Dear youth and parents,
 
It's great to be back with you after three weeks at the Army's Joint Readiness Training Center, located at Fort Polk, Louisiana.  I had a very positive experience as my Army Reserve unit, the 341st Medical Battalion, helped the 3rd Brigade Combat Team of the 101st Airborne Division prepare for their upcoming deployment to Afghanistan in January.  In addition to the part I played with my unit in a massive Afghanistan scenario (complete with Forward Operating Bases, Afghan villages, 6,000 soldiers, and hundreds of Afghan translators and "role-players") I also participated in a lot of chaplain-specific training with 22 other chaplains and chaplain assistants from a variety of participating units.  Hopefully I will be able to provide a link next week to photos from the experience so that you can get a better sense of what exactly I've been up to.

From what I've gathered, things have been going well here at UCC with Anna and Isaac providing leadership for the youth ministry, Sharyn keeping things running smoothly in the office, and Houston Bowers beginning his time with us as Tranisitional Minister.  I encourage you to read on and see what's coming up in the next few weeks here in the youth ministry, and I'll look forward to seeing you at church this Sunday!
 
Grace and Peace,
Russ

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