Behind the Scenes

Here are some of the things going on behind the scenes at Five Oaks: Riveting meeting

// 80 ornaments: That's how many went out over the last two weeks, each representing gifts for kids and families at Woodbury Elementary, a ministry initiative between our Kid's Hope USA ministry and Woodbury Elementary.

// Youth Specialties: That's the organization we're working with in our search for a new Student Ministries Pastor. Prime objective: We want a real youth pastor this time. Okay, that's what I said at staff meeting today and Tim said he knew I was going to say something like that. I have to joke about it so I don't cry in public.

// 3 million meals: That's the goal for the Woodbury community Feed My Starving Children event planned for October 8-11. We and other churches in Woodbury will forgo our own events this year to combine forces with the community and reach this massive goal.

// Two new staff: Melissa Borner has starting working in the Student Ministries department and Carol Jorgensen is heading up First Impressions. Here's a weird fact: Melissa lives on Jorgensen Lane.

// Rowdy and Reverent: That's a good description of the baptisms I witnessed at Sojourn Church (Midtown) in Louisville on Sunday. Big whoops and hollers celebrating like they do in heaven. Great faith stories and even congregational participation in the baptism. We're going to take a page from their book when we have our next baptisms this winter/spring. It's going to be a blast.

// Death by Meeting: At our monthly staff training today we watched Lencioni give a great talk that basically summarizes his book, Death by Meeting, in 20 minutes. Good stuff. Check it out here.

Monday Memo

Here are most of the comments and questions from the weekend Communication Cards: last week of advent

// Awesome job Tim! You have a wonderful gift. [I agree!]

// I’m so thankful for this church. I’ve had so much support and love from the people during my struggles this year.

// Beautiful worship!

// Thankful for Five Oaks! Your teaching of the Bible is great. We’ve visited another church closer to our home recently, but the message doesn’t compare to your teaching.

// Tim, love the Philip Ryken quote.

// Peaceful and restful to sing traditional Christmas carols. Could actually hear the congregation singing. Feel a part of the service that way rather than being entertained. Thank you.

// Many of the songs very difficult for congregation to follow. Little participation!

// Loved the quietness and prayer in the opening worship set. Tim, I love how you modulate your voice, use hands, pace, volume and stepping forward to emphasize and underscore points. Great message with a familiar story. Great closing song.

// The early morning Advent service was wonderful. What a great way to start the day! [Yes, loved it too!]

// I miss the cross in the front.

// Love “Joy to the World”! Beautiful and creative. Thank you for Advent worship on Thursdays.

// Advent season – why not do a short segment with the Advent candles to recognize this special season? [Thanks, we'll consider it. We use to do it all the time, but we now recognize it it in a number of other ways throughout the service and with the Thursday Advent services.]

// Where are the Christmas Invite cards? Announcement and in bulletin but no Invite cards anywhere??? [They were supposed to be in on Friday and the printers missed the deadline. They are in now, so will be available for next week. Glad you were looking for them!]