Celebrating what god is doing through the together campaign
Earlier this year, we launched the Together Campaign, and God is using your generosity in amazing ways. Because of this campaign, we were able to launch Oaks Church, our “slow-plant” in Cottage Grove. We sent over 200 Five Oakers, and it’s already reaching new people in search of a church home in Cottage Grove. As we move forward, any additional giving will help us pay down debt before our loan re-amortizes in May 2026, allowing us to steward resources wisely for future ministry. Thank you to every Five Oaker who has given sacrificially to make this possible! If you’re newer and want to learn more or get involved, simply put “Together” on your connect card.
Connection starts with serving
If you’ve been looking for a way to feel more connected at Five Oaks, serving is a great place to start. When you join a ministry team, you don’t just help out; you build friendships, discover your purpose, and become part of the story God is writing through our church. At Serve Central, we’ll help you find your best fit, whether that’s welcoming guests, mentoring kids, leading a group, or helping behind the scenes. Stop by the Serve Central table this weekend to explore opportunities and take your next step toward deeper connection and greater impact.
Last call for UGM Thanksgiving bags
Many of our St. Paul neighbors won’t have what they need for a Thanksgiving meal—and we get to step in and change that. Grab a list in the commons, fill a bag, and bring it back by November 12 to support Union Gospel Mission Twin Cities. Want to go a step further? Help deliver the bags at the end of the drive! Email Dave Baar, impact@fiveoakschurch.org., for more info on helping deliver the bags.
Got an itch to deck the halls? Mark your calendar
If you have a keen eye for decorating, a love for all things Christmas, or just like lifting heavy things, please join our decor team to make our plans a reality as we transform Five Oaks to be Christmas-ready! We’ll meet November 22, 9 am-noon at Five Oaks. We need your help to bring trees and boxes down from storage, set up all those beautiful trees, and make our building festive and ready for the Advent season. Coffee and lunch are provided. Sign up here.
Drive Season: Here’s the line-up
Drive Season gives us the chance to bless local partners and neighbors in need. Check out the list below for our remaining collection dates and ministry partners so you can plan, pray, and participate with your family or small group. For more details, please visit the ministry cart in the commons between services this weekend.
Through Nov. 12: UGM Thanksgiving bags. Help fill a grocery bag or two with the staples for a hearty Thanksgiving meal to benefit our hungry neighbors in St. Paul.
Nov. 29-Dec. 14: KHUSA Giving Tree. Help bless families from Woodbury Elementary with gifts to round out Christmas.
Dec. 7-28: Shoe Away Hunger. Donate gently used shoes to help provide groceries for neighbors in need. Questions? Email Dave Baar, impact@fiveoakschurch.org.
There’s a place for you in Five Oaks Kids
People often mistakenly think Five Oaks Kids doesn’t need any help because we have so many amazing people who serve. While we are incredibly grateful for all our committed volunteers, we do need 60-70 people serving with kids every weekend. Don’t want to teach? We’d love your help as a friendly, encouraging face with the students. Not interested in a classroom setting? We have a need for greeters! We welcome middle or high schoolers on our team too! Want more info? Email Kelly Bauman.
Meet our Panama mission partners
Some of our Word of Life Panama partners, who hosted our Five Oaks mission team this summer, are here for a visit. We’d love for you to meet them and hear what God is doing in Panama. Interested in learning more or getting involved? Email Brooke Ramsey at bramsey@fiveoakschurch.org.
Build a family culture of honest conversations
Want to build a family culture where conversations about healthy sexuality feel natural and ongoing? Join our 12-week course, Raising Sexually Healthy Kids, created by Pure Desire Ministries for parents of toddlers through high schoolers. You’ll learn how to create a safe, open space for honest conversations. Two classes to choose from starting on Saturday, January 10 and Sunday, January 11. Scan the QR code below or visit
www.fiveoaks.church/family to sign up. Questions? Email Mindy Wissink at mwissink@fiveoakschurch.org.
Be part of the story—help care for moms-to-be through Esther Homes
As the government shutdown continues, food assistance programs will pause and resources/food shelves across our communities will begin to thin. We want to ensure that our ESTHER families are cared for during this time. Together, we can spark collective action that ensures no family is left behind in this moment of need. Three ways to help: 1.) Food drive collection: canned food, dry cereals, boxed food, fruits and vegetables, proteins, snacks for kids. 2.) Make a meal and drop it off at ESTHER Homes. Or, 3.) Provide grocery store gift cards from Cub Foods, Target, or Walmart (any amount helps!) Email amber@estherhomesmn.org for the address or more info. Or, you may call Amber at (423) 284-1809.
Join us at the 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. Candidate bios and agenda details are available at www.fiveoaks.church/congregational-meeting.
Help make a student’s holiday less lonely
International students who are here in the Twin Cities often don’t have places to go for a holiday meal as they’re here for school and don’t have family nearby. The Hospitality Center partners with churches to connect international students with host families who open their homes for a Thanksgiving meal. Many students experience this holiday for the first time — and the hospitality shared often leads to lasting friendships and gospel conversations. Interested? Email impact@fiveoakschurch.org or sign up here: https://www.thehospitalitycenter.org/vol-thanksgiving-hosting.html
Register your student for 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.
Welcome new members
Justin & Jennilee Manke