Sharing Our Stories: Appreciative Inquiry Visioning

9:00am Dec. 4

We want to hear your voice!

Are you interested in the future of ORUCC? Come join these visioning sessions! Everyone’s voice matters, so please do join us.

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?

Spiritual

Nourishment

for you!

For the week of Nov 24 – Nov 30

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.

Moms on a Mission



Moms on a Mission is a grassroots group of mothers and others who show up outside East High School every day to foster a nonviolent environment by being present, creating relationships, and de-escalating conflict. You can help this mission by contributing money to pay for snacks for the youth that MOMs distributes during the lunch period. You can also sign up as a volunteer to be present at East High during the lunch period. To read more about this mission and donate for snacks or volunteer see https://justdane.org/moms/. JustDane is acting as the fiscal agent for these contributions.  

Friday Breakfast Group – December 2

The next Friday Breakfast is set for December 2 at 8:30 am at Denny’s, 433 S. Gammon Road. All are welcome! The group meets on the first Friday of the month and includes both men and women. Join us for this informal chance to connect and converse on many topics. Contact Louise Jeanne, Link for more information.

FAMILY GAME NIGHT

Friday, December 2, 6:00pm – 8:00 pm

Friendship Hall

Rachael Lancor

YOGA

Thursdays 5:30 Friendship Hall

Instructor: Leslie Linser    

A slow flow class with a spiritual intention. Bring a yoga mat.

For questions email Leslie at [email protected]  

Greeting Card Ministry returns to ORUCC!! 

Many of you may recall the efforts of long-time ORUCC member Dianne Stevens who’s “Secrets from the Garden” photo greeting card sales have generated thousands of dollars in proceeds since 2003, all of which have been directed toward efforts to support housing stability for individuals and families in our local community. Dianne raised over $25,000 in proceeds from the sale of her beautifully crafted cards, an enormous achievement though maybe not completely surprising to those who know her!   

While the covid pandemic effectively curtailed card sales it has also been Dianne’s desire to pass her supplies and this ministry on to others. Serendipity stepped in with ORUCC members Peg Knueve and LuAnn Greiner teaming up to share their respective artistic skills and relaunch this creative effort in both new and familiar ways. On Sunday November 13th, we’ll take time during worship to recognize Dianne and to introduce “Original Designs”, a new line of greeting cards featuring original artwork and nature photography from which proceeds will continue to be directed to housing stability in our community. A variety of cards will be on display in the Crossroads and available for purchase after worship and any time you are stopping by ORUCC!

Women’s Book Group-Dec.

Our ORUCC Women’s Book Group will discuss THE SENTENCE on Thursday, December 1, 1:30-3:00pm, via ZOOM. The main character is Indigenous, as are several prominent characters. Author Louise Erdrich’s personal knowledge of running a small bookstore informs her novel, as do recent events in Minneapolis. The plot involves a ghost, a loving adult relationship, and the universal wonder of a newborn baby. Don’t miss the list of recommended books at the end! The South Central Library System has multiple copies, as well as large-print and downloadable editions. You are welcome to participate in our discussion of THE SENTENCE even if you haven’t been able to discuss books with us recently, or ever before.

Please contact Deanna Blanchard at [email protected] to be added to the email list and receive the book announcements and Zoom link.

Thanksgiving Year-Round

Did you know that the ORUCC Thanksgiving Fund is now a “Year-Round” donation fund? This means that donations are accepted 365 days a year.

The donations are used to purchase Woodman’s gift cards, which are distributed in varying amounts ($10-$20 is common) to Southwest Madison neighbors in need. Our local social and case workers ask if ORUCC will continue to support food and gas needs via gift cards through 2023.   

November and December are targeted months for this Thanksgiving Year-Round Fund.  We will especially appreciate donations by early November, so our neighbors may receive this food/gas assistance in time for Thanksgiving. Donations are also welcome through the holiday season and beyond – into 2023. Thank you for considering this call out.   

To donate, go to https://orucc.org/contribute/support/ and click on the link-box “Contribute to the Thanksgiving Year-Round Fund”.

Save the date! Our All Church January retreat is back in action! January 13-15th!

If you are interested in helping please reach out to [email protected].

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 Coffee Maker or a Welcomer

It has been easy finding Lay Liturgists, but much more challenging finding Coffee-Makers and Welcomers!

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

Click here to sign up as a Coffee Maker

Click here to sign up as a Welcomer

After selecting one or more dates, 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