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 (ken@orucc.org 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

Mark your calendars: The March in-person Wayfinding gathering has been rescheduled to Thursday, March 20th

The in-person Wayfinding gathering for March has been rescheduled to Thursday, March 20th, 9:30 – 11:15 am in Friendship Hall (instead of Wednesday, March 19th at those times).

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

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
    • March 23, 9:00 a.m. Newcomer’s Meet & Greet ; 11:15 a.m. Presentation on the January 2025 ORUCC Trip to the Border
    • March 30, 9:00 a.m. New Members Class 1st Session
    • April 6, 9:00 a.m. Children and Youth Ministry Update with Kate & Julie; 9:00 a.m. New Members Class 2nd Session
    • April 13, 9:00 a.m. Palm Sunday Intergenerational Faith Formation; 9:00 a.m. New Members Class 3rd Session
    • Easter Sunday, April 20, 6:00 a.m. Easter Sunrise Service followed by brunch; 10:00 Worship; 11:15 a.m. Children and Youth Easter Egg Hunt
    • April 27, 9:00 a.m. Care of Creation Mission Team Presents: Gardening with Native Plants, with Andrew Epping; 9:00 a.m. New Members Class 4th Session

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

    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 Weekly Announcements for March 27th

    Orchard Ridge UCC on March 27, 2025

    Spiritually Alive, Joyfully Inclusive, Committed to Justice

    Weekly Announcements

    for Thursday, March 27

    Please note: Office Manager George Decker will be taking a vacation day Friday, March 28, and will return to the office Monday, March 31

    Meditation Group–Zoom only

    Friday, March 28

    9:30 – 10:30 am

    Zoom

    Sue Dixon

    Sunday, March 30

    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

    Anne Frank Room

    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)

    Election Day

    Tuesday, April 1

    Vote on or before April 1st!

    Choir Practice

    Wednesday, April 2

    7:00 – 8:30 pm

    Music Room or Worship Hall

    Bruce Gladstone

    Meditation Group

    Thursday, April 3

    8:30 – 9:30 am

    Romero Room

    Becky Baumbach

    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, 12:00 pm 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 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.

    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 ken@orucc.org or 608-556-2371.

    pile_of_old_books.jpg

    Women’s Book Club to meet on Thursday, April 3rd

    Join us for Women’s Book Group on Thursday, April 3rd on Zoom or in person in the Alfred Swan Room. We meet from 1:30 to 3:00pm and will be discussing Nature’s Best Hope by Douglas Tallamy. Joyce Pohl will lead our discussion. Looking forward to May 1st our book is Switchboard Soldiers by Jennifer Chiaverini with Mary Neuhaus leading. Please email Deanna Blanchard at dsblanchard@gmail.com to be added to the email list.

    Mark Your Calendars

    On Thursday April 3rd at 5:30pm we will be hosting a Dane Sanctuary Coalition wide meeting via Zoom. This will be a time for us to connect and get up to date on all that is happening. Please block the time in your calendar and plan to attend!
    breakfast_coffee_orange.jpg

    Friday Breakfast Group – April 4, 9:00 a.m. 

     

    The next Friday Breakfast is set for April 4 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.

    Plastic Recycling Update from Care of Creation

    We have nearly met our goal of collecting 1,000 pounds of plastic bags! Please bring all remaining bags to church by March 30 for the final collection. After that point, we encourage you to continue recycling bags by taking them to your local grocery store. HyVee, Metcalfs, Pick n’ Save and MetroMart all have plastic bag recycling programs that follow the same guidelines we’ve been using at church. Thank you for your participation in the project. You’ve helped to keep 1,000 pounds of plastic out of the landfill!

    God’s Love Knows No Borders: A Day of Action for Palestinian Justice

    Date: SATURDAY, APRIL 12th    10am-11am or as long as you want!

    Location:    Capitol Square, King Street (Farmers Market)

    What to bring: your signs, your voices to raise in song and your prayers.

    Sponsors:  Madison Mennonite Church, Mennonite Action & local faith groups

    Questions:   Contact Ruth Ann Berkholtz  ruthaberkholtz@gmail.com

    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 6. If interested in joining contact Joyce Pohl, at: joyce@pohl.us. 

    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 suedix@charter.net. To learn more about The Crossing campus ministry, visit: The Crossing | Wisconsin-Madison
    crusty-paint-tubes.jpg

    Transformation! A community art project. 

     For I am about to do a new thing! Isaiah 43:19

    First Congregational UCC, Madison (1609 University Avenue) is hosting an Intergenerational Community Art Project. 

     

    Nearly 30 yards of canvas are waiting for inspiration! This special Lenten Project is open to all ages and skill levels. Artists are invited to leave their mark through free-form and abstract painting. The TRANSFORMATION is open to the public, so artists need not be members of First Cong to participate. 

     

    Public painting hours are Sunday’s from 11:00 am – 1:00 pm and Tuesdays & Wednesdays from 6-8 pm. Wednesday evenings are reserved for quiet, contemplative, painting, while Tuesday evening sessions are open for more joyous expression.

     

    The project kicked off Sunday, March 9th and runs through Wednesday, April 2nd. No sign up, just come and paint! 

     

    Painting supplies are provided, all you have to bring is inspiration! 

    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 sunprairiedog@gmail.com.

    Spiritual

    Nourishment

    for you!

    Daily Reflections: March 27 – April 2

    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: March 27 – April 2

    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

    Volunteer Driver Program

    Sign up on Sunday, March 9, 2025

    The Volunteer Driver Program needs more drivers!

    Consider signing up to be a driver. Here are quotes from current drivers: 

    • “Driving immigrants and refugees is my way of expressing my welcome to people who have been so demonized and mistreated by some politicians.”

    • “We can’t do everything, but we can do that one thing, and maybe do it again. It is easy, as we have many choices on the schedules.

    • The satisfaction comes from meeting the people in person, seeing how grateful they are for this one small action, knowing that I have helped with one of the many steps they need to take to better lives, to be safe.”

    Click here for more info:  

    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.

    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)

    T

    he 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.

    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

    Weekly Announcements

    for Thursday, March 6

    Friday Breakfast Group

    Friday, March 7

    9:00 am

    Denny’s, 433 S. Gammon Road

    Louise Jeanne

    Meditation Group–Zoom only

    Friday, March 7

    9:30 – 10:30 am

    Zoom

    Sue Dixon

    Family Game Night

    Friday, March 7

    6:00 – 8:00 pm

    Friendship Hall/Kitchen

    Sunday, March 9

    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

    Men’s Group – In Person

    Monday, March 10

    7:15 – 8:30 pm

    Day Room/Romero Room

    Jim McNamara

    Lunch and Learn

    Wednesday, March 12

    11:30 am, Friendship Hall

    12:30 pm, Worship Hall

    Steve Sheets

    (See below)

    Choir Practice

    Wednesday, March 12

    7:00 – 8:30 pm

    Music Room or Worship Hall

    Bruce Gladstone

    Meditation Group

    Thursday, March 13

    8:30 – 9:30 am

    Romero Room

    Becky Baumbach

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

    Save The Date!

    March 12th – March Lunch and Learn

    March 14th -16th – All Church Retreat

    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

    Spiritually Alive, Joyfully Inclusive, Committed to Justice

    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 – julia@orucc.org – 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 1501 Gilbert Road | Madison, WI 53711 US

    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

    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 www.orucc.org | Madison, WI 53711 US

    ORUCC Weekly Announcements for March 20th

    Orchard Ridge UCC on March 20, 2025

    Spiritually Alive, Joyfully Inclusive, Committed to Justice

    Weekly Announcements

    for Thursday, March 20

    Wayfinding

    Thursday, March 20

    9:30 – 11:15 am

    Friendship Hall

    Julia Burkey

    Wayfinding Zoom

    Thursday, March 20

    4:00 – 5:00 pm

    Join ZoomMeeting

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

     

    Meeting ID:848 4588 6041

    Passcode:115289

    Meditation Group–Zoom only

    Friday, March 21

    9:30 – 10:30 am

    Zoom

    Sue Dixon

    Sunday, March 23

    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)

    Men’s Group

    Monday, March 24

    7:15 – 8:45 pm

    Oscar Romero Room

    Jim McNamara

    Choir Practice

    Wednesday, March 26

    7:00 – 8:30 pm

    Music Room or Worship Hall

    Bruce Gladstone

    Meditation Group

    Thursday, March 27

    8:30 – 9:30 am

    Romero Room

    Becky Baumbach

    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.

    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 ken@orucc.org or 608-556-2371.

    Please note: The March in-person Wayfinding gathering has been rescheduled to today, Thursday, March 20th

    The in-person Wayfinding gathering for March has been rescheduled to today, Thursday, March 20th, 9:30 – 11:15 am in Friendship Hall (instead of Wednesday, March 19th at those times). The Wayfinding Zoom meeting will be later today, 4:00 – 5:00 pm, with the following log-in information:

    Join ZoomMeeting

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

     

    Meeting ID:848 4588 6041

    Passcode:115289

    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.

    Plastic Recycling Update from Care of Creation

    We have nearly met our goal of collecting 1,000 pounds of plastic bags! Please bring all remaining bags to church by March 30 for the final collection. After that point, we encourage you to continue recycling bags by taking them to your local grocery store. HyVee, Metcalfs, Pick n’ Save and MetroMart all have plastic bag recycling programs that follow the same guidelines we’ve been using at church. Thank you for your participation in the project. You’ve helped to keep 1,000 pounds of plastic out of the landfill!

    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 6. If interested in joining contact Joyce Pohl, at: joyce@pohl.us. 

    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 suedix@charter.net. To learn more about The Crossing campus ministry, visit: The Crossing | Wisconsin-Madison

    Mark Your Calendars

    On Thursday April 3rd at 5:30pm we will be hosting a Dane Sanctuary Coalition wide meeting via Zoom. This will be a time for us to connect and get up to date on all that is happening. Please block the time in your calendar and plan to attend!
    crusty-paint-tubes.jpg

    Transformation! A community art project. 

     For I am about to do a new thing! Isaiah 43:19

    First Congregational UCC, Madison (1609 University Avenue) is hosting an Intergenerational Community Art Project. 

     

    Nearly 30 yards of canvas are waiting for inspiration! This special Lenten Project is open to all ages and skill levels. Artists are invited to leave their mark through free-form and abstract painting. The TRANSFORMATION is open to the public, so artists need not be members of First Cong to participate. 

     

    Public painting hours are Sunday’s from 11:00 am – 1:00 pm and Tuesdays & Wednesdays from 6-8 pm. Wednesday evenings are reserved for quiet, contemplative, painting, while Tuesday evening sessions are open for more joyous expression.

     

    The project kicked off Sunday, March 9th and runs through Wednesday, April 2nd. No sign up, just come and paint! 

     

    Painting supplies are provided, all you have to bring is inspiration! 

    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 sunprairiedog@gmail.com.

    Spiritual

    Nourishment

    for you!

    Daily Reflections: March 20 – 26

    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: March 20 – 26

    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 March 23 Children and Youth News

    Orchard Ridge UCC on March 19, 2025

    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.

    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: burch.director@crossingministries.org

    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

     

    —

     

    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.

    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 Weekly Announcements for March 13th

    Orchard Ridge UCC on March 13, 2025

    Spiritually Alive, Joyfully Inclusive, Committed to Justice

    Weekly Announcements

    for Thursday, March 13

    Meditation Group–Zoom only

    Friday, March 14

    9:30 – 10:30 am

    Zoom

    Sue Dixon

    All-Church Retreat

    Friday, March 14 – Sunday, March 16

    Sunday, March 16

    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

    Choir Practice

    Wednesday, March 19

    7:00 – 8:30 pm

    Music Room or Worship Hall

    Bruce Gladstone

    Meditation Group

    Thursday, March 20

    8:30 – 9:30 am

    Romero Room

    Becky Baumbach

    Wayfinding

    Thursday, March 20

    9:30 – 11:15 am

    Friendship Hall

    Julia Burkey

    Wayfinding Zoom

    Thursday, March 20

    4:00 – 5:00 pm

    Join ZoomMeeting

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

     

    Meeting ID:848 4588 6041

    Passcode:115289

    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
    • March 23, 9:00 a.m. Newcomer’s Meet & Greet ; 11:15 a.m. Presentation on the January 2025 ORUCC Trip to the Border
    • March 30, 9:00 a.m. New Members Class 1st Session
    • April 6, 9:00 a.m. Children and Youth Ministry Update with Kate & Julie; 9:00 a.m. New Members Class 2nd Session
    • April 13, 9:00 a.m. Palm Sunday Intergenerational Faith Formation; 9:00 a.m. New Members Class 3rd Session
    • Easter Sunday, April 20, 6:00 a.m. Easter Sunrise Service followed by brunch; 10:00 Worship; 11:15 a.m. Children and Youth Easter Egg Hunt
    • April 27, 9:00 a.m. Care of Creation Mission Team Presents: Gardening with Native Plants, with Andrew Epping; 9:00 a.m. New Members Class 4th Session

    Java & Jesus returns 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.

    Mark your calendars: The March in-person Wayfinding gathering has been rescheduled to Thursday, March 20th

    The in-person Wayfinding gathering for March has been rescheduled to Thursday, March 20th, 9:30 – 11:15 am in Friendship Hall (instead of Wednesday, March 19th at those times). The Wayfinding Zoom meeting will be that same day, 4:00 – 5:00 pm, with the following log-in information:

    Join ZoomMeeting

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

     

    Meeting ID:848 4588 6041

    Passcode:115289

    Here come the welcome quilts!

    Stop by Friendship Hall and enjoy these beauties! You’ll see some with fabric squares drawn by children at Casa Alitas, others from the Tucson Historical Museum, others from other Wisconsin UCC churches. Ours to enjoy and stand as a statement of our welcome to all. Brought to you by the Immigration Justice Team.

    Mark Your Calendars

    On Thursday April 3rd at 5:30pm we will be hosting a Dane Sanctuary Coalition wide meeting via Zoom. This will be a time for us to connect and get up to date on all that is happening. Please block the time in your calendar and plan to attend!
    crusty-paint-tubes.jpg

    Transformation! A community art project. 

     For I am about to do a new thing! Isaiah 43:19

    First Congregational UCC, Madison (1609 University Avenue) is hosting an Intergenerational Community Art Project. 

     

    Nearly 30 yards of canvas are waiting for inspiration! This special Lenten Project is open to all ages and skill levels. Artists are invited to leave their mark through free-form and abstract painting. The TRANSFORMATION is open to the public, so artists need not be members of First Cong to participate. 

     

    Public painting hours are Sunday’s from 11:00 am – 1:00 pm and Tuesdays & Wednesdays from 6-8 pm. Wednesday evenings are reserved for quiet, contemplative, painting, while Tuesday evening sessions are open for more joyous expression.

     

    The project kicked off Sunday, March 9th and runs through Wednesday, April 2nd. No sign up, just come and paint! 

     

    Painting supplies are provided, all you have to bring is inspiration! 

    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.

    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 ken@orucc.org 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 sunprairiedog@gmail.com.

    Spiritual

    Nourishment

    for you!

    Daily Reflections: March 13 – 19

    We are grateful for the ministry of Jeanne Moberly, who is a member of Adult Faith Formation, as she puts together a set of fresh readings every week for our devotional practice at Orchard Ridge UCC. If you know someone who needs encouragement and would like the devotional mailed to them, please contact the church office.

    Daily Reflections: March 13 – 19

    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

    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

    Orchard Ridge UCC | Spiritually Alive, Joyfully Inclusive, Committed to Justice 1501 Gilbert Road | 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: burch.director@crossingministries.org

    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)

    .

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

    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

    Orchard Ridge

    United Church of Christ

    Sunday Worship Resources

    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

    pile_of_old_books.jpg

    Women’s Book Group to meet today, Thursday, March 6th

    The Women’s Book Group will meet Thursday, March 6 at 1:30 to 3:00 pm in the Alfred Swan room and also on Zoom at this link:

    https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81457606762?pwd=N1IrcG82TXJGS0JaWk9iM1RzMEQydz09

    Carol Prugh will lead us in a discussion of Hello, Beautiful by Ann Napolitano. April’s book will be Nature’s Best Hope by Douglas Tallamy and Joyce Pohl will bring her gardening expertise to this discussion. Please join us! Contact Deanna Blanchard to be added to the email list.
    breakfast_coffee_orange.jpg

    Friday Breakfast Group – March 7th, 9:00 a.m. 

     

    The next Friday Breakfast is set for March 7th 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.

    Lunch and Learn, Wednesday March 12th 

    The History of Pi Day    

    Our presenter, with a history in mathematics, is our very own Gene Dyer who will share his knowledge on pi, and other tidbits. The Greek letter p (pi) is a geometric constant approximately equal to 3.1416. Its value is equal to the length of any circle’s circumference divided by its diameter. This will be fun!

    

    If you have a favorite pie you would like to share, please feel welcome to do so. Please let Steve Sheets know of your intention erab1958@icloud.com.

     

    We gather at 11:30 for our luncheon with the program beginning at 12:30. Please join us on the 12th for a delicious luncheon ($10 per person).  RSVPs are important for our catering team.  Please email Steve Sheets: erab1958@icloud.com.
    crusty-paint-tubes.jpg

    Transformation! A community art project. 

     For I am about to do a new thing! Isaiah 43:19

    First Congregational UCC, Madison (1609 University Avenue) is hosting an Intergenerational Community Art Project. 

     

    Nearly 30 yards of canvas are waiting for inspiration! This special Lenten Project is open to all ages and skill levels. Artists are invited to leave their mark through free-form and abstract painting. The TRANSFORMATION is open to the public, so artists need not be members of First Cong to participate. 

     

    Public painting hours are Sunday’s from 11:00 am – 1:00 pm and Tuesdays & Wednesdays from 6-8 pm. Wednesday evenings are reserved for quiet, contemplative, painting, while Tuesday evening sessions are open for more joyous expression.

     

    The project kicks off this Sunday, March 9th and runs through Wednesday, April 2nd. No sign up, just come and paint! 

     

    Painting supplies are provided, all you have to bring is inspiration! 

    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.

    Sign Up to Volunteer on Sunday Mornings now through March!

    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 ken@orucc.org 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 sunprairiedog@gmail.com.

    Spiritual

    Nourishment

    for you!

    Daily Reflections: March 6 – 12

    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: March 6 – 12

    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
        FacebookTwitterPinterest

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

    Orchard Ridge UCC onMarch 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.orgMadison, WI 53711 US

    Orchard Ridge UCC onMarch 5, 2025
    Nursery – High School Programming

    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

    Orchard Ridge UCC onMarch 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.orgMadison, WI 53711 US

    Orchard Ridge UCC onMarch 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

    

    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

    Orchard Ridge UCC onFebruary 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.orgMadison, WI 53711 US

    Orchard Ridge UCC onFebruary 28, 2025
    Fake emails and text messages

    PHISHING EMAILS AND TEXT MESSAGES

    Some of you have received phishing emails this week from “Julia.” These emails were not from Pastor Julia, and she is not asking anyone for favors (such as buying gift cards) this week. 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 – – and 518-542-6915 is Pastor Julia’s cell phone number, which you may save and use as needed!julia@orucc.org

    Thank you!

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

    Orchard Ridge UCC onFebruary 27, 2025

    Spiritually Alive, Joyfully Inclusive, Committed to Justice

    Weekly Announcements

    for Thursday, February 27

    Adult Study Group

    Thursday, February 27

    Swan Room and Zoom: 10:00 – 11:30 am

    Zoom: 7:00 – 8:30 pm

    David Anderman (Questions? Contact David at ddavea@mac.com)

    Meditation Group–Zoom only

    Friday, February 28

    9:30 – 10:30 am

    Zoom

    Sue Dixon

    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)

    Party Gras

    Tuesday, March 4

    5:30 – 7:30 pm

    Friendship Hall

    (see below)

    Ash Wednesday Fellowship and Service

    Wednesday, March 5

    4:30 – 5:45 pm

    (see below)

    Choir Practice

    Wednesday, March 5

    7:00 – 8:30 pm

    Music Room or Worship Hall

    Bruce Gladstone

    Meditation Group

    Thursday, March 6

    8:30 – 9:30 am

    Romero Room

    Becky Baumbach

    Women’s Book Group

    Thursday, March 6

    1:30 – 3:00 pm

    Swan Room and Zoom

    Deanna Blanchard

    (see below)

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

    Save The Date!

    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 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)

    T

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

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

    Mark your calendars: The March in-person Wayfinding gathering has been rescheduled to Thursday, March 20th

    The in-person Wayfinding gathering for March has been rescheduled to Thursday, March 20th, 9:30 – 11:15 am in Friendship Hall (instead of Wednesday, March 19th at those times).

    Ash Wednesday Fellowship and Service: 4:30 – 5:45 pm

    We are planning to gather people at 4:30 pm outside for pop-up ashes rituals, bonfire, s’mores, and indoors for art and labyrinth walking. We then encourage everyone to stay for a Taize service at 5:15 pm for devotional reflection on our ashes, so that folks can be out before 6:00 pm or so and go home and have dinner. We look forward to being together!

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

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

    Women’s Book Group to meet Thursday, March 6th

    The Women’s Book Group will meet Thursday, March 6 at 1:30 to 3:00 pm in the Alfred Swan room and also on Zoom at this link:

    https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81457606762?pwd=N1IrcG82TXJGS0JaWk9iM1RzMEQydz09

    Carol Prugh will lead us in a discussion of Hello, Beautiful by Ann Napolitano. April’s book will be Nature’s Best Hope by Douglas Tallamy and Joyce Pohl will bring her gardening expertise to this discussion. Please join us! Contact Deanna Blanchard to be added to the email list.

    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, on Sunday March 2, at 3:00pm, at the Orchard Ridge UCC/Madison Mennonite Church 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). 
    breakfast_coffee_orange.jpg

    Friday Breakfast Group – March 7th, 9:00 a.m. 

     

    The next Friday Breakfast is set for March 7 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.

    Our Generosity at Work: Compassion Offering for January

    We are glad to report that January’s Compassion Offering for The Wisconsin Intertribal Repatriation Committee (via The Great Lakes Inter-Tribal Council) amounted to $2,447.00. The Great Lakes Inter-Tribal Council, Inc. (GLITC) is a consortium of federally recognized Indian tribes in Wisconsin and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. Since 1963, GLITC has united tribes against the threat of termination and helped tribes face challenges of governance and services for their communities. The Wisconsin Intertribal Repatriation Committee (WITRC) represents these federally recognized tribes in Wisconsin, working under the umbrella of GLITC since 1995.

    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.

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

    AT ORUCC, the Members are the Ministers!

    We are seeking volunteers to serve on Sunday mornings for in-person worship. You need not be a member, simply a person who loves ORUCC and is eager to find a place to serve! Young people are welcome to sign up, too!

     

    Would you consider serving one or more times as

    a Coffee Maker, a Welcomer, an Usher, a Lay Liturgist or

    to assist with Holy Communion?

     

    Feel free to sign up as an individual, a couple, or a family!

     

    Click here to sign up as a Coffee Maker

    Click here to sign up as a Welcomer

    Click here to sign up as an Usher

    Click here to sign up as a Lay Liturgist

    Click here to assist with Holy Communion

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

     

    Questions or problems signing up?

    Contact Ken Pennings at ken@orucc.org 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 sunprairiedog@gmail.com.

    Spiritual

    Nourishment

    for you!

    Daily Reflections: February 27 – March 5

    We are grateful for the ministry of Jeanne Moberly, who is a member of Adult Faith Formation, as she puts together a set of fresh readings every week for our devotional practice at Orchard Ridge UCC. If you know someone who needs encouragement and would like the devotional mailed to them, please contact the church office.

    Daily Reflections: February 27 – March 5

    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
        FacebookTwitterPinterest

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

    Orchard Ridge UCC onFebruary 26, 2025
    Nursery – High School Programming

    ORUCC Children and Youth

    Faith Formation Update

    Sunday, March 2, 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. Please note: today is also the last day to sign up for the all-church retreat!

    ~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. 

    ALL PreK-6th Grade Children Who Need to Finish Their Quilt Square will meet in the Bridges Room this Sunday. We’ll start with the story, “Ruth and Naomi” from the book of Ruth. Following the story and reflection, the children will complete their quilt squares. This is the final week to create a quilt square for our collaborative “Earth” quilt. See below for more photos of our time together.

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

    Youth (7th-H.S.) will meet in the Dorothy Day room. This Sunday we are beginning 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 Deborah, the only female Judge named in the Old Testament. Susan Watson and Al Blanchard will be our guides for this 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 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. 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: TRU Function will practice from 10:00-12:00 in the Haynes Music Room.

    Upcoming Events
    • March 2, 9:00 a.m. Safe Sanctuary “Refresher”: Every year we take a moment to review the “Safe Sanctuary” policy adopted by ORUCC to provide a safe, welcoming environment for all children. All volunteers with children and youth must abide by this policy. Pastor Kate will review Safe Sanctuary for any interested adults during the 9:00 hour on March 2nd.
    • March 9, 9:00 a.m. All-Ages Faith Formation
    • March 14-16, Today is the last day to sign up! Lenten All-Church Retreat at Daycholah Center. Take some time in the beauty of Green Lake to rest, play, and renew your faith with friends old and new. Sign up today! https://forms.gle/mo9rPyDD6jNy8Q4XA

    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.

    Many children and adults have recently experienced a cold, virus, or flu. If your family is under the weather, perhaps this prayer will bring a sense of calm and hope.

    Sometimes when I am sick,

    I don’t feel my best.

    I lie down.

    I sleep.

    I take medicine.

    Please help me feel better.

    Give me comfort.

    Give me rest.

    Give me peace.

    (from “Little Prayers for Everyday Life,” Traci Smith).

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

    Orchard Ridge UCC onFebruary 25, 2025
    Lent at Orchard Ridge United Church of Christ 2025

    Everything In Between

    Lent at Orchard Ridge United Church of Christ 2025

    March 5, 2025 – April 20, 2025

    Lenten Theme:

    This year, we’re letting the Gospel of Luke guide us through Lent, working through familiar stories—the Good Samaritan, Mary and Martha, the fruitless fig tree, the Lost Sheep, Zacchaeus, and more. We notice that Jesus’ ministry in these stories disrupted the established social, political, and religious divides of his time. Jesus intentionally pointed out cultural and political extremes to emphasize the radical, inclusive, and surprising love of God. We see how these stories mirror the divisions many of us experience in our families, churches, and communities today.

     

    Our theme, “Everything In Between,” will explore two supposed binaries each week, like “faith & works” or “rest & growth,” or “grief & hope.” God invites us to navigate the polarities in our lives with more faith, intention, and openness to be transformed. We might begin to see a full spectrum instead of black and white, complexity rather than easy answers, nuance instead of false dichotomies. We will imagine that God might be meeting us beyond the black and white and easy answers. This Lent, we’re trusting that God shows up in shades of gray, rainbow hues, and everywhere in between.

     

    Ways to go deeper this Lent:

    Attend the All Church Retreat: Our theme this year explores the seeming polarities of “faith” and “works”: how we develop spiritual resilience for meaningful action in the world. Set on beautiful Green Lake at Daycholah Center, our time together will include opportunities for rest, reflection, play, and prayer. The retreat is a wonderful way to experience deeper relationships with others at ORUCC as we also grow in our faith together. Sign up TODAY!: Registration is only open through February 26th. Sign up today! 

    Join a homegroup: These hosts are so excited to help you go deeper with your faith, build community with you and connect more deeply over these themes. Click here for the sign-up page. Scroll down the sign-up page to sign up for a Home Group.

    Devotionals: We will have weekly devotional booklets and daily devotional cards to help us stay connected to this theme and to each other during lent. Pick these up before or after worship for a suggested donation of $5.

    Special Worship Services: 

    Ash Wednesday March 5th 4:30-5:15 pop-up ashes rituals and labyrinth, 5:15-5:45 Taize Service 

    Maundy Thursday meals, sign up coming!

    Good Friday Tenebrae service 7pm

    Palm Sunday April 13 10am

    Easter April 20th with Sunrise Service at 6am followed by brunch and 

    10am worship followed by Easter Egg Hunt

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

    Orchard Ridge UCC onFebruary 22, 2025

    Orchard Ridge

    United Church of Christ

    Sunday Worship Resources

    Sunday, February 23

    The Seventh Sunday after the Epiphany

    9:00 am Children and Youth Faith Formation

    9:00 am Java & Jesus, facilitated by Sophie Kramer

    Alfred Swan Room

    (see below)

    10:00 am Worship

    Sermon: MOSES members of ORUCC.

    (MOSES stands for Madison Organizing in Strength, Equity and Solidarity for criminal legal system reform. It is a grassroots, interfaith, nonpartisan, nonprofit organization working for transformative justice in Dane County and Wisconsin.)

    Lay Liturgist: Laura Conners

    Musical Offerings: TRU Function

    11:15 am MOSES information and conversation

    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

    Java & Jesus

    This Sunday, February 23rd, at 9:00 am

    Attend in-person at the church in the

    Alfred Swan Room, or attend remotely

    by Zoom

    Sophie Kramer facilitating

    All are welcome!

    Join us even if this is your first time!

    Please read ahead of time and come prepared to discuss an article by Sohpie Kramer’s friend Jane Jeffries.

    Click here for the reading

    Also, please watch ahead of time and come prepared to discuss a very brief clip of Parker Palmer discussing his concept of

    “The Tragic Gap.”

    Click here for the video clip

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

    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

    February Compassion Offering:

    The Crossing

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

    Upcoming Sunday Morning Opportunities…

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

    Orchard Ridge UCC onFebruary 21, 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.orgMadison, WI 53711 US

    Orchard Ridge UCC onFebruary 20, 2025

    Java & Jesus

    Sunday, Feb. 23rd, at 9 am

    Attend in-person at the church in the

    Alfred Swan Room, or attend remotely

    by Zoom

    Sophie Kramer facilitating

    All are welcome!

    Join us even if this is your first time!

    Please read ahead of time and come prepared to discuss an article by Sohpie Kramer’s friend Jane Jeffries.

    Click here for the reading

    Also, please watch ahead of time and come prepared to discuss a very brief clip of Parker Palmer discussing his concept of

    “The Tragic Gap.”

    Click here for the video clip

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

    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.orgMadison, WI 53711 US

    Orchard Ridge UCC onFebruary 20, 2025

    Spiritually Alive, Joyfully Inclusive, Committed to Justice

    Weekly Announcements

    for Thursday, February 20

    Adult Study Group

    Thursday, February 20

    Swan Room and Zoom: 10:00 – 11:30 am

    Zoom: 7:00 – 8:30 pm

    David Anderman (Questions? Contact David at ddavea@mac.com)

    Wayfinding Zoom

    Thursday, February 20

    4:00 – 5:00 pm

    Zoom

    Julia Burkey

    Join Zoom Meeting

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

     Meeting ID: 848 4588 6041

    Passcode: 115289

    Meditation Group–Zoom only

    Friday, February 21

    9:30 – 10:30 am

    Zoom

    Sue Dixon

    Sunday, February 23

    Seventh Sunday after the Epiphany

    9:00 am Children and Youth Faith Formation

    9:00 am Java & Jesus, facilitated by Sophie Kramer

    Alfred Swan Room

    10:00 am Worship

    Sermon: MOSES members of ORUCC.

    (MOSES stands for Madison Organizing in Strength, Equity and Solidarity for criminal legal system reform. It is a grassroots, interfaith, nonpartisan, nonprofit organization working for transformative justice in Dane County and Wisconsin.)

    Lay Liturgist: Laura Conners

    Musical Offerings: TRU Function

    11:15 am MOSES information and conversation

    Men’s Group

    Monday, February 24

    7:15 – 8:45 pm

    Romero Room

    Jim McNamara

    Choir Practice

    Wednesday, February 26

    7:00 – 8:30 pm

    Music Room or Worship Hall

    Bruce Gladstone

    Meditation Group

    Thursday, February 27

    8:30 – 9:30 am

    Romero Room

    Becky Baumbach

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

    Save The Date!

    March 4th – Party Gras

    March 5th – Ash Wednesday Service

    March 12th – March Lunch and Learn

    March 14th -16th – All Church Retreat

    February Compassion Offering:

    The Crossing

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

    Upcoming Sunday Morning Opportunities…

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

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

    Ash Wednesday Fellowship and Service: 4:30 – 5:45 pm

    We are planning to gather people at 4:30 pm outside for pop-up ashes rituals, bonfire, s’mores, and indoors for art and labyrinth walking. We then encourage everyone to stay for a Taize service at 5:15 pm for devotional reflection on our ashes, so that folks can be out before 6:00 pm or so and go home and have dinner. We look forward to being together!

    Enjoying a sunset over Green Lake at the All-Church Retreat 2024

    This is the LAST WEEK to register for the All-Church Lenten Retreat, March 14-16!

     

    Our theme this year explores the seeming polarities of “faith” and “works”: how we develop spiritual resilience for meaningful action in the world. Set on beautiful Green Lake at Daycholah Center, our time together will include opportunities for rest, reflection, play, and prayer. The retreat is a wonderful way to experience deeper relationships with others at ORUCC as we also grow in our faith together. Registration is open through February 26th.Sign up today! 

    Along with the leadership and guidance of Pastors Julia & Kate, we are excited to welcome Chris Roberts as our retreat facilitator for Saturday! Chris and his wife Christina (pictured here) lead Foundry Spiritual Center .

    Chris has served as a pastor and is trained as a spiritual director. He brings a wealth of experience and practice in helping folks explore contemplative, nature-based spiritual practices, themes of rest and renewal, being versus doing, contemplative music and prayer, and more!

    Some FAQ’s:

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

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

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

    If I do register what should I bring?

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

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

    What is the cost?

    $200 for ages 12+

    $140 for ages 4-11

    Children under 4 no cost

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

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

    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 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.

    Important Lawsuit and Petition

    The Institute for Constitutional Advocacy and Protection (ICAP) at Georgetown Law has filed a lawsuit on behalf of over two dozen Christian and Jewish religious denominations and associations in response to the Trump Administration’s rescission of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) “sensitive locations” policy that had restricted Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) from conducting immigration raids, arrests, and other enforcement actions at houses of worship.

    Please take the time to support ICAP in their efforts by signing a petition that will be sent to the president, the secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, and every member of Congress.

    Sign the Petition

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

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

    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, on Sunday March 2, at 3:00pm, at the Orchard Ridge UCC/Madison Mennonite Church 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). 

    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.

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

    AT ORUCC, the Members are the Ministers!

    We are seeking volunteers to serve on Sunday mornings for in-person worship. You need not be a member, simply a person who loves ORUCC and is eager to find a place to serve! Young people are welcome to sign up, too!

     

    Would you consider serving one or more times as

    a Coffee Maker, a Welcomer, an Usher, a Lay Liturgist or

    to assist with Holy Communion?

     

    Feel free to sign up as an individual, a couple, or a family!

     

    Click here to sign up as a Coffee Maker

    Click here to sign up as a Welcomer

    Click here to sign up as an Usher

    Click here to sign up as a Lay Liturgist

    Click here to assist with Holy Communion

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

     

    Questions or problems signing up?

    Contact Ken Pennings at ken@orucc.org 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 sunprairiedog@gmail.com.

    Spiritual

    Nourishment

    for you!

    Daily Reflections: February 20 – 26

    We are grateful for the ministry of Jeanne Moberly, who is a member of Adult Faith Formation, as she puts together a set of fresh readings every week for our devotional practice at Orchard Ridge UCC. If you know someone who needs encouragement and would like the devotional mailed to them, please contact the church office.

    Daily Reflections: February 20 – 26

    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
        FacebookTwitterPinterest

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

    Orchard Ridge UCC onFebruary 19, 2025
    LAST WEEK to register!

    This is your LAST WEEK to register!

    All-Church Retreat March 14-16

    Our theme this year explores the seeming polarities of “faith” and “works”: how we develop spiritual resilience for meaningful action in the world. Set on beautiful Green Lake at Daycholah Center, our time together will include opportunities for rest, reflection, play, and prayer. The retreat is a wonderful way to experience deeper relationships with others at ORUCC as we also grow in our faith together. Registration is open through February 26th. Sign up today! 

    Along with the leadership and guidance of Pastors Julia & Kate, we are excited to welcome Chris Roberts as our retreat facilitator for Saturday! Chris and his wife Christina (pictured here) lead Foundry Spiritual Center . From their website: “Foundry Spiritual Center is a hub promoting spiritual health and wellness. We do this by collaborating with Spiritual Guides and Contemplative Seekers in ongoing education and practice.”

    Chris has served as a pastor and is trained as a spiritual director. He brings a wealth of experience and practice in helping folks explore contemplative, nature-based spiritual practices, themes of rest and renewal, being versus doing, contemplative music and prayer, and more!

    Chris’ bio:

    “I began exploring contemplative spirituality during a challenging season facing infertility and the death of my father-in-law. This journey drew me towards apophatic prayer models & the importance of music/art/nature to engage with God. As I began to experience God in fresh ways, I decided to pursue spiritual direction certification as a way to introduce others to contemplative spirituality in everyday life.  Originally from Texas, I enjoy spicy foods, playing guitar, listening to music and spending time in nature (both solo and with my wife and 3 kids).”

    Some FAQ’s:

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

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

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

    If I do register what should I bring?

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

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

    What is the cost?

    $200 for ages 12+

    $140 for ages 4-11

    Children under 4 no cost

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

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

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

    Orchard Ridge UCC onFebruary 19, 2025
    Nursery – High School Programming

    ORUCC Children and Youth

    Faith Formation Update

    Sunday, February 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, 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 Jade are ready to play with your little one.

    Children and Youth Faith Formation is at 9 am. 

    ALL PreK-HS Grade Children and Youth will meet in the Bridges Room this Sunday. We’ll start with the story, “Jubilee” from the book of Leviticus. Following the story and reflection, the children will continue to work on their quilt squares. For the next month, Nancy Wettersten will guide us in making a collaborative quilt. Each child/youth is invited to design a square on the theme of “Earth.” Together, we will create something big from something small. See below for more photos of our time together.

    *Our work will continue over the next two weeks. Your child has time to participate even if they cannot attend this Sunday. Ideally, they can participate in Faith Formation at least twice between February 2 and March 2 to complete their square.*

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

    Music Opportunities for Children and Youth

    Music Connections will not meet this week. Children are invited to attend worship to support TruFunction.

    TRU Function: TRU Function will play in worship this week. Practice begins at 8:30 a.m.!

    Upcoming Events
    • March 2, 9:00 a.m. Safe Sanctuary “Refresher”: Every year we take a moment to review the “Safe Sanctuary” policy adopted by ORUCC to provide a safe, welcoming environment for all children. All volunteers with children and youth must abide by this policy. Pastor Kate will review Safe Sanctuary for any interested adults during the 9:00 hour on March 2nd.
    • March 9, 9:00 a.m. All-Ages Faith Formation
    • March 14-16, Lenten All-Church Retreat at Daycholah Center. Take some time in the beauty of Green Lake to rest, play, and renew your faith with friends old and new. Sign up today! https://forms.gle/mo9rPyDD6jNy8Q4XA

    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.

    God of creation, thank you for the beauty of winter- for snow, icy window panes, evergreen trees, warm coats, sledding, and hot cocoa. Let us enjoy your creation in all its glory, this winter and always.

    

    (Author Unknown)

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

    Orchard Ridge UCC onFebruary 18, 2025
    Topic for February

    Wayfinding

    February 19th & 20th

    Lamenting

     Dear Wayfinders,

     

    It will be wonderful to be back together this month, and this is an invitation for anyone who would like to join for the topic this month of Wayfinding in February, even if you are joining for the first time. For the months of March, April, and May we will use the book the Inner Work of Age: Shifting from Role Soul by Connie Zweig. This month we dive into the spiritual and scriptural practice of lamenting, by will write our own laments in our Wayfinding small groups.

     

    To write our own laments, we “cry out” to God, we express our deepest pain, concerns, and frustrations, while still maintaining a thread of trust and hope, often following a structure of addressing God, detailing our complaint, and concluding with a plea for help or intervention, similar to many Psalms in the Bible. Lamenting is a way to honestly voice our struggles without holding back, acknowledging our vulnerability while still believing in God’s loving presence.

     

    Lamenting is a wise spiritual practice, and if you are curious about the format and want to do this on your own or begin thinking about it before our time together, here are the key elements of a lament:

     

    Address:

    Begin by directly addressing God with attributes about God. 

     

    Complaint:

    Clearly articulate your pain, concerns, and frustrations, expressing the full weight of your situation or a situation in the world without sugarcoating. Be specific. Reflect on a significant challenge or hardship you are facing, something that is causing you deep pain or uncertainty.

     

    Affirmation of trust:

    Despite your pain, acknowledge your faith in God’s goodness, presence, power, etc. even if you are questioning God’s presence, action or inaction.

     

    Petition/Request:

    Clearly state what you are asking for, the specific help or intervention you desire.

     

    Praise:

    Conclude by offering praise or thanksgiving for past blessings, even amidst your current struggles.

     

    I look forward to being in community with you! We gather at 9:30 am tomorrow (Wednesday) in Friendship Hall for refreshments and at 9:45 am the program begins, concluding at 11:15 am. Virtually, we gather 4:00 pm-5:00 pm on Thursday (see below for Zoom log-in information).

     

    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

    Orchard Ridge UCC onFebruary 15, 2025

    Orchard Ridge

    United Church of Christ

    Sunday Worship Resources

    Sunday, February 16

    The Sixth Sunday after the Epiphany

    9:00 am Children and Youth Faith Formation

    10:00 am Worship

    Sermon: Rev. Michael Burch, Executive Director of The Crossing

    Lay Liturgist: Bruce Gladstone

    Musical Offerings: ORUCC Choir

    11:15 am – 12:15 pm Conversation about Being a Sanctuary Church

    Friendship 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

    Immigration Justice Sanctuary Conversation:

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

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

     

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

     

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

     

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

    February Compassion Offering:

    The Crossing

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

    Upcoming Sunday Morning Opportunities…

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

    Orchard Ridge UCC onFebruary 14, 2025

    ORUCC Supports Transgender People

    On February 9th, ORUCC member Cody Theis facilitated a session of “Java & Jesus” in support of Trans People, and Trans Children in particular. Cody writes: “Thank you for showing your concern and care for transgender people. It brought me great comfort to know that so many in our church care. Here are some ideas I have on ways our community could continue this work.” 

    1. Be visible. Show up with our church banner and progress pride flags, etc. to events/activities such as pride parades, Trans Joy events, etc.

    2. Host a book club on Trans Kids, Our Kids.

    3. Deepen our commitment to being an Open and Affirming congregation. I think there are trans families that could find nourishment and hope in our church at this time. 

    This is the organization I mentioned that was bringing me hope:

    Trans Youth Emergency Project – Campaign for Southern Equality

    Originally helping families in the 26 states that currently have gender affirming care bans, they are now helping people across the country. They connect families to safe and legal gender affirming care by helping locate providers and providing emergency grants to help cover travel costs.

    The following national organizations are working on fighting hateful EOs and in need of donations to continue the work:

    Lambda Legal

    PFLAG National

    ACLU

    Local:

    PFLAG Madison

    Home – Fair Wisconsin

    GSAFE

    Trans Law Help Center

    MATA

    Transparent Wisconsin – a local support group for parents and caregivers of transgender, non-binary, and gender expansive youth that reside in the state of Wisconsin. To join monthly in-person meetings for caregivers and youth: email Jcpeschl@madison.k12.wi.us

    Other Resources:

    10 Things You Can Do to Be an Ally to People Who Are Trans 

    Click here forAnnotated Bibliography of Point-by-Point Rebuttals of Anti-Transgender Misinformation

    Cody Sorlie Theis (she/her/they)

    (608) 609-6396

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

    Orchard Ridge UCC onFebruary 13, 2025

    Spiritually Alive, Joyfully Inclusive, Committed to Justice

    Weekly Announcements

    for Thursday, February 13

    Adult Study Group

    Thursday, February 13

    Swan Room and Zoom: 10:00 – 11:30 am

    Zoom: 7:00 – 8:30 pm

    David Anderman

    (see below)

    Meditation Group–Zoom only

    Friday, February 14

    9:30 – 10:30 am

    Zoom

    Sue Dixon

    Memorial Service for Jean Rush

    Saturday, February 15

    11:30 am Visitation

    1:00 pm Memorial Service

    2:00 pm Light luncheon

    4:00 pm Garth Service (family only)

    Sunday, February 16

    Sixth Sunday after the Epiphany

    9:00 am Children and Youth Faith Formation

    10:00 am Worship

    Sermon: Rev. Michael Burch, Executive Director of The Crossing

    Lay Liturgist: Bruce Gladstone

    Musical Offerings: ORUCC Choir

    11:15 am – 12:15 pm Conversation about Being a Sanctuary Church

    Friendship Hall

    (see below)

    Wayfinding

    Wednesday, February 19

    9:30 am gathering; program begins at 9:45 am and continues to 11:15 am

    Friendship Hall

    Julia Burkey

    Choir Practice

    Wednesday, February 19

    7:00 – 8:30 pm

    Music Room or Worship Hall

    Bruce Gladstone

    Meditation Group

    Thursday, February 13

    8:30 – 9:30 am

    Romero Room

    Becky Baumbach

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

    Save The Date!

    March 4th – Party Gras

    March 5th – Ash Wednesday Service

    March 14-16 – All Church Retreat

    Immigration Justice Sanctuary Conversation:

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

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

     

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

     

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

     

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

    February Compassion Offering:

    The Crossing

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

    Upcoming Sunday Morning Opportunities…

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

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

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

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

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

     

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

    Some FAQ’s:

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

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

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

    If I do register what should I bring?

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

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

    What is the cost?

    $200 for ages 12+

    $140 for ages 4-11

    Children under 4 no cost

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

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

    New Adult Study Group continues today, February 13th

     

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

     

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

     

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

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

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

     

    Meeting ID: 872 5674 6861

    Passcode: 740345

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

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

     

    Meeting ID: 810 7893 4525

    Passcode: 031430

    

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

    College Scholarships Available

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

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

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

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

    AT ORUCC, the Members are the Ministers!

    We are seeking volunteers to serve on Sunday mornings for in-person worship. You need not be a member, simply a person who loves ORUCC and is eager to find a place to serve! Young people are welcome to sign up, too!

     

    Would you consider serving one or more times as

    a Coffee Maker, a Welcomer, an Usher, a Lay Liturgist or

    to assist with Holy Communion?

     

    Feel free to sign up as an individual, a couple, or a family!

     

    Click here to sign up as a Coffee Maker

    Click here to sign up as a Welcomer

    Click here to sign up as an Usher

    Click here to sign up as a Lay Liturgist

    Click here to assist with Holy Communion

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

     

    Questions or problems signing up?

    Contact Ken Pennings at ken@orucc.org 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 sunprairiedog@gmail.com.

    Spiritual

    Nourishment

    for you!

    Daily Reflections: February 13 – 19

    We are grateful for the ministry of Jeanne Moberly, who is a member of Adult Faith Formation, as she puts together a set of fresh readings every week for our devotional practice at Orchard Ridge UCC. If you know someone who needs encouragement and would like the devotional mailed to them, please contact the church office.

    Daily Reflections: February 13 – 19

    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
        FacebookTwitterPinterest

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

    Orchard Ridge UCC onFebruary 12, 2025
    Nursery – High School Programming

    ORUCC Children and Youth

    Faith Formation Update

    Sunday, February 16, 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. 

    ALL PreK-6th Grade Children will meet in the Bridges Room this Sunday. We’ll start with the story, “Prison to Palace” from the book of Genesis. Following the story and reflection, the children will continue to work on their quilt squares. For the next month, Nancy Wettersten will guide us in making a collaborative quilt. Each child/youth is invited to design a square on the theme of “Earth.” Together, we will create something big from something small. See below for more photos of our time together.

    *Our work will continue over the next three weeks. Your child has time to participate even if they cannot attend this Sunday. Ideally, they can participate in Faith Formation at least twice between February 2 and March 2 to complete their square.*

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

    Youth Faith Formation (7th Grade-High School) will meet at 9:00 a.m. in the Dorothy Day room for the second of a two-week series exploring Palestinian Justice with Diane Dulin (co-Chair of ORUCC Palestinian Justice Mission Team). This week we will continue our conversation inspired by the short film documentary, My Neighbourhood. You don’t need to have seen the film to participate in the upcoming conversation, but anyone who did not have a chance to watch this film can view it online at home, too.

    Any youth who would like to contribute to the children and youth quilt (described above) will have an opportunity to do so on February 23 or March 2.

    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 Music Connections. This week, the children will continue their exploration of the Creation Story through sound and creative movement. Bethany S. 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: Youth who are in TRU Function will meet in the Haynes music room from 10:00-noon for regular practice.

    Upcoming Events
    • March 2, 9:00 a.m. Safe Sanctuary “Refresher”: Every year we take a moment to review the “Safe Sanctuary” policy adopted by ORUCC to provide a safe, welcoming environment for all children. All volunteers with children and youth must abide by this policy. Pastor Kate will review Safe Sanctuary for any interested adults during the 9:00 hour on March 2nd.
    • March 9, 9:00 a.m. All-Ages Faith Formation
    • March 14-16, Lenten All-Church Retreat at Daycholah Center. Take some time in the beauty of Green Lake to rest, play, and renew your faith with friends old and new. Sign up today! https://forms.gle/mo9rPyDD6jNy8Q4XA

    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.

    For this week’s prayer practice, turn on THIS VIDEO.Invite your children to close their eyes and silently listen to the sound of the water for one to two minutes. As the river sounds continue, read these lines several times slowly:

    The Spirit says, “Come.”

    Let all who are thirsty come.

    Let everyone receive the living water as a gift.

    Come.

    

    (From Path to Peace with Creation, Shine Curriculum)

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

    Orchard Ridge UCC onFebruary 9, 2025

    The family of beloved long-time ORUCC member Jean Rush invites you to a Memorial Service to celebrate her life on Saturday, February 15th, at 1 pm, at ORUCC, with a visitation beginning at 11:30 am and luncheon following the service.

    The service will be livestreamed.

    You may “attend” the service virtually

    on YouTube any time after 1 pm

    on the 15th:

    

    Click here for YouTube link

    You may need to refresh the page

    after 1 pm if you have opened it before

    Obituary for Jean Rush

    Jean Rush, long time Madison resident, died on December 12, 2024 at Arbors at Ridges Assisted Living Facility in Burnsville, MN. She was 93 years old.

     

    Jean Claire Bock was born on October 16, 1931, and was raised by her loving mother, Evelyn Bock. She spent her school-age years in Appleton, WI and graduated from Appleton West High School in 1949. She graduated from UW-Oshkosh in 1953. While attending college, Jean met her eventual husband, Len Rush. After college, she taught 5th grade in Pueblo, CO.

     

    Jean returned to Wisconsin, where she and Len were married in 1957 and started their lives together in Madison. She taught 5th grade at Cherokee Elementary School for a few years. Jean then stayed at home to raise their three children: Mike, John and Anne. She later returned to Madison Public Schools in various teaching roles.

     

    Jean had many passions in life. She loved music and sang in multiple choirs. Jean enjoyed playing tennis and was a fan of Wisconsin Badger men’s basketball. She loved playing cards with family and friends and played bridge for over fifty years. Jean was well known for her beautiful photography of flowers and landscapes, which she made into greeting cards and shared as gifts.

     

    One of Jean’s special gifts in life was her ability to connect with others in close and caring relationships. She was a compassionate, thoughtful and loving friend to many people. Friendships developed in all aspects of her life including her beloved cottage friends on Lake McDonald and her spiritual home at Orchard Ridge United Church of Christ.

     

    Jean was a loving and generous wife, mother and grandmother. Family was always important to her. She adored her four grandchildren.

     

    Jean’s husband, Len, died in 2011 after 54 years of marriage. In 2023, she moved from Madison to Arbors at Ridges in Burnsville, MN to be close to family.

     

    Jean is survived by her children: Mike (Sue) Rush, Apple Valley, MN, John (Angie) Rush, Minnetonka, MN, and Anne (Jani Kumpula) Rush, Seattle, WA. Her grandchildren are Brian (Maddy Wolfe), Kyle, Leah and Joe (Casey McNally) Rush.

     

    Memorials may be made to Orchard Ridge United Church of Christ (1501 Gilbert Rd., Madison, WI 53711), Olbrich Botanical Gardens (3330 Atwood Avenue, Madison, WI 53704) or Minnesota Hospice (17645 Juniper Path, Suite 155, Lakeville, MN 55044).

     

    Jean’s family extends their deep gratitude to her many friends and relatives for their support over the years. A special thanks to the staff at Arbors at Ridges and Minnesota Hospice for their compassionate care.

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

    Orchard Ridge UCC onFebruary 8, 2025

    Orchard Ridge

    United Church of Christ

    Sunday Worship Resources

    Sunday, February 9

    Fifth Sunday after the Epiphany

    9:00 am Children and Youth Faith Formation

    9:00 am Java & Jesus

    (Swan Room and Zoom–see below)

    10:00 am Worship

    Sermon: Julia Burkey

    Lay Liturgist: Nancy Wettersten

    Musical Offerings: ORUCC Bell 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, February 9th, at 9:00 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 read ahead of time and come prepared to discuss a Buzzfeed article by Ali Moss. Please ignore the comments

    at the end.

    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

    February Compassion Offering:

    The Crossing

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

    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

    Orchard Ridge UCC onFebruary 6, 2025

    Spiritually Alive, Joyfully Inclusive, Committed to Justice

    Weekly Announcements

    for Thursday, February 6

    New Adult Study Group

    Thursday, February 6

    Swan Room: 10:00 – 11:30 am

    Zoom: 7:00 – 8:30 pm

    David Anderman

    (see below)

    Friday Breakfast Group

    Friday, February 7

    9:00 am

    Denny’s, 433 South Gammon Rd.

    Louise Jeanne

    (see below)

    Meditation Group–Zoom only

    Friday, February 7

    9:30 – 10:30 am

    Zoom

    Sue Dixon

    Sunday, February 9

    Fifth Sunday after the Epiphany

    9:00 am Children and Youth Faith Formation

    9:00 am Java & Jesus

    10:00 am Worship

    Sermon: Julia Burkey

    Lay Liturgist: Nancy Wettersten

    Musical Offerings: ORUCC Bell Choir

    Lunch and Learn

    Wednesday, February 12

    Friendship Hall/Worship Hall

    11:30 am

    Steve Sheets

    (see below)

    Choir Practice

    Wednesday, February 12

    7:00 – 8:30 pm

    Music Room or Worship Hall

    Bruce Gladstone

    Meditation Group

    Thursday, February 13

    8:30 – 9:30 am

    Romero Room

    Becky Baumbach

    New Adult Study Group

    Thursday, February 13

    Swan Room: 10:00 – 11:30 am

    Zoom: 7:00 – 8:30 pm

    David Anderman

    (see below)

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

    Save The Date!

    March 4th – PartiGras

    March 5th – Ash Wednesday Service

    March 14-16 – All Church Retreat

    February Compassion Offering:

    The Crossing

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

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

      

    Set on beautiful Green Lake at Daycholah Center, our time together will include opportunities for rest, reflection, play, and prayer. This is a wonderful way to experience deeper relationships with others at ORUCC as we also grow in our faith together. The cost is $200 for ages 12+, $140 for ages 11-4, and under 4 are free; cost covers all means Friday dinner through Sunday breakfast, lodging, and programming for the weekend. Scholarships are available upon request. Registration is open through February 26th.Sign up today!

    The 2024 Annual Report is now available

    The ORUCC 2024 Annual Report (click on link) has been posted to our website. It provides a summary of church leadership, activities and finances in 2024. The Annual Report also includes the agenda for the February 2, 2025 Annual Congregational Meeting. Paper copies of the Annual Report are available at the church.

    New Adult Study Group starts today, February 6th

     

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

     

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

     

    David Anderman will lead a study group on these topics Thursday mornings in the Swan Room 10:00 – 11:30 am February 6th, 13th, 20th, 27th, with the discussion picking up again after Easter, May 1st, 8th, and 15th. There will be a session by Zoom evenings on those dates from 7:00 to 8:30 pm, with the following log-in information:

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

    Meeting ID: 872 5674 6861

    Passcode: 740345

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

    Friday Breakfast Group – February 7th, 9:00 a.m. 

     

    The next Friday Breakfast is set for February 7th 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.

    Lunch and Learn welcomes Christopher Kolakowski

    Wednesday, February 12th, at 11:30 am

     

    Christopher Kolakowski, Director of the Wi Veterans Museum will be our guest speaking on “Wisconsin in the Civil War”. Mr. Kolakowski will share letters from Wisconsin soldiers and their families.  You may remember Mr. Kolakowski from his presentation to Lunch and Learn on the “Korean War” a little over a year ago.  He is a gifted speaker who will hold your attention with wonderful stories.

     

    We gather at 11:30 am in Friendship Hall for our luncheon with the program beginning at 12:30 pm in Worship Hall. Please join us on the 12th for a delicious luncheon ($10 per person).  RSVPs are important for our catering team. Please email Steve Sheets: erab1958@icloud.com.
    graduation_cap.jpg

    College Scholarships Available

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

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

    AT ORUCC, the Members are the Ministers!

    We are seeking volunteers to serve on Sunday mornings for in-person worship. You need not be a member, simply a person who loves ORUCC and is eager to find a place to serve! Young people are welcome to sign up, too!

     

    Would you consider serving one or more times as

    a Coffee Maker, a Welcomer, an Usher, a Lay Liturgist or

    to assist with Holy Communion?

     

    Feel free to sign up as an individual, a couple, or a family!

     

    Click here to sign up as a Coffee Maker

    Click here to sign up as a Welcomer

    Click here to sign up as an Usher

    Click here to sign up as a Lay Liturgist

    Click here to assist with Holy Communion

     

    After selecting one or more dates, you will need to click “Submit and Sign Up” at the bottom of the page, then enter your name & email address, then click “Sign Up Now.”

     

    Questions or problems signing up?

    Contact Ken Pennings at ken@orucc.org 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 sunprairiedog@gmail.com.

    Spiritual

    Nourishment

    for you!

    Daily Reflections: February 6 – 12

    We are grateful for the ministry of Jeanne Moberly, who is a member of Adult Faith Formation, as she puts together a set of fresh readings every week for our devotional practice at Orchard Ridge UCC. If you know someone who needs encouragement and would like the devotional mailed to them, please contact the church office.

    Daily Reflections: February 6 – 12

    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
        FacebookTwitterPinterest

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

    Orchard Ridge UCC onFebruary 6, 2025

    Java & Jesus

    Sunday, Feb. 9th, 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 read ahead of time and come prepared to discuss a Buzzfeed article by Ali Moss. Please ignore the comments

    at the end.

    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.orgMadison, WI 53711 US

    Orchard Ridge UCC onFebruary 5, 2025
    Nursery – High School Programming

    ORUCC Children and Youth

    Faith Formation Update

    Sunday, February 9, 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. 

    ALL PreK-6th Grade Children will meet in the Bridges Room this Sunday. We’ll start with a story of the “A New Creation” from the book of Revelation. Following the story and reflection, the children will continue to work on their quilt squares. For the next month, Nancy Wettersten will guide us in making a collaborative quilt. Each child/youth is invited to design a square on the theme of “Earth.” Together, we will create something big from something small. See below for more photos of our time together.

    *Our work will continue over the next three weeks. Your child has time to participate even if they cannot attend this Sunday. Ideally, they can participate in Faith Formation at least twice between February 2 and March 2 to complete their square.*

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

    Youth Faith Formation (7th Grade-High School) will meet at 9:00 a.m. in the Dorothy Day room for the first of a two-week series exploring Palestinian Justice with Diane Dulin (co-Chair of ORUCC Palestinian Justice Mission Team). This week we will watch an inspiring short film documentary, My Neighbourhood, and discuss the work of a young activist in the Sheikh Jarrah neighborhood of Jerusalem.

    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 Music Connections. This week, the children will continue their exploration of the Creation Story through sound. We are in need of a music connections volunteer this week. Can you help?

    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: Youth who are in TRU Function will meet in the Haynes music room from 10:00-noon for regular practice.

    Upcoming Events
    • Friday, February 7, 6:30-8:00 Family Game Night at ORUCC. Bring a game and a dish to share at this relaxed gathering of fun and fellowship.
    • February 9 and 16, Youth Faith Formation (7th-HS) at 9:00 a.m. will feature a documentary viewing and conversation of Palestinian Justice with Diane Dulin, a member of our ORUCC Palestinian Justice mission team.
    • March 2, 9:00 a.m. Safe Sanctuary “Refresher”: Every year we take a moment to review the “Safe Sanctuary” policy adopted by ORUCC to provide a safe, welcoming environment for all children. All volunteers with children and youth must abide by this policy. Pastor Kate will review Safe Sanctuary for any interested adults during the 9:00 hour on March 2nd.
    • March 14-16 Lenten All-Church Retreat at Daycholah Center. Take some time in the beauty of Green Lake to rest, play, and renew your faith with friends old and new. Sign up today! https://forms.gle/mo9rPyDD6jNy8Q4XA

    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).

    Crouch down as small as you can with your child. As you read the prayer, slowly rise until your arms are fully outstretched overhead, like a tree. Repeat the body prayer several times.

    God of life, we are your beloved children.

    Help us to grow, and grow, and grow, and grow to become more like you.

    We praise you for your goodness and love. Amen.

    

    (From Path to Peace with Creation, Shine Curriculum)

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

    Orchard Ridge UCC onFebruary 3, 2025

    New Adult Study Group starts this Thursday, February 6th

    Godly Living in Ungodly Times

     

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

     

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

     

    David Anderman will lead a study group on these topics Thursday mornings in the Swan Room 10:00 -11:30 am on February 6th, 13th, 20th, and 27th, with the discussion picking up again after Easter, May 1st, 8th, and 15th.

    A Thursday evening zoom group is a possibility if there are enough people willing to commit to attending five of the seven sessions. We’re looking for at least eight.

    Please contact David if you are interested:

               ddavea@mac.com

               

    In some minority parts of the US, a common question is “Do you know what time it is?” It’s not a question answered by looking at your phone or your wrist. It’s a question about what is of ultimate significance in our lives and in our world.

     

    Our first two sessions will wrestle with how we live as Christians in a world where we are not sure what time it is. Augustine, who lived, ministered, and wrote in north Africa during the decline of the Roman Empire wrestled with similar questions. Augustine has bequeathed us three tools that we will learn about through a short article.

     

    In the remaining sessions, we will read a number of popular article, news reports, and commentaries putting to use the tools from Augustine. Our goal is to be able to bring some deeper spiritual understanding to the often raging and raucous debates about religion and politics, and church and state.

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

    Orchard Ridge UCC onFebruary 1, 2025

    Orchard Ridge

    United Church of Christ

    Sunday Worship Resources

    Sunday, February 2

    Fourth Sunday after the Epiphany

    9:00 am Children and Youth Faith Formation

    10:00 am Worship

    Sermon: Julia Burkey

    Lay Liturgist: Ginny Moore Kruse

    Musical Offerings: ORUCC Choir

    11:00 am Annual Congregational Meeting

    Worship Hall and Zoom

    Members may attend and participate in the meeting

    virtually via Zoom by clicking on

    Zoom link to Annual Meeting

     Meeting ID: 884 3265 9904

    Passcode: 219743

    (see below for link to 2024 Annual Report)

    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

    The 2024 Annual Report is now available

    The ORUCC 2024 Annual Report (click on link) has been posted to our website. It provides a summary of church leadership, activities and finances in 2024. The Annual Report also includes the agenda for the February 2, 2025 Annual Congregational Meeting. Paper copies of the Annual Report are available at the church.

    February Compassion Offering:

    The Crossing

    The Crossing is a transformative, creative, and welcoming justice centered campus ministry at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. The Crossing provides a progressive Christian and multi-faith ministry that defines itself as a place where students come to “Belong – Explore – Advocate – Become. The Crossing is a diverse and theologically open-minded ministry that allows students the freedom to critically question faith and tradition, while reconnecting with the life and teachings of Jesus in a historical and prophetic way. The Crossing is a multi-denominational student ministry jointly supported by United Methodists, United Church of Christ, and the American Baptists – all of WI. The Crossing was incorporated in 2008.

    The Crossing Advocacy Collaborative is a response to the recognized need for a higher level of organization supporting justice ministry actions. There is today a broadening range of important issues that individually and collectively promote social equity, inclusion and justice. 

    With the assistance of funding from a ORUCC Compassion Offering, The Crossing will continue its execution of a sustainable program of learning, discovery and strategic, impactful advocacy. Our programming follows the diverse interests found within the Crossing student community. Some of the current and potential advocacy areas include the areas listed below. Bold print represents paid student advocacy positions in the past 18 months: 

    Affordable housing

    Healthcare disparities 

    Disability rights

    Mental health awareness

    Gender equality

    Labor rights

    LGBTQ rights and inclusion

    Caribbean Cultural Awareness

    Immigration rights

    Food Insecurity

    Government transparency/accountability

    Students’ rights

    Interfaith collaborations

    Racial equality

    War Abolition

    Freedom of / from religion

    Criminal justice reform

    First Amendment rights

    Earth care & climate justice   

    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

    Orchard Ridge UCC onJanuary 30, 2025

    Spiritually Alive, Joyfully Inclusive, Committed to Justice

    Weekly Announcements

    for Thursday, January 30

    Meditation Group–Zoom only

    Friday, January 31

    9:30 – 10:30 am

    Zoom

    Sue Dixon

    Sunday, February 2

    Fourth Sunday after the Epiphany

    9:00 am Children and Youth Faith Formation

    10:00 am Worship

    Sermon: Julia Burkey

    Lay Liturgist: Ginny Moore Kruse

    Musical Offerings: ORUCC Choir

    11:00 am Annual Congregational Meeting

    Worship Hall

    (see below)

    Choir Practice

    Wednesday, February 5

    7:00 – 8:30 pm

    Music Room or Worship Hall

    Bruce Gladstone

    Meditation Group

    Thursday, February 6

    8:30 – 9:30 am

    Romero Room

    Becky Baumbach

    New Adult Study Group

    Thursday, February 6

    10:00 – 11:30 am

    Swan Room

    David Anderman

    (see below)

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

    Save The Date!

    March 4th – PartiGras

    March 5th – Ash Wednesday Service

    March 14-16 – All Church Retreat

    February Compassion Offering:

    The Crossing

    The Crossing is a transformative, creative, and welcoming justice centered campus ministry at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. The Crossing provides a progressive Christian and multi-faith ministry that defines itself as a place where students come to “Belong – Explore – Advocate – Become. The Crossing is a diverse and theologically open-minded ministry that allows students the freedom to critically question faith and tradition, while reconnecting with the life and teachings of Jesus in a historical and prophetic way. The Crossing is a multi-denominational student ministry jointly supported by United Methodists, United Church of Christ, and the American Baptists – all of WI. The Crossing was incorporated in 2008.

    The Crossing Advocacy Collaborative is a response to the recognized need for a higher level of organization supporting justice ministry actions. There is today a broadening range of important issues that individually and collectively promote social equity, inclusion and justice. 

    With the assistance of funding from a ORUCC Compassion Offering, The Crossing will continue its execution of a sustainable program of learning, discovery and strategic, impactful advocacy. Our programming follows the diverse interests found within the Crossing student community. Some of the current and potential advocacy areas include the areas listed below. Bold print represents paid student advocacy positions in the past 18 months:

    Affordable housing

    Healthcare disparities 

    Disability rights

    Mental health awareness

    Gender equality

    Labor rights

    LGBTQ rights and inclusion

    Caribbean Cultural Awareness

    Immigration rights

    Food Insecurity

    Government transparency/accountability

    Students’ rights

    Interfaith collaborations

    Racial equality

    War Abolition

    Freedom of / from religion

    Criminal justice reform

    First Amendment rights

    Earth care & climate justice    

    The 2024 Annual Report is now available

    The ORUCC 2024 Annual Report (click on link) has been posted to our website. It provides a summary of church leadership, activities and finances in 2024. The Annual Report also includes the agenda for the February 2, 2025 Annual Congregational Meeting. Paper copies of the Annual Report are available at the church.
    breakfast_coffee_orange.jpg

    Friday Breakfast Group – February 7, 9:00 a.m. 

     

    The next Friday Breakfast is set for February 7th 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.

    New Adult Study Group

     

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

     

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

     

    David Anderman will lead a study group on these topics Thursday mornings in the Swan Room 10:00 – 11:30 am February 6th, 13th, 20th, 27th, with the discussion picking up again after Easter, May 1st, 8th, and 15th. More information will be provided in a hand-out available at church.

    Lunch and Learn welcomes Christopher Kolakowski

    Wednesday, February 12th, at 11:30 am

     

    Christopher Kolakowski, Director of the Wi Veterans Museum will be our guest speaking on “Wisconsin in the Civil War”. Mr. Kolakowski will share letters from Wisconsin soldiers and their families.  You may remember Mr. Kolakowski from his presentation to Lunch and Learn on the “Korean War” a little over a year ago.  He is a gifted speaker who will hold your attention with wonderful stories.

     

    We gather at 11:30 am in Friendship Hall for our luncheon with the program beginning at 12:30 pm in Worship Hall. Please join us on the 12th for a delicious luncheon ($10 per person).  RSVPs are important for our catering team. Please email Steve Sheets: erab1958@icloud.com.
    graduation_cap.jpg

    College Scholarships Available

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

    Save the Date!

    Lenten All-Church Retreat

    Daycholah Center, March 14-16

    More details coming soon…

    for now, mark your calendars!

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

    AT ORUCC, the Members are the Ministers!

    We are seeking volunteers to serve on Sunday mornings for in-person worship. You need not be a member, simply a person who loves ORUCC and is eager to find a place to serve! Young people are welcome to sign up, too!

     

    Would you consider serving one or more times as

    a Coffee Maker, a Welcomer, an Usher, a Lay Liturgist or

    to assist with Holy Communion?

     

    Feel free to sign up as an individual, a couple, or a family!

     

    Click here to sign up as a Coffee Maker

    Click here to sign up as a Welcomer

    Click here to sign up as an Usher

    Click here to sign up as a Lay Liturgist

    Click here to assist with Holy Communion

     

    After selecting one or more dates, you will need to click “Submit and Sign Up” at the bottom of the page, then enter your name & email address, then click “Sign Up Now.”

     

    Questions or problems signing up?

    Contact Ken Pennings at ken@orucc.org 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 sunprairiedog@gmail.com.

    Spiritual

    Nourishment

    for you!

    Daily Reflections: January 30 – February 5

    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: January 30 – February 5

    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
        FacebookTwitterPinterest

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

    Orchard Ridge UCC onJanuary 29, 2025
    Nursery – High School Programming

    ORUCC Children and Youth

    Faith Formation Update

    Sunday, February 2, 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. 

    ALL CHILDREN AND YOUTH will meet in the Bridges Room this Sunday. We’ll start with a story of the Parable of the Mustard Seed and then introduce our collaborative art project! For the next month, Nancy Wettersten will guide us in making a quilt. Each child/youth is invited to design a square on the theme of “Earth.” Together, we will create something big from something small.

    *Our work will continue over the next four weeks. Your child has time to participate even if they cannot attend this Sunday. Ideally, they can participate in Faith Formation at least twice between February 2 and March 2 to complete their square.*

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

    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 Music Connections. This week, the children will continue their exploration of the Creation Story through sound. Owen will be our Music Connections 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: Youth who are in TRU Function will meet in the Haynes music room from 10:00-noon for regular practice.

    Upcoming Events

    • Sunday, February 2, All-Church Annual Meeting after worship. Come to hear more about what’s ahead in the life of the congregation. Members of ORUCC will have an opportunity to vote on the annual budget and other topics important to the life of the church, but all are welcome!
    • Sunday, February 2, 1:30-3:30: Speed Puzzling! at Bethany UMC 3910 Mineral Point Road. Registration is required for the teams of four. Casual puzzlers and spectators do not need to register ahead of time. Register Here.
  • Teams of four race to complete a 500-piece puzzle
  • Prizes awarded for 1st and 2nd place finishers, as well as the fastest “newbie” team
  • Casual Puzzling Tables
  • Swap Table (drop off or pick up gently-used puzzles)
  • Door Prizes
  • Light refreshments
    • Friday, February 7, 6:30-8:00 Family Game Night at ORUCC. Bring a game and a dish to share at this relaxed gathering of fun and fellowship.
    • February 9 and 16, Youth Faith Formation (7th-HS) at 9:00 a.m. will feature a documentary viewing and conversation of Palestinian Justice with Diane Dulin, a member of our ORUCC Palestinian Justice mission team.
    • March 14-16 Save the date for our Lenten All-Church Retreat at Daycholah Center. More details to come soon!

    At Orchard Ridge, we are Spiritually Alive!

    Labyrinth Walk

    On Sunday, January 19, all children and youth gathered together for a mindfulness labyrinth walk. Words from the Book of Job (story, “Job and the Whirlwind”) guided our wonderings, thoughts, and meditations. Have you, or someone you know, ever gone through a time where everything is going wrong? 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). Take a few deep breaths together, close your eyes and hold hands, or hold your hands over your hearts, and share:

    Peace, peace, peace,

    peace in our hearts,

    peace.

    Peace in our minds,

    peace.

    Peace when we wake,

    peace when we sleep,

    peace shining bright in our lives.

    (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

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      ORUCC February 2 Children and Youth News
      ORUCC Weekly Announcements for January 30th
      Worship Resources for Sunday, February 2, 2025
      ORUCC- New Adult Study Group starts February 6th!
      ORUCC February 9 Children and Youth News
      ORUCC – Java & Jesus Is Back! – Feb. 9th, 9 am (In-person or by Zoom)
      ORUCC Weekly Announcements for February 6th
      Worship Resources for Sunday, February 9, 2025
      Memorial Service for Jean Rush, Feb. 15th, at 1 pm, at ORUCC
      ORUCC February 16 Children and Youth News
      ORUCC Weekly Announcements for February 13th
      ORUCC Supports Transgender People
      Worship Resources for Sunday, February 16, 2025
      ORUCC –Wayfinding – February 19th & 20th
      ORUCC February 23 Children and Youth News
      ORUCC All-Church Retreat–Sign up NOW!
      ORUCC Weekly Announcements for February 20th
      ORUCC – Java & Jesus – Feb. 23rd, 9 am (In-person or by Zoom)
      ORUCC – Sign up for a Lenten Home Discussion Group!
      Worship Resources for Sunday, February 23, 2025
      ORUCC — “Everything In Between”
      ORUCC March 2 Children and Youth News
      ORUCC Weekly Announcements for February 27th
      ORUCC – Recent PHISHING email from “Julia”
      ORUCC – Sign up now for a Lenten Home Discussion Group!
      Worship Resources for Sunday, March 2, 2025
      PartyGras and Ash Wednesday
      ORUCC March 9 Children and Youth News
      ORUCC – Sign up now for a Lenten Home Discussion Group!
      ORUCC Weekly Announcements for March 6th