how about a winter weekend getaway?
We know you work hard for all the people in your life who count on you each day. Whether you’re a husband or a wife, a grandparent or a college student, your path to spiritual growth isn’t always a straight line, and sometimes it can feel like you need a few days away to clear your mind and focus on God. Our Men’s Ministry (Journeymen) and our Women’s Ministry each host a winter weekend retreat that includes a keynote speaker, time for discussion in small groups, plenty of free time to relax by yourself or socialize with others, and the opportunity to connect with God. Men’s Summit is January 29-31, and the Women’s Retreat is February 26-28, 2027. Click here to register for the Men’s Summit. Click here to register for the Women’s Retreat.
Drive Season: Help create a safe place to start again
In light of October being Domestic Violence Awareness Month, our first drive of the season is for The Dwelling Place. This organization offers safe transitional housing and Christ-centered support services for women and children who have suffered domestic abuse. Between now and October 31, you can support their efforts by donating household items. Grab a full shopping list here. Questions? Email Dave Baar, impact@fiveoakschurch.org.
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.
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.
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.
Students: Your October calendar, sorted
Our Student Ministry year is off to an amazing start! As we get into October, we have a few dates that interrupt our usual schedule, so please mark your calendar: October 14 and 21– no youth group – (enjoy some family time!). Email Mindy Wissink with any questions.
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.
Are you at least 5 years old? This one’s for you.
Feed My Starving Children is one way to get your whole family involved in providing nutrient-rich meals to some of the most impoverished parts of the world. Join your Five Oaks family at FMSC in Eagan on October 31 at 9:30 am to pack meals together. We have 140 spots reserved for our church, and kids as young as 5 years old are welcome to serve with their parents! Register here.
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
Ero Aguirre
Welcome new members
Tom & Pam Bravo
Joy Engberg
Julie Johnson
Travis & Ariel Koning
Eunsil Kang
Steve Lambrides
Chris & Christina Rogan
Justin & Lily Strain