Saturday to such an important task.
This is important work. It will be hard work but so important. In my time here, we have not, as a
congregation, spent much time or energy setting goals for our years. I know we all have individual
goals and dreams for us as a congregation; but the goals we set together at this retreat will be
clearly-defined and tangible. These goals can help us set our focus, guide our ministry, and direct us
in what we do as a congregation. Im really super excited to see where this takes us!
But this hard work is also not only for the council. The hard work will be for all of us as we implement
and work towards the goals that we decide are most important to us in this moment. My hope and
prayer is that together we will see these goals through. That together we will grow as we work
forward.
When you see a member of the church council, please thank them. Thank them for serving in a
leadership position, thank them for their hard work, and thank them for giving a Saturday in service to
the people of Red Oak Grove.
I am filled with hope. For the retreat, for our ministry, for gathering, growing, and going out together.
Pastor Lindsay

Im not on council. How can I help? Pray for the retreat. Pray that the council may lean on the
Holy Spirits guidance throughout the day.
How will the congregation hear what happens at the retreat? As part of the retreat, we will be
filling in a poster with the values, strengths, opportunities, aspirations, etc. This poster will be on
display for you to look at after the retreat. As part of our day, we will also be creating a
communication plan to keep everyone in the loop.

RED OAK GROVE LUTHERAN CHURCH COUNCIL MEETING

January 8, 2017
The meeting was called to order by President, Jacob Ulland.
Highs and Lows were shared.
Pastors Report was given. Highlights were over 25 visits were completed in the past month. Also
working on the 500th Anniversary Celebration.
The Secretarys Report was given. A motion was made, seconded and passed to accept as
presented.
The Treasurers Report was given. A motion was made, seconded and passed to accept as
presented. Highlights were; opening balance was $13,778.00, income was $39,356.64. Expenses
were $15,022.31, leaving a balance of $38,108.88. The Youth Fund has a balance of $2,880.48 and
the Improvement Fund has a balance of $19,163.84.
WELCA had no report.
Deacons Report included an update on the current status of GIFT,
Trustees had no report.
Old Business: The idea of an electronic sign was again discussed. It was suggested that the people
that are interested in this project put together a proposal regarding the cost, size, operation of such
and any other information that could be presented to the Council and/or the entire church
membership.
New Business: Baptism gifts, a motion was made seconded and passed to order Board Book
Bibles for all of the children that have been baptized in the past year and to also continue this project
into the future. Council Retreat was discussed, using the format of The Annual Roadmap the council
will meet on February 4, 2017 to complete this process. Sign up for Communion Serving, and the
person that month will give a favorite Bible verse as devotions for meetings. Brainstorming on ideas
for a Family Friendly service, ideas included a more contemporary service, future ideas will be
brought up and discussed for planning. All members are encouraged to bring forth ideas to the
council. Future meeting times for the council will continue November through March after church
service on Sunday and first Tuesday of the month April through October.
The next meeting TBD so as not to conflict with meetings of WELCA.
The meeting adjourned and closed with the Lords Prayer.
Attending: Jacob Ulland, Brent Ingvalson, Jenny Ingvalson, Tom Harber,
Wendy Cadwell, Jamie Hanson, Pete Kleinschmidt, Pastor Lindsay and Laura Tjomsland.
Respectfully submitted,
Laura Tjomsland, Council Secretary

WELCA Meeting January 8, 2017

Sunday, January 8, 2017, 12 Red Oak Grove ladies were in attendance for our monthly meeting.
Joyce Peterson, Co-President called the meeting to order. Our purpose was read together. We met
at 10:15 in the Fellowship Room. Marlys Peterson gave devotions. She read about Market
Place/New Years. A newspaper article written by Pastor Phil Rudd at First English Lutheran Church
of Cannon Falls, former Pastor at First Lutheran in Blooming Prairie. Secretary and Treasurers
reports were given by Linda and Lavonne. The Annual Report for treasurer read. CorrespondenceThank you from Marilyn Blume for the Christmas gift and Rachels Hope for quilts and out fits. Both
approved and placed on file.
Committee Reports: Judy Wambeam, quilting. Noisy Coin for December was given to the mitten
tree. 56 hats, 44 gloves, 4 head bands and 5 scarves were given to Blooming Prairie and Austin
schools. New shelves are up in the storage room and all the quilts will be moved to the new storage
area. Quilts have been given to Lyle Cancer Auction (1), Boys and Girls Club of Blooming Prairie for
fundraiser on February 4th (2), After Prom fundraiser or as a gift at Prom Party for Blooming Prairie.
Ardell made a motion and Lavonne seconded. These are our kids, Lavonne said. We need to
support them. Ardell on Prairie Manor: No January meeting but will meet February 27th. Prairie Star
still available. Joyce on visitation: She sent a card to Orline and went to visit. Dorothy Phipps is
finishing rehab and moving to her apartment next week. Keep Vi Christianson in our prayers. One
correction in our 2017 WELCA Book. Please change Marilyn Hellecks cell number to 507-213-0825.
Unfinished Business: Marie Sandvik items will be delivered in January. Continuing discussion
regarding our Annual Strawberry Festival. Decision at up-coming meetings.
Triennial Convention: There are five planning on attending the Tenth Triennial Gathering on
Saturday, July 15, 2017 in Minneapolis. They are Nancy Wesely, Linda Christianson, Mary Wiekum,
Ardell Swenson and Julie Berg. A motion was made to support these women with financial
assistance of $100 each.
Convention News: Linda had information on Finger Labyrinth. They would like 5,000 donated to the
Triennial Convention. Patterns and supplies were available for anyone to take.
Offering was taken. Ardell gave the worship offering meditation, reading from Guide Post
Mysterious Ways. We sang the birthday song for all January birthdays.
Our next meeting will be Sunday, February 5, 2017 at 10:15 in the Fellowship Room. We closed with
the Lords Prayer.
Linda L. Christianson
Secretary ROG WELCA
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The 2016 Annual Report of Red Oak Grove is in the narthex for you to pick up.
If you would like a copy mailed to you, please contact the office.

Thank you for all of the cards and gifts you so kindly sent my way this past
November and December. It was so kind of you to think of me.
Grateful for you, Pastor Lindsay

Noisy Coin 2017

Did you see in the Annual Report our noisy coin
collection for 2017 totaled over $800. Thats incredible!
This year, were taking a bit of a different approach. Each
month, our noisy coin offering taken on the first Sunday
of the month will go to support a local ministry. We will
be supporting the Anyuak Faith Community in Austin a
community of worshippers from South Sudan and Ethiopia.
On Sunday, February 5, we will welcome guests from this community who will share with us about
their ministry. Come hear about this community in our midst. Bring your coins!

Lent begins March 1

+ March 1 is Ash Wednesday and so begins our journey into Lent. Because it is the first Wednesday
of the month, when GIFT traditionally meets, we will also have a meal! Join us!
1:30 - Traditional Ash Wednesday service with imposition of ashes and Holy Communion
5:30 GIFT Pizza Supper (ALL are welcome!) with activity stations
6:30 Ash Wednesday service for all ages with imposition of ashes and Holy Communion
+ We will have a limited number of Lenten devotionals available in the narthex. They begin on
March 1, Ash Wednesday. Please watch for them towards the middle of the month and take one to
guide your time during Lent this year. The devotions focus is on the Small Catechism.
+ Pull out your Small Catechisms! Its the 500th Anniversary of the Reformation and for three
Sundays in Lent, I invite you to gather for a Small Catechism Refresh class. Did you have to
memorize the Small Catechism? Do you still remember it? What application does it have to our
everyday life? On March 12, 19, 26, during coffee hour, well gather to refresh our minds and hearts
and souls on what Martin Luther said. If you cant find your catechism, Ill be placing an order for
some extra copies.

Congregational Art Project!

Throughout the first weeks of February, youll find canvas in need of painting! It will be in the
Fellowship Hall and I invite you ALL of you to spread some paint! We want the whole canvas
covered in color!
What is the canvas for? That will be revealed in worship on February 26! Come and paint and see!