Dear youth and parents,
 
Vacation Bible School is underway and I'm excited that, in spite of busy schedules, over a dozen middle and high school youth are volunteering with our younger children this week.  I'm especially glad to see youth involved in this way, because recent studies by the Fuller Youth Institute have found that youth who volunteer with children at church are among the most likely to remain involved in church as adults. I know that's been true for me, and I hope the same holds true for those who are assisting with VBS this week.

I also wanted to share that as our new slate of church leaders begin their terms, a new Youth Committee will begin it's work this Thursday evening.  This year's committee is comprised of Ginger Alford (chair), Sam Alford, Susan Brown, Dan Cooper, Jessica McCoy, Stacy McCoy, Steve Midgley, Mike Morton, Whitney Peters, and Joyce Valentine.  This is the group of lay people who partner with our youth ministry staff to support, expand, and continually improve UCC's ministry to youth.  I'm so grateful for the gifts that they are bringing and the commitment they're making, and I invite you to join me in holding this group in prayer during this year.

Grace and Peace,
Russ

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