in uncertain times, this is certain: We can be a blessing
We’ve all had moments in the last eight months when the ripple effect of the pandemic has stopped us dead in our tracks. That reality can be paralyzing, even deadening, to our souls. As we’ve moved through the BLESS sermon series over the last eight weeks, we’ve learned some tangible ways that we can focus on what is certain during all of the uncertainty. Our pastors have walked us through ways we can BLESS those around us, ways we can pour into others who don’t know the light of Christ.
This weekend, as we wrap up this sermon series, Pastor Henry will cover some important next steps with the BLESS Campaign. You'll want to show up, either in-person or online, to get the specifics and some additional materials for your review. Questions? Please contact Dave Casmer at dcasmer@fiveoakschurch.org.
Congregational Meeting: Important details
The unofficial word of 2020 is “pivot,” and that’s what we’ll do with our annual congregational meeting as well. Join us on November 15, 4-5 pm, in a Zoom call format. To view the meeting agenda, bios of candidates running for the Governing Board and Elders, budget, and other pertinent items, go to: www.fiveoaks.church/congregational-meeting. Questions? Email Brian Burquest, bburquest@fiveokschurch.org.
New here? You can ask Pastor Henry that question
If you’re new-ish to Five Oaks, you likely have questions about what we do or why. Join us for Pizza with the Pastor, November 22, 12:15 pm, where you can ask those questions and meet several of our pastors. We’ll provide a pizza and salad lunch, and we’ll have activities to keep your kids busy while you attend. This is also a great opportunity to meet others who are also new! Click here to register.
Save the dates for our all-new Jingle Jam and Advent services
The Advent season is right around the corner, and while all holidays may look different this year, Jesus is one constant we can count on. We’re excited to usher in the season with an Advent-urous night of fun for the entire family at our all-new Jingle Jam event on November 29. We’ll explore the meaning of Advent at this event and continuing through all of December at our Sunday afternoon Family Advent services on December 6, 13, and 20. RSVP’s will open soon, so mark your calendar for all of these Advent highlights!
Lighten the load for foster families
What if, instead of foster kids waiting for foster parents, there were foster parents waiting for foster kids? That’s a beautiful goal, so help us take a step in the right direction by showing our support for Washington County foster parents. Now through November 29, we will be collecting items for “Paper Products Christmas Tree.” Pick up a list of needed items at the ministry cart after the worship service, or click here to access the list. You may drop donations off at the ministry cart in the commons on Sunday, or drop them off in room 103 during the week. Questions? Email impact@fi.veoakschurch.org.
Deepening students’ faith for the long haul
Research shows that faith grows and “sticks” if students have a circle of adults who invest in them around faith, purpose and calling. We’ve teamed up with Encircled, a local ministry that gives students an opportunity to grow in their strengths and partner with their circle of adults as they transition to life after high school. This spring we’ll start a new group of juniors and seniors with Encircled. If your junior or senior student is interested, or if you have other questions, please email Peg Benson, pbenson@fiveoakschurch.org.
Connect your student with new friends and caring adults
Five Oaks Students is committed to providing a place for middle and high schoolers to connect with God and one another by having fun, worshipping, and joining in small groups with godly leaders. We know joining a new group can be intimidating, and we want to make connecting in this season as easy as possible. Contact Henry M. or Kyler with any questions: henrymw@fiveoakschurch.org or kalbert@fiveoakschurch.org.
Be a part of our Christmas transformation
The Decor Team will be transforming our church into a winter wonderland on November 21 from 10:00 am-3:00 pm to welcome the Christmas season. Be a part of the team for the day and help set up Christmas decor inside and out — all ages welcome. You can stay for as much or as little time as your schedule allows — lunch is served for all who volunteer at 12:30. To meet other Christmas fans and sign up, contact Carmen Carter on Realm or at thecuttinggardencg@gmail.com.
Looking for a new spiritual rhythm?
Try DailyLife: a quick and intentional devotion dropped in your email inbox each day to help you start reading and reflecting on Scripture daily. (And, by the way, reading scripture regularly is one of the top ways to grow spiritually.) Our DailyLife devotions are created by a volunteer team at Five Oaks and are written to complement our weekly sermons. Go to www.fiveoaks.church/dailylife to sign up today!