take your weekend learning into next week
Our worship service will look and feel a little different this weekend. You may notice we have more visitors and more elementary-aged kids present in worship. This is because we’re celebrating the important faith milestones of family dedications and baptisms this weekend. We love to watch God work in the hearts of our Five Oakers who are ready to publicly proclaim their salvation in Jesus by being baptized. We also love to watch our church grow as our families grow, and we are honored to join with families in dedicating babies and children to our local church and to Christ’s church. Join us as we promise to come alongside these families in these important faith milestones. We praise God for the seeds he sows in our church family!
Trunk or Treat this Sunday: Costumes welcome. Fun guaranteed
Our first-ever Trunk or Treat, this Sunday, October 25, is a great opportunity to celebrate fall together. Enjoy decorated car trunks, candy, and fall fun. 4-5:30 pm in our Five Oaks parking lot. (This is an easy first-time invite for friends and neighbors who don’t have a church!) Email Kelly Bauman with any questions.
Let’s pause to pray for our Impact partners - this weekend
Mark your calendar! On the last Sunday of each month, we gather to pray through specific prayer requests that we’ve received from the missionaries whom we support and our Impact partners. Join us at 10:15 am in Room 105 each month. Our next gathering is this weekend – see you there! Questions? Email Dave Baar, impact@fiveoakschurch.org .
Take your weekend learning into next week
A weekend sermon can spark new understanding, but talking it through with others can help it take root. Our small groups use the previous weekend’s Scripture as a starting point for discussion, giving you a chance to ask questions, learn from others, and consider how God’s Word shapes everyday life. You’ll also build meaningful friendships and find people to share life with along the way. Try a group this fall! Find an open group on our website. Hit a road bump? Email Peg Benson for help.
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.
Deepen: A high school winter retreat
Life is loud, and it’s easy for students to get distracted. Deepen, January 15-17, 2027, 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 outdoor fun, plus our leaders guiding the way, this weekend will deepen students’ foundation for walking with Jesus. Get the details and sign up here. Questions? Email Cody Baader.
Serve a meal at Dorothy Day
If 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, November 7, 9:30 am-1:15 pm. Interested? Email Tim Wiant, wiynts4riverfalls@gmail.com. Tim will get back to you with confirmation of your spot on our team for this date. Volunteers need to be at least 13 years old.
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.
The “sea of bags” is returning!
We’re looking forward to partnering again this year with Union Gospel Mission Twin Cities to provide Thanksgiving meals to those who cannot afford the staples for this holiday. Please return filled bags to the church by November 15. This is a great way to give back in our community with your kids, family, or small group; make it a grocery shopping outing together! Questions? Email Dave Baar, impact@fiveoakschurch.org. Shopping Lists are available on our website here.
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!
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.
You’re invited to the Financial Townhall (and the Congregational Meeting!)
Our annual congregational meeting always provides the special opportunity to look ahead together and hear about the direction God is leading us. Since we are now a church of two campuses, both our financial and our vision conversations need more space. This year, we’re making a change to protect that moment and to give you a better way to engage with our finances. Join us for the Financial Townhall, Thursday, November 12, 6- 7 pm, at Five Oaks. You’ll hear all the details about budgets and ask any questions you have. And of course, make plans to join us for our congregational meeting on Sunday, November 15, 4 pm, also at Five Oaks. Food and fellowship will follow the congregational meeting. Questions? Email Brian Burquest.
Welcome our newest member
Ero Aguirre