"Why does little Johnny DO that?"
Parents, have you ever asked that question? Maybe followed by, "He didn't learn that from MY side of the family." In truth, we parents are the most influential people in the lives of our children and students, for better or worse!
At Five Oaks, we are committed to provide you with resources, tools and experiences to help you journey together through the various phases your kids will experience. Join us at our Family PHASE Workshop on November 19, 11 am, in room 101, to explore these phases and resources. Great info for families with kids from birth through age 18. All are welcome to attend. Questions? Email John Eiselt, jeiselt@fiveoakschurch.org.
Are you new to Five Oaks? Explore Five Oaks this weekend
If you are new to Five Oaks, please come to our Explore class on November 12 at 11 am in room 101. This class offers the chance to learn who we are as a church & what we believe, plus connect with other people who are new. Pizza lunch included following the class, plus an opportunity to meet with staff. Hope to see you there!
Missionary prayer meeting this weekend
Please join us as we gather to pray for the 14 Five Oaks-supported missionaries, their families and their ministries. November 12, 10:15-11 am, room 101. We will have treats! We’d love to have your prayer support for these global partners!
Orphan Sunday, November 12: Give a child hope
Nothing compares to helping a vulnerable child as a way of loving Jesus back. Join us November 12 to learn what you can do to help children at risk, right here at home and around the world. Learn about foster care, adoption, Safe Families, international hosting and child sponsorship. Visit all 6 tables and win a prize! 10:15-12:30, west end of Commons. Questions? email Juli at orphan@fiveoakschurch.org.
Congregational meeting November 19. Yes!
Our annual congregational meeting offers the opportunity for some worship, ministry updates, a chance to meet all of our 2017 new members, and for members to vote on the budget. We’ll have a slightly different format this year, so make plans to join us. Afterward we’ll enjoy heavy appetizers and social time. Sunday, November 19, 4 pm. Child care provided for all children, from birth through fifth grade. Last year’s meeting minutes and bios of all candidates are available at the Info Center for your review.
Agenda
Opening Prayer
Introduce New Members
Worship Songs
Vision Talk
Financials and Budget
Affirmation of Board and Elder Candidates
Closing Prayer
Elections
Elders
Nick Novak
Chuck Sunderman
Re-elections
Board
Rebecca Blakey
Hector Dalton
Elder
John Lowrey
Is your neighbor a refugee?
Hundreds of refugees and immigrants in the Twin Cities have not been invited into a welcoming American home, much less heard the Gospel. Do you know a refugee family? Take a good look around: maybe at work, at your children’s activities, in your neighborhood. If you know of an immigrant family, we have a team that is ready to help that family acclimate to American culture, answer questions and navigate their community. Let us know at impact@fiveoakschurch.org.
2 huge ways to bring light and hope: UGM Bags due this weekend!
•Is Thanksgiving one of the highlights of your year? Have you ever had to skip your Thanksgiving meal and felt the emptiness? Five Oaks will again work with Union Gospel Mission provide Thanksgiving meal food bags to needy families. Shopping lists are available at the Ministry Cart in the Commons right now. Please return filled grocery bags to church by November 12.
•Want a bit more impact with just a little more effort? Meet and provide a smile to the people who have the need! Register families who will receive the food bags: goo.gl/Np3fa8 Questions? Please email impact@fiveoakschurch.org.
Anyone want to pie Justin?
We’re once again partnering with Union Gospel Mission to provide Thanksgiving bags to the needy. If students bring in a combined total of at least 100 bags, Student Ministry Pastor Justin Talk will take an unexpectedly-flavored pie in the face! Use the shopping lists available in the Commons & return bags by November 15. Also join us to serve & distribute these bags on Nov. 21, 4-7 pm at UGM. Email Justin, jtalk@fiveoakschurch.org, to register.
You can help transform our space for Christmas
One of the best ways to get in the Christmas spirit is to decorate for Christmas, right? Help us celebrate Christmas early by coming in to help us transform the Commons and the Worship Center after church on November 26, 1-4 pm or so. We'll have hot apple cider and snacks, followed by a meal to enjoy when all is done in the newly-decorated space.
We need about 20 people to help, so rally your small group and friends to make it an afternoon of fun. Interested? Please email Harold Ennulat, hennulat@fiveoakschurch.org with your name, email and cell number, so we can plan for food and decorating needs.
Small groups have room for you
Small groups are one of the best ways to foster community and “do life” in our church. We have small groups for every age, life stage, and day of the week. Those who belong to a small group typically report that the people in their small group are their church family. If you aren’t currently registered for a small group, you may do so by going to www.fiveoaks.church/smallgroups.
Help our Five Oaks kids be their best
Parents love to hear their kids say, “I can’t wait to see my teacher at church!” It’s no secret that kids learn best and have more fun when they know what to expect. Having a consistent teacher or helper each week is key! If you would like to help kids of any age fall in love with Jesus, please email Cindy at cyarrington@fiveoakschurch.org. Your time and smile have a huge impact on our kids.
Want to dig deeper into the sermon topic?
Our DailyLife devotions, written by our volunteer team of writers, correlates directly to the Gospel Project and to the sermon from the previous week. Plus these devotions will give you extra insight for your small group discussions. If you don’t currently receive DailyLife in your email inbox, sign up at fiveoaks.church/dailylife or write “DailyLife” and your email on your Communication Card.
Five Oaks book club
When: Second Tuesday of every month
Time: 6:45 pm - discussion at 7 pm
Where: Five Oaks Church, Fireside Commons
New members are welcome throughout the year. Join anytime. Call or email Dawn Goenner, go.dmge@gmail.com, or (651) 238-1605, to find out what our upcoming titles will be.
We may have found your lost items
You never know what might await you in the lost and found, so if you have been missing something, please stop by the Info Center to inquire. All unclaimed items will be donated November 19. Thank you for helping keep America beautiful by claiming what’s yours!
Community News
WANTED: Your home!
Want to make a difference from the comfort of your own home? Invite a Japanese college student studying at Bethel University this winter (February 17th - March 13th) to be a part of your family! Share your love and faith with your student, and you'll plant a seed. Your student takes classes during the day and spends the evenings with you. Transportation help to/from Bethel is provided as well as a stipend. For information contact Lisa Bekemeyer, lbekemeyer@me.com or 651-253-9498.
An opportunity to open your home for the Thanksgiving meal
Hundreds of Chinese students and scholars in Minnesota are excited about the opportunity to experience Thanksgiving in an American home. Our Chinese friends love the opportunity to learn more about American culture and they are interested in American home life. The Hospitality Center for Chinese is looking for families who would like to share their Thanksgiving table with Chinese friends, giving them the opportunity to experience an American holiday in an authentic family setting. If you would like to be a Thanksgiving host family this year, you can click here to sign up. HCC will match you with a couple students or a small family of 3 to 4. Please register by November 15 so we have time to get you matched, and you have time to communicate with your guests.