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     Weekly E-News

                   July 31, 2015

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in this issue
 
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Dear youth and parents,

Alison and I have been putting together the Back-to-School Retreat, and we're excited about joining our youth and adult sponsors for this annual event. One question that comes up often from parents and youth is: Why are we starting the year with a retreat? According to Rodger Nishioka, a professor at Columbia Theological Seminary, studies show that it takes 12-15 hours together for a particular group of people to achieve a state of "groupness." Only after that amount of time do they have the shared experiences to feel that they are part of something together, and a distinct desire to continue to be together on a regular basis. While a retreat requires a bigger commitment from participants, it also moves the group toward a sense of togetherness in a way that takes weeks or months to duplicate with shorter events.

  

Messy games at the 2013 Back-to-School Retreat at Briarwood.

 

This year's retreat will take place at Briarwood Retreat Center, a Lutheran camp that is only an hour north of us. They have been gracious hosts for several previous back-to-school events, as well as UCC staff and volunteer retreats. The facilities and food are always great, and we're glad they are available for events like this when the drive to Disciples Crossing is a bit too far for the event.

 

Everything you need to register and prepare for the retreat can be found in the article below. If you're available next weekend I hope you'll be able to join us! If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact me at russ@uccftw.com or 817-372-7307.

 

Also, be sure to take a moment to say farewell to our summer interns, Becca Owen and Kiran Penn, this Sunday. They travel home on Tuesday to gear up for their next semester at Chapman University and Lynchburg College. I appreciate their hard work on our staff this summer, and look forward to seeing where their journey takes them from here!  


Read on for info on the retreat, the mission trip shareholders luncheon, return of Sunday school after a month-long sabbath, and more.


Grace and peace,
Russ   
 

 


Back-to-School Retreat is next weekend - register now!      

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Summer is ending soon (I know, right?) 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. This year's retreat will take place August 7-9 at Briarwood Retreat Center near Flower Mound (meeting at 7 p.m. and returning in time for Sunday school) and participants can register and pay online. The cost is $50, and full or half scholarships are available upon request. Registration deadline is this Wednesday, August 5.

Click here to get more information, register, and download a packing list and schedule. And get excited about a great start to the new school year! 
   
 


 


Relive the mission trips at Sunday's Shareholders Luncheon     

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Sunday School resumes this Sunday after July sabbath       

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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. 
   
  

 

 

 


Know a college student heading off to school soon?        

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From Rev. Jessica Vacketta, Associate Minister: 

 

Are you or someone you know headed off to college? We'd love to have your contact information! UCC is committed to staying connected and supporting our students away as they navigate the challenges of college life.


A beloved part of our Students Away Ministry are the cards and care packages sent to students throughout the year. Please send your mailing address and a current e-mail address to me at jessica@uccftw.com to ensure we have accurate information.

  
   
  

 

 


Youth events and key dates on the horizon...
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August 2: Mission Trip shareholders luncheon - 12:15 p.m.
August 7-9: Youth Back-to-School Retreat - 7 p.m.
August 16: Youth Family Roundup - 10 a.m.




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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
Becca Owen, Summer Youth Ministry Intern - E-mail Becca
Kiran Penn, Summer Youth Ministry Intern - E-mail Kiran
Susan Henry, Ministry Assistant - E-mail Susan
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