Two ways to get involved with Mystery Island Vacation Bible School
Kids grapple with questions about God everyday: Is there just one God? What is God like? Does God love me? At Mystery Island Vacation Bible School (VBS), we’ll uncover the truth about our Creator God! Join us June 15-18!
Registration opens March 1 and runs through March 31. We have two easy ways to get involved:
1. Click here to register your kids for Mystery Island VBS. (This link will go live March 1, so set your alarm!)
2. You'll impact many young lives by serving at VBS! If you love seeing kids have fun while they learn about Jesus, some of them for the first time, volunteering your time at VBS is for you. (Parents who volunteer also get a $10 refund for each day they serve!) Interested in serving? Click here to find a role that fits your schedule and gifting.
Baby Items Drive: Donations due by March 1
Would you like to make a big difference by doing something very simple? Bring diapers, wipes, and gently used baby clothing to Five Oaks to help support New Life Family Services as they, in turn, help those in crisis to choose life. In addition to supplying baby items, New Life also helps those who have had abortions to experience the grace and forgiveness of God. For more info about this program, call (612) 746-5639 or email coordinator@conquerorsafterabortion.org. Baby items may be turned in at the ministry cart in the commons through March 1.
Cuba construction trip: (Impact Passport “Go” opportunity)
You can help create change in a chaotic world. Five Oaks is taking a Construction Team to Cuba June 13-20. We have a team leader and experienced in-country partners, but they need your help! If interested, write “CUBA” on your communication card or contact Ginger Bollinger via Realm, or email her at gingerb@grahamoffices.com. We need to know who is coming by March 1.
Lent services move to Thursday evenings
Ever wondered what Lent is really all about? Check out our Thursday evening Lent Services called Prone to Wander: Lessons in the Wilderness, running February 27-April 2, 7-8 pm. We’ll begin in the worship center, then move to the Fireside Commons for conversations and connection surrounding how growth and blessings can come in the most unexpected places. Lent Journals, coffee and tea provided. (Not able to make the service in person? Listen online, and for additional content, join our “Lent 2020” Facebook group.)
Wanted: You
The Decor Team is looking for folks who love to transform spaces, plant and garden OR just have a good eye for design. The team is planning decor for spring and Easter on March 8 from 12:15-1:30 in Room 101. Come have lunch with a great group of people and help us brainstorm ideas. To RSVP, please message Jennifer Clemens on Realm, or email her at jclemens@fiveoakschurch.org.
High school cabin weekends: Register now!
Hey, high schoolers! Join us in the north woods of Wisconsin with friends and your favorite leaders for our cabin weekend. Fun, food, and fellowship are on the agenda! Guys: March 20-22; or girls: March 27-29. Cost is $35, payable by check made out to Five Oaks. To register and for more details go to Realm. Or email questions to Henry Michael at henrymw@fiveoakschurch.org.
How do I rely on God’s wisdom?
Sometimes it’s hard to know how to do the things God calls us to. The IF: Gathering, an event for women, will help you find greater freedom, peace, and reliance on our amazing God. Come join other women as they look to some of the best Bible teachers and speakers to help you in your journey. The event will be hosted at church on March 28. For more info, write “IF Gathering” on your comm. card or go to www.fiveoaks.church/IF-gathering.
Middle school District Blitz is coming fast!
Time to get plugged in by going to District Blitz 2020: Plug In in Duluth, April 17-19. Middle schoolers will create memorable experiences as a group and get plugged in to God’s Word deeper than ever before. You can expect awesome worship and great speakers who will challenge us to live out our faith in all areas of life. Register in Realm soon, as spots are limited! Questions? Email Kyler at kalbert@fiveoakschurch.org.
Middle schoolers: Invite your friends to Camp Getaway this summer!
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. Invite your friends! Click here for more info and to register. Questions? Email Henry Michael at henrymw@fiveoakschurch.org
High schoolers: Don’t miss Challenge 2020!
This summer, our high schoolers will travel to Kansas City for a life-changing once-every-two-years conference called Challenge. Five Oaks has taken students to Challenge for over 25 years, and we’ve seen its effect on students’ lives and faith journey many times over. Our travel dates are July 13-17. Click here for more info and to register for Challenge. Questions about Challenge? Please email Henry Michael at henrymw@fiveoakschurch.org.
Got a special hobby? Service? Cabin to share?
To help fund the high school trip to the Challenge conference this summer, Five Oaks Students is hosting an online auction during the month of April. Stay tuned for details (and the link to bid, of course)! If you have a particular experience or service you’d like to donate to the auction, (think of things such as Twins tickets, a photo shoot, a round of golf or lessons, lawn mowing service, a weekend at your lake place, etc.) please contact Henry Michael at henrymw@fiveoakschurch.org.
Calling all adoptive and foster moms! Note March date change
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. Our next meeting is March 19 in room 105, 6:30-8 pm. (We’ll be back to our usual second Thursday of the month in April.) Questions? Please email Tammy Placzek at the_plaz@comcast.net.
Welcome new members
Jonathan & Emily Brewer
John & Damien Grimberg
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.