Two ways to win at family this fall
For kids and families, fall is a fast-paced season. It’s a challenge to keep up with all of the new changes each new phase brings. In October, we’re offering two Parenting Classes to help you be intentional about how you connect with your kids/students so that you can journey together as a family. Save the date(s) for our Preschool/Elementary Parenting Class on October 27 at 9 am in room 101, and the Middle/High School Parenting Class on October 30, 6:30-7:30 pm at Woodbury's Central Park. We’ll explore the social, emotional, physical, and developmental needs of your kids so you can have more meaningful connection as a family.
Click here to register for the Preschool/Elementary Parenting Class
Click here to register for the Middle/High School Parenting Class
Fall Fun Fest next Friday: Party socks optional
Fall Fun Fest is right around the corner -- Friday, October 11, 6-9 pm! This family event is full of games and activities your kids and their friends will love, and you adults get a night off from dinner prep since we’re serving a pizza dinner from 6-7:30. This year we have improved traffic flow in the commons, more stations throughout the entire building, and dinner is extended longer than last year, so you’ll find moving around easier than ever. Better yet -- it’s all FREE! Grab an invite card or two in the commons between services this weekend to make inviting that much easier! Come ready for fun! (Party socks optional!)
Serving at Fall Fun Fest: It’s, well, fun
Did you know that Fall Fun Fest is so FUN because over 150 volunteers offer their time to pull it off? We have roles before, during and after the event, and YES! If you offer to serve at Fall Fun Fest, you absolutely still can enjoy the evening with your family since we have two shifts available. We especially need second shift and Clean Up Team help! Please click here to sign up.
Get answers to big faith questions
Is your elementary child asking about baptism or communion? Join us October 13 at 9 am in room 101 for a Communion/Baptism Milestone Class where we’ll help you lead your child in these important discussions. Our next baptism weekend is November 9+10 at all worship services. This class may help you decide if your child is ready for baptism. Please click here to RSVP.
Parents of students: Take the fear out of serving
A lot goes into a Wednesday night youth group and getting involved may seem complicated or even intimidating. Take the fear out of serving by shadowing another volunteer! Whether it’s leading a small group, helping set up, take down, or serving a meal, you can “test drive” what serving might look like before you commit. Interested? Click here to email Henry Michael.
Students: Don’t miss our fall events!
Middle schoolers, join us for Pumpkin Fest, November 2, 5-8 pm at the Vierling farm. High schoolers, mark your calendar now for Camp Getaway, November 15-17. Registration and more details for both events are in Realm. These are great opportunities to invite friends from school or your neighborhood! Questions? Click here to email Henry Michael.
Impact Journey: Finishing Strong
We want to help you and your busy family create change and share Christ’s love in a chaotic world. In March, we introduced the Impact Journey, a journey that starts simply and leads to ongoing, personal ministry to the needy, the marginalized, and the unreached. Many of you picked up Impact Journey Passports filled with great Impact ideas. The end of 2019 is approaching, and it’s time to finish strong! You’ll find a list of many Impact opportunities, many of them upcoming this fall, available at the ministry cart in the commons this weekend. Where might God be taking you?
The Bible is one big story
One person said of our Story of God course: “It gives me a better understanding of what my purpose here on earth is.” The Story of God helps us see the one story the Bible is telling and gives us a framework which helps us understand more of the Bible as we read it. Come join this rich experience, which is only six weeks long. Click here for more info and to register.
Calling all adoptive and foster moms!
Welcome to Embrace-Woodbury South! At Embrace, you’ll meet other moms who are on a similar adoption/foster journey. You’ll experience spiritual, emotional, and practical support for adoptive, foster, and ‘waiting’ moms. We will also make time to learn more about caring for our vulnerable children, along with learning to better care for ourselves and our families as a whole. We meet in room 105 on the second Thursday of each month, 6:30-8 pm, but in October we’ll meet on October 3 due to a scheduling conflict. (In November we’re back on schedule – November 14.) More questions? Please email Tammy Placzek at the_plaz@comcast.net.
Do you have crisis management or first responder experience?
As we look to increase the presence of our Safety and Security Team at Five Oaks, we are seeking individuals with a heart and gifting for helping to keep our church safe and dealing with emergency situations. If you have this type of experience or training (law enforcement, military, first responder or crisis management), and have interest in using these skills to serve your church, please email Pam Hawley at phawley@fiveoakschurch.org, or message her on Realm.
Loving Your City - Kids Hope USA (Impact Passport “Go” Opportunity)
Too many kids are just one close adult relationship away from thriving in school and in life. Could you be that adult? We can help you. As a Kids Hope mentor you spend one hour at Woodbury Elementary School with one student once per week – it’s that simple, and it is life changing. Interested? Email khusa@fiveoakschurch.org for information.
God at work in the public schools
Do you love to pray? Are you a mom whose kids that attend the Math and Science Academy in Woodbury? Consider joining Moms in Prayer (for MSA) on the first and third Friday of each month. We meet at Five Oaks from 9:15 to 10:15 am and pray specifically for the students and staff at our children’s school. Email jenn.bartle@gmail.com if you’re interested or if you have any questions.
Loving your city — Dorothy Day (Impact Passport “SET” Opportunity)
Do you and your busy family want a simple way to be a blessing to the needy, while having a great time of fellowship? Come join us on Saturday, November 2 as we prepare and serve the noon meal at Dorothy Day. Minimum age is 13. To participate, please message Tim and Cindy Wiant on Realm and receive a confirmation.
Loving Your World – Japanese Student Hosting (Impact Passport “GO” opportunity)
You and your busy family can make a global difference from the comfort of your own home! Invite a Japanese college student studying at Bethel University to stay at your home from February 15 - March 10 to just be a part of your family! 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 Program website: https://tinyurl.com/SPII-Bethel.
Welcome new members
Frederick and Allana Gill