Join us at our annual Congregational Meeting
We’ll start with a time of worship followed by a short business meeting and some vision from Pastor Henry and our leadership team of where we’re headed in the next ministry year. We’ll vote on elder and governing board candidates too. (Five Oaks members may vote, but all members and regular attenders are invited to attend and participate in discussion.) We’re also looking forward to a time of fellowship and food/refreshment following. Sunday, November 7, 4 pm. Childcare is available for all kids up through grade 5. Register your kids, read candidate bios and preview the meeting agenda and documents by clicking here.
Parenting Event for all – even non-parents (It’s this Monday!)
Join us on November 1 at 7 pm for a parenting event featuring our guest speaker named Chase Sachs, who is a celibate gay Christian. He writes on reconciling his faith and sexuality in a context where, for the majority of people, he is either “too gay” or “too Christian.” His talk is called Love, Always: Lessons from Growing Up Gay in the Evangelical Church. Register here — childcare is available. This will be an important conversation for all adults, even if you don’t have kids or teens in your home. Questions? Email Henry Michael henrymw@fiveoakschurch.org.
Middle school families: Register now for Pumpkinfest
Your middle schooler is invited to an outdoor evening of “all things pumpkin:” games, food, prizes, a bonfire, farm animals, and oh yeah – pumpkin shenanigans! Join us November 5, 6-9 pm, at the farm of Philip and Becky Vierling in Hastings. Registration and more details available here. Invite your friends! Fall in MN means chilly temps, so be sure to dress warm in clothes that can get messy. Questions? Email Kyler Albert.
UGM Thanksgiving bag donations (“Ready” & “Set” opportunities)
Last year, you helped to provide 257 Thanksgiving bags to families in need! We’re hoping to bless even more families in need this year, partnering with UGM. It only costs $25 to provide a Thanksgiving bag to one family in need! $50 for two, and so on. Our goal this year is to raise enough money to provide 275 Bags! Let’s do this! You may donate, and find other ways to help, by clicking here.
Love kids? Got one hour a week to mentor?
Kids Hope USA brings joy to struggling kids at Woodbury Elementary School through a simple yet profound formula: each volunteer mentor spends one hour each week with their one student, playing games, reading with them, helping with math, chatting, etc. Without realizing it, important relationships are formed, and many times, those relationships are a turning point for the students being mentored. KHUSA is back in the school this year and the needs are greater than ever! Email us with questions or to get started.
Pickleball community at Five Oaks
Join local pickleball instructors, Deb and Jim Propes, for some great pickleball fun for ages 55+. Open play takes place every Tuesday and Thursday, 2-3:30 pm. If you don’t already own a paddle, don’t buy one. We’ll provide one and instructions on how to best pick a paddle for you to avoid an expensive mistake! To join in and receive communication, email Deb, debpropes@me.com. For info on all-ages adult pickleball on Tuesday and Thursday mornings, email Jonathan, jhaage@fiveoakschurch.org.
Reality Conference for high schoolers
This conference will help students better understand why we believe what we do and in turn be able to discuss their beliefs when challenged. Conference is at Grace Church, Eden Prairie, on November 12+13. More info and registration here.
Job opportunities with our Impact Partners
Two organizations that we partner with to impact our community and world are looking for skilled and passionate workers to help them drive their ministries forward.
Hospitality Center is looking to add a full time Program Director to help lead their Christ-centered mission to reach and support international students on the University of Minnesota campus. More info here.
If your heart has been moved by the plight of the people in Afghanistan, Arrive Ministries has 5 opportunities for you to serve the people of Afghanistan, and other refugees, who are relocating to Minnesota. More info here.
Community news
Support local women and children in need (Impact Passport “Ready” opportunity)
Do you know anyone who has been touched by domestic violence? Women and children in this situation often struggle to find an easy path to safety. Five Oaker Jennifer Flaherty is launching a nonprofit with the aim of helping women and children navigate the complex process of finding appropriate housing. To learn more, join them for lunch ($10) and silent auction on November 13, 11am-2pm, at Hope Church in Oakdale. No pre-registration required. Questions? Email Jennifer Flaherty. Check out her website here.