November 2016

November is upon us. In the church, that means All Saints Sunday and Christ the King Sunday will
soon be here. In our family lives, it means turkey, stuffing, and Thanksgiving. In our lives as
Americans, it means the election.
THE election.
The presidential election that seems to have lasted forever. The presidential election that has
become super polarizing. The presidential election that has caused division, bitterness, and
controversy again and again.
Ive talked to many of you about this; I know the election is heavy on your minds. I also know there
are some of you who probably want to stop reading. You dont want to hear anything more about
November 8. I get it. Thats fine. I want to talk about November 9.
When we all wake up on November 9, the sun will rise as it always does and the election will be over.
There will be a new president who will take office next January. It may be the person you have voted
for; it may not be. Whether you feel like your side won or lost, when its over, its time to move
forward. Together. Its the only direction to go.
Its time for us to remember that we all have power to make our world a better place. Our homes, our
churches, our communities. Whether our candidate won or lost, we will still have the freedom to altar
the small portion of the planet that we happen to stand on at any given moment.
By using compassion and lending listening ears. By looking out for your neighbor. By showing love
instead of hate. It might mean holding your tongue and not saying, I told you so to someone who
disagrees politically. It might mean apologizing to people youve hurt along the way.
Frankly, Im exhausted by the way weve been treating each other lately. We have the power, the
freedom, the call to make our corner of the world full of Christ-like love. Full of community where all
people are welcome. Full of compassion and healthy dialogue. Full of help for those who need it.
But we each have to do our part.
Certainly, the next president will make decisions that affect us all, but we also have the power to
make decisions each day that affect those around us. May the Holy Spirit lead us to use compassion
and love and kindness and patience as our guide.
Pastor Lindsay

October 4, 2016
Red Oak Grove Lutheran Church
Council Meeting
The meeting was called to order by President, Gary Ulland.
Dale Van de Loo, from Church Mutual Insurance gave a presentation about the coverage we have at
the church and the cost involved with the coverage.
Highs and Lows were shared.
Opening devotions led by Pastor Lindsay centered on Where did Jesus meet people? Council
members shared places that Jesus met people.
Pastors report was printed with notes on visits, three with communion, six other visits and one
baptism. Confirmation will be on October 30th.
No action was taken on any items, as there were not enough members in attendance to conduct any
business.
Discussion on an electronic sign included the cost to purchase, installation and what would it cost on
a monthly basis to operate such a sign. No action taken.
Discussion on the idea to honor the Confirmation class from 50 years ago.
Discussion on winter snow plowing. Several members have done this in the past and if there are any
others willing to help with this to please let a Council member know of your interest.
A committee will be formed to review and update the Constitution.
The meeting was adjourned and was closed with the Lords Prayer.
Attending: Gary Ulland, Jacob Ulland, Jenny Ingvalson, Holly Ille, Mike Hoffman, Pastor Lindsay and
Laura Tjomsland.
Next meeting will be on Sunday, November 13, 2016 following the worship service.
Respectfully submitted,
Laura Tjomsland, Council Secretary
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------The grocery cart is back! Through the month of November, we will be collecting
non-perishable food items and personal care items. A reminder to please check
expiration dates before placing your items in the cart. Lets fill it up!
A volunteer will be needed at the end of the month to deliver the food items to our
local food shelves. Volunteer by contacting Pastor Lindsay.

WELCA Guest Day Notes

Our annual Guest Day was held on Wednesday, October 5, 2016 at 9:30 a.m.
Invitations had been sent to 26 area churches. Those in attendance were treated to a light brunch
followed by the program.
Three Methodist women from Owatonna did an excellent job entertaining our group.
Two people from each circle were in the kitchen helping prepare the brunch. There were 65 present
for the event.
Linda L. Christianson
WELCA Secretary
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Pastoral Acts: Wedding Deborah Peterson and Nicholas Johnson

Dear Friends of Red Oak Grove Lutheran, Thank you for your recent gift of
$41 to Good Earth Village. Thank you for your faithful giving that provides
opportunity for us to affirm and remind all generations that they belong to the
Kingdom of God. We are grateful for your partnership in making a difference
in the lives of many. (A thank you from Good Earth Village for our October
Noisy Coin donation.)

All Saints Sunday- Nov. 6

Card shower!
If you would like to send Pastor Bagne
greetings and good wishes on the 60th
anniversary of his ordination, which he
celebrates this year, his address is as follows:
Rev. Myrwood Bagne
306 22nd St. SW
Austin, MN 55912

A Sunday celebrated every calendar year, this

is a day on which we celebrate the victory won
by Jesus Christ for all the faithful dead, but we
grieve for our beloved dead as well, knowing
that God honors our tears. On this Sunday at
Red Oak Grove, we will honor those who have
died in the past year by reading their names
and ringing the church bell in their memory:
Kenny Trihus, Nancy Schwartz, and Harvey
Lysne.
We will also celebrate the newly
baptized saints of our congregation.

You are encouraged to embark in a gratitude practice for

the month of November! If you come to GIFT, well be
creating our own take-home gratitude practice. Or start
a gratitude journal. Write thank you notes. Another
option youll find on the back of your LOG calendar a
thankful alphabet! Working together with your family or
friends, can you fill in all the blanks? You can take one a
day or list as many as you can!

Children, Youth, and Family News

On Reformation Sunday, October 30, 2016, two young people were confirmed at Red Oak
Grove. They were Alexyss Magnuson and William Cardenas.
7-12 graders: Are you up for a laser tag challenge? Aurora/Trinity Lutheran Church has
challenged Red Oak Grove to a laser tag battle! Lets accept the challenge and spend Friday
night, November 18, making new friends and having fun. The adventure will include laser tag, as well
as pizza and cosmic bowling. After were done with fun in Owatonna, well head to Aurora Lutheran
for some late night games, ice cream, and will wrap up this late night around 11:30. It will cost
around $20. Info sheets/sign up will be available soon!
GIFT is off to a great start! We will meet again on November 2nd beginning with supper at 5:30
p.m. Our mission project for this year is to purchase a sheep to help a family somewhere in the
world. Please remember to bring your coins to help buy a sheep.
We ended our October GIFT with a campfire. Smores and fun was had by all!