Love a party? Help us welcome our new neighbors!
Have you ever been new in the neighborhood? If so, you probably remember what it was like to not even know your neighbors’ names. As a church we want to welcome our new neighbors in the apartments next door to the area. Help us welcome them well by joining us at the Backyard Block Party on September 29, 6-9 pm. We’re looking forward to meeting them, and we hope you’ll bring your family and help them make some new connections. Please register if you plan on coming! Bring cash (or card) for some amazing food trucks and all your hospitality skills to meet some people new to the neighborhood! Questions? Email Jonathan Haage.
Let’s get ready for fall!
If you plan on serving in Five Oaks Kids this year, please join us for a training event on Saturday, August 26 at 9 am. We want to help you feel prepared for the upcoming year and allow for time to get to know others also serving in your area. (And yes! High school and middle schoolers, you’re invited!) Breakfast is included, so please register here. Questions? Email Kelly Bauman.
We’d love your help with our special needs ministry
The Retreat Ministry comes along families and individuals with special needs. This ministry is expanding this fall to include offerings at both of our Sunday services and on Wednesday evenings at youth group. We’re looking for adults, high school students, and middle school students to partner with us by supporting these individuals as they grow in their relationship with God. For more info, please email Deb Wyss at deborahwyss17@gmail.com.
Thank you to our summer interns!
It’s been a full summer for Hannah Dunbar, Samuel Ellingson, and Luke Spielman! Our God faithfully met them where they needed to be met and led them on a journey this summer. From discussions with our missionary partners around the world, to their trip to Panama with our Student Ministry leaders, and around the Twin Cities to pack shoes, serve meals, move furniture, plus projects onsite at Five Oaks, we have all been blessed by their time and talent. God is so good! Thanks for praying with us for these young people this summer!
Interested in hosting an international student short-term?
Each year The Hospitality Center at the U of M welcomes hundreds of international students to campus. Many of these students need short-term housing while they wait for their permanent housing. Would you be willing to open your home to one of these students for 1-2 weeks? Help is needed at the end of August - so act now! Email Dave Baar to take the next step,
Summer invite to incoming sixth graders!
Got a student entering sixth grade this fall? Your student (and their friends) are invited to join us on Wednesday, August 23, for our summer combined middle and high school youth group at church, 7-9 pm. This is a time for them to meet and be a part of youth group before the fall kick-off on September 13. Questions? Email Kyler Albert.
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.
Serve your neighbor in need at Dorothy Day
If you’d like to make a difference to our neighbors in St. Paul, join us to prepare and serve a meal at the Dorothy Day Center on Saturday, September 2, 9:30 am-1:15 pm. Interested? Please email Cindy and Tim Wiant, wiynts4riverfalls@gmail.com. Tim and Cindy will get back to you with confirmation of your spot on our team and instructions on how to get signed-up. Volunteers need to be at least 14 years old.
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.
Hearts & Hammers: Save the date!
The mission of Hearts and Hammers is to assist low-income homeowners struggling with deteriorating home exteriors by providing free exterior restorations through volunteers. You can expect fun, fellowship, and possibly learning a skill you didn’t know you had! You’ll see how many hands make light work. This event ,on September 9. is open to all adults and kids ages 12 and up. No special skills required. We kick off at 7:45 am, and typically wrap up around 2:30 pm. Lunch will be provided. Can't make it the whole day? Sign up anyway! Here’s the link and more details!
Remember those undies in the commons?
Way to go, Five Oaks! During July and August, we collected 574 pairs undies and 416 pairs of socks in partnership with The Drawer, a local non-profit who seeks to provide underwear to those experiencing homelessness in the Twin Cities. It was a joy to see the mountain of donations grow each week, reminding us all to be praying for the work of this organization. Thank you to all who donated!