Immigration Justice Sanctuary Conversation:

Sunday February 16th, 11:15 am – 12:15 pm

In June of 2017 our congregation passed a motion to become a Sanctuary Congregation with this wording:

As a community of faith seeking to be spiritually alive, joyfully inclusive and committed to justice, and in solidarity with our undocumented brothers and sisters whose lives and families are being torn apart by our country’s immigration policies and enforcement actions, we of Orchard Ridge United Church of Christ declare ourselves to be a Sanctuary Congregation. We commit to engage in support, advocacy and service as best we are able to our immigrant neighbors, in collaboration with the interfaith community and the broader Dane Sanctuary network. Included in this commitment is the willingness to provide physical sanctuary as the need arises.

These beautiful commitments were the result of a faith journey, with prayer and discernment. 

Join after worship this Sunday (2/16/25) for a discussion facilitated by Pastor Julia about what immigration justice in Dane County might look like in a NEW era. Use THIS document to view the framework behind becoming a Sanctuary Congregation and come to learn about new ways immigration justice organizers are advising we provide hospitality for some of our most vulnerable neighbors. As a follow-up to our conversation this Sunday, on Sunday, March 2, 2025, the Dane Sanctuary Coalition will hold a Know Your Rights training at ORUCC with Immigration Attorney Grant Sovern of the Community Immigration Law Center (CILC). This training will provide legal information on what to say (or not say) if you are questioned by an agent from ICE.

February Compassion Offering:

The Crossing

The Crossing is a transformative, creative, and welcoming justice centered campus ministry at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. The Crossing provides a progressive Christian and multi-faith ministry that defines itself as a place where students come to “Belong – Explore – Advocate – Become.” Learn more about The Crossing at https://orucc.org/keeping-current/monthly-compassion-offering/

Upcoming Sunday Morning Opportunities…

Mark your calendars: there many special events offered both before and after worship!

• February 16, 11:15 a.m. Immigration Justice “Sanctuary Church” Update (see above for more details)
• February 23, 11:15 a.m. MOSES Information and Conversation
• March 2, 9:00 a.m. Safe Sanctuary Refresher (Children/Youth Policy); 11:15 a.m. Immigration Justice “Know Your Rights” Training
• March 9, 9:00 a.m. Lenten All-Ages Faith Formation 
• March 14-16, All-Church Retreat (see below for more details)
• March 23, 9:00 a.m. Newcomer’s Meet & Greet ; 11:15 a.m. Presentation on the January 2025 ORUCC Trip to the Border
• March 30, 9:00 a.m. New Members Class 1st Session
• April 6, 9:00 a.m. Children and Youth Ministry Update with Kate & Julie; 9:00 a.m. New Members Class 2nd Session
• April 13, 9:00 a.m. Palm Sunday Intergenerational Faith Formation;  9:00 a.m. New Members Class 3rd Session
• Easter Sunday, April 20, 6:00 a.m. Easter Sunrise Service followed by brunch; 10:00 Worship; 11:15 a.m. Children and Youth Easter Egg Hunt
• April 27, 9:00 a.m. Care of Creation Mission Team Presents: Gardening with Native Plants, with Andrew Epping; 9:00 a.m. New Members Class 4th Session

Java & Jesus will also return for adults’ faith formation in the Alfred Swan room at the 9:00 hour on the following dates: February 23, March 16, 23, 30, April 6, 13, May 4, 11, 18 and 25.

Registration is open for the All-Church Lenten Retreat, March 14-16!

Pastor Julia and Pastor Kate welcome you to this year’s annual All-Church retreat!

Set on beautiful Green Lake at Daycholah Center, our time together will include opportunities for rest, reflection, play, and prayer. Our theme this year explores the seeming polarities of “faith” and “works”–how we develop spiritual resilience for meaningful action in the world.

The retreat is a wonderful way to experience deeper relationships with others at ORUCC as we also grow in our faith together. Registration is open through February 26th. Sign up today! 

Some FAQ’s:

Who is this for? Everyone! We will have engaging age-specific programming, plus many opportunities for intergenerational fun.

What will we do? We’ll spend time in fellowship (games, movies, and hanging out, eating good food!), opportunities for rest and relaxation, exploration of outdoors on the grounds of Daycholah Center, group sessions for learning and spiritual growth, and worship.

What is the sleeping situation? Some rooms are private and some are shared, and if you’d like to request a private room please reach out. The facilities have twin size mattresses, and you will need to bring bedding.

If I do register what should I bring?

Bring a sleeping bag or warm blanket, sheets and pillows for a twin size bed; towels and toiletries; warm outdoor clothes; cozy indoor clothes and indoor shoes; book/journal/art supplies for personal reflection and relaxation; games to share with friends.

Is Daycholah accessible? Yes! They have accessible rooms and an elevator in the dining hall building. They also have a golf cart that could be used for traversing Daycholah. There is no way we could say there are no trip or fall hazards, as Daycholah is built into a large hill. However, Daycholah staff will do everything we can to assist with any guest needs. If there are specific requests or questions related to the facilities, please reach out to Daycholah staff, Laura Jorgensen, [email protected]

What is the cost?

$200 for ages 12+

$140 for ages 4-11

Children under 4 no cost

The cost covers all meals from Friday dinner through Sunday breakfast, lodging, and programming for the weekend. These costs already reflect that a portion of the registration fee is covered by the church, but scholarships are also available upon request.

How do I register? Register online by February 26th. Payment for the retreat may be made by check, or at the church website

New Adult Study Group continues today, February 13th

Feeling spiritually discombobulated since the election? Disappointed? Confused? Tempted to throw up your hands or throw in the towel? Tired? Wondering how the church can or should be involved in politics, in social justice and service, in other affairs of the world? Should we just lick our wounds and go to church?

We will dig a little deeper on these kinds of questions through exploring a root question for people of faith: How are the heavenly kingdom and the earthly kingdom related? Or, stated a little differently, less old-fashioned and stuffy: How are church and politics related? Should they be? What are the options and possibilities?

David Anderman is leading a study group on these topics Thursday mornings in the Swan Room and via Zoom 10:00 – 11:30 am February 13th, 20th and 27th, with the discussion picking up again after Easter, May 1st, 8th, and 15th.

Use the following Zoom log-in information for the morning sessions through February 27th:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87256746861?pwd=dPj8awHmFKJKptbJd5m9CxjoQ8A6xj.1

Meeting ID: 872 5674 6861

Passcode: 740345

There will be sessions by Zoom evenings on those dates from 7:00 to 8:30 pm, with the following Zoom log-in information through February 27th:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81078934525?pwd=dWU846t0KABFnFRC7yHcHXmSoJKxky.1

Meeting ID: 810 7893 4525

Passcode: 031430



More information is provided in a hand-out available at church.

College Scholarships Available

Members of ORUCC are invited to apply for 2025-2026 college scholarships of $500 to $2,000 from the Frank E. Page Scholarship Fund. Applicants should be planning to begin or continue education at any accredited 2- or 4-year college or university and should have a record of academic achievement, service to church and community, and demonstrated financial need. The application deadline is February 15, 2025; contact [email protected] for an electronic application. Questions? Contact Ann Evensen at [email protected]

Please consider volunteering to help set-up or clean-up

at Party Gras by signing up at https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0F4FADAD2EA3F49-55058287-party

Sign Up to Volunteer on Sunday Mornings now through March of 2025!

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

• Page #1: Choose the date you are available to volunteer and select the box that says “SIGN UP“.  Then, at the bottom of the page select the box “SAVE & CONTINUE“.
• Page #2: Enter your first/last name and your email address. Then select the box at the bottom of the page “SIGN UP NOW“

Questions or problems signing up?

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

Come sing with us–join our Choir!

All singers are welcome to join our Choir! Rehearsals are Wednesday

evenings from 7:00 to 8:30pm. We sing in worship the first and third

Sundays of the month, gathering for rehearsal 9am those Sunday mornings.

Please share your voice with a group of music-loving friendly people! For more information, email Bruce Gladstone at [email protected].

Spiritual

Nourishment

for you!

Daily Reflections: February 13 – 19

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. If you know someone who needs encouragement and would like the devotional mailed to them, please contact the church office.

Daily Reflections: February 13 – 19

Orchard Ridge United Church of Christ

1501 Gilbert Road

Madison, WI 53711

608-271-7212

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