Sharing Our Stories: Appreciative Inquiry Visioning Sessions Sunday once a month at 9:00 am led by Pastor Julia & Visioning Team

Save the date for these fun and connective visioning sessions with the aim of “sharing our stories” with one another. The appreciative inquiry process is one that allows for the good, the true, the beautiful of our past to be carried forward into the future. The basis of the process is story telling and one-on-one interviews. We will focus on a different question each Sunday. Everyone’s voice matters, so please make a point to join for these 9am sessions on Sunday morning. Here is a look at the themes and questions and the dates to mark in you calendar.

September 18th: Sharing a peak experience of your time at ORUCC where you felt most spiritually alive.

October 9th: What do you value about yourself, about ORUCC, about UCC?

November 13th: What do you think are our core values? When have you felt our core values expressed best?

December 4th: If you woke up from a deep slumber and came to ORUCC in 5 years and everything you dreamed and imagined and visioned came true, what would it be like? What would you see, feel, hear, smell? How would people be meeting? Who would be there?

If you can’t be there for one of the Sundays, we still want to hear from you. We are still working on a virtual option for this process and ways of including voices who cannot make it on Sunday morning for any of these.

Technology Fundraiser

The church is moving ahead with technology improvements, and we are welcoming contributions to help pay for them.  Hybrid meetings in the Alfred Swan Room are already happening; these permit people present in the room to share the event with those connected from home via Zoom.  Next up we will be adding technology to make it possible to hold larger hybrid meetings and enhanced educational events in Friendship Hall.  To learn more please read this post from the ORUCC Website Link .

You can make a donation by check, on the memo line, please write “AV” and mail to ORUCC, 1501 Gilbert Road, Madison, WI 53711, or donate online at LINK tech fund.

Spiritual

Nourishment

for you!

For the week of Sept 8 – Sept 14

Read this week’s reflections as a way to dive deeper into your spiritual practice or to get some nourishment and inspiration

for your day.

Click here for reflections

We are grateful for the ministry of Jeanne Moberly who is a member of Adult Faith Formation, as she puts together a set of fresh readings every week for our devotional practice at Orchard Ridge UCC. You will see these posted daily if you are part of the “Members & Friends” Facebook group. If you know someone who needs encouragement and would like the devotional mailed to them, please contact Julie Wombacher in the church office.

Looking Forward to Fall Children’s Programming!

Beginning Sunday September 11th

With a welcome back BBQ after church

Music Connections

Our 2022 programming year kicks off on September 11! Music Connections, our music ministry for children in grades 2-6+, meets during the 10 o’clock worship hour in the lower level of the church. Volunteers are needed to assist during this time. Duties include observing, participating, and helping wherever needed. No prior music experience is required. You do not need to be a parent. Volunteers must attend a brief Safe Sanctuary workshop. If you are able to help, please sign up at : https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0944A5AB2B0-20221 

Sunday School 3rd-5th Grade Theme:

Blessed are the Peacemakers

Turn from evil; do good; seek peace and pursue it.

–Psalm 34:14

It isn’t enough to talk about peace. One must believe in it. And it isn’t enough to believe in it. One must work at it.

–Eleanor Roosevelt

In his Sermon on the Mount, Jesus calls his followers to become peacemakers. “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God.” Jesus believes in the power of peace to change the world and calls us to participate in its nonviolent transformation. But how do we become a peacemaker? As we know, to make peace is very hard work. It involves our attention on many levels. It begins with a look at our inner selves. Jesus promises us the gift of peace. But this peace is not something we can find in the world; we find it when realize we are fully loved, accepted, and forgiven by God. This is an understanding that we grow into, that we trust inwardly, and that becomes the center from which we live. When we receive this truth into our lives, we experience peace; peace not as the world gives but as Christ gives. And as we keep our minds and hearts resting on and, in this peace, we begin to seek the way of peace in the world we live. 

In this module, children will learn about the call to become a peacemaker and how we can walk the path of peace. Children will spend time discovering the gift of Christ’s peace and how we nurture the peace that lives in our hearts. They will also learn some very practical skills about becoming a peacemaker which include listening carefully, coping with anger, forgiving, seeking reconciliation, and living courageously as peacemakers.

Our Whole Lives for Middle Schoolers begins September 11th at 8:30 am on most Sundays

Middle school youth learn about in a safe and accepting space about sexuality, how to define their own values, anatomy and physiology, where they can can discuss personal concerns about puberty and body image, gender expression, stereotypes, disability, healthy relationships, redefining abstinence, consent education, and beyond. This is a program and curriculum designed to offer accurate information presented in developmentally appropriate ways as well as:

• Affective and emotional learning
• Guiding values and principles
• Activities that help participants clarify values and improve decision-making skills
• A safe and supportive peer group
• Acceptance of diversity
• A social justice approach to inclusive sexuality education

For questions about the program, contact Barbara Stretchberry [email protected]

Meet Our New Nursery Care Worker!

Hi! I’m Antonia! I’m originally from Farmington, Connecticut and I’m currently a graduate student at the UW-Madison finishing up a PhD in Medical Physics (will be defending this December!). I completed my undergraduate degree in nuclear engineering at the University of Michigan and remain a huge Wolverines football fan (but will root for the Badgers when they’re not playing Michigan : ) ). In my spare time I coach CrossFit, love to cook,watch a LOT of football when it’s in season,and serve as a regional manager for CHAARG (a national health and fitness organization for college women at over 115 universities including UW-Madison)!

My past childcare experience is pretty broad. Growing up as one of the oldest in a very large Italian family, I was surrounded by over 12 younger cousins at family gatherings and was often put in charge of entertaining them while the adults made dinner or set up an event we were hosting. I’ve also coordinated and run several summer science enrichment camps for elementary school students, tutored all ages, coached, and babysat for kids of all ages. I love

playing and interacting with young kids and find their broad imaginations fascinating. I have also completed the Red Cross CPR and First Aid certifications. I look forward to meeting you and your kids!

CARE OF CREATION

Are you concerned about the degradation of the environment? Is the climate crisis causing you to worry about your children’s future? Do you wonder about the intersection between the environment and justice concerns? Are you looking for a way to act to change what is happening? If so, we would love to have you join us on Care of Creation as we consider how we, as people of faith, can make a difference. We have an active, engaged group and would welcome your participation. We meet on the second Tuesday of the month at 7 pm at church, though sometimes it might be on Zoom. We welcome you to join us on September 13 at church at 7 pm in the Swan Room. If you have any questions, feel free to contact Sara Roberts at 608-332-1114. Hope to see you there.

Interested in Books?

As we all roll into our fall activities and church programming the ORUCC Women’s Book Group would like to extend a cordial invitation to anyone who has an interest in books to join us this fall! We meet the first Thursday of each month from 1:30 to 3:00 p.m. on Zoom. You can come every month or drop in once in a while. There is no requirement to read or finish reading the book, although we may discuss spoilers if you haven’t finished! Members suggest the books and we vote on the year’s choices in February. Although you are not required to lead a discussion, most people enjoy leading if their book suggestion is chosen. Deanna Blanchard coordinates this group and will be happy to add your name to the email list if you send a message to [email protected]. The books we will be reading and discussing this fall are:

• October 6  The Music of Bees by Eileen Garvin, led by Judy Winkel
• November 3 The Personal Librarian by Marie Benedict and Victoria Christopher Murray  led by Ruth Ann Berkholtz
• December 1  The Sentence by Louise Erdrich,  led by Ginny Kruse

Movie Group Returns in an Experimental Format

 #1 We will meet at 10 AM Thursday, September the 15^th.  We will have coffee and appropriate snacks.  Masks will be worn except when eating or drinking.

 #2 We will try this without any zoom link.  Some folks have indicated some difficulty with discussion when zoom is involved.  It is an experiment!

 #3 We suggest a film available on Netflix free, a film on the TCM network (Spectrum channel 58) or “wildcard” choice you have seen at any location that you wish to discuss.

On Netflix (free). A Call to Spy is a 2019 American historical drama film written and produced by Sarah Megan Thomas and directed by Lydia Dean Pilcher. The film is inspired by the true stories of three women who worked as spies in World War II. It stars Sarah Megan Thomas, Radhika Apte , and Stana Katic. After France falls to the Nazis, these women seek to support the war effort by spying for a secret agency under Churchill. Based on a true story.

Along with the Netflix film suggested above, we urge you to view a Turner Classic Movie, “Double Indemnity”, showing on TCM at 7:00 pm on September 3rd. This 1944 film noir/crime drama is considered one of the finest Hollywood films ever, with stellar performances by Fred MacMurray, Barbara Stanwyck and Edward G. Robinson. It got 7 Academy Award nominations. The film will also be available for streaming on the “watchtcm.com” app any time after Sept. 3rd.  Viewing this film allows us to discuss not only three fine performances, but to experience the long-gone studio system that produced the films known world-wide. If there is sufficient interest in TCM we might consider a Zoom or in-person group, or even a class, making use of the TCM format.

 Please consider joining us for a lively discussion of any or all the choices we have suggested. THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 15^TH AT 10 AM IN THE SWAN ROOM.

Wayfinding: The Soul-tasks of Aging,

toward a Theology of the Elder Years

Every Third Wednesday from 9:30-11:15am,

beginning September 21, save the date!

Pastor Julia will guide those of us who feel called to the soul-tasks of aging through a series of 10 workshops and conversations during the 2022-2023 program year. In a retreat like-format, we will come together once a month in-person in Friendship Hall on the third Wednesdays of the month from 9:30-11:15am. Our first 15 minutes will begin with coffee and refreshments moving next to a presentation to frame our time and large group circle conversation followed by breaking into small groups for deeper conversation or activity.

RSVP: To sign up, please respond to Julie W. LINK in the office indicating that you are interested in this program.

Please let us know: would you be interested in a Virtual Wayfinding program with the same content on the 3^rd Thursdays? If you are interested in this program, but not sure you are able to commit to coming in-person, Pastor Julia may open up a third Thursday at 4pm ZOOM Wayfinding gathering to occur the day after our Wayfinding events. If you are interested in this Thursday afternoon virtual option as well as or instead, please indicate that in your response to Julie, so Pastor Julia knows whether or not to hold these gatherings.

Over 55 is coming on Wednesday, September 28th

Grab your Badger gear and come to Over 55 in Bucky Red.  Show your “Badger spirit!”  Josette Jaucian, the UW Spirit Squad Director, will be our featured speaker.  Buckle up for a very informative program.  The 56-member University of Wisconsin Spirit Squad is a highly visible, enthusiastic, and talented group of student-athletes with a primary purpose to support Intercollegiate Athletics and serve as ambassadors for the University of Wisconsin.  The Spirit Squad is comprised of the Cheerleading Squad, the Dance Team, and the Bucky Badger Mascots.  We are sure to learn how Josette manages the auditions and directs the training and conditioning.

We will gather at 11:30, dine at 11:45 and begin our program about 12:15.  All are welcome regardless of age!  Mark your calendar:  Wednesday, September 28th, 11:30 a.m. Cost is $8.

Voter Canvassing-September 2022

ORUCC and MMC participated in WIVEC’s non-partisan Summer Interfaith

Canvassing Campaign in July. Over 30 people from eight Dane County

congregations gathered to canvass low-propensity voter neighborhoods. We

knocked on over 350 doors and spoke with over 180 households! The

League of Women Voters provided training and reported that this was one of

their most successful door knocking campaigns! Faith-based congregations

in Madison, like ORUCC and our Mennonite partners, showed their dedication

to the voting process!

Looking ahead to the November elections– there are few more important than

the one right here in our state. So let’s get to work! Consider volunteering in

the non-partisan WIVEC Fall Interfaith Canvassing Campaign. Here are the

details:

League of Women Voters Training Dates: September 21 and 22 from 7-

9pm (online and recorded). This is the same training, offered twice.

Madison Canvass Events Location(s): TBD (all volunteers meet at central

location before and after canvassing)

Canvassing Date 1: Thursday September 29 from 4-7pm (includes pre and

post gathering times)

Canvassing Date 2: Sunday, October 9 from 1:30-4:30pm (includes pre and

post gathering times)

To see/hear July canvassers from ORUCC & other congregations–watch this video link here . You’ll recognize a few people!–experience their reflections

and feel the excitement of the day. If you’re at all interested, contact me for

further info!

CONTACT: Ruth Ann Berkholtz (rab) at Link or VM at 608-334-8761.

AT ORUCC, the Members are the Ministers!

We are seeking volunteers to serve on Sunday mornings for in-person worship. You need not be a member, simply a person who loves ORUCC and is eager to find a place to serve!

Young people are welcome to sign up too!

Would you consider serving one or more times as

a Welcomer, a Lay Liturgist,

or to assist with Holy Communion?

Feel free to sign up as an individual, a couple, or a family!

Click here to sign up as a Welcomer

Click here to sign up as a Lay Liturgist

Click here to sign up to assist with Holy Communion

After selecting a date, you will need to click “Submit and Sign Up” at the bottom of the page, then enter your name & email address, then click “Sign Up Now.”

Questions or problems signing up?

Contact Ken Pennings at [email protected] or 608-556-2371.

Orchard Ridge United Church of Christ

1501 Gilbert Road

Madison, WI 53711

608-271-7212

Office Hours: M-Th 8:30-12:30