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Weekly E-news
August 2, 2013
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Dear youth and parents,
First, a quick clarification from last week's e-news: I had described a year-long program for young adult service communities that will be launching next year in connection with several Disciple churches around the country. This program is based on existing programs sponsored by other denominations, including a United Church of Christ program that is very similar to the new Disciple initiative. Just want to be clear that a number of these programs exist - but this will mark the first one sponsored by our own denomination.
Secondly, I want to remind you that our annual Back-to-School Retreat is just around the corner. This event is one of my favorites because it provides an opportunity for youth of all grades to connect and work together as we prepare to begin a new program year. In particular, our incoming 6th graders always build some meaningful connections with older youth that are helpful as they transition from children's ministry to youth ministry. Those bonds between older and younger youth don't just make our youth program stronger and more inclusive, they actually provide a foundation to continue building mentoring relationships for years to come (especially after graduating from high school, when young adults have to be more intentional about seeking out or creating those relationships). I'm looking forward to seeing new connections form and old ones strengthen at the retreat next weekend!
Read on for info about registering for this year's Back-to-School Retreat, the Mission Trip Shareholders Luncheon, the return of Youth Sunday school following a month-long sabbath, and more!
Grace and Peace,
Russ
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Register by Wednesday for the youth Back-to-School Retreat ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Summer is ending soon, and it's time to start looking ahead to a new school year with UCC's youth ministry - starting with the annual Back-to-School Retreat! This event brings together our incoming 6th-12th grade youth for a weekend of worship, fun, prayer, and community building at Briarwood Retreat Center near Flower Mound. This year's retreat will take place August 9-11 (meeting at 7 p.m. and returning in time for Sunday school) and registration materials are now available online. Late arrivals are also allowed if you have a Friday night commitment that can't be avoided. The cost is $95, and full or half scholarships are available upon request.
Click here for the registration packet and get excited about a great start to the new school year!
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Sunday School for youth and children returns this Sunday ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
After a month-long Sunday School Sabbath, classes for youth and children return this Sunday morning. All youth are invited to gather in Room 303 starting at 9:45 a.m. for refreshments, then split into classes after announcements at 10:00.
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