Drive season launches this weekend
Our church community loves to jump in and help fill a need! Over the next few months we’ll introduce you to several local Impact Partners who are serving different groups of our neighbors in need. Along with each, we’ll conduct a supply drive for that organization to help meet the needs of the people it serves. This weekend, we’re kicking off our Drive Season and introducing The Dwelling Place, which serves women and children in seeking escape from domestic violence. To help you plan ahead, we’ve created a card with the shopping lists for every local partner drive this year. This card can be found throughout Drive Season in the commons or right here. Email Dave Baar with any questions, impact@fiveoakschurch.org.
Fifth graders: invite your friends for a night of fun this Friday
Fifth graders, join us Friday, October 2, from 6:30–8:00 pm at church for a fall night of games, snacks, and hanging out. Bring a friend from school, sports, or the neighborhood! Next year means a big step for fifth graders as they join Student Ministry. Building friendships now can make that transition a whole lot easier—and more fun. Sign up here.
KidsHope USA: Making a difference in Woodbury
For more than 15 years, we have 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 repeatedly share 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! We’re currently recruiting mentors, prayer partners, and help with special events. Is God nudging you? Email KHUSA@fiveoakschurch.org.
Serving kids in our community - KidsHope USA Director Role
Are you looking to use your gift of Leadership in a new, challenging, and impactful way? Five Oaks is looking for a new Director for 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 2027-2028 school year. Dave Baar is leading the team for the 2026-2027 school year, and he 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 Dave Baar at dbaar@fiveoakschurch.org, or just put Kids Hope Director on your connect card this weekend.
Are you a word nerd?
Our church has a devotional called DailyLIfe, written and edited entirely by volunteers. We currently have openings on our writing team! If you love to write and want to help shepherd our readership in their walk with Jesus, please email Liza Halverson. This is a great way to serve from home — or from the cabin!
Bring a trunk to Trunk or Treat
We’re getting ready for Five Oaks’ first-ever Trunk or Treat on Sunday, October 25, 4–5:30 pm, and we need YOU to help make it fun! Sign up to bring your vehicle with a decorated trunk for kids to visit! Get creative, maybe add a simple game or activity that kids can complete to earn their candy or prize. Team up with your small group, or gather some friends together to create something amazing! Details and the sign-up can be found here.
Students: It’s fall, Y’all is back!
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 23, 4:15-9 pm. Transportation included. Details and registration are available by following the QR code below. Questions? Email Mindy Wissink.
Recovery can start today
Guys, are you struggling with sexual brokenness in your life? Has it impacted your marriage, job, or relationships? You can begin your recovery with a trusted group of men on the same journey. Weekly homework assignments will allow you to dig deep and make sense of how your life experiences have brought you to where you are now. You will develop the tools necessary to come to a place where real change is possible. Group meets weekly for approximately nine months. The next group starts on Mondays at 7 pm in early October. Please email puredesiremen@fiveoaks.church to receive a confidential call from one of our leaders and learn how to sign up.
Build a family culture of healthy conversation
Talking with kids about sex and sexuality can feel awkward, but healthy conversations don’t have to be a one-time, cumbersome effort. Raising Sexually Healthy Kids is a video course from PureDesire Ministries designed to help parents create a safe, open environment where these conversations can happen naturally and continue as kids grow. Designed for parents of toddlers through high school and beyond, the course features experts, speakers, and other parents offering practical guidance. Thursdays, October 29–November 19 at 6 pm. Visit our website to learn more and register. Questions? Email Mindy at mwissink@fiveoakschurch.org.
Save the date: Annual congregational meeting
Mark your calendar now to join us on Sunday, November 15, 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.
New member candidates
Tom & Pam Bravo
Joy Engberg
Julie Johnson
Travis & Ariel Koning
Eunsil Kang
Steve Lambrides
Chris & Christina Rogan
Justin & Lily Strain