You can make a difference in one hour
Too many students stand just one close adult relationship away from thriving in school and in life. Could you be that adult? As a Kids Hope mentor you spend one hour with one student once per week either online or at Woodbury Elementary School (depending on COVID guidelines). It’s that simple, and it is life-changing.
Two different types of involvement
Do you see the good in people, especially children? Are you fiercely reliable? Do you enjoy connecting one-on-one? Become a Mentor
Do you enjoy praying for others & being part of a team? Become a Prayer Partner
Woodbury Elementary currently has a waiting list of eight kids in need of a mentor. Five Oaks goes beyond mentoring, serving not only the students, but the students' families and the school staff. Interested in mentoring or in being a prayer partner? Email khusa@fiveoakschurch.org.
Five Oaks Kids: Elementary service now offered at both 9 & 11 am on Sundays
Last weekend we opened up our first Elementary-aged Service in the gym. It was so popular, that starting this weekend, we’re offering it at both 9 and 11 am in the gym. This is a chance for your kids in grades K through 5 to engage with our amazing Orange curriculum and our dedicated volunteers in a masked, socially distanced setting. (And yes, you may drop them off!) Please RSVP in advance on our website. We can’t wait to see your family again! Questions? Email Kelly Bauman, kbauman@fiveoakschurch.org.
Middle school Pumpkin Fest is back!
Being together has been challenging this season, which makes middle school Pumpkin Fest all the more important! Come and experience an amazing Minnesota fall evening at the Vierlings’ farm on October 23, from 6-9 pm for all-out pumpkin fun including a pumpkin drop, bonfire, good food, night games and so much more! Bring a friend, $5, and RSVP on Realm. Email Kyler Albert, kalbert@fiveoakschurch.org, with any questions!
Is getting baptized important?
Absolutely. Jesus modeled getting baptized, and baptism is a common theme throughout the New Testament: ‘to repent and be baptized.’ However, baptism doesn’t make you a Christ follower. It shows that you are already one! Baptism is like a wedding ring: the outward symbol of the commitment you’ve made in your heart. And it allows the family of God to celebrate that decision together. We’re excited to do that with you! Interested? Email Jonathan Haage at jhaage@fiveoakschurch.org.
UGM Thanksgiving bags (BLESS Passport “ready” opportunity)
You’ve provided literally TONS of Thanksgiving food for those in need over the years! Thanks! You can do that again, but due to COVID, only monetary donations will be accepted this year. You can fill one bag for $25, two for $50, etc. Go to fiveoaks.church/bless-passport and click on the Five Oaks Thanksgiving Bag Donation website. You won’t see all those bags in the Commons this year, but you can move that “thermometer” on the donation site. Let’s do this! Questions? Email impact@fiveoakschurch.org.
Your story is important
But how does it connect with God’s story? The Bible is actually one big epic story and to know the God of the Bible and his story will invite you into the good and beautiful life God intends. This makes your story more meaningful and life-giving. Don’t miss out on this incredible journey. The Story of God class is a 6-week class, in small groups, to frame this amazing story. Classes are starting in October. To register or for more info, go to www.storyofgod.church.
Join us for our last two BLESS worship gatherings
Mark your calendar for October 24 and November 7, 6-7 pm, when we’ll share an informal time of worship that will include singing, prayer, a look to God’s word, and fellowship with one another. We’ll focus on how the blessings of God’s presence, provision, and promise equip us as his Church to be a blessing to the world around us. Bring a lawn chair, a blanket, your whole family, and meet us in the Five Oaks backyard on October 24. On November 7, we’ll meet indoors. Drinks and light snacks provided! Questions? Please email Kyler Albert, kalbert@fiveoakschurch.org.
Do you engage with social media regularly?
Social media can be a complicated place these days, but you can make it a little brighter by serving as a volunteer on our social media team. We’re looking for folks who are interested in helping us generate content for our main Five Oaks Facebook and Instagram pages. Your commitment: 1-2 hours per week, and you’d have access to resources and ideas from the team, a mix of volunteers and staff. This is one serve role you can engage in virtually anywhere! Interested or have questions? Please email Stephanie Kiel, skiel@fiveoakschurch.org.
Dedications and baptisms coming in November
Dedication and baptism are two important milestones on our Family Discipleship Journey. If you or one of your kids, or someone in your family, is ready to be dedicated or baptized, we’d like to come alongside you as you prepare and/or disciple your kids on this. We’ll do dedications in our November 8 worship services, and we’ll do baptisms in our November 22 worship services. If you’re interested in participating in either of these, please email Kelly Bauman, kbauman@fiveoakschurch.org, and she will arrange to send you some materials to prepare. We’ll also do a follow-up meeting, either in person or on a virtual call.
Annual congregational meeting: Save the date
Mark your calendar now for our annual congregational meeting on November 15 from 4 to 5 pm. This year the format will be virtual. More details to follow!
Community News
Boys and Dads: Join Trail Life USA!
Trail Life USA is a Christ-centered outdoor adventure and character development program for boys (starting at age 5). Parents love the commitment to a Christian worldview and moral consistency. Boys enjoy the fun and adventure! Trail Life USA partners with churches to grow godly young men. Boys connect with friends, dads, and mentors in a safe, encouraging, Christian environment. Our mission is to guide generations of courageous young men to honor God, lead with integrity, serve others, and experience outdoor adventure. Interested in joining a Troop at River of Life Church in Hastings? Email Molly Johnson, mollynorthrop@hotmail.com