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Weekly E-news
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Dear youth and parents, It's an exciting and busy weekend at UCC as we welcome Jessica Vacketta to our youth ministry staff and say thanks and farewell to Isaac Varner. I hope that our high school youth will make an extra effort to be present for our morning and/or evening programs to be part of this special Sunday. If you don't have plans tonight, I also encourage you to take part in the Super Bowl of Chili that will take place in Fellowship Hall. Come at 6 p.m. for a family-friendly event featuring a chili cook-off, lots of tailgate-themed foods, and the musical stylings of seniors Ben Lobaugh and Roy Parker. You can read more about the event here. Grace and Peace, Russ |
Welcome our newest youth minister, Jessica Vacketta!
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 As announced earlier this week, Jessica Vacketta will be joining UCC's staff as Assistant Minister for CYF (grades 9-12). If you missed the announcement and her full bio, just click here to read all about it and catch up. I'll be introducing Jessica at the conclusion of each of our worship services on Sunday, and she'll be present for some get-to-know-you sessions in CYF Sunday school classes and Sunday evening youth group. Be sure not to miss her first Sunday, and let her know how glad we are that she's here!
Jessica's office days in a typical week will be Tuesday and Friday, and she'll be sharing the Assistant Ministers' office (301) with Anna Ross and Emily Miller (UCC's new Assistant Minister for Campus Ministries and The Search). Her extension at the church is 145, her cell phone is 217.260.1697, and her e-mail address (that she can access starting this Monday) is jessica@uccftw.com.
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Say farewell and thanks to Isaac Varner this Sunday
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 As Jessica arrives this Sunday, we'll also say farewell and thanks to Isaac Varner for his service as an interim youth minister since August. I am personally grateful that an ordained minister with a full-time teaching job would devote his time and energy to our ministry to youth, allowing us the time we needed to search for and call a long-term youth minister. You will have opportunities to thank Isaac at the end of each worship service and during Sunday school and youth groups this Sunday, January 24. You can also contact him by e-mail at isaac@uccftw.com to thank him for faithfully sharing his gifts with UCC.
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Last call for Chi Rho Midwinter Retreat registrations
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Catch a flick at UCC's Reel Religion Film Festival - January 29-30
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 Mark your calendar for the 7th annual Reel Religion Film Festival, featuring two days filled with films of religious significance. The movies will be shown in various rooms throughout UCC and admission is absolutely free! Each viewing will be followed by a discussion, and several of the film discussions will be led by youth (including David Connelly, Maggie Jorgenson, and Roy Parker). To get a full schedule of films and facilitators, click here and download the brochure. Invite a friend for this great event, and we'll see you at the movies!
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Habitat for Humanity work day for youth - January 30
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 On Saturday, January 30 the youth of UCC are invited to participate in an interfaith Habitat for Humanity build that will provide an affordable home to a family in need. Typically youth are not allowed to participate in building projects with Habitat, but this particular day is focused on landscaping and youth are welcome. We have five slots available for youth from UCC, so e-mail Sharyn ASAP if you would like to claim one of them! The workday will last from 8-11 a.m. at 8001 Charlestown Lane in southeast Fort Worth.
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Spring Break Mission Pilgrimage is full, waiting list available
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 Interested in helping others over Spring Break? Then get on the waiting list for UCC's Intergenerational Mission Pilgrimage to New Orleans that's coming up March 14-20! The trip is open to youth and adults 6th grade and up, and during the week we will be building a mission station at First Christian Church in Slidell that will host mission groups for years to come. The trip is currently full with 30 participants, but you can get on the waiting list to join in if others drop out. The cost is $175 per person, and a $50 deposit reserves your spot. As always, scholarships are available. For further information or to get on the waiting list, download and complete a registration form by clicking here, or contact Lynn Cross at
817.926.6631 ext. 139 or lynn@uccftw.com.
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Youth events on the horizon...
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January 24 - Welcome new youth minister Jessica Vacketta!
January 29-30 - Reel Religion Film Festival at UCC
January 31 - Conversations for Christ's Community for youth - 6:30 p.m.
February 5-7 - Chi Rho MidWinter Retreat at Disciples Crossing (grades 6-8)
February 26-28 - CYF MidWinter Retreat at Disciples Crossing (grades 9-12)
February 28 - FDC "Meet Your Mentor" Luncheon - 12:15 p.m.
March 14-20 - Intergenerational Mission Pilgrimage to New Orleans
April 11 - Camp Sunday - Register for summer camps and mission trips
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Staff Links
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Russ Boyd, Associate Minister for Youth - E-mail Russ
Anna Ross, Assistant Minister for Chi Rho (grades 6-8) - E-mail Anna
Jessica Vacketta, Assistant Minister for CYF (grades 9-12) - E-mail Jessica
Sharyn Peterson, Ministry Assistant for Congregation Life - E-mail Sharyn
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