Make room for more on Sundays
Because God is bringing new people to Five Oaks, our Sunday services are often full. That’s a great problem to have! If you’re willing to make Saturday your regular time to worship, you’re helping create space for families and first-time guests to experience Jesus on Sundays. One simple shift can make a big difference! Consider trying 5:30 for a season and inviting your small group to join you.
Guys, take a weekend to refresh
Men’s Summit is a chance to step away from the noise, reset your soul, and reconnect with God and other men. Join us January 30–February 1 at Ironwood Springs Christian Ranch for a weekend of teaching with keynote speaker Aaron Keyes, great conversations, and all levels of fun—from boot hockey and basketball to games, movies, and downtime. Details and registration here. Questions? Email Matt Karasek, mathewade77@gmail.com.
Drive Season: Finish strong!
Our last drive of the season partners with New Life Family Services and Esther Homes. Both of these organizations serve women and families facing an unplanned or crisis pregnancy, coming alongside them with compassion in a very difficult season. One easy way to help out is to take part in our Baby Items Drive. Grab a shopping list here and return the items to church by February 1. Whether you donate or not, please pray for both of these partner organizations and for the families they help throughout the year. Questions? Email Dave Baar, impact@fiveoakschurch.org.
Serve our St. Paul Karen neighbors in crisis
Five Oaks has a long-standing connection with the Karen community in St. Paul. The Karen are refugees who have fled persecution in their home country of Burma/Myanmar. Over the years we have served this community in many different ways that help them establish lives in our city and introduce them to Jesus - these include providing furniture, rides to appointments, tutoring, VBS events and simply being a friend. As will be explained in this weekend’s sermon, the Karen in our area could use your assistance. If you would like to find a way to help, please email Dave Baar, impact@fiveoakschurch.org.
Do you 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.
A morning of encouragement for christian educators
Christian public school educators, step away from the demands of the week and start your Saturday with encouragement, connection, and hope at the 5th Annual East Metro Compass Educator Breakfast. Enjoy a hot breakfast, worship, and stories of God at work in our schools, plus a keynote to help you face the challenges ahead with renewed faith. Saturday, February 7, at church (breakfast 8:20 am; program 9–11 am). Register here by February 3.
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.
Wanted: Connections Director
Are you a people person who loves making others feel at home? We’re looking for a Connections Director to lead the charge! 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.
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.
Meltdown Middle School Camp is filling fast!
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.
Love is in the air...so let’s pack meals!
Share your LOVE for children in desperate need of food around the world by joining with your Five Oaks family members to pack meals at Feed My Starving Children in Eagan on Valentine’s Day — February 14, from 9:30 am to 11:15 am. Interested? Register on church center here. Questions? Email impact@fiveoakschurch.org.
Serving kids in our community - Kids Hope USA Director Role
Are you looking to use your gift of leadership in a new and challenging and impactful way? Five Oaks is looking for a new Director of our Kids Hope USA partnership with Woodbury Elementary School. As the director of this program you will impact the lives of 25-30 students, build up and encourage the staff at Woodbury Elementary, and empower 50+ Five Oakers to demonstrate the love of Jesus in the lives of these students and their families. This is a strong program with a strong leadership team in need of a new director, starting in the 2026-2027 school year. Rebekah Laudermilch is leading the team today, and she will be available to mentor the new director to ensure a smooth transition. If God is nudging you to explore this further please reach out. You can email Rebekah at rblauder@gmail.com, or Dave Baar at dbaar@fiveoakschurch.org.
New Member Candidates
Tim & Chris Anderson
Rick & Mary Erickson
Brian & Diane Harris
Brian & Michele Jacobson
Matt & Alicia Klein