Your people are waiting for you
We all need people to walk through life with us and help us follow Jesus. Small groups help our big church feel smaller and more connected, and each small group meeting consists of discussion around the most recent sermon, prayer, fellowship time, and of course, food. We have groups meeting every day of the week as well as groups at every age/stage of life. And – bonus – it’s OK to try more than one group to find one that fits you! Interested? Get started here. Need help? Email Peg Benson.
We’re back! (See you on Saturday at 5:30!)
We’re excited to return to our regular worship schedule of four services starting this weekend!
Saturday 4 + 5:30 pm // Sunday 9 & 10:45 am
Help us make room for new church seekers on Sundays by worshipping on Saturdays!
Hope Explored begins this weekend
Few emotions are more powerful than hope, yet it can feel hard to find. Hope Explored is a 3-week class for anyone exploring faith, curious about the Bible, or feeling disconnected from church. Through videos, Scripture, and discussion, it explores the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus, and how he fulfills our longing for hope, peace, and purpose. Two classes starting in January: January 3, 4 pm, and January 4, at 10:45 am. Questions? Email office@fiveoakschurch.org.
Serve your neighbor in need at Dorothy Day - this Saturday
|f 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, January 3, 9:30 am-1:15 pm. Interested? Please email Tim Wiant, wiynts4riverfalls@gmail.com. Tim 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.
Wanted: Interim Connections Director
Are you a people person who loves making others feel at home? We’re looking for an Interim Connections Director to lead the charge this spring (Feb–June 2026)! In this part-time role, you’ll support our amazing volunteers—from greeters to Acorn café hosts—creating a warm environment where everyone feels seen and welcome. If you’re ready to champion connections and serve our church family, we’d love to talk with you. Interested? Contact Danny Martin at dmartin@fiveoakschurch.org.
Ladies, two ways to connect in January
Women’s TABLE and our winter Bible studies are great ways to build community and grow in faith together. TABLE is a potluck-style brunch at Five Oaks Church on January 7, while our Bible studies meet on Wednesday mornings or weekday evenings and are open to every stage of faith—with childcare available on Wednesday mornings. (All meet at church.) Details and registration here. Questions? Email women@fiveoakschurch.org.
Let’s go tooooobing! (students grades 5-12)
Winter break is here, and while Wednesday Nights are taking a short pause, the fun isn’t stopping. Before we jump back into youth group on January 14, we’re heading out for a night of snow tubing under the lights at Green Acres Recreation on January 10—and all 5th–12th graders are invited! Spots are limited, so register your student here. Questions? Email Brooke Ramsey.
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. Visit our website for details and to register. Questions? Email Mindy Wissink at mwissink@fiveoakschurch.org.
Love our neighbors by donating blood
Because he first loved us, we have the joy of loving others in real, life-giving ways. We invite you to join us in a simple but powerful act of love: Donating blood to help those in need. Your one donation could be the answer to someone’s prayer. A stranger you will never meet will be blessed through your generosity. January 8, at Five Oaks, between 10 am-2 pm. Sign up for a donation time slot here. Questions? Email Dave Baar, impact@fiveoakschurch.org.
Serve in Five Oaks Kids? Join us for an appreciation lunch and training
If you (or your student) serve in Five Oaks Kids, please join us on Saturday, January 24, 12- 1:30 pm, for a lunch and a time to connect with others who serve. We’ll also have some training and time for questions. Our subs are also welcome to attend. If you are interested in getting involved in this ministry, this event is a great first step! Email Kelly Bauman to sign up.
Meltdown Middle School Camp: Registration is now open
Meltdown is an impactful winter weekend retreat held February 13-15, 2026 at Camp Forest Springs in Westboro, WI. Students can look forward to solid biblical teaching sandwiched in between exciting winter activities such as snow tubing, downhill and cross-country skiing. It’s also a great weekend for building friendships and deepening community. Signups are here: www.fiveoaks.church/students. Questions? Email Brooke Ramsey, bramsey@fiveoakschurch.org.
Story of God: Winter classes now open for registration
Do you ever find the Bible confusing? Ever wondered how you fit into God’s plans for you? Join Story of God, a six-week guided journey through the Bible. Those who have taken the class have found greater understanding of how the Bible fits together to tell one big story. Learn how you fit into the bigger story that God has for your life. You’ll meet with a cohort once a week and can expect about 20 minutes of outside work each day. Winter classes are now open! Details and registration available here.
Ladies, find support for chronic pain
Chronic pain and anxiety can feel very isolating. We don't want you to go it alone. A few leaders who have experienced this in their life invite you to journey with them. Whether you struggle with chronic illness, anxiety and/or depression, this group looks to be helpful in your journey. The intention is that the women in this group will experience community, feel seen, feel belonging, feel safe and be encouraged. The group will meet once a month beginning in January 2026. Email office@fiveoakschurch.org for more info.
One simple way to help women and families in crisis
Women and families facing an unplanned pregnancy can often feel overwhelmed, alone, and frightened. We partner with two organizations who help navigate this journey with women and families who find themselves in this spot. Each year in January, we host a baby items drive in partnership with New Life Family Services, and this year, we’re adding a second partner organization, Esther Homes, to this donation drive. Be on the lookout in the commons for a shopping list in January. Please return items to church by January 29. Whether you donate or not, please also pray for both these partner organizations and for the families they help each year. Questions? Email Dave Baar, impact@fiveoakschurch.org.
Thinking about a summer internship?
Now is the time to be thinking and planning for a 2026 summer internship! If you’re a junior or senior in high school or a college student, please consider applying to be one of our IMPACT interns this summer. This internship is a great way to explore local and global missions by serving in our community, helping Five Oakers to serve in our community, and serving and supporting our vocational missionaries around the world. This internship also offers the possibility of experiencing a short-term mission trip (scholarship included!). Interested? Email Dave Baar at impact@fiveoakschurch.org.