Lightning Round

Most weeks, at our staff check-in, we share what's happening in ministry during our lightning round. Here are a few things shared on Tuesday:

// Due to a miscount, we found ourselves behind on our goal when we went into the last Feed Event session. Fortunately, the last session was staffed by our students and they saved the day. One group of students completed the second most amount of boxes ever at Five Oaks: 40! The next best ever is around 32 boxes. Way to go, students! Way to go everyone.

// That begs the question: What is the record? 45. As I understand it, that group actually practiced in a garage and each person worked on particular role. And they didn't have any children on their team. Pretty amazing.

// The Galatians series daily devotional, written by our Group Life team, have arrived.

// 12 people signed up to go through the worship ministries open house (ministry tour).

// Kari Ennulat (First Impressions Director) will be conducting a First Impressions Ministry "voluntour" this weekend after the first service on Sunday. No need to sign up; just show up.

Monday Memo

Hi Five Oakers, This coming weekend we will announce the total of meals made at the Feed Event, and we'll show a highlight video. What a great weekend of gathered worship through service!

But right now I want to tell you about our award-winning Acorn Café coffee.

No, it's not a coffee award. It's the 2014 Community Impact Award given to Urban Ventures. All CityKid Java profits go to Urban Ventures which was named "Best in Class: Social Entrepreneurship." This award recognizes Minnesota companies that were created to address social, environmental or other issues.

Because Five Oakers purchase coffee and hot cocoa from the Acorn Café, Five Oaks is helping to transform South Minneapolis through Urban Ventures.  Urban Ventures helps more than 1,500 kids  get connected to role models and mentors and learn important life skills.  Their programs provide at-risk youth with character building sports activities, community service opportunities, access to computers, mentors and after school homework help.    They are driven by their mission to break the cycle of generational poverty not just through youth and adult programming but through relationships.  It is through relationships developed with such programs that the organization is making a difference in the lives of South Minneapolis residents, one by one.

It's good coffee (bought at better than fair trade prices) for a good cause!