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. Also, stop by the Ministry Cart in the Commons after the service to see what our team is doing to reach out to refugees and immigrants in our area.
2 huge ways to bring light and hope
•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. Click here to sign up. Questions? Please email impact@fiveoakschurch.org.
Parents: navigating middle & high school?
Being a parent of a middle and/or high school student is both rewarding and challenging. We would love to partner with you and help resource you as parents. Join Family and Discipleship Pastor John Eiselt for a time of discussion & encouragement for navigating these years as parents. Wednesday, November 8, 6:30-7:30 pm, room 101. Questions? Email Justin, jtalk@fiveoakschurch.org.
Are you new to Five Oaks?
Come check out our all-new Explore Five Oaks 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. Please register at fiveoaks.church/explore.
Orphan Sunday: 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.
Family PHASE workshop November 19
Parents, you are the most influential people in the lives of your children and students. We are committed to provide you 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, to explore these phases and resources. Questions? Email Rhiannon, rrutledge@fiveoakschurch.org.
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 clicking here.
Fall Story of God classes: registrations in full swing
Learn how the Bible fits together to tell one story & discover a relational approached to spiritual growth. Connect with others in a cohort, and ask tough questions. This class is a six-week series of 1-hour cohort meetings, plus daily reading and homework. Several classes starting this fall. Go to storyofgod.church to learn more & register.
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.
Save the date: annual congregational meeting
Sunday, November 19 is our annual congregational meeting. This short business meeting offers the opportunity for some worship, ministry updates, and for members to vote on the budget. Make plans to join us and stay for heavy appetizers and social time afterward! Last year's meeting minutes and candidate bios are available for your review at the Info Center desk.
Agenda
Opening Prayer
Introduce New Members
Worship Songs
Vision Talk
Financials and Budget
Affirmation of Board and Elder Candidates
Closing Prayer
Elections
Elders
Chuck Sunderman
Nick Novak
Re-elections
Board
Hector Dalton
Rebecca Blakey
Elder
John Lowrey
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.
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!
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.
In sympathy
Please join us in praying for Chris and Kristi Classen as they mourn the loss of Kristi’s father.
We also pray for Mark and Louise Sampson as they mourn the passing of Mark’s mother.
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 a 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 https://hcchinese.formstack.com/forms/thanksgivinghost 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.