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Dear youth and parents,

I just returned from the TBA youth ministers retreat, an overnight gathering for youthworkers from Disciples churches in the Fort Worth area at Disciples Crossing, our church camp in Athens.  It was a helpful chance to catch my breath after a meaningful (but tiring) Back-to-School Retreat and before the new year begins.  I'm thankful for the presentations about finding balance in our lives and ministries by Shannon Moore, minister at Central Christian Church in Weatherford (and long-time keyboard player and singer at The Search).  Shannon also happens to be a Bikram Yoga instructor, and has lots of great insights on life and ministry that derive from that unique vocational combination. As we launch an exciting new year of programming, I'll be working to incorporate some of those lessons into my ministry so that I'm a healthier minister, husband, and dad.

All the information in today's e-news is about big things happening on August 26, this year's kickoff Sunday.  Read on for information on "promotion" to new Sunday school grades, our Youth Family Roundup (which will be a luncheon after the 11:00 service this year), and the fun block party we'll be hosting that evening as a church-wide kickoff event.

Grace and Peace,
Russ 

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