Dear youth and parents,
 
I'm making final preparations to travel to Athens this evening for the CYF Midwinter Retreat, and I'm looking forward to a great weekend with youth and adults from Disciple churches around the area.  Over the course of the weekend campers will be participating in interest groups and workshops that teach different spiritual practices that they can continue to use when they return home.  I'll be leading an interest group on the concept of sabbath as a spiritual practice, and Jessica Vacketta will be leading one on yoga.

I'll be coming back early on Sunday because it's a big day for this year's Faith Development Class.  Mentors, youth, and their families will be attending the "Meet Your Mentor" Luncheon immediately after the UCC Assembly meeting dismisses (hopefully around 12:30 p.m.).  Mentors are active adult members of UCC who commit to connect with one of the youth in Faith Development Class and offer wisdom, guidance, and a listening ear as they prepare to make a decision about joining the church and being baptized.  If you're an adult who thinks that sounds like a great opportunity, please take a look at the volunteer job description by clicking here and let me know to put you on our list for a future Faith Development Class.  It's a calling that is both critical to our youth and rewarding for our adult mentors!

Grace and Peace,
Russ

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