how does a weekend to refresh sound?
We know you work hard for all the people in your life who count on you each day. Whether you’re a husband or a wife, a grandparent or a college student, your path to spiritual growth isn’t always a straight line, and sometimes it can feel like you need a few days away to clear your mind and focus on God. Our Men’s Ministry (Journeymen) and our Women’s Ministry each host a winter weekend retreat that includes a keynote speaker, time for discussion in small groups, plenty of free time to relax by yourself or socialize with others, and the opportunity to connect with God. Both retreats are hosted at Ironwood Springs Christian Ranch. Men’s Summit is January 30-February 1, and the Women’s Retreat is February 20-22, 2026. Interested? Find the details and registration for Men's Summit here, and for the Women's Retreat here.
Grab those paint cans and rollers!
Join us Saturday, October 4, as we partner with Hope Farm School in Stockholm, WI—a ministry raising godly young men for life after high school. We’ll spend the day painting the main house at the farm and need 20–30 volunteers to get it done in one shot. Many hands make light work! Get all the details and register here. Questions? Email Joe Baumann, joebaumann3366@gmail.com.
Last call for Monday’s Parenting Event
Because every parenting phase is unique, you need resources at each phase. Join us this Monday, October 6, for a parenting event with three different breakout sessions to choose from: 1. Getting to the Root: Why all Behavior Has Meaning, 2. Discipline that Connects with Your Child’s Heart, and 3. Equipping Parents to Have Conversations with Their Kids About Sex. Each session will include live teaching, discussion, and a Q&A session. Details and registration here. Questions? Email Kelly Bauman, kbauman@fiveoakschurch.org.
Kids Hope USA: Making a difference in Woodbury
For more than 10 years, Five Oaks has partnered with Kids Hope USA to provide the gift of mentorship to students at Woodbury Elementary School. A KHUSA mentor offers one hour each week to one student in need of emotional, social, and academic support beyond what s/he normally receives in the classroom and at home. Staff and parents share over and over again that the 1:1 attention and investment of a caring adult improves attitude, focus, performance, and confidence. One hour from you each week can change the trajectory of a student’s life right here in our community! Our ministry is currently recruiting mentors, prayer partners, and support for events and communication. Is God nudging you?
Email KHUSA@fiveoakschurch.org to get started.
Hope for the Brave: Help Local St. Paul families have a merry Christmas
This weekend Drive Season continues with Hope for the Brave, a nonprofit run by Jennifer Flaherty. Each December they host a Dayton’s Bluff Christmas Event, serving kids and families in need in St Paul’s Dayton’s Bluff neighborhood. Please check the chalkboard in the commons to learn more and to get a shopping list for Hope for the Brave. Questions? Email impact@fiveoakschurch.org.
Next up in Drive Season: The Dwelling Place
Our next drive is with The Dwelling Place, which serves women and children in our community who are seeking escape from domestic violence. Please check the info table in the commons next weekend (Oct 10-12) to learn more and to get a shopping list for The Dwelling Place, our next drive of the season. Questions? Email Dave Baar, impact@fiveoakschurch.org .
DivorceCare: Help when you need it most
DivorceCare is a safe place where caring people come alongside you as you find healing from the pain of separation or divorce. In this 13-week Christ-centered support group program, you’ll find helpful counsel to manage the emotional turmoil and practical tools for decision-making. The group meets at Five Oaks Church at 7 pm on Monday evenings. You can jump in anytime. Interested? FInd our group and register here.
Help create a worshipful environment
Great worship doesn’t happen by accident - It happens in part due to a team of highly dedicated tech team volunteers serving to create a worshipful environment. Love tech, creativity, or just serving your church? We’re looking for people to join our Worship Tech Team - the ones who quietly make our weekend services feel seamless and meaningful! No experience needed—we’ll train you. If you’re interested in learning more, email Jared Doran at jdoran@fiveoakschurch.org.
Cuba - Short-term mission trip (Jan 2026)
Five Oaks is exploring the option to partner with Filter of Hope (John Grimberg) on a short-term mission trip to Cuba. The tentative dates are January 3-9, 2026. Adults (18+) and kids 13+ with a parent are welcome. We need a team of at least 12 for the trip to be possible, and we need to know soon, if we are going to be able to form a team. If you may be interested and would like to learn more, we’d love to hear from you ASAP. Please put CUBA on your Connect Card this weekend, send an email to Dave Baar: impact@fiveoakschurch.org, or John Grimberg: john.grimberg@filterofhope.org.
Are you at least 5 years old? This one’s for you.
Feed My Starving Children is one way to get your whole family involved in providing nutrient-rich meals to some of the most impoverished parts of the world. Join your Five Oaks family at FMSC in Eagan on November 1 at 9:30 am, to pack meals together. Kids as young as 5 years old are welcome to serve with their parents! Questions? Email Dave Baar, impact@fiveoakschurch.org . To register: http://www.fmsc.org/join-group?joincode=MZEYWG .
Register now for our “it’s fall y’all” event
Looking for a fun fall event that’s easy to invite your friends to? Join us for It’s Fall Ya’ll—an offsite event at Crazy Legs Farm & Pumpkin for all middle and high schoolers. Look forward to hayrides, a corn maze, pumpkin cannon launches, a bonfire, and more. Friday, October 24, 4:15-9 pm. Transportation included. Details and registration here.
Deepen: A high school winter retreat
Life is loud, and it’s easy for students to get distracted. Deepen, January 16-18, 2026, is a weekend retreat where high schoolers can step away from the noise, dive into God’s Word, and learn rhythms that build a lasting faith. With teaching, spiritual practices, camp activities, and Five Oaks leaders guiding the way, this isn’t just a getaway—it’s a foundation for walking with Jesus. Details and registration at
www.fiveoaks.church/students. Questions? Email Brooke Ramsey, bramsey@fiveoakschurch.org.
Save the date: Congregational Meeting on November 16
Mark your calendar now to join us on Sunday, November 16, at 4 pm for our annual congregational meeting. We’ll have a short business meeting followed by a time of fellowship and food. Child care will be provided. More details to follow.