Loving vulnerable children
Vulnerable children are often either orphaned or in foster care. We know God has a special place for kids, and you can help love these kids with something as simple as a meal — yes, even takeout helps! — prayer, and many other ways, including fostering or adoption. Spend a few minutes before or after services this weekend at the Orphaned/Vulnerable Children (OVC) Fair at Five Oaks, and learn what you can do to help. February 2, 9:30 am to 12:30 pm. Take our quiz and take home a prize! For further information, please email impact@fiveoakschurch.org.
Married couples: Last call for Date Night!
Join us on February 9, 7-8:30 pm for a free comedy show! The hilarious traveling comedy duo, Barnes and Miner, will be performing at Five Oaks Church and will help you to have a great date night of laughter and fun with your spouse. All stages of married couples will love this! Registration extended for a few more last minute spots. Please register at www.fiveoaks.church/DateNight.
Last call for the middle school summer camp early bird special!
Middle schoolers: time to start dreaming of summer camp! Middle school Summer Getaway, June 23-28, is for current 6-8th graders and is what camp should be: great food, friends, tons of games, and the lake! We’ll also have amazing speakers and worship. Act soon! If you sign up and pay a deposit before February 1, you can save $50! Invite your friends! Click here for more info and to register. Questions? Email Henry Michael at henrymw@fiveoakschurch.org
Join our mission
Membership is important at Five Oaks. It’s a way of saying, “I want to be part of the mission of this local church.” If you are interested in learning more about membership, please email office@fiveoakschurch.org.
Life in Five Oaks Kids
We love to partner with parents in teaching your kids to love God with all their heart. All ages engage in age-appropriate Bible stories, fun activities, worship, and time to connect with their teacher and peers. We use the Orange curriculum, a resource that’s both fun for the kids and aligned with our goal to bring the Story of God to life. Elementary children bring home devotionals, a memory verse and encouragements for parents every week.
Living a life on purpose
“Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, what are you doing for others?” – Martin Luther King, Jr. Few things are more rewarding than helping the next generation grow up to love others and love Jesus. How can you help? 1. Volunteer in Five Oaks Kids on a Saturday! 2. Join our teacher sub list! Interested in either one? Please email Kelly Bauman at kbauman@fiveoakschurch.org.
What happens at youth group?
Middle and high school students meet on Wednesday nights for fun, worship, and small groups! This step in our discipleship journey focuses on growing closer in community and closer to Jesus. It’s is a great place for students to get involved in the life of Five Oaks, as they have opportunities for discipleship, serving our community, and going on some amazing trips. Middle school meets from 6-8, high school from 7-9 pm.
We need others to help us grow
And they need you to grow, too. Small groups are a place for spiritual growth where we are given opportunities to love and be loved as a part of God’s family. Prayerfully think about how small groups can be part of your 2020 rhythms and schedule. For more info, please stop by the ministry cart in the commons and look at a small groups catalog to find one that fits your schedule and life stage. More questions? Email Jonathan Haage at jhaage@fiveoakschurch.org. And remember, your joining a small group may just be what someone else in the group needs this year.
Hurricane Harvey relief – Impact Passport “Go” opportunity
Hurricane Harvey hit the Houston area two-plus years ago, but many are still displaced, their homes in shambles. Bring them hope & show them the love of Christ by joining the Five Oaks team to Houston April 5-10. No special skills needed: simple cleaning to light construction work awaits. Your most important work is giving HOPE through your words & actions. Interested? Please email impact@fiveoakschurch.org.
Women: Looking for a stronger foundation in the Bible?
The women’s evening class of Bible Study Fellowship (BSF) is back at Five Oaks Church again this year, and you and your school-aged students (1st through 12th grades) are invited! We are studying “Acts and Letters of the Apostles,” an amazing study of the word of God and his work in spreading the gospel to all nations through his apostles and through us. Join us Monday evenings from 6:45 – 8:15 pm. To register or for more info, email Alisa Bell at bsf.arbell@gmail.com. You also may show up and we’ll get you plugged in!
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. We meet in room 105 on the second Thursday of each month, 6:30-8 pm. Questions? Please email Tammy Placzek at the_plaz@comcast.net.
Community News
Volunteer for Meals on Wheels
Help keep seniors independent in their own homes! Deliver meals once a week or once a month, on your own timeline. Volunteer on your own or with a friend! Delivery usually takes less than an hour. We accommodate your schedule for your convenience, but you have to provide your own car. Our most urgent volunteer needs are Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, but we also have multiple open routes on Mondays and Fridays. Interested? Contact Larissa Little at 651-287-2092 or llittle@merrickcs.org for more information!
Help English Language Learners practice their conversational skills
People who recently moved to the US have many “new” things to navigate. One of the building blocks of their success is learning conversational English. Do you have an hour once per month to help someone learn to speak more comfortably? Consider volunteering to help them learn to converse. Conversation questions and topics are provided; you just show up and be friendly. Volunteers should be at least 13. April 21 or May 19, 7-8 pm at the ISD 833 District Program Center in Cottage Grove. Questions? Email Five Oaker Kristen Bieber at kristenmbieber@gmail.com.