The Wisconsin Council of Churches’ comments on the two proposed constitutional amendments on the

August 13th ballot

Doug Poland, partner at Stafford Rosenbaum LLP, Ruling Elder at Covenant Presbyterian Church in Madison

Wisconsin voters who cast ballots in the statewide Partisan Primary Election on August 13 will be confronted with two questions on their ballot that, if they receive a majority of “yes” votes, will amend the Wisconsin Constitution. It is important for all Wisconsin voters to understand these questions and what they will mean for our state if they receive a majority of “yes” votes. And it is important for all of us who profess to be followers of Jesus Christ to consider the impact of these proposed amendments in the context of our shared faith.

A Christian faith contextual perspective on governmental power, its legitimacy, and how we respond

It is difficult not to see the proposed constitutional amendments—which were passed solely by the Wisconsin State Legislature and are not subject to a gubernatorial veto—as an attempt by the Legislature to grab for itself power that it does not now and never has had. This appears to be another attempt by the Legislature to vastly expand its own power and to take away power that has been used by Republican and Democratic Governors alike for decades to ensure that federal funds are quickly distributed to those in need in times of emergency. This attempt to seize control over spending is reminiscent of the Legislature’s recent attempts to unilaterally block the distribution of funds for environmental programs that the Legislature and the Governor already had approved during the biennial budget process. The Wisconsin Supreme Court in a 6-1 decision on July 5 held that the Legislature’s claims to authority to block the distribution of these funds violated the Wisconsin Constitution by intruding on the Governor’s core powers.

In considering how to vote on August 13, we, as Christians, should consider the justness of the existing laws and government structures that ensure our neighbors will receive emergency assistance in times of disaster, and we should consider how an attempt by one political body to seize power solely for itself and its own control will impede the swift distribution of relief to our neighbors in need of times of emergency. Just as Jesus opposed and challenged the unjust laws in his day to ensure that God’s justice and mercy were done, and the earliest disciples similarly challenged prohibitions by the authorities on their acts of mercy and healing, we as followers of Jesus Christ have an obligation to engage in our civic lives in a way that most actively promotes mercy, compassion, and healing, and that resists efforts to seize power and control that serve no just purpose.

So, as we approach our opportunity to vote on proposed amendments to the Wisconsin Constitution, I encourage you to question how the decisions you make in casting your ballot reflect how you are called by God to discipleship in Jesus Christ, not only in serving your faith community, but in our shared public life as well.

Read the entire article here to learn more about the specific questions on this August’s ballot.

This article was prepared by the author in his personal capacity. The opinions expressed in this article are the author’s own and do not reflect the views of Stafford Rosenbaum LLP or Law Forward, Inc. 

Our Generosity at Work: Compassion Offering for July

We are delighted to report that July’s Compassion Offering for the Good Shepherd Food Pantry amounted to $3,294. The Food Pantry, housed at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church’s Madison Campus, serves the Southwest Madison Community and is open Thursdays to meet emergency food needs of families and individuals in our area.

Workday at The Crossing

Do you care about UW students and want to help ensure they have an inviting and welcoming space to belong in community, explore their faith, advocate for justice and become their authentic selves? You are invited on August 17th from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. to join Sue Dixon & other Crossing Board members to help prepare The Crossing campus ministry building – 1127 University Avenue – for the fall semester. As the saying goes, “Many hands make light work!” Our goals for the morning include mulching the gardens outside and cleaning inside. If you are interested in working outside, please bring gloves and tools for mulching. All interior cleaning supplies will be provided. Feel free to bring a water bottle to stay hydrated. Contact Sue Dixon at 608-712-9050 or [email protected] if you have questions. For more information about The Crossing click here to visit their website.

Madison Mennonite Church seeks

an Administrative Assistant

This is a part-time position at 6 hours/week (.15 FTE).

Madison Mennonite Church’s Administrative Assistant collaborates with the Pastor and lay leaders to equip the MMC community in its mission and vision. The Administrative Assistant provides organizational support to the congregation through financial bookkeeping, communication and information sharing, and record keeping. This is a primarily remote position with occasional in-person tasks and meetings in Madison, WI.

The complete job description may be viewed here.

“Kids in the Garden”

Last call for the summer: Sunday, August 25th

”Kids in the Garden” is our yearly summer enrichment program. During worship, children ages 6 and older (ages 5 and younger must be accompanied by a caregiver) will be invited to hear a nature-themed story, visit our Children’s Garden plot to collect herbs, and make a snack to serve after worship. This program will be offered one more time this summer: Sunday, August 25. While there is no staffed nursery care during the summer, children of all ages are always welcome to remain in service or to visit the “Crossroads” with a caregiver as well.   

There is no regularly scheduled 9:00 a.m. Sunday School for Children and Youth during the summer. Sunday School will resume on September 8th!

AUGUST COMPASSION OFFERING

United Church of Christ Outdoor Ministry

Many at Orchard Ridge have experienced community and spiritual renewal at Moon Beach over the years. So many of us have warm memories from across the seasons:

• From the summertime: With multigenerational family camps, autism family camps, memory family camps, and rainbow family camps. 
• From the fall: With retreats offering educational enrichment and an opportunity to create our art in community with others. 
• And from the winter: With a getaway to the peace and beauty of a north woods epiphany retreat. 

Along with Moon Beach, Daycholah Center on the shores of Green Lake, and Cedar Valley located on over 100 beautiful acres near West Bend, comprise our United Church of Christ outdoor ministry here in Wisconsin. And here at Orchard Ridge, we have a strong tradition of supporting our ministry, by participating in and volunteering to support our ministry programming. 

Now, we are asking those of us who know and love our outdoor ministry to give financially, too. With our support, we can ensure a sustainable future for Moon Beach, Daycholah Center, and Cedar Valley. And preserve our special places as sources of spiritual renewal for generations to come.

Thank you for giving generously and giving what you can. This video shares more info.

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/

Black History for a New Day (BHFAND) course coming in September

The Immigration Justice and Racial Justice Mission Teams invite you to learn with us this Fall in the Black History For A New Day (BHFAND) course, developed by Justified Anger and Rev Dr Alex Gee. Check out BHFAND for more information. 

Choose to be in-person at church or live-hybrid  Mondays 7-9PM Sept. 16-Nov. 18 (skipping Oct. 14) to view pre-recorded lectures together, followed by facilitated small group discussions. Learning together strengthens our community and informs our actions, grounded in truth. 

Those who have taken BHFAND and those who haven’t – all are welcome. As one participant states ‘We should never underestimate the impact of processing this history together in community.’

Registration and payment links to follow. Cost is $300 for first time participants and $150 for those of us repeating the course, funds which support Nehemiah’s important work. 

Spiritual

Nourishment

for you!

For the Month of August

For the summer months our Daily Reflections will take on a new format, and a new name: Summer Seeds for a Growing Spirituality. There will be one set of Readings for each of the summer months.



Summer Seeds for a Growing Spirituality: August

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 the church office.

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, an Usher, 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 an Usher

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