Congregational meeting this sunday!
Join us for our annual congregational meeting on Sunday, November 16, at 4 pm. This includes worship, a short business meeting, and vision from Pastor Henry and our leadership team, plus tacos for supper afterward. We’ll vote on governing board and elder candidates, plus next year’s budget. (Five Oaks members may vote, but all members and regular attenders are invited to attend and participate in discussion.) Childcare is available up through grade 5. Candidate bios and agenda details are available at
www.fiveoaks.church/congregational-meeting. Hope to see you Sunday afternoon!
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.
Students fall worship night
One of the highlights of student ministry is our time of worship. Students share that they appreciate how powerfully the Holy Spirit moves through music, and worshiping God shoulder-to-shoulder with their friends and leaders is a key aspect of growth and community. Your students won’t want to miss Fall Worship Night on Wednesday, November 19! Our schedule will stay the same (MS 6-8 pm; HS 7-9 pm). Questions? Email Mindy Wissink, mwissink@fiveoakschurch.org.
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 continues!
Our next project kicks off soon—the Kids Hope Giving Tree launches in the commons next weekend, followed by Shoe Away Hunger during Advent. We’re thrilled about what God has already done through the first three drives with The Dwelling Place, Hope for the Brave, and Union Gospel Mission. Because of your generosity, hundreds of supplies have gone out to bless our neighbors—and we’ll keep praying for each partner as they serve our community. Questions? Email Dave Baar at impact@fiveoakschurch.org.
Journeymen study of Judges starts next week
The book of Judges is full of raw stories of flawed leaders and a nation wrestling with God. Guys, join us as we start a new study next week–Saturday, November 22 at Five Oaks, or Wednesday, December 3 at Oltman Middle School. In this video study, J.D. Greear shows how these ancient accounts mirror our own struggles—and how only God can bring real rescue and renewal. We’ll explore what honest faith looks like in real life. Invite a co-worker or neighbor! Questions? Email Matt Karasek, mathewade77@gmail.com.
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.
Family Mission Trip - SUMMER 2026!
Our summer Family Mission Trip is scheduled for July 18-25, 2026. We’re planning to travel to Panama to partner with Word of Life Panama and Filter of Hope to serve and share the gospel with families and students in Panama. Summer 2026 may seem a long way off right now, but planning is already underway, and we’d love to know if you’re interested in learning more about being part of this trip. The trip is for everyone 18+ and students 13+ with a parent. To get connected, email Dave Baar, impact@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.
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
Find your people this Christmas
Are you in your 20s and 30s and looking for a fun way to connect with others your age at church? Our Young Professionals group hosts quarterly events to gather together and have fun! Coming up next is an evening out at the European Christmas Market in St. Paul! Join us on December 5 from 6-9 pm. To learn more and register, click here: https://fiveoakschurch.churchcenter.com/registrations/events/3260205
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.