Worship Resources for May 11, 2025

Orchard Ridge UCC on May 10, 2025

Orchard Ridge

United Church of Christ

Sunday Worship Resources

Sunday, May 11

The Fourth Sunday of Easter

9:00 am For Adults:

Java & Jesus in the Alfred Swan Room

(see below)

9:00 am For Children and Youth:

Faith Formation

10:00 am Worship

Sermon: Ken Pennings

Lay Liturgist: Laura Conners

Musical Offerings: Handbell Choir

11:15 am Pat Hale’s 100th Birthday Celebration

All are welcome!

Friendship Hall

(see below)

Embroidery Sale to support Madison Arcatao Sister City Project before & after worship

Click Here for Printable Bulletin

Join our Worship virtually

on YouTube any time after 10 am:

YouTube Link

You will need to refresh the page

after 10 am if you have opened it before

Please note: Senior Pastor Julia Burkey is away on a spiritual retreat May 7 – 11. Please feel free contact Associate Pastor Ken Pennings or Associate Pastor Kate Mackey for any pastoral needs during this time.

Java & Jesus

Sunday, May 11th, at 9 am

Attend in-person at the church in the

Alfred Swan Room, or attend remotely

by Zoom

Dan Rossmiller facilitating

All are welcome!

Join us even if this is your first time!

Please read ahead of time and come prepared to discuss the story of Rebekah, Jacob, Esau, & Issac from the book of Genesis in the Hebrew Bible along with some discussion questions.

Click here for the reading

– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

Click here to join the Zoom discussion

Or paste the following into your browser:  

us02web.zoom.us/j/82770860427?pwd=d3brshq8rhaSf2LAQId0eFG6SRepan.1

Or phone in 1-312-626-6799

Meeting ID: 827 7086 0427

Passcode: 424028

If you have difficulty accessing the Zoom discussion,

phone Ken Pennings at 608-556-2371
party_candles_cake.jpg

Come celebrate Pat Hale’s 100th birthday after worship!

Please join us in Friendship Hall after Sunday’s worship for birthday cake and punch to celebrate the 100th birthday of our own Pat Hale!

May Compassion Offering:

Madison Arcatao Sister City Project (MASCP)

The May Compassion Offering is for the Madison Arcatao Sister City Project (MASCP). Arcatao, El Salvador, is one of Madison’s ten sister cities. Since 1986, Madison and Arcatao have worked together to learn from each other in solidarity across international boundaries. As part of the U.S.-El Salvador Sister Cities (USESSC) network, MASCP works for social change by building and defending sustainable communities and economies. They communicate regularly with the community in Arcatao and lead delegations to learn what’s happening there and to share what’s happening here. The delegations then share what they’ve learned with the wider Madison community. 

 

Your donations will support college scholarships for students from Arcatao and projects in the Arcatao community and surrounding rural areas. Specific priorities are set locally by the community board, with community members or local businesspeople providing the labor. Recent efforts have included building a wall to protect against flooding and repairing two wells to filter out dangerous heavy metals. The wells will provide safe drinking water for over 500 families for the next 25 years. See the well project.

Buy Fair Trade Embroidery from El Salvador this Sunday, May 11th

Madison Arcatao Sister City Project supports the women’s embroidery cooperative in Arcatao by purchasing items to sell in Madison. Shop at the MASCP pop-up shop at church before and after worship this Sunday, May 11th. T-shirts, cards, bags, and napkins are just some of the unique treasures you’ll find.

Senior Pastor: Rev. Dr. Julia Burkey EMAIL

Associate Pastor: Rev. Kate Mackey EMAIL

Associate Pastor: Rev. Ken Pennings EMAIL

Director of Children’s Arts and Education: Julie Mazer EMAIL

Office Manager George Decker

608-271-7212 or EMAIL



LIKE or FOLLOW the Orchard Ridge Facebook Page

JOIN our Private FB Group:

“Members & Friends of Orchard Ridge UCC“

Follow us on Instagram @orchardridgeucc

Orchard Ridge UCC | Spiritually Alive, Joyfully Inclusive, Committed to Justice 1501 Gilbert Road | Madison, WI 53711 US

May 29 Speaker at Midvale Lutheran

Orchard Ridge UCC on May 8, 2025

Gaza and the West Bank: A Struggle for Survival Amid Genocide

May 29 at 7:00pm

Midvale Community Lutheran Church, 4329 Tokay Blvd., Madison, WI

Register Here

Israel’s extreme violence in Gaza and the West Bank is uprooting entire communities, destroying homes, displacing civilians, many of them children, and depriving inhabitants of food, water, shelter and medical care. This violence is putting the continued existence of the entire Gazan people at risk and making each day a struggle for their survival. The question is no longer when peace will come, but whether the people of Gaza and the West Bank will survive long enough to see it. This presentation aims to shed light on the lived experiences of Palestinians under siege, the international silence surrounding their suffering and the resilience they continue to show in the face of what many are calling a slow, unfolding genocide. It will also lift up some of the resistance to Israel’s action in Gaza that is going on around the world.

Rev. El-Yateem, a highly respected Arab-American leader and community organizer, was born in Bethlehem in 1968 and emigrated to the United States in 1992. He holds a Master of Divinity degree from the Lutheran Theological Seminary in Philadelphia, and a bachelor’s degree from the Evangelical Theological Seminary in Cairo. One of Rev. El-Yateem’s primary focuses is promoting open dialogue and unity, especially among Christians, Jews and Muslims.

Rev. El-Yateem serves as Executive Director for Service and Justice at the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). 

ORUCC Weekly Announcements for May 8th

Orchard Ridge UCC on May 8, 2025

Spiritually Alive, Joyfully Inclusive, Committed to Justice

Weekly Announcements

for Thursday, May 8

“Godly Living in Ungodly Times” Class

Thursday, May 8

10:00 – 11:30 am

Swan Room

David Anderman

(see below)

Meditation Group–Zoom only

Friday, May 9

9:30 – 10:30 am

Zoom

Sue Dixon

Sunday, May 11

The Fourth Sunday of Easter

9:00 am For Adults:

Java & Jesus in the Alfred Swan Room

9:00 am For Children and Youth:

Faith Formation

10:00 am Worship

Sermon: Ken Pennings

Lay Liturgist: Laura Conners

Musical Offerings: Handbell Choir

11:15 am Pat Hale’s 100th Birthday Celebration

All are welcome!

Friendship Hall

(see below)

Embroidery Sale to support Madison Arcatao Sister City Project before & after worship

Men’s Group in-person

Monday, May 12

7:15 – 8:30 pm

Dorothy Day Room / Oscar Romero Room

Jim McNamara

Lunch and Learn

Wednesday, May 14

11:30 am

Friendship Hall

(see below)

Last Choir Practice of the Season

Wednesday, May 14

7:00 – 8:30 pm

Music Room or Worship Hall

Bruce Gladstone

Meditation Group

Thursday, May 15

8:30 – 9:30 am

Romero Room

Becky Baumbach

Please note: Senior Pastor Julia Burkey will be away on a spiritual retreat May 7 – 11. Please feel free contact Associate Pastor Ken Pennings or Associate Pastor Kate Mackey for any pastoral needs during this time.
party_candles_cake.jpg

Come celebrate Pat Hale’s 100th birthday after Sunday’s worship!

Please join us in Friendship Hall after Sunday’s worship for birthday cake and punch to celebrate the 100th birthday of our own Pat Hale!

May Compassion Offering:

Madison Arcatao Sister City Project (MASCP)

The May Compassion Offering is for the Madison Arcatao Sister City Project (MASCP). Arcatao, El Salvador, is one of Madison’s ten sister cities. Since 1986, Madison and Arcatao have worked together to learn from each other in solidarity across international boundaries. As part of the U.S.-El Salvador Sister Cities (USESSC) network, MASCP works for social change by building and defending sustainable communities and economies. They communicate regularly with the community in Arcatao and lead delegations to learn what’s happening there and to share what’s happening here. The delegations then share what they’ve learned with the wider Madison community. 

 

Your donations will support college scholarships for students from Arcatao and projects in the Arcatao community and surrounding rural areas. Specific priorities are set locally by the community board, with community members or local businesspeople providing the labor. Recent efforts have included building a wall to protect against flooding and repairing two wells to filter out dangerous heavy metals. The wells will provide safe drinking water for over 500 families for the next 25 years. See the well project.

Buy Fair Trade Embroidery from El Salvador this Sunday, May 11th

Madison Arcatao Sister City Project supports the women’s embroidery cooperative in Arcatao by purchasing items to sell in Madison. Shop at the MASCP pop-up shop at church before and after worship this Sunday, May 11th. T-shirts, cards, bags, and napkins are just some of the unique treasures you’ll find.

Learn more about the Madison Arcatao Sister City Project before worship on Sunday, May 18th

Perhaps you’ve read in the news about the United States’ current political relationship with El Salvador. During the 9 am hour on Sunday, May 18th, MASCP invites you to a presentation about Madison’s history with our sister city, news from the 2025 delegation, and plans for continued advocacy.  

“Godly Living in Ungodly Times” class continues this morning, Thursday, May 8th

The Godly Living in Ungodly Times class will meet again today, 10-11:30 am, in person in the Swan Room and via Zoom, and 7-8:30 pm Zoom only.

The Zoom link for this morning’s class is:  https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81642534898?pwd=QJHI0cbOOca9pmYLNSxPvPilDqjZ

The Zoom link for this evening’s class is:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83262009425?pwd=XiAuwXZGhQWxzUAxTAaiMkL07b1z

Classes will be held for three sessions after Easter. Contact David Anderman at [email protected] if you have questions.

Plastic recycling campaign was a 1,000-pound success!

We did it! Together we collected 1,000 pounds of plastic in six months, keeping it out of the landfill and recycling it into this fabulous bench that now graces the landscape of ORUCC. 

If you’d like to continue to recycle your plastics, take them to your local grocery store. Hy-Vee and MetroMart participate in the NetTrex program that provided our beautiful bench. They recycle bags into plastic wood products. 

Recyclable items include plastic bags, bubble wrap, toilet paper wrapping, cereal bags, etc. Look for the recycling symbol ♻️, most are number 4. Items that are not allowed 🚫 include hard plastics (milk bottles, yogurt containers), dog food bags, frozen food bags, and anything that says it is not recyclable! Blue Amazon mailers are okay, orange ones are not!

ORUCC Car Donation Team processes its 15th car donation!

Here’s the new owner, a single working mom, poised to drive off in her 2006 Toyota Prius, donated by Jill Westberg — the 15th such donation processed by the Orchard Ridge Car Donation Mission Team.

 

The program began a few years ago when church members active in the South West Partnership became aware of the huge obstacle caused by lack of reliable inexpensive transportation for our neighbors. It seemed logical that older cars, owned by church members willing to donate them, could be fixed up a little bit and delivered to folks in need.

 

The Car Donation program depends on the generosity of church members — some who donate cars and some who contribute money so that this work will continue. So please contact the Mission Team — Baxter Richardson (chair), Jon Blanchard, Paul Eggerling-Boeck to learn more.
piano-theater-sm.jpg

David Allen performs at Oakwood on Monday, May 12th

On Monday, May 12th at 7pm, David Allen is pleased to return to Oakwood for a solo piano performance. Original improvisations of classical, pop, and jazz tunes will feature composers Frank Ocean, Bill Evans, Elton John, Bix Beiderbecke, Jerome Kern, Mozart, and JS Bach. Donations will once again benefit the ORUCC Youth program. 

Lunch & Learn: Wednesday, May 14th at 11:30 am

 

Rev. Kate Mackey will present our program on “Generations: Understanding Who We Are”

 

Have you ever looked at anyone older or younger than you, and wondered, “How can we be so different?” Experts say that there are now at least five distinct generations living together in our country, and the Church is one of the few places left where people of all generations have an opportunity to cross paths. This generational mixing is a gift of the congregational church, and also a challenge. Without developing a compassionate understanding of generational differences, misunderstandings can arise. We will dive into the excellent resource Generations by Jean M. Twenge to learn about the different generations alive today (Silents, Boomers, Gen X, Millennials, and Gen Z, plus the upcoming “Polars”), and what each generation’s distinct experiences could mean for us as a community of faith. 

 

Rev. Kate Mackey is the Associate Pastor for Children, Youth and Families at Orchard Ridge UCC. In addition to her work in congregational ministry, she has served as a chaplain in several hospital settings and at Mendota Mental Health Institute. Kate completed her M.Div at The Seattle School of Theology & Psychology, and she is endlessly curious about how humans relate to one another and to the Divine.

 

Our meal will be a “generational picnic”. The meal donation is $10.  Please email Steve Sheets with your RSVP.  We need the count for the Hospitality Team!   [email protected]

How UCC Mission Partners bring hope to the Holy Land

Rescheduled to Sunday, June 29th,

at 9:00 am,

in Friendship Hall

During the past 16 years, ORUCC members Diane Dulin and Tom Beilman have traveled multiple times to the Holy Land. They’ve seen firsthand how UCC Mission Partners (partner organizations) bring hope and friendship to oppressed peoples, amidst the constant stress of military occupation. Come and hear inspiring, informative stories about the vital work of these Mission Partners.
graduation_cap.jpg

Six Page College Scholarship winners at ORUCC announced!

Congratulations to the ORUCC winners of 2025 UCC Frank E. Page College Scholarships: Lila and Rex Eggerling-Boeck, Josie Gilbert, Joseph and Madeline Miller, and Gavin Muckian. There were 16 award winners from Dane Co-area UCC churches, six of whom were from ORUCC.

Stay up to date on ORUCC Children and Youth happenings

Want to stay up to date on the latest with children and youth at ORUCC? Check out our weekly updates here:

https://orucc.org/keeping-current/children-and-youth-news//

Volunteer Opportunity at Camp Awesum

Camp Awesum Family Camp is a weeklong summer camp at Moon Beach for families with kids on the autism spectrum. Volunteers are needed! Volunteers supervise activities for the kids, giving parents respite during the first half of the day; in most afternoons, volunteers get to enjoy Moon Beach! You don’t need to be an autism expert; just bring your caring, patient self. We need volunteers for weeks in June and August. If you’re interested or want more information, please reach out to Hal Evensen – volunteer since 2017 – or one of the pastors. Thank you for your consideration! Additionally, you can click here for more information: https://bit.ly/ORUCC-Awesum

May 23-25 Brat Fest Fundraiser for Youth Service Trip

One of the biggest fundraisers for the Youth Service Trip is coming up! All youth attending the Service Trip are expected to sign up to participate in the Brat Fest fundraiser. But did you know that anyone who would like to volunteer under our group’s name (Orchard Ridge UCC) will also have their hours counted toward our fundraiser? It’s true!

Please sign up here if you would like to participate.

Please Sign Up to Volunteer on Sunday Mornings!

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.

Spiritual

Nourishment

for you!

Daily Reflections: May 8 – 14

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: May 8 – 14

Office Manager George Decker

available Mon.-Thurs. 8:30am -12:30 pm

608-271-7212 or EMAIL

Senior Pastor Julia Burkey: available

Office hours: Tuesday – Thursday 9:30 am – 12:00 pm 

& by appointment Tuesday – Thursday 9:30 am – 5 pm

518-542-6915 EMAIL

Associate Pastor Ken Pennings: available

Tues.-Thurs. 10:00 am -5:00 pm 

by appointment

608-556-2371 EMAIL

Associate Pastor Kate Mackey: available

Mon.-Thurs. 8:00 am – 2:00 pm

by appointment

608-358-6143 EMAIL

Julia and Ken (try to) take Monday & Saturday as Sabbath days,

Kate Friday and Saturday

Friday is observed as a writing day for the preaching pastor.

In case of a pastoral emergency, please call any of the pastors, as all pastors are available by phone, text and we will always have a pastor on call who we can turn to.

LIKE or FOLLOW the Orchard Ridge FaceBook Page

JOIN our Private FB Group:

“Members & Friends of Orchard Ridge UCC“

Orchard Ridge United Church of Christ

1501 Gilbert Road

Madison, WI 53711

608-271-7212

Office Hours: M-Th 8:30-12:30
Facebook  Twitter  Pinterest

Orchard Ridge UCC | Spiritually Alive, Joyfully Inclusive, Committed to Justice 1501 Gilbert Road | Madison, WI 53711 US

ORUCC – Java & Jesus – May 11, 9 am (In-person or by Zoom)

Orchard Ridge UCC on May 8, 2025

Java & Jesus

Sunday, May 11th, at 9 am

Attend in-person at the church in the

Alfred Swan Room, or attend remotely

by Zoom

Dan Rossmiller facilitating

All are welcome!

Join us even if this is your first time!

Please read ahead of time and come prepared to discuss the story of Rebekah, Jacob, Esau, & Issac from the book of Genesis in the Hebrew Bible along with some discussion questions.

Click here for the reading

– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

Click here to join the Zoom discussion

Or paste the following into your browser:  

us02web.zoom.us/j/82770860427?pwd=d3brshq8rhaSf2LAQId0eFG6SRepan.1

Or phone in 1-312-626-6799

Meeting ID: 827 7086 0427

Passcode: 424028

If you have difficulty accessing the Zoom discussion,

phone Ken Pennings at 608-556-2371

Orchard Ridge UCC | Spiritually Alive, Joyfully Inclusive, Committed to Justice www.orucc.org | Madison, WI 53711 US

ORUCC May 11 Children and Youth News

Orchard Ridge UCC on May 7, 2025

ORUCC Children and Youth

Faith Formation Update

Sunday, May 11, 2025

Dear Families,

We look forward to seeing you this week. Read on below for details about this opportunity and other things happening this Sunday. At the bottom of the email, you will find some important dates for some fun events and photos of recent events.

~Pastor Kate and Julie M.

Supported Childcare Najma will be available in the Crossroads 8:30-11:30. This service allows parents to socialize and engage in the service, but encourages parents to stay nearby to assist their child, as well. 

Children and Youth Faith Formation is at 9 am. 

PreK-6th Grade (Ruby Bridges Room): This week, the children will gather together for a special Mother’s Day lesson. We’ll reflect on the words of Ephesians 6:1-3, play a “Matriarchs of the Bible” Memory Game, and create something for the mothers in our lives. Josie and Julie M. will guide the children in this experience.

Your child will wait for you in the classroom before moving to the sanctuary for worship at 10 am. 

7th-HS (Dorothy Day Room): Youth will join Kristin and Susan to resume the third of four sessions on “Tell Me About the Bible: Extraordinary Leaders”. This interactive series focuses on some lesser-known characters from the Bible who have something important to teach us about leadership. This week youth will learn about the story of Phoebe.

Music Opportunities for Children and Youth

Music Connections: Following the children’s moment in worship, children in grades 2-6 are invited to join Julie downstairs in the Friedrich Bonhoeffer room for creative movement and a drum circle. We are in need of a Safe Sanctuary volunteer. Can you help? Email Julie if you, or your teen, can. 

Older youth are invited to stay in worship or participate in Music Connections as a helper. If your child wishes to be a helper, please connect with Julie to chat about expectations. In agreement with our church’s Safe Sanctuary policy, two adults must be present in a room when working with children. Sign up to volunteer. 

TRU Function: Practice from 10-noon in the Haynes Music Room.

Upcoming Events

  • May 23-25 Brat Fest Fundraiser for Youth Service Trip: All youth attending the Service Trip are expected to sign up to participate in the Brat Fest fundraiser. Anyone else from the congregation who would like to volunteer under our group’s name (Orchard Ridge UCC) will also have their hours counted toward our fundraiser! Please sign up here if you would like to participate.
  • May 26, 6:30-8:00 p.m. Mandatory Service Trip Meeting: for any youth and chaperones attending this year’s service trip. We will go over important information as we share fellowship together.

At Orchard Ridge, we are Spiritually Alive!

Creation Care Sunday!

On Sunday, May 4, we had a special Creation Care celebration. During the 9 am Faith Formation hour, members of our Care of Creation team led the children and youth in an outdoor nature scavenger hunt. In mixed-age teams, everyone had the opportunity to discover the variety of plants surrounding the church. The children also gathered natural materials that will be used later this summer in a hands-on project to create bee homes for our gardens.

During worship. The children of Music Connections (accompanied by several of their parents) shared an engaging reflection on the Creation narrative with words, music, movement, and art in lieu of a traditional sermon. The Earth Quilt that the children had worked on this spring also made its debut! It was a lovely morning celebrating the beauty of God’s creation in this springtime season.

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.

Mother’s Day

God, you love our mom every day.

There is nothing she needs to do or be to have your love.

She is loved by her family too.

On Mother’s Day we say, “Thank you, God, for our mom.”

May our mom know in her heart how much we love her

and how much you love her too.

-From “Prayers for Faithful Families,” by Traci Smith

Orchard Ridge UCC | Spiritually Alive, Joyfully Inclusive, Committed to Justice 1501 Gilbert Road | Madison, WI 53711 US

Worship Resources for May 4, 2025

Orchard Ridge UCC on May 3, 2025

Orchard Ridge

United Church of Christ

Sunday Worship Resources

Sunday, May 4

The Third Sunday of Easter

9:00 am “Parents Together” Support Group

(see below)

10:00 am Earth Day Worship

Julie Mazer & the Children (during the sermon time)

Lay Liturgist: Nancy Wettersten

Musical Offerings: ORUCC Choir

The Sacrament of Holy Communion

11:15 am Worship and Work

Free Luncheon

(see below)

Click Here for Printable Bulletin

Join our Worship virtually

on YouTube any time after 10 am:

YouTube Link

You will need to refresh the page

after 10 am if you have opened it before

May Compassion Offering:

Madison Arcatao Sister City Project (MASCP)

The May Compassion Offering is for the Madison Arcatao Sister City Project (MASCP). Arcatao, El Salvador, is one of Madison’s ten sister cities. Since 1986, Madison and Arcatao have worked together to learn from each other in solidarity across international boundaries. As part of the U.S.-El Salvador Sister Cities (USESSC) network, MASCP works for social change by building and defending sustainable communities and economies. They communicate regularly with the community in Arcatao and lead delegations to learn what’s happening there and to share what’s happening here. The delegations then share what they’ve learned with the wider Madison community. 

 

Your donations will support college scholarships for students from Arcatao and projects in the Arcatao community and surrounding rural areas. Specific priorities are set locally by the community board, with community members or local businesspeople providing the labor. Recent efforts have included building a wall to protect against flooding and repairing two wells to filter out dangerous heavy metals. The wells will provide safe drinking water for over 500 families for the next 25 years. See the well project.

Sunday, May 4th

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 a free lunch in Friendship Hall with your friends and family.

Sunday, May 4, 9:00 a.m. “Parents Together” Support Group

Raising kids is hard work, full of joy and challenge. Are you looking for some community as you navigate the ups and downs? Parents are invited to come together for a peer-led parents’ support group to share our experiences. The group will meet for approximately 45 minutes in the Oscar Romero room, facilitated by Claire Purkis and Joanna Beilman-Dulin. This will be the soft-launch of a group that will likely meet regularly in the fall.

How UCC Mission Partners bring hope to the Holy Land

Rescheduled to Sunday, June 29th, at 9:00 am, in Friendship Hall

During the past 16 years, ORUCC members Diane Dulin and Tom Beilman have traveled multiple times to the Holy Land. They’ve seen firsthand how UCC Mission Partners (partner organizations) bring hope and friendship to oppressed peoples, amidst the constant stress of military occupation. Come and hear inspiring, informative stories about the vital work of these Mission Partners.

Senior Pastor: Rev. Dr. Julia Burkey EMAIL

Associate Pastor: Rev. Kate Mackey EMAIL

Associate Pastor: Rev. Ken Pennings EMAIL

Director of Children’s Arts and Education: Julie Mazer EMAIL

Office Manager George Decker

608-271-7212 or EMAIL



LIKE or FOLLOW the Orchard Ridge Facebook Page

JOIN our Private FB Group:

“Members & Friends of Orchard Ridge UCC“

Follow us on Instagram @orchardridgeucc

Orchard Ridge UCC | Spiritually Alive, Joyfully Inclusive, Committed to Justice 1501 Gilbert Road | Madison, WI 53711 US

ORUCC Weekly Announcements for May 1st

Orchard Ridge UCC on May 1, 2025

Spiritually Alive, Joyfully Inclusive, Committed to Justice

Weekly Announcements

for Thursday, May 1

“Godly Living in Ungodly Times” Class

Thursday, May 1

10:00 – 11:30 am

Swan Room

David Anderman

(see below)

Friday Breakfast Group

Friday, May 2

9:00 am

Denny’s, 433 S. Gammon Rd.

Louise Jeanne

(see below)

Meditation Group–Zoom only

Friday, May 2

9:30 – 10:30 am

Zoom

Sue Dixon

Family Game Night

Friday, May 2

6:00 – 8:00 pm

Friendship Hall/Kitchen

Sunday, May 4

The Third Sunday of Easter

9:00 am “Parents Together” Support Group

(see below)

10:00 am Earth Day Worship

Julie Mazer & the Children (during the sermon time)

Lay Liturgist: Nancy Wettersten

Musical Offerings: ORUCC Choir

The Sacrament of Holy Communion

11:15 am Worship and Work

Free Luncheon

(see below)

Choir Practice

Wednesday, May 7

7:00 – 8:30 pm

Music Room or Worship Hall

Bruce Gladstone

Meditation Group

Thursday, May 8

8:30 – 9:30 am

Romero Room

Becky Baumbach

Please note: Senior Pastor Julia Burkey will be away on a spiritual retreat May 7 – 11. Please feel free contact Associate Pastor Ken Pennings or Associate Pastor Kate Mackey for any pastoral needs during this time.

May Compassion Offering:

Madison Arcatao Sister City Project (MASCP)

The May Compassion Offering is for the Madison Arcatao Sister City Project (MASCP). Arcatao, El Salvador, is one of Madison’s ten sister cities. Since 1986, Madison and Arcatao have worked together to learn from each other in solidarity across international boundaries. As part of the U.S.-El Salvador Sister Cities (USESSC) network, MASCP works for social change by building and defending sustainable communities and economies. They communicate regularly with the community in Arcatao and lead delegations to learn what’s happening there and to share what’s happening here. The delegations then share what they’ve learned with the wider Madison community. 

 

Your donations will support college scholarships for students from Arcatao and projects in the Arcatao community and surrounding rural areas. Specific priorities are set locally by the community board, with community members or local businesspeople providing the labor. Recent efforts have included building a wall to protect against flooding and repairing two wells to filter out dangerous heavy metals. The wells will provide safe drinking water for over 500 families for the next 25 years. See the well project.

“Godly Living in Ungodly Times” class continues this morning, Thursday, May 1st

The Godly Living in Ungodly Times class will meet again today, 10-11:30 am, in person in the Swan Room and via Zoom, and 7-8:30 pm Zoom only.

The Zoom link for this morning’s class is:  https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81642534898?pwd=QJHI0cbOOca9pmYLNSxPvPilDqjZ

The Zoom link for this evening’s class is:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83262009425?pwd=XiAuwXZGhQWxzUAxTAaiMkL07b1z

Classes will be held for three sessions after Easter. Contact David Anderman at [email protected] if you have questions.
pile_of_old_books.jpg

Women’s Book Group to meet this afternoon, Thursday, May 1st

The Women’s Book Group will gather in person in the Alfred Swan room and on Zoom this afternoon, Thursday, May 1st from 1:30 to 3:00 pm. Mary Neuhaus will lead us in discussing Switchboard Soldiers by Madison author, Jennifer Chiaverini. Looking ahead to June, we will be reading The Crossing Places by Ella Griffiths. Deanna Blanchard [email protected]
breakfast_coffee_orange.jpg

Friday Breakfast Group – May 2nd, 9:00 a.m. 

 

The next Friday Breakfast is set for May 2nd at 9:00 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.

How UCC Mission Partners bring hope to the Holy Land

Rescheduled to Sunday, June 29th,

at 9:00 am,

in Friendship Hall

During the past 16 years, ORUCC members Diane Dulin and Tom Beilman have traveled multiple times to the Holy Land. They’ve seen firsthand how UCC Mission Partners (partner organizations) bring hope and friendship to oppressed peoples, amidst the constant stress of military occupation. Come and hear inspiring, informative stories about the vital work of these Mission Partners.

Sunday, May 4th

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 a free lunch in Friendship Hall with your friends and family.

Sunday, May 4, 9:00 a.m. “Parents Together” Support Group

Raising kids is hard work, full of joy and challenge. Are you looking for some community as you navigate the ups and downs? Parents are invited to come together for a peer-led parents’ support group to share our experiences. The group will meet for approximately 45 minutes in the Oscar Romero room, facilitated by Claire Purkis and Joanna Beilman-Dulin. This will be the soft-launch of a group that will likely meet regularly in the fall.

Stay up to date on ORUCC Children and Youth happenings

Want to stay up to date on the latest with children and youth at ORUCC? Check out our weekly updates here:

https://orucc.org/keeping-current/children-and-youth-news//

Volunteer Opportunity at Camp Awesum

Camp Awesum Family Camp is a weeklong summer camp at Moon Beach for families with kids on the autism spectrum. Volunteers are needed! Volunteers supervise activities for the kids, giving parents respite during the first half of the day; in most afternoons, volunteers get to enjoy Moon Beach! You don’t need to be an autism expert; just bring your caring, patient self. We need volunteers for weeks in June and August. If you’re interested or want more information, please reach out to Hal Evensen – volunteer since 2017 – or one of the pastors. Thank you for your consideration! Additionally, you can click here for more information: https://bit.ly/ORUCC-Awesum

Immigration Justice Mission Team Updates

May 2nd 3pm Day Without Latinx and Immigrants 

You are invited to join Pastor Julia and members of the Immigration Justice Mission Team for statewide ‘Day Without Latinx and Immigrants’ strike and rally on May 2nd. We will meet together at 3:00 pm at Brittingham Park (829 West Washington Avenue) then march to the Capitol at 4pm with a 4:30 rally at the Capitol.

May 6th 2pm Support Refugees Friend-raiser & Fund-raiser

At Capitol Lakes 333 W Main Street in Madison, the authorized Refugee Resettlement agency in Dane County will make a presentation to inform us and ask for help for refugee neighbors. 

Madison Learning Community to offer fall class on the Book of Acts

The Madison Learning Community will offer a fall 2025 class on the Book of Acts, co-taught by the Rev. Dr. Tisha Brown, former Associate Conference Minister of the Wisconsin Conference of the United Church of Christ. This class will explore the literary, religious, theological and social worlds of Acts, in English. For details, including cost, click here (and scroll down).

May 23-25 Brat Fest Fundraiser for Youth Service Trip

One of the biggest fundraisers for the Youth Service Trip is coming up! All youth attending the Service Trip are expected to sign up to participate in the Brat Fest fundraiser. But did you know that anyone who would like to volunteer under our group’s name (Orchard Ridge UCC) will also have their hours counted toward our fundraiser? It’s true!

Please sign up here if you would like to participate.

Please Sign Up to Volunteer on Sunday Mornings!

A Number of Open Slots

in the Near Future!

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: April 17 – 24

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. Please note that Jeanne is taking a break from the Daily Reflections until May 8, 2025, when they will return to the Weekly Announcements. Accordingly, we are again offering the April 17-24 Daily Reflections.

Daily Reflections: April 17 – 24

Office Manager George Decker

available Mon.-Thurs. 8:30am -12:30 pm

608-271-7212 or EMAIL

Senior Pastor Julia Burkey: available

Office hours: Tuesday – Thursday 9:30 am – 12:00 pm 

& by appointment Tuesday – Thursday 9:30 am – 5 pm

518-542-6915 EMAIL

Associate Pastor Ken Pennings: available

Tues.-Thurs. 10:00 am -5:00 pm 

by appointment

608-556-2371 EMAIL

Associate Pastor Kate Mackey: available

Mon.-Thurs. 8:00 am – 2:00 pm

by appointment

608-358-6143 EMAIL

Julia and Ken (try to) take Monday & Saturday as Sabbath days,

Kate Friday and Saturday

Friday is observed as a writing day for the preaching pastor.

In case of a pastoral emergency, please call any of the pastors, as all pastors are available by phone, text and we will always have a pastor on call who we can turn to.

LIKE or FOLLOW the Orchard Ridge FaceBook Page

JOIN our Private FB Group:

“Members & Friends of Orchard Ridge UCC“

Orchard Ridge United Church of Christ

1501 Gilbert Road

Madison, WI 53711

608-271-7212

Office Hours: M-Th 8:30-12:30
Facebook  Twitter  Pinterest

Orchard Ridge UCC | Spiritually Alive, Joyfully Inclusive, Committed to Justice 1501 Gilbert Road | Madison, WI 53711 US

May Compassion Offering: Madison Arcatao Sister City Project (MASCP)

Orchard Ridge UCC on May 1, 2025

The May compassion offering is for the Madison Arcatao Sister City Project. Arcatao, El Salvador, is one of Madison’s ten sister cities. Since 1986, Madison and Arcatao have worked together to learn from each other in solidarity across international boundaries. As part of the U.S.-El Salvador Sister Cities (USESSC) network, MASCP works for social change by building and defending sustainable communities and economies. They communicate regularly with the community in Arcatao and lead delegations to learn what’s happening there and to share what’s happening here. The delegations then share what they’ve learned with the wider Madison community. 

Your donations will support college scholarships for students from Arcatao and projects in the Arcatao community and surrounding rural areas. Specific priorities are set locally by the community board, with community members or local businesspeople providing the labor. Recent efforts have included building a wall to protect against flooding and repairing two wells to filter out dangerous heavy metals. The wells will provide safe drinking water for over 500 families for the next 25 years. See the well project.

Video:

https://youtu.be/JIXu3gFZnDU (37 seconds)

ORUCC May 4 Children and Youth News

Orchard Ridge UCC on April 30, 2025

ORUCC Children and Youth

Faith Formation Update

Sunday, May 4, 2025

Dear Families,

We look forward to seeing you this week. Of special note, this Sunday we will have a new peer-led group experience, “Parents Together” at 9:00 a.m. Read on below for details about this opportunity and other things happening this Sunday. At the bottom of the email, you will find some important dates for some fun events and photos of recent events.

~Pastor Kate and Julie M.

Supported Childcare Abby will be available in the Crossroads 8:30-11:30. This service allows parents to socialize and engage in the service, but encourages parents to stay nearby to assist their child, as well. 

Children and Youth Faith Formation is at 9 am. 

ALL PreK-High School Children and Youth (Ruby Bridges Room): This week, children and youth of all ages will gather for an outdoor nature scavenger hunt led by Rachael, Alice and Jill who are members of our Care of Creation Team. In mixed-age teams, everyone will have an opportunity to discover the variety of plants surrounding the church. The children will also participate in a hands-on project creating bee homes for our gardens.

After the scavenger hunt, Music Connections children will rehearse music to share in service in the Anne Frank Room. Once our rehearsal is complete, we’ll arrive at the service together.

All children will stay in worship this week as we continue a celebration of God’s creation with the whole congregation!

Music Opportunities for Children and Youth

Music Connections will not meet this week. Instead, the children will share their music during worship.

TRU Function: Practice from 10-noon in the Haynes Music Room.

Upcoming Events

  • May 2, 6:00-8:00 p.m.Family Game Night: Join with other families from ORUCC for this informal monthly gathering of merriment and fun! Bring a dish to pass and a game to share.
  • May 4, 9:00 a.m. “Parents Together” Support Group: Raising kids is hard work, full of joy and challenge. Need some community support? Parents are invited to come together for a peer-led parents’ support group in the Oscar Romero room, facilitated by Claire Purkis and Joanna Beilman-Dulin. This will be the soft-launch of a group that will likely meet regularly in the fall.
  • May 23-25 Brat Fest Fundraiser for Youth Service Trip: All youth attending the Service Trip are expected to sign up to participate in the Brat Fest fundraiser. Anyone else from the congregation who would like to volunteer under our group’s name (Orchard Ridge UCC) will also have their hours counted toward our fundraiser! Please sign up here if you would like to participate.
  • May 26, 6:30-8:00 p.m. Mandatory Service Trip Meeting: for any youth and chaperones attending this year’s service trip. We will go over important information as we share fellowship together.

At Orchard Ridge, we are Spiritually Alive!

Immigration Justice Sunday, April 27

Last week, along with churches all over the state of Wisconsin, our congregation had a special service focused on Immigration Justice. Music was led by TRU Function. Ruthanne, who led the ORUCC group trip to the border in January, gave a special Children’s Message focused on “Welcome”. She included images from the “Welcome Quilt” that the children helped to created in Faith Formation a few weeks before. Ruthanne also taught the children how to say “Hello!” in the different languages of people who utilized the Welcome Center in Arizona that our ORUCC group visited this winter.

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.

Prayer for the Earth:

We live by the sun

We feel by the moon

We move by the stars

We live in all things

All things live in us

We eat from the earth

We drink from the rain

We breathe of the air

We live in all things

All things live in us

We call to each other

We listen to each other

Our hearts deepen with love and compassion

We live in all things

All things live in us

-Unknown, from the book “Earth Prayers”

Orchard Ridge UCC | Spiritually Alive, Joyfully Inclusive, Committed to Justice 1501 Gilbert Road | Madison, WI 53711 US

Worship Resources for April 27, 2025

Orchard Ridge UCC on April 26, 2025

Orchard Ridge

United Church of Christ

Sunday Worship Resources

Sunday, April 27

The Second Sunday of Easter

9:00 am Earth Month Speaker Jeff Epping

Gardening with Native Plants

Friendship Hall

(see below)

9:00 a.m. New Members Class 4th Session

Anne Frank Room

10:00 am Worship

Sermon: 2025 ORUCC Border Immersion Trip presentation (after the service)

Musical Offerings: TRU Function

11:15 am Presentation by members of the 2025 ORUCC Border Immersion Trip

(see below)

Click Here for Printable Bulletin

Join our Worship virtually

on YouTube any time after 10 am:

YouTube Link

You will need to refresh the page

after 10 am if you have opened it before

Sunday, April 27th, is Immigration Sunday!

After worship, join the folks who traveled to Arizona for a border immersion trip in January 2025 to discuss the trip and hear their reflections on their experience there. The border wall, the Samaritan campsite, crosses in the desert, well-known authors, music, great food – all fascinating. We welcome your questions. 

Earth Month speaker at 9:00 am this Sunday, April 27th in Friendship Hall: Jeff Epping

Jeff Epping was the director of Horticulture at Olbrich Botanical Gardens in Madison for 25 years. He received the Award of Merit from the American Public Gardens Association in 2023 for his work as an early innovator of eco-friendly gardening practices and use of native plants in the landscape. He pioneered techniques like leaf mulching, organic lawn care, gravel gardens and living mulch. More recently he designed the extensive gardens at Epic Systems in Verona. Plan to attend to learn about sustainable landscapes and practices to promote pollinators at home and in the community.

April Compassion Offering:

One Great Hour of Sharing

One Great Hour of Sharing (OGHS) is a cornerstone of United Church of Christ’s mission:

  • OGHS supports global refugees working to reach new homes and build new lives.
  • OGHS addresses emergency needs arising from hurricanes, floods, fires, earthquakes.
  • OGHS develops sustainable resources and skills among communities (both domestic and international) weakened by chronic poverty or climate challenges.
  • OGHS works in long-standing partnerships with denominations such as Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), Presbyterian Church (USA), Church of the Brethren, and with ecumenical alliances such as Church World Service.

Now more than ever, our partnerships are essential and cherished.

Now more than ever, our assistance is crucial to support the homeless, the hungry, the victims of war.

Now more than ever, it is our privilege to offer tangible support which saves lives.

Give as you are able. Be the face of God’s love in the world. Thank you.

Upcoming Sunday Morning Opportunities…

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

  • April 27, 9:00 a.m. Care of Creation Mission Team Presents: Gardening with Native Plants, with Jeff Epping; 9:00 a.m. New Members Class 4th Session; and also 11:15 am Presentation by members of the 2025 ORUCC Border Immersion Trip.

Java & Jesus adult faith formation will be in the Alfred Swan Room at the 9:00 hour on the following dates: May 4, 11, 18 and 25.

Senior Pastor: Rev. Dr. Julia Burkey EMAIL

Associate Pastor: Rev. Kate Mackey EMAIL

Associate Pastor: Rev. Ken Pennings EMAIL

Director of Children’s Arts and Education: Julie Mazer EMAIL

Office Manager George Decker

608-271-7212 or EMAIL



LIKE or FOLLOW the Orchard Ridge Facebook Page

JOIN our Private FB Group:

“Members & Friends of Orchard Ridge UCC“

Follow us on Instagram @orchardridgeucc

Orchard Ridge UCC | Spiritually Alive, Joyfully Inclusive, Committed to Justice 1501 Gilbert Road | Madison, WI 53711 US

ORUCC Weekly Announcements for April 24th

Orchard Ridge UCC on April 24, 2025

Spiritually Alive, Joyfully Inclusive, Committed to Justice

Weekly Announcements

for Thursday, April 24

“Godly Living in Ungodly Times” Class

Thursday, April 24

10:00 – 11:30 am

Swan Room

David Anderman

(see below)

Meditation Group–Zoom only

Friday, April 25

9:30 – 10:30 am

Zoom

Sue Dixon

Sunday, April 27

The Second Sunday of Easter

9:00 am Earth Month Speaker Jeff Epping

Gardening with Native Plants

Friendship Hall

(see below)

9:00 a.m. New Members Class 4th Session

Anne Frank Room

10:00 am Worship

Sermon: 2025 ORUCC Border Immersion Trip presentation (after the service)

Musical Offerings: TRU Function

11:15 am Presentation by members of the 2025 ORUCC Border Immersion Trip

(see below)

Men’s Group

Monday, April 28

7:15 – 8:45 pm

Romero Room

Jim McNamara

Choir Practice

Wednesday, April 30

7:00 – 8:30 pm

Music Room or Worship Hall

Bruce Gladstone

Meditation Group

Thursday, May 1

8:30 – 9:30 am

Romero Room

Becky Baumbach

April Compassion Offering:

One Great Hour of Sharing

One Great Hour of Sharing (OGHS) is a cornerstone of United Church of Christ’s mission:

  • OGHS supports global refugees working to reach new homes and build new lives.
  • OGHS addresses emergency needs arising from hurricanes, floods, fires, earthquakes.
  • OGHS develops sustainable resources and skills among communities (both domestic and international) weakened by chronic poverty or climate challenges.
  • OGHS works in long-standing partnerships with denominations such as Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), Presbyterian Church (USA), Church of the Brethren, and with ecumenical alliances such as Church World Service.

Now more than ever, our partnerships are essential and cherished.

Now more than ever, our assistance is crucial to support the homeless, the hungry, the victims of war.

Now more than ever, it is our privilege to offer tangible support which saves lives.

Give as you are able. Be the face of God’s love in the world. Thank you.

Sunday, April 27th, is Immigration Sunday!

After worship, join the folks who traveled to Arizona for a border immersion trip in January 2025 to discuss the trip and hear their reflections on their experience there. The border wall, the Samaritan campsite, crosses in the desert, well-known authors, music, great food – all fascinating. We welcome your questions. 

Upcoming Sunday Morning Opportunities…

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

  • April 27, 9:00 a.m. Care of Creation Mission Team Presents: Gardening with Native Plants, with Jeff Epping; 9:00 a.m. New Members Class 4th Session; and also 11:15 am Presentation by members of the 2025 ORUCC Border Immersion Trip.
  • May 4, 9:00 a.m. Parents Together Support Group; 9:00 a.m. UCC Mission Partners in the Holy Land – See below! 11:15 Worship & Work Sunday!

Java & Jesus adult faith formation in the Alfred Swan Room at the 9:00 hour on the following dates: May 11 & 18.

Stay up to date on ORUCC Children and Youth happenings

Want to stay up to date on the latest with children and youth at ORUCC? Check out our weekly updates here:

https://orucc.org/keeping-current/children-and-youth-news//

The ORUCC office will be closed Fridays starting tomorrow

Due to a change in Office Manager George Decker’s work schedule, the ORUCC office will go back to being closed Fridays starting tomorrow, April 25, 2025. Our new office hours will be 8:30 am to 12:30 pm Monday through Thursday.

“Godly Living in Ungodly Times” class resumes this morning, Thursday, April 24th

The Godly Living in Ungodly Times class will meet again today, 10-11:30 am, in person in the Swan Room and via Zoom, and 7-8:30 pm Zoom only.

The Zoom link for this morning’s class is:  https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81642534898?pwd=QJHI0cbOOca9pmYLNSxPvPilDqjZ

The Zoom link for this evening’s class is:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83262009425?pwd=XiAuwXZGhQWxzUAxTAaiMkL07b1z

Classes will be held for three sessions after Easter. Contact David Anderman at [email protected] if you have questions.

Earth Month speaker at 9:00 am this Sunday, April 27th in Friendship Hall: Jeff Epping

Jeff Epping was the director of Horticulture at Olbrich Botanical Gardens in Madison for 25 years. He received the Award of Merit from the American Public Gardens Association in 2023 for his work as an early innovator of eco-friendly gardening practices and use of native plants in the landscape. He pioneered techniques like leaf mulching, organic lawn care, gravel gardens and living mulch. More recently he designed the extensive gardens at Epic Systems in Verona. Plan to attend to learn about sustainable landscapes and practices to promote pollinators at home and in the community.
pile_of_old_books.jpg

Women’s Book Group to meet Thursday, May 1st

The Women’s Book Group will gather in person in the Alfred Swan room and on Zoom on Thursday, May 1st from 1:30 to 3:00 pm. Mary Neuhaus will lead us in discussing Switchboard Soldiers by Madison author, Jennifer Chiaverini. Looking ahead to June, we will be reading The Crossing Places by Ella Griffiths. Deanna Blanchard [email protected]

Special Opportunity: Sunday, May 4th, at 9:00 am, in the Alfred Swan Room

How UCC Mission Partners bring hope to the Holy Land

During the past 16 years, ORUCC members Diane Dulin and Tom Beilman have traveled multiple times to the Holy Land. They’ve seen firsthand how UCC Mission Partners (partner organizations) bring hope and friendship to oppressed peoples, amidst the constant stress of military occupation. Come and hear inspiring, informative stories about the vital work of these Mission Partners.

Sunday, May 4, 9:00 a.m. “Parents Together” Support Group

Raising kids is hard work, full of joy and challenge. Are you looking for some community as you navigate the ups and downs? Parents are invited to come together for a peer-led parents’ support group to share our experiences. The group will meet for approximately 45 minutes in the Oscar Romero room, facilitated by Claire Purkis and Joanna Beilman-Dulin. This will be the soft-launch of a group that will likely meet regularly in the fall.

Sunday, May 4th

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 a free lunch in Friendship Hall with your friends and family.

Volunteer Opportunity at Camp Awesum

Camp Awesum Family Camp is a weeklong summer camp at Moon Beach for families with kids on the autism spectrum. Volunteers are needed! Volunteers supervise activities for the kids, giving parents respite during the first half of the day; in most afternoons, volunteers get to enjoy Moon Beach! You don’t need to be an autism expert; just bring your caring, patient self. We need volunteers for weeks in June and August. If you’re interested or want more information, please reach out to Hal Evensen – volunteer since 2017 – or one of the pastors. Thank you for your consideration! Additionally, you can click here for more information: https://bit.ly/ORUCC-Awesum

Immigration Justice Mission Team Updates

May 2nd 3pm Day Without Latinx and Immigrants 

You are invited to join Pastor Julia and members of the Immigration Justice Mission Team for statewide ‘Day Without Latinx and Immigrants’ strike and rally on May 2nd. We will meet together at 3:00 pm at Brittingham Park (829 West Washington Avenue) then march to the Capitol at 4pm with a 4:30 rally at the Capitol.

May 6th 2pm Support Refugees Friend-raiser & Fund-raiser

At Capitol Lakes 333 W Main Street in Madison, the authorized Refugee Resettlement agency in Dane County will make a presentation to inform us and ask for help for refugee neighbors. 

Madison Learning Community to offer fall class on the Book of Acts

The Madison Learning Community will offer a fall 2025 class on the Book of Acts, co-taught by the Rev. Dr. Tisha Brown, former Associate Conference Minister of the Wisconsin Conference of the United Church of Christ. This class will explore the literary, religious, theological and social worlds of Acts, in English. For details, including cost, click here (and scroll down).

May 23-25 Brat Fest Fundraiser for Youth Service Trip

One of the biggest fundraisers for the Youth Service Trip is coming up! All youth attending the Service Trip are expected to sign up to participate in the Brat Fest fundraiser. But did you know that anyone who would like to volunteer under our group’s name (Orchard Ridge UCC) will also have their hours counted toward our fundraiser? It’s true!

Please sign up here if you would like to participate.

Please Sign Up to Volunteer on Sunday Mornings!

A Number of Open Slots

in the Near Future!

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.

Individual plots available in the ORUCC garden! 

Are you interested in having access to a little plot of land to grow your own produce? If so, the ORUCC Veggie Village (on the east side of the property) has 2 community garden plots for lease this gardening season. Fee is $35 for a 12 x 12 foot plot. Email LuAnn Greiner at [email protected] by April 12th if you are interested and/or have questions.

Heart-Opening Opportunity

Are you feeling sad, scattered, isolated? Are you wondering where God is right now? The Thursday morning Meditation Group would love to have you join us, breathe in God’s presence, and ground yourself in love.

Thursdays, 8:30 – 9:30 am in the Romero Room. Questions? Contact Susi Petta at 608-712-9539 or Becky Baumbach at 608-239-0221.

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: April 17 – 24

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. Please note that Jeanne is taking a break from the Daily Reflections until May 8, 2025, when they will return to the Weekly Announcements. Accordingly, we are again offering last week’s Daily Reflections.

Daily Reflections: April 17 – 24

Office Manager George Decker

available Mon.-Thurs. 8:30am -12:30 pm

608-271-7212 or EMAIL

Senior Pastor Julia Burkey: available

Office hours: Tuesday – Thursday 9:30 am – 12:00 pm 

& by appointment Tuesday – Thursday 9:30 am – 5 pm

518-542-6915 EMAIL

Associate Pastor Ken Pennings: available

Tues.-Thurs. 10:00 am -5:00 pm 

by appointment

608-556-2371 EMAIL

Associate Pastor Kate Mackey: available

Mon.-Thurs. 8:00 am – 2:00 pm

by appointment

608-358-6143 EMAIL

Julia and Ken (try to) take Monday & Saturday as Sabbath days,

Kate Friday and Saturday

Friday is observed as a writing day for the preaching pastor.

In case of a pastoral emergency, please call any of the pastors, as all pastors are available by phone, text and we will always have a pastor on call who we can turn to.

LIKE or FOLLOW the Orchard Ridge FaceBook Page

JOIN our Private FB Group:

“Members & Friends of Orchard Ridge UCC“

Orchard Ridge United Church of Christ

1501 Gilbert Road

Madison, WI 53711

608-271-7212

Office Hours: M-Th 8:30-12:30
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Orchard Ridge UCC | Spiritually Alive, Joyfully Inclusive, Committed to Justice 1501 Gilbert Road | Madison, WI 53711 US

ORUCC April 27 Children and Youth News

Orchard Ridge UCC on April 23, 2025

ORUCC Children and Youth

Faith Formation Update

Sunday, April 27, 2025

Dear Families,

We look forward to seeing you this Sunday. Read on below for details about this week. At the bottom of the email, you will find some important dates for some fun events and photos of recent events.

~Pastor Kate and Julie M.

Nursery Care is available 8:30-11:30. Abby and Najma are ready to play with your little one.

Children and Youth Faith Formation is at 9 am. 

PreK-6 grade (Ruby Bridges Room): This week, all children will gather together to explore the Easter story, “Jesus is Light.” Through conversation, reflection, and multi-sensory stations, the children will discover how Jesus’ light continues to shine in each of us after his resurrection. We’ll close in a quiet meditation. Joanna and Gretchen will guide the children through the experience. 

Your child will wait for you in the classroom before moving to the sanctuary for worship at 10 am. 

Youth (7th-High School) will meet at 9:00 a.m. in the Dorothy Day room for “Breakfast Club” with Pastor Kate and Kristin Muckian.



Youth attending service trip: Look for another email TOMORROW 4/24 with some additional information and action items!

Music Opportunities for Children and Youth

Music Connections: Following the children’s moment, children in grades 2-6 are invited to the downstairs Bonhoeffer room. This week, we’ll further develop the Creation story with the help of some of our caregivers. Save the date: On May 4, the children and caregivers will share this music during worship.

TRU Function: TRU Function leads worship this Sunday! Gather at 8:30 a.m. for practice in the sanctuary.

Upcoming Events

  • May 4, 9:00 a.m. “Parents Together” Support Group: Raising kids is hard work, full of joy and challenge. Need some community support? Parents are invited to come together for a peer-led parents’ support group in the Oscar Romero room, facilitated by Claire Purkis and Joanna Beilman-Dulin. This will be the soft-launch of a group that will likely meet regularly in the fall.
  • May 23-25 Brat Fest Fundraiser for Youth Service Trip: All youth attending the Service Trip are expected to sign up to participate in the Brat Fest fundraiser. Anyone else from the congregation who would like to volunteer under our group’s name (Orchard Ridge UCC) will also have their hours counted toward our fundraiser! Please sign up here if you would like to participate.

At Orchard Ridge, we are Spiritually Alive!

Palm Sunday, Holy Week and Easter at ORUCC

On Palm Sunday, April 13, over 50 children and adults gathered in Friendship Hall to journey through Holy Week together. Through words and tangram shape-making, we heard and experienced the stories of Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, Holy Saturday, and Easter Sunday. At times challenging, at times easy, new and old friends of all ages experienced Holy Week in a new way.

Children and youth participated in the week’s activities including Maundy Thursday home meals, Good Friday Tenebrae service, Easter Sunday sunrise service and 10:00 worship, followed by an Easter egg hunt! It was a beautiful week as we lived out rhythms of faith and the stories we learned together in the tangram shape-making.

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.

Did you know that Easter is not just one day, but a whole season? The joy we began to celebrate on Easter Sunday continues for the next 50 days.

Easter is a time of new life! The growing flowers of spring remind us that there are new things happening all around us. We can have hope as we look for signs of new life that God provides. Try this breath prayer together:

Inhale: The old has gone;

Exhale: The new is here.

-Inspired by Every Season Sacred, p. 197

Orchard Ridge UCC | Spiritually Alive, Joyfully Inclusive, Committed to Justice 1501 Gilbert Road | Madison, WI 53711 US

ORUCC –Care of Creation Mission Team Presentation this Sunday, April 27th

Orchard Ridge UCC on April 22, 2025

Happy Earth Day!

Care of Creation Mission Team Presentation at 9:00 am this Sunday, April 27th in Friendship Hall: Jeff Epping

Jeff Epping was the Director of Horticulture at Olbrich Botanical Gardens in Madison for 25 years. He received the Award of Merit from the American Public Gardens Association in 2023 for his work as an early innovator of eco-friendly gardening practices and use of native plants in the landscape. Jeff pioneered techniques like leaf mulching, organic lawn care, gravel gardens and living mulch. More recently he designed the extensive gardens at Epic Systems in Verona. Click here for more info about Jeff.

Plan to attend to learn about sustainable landscapes and practices to promote pollinators at home and in the community.

Orchard Ridge UCC | Spiritually Alive, Joyfully Inclusive, Committed to Justice 1501 Gilbert Road | Madison, WI 53711 US

Worship Resources for Easter Sunday, April 20, 2025

Orchard Ridge UCC on April 19, 2025

Orchard Ridge

United Church of Christ

Sunday Worship Resources

“Fill My Cup” by Steve Prince (inspired by Luke 24:1-12)/ A Sanctified Art LLC/ sanctifiedart.org

Sunday, April 20

Easter Sunday

6:00 am Easter Sunrise Service followed by brunch

10:00 am Worship

Sermon: Julia Burkey

Lay Liturgist: Ginny Moore Kruse

Musical Offerings: ORUCC Choir

11:15 am Children and Youth Easter Egg Hunt

Click Here for Printable Bulletin

Join our Worship virtually

on YouTube any time after 10 am:

YouTube Link

You will need to refresh the page

after 10 am if you have opened it before

April Compassion Offering:

One Great Hour of Sharing

One Great Hour of Sharing (OGHS) is a cornerstone of United Church of Christ’s mission:

  • OGHS supports global refugees working to reach new homes and build new lives.
  • OGHS addresses emergency needs arising from hurricanes, floods, fires, earthquakes.
  • OGHS develops sustainable resources and skills among communities (both domestic and international) weakened by chronic poverty or climate challenges.
  • OGHS works in long-standing partnerships with denominations such as Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), Presbyterian Church (USA), Church of the Brethren, and with ecumenical alliances such as Church World Service.

Now more than ever, our partnerships are essential and cherished.

Now more than ever, our assistance is crucial to support the homeless, the hungry, the victims of war.

Now more than ever, it is our privilege to offer tangible support which saves lives.

Give as you are able. Be the face of God’s love in the world. Thank you.

Upcoming Sunday Morning Opportunities…

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

  • 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 Jeff Epping; 9:00 a.m. New Members Class 4th Session; and also 11:15 am Presentation by members of the 2025 ORUCC Border Immersion Trip.

Java & Jesus adult faith formation will be in the Alfred Swan Room at the 9:00 hour on the following dates: May 4, 11, 18 and 25.

Senior Pastor: Rev. Dr. Julia Burkey EMAIL

Associate Pastor: Rev. Kate Mackey EMAIL

Associate Pastor: Rev. Ken Pennings EMAIL

Director of Children’s Arts and Education: Julie Mazer EMAIL

Office Manager George Decker

608-271-7212 or EMAIL



LIKE or FOLLOW the Orchard Ridge Facebook Page

JOIN our Private FB Group:

“Members & Friends of Orchard Ridge UCC“

Follow us on Instagram @orchardridgeucc

Orchard Ridge UCC | Spiritually Alive, Joyfully Inclusive, Committed to Justice 1501 Gilbert Road | Madison, WI 53711 US

ORUCC Weekly Announcements for April 17th

Orchard Ridge UCC on April 17, 2025

Spiritually Alive, Joyfully Inclusive, Committed to Justice

Weekly Announcements

for Thursday, April 17

Wayfinding Zoom

Thursday, April 17

4:00 – 5:00 pm

Join ZoomMeeting

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84845886041?pwd=4PhfBp176E1pCJZ7U1NAanhC9P8F3h.1

 

Meeting ID:848 4588 6041

Passcode:115289

(see below)

Meditation Group–Zoom only

Friday, April 18

9:30 – 10:30 am

Zoom

Sue Dixon

Good Friday Tenebrae Service

Friday, April 18

7:00 pm

Worship Hall

Sunday, April 20

Easter Sunday

6:00 am Easter Sunrise Service followed by brunch

10:00 am Worship

Sermon: Julia Burkey

Lay Liturgist: Ginny Moore Kruse

Musical Offerings: ORUCC Choir

11:15 am Children and Youth Easter Egg Hunt

Choir Practice

Wednesday, April 23

7:00 – 8:30 pm

Music Room or Worship Hall

Bruce Gladstone

Meditation Group

Thursday, April 24

8:30 – 9:30 am

Romero Room

Becky Baumbach

“Godly Living in Ungodly Times” Class

Thursday, April 24

10:00 – 11:30 am

Swan Room

David Anderman

(see below)

April Compassion Offering:

One Great Hour of Sharing

One Great Hour of Sharing (OGHS) is a cornerstone of United Church of Christ’s mission:

  • OGHS supports global refugees working to reach new homes and build new lives.
  • OGHS addresses emergency needs arising from hurricanes, floods, fires, earthquakes.
  • OGHS develops sustainable resources and skills among communities (both domestic and international) weakened by chronic poverty or climate challenges.
  • OGHS works in long-standing partnerships with denominations such as Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), Presbyterian Church (USA), Church of the Brethren, and with ecumenical alliances such as Church World Service.

Now more than ever, our partnerships are essential and cherished.

Now more than ever, our assistance is crucial to support the homeless, the hungry, the victims of war.

Now more than ever, it is our privilege to offer tangible support which saves lives.

Give as you are able. Be the face of God’s love in the world. Thank you.

Upcoming Sunday Morning Opportunities…

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

  • April 20, Easter Sunrise Service 6:00 a.m. followed by brunch; 10:00 Worship; 11:15 a.m. Children’s Easter Egg Hunt
  • April 27, 9:00 a.m. Care of Creation Mission Team Presents: Gardening with Native Plants, with Jeff Epping; 9:00 a.m. New Members Class 4th Session; and also 11:15 am Presentation by members of the 2025 ORUCC Border Immersion Trip.
  • May 4, 9:00 a.m. Parents Together Support Group; 9:00 a.m. UCC Mission Partners in the Holy Land – See below! 11:15 Worship & Work Sunday!

Java & Jesus adult faith formation in the Alfred Swan Room at the 9:00 hour on the following dates: May 11, 18 and 25.

Stay up to date on ORUCC Children and Youth happenings

Want to stay up to date on the latest with children and youth at ORUCC? Check out our weekly updates here:

https://orucc.org/keeping-current/children-and-youth-news//

Zoom Holy Week Wayfinding today

As Lent turns into Holy Week, we have the opportunity to come together in Wayfinding to contemplate the mystery of the death and resurrection of Jesus. Our programming was Wednesday April 16th in-person with refreshments at 9:30 and programming beginning at 9:45, followed by our virtual gathering at 4pm over ZOOM today, Thursday, April 17th.

 

Augustine said, “Oh Lord, you have made us for yourself, and our heart is restless until it rests in you.” How might our elder years encourage new devotion or spiritual practice of the heart, so that our heart might ultimately rest in God? Holy week opens new opportunity for deeper devotional practice as we accompany Jesus through his last days of ministry, his death on the cross and resurrection. We will practice centering prayer together in devotion to Jesus.

 

Our theme also comes from The Inner Work of Age, Shifting from Role to Soul by Connie Zweig, and brings us to the heart of our devotional and spiritual practices in chapter 8 titled, “Spiritual Repair to Reimagine Our Beliefs and Reclaim Our Practices.” You may download the chapter here, for your own enhancement if you choose to read, but it is not mandatory for participation.

The ORUCC office will be closed Fridays starting next week

Due to a change in Office Manager George Decker’s work schedule, the ORUCC office will go back to being closed Fridays starting next week. Our new office hours will be 8:30 am to 12:30 pm Monday through Thursday.

“Godly Living in Ungodly Times” class resumes next Thursday, April 24th

The Godly Living in Ungodly Times class will meet again next Thursday, 10-11:30 am, in person in the Swan Room and via Zoom, and 7-8:30 pm Zoom only. David will send a link next week. Classes will be held for three sessions after Easter. Contact David Anderman at [email protected] if you have questions.

Earth Month speaker at 9:00 am on Sunday, April 27th in Friendship Hall: Jeff Epping

Jeff Epping was the director of Horticulture at Olbrich Botanical Gardens in Madison for 25 years. He received the Award of Merit from the American Public Gardens Association in 2023 for his work as an early innovator of eco-friendly gardening practices and use of native plants in the landscape. He pioneered techniques like leaf mulching, organic lawn care, gravel gardens and living mulch. More recently he designed the extensive gardens at Epic Systems in Verona. Plan to attend to learn about sustainable landscapes and practices to promote pollinators at home and in the community.

Special Opportunity: Sunday, May 4th, at 9:00 am, in the Alfred Swan Room

How UCC Mission Partners bring hope to the Holy Land

During the past 16 years, ORUCC members Diane Dulin and Tom Beilman have traveled multiple times to the Holy Land. They’ve seen firsthand how UCC Mission Partners (partner organizations) bring hope and friendship to oppressed peoples, amidst the constant stress of military occupation. Come and hear inspiring, informative stories about the vital work of these Mission Partners.

May 4, 9:00 a.m. “Parents Together” Support Group

Raising kids is hard work, full of joy and challenge. Are you looking for some community as you navigate the ups and downs? Parents are invited to come together for a peer-led parents’ support group to share our experiences. The group will meet for approximately 45 minutes in the Oscar Romero room, facilitated by Claire Purkis and Joanna Beilman-Dulin. This will be the soft-launch of a group that will likely meet regularly in the fall.

Immigration Justice Mission Team Updates

May 2nd 3pm Day Without Latinx and Immigrants 

You are invited to join Pastor Julia and members of the Immigration Justice Mission Team for statewide ‘Day Without Latinx and Immigrants’ strike and rally on May 2nd. We will meet together at 3:00 pm at Brittingham Park (829 West Washington Avenue) then march to the Capitol at 4pm with a 4:30 rally at the Capitol.

May 6th 2pm Support Refugees Friend-raiser & Fund-raiser

At Capitol Lakes 333 W Main Street in Madison, the authorized Refugee Resettlement agency in Dane County will make a presentation to inform us and ask for help for refugee neighbors. 

Please Sign Up to Volunteer on Sunday Mornings!

A Number of Open Slots

in the Near Future!

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.

Individual plots available in the ORUCC garden! 

Are you interested in having access to a little plot of land to grow your own produce? If so, the ORUCC Veggie Village (on the east side of the property) has 2 community garden plots for lease this gardening season. Fee is $35 for a 12 x 12 foot plot. Email LuAnn Greiner at [email protected] by April 12th if you are interested and/or have questions.

An Opportunity to Serve UW Students

In February, the focus of our compassion offering was The Crossing campus ministry. Thank you for your generous support! Were you excited by what you heard from the Executive Director, Michael Burch, and the Justice Advocate for Criminal Justice, CeCe Babat, in February? Are you interested in continuing to support ORUCC’s connection with The Crossing? Do you feel called to serve? We have another opportunity for you to support The Crossing. The Crossing’s Board of Directors is looking for passionate and engaged board members to join the board in serving the staff and students.

 

The Crossing is a diverse and caring community of students who find belonging, embrace exploration, advocate passionately for justice issues, and become who they are inspired to become. The Crossings mission of learning about faith and advocating for justice aligns well with ORUCC’s mission and our two ministries have been connected for more than fifteen years.

 

To learn more about becoming a board member, contact Sue Dixon at 608-712-9050 or [email protected]. To learn more about The Crossing campus ministry, visit: The Crossing | Wisconsin-Madison

Heart-Opening Opportunity

Are you feeling sad, scattered, isolated? Are you wondering where God is right now? The Thursday morning Meditation Group would love to have you join us, breathe in God’s presence, and ground yourself in love.

Thursdays, 8:30 – 9:30 am in the Romero Room. Questions? Contact Susi Petta at 608-712-9539 or Becky Baumbach at 608-239-0221.

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: April 17 – 24

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. Please note that Jeanne will be taking a break from the Daily Reflections until May 8, 2025, when they will return to the Weekly Announcements.

Daily Reflections: April 17 – 24

Office Manager George Decker

available Mon.-Thurs. 8:30am -12:30 pm

608-271-7212 or EMAIL

Senior Pastor Julia Burkey: available

Office hours: Tuesday – Thursday 9:30 am – 12:00 pm 

& by appointment Tuesday – Thursday 9:30 am – 5 pm

518-542-6915 EMAIL

Associate Pastor Ken Pennings: available

Tues.-Thurs. 10:00 am -5:00 pm 

by appointment

608-556-2371 EMAIL

Associate Pastor Kate Mackey: available

Mon.-Thurs. 8:00 am – 2:00 pm

by appointment

608-358-6143 EMAIL

Julia and Ken (try to) take Monday & Saturday as Sabbath days,

Kate Friday and Saturday

Friday is observed as a writing day for the preaching pastor.

In case of a pastoral emergency, please call any of the pastors, as all pastors are available by phone, text and we will always have a pastor on call who we can turn to.

LIKE or FOLLOW the Orchard Ridge FaceBook Page

JOIN our Private FB Group:

“Members & Friends of Orchard Ridge UCC“

Orchard Ridge United Church of Christ

1501 Gilbert Road

Madison, WI 53711

608-271-7212

Office Hours: M-Th 8:30-12:30
Facebook  Twitter  Pinterest

Orchard Ridge UCC | Spiritually Alive, Joyfully Inclusive, Committed to Justice 1501 Gilbert Road | Madison, WI 53711 US

Presentation at ORUCC Sunday June 29

Orchard Ridge UCC on April 16, 2025

How UCC Mission Partners bring hope to the Holy Land

Please join us Sunday, June 29, at 9 a.m. in Friendship Hall.

During the past 16 years, ORUCC members Diane Dulin and Tom Beilman have traveled multiple times to the Holy Land. They’ve seen firsthand how UCC Mission Partners (partner organizations) bring hope and friendship to oppressed peoples, amidst the constant stress of military occupation. Come and hear inspiring, informative stories about the vital work of these Mission Partners.

ORUCC – Wayfinding April 16th & 17th – Holy Week

Orchard Ridge UCC on April 14, 2025

Holy Week Wayfinding

Wednesday, April 16th

(in person) and Thursday, April 17th (Zoom)

Centering Prayer with Jesus

Dear Wayfinders,

As Lent turns into Holy Week, we have the opportunity to come together in Wayfinding to contemplate the mystery of the death and resurrection of Jesus.

Our programming is Wednesday April 16th in-person with refreshments at 9:30 and programming beginning at 9:45, followed by our virtual gathering at 4pm over ZOOM on Thursday April 17th.

 

Augustine said, “Oh Lord, you have made us for yourself, and our heart is restless until it rests in you.” How might our elder years encourage new devotion or spiritual practice of the heart, so that our heart might ultimately rest in God? Holy week opens new opportunity for deeper devotional practice as we accompany Jesus through his last days of ministry, his death on the cross and resurrection. We will practice centering prayer together in devotion to Jesus.

 

Our theme also comes from The Inner Work of Age, Shifting from Role to Soul by Connie Zweig, and brings us to the heart of our devotional and spiritual practices in chapter 8 titled, “Spiritual Repair to Reimagine Our Beliefs and Reclaim Our Practices.” You may download the chapter here, for your own enhancement if you choose to read, but it is not mandatory for participation.

Many blessings,

Pastor Julia

Topic: Wayfinding

Time: April 17, 2025 04:00 PM Central Time (US and Canada)

      

Join Zoom Meeting

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84845886041?pwd=4PhfBp176E1pCJZ7U1NAanhC9P8F3h.1

 

Meeting ID: 848 4588 6041

Passcode: 115289

 

—

 

Orchard Ridge UCC | Spiritually Alive, Joyfully Inclusive, Committed to Justice 1501 Gilbert Road | Madison, WI 53711 US

ORUCC–Sign up for a Maundy Thursday dinner in a home on April 17th

Orchard Ridge UCC on April 12, 2025

 

Sign up to attend

a Maundy Thursday

dinner in a home

April 17th, 6-8 pm

(Burkey/Cooperrider Meal, 5-7 pm)

9 Open Slots!

Be sure to scroll all the way down on the sign-up for the Conners’ home.
 

Might you be interested in attending a Maundy Thursday meal in a home on April 17th?

In the past, the host has provided a Middle Eastern main dish, and has either invited the guests to bring side dishes to share or to bring a favorite beverage (e.g. wine). Your host will be in touch with you about this. Be sure to let your host know if you have any dietary restrictions.

If you have trouble with this online signup tool, there will be signup sheets on the table in the Crossroads next Sunday. Or you can contact Ken Pennings to let him know which host you’ve chosen ([email protected] or 608-556-2371).

After supper, your group will share in a brief ritual of Communion remembering Jesus’ last supper with his disciples in an upper room in Jerusalem.

Click here to sign up

Orchard Ridge UCC | Spiritually Alive, Joyfully Inclusive, Committed to Justice 1501 Gilbert Road | Madison, WI 53711 US

Worship Resources for Sunday, April 13, 2025

Orchard Ridge UCC on April 12, 2025

Orchard Ridge

United Church of Christ

Sunday Worship Resources

“I Believe” by Steve Prince (inspired by Luke 19:29-40)/ A Sanctified Art LLC/ sanctifiedart.org

Sunday, April 13

Palm Sunday

9:00 a.m. Palm Sunday Intergenerational Faith Formation

9:00 a.m. New Members Class 3rd Session

Anne Frank Room

10:00 am Worship

Sermon: Kate Mackey

Lay Liturgist: Diane Jungblut

Musical Offerings: ORUCC Bell Choir

12:00 noon Garth Service for Thea Brunsell

Click Here for Printable Bulletin

Join our Worship virtually

on YouTube any time after 10 am:

YouTube Link

You will need to refresh the page

after 10 am if you have opened it before

Madison Mennonite Church invites ORUCC members and friends to a timely presentation by two members of Jewish Voice for Peace-Madison. Our presenters, American-born Marc Rosenthal and Israeli-born Esty Dinur, are long-time peace and international solidarity activists who come with extensive experience “organizing for Palestinian liberation and Judaism beyond Zionism.” Come with your questions. At ORUCC sanctuary, Sunday, April 13, at 4:00 – 4:50 p.m. All are welcome!

This Sunday: Intergenerational Faith Formation at 9:00 a.m.

All are welcome to attend an all-ages faith formation event for Palm Sunday as we look ahead to Holy Week. Together, we will travel through Holy Week by story-telling, tangram creation, and a faith reflection led by Julie Mazer. What is a Tangram? A Tangram is a geometric puzzle consisting of a square cut into seven pieces. The pieces can be arranged to make various other shapes. This will be in place of regular children, youth, and adult faith formation for this Sunday.

April Compassion Offering:

One Great Hour of Sharing

One Great Hour of Sharing (OGHS) is a cornerstone of United Church of Christ’s mission:

  • OGHS supports global refugees working to reach new homes and build new lives.
  • OGHS addresses emergency needs arising from hurricanes, floods, fires, earthquakes.
  • OGHS develops sustainable resources and skills among communities (both domestic and international) weakened by chronic poverty or climate challenges.
  • OGHS works in long-standing partnerships with denominations such as Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), Presbyterian Church (USA), Church of the Brethren, and with ecumenical alliances such as Church World Service.

Now more than ever, our partnerships are essential and cherished.

Now more than ever, our assistance is crucial to support the homeless, the hungry, the victims of war.

Now more than ever, it is our privilege to offer tangible support which saves lives.

Give as you are able. Be the face of God’s love in the world. Thank you.

Upcoming Sunday Morning Opportunities…

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

  • 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 Jeff Epping; 9:00 a.m. New Members Class 4th Session; and also 11:15 am Presentation by members of the 2025 ORUCC Border Immersion Trip.

Java & Jesus adult faith formation will be in the Alfred Swan Room at the 9:00 hour on the following dates: May 4, 11, 18 and 25.

Senior Pastor: Rev. Dr. Julia Burkey EMAIL

Associate Pastor: Rev. Kate Mackey EMAIL

Associate Pastor: Rev. Ken Pennings EMAIL

Director of Children’s Arts and Education: Julie Mazer EMAIL

Office Manager George Decker

608-271-7212 or EMAIL



LIKE or FOLLOW the Orchard Ridge Facebook Page

JOIN our Private FB Group:

“Members & Friends of Orchard Ridge UCC“

Follow us on Instagram @orchardridgeucc

Orchard Ridge UCC | Spiritually Alive, Joyfully Inclusive, Committed to Justice 1501 Gilbert Road | Madison, WI 53711 US

ORUCC – Dane County Immigration Justice Resources

Orchard Ridge UCC on April 11, 2025

Dane County Immigration Justice Resources 

 

The Immigration Justice Mission Team, knowing that many are looking for ways to effectively engage with the justice issues before us, have prepared a guide to those local immigration justice organizations doing the frontline work of addressing the needs of vulnerable immigrant and refugee communities. This guide is also set forth below in its entirety.

 

As we continue to “Welcome the Stranger,” we strive to move from rhetoric to action. If there are any questions you have or ideas you have please reach out!

We invite you to (1) LEARN about the work of some organizations; (2) JOIN an organization; (3) SUBSCRIBE to their newsletter; (4) VOLUNTEER where the opportunity exists; and (5) DONATE when possible. Each website has a buttons tab for each of the above.



As you explore these organizations, you will notice some of the organizations use social media to spread information, while also communicating behind the scenes in ways that protect their communities.

 

Thank you for your engagement and support!

 

Pastor Julia

Dane County Immigration Resources

1.      Dane Sanctuary Coalition. A coalition of 18 congregations and organizations that provide services to immigrants and refugees. A project of Wisconsin Faith Voices For Justice (WFVFJ) in partnership with Centro Hispano and Voces de la Frontera. Current major initiative is the Volunteer Driver Program. Website:  danesanctuarycoalition.org.

2.      Dane County Department of Human Services. The Dane County Department of Human Services includes an Immigration Affairs unit that assists immigrants and refugees in Dane County through partnership with community organizations. Website: [email protected]

3.      Centro Hispano. The premier nonprofit organization (NGO) serving immigrant communities in Dane County. Website: micentro.org.

4.      Voces de la Frontera. A membership-based community organization whose mission is to protect and expand civil rights and worker rights through leadership development, community organizing and empowerment. Website: vdlf.org.

5.      Jewish Social Services (JSS). Has a long history of resettling refugees and immigrants in Dane County. Provides services to all people while specializing in serving the Jewish and immigrant community. [email protected].

6.      Worker Justice Wisconsin (WJW). WJW supports the safety, stability and agency of victims of human trafficking and labor exploitation. Website: workerjustice.org.

7.      Open Doors For Refugees (ODFR). A volunteer driven organization that helps refugees make a home in the Madison area. Works closely with Jewish Social Services. Website: www.ODFR.org

8.      Catholic Multicultural Center (CMC). Provides vulnerable people with basic need, education and employment services such as getting proper documentation. Website: cmcmadison.org

 

9.      Community Immigration Law Center (CILC). A pro bono organization that provides a full range of immigration legal services. Website: cilcmadison.org

10.  Literacy Network. Long-standing organization that makes extensive use of volunteers in teaching literacy to those looking to learn English. Website: litnetwork.org

LEARN; JOIN; SUBSCRIBE; VOLUNTEER; DONATE

Orchard Ridge UCC | Spiritually Alive, Joyfully Inclusive, Committed to Justice www.orucc.org | Madison, WI 53711 US

ORUCC Weekly Announcements for April 10th

Orchard Ridge UCC on April 10, 2025

Spiritually Alive, Joyfully Inclusive, Committed to Justice

Weekly Announcements

for Thursday, April 10

Meditation Group–Zoom only

Friday, April 11

9:30 – 10:30 am

Zoom

Sue Dixon

Sunday, April 13

Palm Sunday

9:00 a.m. Palm Sunday Intergenerational Faith Formation

9:00 a.m. New Members Class 3rd Session

Anne Frank Room

10:00 am Worship

Sermon: Kate Mackey

Lay Liturgist: Diane Jungblut

Musical Offerings: ORUCC Bell Choir

12:00 noon Garth Service for Thea Brunsell

Wayfinding

Wednesday, April 16

9:30 – 11:15 am

Friendship Hall

Julia Burkey

(see below)

Choir Practice

Wednesday, April 16

7:00 – 8:30 pm

Music Room or Worship Hall

Bruce Gladstone

Meditation Group

Thursday, April 17

8:30 – 9:30 am

Romero Room

Becky Baumbach

Wayfinding Zoom

Thursday, April 17

4:00 – 5:00 pm

Join ZoomMeeting

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84845886041?pwd=4PhfBp176E1pCJZ7U1NAanhC9P8F3h.1

 

Meeting ID:848 4588 6041

Passcode:115289

(see below)

Madison Mennonite Church invites ORUCC members and friends to a timely presentation by two members of Jewish Voice for Peace-Madison. Our presenters, American-born Marc Rosenthal and Israeli-born Esty Dinur, are long-time peace and international solidarity activists who come with extensive experience “organizing for Palestinian liberation and Judaism beyond Zionism.” Come with your questions. At ORUCC sanctuary, Sunday, April 13, at 4:00 – 4:50 p.m. All are welcome!

April Compassion Offering:

One Great Hour of Sharing

One Great Hour of Sharing (OGHS) is a cornerstone of United Church of Christ’s mission:

  • OGHS supports global refugees working to reach new homes and build new lives.
  • OGHS addresses emergency needs arising from hurricanes, floods, fires, earthquakes.
  • OGHS develops sustainable resources and skills among communities (both domestic and international) weakened by chronic poverty or climate challenges.
  • OGHS works in long-standing partnerships with denominations such as Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), Presbyterian Church (USA), Church of the Brethren, and with ecumenical alliances such as Church World Service.

Now more than ever, our partnerships are essential and cherished.

Now more than ever, our assistance is crucial to support the homeless, the hungry, the victims of war.

Now more than ever, it is our privilege to offer tangible support which saves lives.

Give as you are able. Be the face of God’s love in the world. Thank you.

Upcoming Sunday Morning Opportunities…

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

  • 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 Jeff Epping; 9:00 a.m. New Members Class 4th Session; and also 11:15 am Presentation by members of the 2025 ORUCC Border Immersion Trip.

Java & Jesus adult faith formation in the Alfred Swan Room at the 9:00 hour on the following dates: May 4, 11, 18 and 25.

This Sunday: Intergenerational Faith Formation at 9:00 a.m.

All are welcome to attend an all-ages faith formation event for Palm Sunday as we look ahead to Holy Week. Together, we will travel through Holy Week by story-telling, tangram creation, and a faith reflection led by Julie Mazer. What is a Tangram? A Tangram is a geometric puzzle consisting of a square cut into seven pieces. The pieces can be arranged to make various other shapes. This will be in place of regular children, youth, and adult faith formation for this Sunday.

Stay up to date on ORUCC Children and Youth happenings

Want to stay up to date on the latest with children and youth at ORUCC? Check out our weekly updates here:

https://orucc.org/keeping-current/children-and-youth-news//

Holy Week Wayfinding

As Lent turns into Holy Week, we have the opportunity to come together in Wayfinding to contemplate the mystery of the death and resurrection of Jesus. Our programming is Wednesday April 16th in-person with refreshments at 9:30 and programming beginning at 9:45, followed by our virtual gathering at 4pm over ZOOM on Thursday April 17th.

 

Augustine said, “Oh Lord, you have made us for yourself, and our heart is restless until it rests in you.” How might our elder years encourage new devotion or spiritual practice of the heart, so that our heart might ultimately rest in God? Holy week opens new opportunity for deeper devotional practice as we accompany Jesus through his last days of ministry, his death on the cross and resurrection. We will practice centering prayer together in devotion to Jesus.

 

Our theme also comes from The Inner Work of Age, Shifting from Role to Soul by Connie Zweig, and brings us to the heart of our devotional and spiritual practices in chapter 8 titled, “Spiritual Repair to Reimagine Our Beliefs and Reclaim Our Practices.” You may download the chapter here, for your own enhancement if you choose to read, but it is not mandatory for participation.

Sign up to attend

a Maundy Thursday

dinner in a home

April 17th, 6-8 pm

(Burkey/Cooperrider Meal, 5-7 pm)

Might you be interested in attending a Maundy Thursday meal in a home on April 17th? All meals will be 6-8 pm except the Burkey/Cooperrider meal which will be 5-7 pm.

Both Pastors Julia and Ken will be hosting dinners along with 3 others!

In the past, the host has provided a Middle Eastern main dish, and has either invited the guests to bring side dishes to share or to bring a favorite beverage (e.g. wine). Your host will be in touch with you about this. Be sure to let your host know if you have any dietary restrictions.

If you have trouble with this online signup tool, there will be signup sheets on the table in the Crossroads the next two Sundays. Or you can contact Ken Pennings to let him know which host you’ve chosen ([email protected] or 608-556-2371).

After supper, your group will share in a brief ritual of Communion remembering Jesus’ last supper with his disciples in an upper room in Jerusalem.

Click here to sign up

Our Generosity at Work: Compassion Offering for March

We are glad to report that March’s Compassion Offering for The Community Immigration Law Center (CILC) amounted to $4,532.00. CILC provides pro bono representation for immigrants facing deportation. CILC is frequently the last line of defense for people who are in need of information and representation in our legal system. The five lawyers and paralegal of CILC are housed at Christ Presbyterian Church in Madison.

Please Sign Up to Volunteer on Sunday Mornings!

A Number of Open Slots

in the Near Future!

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.

Individual plots available in the ORUCC garden! 

Are you interested in having access to a little plot of land to grow your own produce? If so, the ORUCC Veggie Village (on the east side of the property) has 2 community garden plots for lease this gardening season. Fee is $35 for a 12 x 12 foot plot. Email LuAnn Greiner at [email protected] by April 12th if you are interested and/or have questions.

Questions:   Contact Ruth Ann Berkholtz  [email protected]

An Opportunity to Serve UW Students

In February, the focus of our compassion offering was The Crossing campus ministry. Thank you for your generous support! Were you excited by what you heard from the Executive Director, Michael Burch, and the Justice Advocate for Criminal Justice, CeCe Babat, in February? Are you interested in continuing to support ORUCC’s connection with The Crossing? Do you feel called to serve? We have another opportunity for you to support The Crossing. The Crossing’s Board of Directors is looking for passionate and engaged board members to join the board in serving the staff and students.

 

The Crossing is a diverse and caring community of students who find belonging, embrace exploration, advocate passionately for justice issues, and become who they are inspired to become. The Crossings mission of learning about faith and advocating for justice aligns well with ORUCC’s mission and our two ministries have been connected for more than fifteen years.

 

To learn more about becoming a board member, contact Sue Dixon at 608-712-9050 or [email protected]. To learn more about The Crossing campus ministry, visit: The Crossing | Wisconsin-Madison

Heart-Opening Opportunity

Are you feeling sad, scattered, isolated? Are you wondering where God is right now? The Thursday morning Meditation Group would love to have you join us, breathe in God’s presence, and ground yourself in love.

Thursdays, 8:30 – 9:30 am in the Romero Room. Questions? Contact Susi Petta at 608-712-9539 or Becky Baumbach at 608-239-0221.

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: April 10 – 16

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: April 10 – 16

Office Manager George Decker

available Mon.-Fri. 8:30am -12:30 pm

608-271-7212 or EMAIL

Senior Pastor Julia Burkey: available

Office hours: Tuesday – Thursday 9:30 am – 12:00 pm 

& by appointment Tuesday – Thursday 9:30 am – 5 pm

518-542-6915 EMAIL

Associate Pastor Ken Pennings: available

Tues.-Thurs. 10:00 am -5:00 pm 

by appointment

608-556-2371 EMAIL

Associate Pastor Kate Mackey: available

Mon.-Thurs. 8:00 am – 2:00 pm

by appointment

608-358-6143 EMAIL

Julia and Ken (try to) take Monday & Saturday as Sabbath days,

Kate Friday and Saturday

Friday is observed as a writing day for the preaching pastor.

In case of a pastoral emergency, please call any of the pastors, as all pastors are available by phone, text and we will always have a pastor on call who we can turn to.

LIKE or FOLLOW the Orchard Ridge FaceBook Page

JOIN our Private FB Group:

“Members & Friends of Orchard Ridge UCC“

Orchard Ridge United Church of Christ

1501 Gilbert Road

Madison, WI 53711

608-271-7212

Office Hours: M-Th 8:30-12:30
Facebook  Twitter  Pinterest

Orchard Ridge UCC | Spiritually Alive, Joyfully Inclusive, Committed to Justice 1501 Gilbert Road | Madison, WI 53711 US

ORUCC April 13 – Children and Youth News

Orchard Ridge UCC on April 9, 2025

ORUCC Children and Youth

Faith Formation Update

Sunday, April 13, 2025

*Palm Sunday*

Dear Families,

We look forward to seeing you this Sunday. Read on below for details about this week. This coming Sunday is Palm Sunday, which begins Holy Week leading up to Easter. There will be a special all-ages faith formation event at 9:00 a.m. At the bottom of the email, you will find some important dates for some fun events, photos of recent events, and a prayer to try as a family this week.

~Pastor Kate and Julie M.

Nursery Care is available 8:30-11:30. Abby and Najma are ready to play with your little one.

Intergenerational Faith Formation 9:00 a.m.: All are welcome to attend an all-ages faith formation event for Palm Sunday. Together, we will travel through Holy Week by story-telling, tangram creation, and a faith reflection led by Julie Mazer. What is a Tangram? A Tangram is a geometric puzzle consisting of a square cut into seven pieces. The pieces can be arranged to make various other shapes. This will be in place of regular children, youth, and adult faith formation for this Sunday.

After worship, middle and high school youth are invited to help stuff Easter eggs for our egg hunt on Easter Sunday! Pizza lunch will be provided.

No Faith Formation on Sunday, April 20 due to Easter Sunday.

Music Opportunities for Children and Youth

Music Connections resumes this week. Following the children’s moment, children in grades 2-6 are invited to the downstairs Bonhoeffer room. This week, we’ll further develop the Creation story with the help of some of our caregivers. Save the date: On May 4, the children and caregivers will share this music during worship.

Older youth are invited to stay in worship or participate in Music Connections as a helper. If your child wishes to be a helper, please connect with Julie to chat about expectations. In agreement with our church’s Safe Sanctuary policy, two adults must be present in a room when working with children. Sign up to volunteer. 

TRU Function: TRU Function will practice from 10:00-12:00 in the Haynes Music Room.

Upcoming Events

  • Holy Week Services include Maundy Thursday meals April 17, Good Friday Service April 18 at 7:00 p.m.
  • Easter Sunday April 20: Sunrise service begins at 6:00 a.m. followed by a brunch. 10:00 Worship, followed by an Easter Egg hunt for children and youth.

In the Community

  • “Resilient Families” Conversation, April 13, 5:00-7:30 p.m.: Madison Friends Meetinghouse (Quaker) invites the community to participate in monthly conversations about challenges facing families today. April 13 will feature teen voices in a discussion about coping with climate change realities. Free dinner and childcare provided! See this document for more information.

At Orchard Ridge, we are Spiritually Alive!

Amazing Grace

Four ORUCC youth brought home the traveling trophy for the second year in a row! Miles were run, puzzles were solved, challenges were accepted, and baby food was consumed. Over the course of two hours, these teens competed alongside 10 teams from 5 other churches. Everyone left the event joyful, tired from laughing and running, and with a little more Bible knowledge. The winning team selects an organization to donate the money from the Prize Pot. Our youth selected Casa Alitas.

Welcome Quilts with Ruthanne

On April 6, the children had the opportunity to view the Welcome Quilts in Friendship Hall and design their own Welcome Quilt square. Ruthanne Landsness led this experience and included a short lesson about welcoming newcomers who do not speak English. Ruthanne was so impressed with the children’s thoughtfulness and creativity.

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.

The next time you are at the grocery store, consider picking up a bag of Jelly Beans and sharing this prayer with your family as you munch:

RED is the robin; we see her in spring. She feeds her babies, sheltered under her wing.

BLACK is the soil where seeds sprout and grow. Look closely and see so much life down below.

GREEN are the leaves on the flowers and trees. They shelter the animals, insects, and bees.

WHITE is the color of the clouds way up high. What interesting shapes do you see in the sky?

PINK, YELLOW, AND ORANGE make a beautiful sunrise. It reminds us of hope. It’s a daily surprise.

All of these colors are the colors of spring. They show us God’s love and the new life God can bring.

From: Faithful Families for Lent, Easter, and Resurrection by Traci Smith

Orchard Ridge UCC | Spiritually Alive, Joyfully Inclusive, Committed to Justice 1501 Gilbert Road | Madison, WI 53711 US

ORUCC–Sign up to attend a Maundy Thursday dinner in a home on April 17th

Orchard Ridge UCC on April 6, 2025

 

Sign up to attend

a Maundy Thursday

dinner in a home

April 17th, 6-8 pm

(Burkey/Cooperrider Meal, 5-7 pm)

15 Open Slots!
 

Might you be interested in attending a Maundy Thursday meal in a home on April 17th? All meals will be 6-8 pm except the Burkey/Cooperrider meal which will be 5-7 pm.

In the past, the host has provided a Middle Eastern main dish, and has either invited the guests to bring side dishes to share or to bring a favorite beverage (e.g. wine). Your host will be in touch with you about this. Be sure to let your host know if you have any dietary restrictions.

If you have trouble with this online signup tool, there will be signup sheets on the table in the Crossroads next Sunday. Or you can contact Ken Pennings to let him know which host you’ve chosen ([email protected] or 608-556-2371).

After supper, your group will share in a brief ritual of Communion remembering Jesus’ last supper with his disciples in an upper room in Jerusalem.

Click here to sign up

Orchard Ridge UCC | Spiritually Alive, Joyfully Inclusive, Committed to Justice 1501 Gilbert Road | Madison, WI 53711 US

Worship Resources for Sunday, April 6, 2025

Orchard Ridge UCC on April 5, 2025

Orchard Ridge

United Church of Christ

Sunday Worship Resources

“Zacchaeus” by Lauren Wright Pittman (inspired by Luke 19:1-10)/ A Sanctified Art LLC/ sanctifiedart.org

Sunday, April 6

The Fifth Sunday in Lent

9:00 a.m. Children and Youth Faith Formation

Education Wing

9:00 am Java & Jesus for Adults, facilitated by Mary Neuhaus

Alfred Swan Room

(see below)

9:00 a.m. New Members Class 2nd Session

Anne Frank Room

9:00 a.m. Children and Youth Ministry Update

with Pastor Kate and Julie Mazer

Oscar Romero Room

10:00 am Worship

Sermon: Ken Pennings

Lay Liturgist: Barbara Stretchberry

Musical Offerings: ORUCC Choir

Sacrament of Holy Communion

11:15 am Landscape Team

Swan Room

(see below)

Click Here for Printable Bulletin

Join our Worship virtually

on YouTube any time after 10 am:

YouTube Link

You will need to refresh the page

after 10 am if you have opened it before

Java & Jesus

Sunday, April 6th, at 9 am

Attend in-person at the church in the

Alfred Swan Room, or attend remotely

by Zoom

Mary Neuhaus facilitating

All are welcome!

Join us even if this is your first time!

Please read ahead of time and come prepared to discuss a very brief selection from Kathleen Norris’ book, AMAZING GRACE:

A VOCABULARY OF FAITH.

Consider the following questions and prayer from the DevoCard for the Fifth Week in Lent, Thursday:

Can we find balance between righteousness and mercy?

Do we need to?

God who is Alpha and Omega, you exist beyond and between all the boxes we create. You are righteous and merciful all at once. Teach me that there’s a world far beyond the scales of justice. Teach me that there is more to life than getting it right. Teach me that there is freedom in not knowing. Teach me how to be good, and remind me that I already am. Amen.

Click here for the reading

– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

Click here to join the Zoom discussion

Or paste the following into your browser:  

us02web.zoom.us/j/82770860427?pwd=d3brshq8rhaSf2LAQId0eFG6SRepan.1

Or phone in 1-312-626-6799

Meeting ID: 827 7086 0427

Passcode: 424028

If you have difficulty accessing the Zoom discussion,

phone Ken Pennings at 608-556-2371

April Compassion Offering:

One Great Hour of Sharing

One Great Hour of Sharing (OGHS) is a cornerstone of United Church of Christ’s mission:

  • OGHS supports global refugees working to reach new homes and build new lives.
  • OGHS addresses emergency needs arising from hurricanes, floods, fires, earthquakes.
  • OGHS develops sustainable resources and skills among communities (both domestic and international) weakened by chronic poverty or climate challenges.
  • OGHS works in long-standing partnerships with denominations such as Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), Presbyterian Church (USA), Church of the Brethren, and with ecumenical alliances such as Church World Service.

Now more than ever, our partnerships are essential and cherished.

Now more than ever, our assistance is crucial to support the homeless, the hungry, the victims of war.

Now more than ever, it is our privilege to offer tangible support which saves lives.

Give as you are able. Be the face of God’s love in the world. Thank you.

Upcoming Sunday Morning Opportunities…

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

  • 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 Jeff Epping; 9:00 a.m. New Members Class 4th Session; and also 11:15 am Presentation by members of the 2025 ORUCC Border Immersion Trip.

Java & Jesus adult faith formation will be in the Alfred Swan Room at the 9:00 hour on the following dates: April 6, 13, May 4, 11, 18 and 25.

Join the Landscape Team! 

   We need to have a team to make decisions about plans for work in the church landscape this year. We have received recommendations from Tim Andrews Landscaping about how the landscape is changing and needs revision. This costs money so the Ministry of Resources wants input from gardeners interested in the landscape about these changes (in the meditation garden and bare spots around the foundation of the building). We want to plant low maintenance natives that don’t need a lot of watering or weeding. Please bring your ideas and expertise to a meeting after service on April 6th in the Swan Room. If interested in joining contact Joyce Pohl, at: [email protected]. 

Senior Pastor: Rev. Dr. Julia Burkey EMAIL

Associate Pastor: Rev. Kate Mackey EMAIL

Associate Pastor: Rev. Ken Pennings EMAIL

Director of Children’s Arts and Education: Julie Mazer EMAIL

Office Manager George Decker

608-271-7212 or EMAIL



LIKE or FOLLOW the Orchard Ridge Facebook Page

JOIN our Private FB Group:

“Members & Friends of Orchard Ridge UCC“

Follow us on Instagram @orchardridgeucc

Orchard Ridge UCC | Spiritually Alive, Joyfully Inclusive, Committed to Justice 1501 Gilbert Road | Madison, WI 53711 US

ORUCC – Java & Jesus – April 6, 9 am (In-person or by Zoom)

Orchard Ridge UCC on April 3, 2025

Java & Jesus

Sunday, April 6th, at 9 am

Attend in-person at the church in the

Alfred Swan Room, or attend remotely

by Zoom

Mary Neuhaus facilitating

All are welcome!

Join us even if this is your first time!

Please read ahead of time and come prepared to discuss a very brief selection from Kathleen Norris’ book, AMAZING GRACE:

A VOCABULARY OF FAITH.

Consider the following questions and prayer from the DevoCard for the Fifth Week in Lent, Thursday:

Can we find balance between righteousness and mercy?

Do we need to?

God who is Alpha and Omega, you exist beyond and between all the boxes we create. You are righteous and merciful all at once. Teach me that there’s a world far beyond the scales of justice. Teach me that there is more to life than getting it right. Teach me that there is freedom in not knowing. Teach me how to be good, and remind me that I already am. Amen.

Click here for reading

– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

Click here to join the Zoom discussion

Or paste the following into your browser:  

us02web.zoom.us/j/82770860427?pwd=d3brshq8rhaSf2LAQId0eFG6SRepan.1

Or phone in 1-312-626-6799

Meeting ID: 827 7086 0427

Passcode: 424028

If you have difficulty accessing the Zoom discussion,

phone Ken Pennings at 608-556-2371

Orchard Ridge UCC | Spiritually Alive, Joyfully Inclusive, Committed to Justice www.orucc.org | Madison, WI 53711 US

ORUCC April 6 Children and Youth News

Orchard Ridge UCC on April 2, 2025

ORUCC Children and Youth

Faith Formation Update

Sunday, April 6, 2025

Dear Families,

We look forward to seeing you this Sunday. Read on below for details about this week. At the bottom of the email, you will find some important dates for some fun events, photos of recent events, and a prayer to try as a family this week.

~Pastor Kate and Julie M.

Nursery Care is available 8:30-11:30. Abby and Najma are ready to play with your little one.

Children and Youth Faith Formation is at 9 am. 

PreK-6th Grade: Ruthanne Landsness will lead the children’s Faith Formation hour this week. The children will be able to view the quilts in Friendship Hall, draw their own “Welcome” quilt square, and participate in a short Spanish lesson!

Following Faith Formation, the children will head straight to Music Connections. They will not start in the sanctuary this week.

Youth (7th-H.S.) will meet in the Dorothy Day room. This Sunday we are in the second of a four-session study called “Tell Me About the Bible: Extraordinary Leaders”. This interactive series will focus on some lesser-known characters from the Bible who have something important to teach us about leadership. This week we learn about Rahab from the book of Joshua. Susan Watson, Kristin and Al Blanchard will be our guides for this Sunday.

Caregivers: At 9 AM, caregivers are invited to join Pastor Kate and Julie in the Day Room to hear about Faith Formation plans for this summer and the 2025-26 school year.

Music Opportunities for Children and Youth

Music Connections resumes this week. We’ll start right at 10:00. This week, we’ll further develop the Creation story with the help of some of our caregivers. Your child will return to the sanctuary for communion.

Older youth are invited to stay in worship or participate in Music Connections as a helper. If your child wishes to be a helper, please connect with Julie to chat about expectations. In agreement with our church’s Safe Sanctuary policy, two adults must be present in a room when working with children. Sign up to volunteer. 

TRU Function: TRU Function will practice from 10:00-12:00 in the Haynes Music Room.

Upcoming Events

  • Children and Youth Ministry Update (for grown ups): April 6, 9:00 a.m.: Pastor Kate and Julie will share some highlights of plans for Children and Youth ministry this summer and next programming year. Bring any questions, hopes, or wonderings you might have!

  • Amazing GRace (for Middle and High School Youth): Sunday, April 6 –RSVP to Julie

“The GRACE is run much like the popular CBS, TV reality show. Teams of Church Youth follow clues to make their way around the greater Madison area on a race to the finish line. Along the way, youth (as individuals and teams) complete an array of challenges to receive their next clue. 

Think of it as a mash-up of: ESCAPE ROOM, BIBLE STUDY, & RACE!

The first team to finish the GRACE will win a Trophy and the PRIZE POT will be donated to the CHARITY of their choosing! BUT…. all who participate are WINNERS!” Last year, our team WON and brought home the traveling trophy. We are invited back this year to defend our winning title. Additionally, our youth will have the opportunity to meet youth from other area UCC churches.

  • April 13, 9 am: Palm Sunday Intergenerational Faith Formation in Friendship Hall



In the Community

  • Saturday, April 5, 10:00-2:00, “Doing Justice Advocacy at UW Madison: A free event geared toward current high school students (or incoming college students) who are interested in learning more about justice advocacy at UW Madison. Sponsored by the Crossing ministry, a progressive ecumenical ministry for college students. Lunch provided! RSVP to director Michael Burch at the email: [email protected]

  • “Resilient Families” Conversations: Coping with Climate Change Anxiety: April 13, 5:00-7:30 p.m.: Madison Friends Meetinghouse (Quaker) invites the community to participate in monthly conversations about challenges facing families today. April 13 features teen-led conversations on dealing with climate change and anxiety. Free dinner and childcare provided! See this document for more information.

At Orchard Ridge, we are Spiritually Alive!

Labyrinth Walk

On Sunday, March 23, all children and youth gathered together for a mindfulness labyrinth walk. Words from the Parable of the Fig Tree guided our wonderings, thoughts, and meditations. Have you, or someone you know, ever experienced a time when it took you a little longer to learn something or grow? Was there ever a time when you needed a little more patience? How did you find or give support? Where did you find God in those tough moments?

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.

Dear God, thank you for forgiving us when we make mistakes or hurt others. Help us to

always do the right thing, to apologize when we do something wrong, and to extend the same grace and forgiveness to others that we receive from you. Amen.

A Sanctified Art

Orchard Ridge UCC | Spiritually Alive, Joyfully Inclusive, Committed to Justice 1501 Gilbert Road | Madison, WI 53711 US

April Compassion Offering: One Great Hour of Sharing

Orchard Ridge UCC on April 1, 2025

One Great Hour of Sharing (OGHS) is a cornerstone of United Church of Christ’s mission:
*OGHS supports global refugees working to reach new homes and build new lives.
*OGHS addresses emergency needs arising from hurricanes, floods, fires, earthquakes.
*OGHS develops sustainable resources and skills among communities (both domestic and international) weakened by chronic poverty or climate challenges.
*OGHS works in long-standing partnerships with denominations such as Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), Presbyterian Church (USA), Church of the Brethren, and with ecumenical alliances such as Church World Service.

Now more than ever, our partnerships are essential and cherished.
Now more than ever, our assistance is crucial to support the homeless, the hungry, the victims of war.
Now more than ever, it is our privilege to offer tangible support which saves lives.

Give as you are able. Be the face of God’s love in the world. Thank you.

Here is a link to the YouTube video: https://youtu.be/CWzyfAW7VJ0 or click on the whole post to view the embedded vidoe

Orchard Ridge UCC on April 1, 2025

April Compassion Offering: One Great Hour of Sharing

By Orchard Ridge UCC

April 1, 2025

One Great Hour of Sharing (OGHS) is a cornerstone of United Church of Christ’s mission:
*OGHS supports global refugees working to reach new homes and build new lives.
*OGHS addresses emergency needs arising from hurricanes, floods, fires, earthquakes.
*OGHS develops sustainable resources and skills among communities (both domestic and international) weakened by chronic poverty or climate challenges.
*OGHS works in long-standing partnerships with denominations such as Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), Presbyterian Church (USA), Church of the Brethren, and with ecumenical alliances such as Church World Service.

Now more than ever, our partnerships are essential and cherished.
Now more than ever, our assistance is crucial to support the homeless, the hungry, the victims of war.
Now more than ever, it is our privilege to offer tangible support which saves lives.

Give as you are able. Be the face of God’s love in the world. Thank you.

ORUCC–Sign up to attend a Maundy Thursday dinner in a home on April 17th

Orchard Ridge UCC on March 30, 2025

 

Sign up to attend

a Maundy Thursday

dinner in a home

April 17th, 6-8 pm

(Burkey/Cooperrider Meal, 5-7 pm)
 

Might you be interested in attending a Maundy Thursday meal in a home on April 17th? All meals will be 6-8 pm except the Burkey/Cooperrider meal which will be 5-7 pm.

Both Pastors Julia and Ken will be hosting dinners along with 3 others!

In the past, the host has provided a Middle Eastern main dish, and has either invited the guests to bring side dishes to share or to bring a favorite beverage (e.g. wine). Your host will be in touch with you about this. Be sure to let your host know if you have any dietary restrictions.

If you have trouble with this online signup tool, there will be signup sheets on the table in the Crossroads the next two Sundays. Or you can contact Ken Pennings to let him know which host you’ve chosen ([email protected] or 608-556-2371).

After supper, your group will share in a brief ritual of Communion remembering Jesus’ last supper with his disciples in an upper room in Jerusalem.

Click here to sign up

Orchard Ridge UCC | Spiritually Alive, Joyfully Inclusive, Committed to Justice 1501 Gilbert Road | Madison, WI 53711 US

Worship Resources for Sunday, March 30, 2025

Orchard Ridge UCC on March 29, 2025

Orchard Ridge

United Church of Christ

Sunday Worship Resources

“Lost & Found” by Lisle Gwynn Garrity (inspired by Luke 15:1-7)/ A Sanctified Art LLC/ sanctifiedart.org

Sunday, March 30

The Fourth Sunday in Lent

There will be no children or youth faith formation or Music Connections (Spring Break)

9:00 am Java & Jesus for Adults, facilitated by Peg Knueve

Alfred Swan Room

9:00 a.m. New Members Class 1st Session

10:00 am Worship

Sermon: Julia Burkey

Lay Liturgist: Mary Bucknell

Musical Offerings: Bruce Gladstone and Vicki Nonn

12:00 – 2:00 pm Welcome Quilt Open House

(see below)

Click Here for Printable Bulletin

Join our Worship virtually

on YouTube any time after 10 am:

YouTube Link

You will need to refresh the page

after 10 am if you have opened it before

Java & Jesus

Sunday, March 30th, at 9 am

Attend in-person at the church in the

Alfred Swan Room, or attend remotely

by Zoom

Peg Knueve facilitating

All are welcome!

Join us even if this is your first time!

Please read ahead of time and come prepared to discuss a short article by Jane Jeffries writing for The Odd Christian.

Click here for the reading

_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

Click here to join the Zoom discussion

Or paste the following into your browser:  

us02web.zoom.us/j/82770860427?pwd=d3brshq8rhaSf2LAQId0eFG6SRepan.1

Or phone in 1-312-626-6799

Meeting ID: 827 7086 0427

Passcode: 424028

If you have difficulty accessing the Zoom discussion,

phone Ken Pennings at 608-556-2371

March Compassion Offering:

The Community Immigration Law Center (CILC)

The Community Immigration Law Center (CILC) provides pro bono representation for immigrants facing deportation. CILC is frequently the last line of defense for people who are in need of information and representation in our legal system. The five lawyers and paralegal of CILC are housed at Christ Presbyterian Church in Madison.

With representation such as that of a CILC attorney, a person’s chance of success in immigration court increases dramatically. CILC provides both formal representation of clients plus a weekly asylum clinic. The latter provides information that helps many more people to navigate the judicial process. CILC also hosts an immigration consultation clinic twice a month for anyone in the community with immigration-related questions. CILC coordinates with agencies at the local, state, and national level to support immigrant families in our community and beyond.  

Thank you in advance for your contribution.

Upcoming Sunday Morning Opportunities…

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

  • March 30, 9:00 a.m. New Members Class 1st Session; 12 noon Welcome Quilt Open House
  • 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 Jeff Epping; 9:00 a.m. New Members Class 4th Session; and also 11:15 am Presentation by members of the 2025 ORUCC Border Immersion Trip.

Java & Jesus adult faith formation will be in the Alfred Swan Room at the 9:00 hour on the following dates: March 30, April 6, 13, May 4, 11, 18 and 25.

Senior Pastor: Rev. Dr. Julia Burkey EMAIL

Associate Pastor: Rev. Kate Mackey EMAIL

Associate Pastor: Rev. Ken Pennings EMAIL

Director of Children’s Arts and Education: Julie Mazer EMAIL

Office Manager George Decker

608-271-7212 or EMAIL



LIKE or FOLLOW the Orchard Ridge Facebook Page

JOIN our Private FB Group:

“Members & Friends of Orchard Ridge UCC“

Follow us on Instagram @orchardridgeucc

Orchard Ridge UCC | Spiritually Alive, Joyfully Inclusive, Committed to Justice 1501 Gilbert Road | Madison, WI 53711 US

ORUCC – Java & Jesus – March 30, 9 am (In-person or by Zoom)

Orchard Ridge UCC on March 27, 2025

Java & Jesus

Sunday, March 30th, at 9 am

Attend in-person at the church in the

Alfred Swan Room, or attend remotely

by Zoom

Peg Knueve facilitating

All are welcome!

Join us even if this is your first time!

Please read ahead of time and come prepared to discuss a short article by Jane Jeffries writing for The Odd Christian.

Some had trouble opening the pdf sent earlier. Here is a new link:

Click here for the reading

_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

Click here to join the Zoom discussion

Or paste the following into your browser:  

us02web.zoom.us/j/82770860427?pwd=d3brshq8rhaSf2LAQId0eFG6SRepan.1

Or phone in 1-312-626-6799

Meeting ID: 827 7086 0427

Passcode: 424028

If you have difficulty accessing the Zoom discussion,

phone Ken Pennings at 608-556-2371

Orchard Ridge UCC | Spiritually Alive, Joyfully Inclusive, Committed to Justice www.orucc.org | Madison, WI 53711 US

ORUCC – Java & Jesus – March 30, 9 am (In-person or by Zoom)

Orchard Ridge UCC on March 27, 2025

Java & Jesus

Sunday, March 30th, at 9 am

Attend in-person at the church in the

Alfred Swan Room, or attend remotely

by Zoom

Peg Knueve facilitating

All are welcome!

Join us even if this is your first time!

Please read ahead of time and come prepared to discuss a short article by Jane Jeffries writing for The Odd Christian.

Click here for the reading

_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

Click here to join the Zoom discussion

Or paste the following into your browser:  

us02web.zoom.us/j/82770860427?pwd=d3brshq8rhaSf2LAQId0eFG6SRepan.1

Or phone in 1-312-626-6799

Meeting ID: 827 7086 0427

Passcode: 424028

If you have difficulty accessing the Zoom discussion,

phone Ken Pennings at 608-556-2371

Orchard Ridge UCC | Spiritually Alive, Joyfully Inclusive, Committed to Justice www.orucc.org | Madison, WI 53711 US

Garth Service for Thea Brunsell, Sunday, April 13th, at 12:00 noon

Orchard Ridge UCC on March 26, 2025

Dear ORUCC,

Beloved member Thea Brunsell passed away and we will hold a Garth service at ORUCC on Sunday, April 13th at 12 noon for Thea which is open to the ORUCC community. We remember Thea and her remarkable life and legacy with love and admiration. 

With love,

Pastor Julia

Obituary for Thea Brunsell

Our mother, Thea La Budde Brunsell peacefully passed away March 11th. Thea was 100 ½, born July 16, 1924. She grew up in Whitefish Bay, Milwaukee, Wisconsin. In 1956 Thea moved to Evansville Wisconsin with her husband, William Carlin Brunsell. Thea enjoyed her last eight years living at Oakwood Village in Madison, where her family, care companions and community supported her with love, admiration and affection.

Thea was the daughter of LeRoy and Thea La Budde and the middle child of two brothers, Donald Christian and Leroy (Roy) La Budde.



Thea attended the University of Michigan in 1942. After her father’s unexpected death, she returned to Milwaukee to care for her mother as both brothers were preparing to go to war. While in transition, Thea attended the Downer School for Girls and made lifelong and even famous friends. Thea and her childhood friend, Colleen Dewhurst, who became a broadway actress, were well known for their antics ands improv comedy routines entertaining people on the public transit bus. Thea returned to Michigan in 1947 and completed her degree in Social Work.

As a graduation gift, Thea’s aunts sent her to Europe aboard the maiden voyage of the Queen Mary to visit old family in Basel, Germany. Upon her return her brother Roy, decided it was high time for her to meet a “suitable” young man. Roy introduced Thea to his close friend and classmate at Harvard University, Bill Brunsell. Thea said when she met Bill for the first time, she was swept off her feet and her never ending love, friendship and admiration for him endured for over 69 years.

In Milwaukee, Bill practiced law at Michael, Best, Friedrich & Sons, and Thea gave birth to her two children, Annie and Paul. In 1956, Thea and Bill moved to Evansville, Wisconsin. Bill was given the opportunity with his brother-in-law, Nimmer Adamany, to buy the Grange Store and with his brother, Bob Brunsell, help manage the 4-B farms.

Thea and Bill were blessed to have many years of adventure with their children, Annie, Paul and daughter-in-law, Maribeth Brunsell. Thea baked many, many chocolate chip cookies and M&M cakes for her grandchildren and great grandchildren: Paul Mark Suprenand (wife, Lisa and Jack and Kai); Monet Campbell (children Madison and Aiden); Zack Brunsell (wife Maggie); Kelly (Brunsell) Christman and (husband Max); plus…her 28+ nieces, nephews and their families. For 40 years, Thea and Bill hosted their families at Dairyman’s in Boulder Junction; Mom playing golf, cards and Russian Bank and Dad, baiting, catching, filleting and frying fish fresh from the Northern lakes with kids in tow.

Thea has always been on a spiritual quest and had a passion to study the Bible. At the age of 12, she rewrote the New Testament in a child’s vernacular up to Deuteronomy. Thea continued her spiritual journey, studying under Rabbi Manfred Swarsensky at Edgewood College and obtaining a degree in Christian Education.

Thea focused her education and passion toward humanitarian causes, holding invaluable volunteer positions as a social activist and peacemaker at local, state and national levels.

On a local level in Evansville, Thea started the Head Start Program; she was the original coordinator for Meals on Wheels; she was an all-capacity volunteer at the Care Closet; Thea was Chair of the United Church of Christ (UCC) social action Committee, devoted to protesting nuclear arms; and Chair of the UCC Constitutional Committee.

On a state level, Thea was involved with the UCC Long Range Planning Committee and was offered the State Moderator role. However, Thea wanted a larger impact on peace and became an activist for the National Board for World Ministries, responsible for all overseas works of the denomination.

In 1984, Thea and Bill, inspired by Viktor Frankl’s book; “Man’s Search for Meaning”, became involved in mission work through the Church of Our Savior in Washington D.C. and traveled to Russia as peace ambassadors to help bridge the gaps in understandings. When Thea and Bill moved to Oakwood, leaving their home of 59 years, she continued her social advocacy through the Life Enrichment Committee; started a Grief for Widows group and was active as a senator for Tabor Assisted Living, giving their voice and representation to the larger Oakwood board. Thea also authored the book, “Why I Love Oakwood” which can be found in the Oakwood library today.

Above all else, Thea believed her role was to be by her husband creating a loving home. She was a prolific gardener, planting over 200 annuals each year. She was a formidable opponent in golf, tennis, backgammon and bridge. She was a great photographer, filling over 32 albums and over 26 carousels of treasured memories from our home and trips abroad. Thea was the central focus of our family, arranging many gatherings that brought people together to celebrate life. She was a founding member of Evansville Supper Club and Bridge Club that endured with the same friends for over 50 years.

Thea’s axiom was, “I’ll do anything as long as I am safe, warm, dry and secure.” However, she managed to join Bill in Hobie Cat sailing, canoeing on the Sugar River, skiing in the Colorado Rockies, rafting the Green River and traveling the world….literally…with “no reservations!”

Thea held the belief that she was a spiritual being having a temporary human experience rather than a human being having a temporary spiritual experience. Thea graciously and lovingly added beauty to this earth. We do not say good by but rather: “until we meet again Thea.”

We will remember Thea Brunsell as our mother, friend, devoted activist, and inspirational mentor. Thea began each day embracing the courage to be, holding onto to the will to do the next best thing and celebrating the joy… to keep on… keeping on.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to Agrace Hospice or the charity of your choice.

Orchard Ridge UCC | Spiritually Alive, Joyfully Inclusive, Committed to Justice www.orucc.org | Madison, WI 53711 US

ORUCC March 30 Children and Youth News

Orchard Ridge UCC on March 26, 2025

ORUCC Children and Youth

Faith Formation Update

Sunday, March 30, 2025

Dear Families,

Due to Spring Break, we will not hold 9 AM Faith Formation this Sunday. Your child is welcome to attend the 10 am Worship Service. Jade will be available in the Crossroads for Supported Childcare 8:30-11:30. This service allows parents or children ages 0-5 to socialize and engage in the service. Still, it encourages parents to stay nearby to assist their child. Scroll to the end of this email for a special prayer practice your family can engage in together.

Music Opportunities this week: There will be no 10:00 a.m. Music Connections (1st Grade-6th grade). Children are encouraged to remain in worship with their families. TRU Function (youth band) will have their practice as normal from 10:00-noon.

Regular programming resumes next Sunday, April 6, with a special PreK-6 grade Faith Formation hour led by Ruthanne Landsness. The children will have the opportunity to view the quilts in Friendship Hall, draw their own “Welcome” quilt square, and participate in a short Spanish lesson!

On April 6th at At 9 AM, caregivers will be invited to join Pastor Kate and Julie downstairs in the Day Room to hear about Faith Formation plans for the 2025-26 school year.

~Pastor Kate and Julie M.

Upcoming Events

  • Amazing GRace (for Middle and High School Youth): Sunday, April 6 –RSVP to Julie

“The GRACE is run much like the popular CBS, TV reality show. Teams of Church Youth follow clues to make their way around the greater Madison area on a race to the finish line. Along the way, youth (as individuals and teams) complete an array of challenges to receive their next clue.

Think of it as a mash-up of: ESCAPE ROOM, BIBLE STUDY, & RACE!

The first team to finish the GRACE will win a Trophy and the PRIZE POT will be donated to the CHARITY of their choosing! BUT…. all who participate are WINNERS!” Last year, our team WON and brought home the traveling trophy. We are invited back this year to defend our winning title. Additionally, our youth will have the opportunity to meet youth from other area UCC churches.

  • Family Game Night, April 4, 6:00-8:00 p.m.: Join with other families from ORUCC for this informal monthly gathering of merriment and fun! Bring a dish to pass and a game to share.

  • Children and Youth Faith Formation Plans Update, April 6, 9:00 a.m.: Pastor Kate and Julie Mazer will share a few updates on children and youth plans for summer and the next programming year. Bring your questions and ideas! The conversation is open to anyone interested in children and youth programming at ORUCC.

In the Community

  • “Resilient Families” Conversations, April 13, 5:00-7:30 p.m.: Madison Friends Meetinghouse (Quaker) invites the community to participate in monthly conversations about challenges facing families today: April 13 will discuss talking about climate change. Free dinner and childcare provided! See this document for more information.

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.

At the close of our Labyrinth Walk last week, we shared this active prayer:

(Mountain) Stand straight and tall like the trunk of a tree. Take a deep breath in and out.

Imagine your feet digging deep into the earth like roots.

(Upward salute) Reach your arms as high as you can, like the branches of a tree reaching

to the sunshine.

(Rag doll) Now fold forward and let your arms dangle like the branches of a weeping willow

tree. Sway them back and forth.

(Child’s pose) Kneel down on the ground like a gardener working in the soil. Place your

hands on the ground and stretch them all the way forward.

(Table top pose) Bring your hands back under your shoulders and push up like a seed

pushing through the soil until your back is flat like a table.

(Cat/cow) Drop your belly and look up to the sky like you’re looking for fruit on a tall tree.

Now, arch your back and look down at the ground like you’re checking on the roots. Let’s

do this a few more times, slowly moving our bodies from looking up to looking down.

(Kneeling pose) Sit back on your knees and bring your palms together at your chest. Take

a few deep breaths and thank God for your body.

(Sanctified Arts)

.

Orchard Ridge UCC | Spiritually Alive, Joyfully Inclusive, Committed to Justice 1501 Gilbert Road | Madison, WI 53711 US

Worship Resources for Sunday, March 23, 2025

Orchard Ridge UCC on March 22, 2025

Orchard Ridge

United Church of Christ

Sunday Worship Resources

“Fig Leafing” by Hannah Garrity (inspired by Luke 13:6-9)/ A Sanctified Art LLC/ sanctifiedart.org

Sunday, March 23

The Third Sunday in Lent

9:00 am Children and Youth Faith Formation

9:00 am Java & Jesus for Adults, facilitated by Cody Theis

Alfred Swan Room

9:00 am Meet & Greet for New Friends

Anne Frank Room

10:00 am Worship

Sermon: Julia Burkey

Lay Liturgist: Laura Conners

Musical Offerings: TRU Function

11:15 am Welcome Quilts Open House

(see below)

Click Here for Printable Bulletin

Join our Worship virtually

on YouTube any time after 10 am:

YouTube Link

You will need to refresh the page

after 10 am if you have opened it before

Java & Jesus

Sunday, March 23rd, at 9 am

Attend in-person at the church in the

Alfred Swan Room, or attend remotely

by Zoom

Cody Theis facilitating

All are welcome!

Join us even if this is your first time!

Please watch ahead of time and come prepared to discuss a

34 minute video of Brit Barron speaking about HOPE at the

Q Christian Fellowship Renewal Conference on August 12, 2024 – www.qchristian.org/

Brit Barron is a well renowned speaker in the areas of storytelling, communication, gender and sexuality. Brit is an experienced storyteller and is known for her ability to use personal narratives and experiences from her life to highlight larger, universal truths.

Click here to watch video

_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

Click here to join the Zoom discussion

Or paste the following into your browser:  

us02web.zoom.us/j/82770860427?pwd=d3brshq8rhaSf2LAQId0eFG6SRepan.1

Or phone in 1-312-626-6799

Meeting ID: 827 7086 0427

Passcode: 424028

If you have difficulty accessing the Zoom discussion,

phone Ken Pennings at 608-556-2371

March Compassion Offering:

The Community Immigration Law Center (CILC)

The Community Immigration Law Center (CILC) provides pro bono representation for immigrants facing deportation. CILC is frequently the last line of defense for people who are in need of information and representation in our legal system. The five lawyers and paralegal of CILC are housed at Christ Presbyterian Church in Madison.

With representation such as that of a CILC attorney, a person’s chance of success in immigration court increases dramatically. CILC provides both formal representation of clients plus a weekly asylum clinic. The latter provides information that helps many more people to navigate the judicial process. CILC also hosts an immigration consultation clinic twice a month for anyone in the community with immigration-related questions. CILC coordinates with agencies at the local, state, and national level to support immigrant families in our community and beyond.  

Thank you in advance for your contribution.

Upcoming Sunday Morning Opportunities…

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

  • March 23, 9:00 a.m. Newcomers Meet & Greet ; 11:15 a.m. Welcome Quilts Open House
  • 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 Jeff Epping; 9:00 a.m. New Members Class 4th Session; and also 11:15 am Presentation by members of the 2025 ORUCC Border Immersion Trip.

Java & Jesus adult faith formation in the Alfred Swan Room at the 9:00 hour on the following dates: March 23, 30, April 6, 13, May 4, 11, 18 and 25.

Welcome Quilts Open House, this Sunday, March 23rd after worship

Stop by Friendship Hall, enjoy the quilts, and draw a square for us to transform into an ORUCC welcome quilt! Brought to you by children at Casa Alitas and the Tucson Historical Museum. The quilts are now touring Wisconsin UCC churches, will make their way to other states, and then back to the museum.

Ours to enjoy and stand as a statement of our welcome to all.

Brought to you by the Immigration Justice Team.

Senior Pastor: Rev. Dr. Julia Burkey EMAIL

Associate Pastor: Rev. Kate Mackey EMAIL

Associate Pastor: Rev. Ken Pennings EMAIL

Director of Children’s Arts and Education: Julie Mazer EMAIL

Office Manager George Decker

608-271-7212 or EMAIL



LIKE or FOLLOW the Orchard Ridge Facebook Page

JOIN our Private FB Group:

“Members & Friends of Orchard Ridge UCC“

Follow us on Instagram @orchardridgeucc

Orchard Ridge UCC | Spiritually Alive, Joyfully Inclusive, Committed to Justice 1501 Gilbert Road | Madison, WI 53711 US

ORUCC – Scam text from “Julia”

Orchard Ridge UCC on March 21, 2025

PHISHING TEXT AND SCAM

Some of you have received text message from “Reverend Julia.” This text is not from Pastor Julia, and she is not asking anyone for favors (such as buying gift cards). We are so sorry that churches are targets of these scams.

If an email or text seems odd to you from one of our pastors, trust your gut and then double check- know that we always use official ORUCC emails – [email protected] – and 518-542-6915 is Pastor Julia’s cell phone number, which you may save and use as needed!

Thank you!

Orchard Ridge UCC | Spiritually Alive, Joyfully Inclusive, Committed to Justice www.orucc.org | Madison, WI 53711 US

ORUCC Immigration Justice Happenings

Orchard Ridge UCC on March 21, 2025

Dear ORUCC,

 

We have so many wonderful opportunities for engagement around immigration justice this season that we thought it would be helpful to read about them all in one place. As we continue to “Welcome the Stranger,” we invite you into ways to learn more and take action through the activities listed below.

 

Welcome Quilts! Sunday, March 23 and March 30, 2025

We have the distinct honor of hosting the “Welcome Quilts” on their tour from the Tucson Historical Museum around UCC churches in Wisconsin! Stop by Friendship Hall and enjoy these beauties! Many of the fabric squares were drawn by children at Casa Alitas. The welcome quilts stand as a way of making a statement, through the arts, that all are welcome here. They are a symbol of beauty and of the world we hope to create. 

This Sunday, March 23rd, after worship, you are invited to an open house to enjoy the quilts and draw a square for our quilters to transform into an ORUCC welcome quilt. The following Sunday, March 30, 12pm-2pm, people from other congregations and the community are invited to do the same.

 

Virtual Know Your Rights Training

Join the Wisconsin Council of Churches and Voces de la Frontera for another Know Your Rights Training in English on March 27th at 9:00am. We invite you to attend as many of these as you can. As allies, we need to know how to act in moments of crisis, and it takes training and repetition! 

 

Led by Ruby De Leon and Voces de la Frontera staff. This training will be recorded. Ruby De Leon is an immigration attorney at Voces de la Frontera. Ruby has a passion for helping underserved communities and provides pro bono legal advice at the Marquette Volunteer Legal Clinic each month at their only Spanish-serving location at the United Community Center. Ruby is also active within the legal community and is on the board for the Wisconsin Hispanic Lawyers Association.

 

To register go to

https://www.wichurches.org/events/kyrenglish

 

Dane Sanctuary Coalition wide meeting, April 3rd, 5:30pm, ZOOM

Matt Kendziera, the new Executive Director of Wisconsin Faith Voices for Justice, will facilitate this meeting, and has invited Pastor Julia to lead us in prayer and a coalition conversation about where we are with sanctuary now. We will also hear from our partners at Centro and Voces de la Frontera, the guiding lights of our immigration justice activities.

 

Border Immersion Trip Sharing & Worship, Sunday, April 27, 2025

Our Border Immersion Trip worship service will be April 27th, the Sunday after Easter! Come and hear about the range of experiences and what in particular impacted the members of our border trip folks. Learn about La Casa de Misericordia, the welcome center on the Mexican side of the border, the water stations of Humane Borders in the Sonoran Desert, the crosses that honor and mark the spot where people died in the desert, and the many extraordinary speakers, music and food that graced our time in Arizona. Stay for a time of questions and answers after service.

 

This particular worship service at ORUCC coincides with a UCC State Wide ‘Immigration Justice’ Sunday worship, and precedes a week of prayer leading up to the always memorable Friday, May 2nd, Day Without Immigrants rally at the capitol.

 

A Day without Immigrants and Workers, Friday, May 2, 2025

Brace yourself for a happening! It’s time for the march and rally of the Day without Immigrants and Workers at the capitol! Join Pastor Julia, members of the ORUCC Immigration Justice team, and hundreds more as we march in solidarity with our immigrant neighbors around the capitol and then into the capitol rotunda. The program starts at Brittingham Park at 3pm, with the march to the capitol scheduled for 4:00pm, then the rally at and in the capitol at 4:30 pm.

 

The event is sponsored by Voces de la Frontera. Themes of the day: drivers licenses for all; accessible education (including in-state tuition for immigrant students); and no collaboration between ICE and Wisconsin Sheriffs.

 

Community Immigration Legal Clinic, March 2025 Compassion Offering

And a final reminder that the March 2025 Compassion Offering is the Community Immigration Legal Clinic (CILC). CILC provides pro bono representation for immigrants facing deportation, and is frequently the last line of defense for people who are in need of information and representation in our legal system.

 

Dane County Immigration Resources Handout (link)

The Immigration Justice Mission Team, knowing that many are looking for ways to effectively engage with the justice issues before us, have prepared a guide to those local immigration justice organizations doing the frontline work of addressing the needs of vulnerable immigrant and refugee communities. As you explore these organizations, you will notice some of the organization use social media to spread information, while also communicating behind the scenes in ways that protect their communities.

 

We invite you to (1) LEARN about the work of some organizations; (2) JOIN an organization; (3) SUBSCRIBE to their newsletter; (4) VOLUNTEER where the opportunity exists; and (5) DONATE when possible. Each website has a buttons tab for each of the above.

 

Know Your Rights Training and Volunteer Drivers Program, March 2 and March 9, 2025

We close by celebrating two actions in early March 2025 whose outcomes continue to reverberate. First, know that people from nine congregations and four advocacy organizations were present at the March 2 Know Your Rights training that we held at ORUCC. We passed out multiple copies of immigration-related resources and over 200 Know Your Rights cards. We know that these cards made their way to the Good Shepherd food pantry, into healthcare, grocery stores and restaurant settings, and into our local neighborhoods. The range of people in attendance speaks to the presence and outreach of members of our congregation.

 

The response to the call for drivers for the Volunteer Drivers Program was as eventful as that of the Know Your Rights training. Six members of our congregation joined others from ORUCC who provide essential rides to grateful immigrants and refugees as they fulfill their obligations, pass their security checks, and present their cases for asylum in court settings in Milwaukee, Waukegan, IL, and Chicago. The impact of finding a way to make their appointments lives on in the daily lives of each person on the receiving end of these rides.

 

Many blessings to you!



Orchard Ridge UCC | Spiritually Alive, Joyfully Inclusive, Committed to Justice www.orucc.org | Madison, WI 53711 US

ORUCC – Java & Jesus – March 23, 9 am (In-person or by Zoom)

Orchard Ridge UCC on March 20, 2025

Java & Jesus

Sunday, March 23rd, at 9 am

Attend in-person at the church in the

Alfred Swan Room, or attend remotely

by Zoom

Cody Theis facilitating

All are welcome!

Join us even if this is your first time!

Please watch ahead of time and come prepared to discuss a

34 minute video of Brit Barron speaking about HOPE at the

Q Christian Fellowship Renewal Conference on August 12, 2024 – www.qchristian.org/

Brit Barron is a well renowned speaker in the areas of storytelling, communication, gender and sexuality. Brit is an experienced storyteller and is known for her ability to use personal narratives and experiences from her life to highlight larger, universal truths.

Click here to watch video

_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

Click here to join the Zoom discussion

Or paste the following into your browser:  

us02web.zoom.us/j/82770860427?pwd=d3brshq8rhaSf2LAQId0eFG6SRepan.1

Or phone in 1-312-626-6799

Meeting ID: 827 7086 0427

Passcode: 424028

If you have difficulty accessing the Zoom discussion,

phone Ken Pennings at 608-556-2371

Orchard Ridge UCC | Spiritually Alive, Joyfully Inclusive, Committed to Justice www.orucc.org | Madison, WI 53711 US

ORUCC March 23 Children and Youth News

Orchard Ridge UCC on March 19, 2025

ORUCC Children and Youth

Faith Formation Update

Sunday, March 23, 2025

Dear Families,

We look forward to seeing you this Sunday. Read on below for details about this week.  At the bottom of the email, you will find some important dates for some fun events and a prayer to try as a family this week.

~Pastor Kate and Julie M.

Supported Childcare Jade will be available in the Crossroads 8:30-11:30. This service allows parents to socialize and engage in the service but encourages parents to stay nearby to assist their child, as well. 

Children and Youth Faith Formation is at 9 am. 

ALL Children and Youth (PreK-HS) are invited to take part in a Labyrinth walk and contemplative spiritual practice stations. We’ll first gather together in the Ruby Bridges Room. After a brief opening conversation and reflection on the “Parable of the Fig Tree,” small groups of children and youth will have the opportunity to travel through our small labyrinth in the William Johnson Room. Those waiting to walk the labyrinth will be invited to freely explore artistic, tactile, and mindfulness stations. 

No Faith Formation on Sunday, March 30 due to Spring Break.

Music Opportunities for Children and Youth

Music Connections:

Following the children’s moment in worship, children in grades 2-6 are invited to join Julie downstairs in the Friedrich Bonhoeffer room for creative movement and xylophone play. We are in need of a Safe Sanctuary volunteer. Can you help? EMAIL JULIE

Older youth are invited to stay in worship or participate in Music Connections as a helper. If your child wishes to be a helper, please connect with Julie to chat about expectations. In agreement with our church’s Safe Sanctuary policy, two adults must be present in a room when working with children. Sign up to volunteer. 

TRU Function: TRU Function will practice from 10:00-12:00 in the Haynes Music Room.

Upcoming Events

  • Amazing GRace (for Middle and High School Youth): Sunday, April 6 –RSVP to Julie

“The GRACE is run much like the popular CBS, TV reality show. Teams of Church Youth follow clues to make their way around the greater Madison area on a race to the finish line. Along the way, youth (as individuals and teams) complete an array of challenges to receive their next clue.

Think of it as a mash-up of: ESCAPE ROOM, BIBLE STUDY, & RACE!

The first team to finish the GRACE will win a Trophy and the PRIZE POT will be donated to the CHARITY of their choosing! BUT…. all who participate are WINNERS!” Last year, our team WON and brought home the traveling trophy. We are invited back this year to defend our winning title. Additionally, our youth will have the opportunity to meet youth from other area UCC churches.

In the Community

  • “Resilient Families” Conversations, March 16 and April 13, 5:00-7:30 p.m.: Madison Friends Meetinghouse (Quaker) invites the community to participate in monthly conversations about challenges facing families today. March 16 focuses on social media usage, and April 13 on talking about climate change. Free dinner and childcare provided! See this document for more information.

  • Saturday, April 5, 10:00-2:00, “Doing Justice Advocacy at UW Madison: A free event geared toward current high school students (or incoming college students) who are interested in learning more about justice advocacy at UW Madison. Sponsored by the Crossing ministry, a progressive ecumenical ministry for college students. Lunch provided! RSVP to director Michael Burch at the email: [email protected]

At Orchard Ridge, we are Spiritually Alive!

Worry Worms

On Sunday, March 16, a small group of children gathered in the Bridges Room to make “Worry Worms.” “A “worry worm” is a small, crocheted or knitted worm-shaped toy, often used as a tool to help children manage their emotions and anxieties by providing a tangible object to talk to or hold while expressing their worries.”  Once the children knew the pattern, they were able to engage in free conversation as they stitched. They openly shared thoughts about “big worries” and “small worries.” They shared openly about experiences of having worries keep them awake at night. They reflected upon how we often forget the good moments of our days, but remember, at times obsessively, about our mistakes and our faults. No solutions or problem-solving was offered. Just a safe space and an agreement that we all experience those same thoughts and feelings.

Want to try to make a worry worm? Check out THIS pattern. Crochet experience is needed for this project. There are many tutorials on YouTube and resources through the Madison Public Library.

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.

This prayer is adapted from a prayer used during the All Church Retreat last weekend. You are invited to include some hand motions while praying, indicated in italics below.

Open our eyes (place hands over eyes)

open our ears (place hands over ears)

open our hearts (place hands over heart)

That we may come to know You, Our God (lift hands to the sky)

in the beauty of nature (open hands out wide)

in the joy of fellowship (hold hands together)

in the movement of our bodies (wiggle your body!)

in the silence of contemplation. (make prayer hands)

Amen.

.

Orchard Ridge UCC | Spiritually Alive, Joyfully Inclusive, Committed to Justice 1501 Gilbert Road | Madison, WI 53711 US

ORUCC –Wayfinding – THURSDAY March 20th

Orchard Ridge UCC on March 18, 2025

Wayfinding

Thursday March 20th

The Inner Work of Age, Shifting from Role to Soul

 Dear Wayfinders,

Our March Wayfinding will take place THIS Thursday morning 9:45-11:15am March 20th (rather than our Wednesday in-person time as usual) and Thursday afternoon by ZOOM from 4-5pm, as usual. The theme for Wayfinding this month is an introduction to the book, “The Inner Work of Age, Shifting from Role to Soul,” by Connie Zweig and the concept of Age as our Curriculum and finding the treasures to late life as well as the obstacles to finding the treasures.  

We will meet Thursday on the morning of the Spring Equinox, so we will celebrate this first day of Spring together with our meditations and prayers. Here is the reading we will be working with, but it is not a requirement for your participation, just a way to go deeper with the theme and a way for those who aren’t able to join this month, to follow along with our Wayfinding work.

The reason for our shift of date this month is that I will be presenting a check on behalf of ORUCC to the Great Lakes Intertribal Repatriation Committee at their quarterly meeting tomorrow along with Jill Westberg and Rev. Kerri Parker, to honor the Indigenous People of Wisconsin with our gift of money from our January Compassion Offering (and delicious baked goods from Bloom Bakery!). As per our Land Acknowledgment Statement, we seek to live into our commitments made, “In light of these injustices, we as a congregation commit to learning from, listening to, and building relationships with Ho-Chunk peoples, responding faithfully to their priorities with our faith by contributing money, time, and energy to the work and needs of Indigenous Peoples.” Thank you so much for your flexibility this month.

Many blessings,

Pastor Julia

Topic: Wayfinding

Time: February 20, 2025 04:00 PM Central Time (US and Canada)

      

Join Zoom Meeting

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84845886041?pwd=4PhfBp176E1pCJZ7U1NAanhC9P8F3h.1

 

Meeting ID: 848 4588 6041

Passcode: 115289

 

—

 

Orchard Ridge UCC | Spiritually Alive, Joyfully Inclusive, Committed to Justice 1501 Gilbert Road | Madison, WI 53711 US

Worship Resources for Sunday, March 16, 2025

Orchard Ridge UCC on March 15, 2025

Orchard Ridge

United Church of Christ

Sunday Worship Resources

“Mary & Martha” by Lauren Wright Pittman (inspired by Luke 10:38-42)/ A Sanctified Art LLC/ sanctifiedart.org

Sunday, March 16

The Second Sunday in Lent

Due to the All-Church Retreat this weekend, there will be no children or youth faith formation on Sunday, but Nursery Care is available, and Music Connections and TRU Function will still meet.

9:00 am Java & Jesus, facilitated by Jeanne Moberly

10:00 am Worship

Sermon: Ken Pennings

Lay Liturgist: Bruce Gladstone

Musical Offerings: ORUCC Choir

Click Here for Printable Bulletin

Join our Worship virtually

on YouTube any time after 10 am:

YouTube Link

You will need to refresh the page

after 10 am if you have opened it before

Java & Jesus

Sunday, March 16th, at 9 am

Attend in-person at the church in the

Alfred Swan Room, or attend remotely

by Zoom

Jeanne Moberly facilitating

All are welcome!

Join us even if this is your first time!

Please read ahead of time and come prepared to discuss

a few short readings assembled by Jeanne Moberly.



Click here for the readings

_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

Click here to join the Zoom discussion

Or paste the following into your browser:  

us02web.zoom.us/j/82770860427?pwd=d3brshq8rhaSf2LAQId0eFG6SRepan.1

Or phone in 1-312-626-6799

Meeting ID: 827 7086 0427

Passcode: 424028

If you have difficulty accessing the Zoom discussion,

phone Ken Pennings at 608-556-2371

March Compassion Offering:

The Community Immigration Law Center (CILC)

The Community Immigration Law Center (CILC) provides pro bono representation for immigrants facing deportation. CILC is frequently the last line of defense for people who are in need of information and representation in our legal system. The five lawyers and paralegal of CILC are housed at Christ Presbyterian Church in Madison.

With representation such as that of a CILC attorney, a person’s chance of success in immigration court increases dramatically. CILC provides both formal representation of clients plus a weekly asylum clinic. The latter provides information that helps many more people to navigate the judicial process. CILC also hosts an immigration consultation clinic twice a month for anyone in the community with immigration-related questions. CILC coordinates with agencies at the local, state, and national level to support immigrant families in our community and beyond.  

Thank you in advance for your contribution.

Upcoming Sunday Morning Opportunities…

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

  • 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: “From Lawns to Life–Gardening with Native Plants” with Jeff 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: March 16, 23, 30, April 6, 13, May 4, 11, 18 and 25.

Senior Pastor: Rev. Dr. Julia Burkey EMAIL

Associate Pastor: Rev. Kate Mackey EMAIL

Associate Pastor: Rev. Ken Pennings EMAIL

Director of Children’s Arts and Education: Julie Mazer EMAIL

Office Manager George Decker

608-271-7212 or EMAIL



LIKE or FOLLOW the Orchard Ridge Facebook Page

JOIN our Private FB Group:

“Members & Friends of Orchard Ridge UCC“

Follow us on Instagram @orchardridgeucc

Orchard Ridge UCC | Spiritually Alive, Joyfully Inclusive, Committed to Justice 1501 Gilbert Road | Madison, WI 53711 US

ORUCC – Java & Jesus – March 16, 9 am (In-person or by Zoom)

Orchard Ridge UCC on March 13, 2025

Java & Jesus

Sunday, March 16th, at 9 am

Attend in-person at the church in the

Alfred Swan Room, or attend remotely

by Zoom

Jeanne Moberly facilitating

All are welcome!

Join us even if this is your first time!

Please read ahead of time and come prepared to discuss

a few short readings assembled by Jeanne Moberly.



Click here for the readings

_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

Click here to join the Zoom discussion

Or paste the following into your browser:  

us02web.zoom.us/j/82770860427?pwd=d3brshq8rhaSf2LAQId0eFG6SRepan.1

Or phone in 1-312-626-6799

Meeting ID: 827 7086 0427

Passcode: 424028

If you have difficulty accessing the Zoom discussion,

phone Ken Pennings at 608-556-2371

Orchard Ridge UCC | Spiritually Alive, Joyfully Inclusive, Committed to Justice www.orucc.org | Madison, WI 53711 US

ORUCC March 16 Children and Youth News

Orchard Ridge UCC on March 12, 2025

ORUCC Children and Youth

Faith Formation Update

Sunday, March 16, 2025

Dear Families,

Several of our families will join in community together this weekend at the All Church Retreat at Daycholah Center. We will not hold 9 am Faith Formation this Sunday, but at 10 am children are welcome to attend worship and Music Connections. At the bottom of the email, you will find some important dates for some fun events and a prayer to try as a family this week.

~Pastor Kate and Julie M.

Nursery Care is available 8:30-11:30. Abby and Najma are ready to play with your little one.

NO 9 AM FAITH FORMATION

Due to the All Church Retreat, we will not hold Faith Formation this Sunday.

Faith Formation will meet on Sunday, March 23, for a labyrinth walk for all children and youth.

No Faith Formation on Sunday, March 30 due to Spring Break.

Music Opportunities for Children and Youth

Music Connections WILL meet this Sunday

Following the children’s moment in worship, children in grades 2-6 are invited to join Julie downstairs in the Friedrich Bonhoeffer room for creative movement and ukulele play. Bethany will be our Safe Sanctuary volunteer.

Older youth are invited to stay in worship or participate in Music Connections as a helper. If your child wishes to be a helper, please connect with Julie to chat about expectations. In agreement with our church’s Safe Sanctuary policy, two adults must be present in a room when working with children. Sign up to volunteer. 

TRU Function: TRU Function will practice from 10:00-12:00 in the Haynes Music Room.

Upcoming Events

  • Amazing GRace (for Middle and High School Youth): Sunday, April 6 –RSVP to Julie

“The GRACE is run much like the popular CBS, TV reality show. Teams of Church Youth follow clues to make their way around the greater Madison area on a race to the finish line. Along the way, youth (as individuals and teams) complete an array of challenges to receive their next clue. Think of it as a mash-up of: ESCAPE ROOM, BIBLE STUDY, & RACE!

The first team to finish the GRACE will win a Trophy and the PRIZE POT will be donated to the CHARITY of their choosing! BUT…. all who participate are WINNERS!” Last year, our team WON and brought home the traveling trophy. We are invited back this year to defend our winning title. Additionally, our youth will have the opportunity to meet youth from other area UCC churches.

In the Community

  • “Resilient Families” Conversations, March 16 and April 13, 5:00-7:30 p.m.: Madison Friends Meetinghouse (Quaker) invites the community to participate in monthly conversations about challenges facing families today. March 16 focuses on social media usage, and April 13 on talking about climate change. Free dinner and childcare provided! See this document for more information.
  • Saturday, April 5, 10:00-2:00, “Doing Justice Advocacy at UW Madison: A free event geared toward current high school students (or incoming college students) who are interested in learning more about justice advocacy at UW Madison. Sponsored by the Crossing ministry, a progressive ecumenical ministry for college students. Lunch provided! RSVP to director Michael Burch at the email: [email protected]

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.

At the close of our Intergenerational Faith Formation last week, we shared this prayer:

Dear God, thank you for our friends and family. Help us to be kind to everyone we meet, not just the people we know or the people we like. We want to be more like Jesus, who welcomed everyone. Amen.

(Sanctified Arts)

.

Orchard Ridge UCC | Spiritually Alive, Joyfully Inclusive, Committed to Justice 1501 Gilbert Road | Madison, WI 53711 US

ORUCC Lenten Home Discussion Groups begin next week! Sign up now!

Orchard Ridge UCC on March 8, 2025

You’re Invited!

Lenten Home Discussion Groups

Openings for

Twelve More!

During the season of Lent, we will be offering five* Home Groups, each with 8-12 people who will be discussing three passages from Luke’s Gospel in three 1.5 hr. sessions in a pattern of every other week.

Plan to pick up a Lenten Devotional Booklet and a pack of “Devocards” at the church tomorrow morning, March 9th, for a suggested donation of $5. Or plan to stop by the church on weekday mornings during the first two weeks of March to pick up these items.

Be sure to bring your Lenten Devotional Booklet to all three sessions of the Home Group, since the group will be referring to it for poetry, readings & artwork.

As soon as the groups fill up, your Home Group Host/Facilitator will be in touch with you with more details.

*FYI – Doug & Mary Loving will be hosting a 6th group of ORUCC folks who are residents at Oakwood Village West.

Click here for the sign-up page.

Scroll down the page to sign up

for a Home Group.

Orchard Ridge UCC | Spiritually Alive, Joyfully Inclusive, Committed to Justice www.orucc.org | Madison, WI 53711 US

Worship Resources for Sunday, March 9, 2025

Orchard Ridge UCC on March 8, 2025

Orchard Ridge

United Church of Christ

Sunday Worship Resources

“Neighbors” by Steve Prince (inspired by Luke 10:25-37)/ A Sanctified Art LLC/ sanctifiedart.org

Sunday, March 9

The First Sunday in Lent

9:00 am Lenten All-Ages Faith Formation

10:00 am Worship

Sermon: Julia Burkey

Lay Liturgist: Meg Stevens

Musical Offerings: ORUCC Bell Choir

11:15 am Ministry of Youth Faith Formation meeting

Romero Room

Kate Mackey

Click Here for Printable Bulletin

Join our Worship virtually

on YouTube any time after 10 am:

YouTube Link

You will need to refresh the page

after 10 am if you have opened it before

_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

Save The Date!

March 12th – March Lunch and Learn

March 14th -16th – All Church Retreat

March Compassion Offering:

The Community Immigration Law Center (CILC)

The Community Immigration Law Center (CILC) provides pro bono representation for immigrants facing deportation. CILC is frequently the last line of defense for people who are in need of information and representation in our legal system. The five lawyers and paralegal of CILC are housed at Christ Presbyterian Church in Madison.

With representation such as that of a CILC attorney, a person’s chance of success in immigration court increases dramatically. CILC provides both formal representation of clients plus a weekly asylum clinic. The latter provides information that helps many more people to navigate the judicial process. CILC also hosts an immigration consultation clinic twice a month for anyone in the community with immigration-related questions. CILC coordinates with agencies at the local, state, and national level to support immigrant families in our community and beyond.  

Thank you in advance for your contribution.

Upcoming Sunday Morning Opportunities…

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

  • 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: “From Lawns to Life–Gardening with Native Plants” with Jeff 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: March 16, 23, 30, April 6, 13, May 4, 11, 18 and 25.

Senior Pastor: Rev. Dr. Julia Burkey EMAIL

Associate Pastor: Rev. Kate Mackey EMAIL

Associate Pastor: Rev. Ken Pennings EMAIL

Director of Children’s Arts and Education: Julie Mazer EMAIL

Office Manager George Decker

608-271-7212 or EMAIL



LIKE or FOLLOW the Orchard Ridge Facebook Page

JOIN our Private FB Group:

“Members & Friends of Orchard Ridge UCC“

Follow us on Instagram @orchardridgeucc

Orchard Ridge UCC | Spiritually Alive, Joyfully Inclusive, Committed to Justice 1501 Gilbert Road | Madison, WI 53711 US

ORUCC – Sign up now for a Lenten Home Discussion Group!

Orchard Ridge UCC on March 5, 2025

You’re Invited!

Lenten Home Discussion Groups

Openings for

Fourteen More!

During the season of Lent, which begins today, Ash Wednesday, March 5th, we will be offering five* Home Groups, each with 8-12 people who will be discussing three passages from Luke’s Gospel in three 1.5 hr. sessions in a pattern of every other week.

Plan to pick up a Lenten Devotional Booklet and a pack of “Devocards” at the church this evening, March 5, 4:30 pm (Ash Wednesday), or March 9th, for a suggested donation of $5. Or plan to stop by the church on weekday mornings during the first two weeks of March to pick up these items.

Be sure to bring your Lenten Devotional Booklet to all three sessions of the Home Group, since the group will be referring to it for poetry, readings & artwork.

As soon as the groups fill up, your Home Group Host/Facilitator will be in touch with you with more details.

*FYI – Doug & Mary Loving will be hosting a 6th group of ORUCC folks who are residents at Oakwood Village West.

Click here for the sign-up page.

Scroll down the sign-up page to sign up

for a Home Group.

Orchard Ridge UCC | Spiritually Alive, Joyfully Inclusive, Committed to Justice www.orucc.org | Madison, WI 53711 US

ORUCC March 9 Children and Youth News

Orchard Ridge UCC on March 5, 2025

ORUCC Children and Youth

Faith Formation Update

Sunday, March 9, 2025

*Daylight Savings Begins – Set Clocks One Hour Back*

Dear Families,

We look forward to seeing you this Sunday. Read on below for details about this week. This coming Sunday is the First Sunday of Lent. There will be a special all-ages faith formation event at 9:00 a.m. At the bottom of the email, you will find some important dates for some fun events, photos of recent events, and a prayer to try as a family this week.

~Pastor Kate and Julie M.

Nursery Care is available 8:30-11:30. Abby and Najma are ready to play with your little one.

Intergenerational Faith Formation 9:00 a.m.: All are welcome to attend an all-ages faith formation event for the first Sunday of Lent! Together, we will share story-telling and faith reflection led by Julie Mazer and conversation while we write cards to new and old friends, draw, and even act out a skit! This will be in place of regular children’s, youth, and adult faith formation for this Sunday.

Due to the All Church Retreat, There will not be 9 am Faith Formation next Sunday, March 16. Music Connections will be offered that day at 10 am.

Faith Formation will meet on Sunday, March 23, for a labyrinth walk.

No Faith Formation on Sunday, March 30 due to Spring Break.

Music Opportunities for Children and Youth

Music Connections resumes this week. Following the children’s moment, children in grades 2-6 are invited to the downstairs Bonhoeffer room. This week, we’ll continue our exploration of the Creation story. We’ll fine-tune our soundscape by using a variety of instruments to represent nature and animals. Your child will return to the sanctuary for communion. Owen will be our Safe Sanctuary volunteer.

Older youth are invited to stay in worship or participate in Music Connections as a helper. If your child wishes to be a helper, please connect with Julie to chat about expectations. In agreement with our church’s Safe Sanctuary policy, two adults must be present in a room when working with children. Sign up to volunteer. 

TRU Function: TRU Function will practice from 10:00-12:00 in the Haynes Music Room.

Upcoming Events

  • Amazing GRace (for Middle and High School Youth): Sunday, April 6 –RSVP to Julie

“The GRACE is run much like the popular CBS, TV reality show. Teams of Church Youth follow clues to make their way around the greater Madison area on a race to the finish line. Along the way, youth (as individuals and teams) complete an array of challenges to receive their next clue.

Think of it as a mash-up of: ESCAPE ROOM, BIBLE STUDY, & RACE!

The first team to finish the GRACE will win a Trophy and the PRIZE POT will be donated to the CHARITY of their choosing! BUT…. all who participate are WINNERS!” Last year, our team WON and brought home the traveling trophy. We are invited back this year to defend our winning title. Additionally, our youth will have the opportunity to meet youth from other area UCC churches.

In the Community

  • “Resilient Families” Conversations, March 16 and April 13, 5:00-7:30 p.m.: Madison Friends Meetinghouse (Quaker) invites the community to participate in monthly conversations about challenges facing families today. March 16 focuses on social media usage, and April 13 on talking about climate change. Free dinner and childcare provided! See this document for more information.

At Orchard Ridge, we are Spiritually Alive!

Earth Quilt

On Sunday, February 2, all children and youth gathered together to begin work on a collaborative quilt. Words from The Parable of the Mustard Seed prompted wondering about things that start small and grow bigger. Not only do plants grow, but so do hope, love, peace, and joy. Our quilt will also start small and grow bigger. Quilts are often given to provide warmth and as a gesture of love. Many of the fabrics we will use were also used in projects to support other causes, like quilts for the people of Gaza. Using these materials connects us to others around the world and reminds us of the warmth of God’s Love.

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.

*On Sunday, March 3, the children heard a story about how Ruth and Naomi found safety and acceptance after traveling from Moab to Bethlehem. This moral beautifully echos our church’s dedication to social justice. At the end of class, the children joined together in this prayer.

God, your compassion was not just sentiment and a suggestion to be nice to people. You enacted laws to make sure that the vulnerable in society were cared for. Help us move beyond empathy and feelings and take actions that will make a fair, equitable, and sustainable world for all people. Amen.

(from “Shine Curriculum”).

Orchard Ridge UCC | Spiritually Alive, Joyfully Inclusive, Committed to Justice 1501 Gilbert Road | Madison, WI 53711 US

PartyGras and Ash Wednesday

Orchard Ridge UCC on March 4, 2025

Come to ORUCC this evening (Tuesday) and tomorrow (Wednesday) evening for fun, fellowship and reflection. Not to be missed!

First…this evening: PARTY GRAS!!!

And tomorrow evening: Ash Wednesday Fellowship and Service: 4:30 to 5:45 pm

We are planning to gather people at 4:30 pm outside for pop-up ashes rituals, bonfire, s’mores (if the weather holds), and indoors for art and labyrinth walking regardless of the weather. We then encourage everyone to stay for a Taize service at 5:15 pm.

Orchard Ridge UCC | Spiritually Alive, Joyfully Inclusive, Committed to Justice www.orucc.org | Madison, WI 53711 US

Worship Resources for Sunday, March 2, 2025

Orchard Ridge UCC on March 1, 2025

Orchard Ridge

United Church of Christ

Sunday Worship Resources

Sunday, March 2

Transfiguration Sunday

9:00 am Children and Youth Faith Formation

9:00 am Safe Sanctuary Refresher

10:00 am Worship

Sermon: Kate Mackey

Lay Liturgist: Diane Jungblut

Musical Offerings: ORUCC Choir

11:15 am Immigration Justice “Know Your Rights” Training

(see below)

3:00 pm The St. Olaf Handbell Choir

Worship Hall

(see below)

Click Here for Printable Bulletin

Join our Worship virtually

on YouTube any time after 10 am:

YouTube Link

You will need to refresh the page

after 10 am if you have opened it before

_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

Save The Date!

March 4th – Party Gras

March 5th – Ash Wednesday Service

March 12th – March Lunch and Learn

March 14th -16th – All Church Retreat

What should you do if ICE (U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement) arrives? In light of recent changes to “protected spaces,” what rights do we have?

Join us here at ORUCC this Sunday, March 2nd at 11:15 am for an informative session with Immigration Attorney Grant Sovern. Learn how to respond effectively to law enforcement and protect those within your community.

This training is open to all. No registration is required.

March Compassion Offering:

The Community Immigration Law Center (CILC)

The Community Immigration Law Center (CILC) provides pro bono representation for immigrants facing deportation. CILC is frequently the last line of defense for people who are in need of information and representation in our legal system. The five lawyers and paralegal of CILC are housed at Christ Presbyterian Church in Madison.

With representation such as that of a CILC attorney, a person’s chance of success in immigration court increases dramatically. CILC provides both formal representation of clients plus a weekly asylum clinic. The latter provides information that helps many more people to navigate the judicial process. CILC also hosts an immigration consultation clinic twice a month for anyone in the community with immigration-related questions. CILC coordinates with agencies at the local, state, and national level to support immigrant families in our community and beyond.  

Thank you in advance for your contribution.

Madison Mennonite Church is hosting a special performance by the St. Olaf College Handbell Choir, the premier auditioned ensemble of the college’s handbell program, this Sunday March 2, at 3:00pm, in the Worship Hall. 



This performance is part of the choir’s Winter Tour. The widely-varied program features original compositions, arrangements, and everything from hymns to Gershwin, and a little jazz. Another highlight will be the premier performance of Sarabande, an introspective work by student member Henry Rye ’26. Other pieces combine bells with French horn, saxophone, and flute. Ringer Hannah Andersen will solo on bell tree and a handbell quartet will be performing as well.

It is a rare opportunity for us in Madison to see this outstanding group. The concert is free and open to the public (an offering will be collected). 

Upcoming Sunday Morning Opportunities…

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

  • 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: “From Lawns to Life–Gardening with Native Plants” with Jeff 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: March 16, 23, 30, April 6, 13, May 4, 11, 18 and 25.

Senior Pastor: Rev. Dr. Julia Burkey EMAIL

Associate Pastor: Rev. Kate Mackey EMAIL

Associate Pastor: Rev. Ken Pennings EMAIL

Director of Children’s Arts and Education: Julie Mazer EMAIL

Office Manager George Decker

608-271-7212 or EMAIL



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Orchard Ridge UCC | Spiritually Alive, Joyfully Inclusive, Committed to Justice 1501 Gilbert Road | Madison, WI 53711 US

ORUCC – Sign up now for a Lenten Home Discussion Group!

Orchard Ridge UCC on February 28, 2025

You’re Invited!

Lenten Home Discussion Groups

During the season of Lent, which begins on Ash Wednesday, March 5th, we will be offering five* Home Groups, each with 8-12 people who will be discussing three passages from Luke’s Gospel in three 1.5 hr. sessions in a pattern of every other week.

Plan to pick up a Lenten Devotional Booklet and a pack of “Devocards” at the church on March 2nd, March 5 (Ash Wednesday), or March 9th, for a suggested donation of $5. Or plan to stop by the church on weekday mornings during the first two weeks of March to pick up these items.

Be sure to bring your Lenten Devotional Booklet to all three sessions of the Home Group, since the group will be referring to it for poetry, readings & artwork.

As soon as the groups fill up, your Home Group Host/Facilitator will be in touch with you with more details.

*FYI – Doug & Mary Loving will be hosting a 6th group of ORUCC folks who are residents at Oakwood Village West.

Click here for the sign-up page.

Scroll down the sign-up page to sign up

for a Home Group.

Orchard Ridge UCC | Spiritually Alive, Joyfully Inclusive, Committed to Justice www.orucc.org | Madison, WI 53711 US