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 Weekly E-News November 15, 2013
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Dear youth and parents,
I had a great experience last weekend serving as the keynote speaker for the fall high school youth retreat in Oklahoma City, an event that brought together over 100 youth for worship, mission work, workshops, and a lot of fun. I was invited to speak about the lenses we use to see the world, and what lenses we should be using as Christians. Over three keynotes and a Sunday morning sermon at First Christian Church of Oklahoma City I was able to unpack that topic, and had a lot of great conversations with youth and adults at the event about the theme. I was also able to use a block of downtime on Saturday to treat some of our college students at the University of Oklahoma and Oklahoma City University to lunch and dinner, and it was great to check in with each of them and let them know they're in our thoughts and prayers while they're away at school.
I also wanted to let you know that Alison interviewed with the regional committee on ministry in Iowa last weekend, and was affirmed in her calling and approved to continue moving forward in the ordination process. I'm glad to know that Alison's home region sees the same gifts, commitment, and sense of calling we see here at UCC every week!
This weekend, Michael is the member of our staff who is traveling. He's in Cleveland representing Brite Divinity School on the Global Ministries Council of Theological Students. Please keep him in your prayers as he learns more about the important work of Global Ministries, and be sure to ask him about his experience the next time you see him. Part of his responsibility on the council is to serve as an interpreter to his seminary and church communities, and I'm sure he will have a lot to share.
Read on for more information about a work day at Disciples Crossing, registration for the Disciples Class, "Just Say Know" sexuality education courses, and more.
Grace and Peace,
Russ |
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Volunteers meet at 7 a.m. for Disciples Crossing work day
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This Saturday, November 16 a group of youth and adults from UCC will be spending a work day at Disciples Crossing, our church camp in Athens.
Reminder to those who signed up for the work day: The group will gather in the UCC parking lot at 7 a.m. to depart, and will return around 6 p.m. Lunch will be provided by Disciples Crossing.
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Disciples Class prepares youth for baptism or confirmation
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Youth in grades 6-12 interested in learning more about baptism/confirmation and church membership are encouraged to participate in this year's Disciples Class. The 12-week course provides a helpful introduction to what it means to confess your faith, join the church, be baptized or confirmed, take communion, share your gifts, and more! This year's class will take place on Sunday evenings at 6:30 p.m. beginning with an orientation on January 12. Click here for more information on the class, or click here to register online. The registration deadline for this year's class is December 15.
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Schedule set for "Just Say Know" sexuality education courses
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UCC's children's ministry and youth ministry are excited to offer "Just Say Know" courses this winter, providing comprehensive sexuality education for grades 4-12. The schedule for the classes is as follows:
High school course (grades 9-12)
Sundays, January 12 - March 2, 12:15-2:30 p.m.
Capstone lock-in on Friday night, March 21
Cost: $40 per participant
Click here for course topics
Middle school workshops (grades 6-8 with a parent)
Sundays, February 16 & 23, 12:15-3:30 p.m.
Cost: $20 per youth participant
Click here for course topics
Elementary school workshops (grades 4-5 with a parent)
Sunday, February 9, 12:15-3:15 p.m.
Separate workshops for boys and girls
Cost: $20 per child participant
Click here for course topics
Registration cost includes lunch, course materials, and a copy of Kate Ott's new book Sex+Faith: Talking with Youth Child from Birth to Adolescence. $10 discount for each additional child registered per family (since each family only needs one book). Scholarships for all courses will be available upon request. Online registration should be live next Friday, so start spreading the word to friends and neighbors who would like to take advantage of this important program!
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Haven't made your pledge for 2014? Do it online today!
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UCC's stewardship campaign for 2014 is nearing completion, and our team is working hard to ensure everyone who pledged last year has re-upped for this year. If you have not yet submitted your pledge for 2014, please prayerfully consider your commitment and respond by pledging online here.
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Youth events and key dates on the horizon...~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
November 16 - Work day at Disciples Crossing - meet at 7 a.m.
November 22-24 - CYF Fall Retreat at Disciples Crossing
November 24 - Youth Thanksgiving Feast - 6:30 p.m.
November 30 - Football parking fundraiser - TCU vs. Baylor
December 1 - Hanging of the Greens service led by youth - 6 p.m.
December 27-31 - CYF Ski Retreat to Crested Butte, Colorado
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| Staff Links
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Russ Boyd, Associate Minister for Youth - E-mail Russ
Alison Nicoll, Assistant Minister for Middle School - E-mail Alison
Michael Yandell, Assistant Minister for High School - E-mail Michael
Sharyn Peterson, Ministry Assistant - E-mail Sharyn
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