March 2018
Last May, I attended a continuing education course and heard a poem that resonated with me. This
past month, I attended another continuing education retreat. Why am I telling you this? What do they
have in common? That poem.
At both of these unconnected events, the same poem was shared. And it has become my favorite.
Also: It’s March. In Minnesota. If you’re anything like me, you’re getting a bit annoyed with winter.
Scraping the car. Bundling up. Ice. I know the end is near but in the meantime, I’m getting anxious for
sunshine, melting snow, and warmer temperatures. I’m guessing I have lots of partners in this
thinking.
Enter that poem. That poem that is following me, reminding me at every turn. In the midst of winter, in
the middle of Lent, may the poem encourage you and the Spirit guide you to invite wonder into those
every day tasks, those every day moments and the people we encounter.
- Pastor Lindsay
Invite Wonder by Christine Valters Painter
What if you bowed before every dandelion you met no longer stuffed into the basement
and wrote love letters to of your being and allowed out to play
squirrels and pigeons in the lush and green fields?
who crossed your path? There are two ways to live in this world:
as if everything were enchanted
What if scrubbing the dishes became
or nothing at all.
an act of single reverence for the gift
of being washing clean, and what if the There is no in between, although you
rhythmic percussion of chopping carrots keep trying to live this divided life knowing
became the drumbeat of your dance? deep down something is awry.
You have lived long enough
What if you stepped into the shower
with this tearing apart.
each morning to be baptized anew
and sent forth to serve the grocery bagger, Come out into the wide world
the bank teller, and the bus driver and discover there, companions and guides
through simple kindness? at every turn, and even those who summon
curses from your heart have
And what if the things that make
a divine spark within them bright enough
your heart dizzy with delight were
to invite wonder.
RED OAK GROVE LUTHERAN CHURCH
Council Meeting
February 11, 2018
The meeting was called to order by President, Brent Ingvalson. Members in attendance included;
Brent Ingvalson, Jenny Ingvalson, Marilyn Helleck, Tom Harber, Wendy Cadwell, Tammy Harber,
Marilyn Ulland, Angie Wagaman, Jamie Hanson, John Trihus, Terry Magnuson, Pastor Lindsay and
Laura Tjomsland.
Opening prayer was led by Pastor Lindsay. Members shared highs and lows.
The Pastor’s Report was given. A motion was made, seconded and passed to accept the report as
presented. Highlights included; a great night at GIFT, started a year-long Continuing education
program, Lent is beginning with two services on Ash Wednesday and discussed the idea to try a new
Maundy Thursday program with dinner church. Coming up will be a congregational meeting to
approve moving forward with constitutional changes. Visits included two Prairie Manor services, 21
visits, one with communion and two funerals.
The Secretary’s Report was given. A motion was made by Tom and seconded by Terry to accept the
report as presented. The motion carried.
The Treasurer’s Report was given. A motion was made by Laura and seconded by Jamie to accept
the report as presented. The motion carried. Highlights included; opening balance is $47,932.48,
income was $9,933.96, expenses were $14,768.29 leaving a balance of $43,098.15. Youth Fund
balance is $4,628.51 and the Improvement Fund has a balance of $19,242.25.
The WELCA Report was given. They have voted to continue with the Strawberry Social and will ask
for help with posters and other tasks.
The Deacon’s Report was given. GIFT did a program about the story of Samuel and all youth made a
pillow case. A motion was made by Laura and seconded by Jenny to accept the report as presented,
the motion passed.
The Trustees Report was given. The trees have been cut down, Terry fixed the water softener at the
Parsonage. John’s Appliance from Owatonna will fix the refrigerator. Frank will be programming the
Wi-Fi with additional options. A motion was made by Jenny and seconded by Tom to accept the
report as presented, the motion carried.
New Business. Discussion regarding Lent, Holy week, Maundy Thursday dinner church, a sign up for
this would be necessary. A new graphic image to be used as a “Logo” for the church is being
explored. Again, it was discussed about the importance of helpers on Sunday’s and other special
occasions to help with parking, opening the doors and greeting people. Al Wesely will serve as a
communicator between the custodian and other helpers.
Next meeting will be March 11, 2018 following worship service. Eucharist Assistant for February is
Wendy and March will be Tom.
The meeting was adjourned and closed with The Lord’s Prayer.
Respectfully submitted,
Laura Tjomsland, Council Secretary
WELCA Minutes
On Sunday, February 4, 2018 the Red Oak Grove WELCA met in the Fellowship Room at 10:15 a.m.
There were 13 present when Karen Johnson called the meeting to order. Opening devotions were
given by Orlie Grant. She read Psalm 113, “Praise the Lord” Psalm. The Secretary’s Report was
given by Linda. There was no Treasurer’s Report in Lavonne’s absence. Placed on file.
Correspondence was read. A Christmas card from Good Earth Village, a card of gratitude and
envelope for a donation. Thank you from Marie Sandvik for $50 donation and also from Lutheran
Social Services for gift of $100. A card was enclosed explaining they have training classes in
Caregiver Respite Program. Ardell read a thank you from Connie Trihus.
Unfinished Business: Coffee serving is scheduled – Youth-first Sunday, WELCA-second Sunday,
Council- third Sunday, Wit-fourth Sunday and fifth Sunday is open. Youth served a fabulous egg
bake breakfast and raffled a Super Bowl Basket. Julie Hoffman won and they raised $145 on the
raffle.
New Business: Nancy Wesely made a motion to give the Blooming Prairie after Prom a quilt. Marlys
Peterson seconded the motion. Nancy Wesely made a motion to have the 76th Annual Strawberry
Social on Tuesday, June 12, 2018. Julie Hoffman seconded. Both motions carried.
Committee Reports: Ardell handed out updated Prayer Chain. Wit will meet February 13 at 12:30
p.m. at Barleys. Change in green book for WELCA 2018 in Naomi Circle. Secretary/Treasurer will be
Vi Christianson.
Each circle is to be working on getting a list of home bound folks from our congregation. WELCA is
working on the duties that each circle will do for the list of people such as birthday, Christmas, get
well, sympathy cards and deciding if gift of money should be a part of this. More decisions next
month.
Offering was taken. Next
meeting will be Sunday, March
4, 2018 at 10:15 a.m. in the
Fellowship Room. Thank you
to youth for serving today. Holy Week & Easter at Red Oak Grove
Closed with the birthday song
and saying the Lord’s Prayer.
Palm Sunday – March 25 – Worship 9AM
Respectfully, GIFT Activities to follow
Linda L. Christianson, Maundy Thursday – March 29 – Dinner Church 6PM
Secretary
Good Friday – March 30 – Noon service at First Lutheran
Easter Sunrise – April 1 – Worship 7AM with Communion
Easter Breakfast – 7:30 to 8:30 AM
Easter Worship – 9AM with Communion
On behalf of all of us at the Steele County Food Shelf, I want to
thank you very much for your recent contribution of $110. We are
extremely grateful for your generosity. Nancy Ness, Exe.
Director
Thank you for the wonderful gift of blessing for the work of the
Anyuak Community. Pastor Chad Johnson
Maundy Thursday Dinner Church
On Maundy Thursday, the Thursday before Good Friday, we hear the story of how Jesus gathered
with his disciples for one last meal before his arrest and death on the cross. This year, instead of our
worship in the sanctuary to remember this night, we are going to do as Jesus and the disciples did –
we are going to gather around tables.
On Maundy Thursday, March 29, we will eat together and share in communion together. There will be
scripture and prayer as we gather at the tables. You are invited to participate in this meal and
service! The worship service and meal will be intertwined; please note there will be no service in the
sanctuary this evening. Please consider sharing in this experience as we go together into Good
Friday and to Easter morning.
We will begin at 6:00pm on this evening. Because food must be prepared, we ask you to sign up in
advance if you plan to attend. You can also share any dietary restrictions. The sign up will be located
in the narthex; you can also sign up by calling the office before Monday, March 26.
March GIFTS – Plural!
On Wednesday, March 7, we will join together for story and learning once again during GIFT!
Because this GIFT falls during Lent, we will follow an alternate schedule. Upon your arrival at 5:30 (or
as close to that as you can arrive), there will be activities to share. We will eat our meal at 6, together
with those who gather for the regular Lenten meal. Activities will again follow your meal.
You are also invited to our Lenten service that night at 7pm in the sanctuary. (But we also understand
there may be bedtimes to address.)
During March, there is a second BONUS GIFT you’re invited to attend! On Sunday, March 25,
come hear the Palm Sunday story in worship (That’s the story we’ll hear at our Wednesday night!)
and participate by waving palms. Following worship, we’ll have many Easter activities for families to
engage! It will be super egg-citing!
