This Sunday, May 5

WORSHIP and WORK 



Immediately following the worship service there will be opportunities for everyone to help with inside and outside projects.

Wear your grubbies to church. Bring your work gloves, your energy, wheelbarrows, shovels, rakes (for spreading mulch), dandelion diggers, pruners and garden shears, if you plan to work outdoors.

Plan to enjoy lunch in Fellowship Hall with your friends and family.

MAY COMPASSION OFFERING

Showing Compassion for Children in Gaza

Our May Compassion Offering – Middle East Children’s Alliance (MECA) — was identified and recommended by the ORUCC Palestine Justice Mission Team. After researching and considering many options, the Team unanimously approved sponsoring MECA as the Compassion Offering, in light of the current, urgent situation in Gaza. MECA has staff on site in Gaza to respond immediately and directly upon receiving our support. 

MECA was founded in 1988 in Berkeley, California as a private, not-for-profit organization whose mission is to deliver vital supplies and humanitarian services to children in Gaza. As MECA’s work has progressed over the years, its activities have included providing direct aid to refugee children in Lebanon and Iraq; water projects in Gaza that bring clean water for children and their families; assistance to community organizations that help meet Palestinian children’s needs; scholarships for Palestinians in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank; and educational/cultural programs in the USA to increase understanding about the lives of children in the Middle East and the impact of US foreign policy on people in the region.

Compassion Offering funds raised in May will be directed entirely to MECA’s emergency appeal for the humanitarian needs of Gazan children and their families. Our donations will quickly provide food, water, healthcare and shelter for children in Gaza who are hungry, injured, orphaned and/or homeless.

 VIDEO

 Thank you for giving generously

You can make a donation by check, on the memo line, please write “compassion” and mail to ORUCC, 1501 Gilbert Road, Madison, WI 53711,

or donate online from our website. 

The link is https://orucc.org/contribute/support/

ORUCC Youth Updates

Confirmation 2024

Confirmation will be offered this spring for all youth in 7th-9th grade who have not yet been confirmed. This is a special time in the life of our young people where they will be invited to explore their own faith, and learn and grow together! Classes are held on Sundays April 7-May 12, from 3:30-5:30 p.m., with Confirmation Sunday on Pentecost, May 19th.

Each Sunday we will have an opportunity for the whole congregation to share their thoughts about the Confirmation topic of the day. Check it out in Friendship Hall to participate!

David Allen Returns to Oakwood to Benefit our Youth

David Allen is pleased to return to Oakwood on Tuesday May 14th at 7pm for a solo piano performance. Original improvisational interpretations of classic tunes from the American songbook will be complemented by pop and classical selections. Featured composers include Bill Evans, Elton John, Bix Beiderbecke, Jerome Kern, and JS Bach. Donations received will support the Youth Ministry Program at the Orchard Ridge United Church of Christ. 

Support ORUCC Youth Service Trip:

Volunteer at Brat Fest!

ORUCC is an official volunteer organization with Brat Fest, and all proceeds from our volunteering there will go towards our Youth Service Trip this July. Folks from ORUCC are invited to help raise funds by signing up for a shift. There are many different ways to volunteer. Set-up for this community event begins in 2 weeks! Use this link and sign up under the name Orchard Ridge UCC. THANK YOU!

Reading the Bible

Seriously But Not Literally

Tuesday mornings 10-11:30 am

in the Alfred Swan Room

(Zoom if there is interest)

April 16 – May 21

Led by David Anderman

Our text will be The Emancipation of God: Postmarks on Cultural Prophesy by Walter Brueggemann, a world-renowned UCC Old Testament/Hebrew Scriptures scholar. The book is a collection of recent short essays which originated as blog posts; they are readable and largely non-technical essays intended for the mythological ‘person-in-the-pew.’ The book is available on short notice from Amazon. Most local bookstores could order it but I would be surprised if any have it in stock. List price is $28.00. Good theology doesn’t come cheap. Neither does bad theology, for that matter.

Our first session(s) will look at the passages traditionally quoted by those opposing LGBTQ+ affirming theologies. Brueggemann sets them alongside the much more numerous passages of welcoming neighbors and of offering hospitality to strangers. This specific issue will open up broader consideration of the nature of Biblical interpretations. Other topics will include exploring what it means to be a Biblically-informed and -directed church in a capitalist empire that co-opts religious institutions and faith; and how a ‘declining’ church can offer hope to a discouraged and down-hearted, sometimes cruel culture.

Through these examples, we will learn ways of taking the Bible seriously but not literally. Two secondary texts will also be referred to. I have just started reading Reading Genesis by Marilyn Robinson, another well-known and UCC author. Fascinating passages about her reading of the book of Genesis. I will also refer to the essay The Symbol Gives Rise to Thought by Paul Ricoeur, a French philosopher who self-identified as a Reformed Christian.

Please email me if you are planning on coming, or have questions.

David Anderman, [email protected]

Friday Breakfast Group – May 3

The next Friday Breakfast is set for May 3 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.

Please Join ORUCC Members as we Honor

the upcoming birth of Julia & Daniel’s Second Child

From now until May 19 you have Two Gift Options:

Diaper drive-Bring any type of size of diapers to the Pack’N Play in the church lobby. Diapers will be shared between Julia’s family and local Diaper Banks.

Monetary gift-Julia would like to employ a postpartum doula and donated funds will be used for this (and for a surprise gift for the family).

You may donate online at: LINK

Or with a check with “Baby Gift” in the memo line

Contact Deanna Blanchard with questions [email protected]

Spiritual

Nourishment

for you!

For the week of May 2 – May 8

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.

Volunteer Opportunity at the Great Turning Catholic Worker House

Want to lend a helping hand? Join other members of ORUCC at the Great Turning Catholic Worker House of Hospitality on Saturday, May 4th from 9am – noon. We will help plant a “food forest” on the property located on Lucy Lane which is home to individuals and families in need of temporary housing. Email LuAnn Greiner ([email protected]) or Ruthanne Landsness (ruthanne.landsness@gmail.com) to sign up!

Moderator Moments

April 15, 2024

There are some exciting times ahead in the life of ORUCC! Here is a snapshot of things the Leadership Team has been working on with the Ministries and Mission Teams. This list is only a “teaser”! You will hear more details about these things in the weeks to come:

• Congrats to our congregation for fully funding a new drum set for TRU Function!
• We are opening our building to a Latin American Maternal-Child Health group called Roots for Change who will have conference workshops here during two weeks in May. They are focusing on Latina/immigrant women and baby’s health. We will be looking for volunteers to act as building hosts.
• Awaken Dane presentation planned for April 28 during the education hour
• Julia’s plans for maternity leave have been made
• A Land Acknowledgement Task Force was birthed from the Indigenous Justice retreat held in January and they are working on plans to present a Land Acknowledgement Statement to the congregation for approval
• A small team is working on updating our Constitution to better reflect our current church operations
• New educational offerings for adults are being planned
• Confirmation has started for middle schoolers
• Flicker Wild Church is gaining a following
• Unused, leaky sinks have been removed from the Sunday School classrooms and new counters will be placed soon
• Ushers will be returning to Sunday morning services in addition to Welcomers. Watch for sign-ups coming soon.

Many other great things are happening in the life of our church. Opportunities to do good are abundant. I encourage everyone to find the place(s) they can best serve each other and our world.

Blessings on our work together,

Deanna

MOVIE GROUP: “ AMERICAN FICTION”

Thursday, May 2

7:00 pm Oakwood

Hello movie fans

Our last Oakwood Village Performance Center movie before our June, July, August break will be the 2023 satirical drama, “American Fiction.” This film got five Academy Award nominations, including Best Actor (Jeffery Wright), Best Picture, Best Adapted Screenplay, (which won the Oscar) and considerable critical acclaim.

The story centers around a talented African American writer and professor “Thelonious “Monk” Ellison (Wright) who discovers, much to his chagrin, that the way to popular success as a Black writer is for him to embrace a kind of Blackness that he abhors, namely, pandering to white cultural stereotypes. How does he deal with this Faustian bargain? All the while, “Monk” has to care for his mother who has Alzheimer’s, a problematic brother, the death of a sister, a maybe romance and guess what- a white literary and movie power structure intent on questionable agendas. The film, however, is laced with humor and characters that draw you in.

The movie has much to say about about success, power, stereotypes and personal integrity. So we hope you will join us Thursday, May 2nd at 7 pm with discussion to follow in the Nakoma Room.

And for you literary types, the film is based on the 2003 novel, “Erasure” by Percival Everett. Everett is the Black writer now getting considerable praise for his novel “James”, his retelling of the Huckleberry Finn adventure, but with Jim as the central figure.

Lunch and Learn 

Wednesday, May 8^th

We will welcome UW Madison Oral History Program head Troy Reeves to our 11:30 luncheon.  Professor Reeves will speak on the subject “What is Oral History? And Why Does It Matter?”  We convene at 11:30, dine on a wonderful buffet luncheon at 11:45 with the Reeves program at 12:30. The luncheon is $10 per person.

Please RSVP to Steve Sheets [email protected]. 

Worker Justice Wisconsin Annual Faith Labor Breakfast

May 16 from 8:00 am to 10:00 am

First United Methodist Church

Join Worker Justice  Wisconsin on Thursday May 16 for the Annual Faith Labor Breakfast, a gathering of faith, labor and community organizations united in a commitment to worker justice Connect with allies, hear inspiring stories from worker members and discover how you can support rank-and file workers in organizing their workplaces.

This year’s theme is “ Sprouting the Seeds of Solidarity” Just like trees in a forest, we grow together in unity to create a world where every worker is treat with dignity and respect by their employers and have a real voice in the workplace.

In 2024 Worker Justice Wisconsin aims to intensify the wage theft campaign, expand collective action in the construction industry and support worker-owned cooperatives. 

If you are interested in attending please register please click here LINK

If you would like more information or have questions contact Paulette Harder at 262-385-6148 or email at [email protected]

Join for our final Wayfinding:

The Soul-tasks of Aging:

Toward a Theology of the Elder Years

May 15, 2024 9:45am-11:15am

Friendship Hall

          

    May 16, 2024 04:00 PM

ZOOM

Click here to join Zoom meeting



us02web.zoom.us/j/87998025473?pwd=dEEzcFkvSnBNdzNUaE5BK2RxUDZqZz09

Meeting ID: 879 9802 5473

Passcode: 573548

Dial in

1 312 626 6799 US 

There is a new campaign to raise $200,000 to rebuild and strengthen the 17 lakeside cabins at Moon Beach, a place that has been a source of renewal for so many of us over the years.  Here’s a little more background from the folks at Moon Beach:

“The foundations, crafted decades ago with cinder blocks, stumps, and pine posts now require restoration to ensure their longevity and stability against the elements. By repairing and restoring the foundations with a firm footing for the footprint and base of the cabins, we can ensure their stability and compliance with regulatory standards, allowing us to maintain them for generations to come.”

With a matching grant already announced, the goal is to raise $100,000 that would then net the campaign $200,000. For those of us at ORUCC who love Moon Beach and who have the ability to give, thank you for your consideration.  Click here to donate.

Sign Up to Volunteer on Sunday Mornings Now Through the

End of September 2024!

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, 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 Coffee Maker

Click here to sign up as a Welcomer

Click here to sign up as a Lay Liturgist

Click here to assist with Holy Communion

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