ORUCC Children and Youth 

Sunday, December 14, 2025

Dear Families,

We look forward to seeing your family back at ORUCC this week. This coming Sunday is the third week of Advent – Joy. There are many great ways to be involved at ORUCC this week!

If you signed up to purchase a gift for a child in need for our Gift Tree, please return your wrapped, labeled gift this Sunday.

Crafty Sunday returns this Sunday in the Johnson Room at 8:15 am. Children of all ages are invited to bring a current craft or start a new project. Parents, if you are seeking a craft space, you are welcome to join us. too!

Christmas Eve music rehearsal continues this Sunday, 10 am-11am, downstairs in the Bonhoeffer Room.

Finally, prepare your bellies for our annual Cookie Sale to support the Summer Service Trip.

Please read below for details about this, and other upcoming events.



-Pastor Kate & Julie M.

Sunday Morning Faith Formation Classes

Nursery Care 8:30-11:30 AM

Nursery Care with Abby and Jade is available for children 6 months to 5 years old in the Frances Room.

Peace Circle (PreK-8th Grade) 9:00-9:50 AM:

Children in PreK-8th Grade will gather in the Ruby Bridges Room at 9 am for Music with Julie. We’ll begin by singing, “Mary Had a Baby” in preparation for our Christmas Eve service. Following the music, the children will explore the advent stories of the Prophets, Mary and Joseph, and the Shepherds. Exploration stations will include writing Christmas cards to church elders, ornament creation, sand play, and puzzles. We’ll close in prayer. Josie G. and Jadyn G., and Hal E. will lead the children in the experience.

Teen Text (High School) will not meet this Sunday. Instead, teens are invited to help set-up the Cookie Sale during the 9 am Faith Formation hour. Youth, please sign up here for a task!

Music Opportunities

Music Connections/Christmas Eve Rehearsal:  Children participating in the Christmas Eve service will rehearse from 10-11 am. Please note that children will not attend worship, but will begin downstairs with Julie. We might need 75 min to get through all the material. Your patience and flexibility as we move through this season is appreciated! Anyone not participating in Christmas Eve is still invited to stay in worship or visit the Crossroads with a caregiver. Devin C. will be our Safe Sanctuary volunteer.

TRU Function: will continue their preparations for the Christmas Eve service at with practice from 10:00-Noon on Sunday. TF youth who are also involved in the Service Trip are expected to participate in the Cookie sale set-up before practice and/or clean-up after practice.

Youth Service Trip Fundraiser Cookie Sale Info

All participating youth are expected to take part in the Cookie Sale, our first fundraiser, on December 14th. Please see this document for more information. Additionally, ORUCC youth are invited to a Cookie Baking Party on December 12th! More information and RSVP here.

Save the Date: Upcoming Events

• December 14, Crafty Sunday, 8:15-9:00
• December 12, Youth Service Trip Cookie Baking Party: See info here!
• December 14, Cookie Sale Fundraiser: Youth participating in the 2026 Service Trip are expected to participate in this fundraiser. Please see more info here.
• December 28, Winter Break: No Children’s Faith Formation or Music Connections
• January 4, All ages Intergenerational Epiphany Faith Formation, 9:00
• January 23, “Lock-In Light” 6:00pm-Midnight: Youth Event at ORUCC with Madison Mennonite Church and First UMC! More info coming soon about this joint fellowship opportunity.

Home Prayer for the Week: 

You are invited to use this prayer with your family to help deepen your faith together. Times you might consider sharing this prayer include before bedtime, at mealtime, or any other regular connecting moment you share with your child(ren). Does your family have a prayer practice or a favorite prayer? If you are comfortable sharing, please EMAIL JULIE, and your family’s prayer will be featured here.

God of Joy,

Thank you for loving us.

Thank you for the ways joy fills our world

during this season.

Help us to spread that joy to those around us, even when it’s hard.

Amen.

-from “Advent at the Kids Table”