Help plant a seed Easter weekend
Good Friday and Easter are both great opportunities to reach out to new neighbors or friends who are not connected to a church. Help others in your life discover -- or rediscover -- the life-changing story of the cross and resurrection. People are often more willing to come to church when invited by others, so take this opportunity to help plant a seed for a friend.
We will have kids' programming, birth through grade 5, available on Saturday at 4:30 and on Sunday at 9:30 and 11 am. The Retreat, our class for differently-abled kids, will be available at 11 am on Sunday.
Decor team brainstorm & lunch this Sunday
The Decor Team is looking for people 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 – that’s this Sunday! Come have lunch with a great group of people and help us brainstorm ideas. Walk-ups are welcome! Questions? Message Jennifer Clemens on Realm.
Two ways to get involved with VBS!
At Mystery Island Vacation Bible School (VBS), we’ll uncover the truth about our Creator God! Join us June 15-18! Get involved by registering your kids here: www.fiveoaks.church/vbs. Another way to get involved is to impact many young lives by serving at VBS! (Parents who volunteer also get a $10 refund on the days they serve!) Click here to see the list of volunteer roles and sign up.
A simple way to help Chinese students (Impact Passport “set” opportunity)
Ever wondered how you can impact China? Through our partnership with the Hospitality Center for Chinese you can invite students and scholars into your home for Easter. This provides them a rare and coveted opportunity: time inside an American home. A typical guest is likely unfamiliar with what Easter is and may be interested in attending church with you. Interested? Email impact@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. Registration and details are in Realm under the Events tab. You also may email questions to Henry Michael at henrymw@fiveoakschurch.org.
Calling all usher-types
Do you love to make sure your guests have what they need when visiting your house? If so, we have a spot on our usher team for you. We currently have several openings for a once-monthly serve on our 11 am team, and a few on Saturdays and Sundays at 9. Want more info? Email Pam Hawley at phawley@fiveoakschurch.org, or message Pam on Realm.
Loving vulnerable children...
During the Baby Items Drive, we collected over 5,000 diapers and 10,000 wipes, not to mention new baby clothes and donated equipment. Thank you, Five Oak! Perhaps the next step in your pro-life journey is to love on those little ones who were not aborted. You could.....
(1) Join a group of Five Oakers who are helping a mom keep her kids out of foster care (Safe Families). Email impact@fiveoakschurch.org for more info on Safe Families.
(2) Join a meal team in support of a local foster family (meals@fiveoakschurch.org)
(3) Mentor a student at Woodbury Elementary who qualifies for free/reduced lunch (Kids Hope USA) Email khusa@fiveoakschurch.org for more info.
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 now through 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.)
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, 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.
New member candidates
David & Margo Niebling
Baby news
Congratulations to Ian and Mary Dailey, whose baby girl, Ella Ruth, was born on February 22. Ella weighed 7 lbs., 3 oz. and was 20 inches long. Baby Ella and Mom are both healthy, and their family requests prayers for Mom’s continued recovery and for baby Ella to continue to develop well.
Congratulations also go out to to Zach and Lindsey Yzermans on the birth of their new baby boy, Ike Gram, born on February 24. Ike weighed about 7 lbs., 5 oz. and was 19.75 inches long. Baby Ike and mom are both doing well. Zach and Lindsey appreciate your prayers for continued good health for their family.
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.