One way to thrive in 2021
It’s 2021, and we’re all anxious to turn the page and start fresh. As you think about new or healthy rhythms that you’d like to start in 2021, consider joining a small group. Yes, adding a new “thing” can feel overwhelming, but if we’ve learned anything in 2020, we learned that we are created to be in community. Joining a small group will prove to be life-giving. It can be a place to belong that helps bring balance and a sense of normalcy in this different season. We have groups for all life stages, meeting both online and in person, on every night of the week. Do this one thing this winter for yourself and your family. To start the process of joining a small group, please fill out our form at fiveoaks.church/small-groups.
Do you have a 1st-4th grader who loves fun?
Of course you do! Make plans for your fun-loving kids to join us on Friday, January 15, 6-8 pm here at Five Oaks. They can look forward to a night of gym games, board games, crafts, and a movie. (Kids will get to choose which activities sound fun!) Pre-registration will be required on Realm, and space is limited, so make sure to sign up in advance. Bonus to parents: This is a no-cost event! Friends of this same age are also welcome to attend! Questions? Please email Kelly Bauman, kbauman@fiveoakschurch.org.
Watch your Biblical understanding grow this winter
Jesus is the culmination of God’s rescue mission. But how does all of the Old Testament point to that rescue mission? And what does that mean for the story of my life? The Story of God class will help bring the Bible to life for you. People ranging from zero biblical knowledge to seminary trained students have gained a greater understanding of Scripture in the Story of God class. And that training impacts every time they come to Scripture. Join this six-week journey and learn the story of God. This winter is a great time to see how Scripture can overcome the darkness of a long season. To register or for more info, go to fiveoaks.church/story-of-god. Our next class starts January 10. We have both in-person and online classes available this winter.
Financial peace?
This time of year can be stressful as we think about finances. Maybe we feel handcuffed to be as generous as we would like to be for Christmas or with those in need. Financial peace and increased generosity is possible, and the Financial Peace University class can help you get there. Come gain the tools and confidence you need to end the cycle of worry and frustration around finances. Classes are virtual this year and begin January 17. To register or for more info, go to fiveoaks.church/FPU.
Turn the page on 2020: Note our change in worship service times
As we all look ahead to 2021 in hopes of a more promising 2021, Pastor Henry is encouraging us to adopt a “near-normal” instead of simply settling for 2020’s “new normal.” To that end, one positive change starting the weekend of January 16 + 17 is a return to our previous schedule off three worship services each weekend:
Saturdays, 4:30 pm
Sundays, 9 and 10:45 am (note the change in start time)
Pastor Henry shared more important details of what a near-normal might look like at our Christmas services. If you missed it, you’ll want to see his video message by clicking here.
Five Oaks Four Weeks of fun in January & February
From the very people who brought you 5 years of the amazing Game Café and Fall Fun Fest…comes FIVE OAKS FOUR WEEKS OF FUN! This January and February, we’ll provide fantastic, fun events for you to enjoy at home or in person! Whether it’s virtual trivia & game nights, or outdoor, winter fun, OR even the latest,
greatest Five Oaks staff craze – pickleball tournaments – we’ll help you survive and thrive this winter, whatever age you are! The fun kicks off the weekend of January 22. More details to come!
Connected college students
Hey college students! Would you like to stay in touch with your friends from home? You can stay connected with our Five Oaks College Students Instagram site, @thrive.student. Share your experiences with college life, get plugged in with ministries on campus, and reconnect with other students from “home.” Questions? Email impact@fiveoakschurch.org.
An exciting spring & summer in Five Oaks Students
Every Wednesday night, middle and high school students meet for fun, worship, and small groups! Five Oaks Students is a great place for students to safely thrive in a community together, whether they attend in-person or join our livestream each week. Middle school meets from 6-7:30 pm, high school from 7:30-9 pm every Wednesday starting January 6! Also, look forward to middle school Camp Getaway in June, and our high school Twin Cities Apex mission trip in July. Questions? Email Henry Michael, henrymw@fiveoakschurch.org.
Thank you for taking part in the Impact Journey in 2020
You and your busy families have helped to create change in a chaotic world by bringing the love of Christ and the Good News of forgiveness into a very difficult 2020. You have prayed, worked with our global partners, sponsored children, mentored, befriended international students and immigrants, packed meals, delivered meals, served meals, housed vulnerable children, encouraged the discouraged, and been so generous with your treasure. Thank you!