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College students who grew up at UCC are invited to our first ever "UCC Youth alumni" gathering on Sunday, December 23 at 10 a.m. in the 3rd floor kitchen (room 312).  If you know a college student who will be home for the holidays, please spread the word that we'll have an informal gathering just for them during the Sunday school hour with coffee, juice, and breakfast goodies!

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Join your UCC family on December 23 to take joy and the spirit of Christmas into our community through song and fellowship.  Carolers of all ages (and singing ability) will gather at the church at 6:15 p.m., then depart in groups to carol to people in the community surrounding UCC.  Afterward, the groups will return to UCC to share hot cocoa and Christmas goodies. Come be a part of this annual Christmas tradition!

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Alison Nicoll has accepted a call to serve as Assistant Minister for Middle School, providing leadership for UCC's ministries to youth in grades 6-8.  A native of West Des Moines, Iowa, Alison just completed her first semester at Brite Divinity School.  She is a 2012 graduate of Wartburg College in Waverly, Iowa where she majored in Social Work.

Alison brings with her a wealth of experience in both church and camp settings.  She grew up at West Des Moines Christian Church, a large congregation where she served as a summer intern as a college student.  Alison also interned at the Christian Conference Center, the Disciple camp in Newton, Iowa, and most recently has volunteered at First Christian Church in Cleburne as a youth sponsor and a singer in the contemporary service.  She is passionate about youth ministry, and plans to continue serving in that field after she completes her studies at Brite and is ordained.

 

Alison joined us at UCC this past Sunday for Youth Ministry Committee, Sunday School, and youth groups.  Following the youth Christmas parties this Sunday she will head home to Iowa for Christmas.  But don't worry - she will be back in time for the Boar's Head and Yule Log Festival on January 5!

 

Alison's UCC e-mail phone extension will be set up soon, and you can reach her via e-mail at alison.nicoll@uccftw.com if you'd like to send a note to welcome her to UCC.  In addition to her time at church on Sundays, she will typically be at church between classes on Mondays and Fridays next semester.  She will share the Assistant Ministers' office (Room 301) with Jessica Vacketta and Mark Weathers.

 

Special thanks to the committee that interviewed Alison and recommended her for the position: Tom Lanter, Tracie McCrary, Connor Nolan, Carter Wilken, and Robin Williams.

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Our 9th and 10th grade youth created a video over several Sunday school classes that teaches a lesson about the joy of giving.  Click the image below to take a look at the fruits of their labor, and feel free to share it with others!

The $1 Bill - It's All Joy

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