This Sunday will be Rev. Larry Thomas' last as Senior Minister at University Christian Church, and you are invited to express your appreciation for his ministry with us at receptions in Walker Hall following each of the worship services on Sunday morning.

Larry has been a great advocate for the youth ministry, and has continually promoted the integration of youth and children into the full life of the church. He took time out of his busy schedule to be part of our team that participated in the Sticky Faith Cohort at Fuller Theological Seminary, and I still remember looking around the room at the leadership teams from over 30 different churches and realizing that only a handful of senior ministers were present. A common refrain from other church groups during the event was, "Whoa, your senior minister came? That's so cool!" I'm thankful that Larry is the kind of leader who has been in ministry WITH us, and I can say without reservation that our youth ministry is better because of his leadership. I hope you'll take time on Sunday to express your thanks and best wishes as he transitions to a new calling.

Our high school youth have an opportunity to learn more about the connection between sexuality and spirituality on the Just Say Know retreat, April 22-24 at Riverbend Retreat Center in Glen Rose. Over the course of the weekend, 9th-12th graders will work their way through a comprehensive sexuality education program that prepares them for challenges they will face in high school, college, and beyond. Jennifer Lanter is directing the retreat, and sessions will be led by UCC adults who have completed training to serve as Just Say Know instructors. Adult leaders are committed to creating an environment where youth can get accurate information and have frank, affirming and open discussions in a setting where they can enjoy the beauty of God's creation. Click here for a detailed FAQ about the retreat.

The retreat cost is $50 per person, and scholarships are available upon request. For a schedule, list of topics covered, and packing list, click here. To register for the retreat, visit uccyouth.org/justsayknow. Registration deadline is Wednesday, April 13 to ensure you have a spot, but we will take registrations afterward until all spaces are filled. 

Alison Nicoll is going to be ordained on Saturday, May 28 at West Des Moines Christian Church (her home congregation in Iowa) and we're organizing a group from UCC to be there for the big day! We will be departing via rental vans right after school on Friday afternoon, May 27 and returning around dinner time on Monday, May 30. In addition to attending Alison's ordination service and reception, over the course of the trip we will be staying overnight at a Disciple camp and two Disciple churches, enjoying good food and fun in Des Moines and Kansas City, seeing the World Series champion Kansas City Royals take on the Chicago White Sox at Kauffman Stadium, and taking time each day for prayer and reflection. Click here to download a copy of the trip schedule.

The total trip cost is $150 per person (covers transportation, lodging, and most meals), and scholarships are available upon request. Click here to sign up and submit a $25 deposit to reserve your spot, and we will collect final payments a week before the trip. If you have questions, contact Russ Boyd at russ@uccftw.com.