Weekend of July 29+30

Don’t show up this weekend!

No, that’s not click bait. Yes, it’s rare that a church will discourage its people from showing up. Because of the parking lot resurfacing at Five Oaks Church, our building and parking lot will be completely inaccessible through August 4. This means we will not have any in-person worship services at Five Oaks July 29+30. Instead, look for a short online devotional from Pastor Henry at www.fiveoaks.church/sermons.  Questions about the parking lot or any related details? Email Brian Burquest.


Youth group: See you at the Bailey Elementary fields
Due to the resurfacing of the parking lot, we won’t have access to the building next week for summer youth group. Meet us August 2, 7-8:30 pm, at the fields at Bailey Elementary School. Bring some water and be ready for some games! Questions? Email students@fiveoakschurch.org.

Come socialize with the “northerners!”
Join us for a picnic for those who live “up north.” Gail and Artie Alvarez are hosting a picnic at Casey Lake Park in North St. Paul, August 3, 6-8 pm. Bring a side dish to pass, plus sandwiches and beverages for your family. Here is the Facebook link to the invite and details. Please RSVP to Gail and Artie so they know how many paper products to bring.

Don’t forget the undies!
Did you know that some of the most often-requsted items among people experiencing homelessness are clean underwear and socks? If you’d like a straightforward way to help unhoused neighbors in St. Paul, please drop off clean socks and underwear for men, women, and children at Five Oaks next weekend! ( August 6 is our final deadline.) We’re partnering with a non-profit called The Drawer, and their mission is to help furnish these essentials to those in need in an effort to offer them dignity. If you prefer to provide a financial donation, you can do so here. Questions about The Drawer or this collection drive? Email Dave Baar.

Fall Serve Survey in Five Oaks Kids

Summer is hot hot hot! But we’re planning on some exciting additions and changes in Five Oaks Kids for the fall. In order to put these things in place, we will need a few extra hands. Our needs range from organizing during the week to being a lead teacher and many options in-between. It is such a blessing to give back!  We encourage everyone, middle school and up, to check out our survey here and see where you might be willing to serve in the next ministry year! Please email Kelly Bauman with questions. We are so excited to serve with you!

Want to get involved in student ministry?
If you love the energy of middle and high school students, consider joining our leadership team to help us make our youth group events happen on Wednesday nights. We have a variety of ways to get involved, from small group leaders to supper team, to set-up and take down, to name a few. Whether you want to work directly with students or support in the background, we have opportunities for you to help in many important ways. For more info, please put “students” on your connect card, or email students@fiveoakschurch.org.

Interested in leading a small group this fall?

If you love people and want to provide a regular space for new folks to get connected, consider leading a small group this fall. We provide training and resources to get you going and ongoing connection and coaching as you lead a group. We have a fall training coming up at the end of August. Try it out for a season! Interested? Email Jonathan Haage. 

Save the date: New Neighbor Backyard Block Party

Mark your calendar for food trucks, backyard games, and a chance to meet our new neighbors to the north! Help us welcome them to the area and to our church family! More details to come, but for now, mark your calendar for September 8.

Young professionals: Join our  new small group
Are you looking to experience personal growth and authentic connections? Join us at our new Five Oaks Small Group for Young Professionals. We recently started a community of young professionals, ages 24 and older, through which your faith is nurtured and your unique gifts are celebrated. Don’t miss this opportunity to belong, thrive, and make a significant impact alongside a group in your same season of life. Interested? Email Peg Benson for more info.


Save the date: share a meal and learn more about Impact ministry
If God is stirring your heart for ways to impact our community and world for Jesus, please join us for our next Impact Cohort gathering. This cohort is an opportunity for Five Oakers who are leaning in on Impact to pray, share a meal, share updates, stories, plans and ideas - and brainstorm together on how we can do more for Jesus outside the walls of our church. The next cohort meeting will be on September 18, 6-9 pm at church. Interested? Email Dave Baar.

Welcome new members
Jeff & Joan Haugen
Katie Miller

Community News

Employment opportunity
Salem Lutheran Preschool, in Woodbury just north of Jerry’s Foods, is hiring! We are looking for some loving, energetic, kind helpers in our Preschool. Multiple positions are available. If you are interested in learning more, please contact Darci Shoemaker at director@salemofwoodbury.com.