ORUCC Java & Jesus reading for Holy Week

Orchard Ridge UCC on April 4, 2023

No Java & Jesus

on Easter Sunday

But for your reading pleasure during Holy Week, here is a portion of the first chapter of the book The Last Week, by Marcus Borg and John Dominick Crossan, which includes nice parallels with

Julia Burkey’s sermon on Palm Sunday.

Click here for reading

ORUCC Faithful Action for Justice

Orchard Ridge UCC on April 4, 2023

Faithful Action for Justice

Orchard Ridge United Church of Christ

April 2023

Faithful Action for Justice provides announcements and information from ORUCC’s Justice missions (Care of Creation, Immigration Justice, Heart Room, Racial Justice, Christian Witness and Service, Palestinian Justice).

Nobody can do everything. Saying yes to some things requires saying no to others. Our health and obligations limit us. As you read, briefly celebrate and pray for people doing something you will not join. As you feel called, reach out to a project’s contact person to learn more, and consider joining or click on links to read more.

Our justice mission teams provide information on issues that may be controversial, speaking to the congregation but not for the congregation.

Opportunities for Action or Service

Vote April 2

Please remember to vote in the April 2 election. Besides important local races, there is a critical statewide race for Supreme Court Justice between liberal Janet Protasiewicz and conservative Daniel Kelley that will have huge impacts on a wide range of policies in the state.

There are three state referenda on the ballot (along with some local referenda). Organizations that we are affiliated with (including the Wisconsin Council of Churches, WISDOM, and Faith Voices for Justice) are recommending that you vote no on all three state referenda, two on the conditions for bail and one on welfare. The Wisconsin Council of Churches has provided an explanation of the reason for these recommendations.

Housing Advocacy

Do you want to advocate public policy change to promote affordable and good housing for everyone? As a follow-up to the Housing Summit hosted recently at ORUCC, the Wisconsin Council of Churches and Faith Voices for Justice are forming a Faith-based Housing Advocacy Working Group. A first meeting, probably in mid-April, will begin sorting priorities which could be addressed at local, state and federal levels. Indicate your interest by emailing [email protected]. NOTE: The original request was for responses by March 31, so a quick response is best.

Serving our Immigrant Neighbors

Volunteer Drivers Needed

If you are interested in providing rides to asylum-seekers traveling to Milwaukee and Chicago for their interviews, hearings, and other appointments, please contact Dan Zimmerman: [email protected] or 608-241-1158. Dan will put you on a distribution list and contact you to see if you are available when someone needs a ride. He will also arrange a virtual training session for you. The training provides an explanation of the roles and responsibilities of a volunteer driver, and basic information about the judicial processes that you may witness.

Short-term Home Hospitality Needed

If you might be able to provide a room in your house for a few day to a few weeks for asylum seekers in Dane County, please click on the link to fill out a sign-up form. Filling out the form does not obligate you. Instead, it puts you on a distribution list so you can be contacted about your availability if/when a need arises. Asylum seekers have been carefully vetted by local immigration attorneys or the Dane County immigration office. For more information, contact Rabbi Bonnie Margulis at 608-513-7121 or [email protected].

Learn About Justice Issues

News from Casa Alitas

ORUCC Member Ruthanne Landsness wrote reflections about her most recent trip to Casa Alitas.

Palestine Justice

United Church of Christ calls on President Biden and Congress to hold Israel accountable, end military aid

On March 10, leaders of the United Church of Christ, The Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, the Presbyterian Church (USA) and six other Christian organizations sent a prophetic letter to President Biden and members of Congress. In this letter, they called for “urgent action… to hold Israel accountable for its ongoing and flagrant violations of Palestinian rights.”

The letter laments the “lack of accountability for Israeli killings of civilians, ongoing land expropriation, home demolitions, settlement expansion, movement restrictions, and other gross violations of Palestinian rights,” and asserts that “The U.S. bears at least partial responsibility for this reality because of its uncritical support – politically, diplomatically, and financially – for the Government of Israel and its failure to demand accountability.”

Noting that “U.S. funding to Israel in part sustains this violence,” the letter calls for the U.S. government to “hold Israel accountable for its abuses including by cutting military aid.”

To learn more (click here): Global Ministries article

Tom Beilman and Diane Dulin

MOSES Updates

Remember Madison Action Day, April 27!

ORUCC member Donna Lillethun is also a member of Raging Grannies. She has organized the Grannies to join their vocalization forces with MOSES members to sing in Madison Action Day with songs for justice and equity. Don’t miss it!

Register here to join WISDOM leaders from across Wisconsin to promote our values and priorities as legislators work to finalize the 2023-2025 state budget. Come hear the Raging Grannies introduction to the morning plenary and then join the plenary session, followed by lunch, and visits with our Madison-area legislators. There will be a Zoom orientation session at 6:30 on April 13 register for Zoom orientation

MOSES Takes a Stand – New Issue Adopted

In March, MOSES adopted a strategic issue calling for Eviction Records Retention Reduction. Wisconsin state law mandates a 20-year retention period for eviction records, which places a significant, long-term burden on families who need stable, affordable housing for the well-being of their children. MOSES opposes this unreasonable and unjust law and supports a change in the law to reduce the retention period for most cases. MOSES has a developing relationship with Legal Action of Wisconsin, who brought this issue to our attention through Attorney and Dane County Supervisor Heidi Wegleitner. Watch for future public information sharing updates.

About our Missions

Interested? Reach out to learn more about our justice teams and projects. Our mission teams welcome your time, talent and energy!

Care of Creation: contact Sara Roberts
Immigration Justice: contact Ruthanne Landness
Racial Justice: contact Pam Oliver
Heart Room and Housing Justice: contact Helene Nelson
Ilgen Literacy Fund: contact Jen Walker

In addition, our Christian Witness and Service ministry connects members to a variety of opportunities to support justice activities (chair:LuAnn Greiner)

Let us love and care for ourselves and each other as we work together for justice and mercy.

ORUCC New Associate Pastor

Orchard Ridge UCC on April 2, 2023

Special Announcement from

the ORUCC Search Committee!

Dear Orchard Ridge UCC Members & Friends,

As announced at the conclusion of today’s worship service, we are excited to share that the Pastoral Search Committee is recommending a candidate for the Associate Pastor for Children, Youth & Families, the Rev. Kate Mackey!

Soon you will see a brochure to help you Meet Kate Mackey, sharing more about Kate, her ministry, and her family. Here is a preview of Kate:

Kate is currently a Chaplain at Mendota Mental Health Institute in Madison. Kate says, “I am passionate about all people being fully alive, or the potential for all people to be nurtured so as to develop into their full, glorious, God-given selves. All people, starting from a very young age, are invited to discover what brings joy, meaning, and healing to the world through our participation in God’s kin-dom on earth as it is in heaven.”

Previously, Kate has served as of Pastor Spiritual Care and Development at People’s United Methodist Church in Oregon, WI, and as a Chaplain at UW Health-East Madison Hospital. Kate attended UW-Madison and The Seattle School of Theology & Psychology and was ordained with the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in 2014.

The Candidating Weekend will be May 6-7, 2023. This is a time for ORUCC members and Kate to become more acquainted with each other and for Kate to preach and co-lead service on Sunday.

On Saturday afternoon, May 6, the Leadership Team and the Search Committee will be hosting drop-in events at the church for the congregation, as well focused events for youth, families, and youth ministry volunteers. Details will be coming over the next few week.

On Sunday, May 7, Kate will co-lead and preach during our 10 a.m. Worship Service. Immediately after, there will be a congregational meeting to vote on this recommendation from the pastoral search committee.

This is a special time at ORUCC, and we want to hear from you. If you have any questions, please contact Pastor Julia at [email protected] or 518-542-6915 or the Moderator Team (Hal Evensen, Deanna Blanchard, and Barbara Stretchberry) at [email protected].

The Rev. Kate Mackey, our final candidate for ORUCC’s Associate Pastor for Children, Youth & Families.

Sign up for Maundy Thursday Meal at the Hagens or Swansons, April 6, 6-8 pm

Orchard Ridge UCC on April 1, 2023

a Maundy Thursday

dinner at the

Hagens or Swansons

April 6th, 6-8 pm

Might you be interested in attending a Maundy Thursday meal in a home on April 6, 6-8 pm?

Both Pastors Julia and Ken will be hosting dinners along with 4 others!

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

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

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

Click here to sign up

ORUCC Worship Resources for Palm Sunday April 2nd

Orchard Ridge UCC on April 1, 2023

Orchard Ridge

United Church of Christ

Palm Sunday Worship Resources

04.02.2023

Sunday, April 2nd

10:00 am

Worship

in-person & virtually

Sermon: Immigration Hospitality

By The Rev. Dr. Julia Burkey & Ruthanne Landsness

Special Music: ORUCC Choir

Lay Liturgist: Ruthanne Landsness

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

Lenten Schedule of Services

April 2 Immigration Hospitality – Palm Sunday

April 6 Maundy Thursday Home Meals

April 7 Good Friday Service 7 pm

Easter 2023 Schedule April 9

6:30 am Sunrise service on the ORUCC Lawn with the three rituals of Burning Ashes of Regret, Communion and Renewal of Baptism, followed by homemade brunch.

10 am Make and take Easter crafts for children during service

10 am Easter Worship Service with Choirs

11 am Easter Egg Hunt for children of all ages

Java & Jesus takes a sacred pause for Holy Week on

4/2 Palm Sunday & 4/9 Easter Sunday

Programming for Children

April 2nd

Nursery Care:Nursery Care opens at 8:30am. Antonia and Amalia are ready to play with your little one!

K-5 Sunday School starts at 9am. This week, we continue our preparation for “The Mystery of Easter.” Using the “Faces of Easter” curriculum from Godly Play, we will view beautiful images of Jesus and hear stories about his birth, childhood, and how he grew to be a leader. Following the stories, the children will have time to explore sand, observe a variety of crosses, design their own cross, and complete a word search. We’ll close with a conversation about the last supper and communion. Paul Vash, Karen Jaehnig, and Sally Allen will guide the children in their learning.

Looking ahead, there is no Sunday School programming on Easter Sunday. But, your family is invited to come at the 10am hour on 4/9 for “Make and Take Crafts.

Music Connections 10am This Palm Sunday, the children begin in church with you and then they are invited for a special Bell demo with Al and Deanna Blanchard! This was a big hit last time we did it. It is wonderful to introduce our children to the music and instruments of the church. The children will return to the Worship Hall for the end of service for communion.

Save The Date! April 30, the children are invited to play two songs with TruFunction! We’ll play one easy song and a harder song for those ready for a challenge. Those participating need to attend Music Connections at least twice in March and on April 16 and 23. Please note your family’s availability here: https://forms.gle/wwYAFBV5duPFJUpF8

April Compassion Offering

UCC CAMPS IN WISCONSIN

This month our compassion offering is for our UCC camps in Wisconsin. We are so fortunate to have 3 amazing camps, each in a different setting and each offering unique programs: Moon Beach in the North Woods, Daycholah on Green Lake and Cedar Valley in Washington County.

Camps provide sacred places which enhance our spiritual lives. The experience of living with others builds stronger connections. Camps can nourish us, provide respite so we can return to our daily lives refreshed and ready to serve others. By spending times in the out-of-doors we better appreciate the gifts of creation and therefore are eager to care for the earth.

Our UCC camps also offer many volunteer opportunities, whether it be work projects or assisting at a camp session like Camp AweSum for families touched by autism.

Our camps need our volunteer and financial support. Please click on the link below to learn more about our sacred sites.

VIDEO

You can make a donation by check, on the memo line, please write “compassion” and mail to ORUCC, 1501 Gilbert Road, Madison, WI 53711, or donate online from our website. The link is https://orucc.org/contribute/support/

Office Manager Julie Wombacher

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

608-271-7212 or EMAIL

Senior Pastor: Rev. Dr. Julia Burkey

518-542-6915 EMAIL

Associate Pastor: Rev. Ken Pennings

608-556-2371 EMAIL

Children’s Education Coordinator & Music Director: Julie Mazer EMAIL

LIKE or FOLLOW the Orchard Ridge FaceBook Page

JOIN our Private FB Group:

“Members & Friends of Orchard Ridge UCC“

April Compassion Offering: UCC Camps

Orchard Ridge UCC on April 1, 2023

Our UCC camps also offer many volunteer opportunities, whether it be work projects or assisting at a camp session like Camp AweSum for families touched by autism.

Our camps need our volunteer and financial support. Please click on the link below to learn more about our sacred sites.

Four spaces left for Maundy Thursday Meals in Homes, April 6, 6-8 pm

Orchard Ridge UCC on March 30, 2023

a Maundy Thursday

dinner in a home

April 6th, 6-8 pm

Might you be interested in attending a Maundy Thursday meal in a home on April 6, 6-8 pm?

Both Pastors Julia and Ken will be hosting dinners along with 4 others!

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

Click here to sign up

ORUCC Weekly Announcements for March 30

Orchard Ridge UCC on March 30, 2023

Spiritually Alive, Joyfully Inclusive, Committed to Justice

Week at a Glance March 30

Palm Sunday

April 2, 2023

9:00 am Sunday School for Children

9:00 am New Member Class

10:00 am Worship

(in-person and live streamed)

Lay Liturgist: Ruthanne Landsness

Special Music: ORUCC Choir

Knitting Group

Monday, April 3

1:30 pm

Crossroads

Sandra Dyar

7 Deadly Sins Book Study Group

Tuesday April 4 & Thursday April 6

10:30 am Tues.

7:00 pm Thurs.

Swan Room & Zoom(see below)

David Anderman

Ministry of Adult Faith Formation

Tuesday, April 4

6:00 pm – 7:30 pm

Zoom

Women’s Book Group

Thursday, April 6

1:30 – 3:00 pm

Zoom

Deanna Blanchard

Breakfast Group – Dennys

Gammon Road

Friday, April 7

8:30 am

Meditation Group

Friday, April 7

9:30 am – 10:30 am

Sue Dixon

Zoom

No Weekly Yoga

There is no longer weekly yoga

Look for future yoga events.

March Compassion Offering

One Great Hour of Sharing

One Great Hour of Sharing®, an ecumenical offering sponsored in Lent by the United Church of Christ, provides humanitarian and disaster relief in the United States and around the world. When a disaster strikes or people are displaced or made refugees by violence or extreme poverty, you are part of the immediate response and the work for long- term recovery. Because the UCC works in partnership to churches and organizations through Global Ministries and worldwide response and recovery networks, your contributions to One Great Hour of Sharing put you in the right place at the right time for the relief, accompaniment and recovery of the most vulnerable. You meet immediate needs and you address the underlying causes that create those needs in the first place.

VIDEO

APRIL COMPASSION OFFERING-UCC CAMPS

Our UCC camps also offer many volunteer opportunities, whether it be work projects or assisting at a camp session like Camp AweSum for families touched by autism.

Our camps need our volunteer and financial support. Please click on the link below to learn more about our sacred sites.

VIDEO

Lenten Schedule of Sermons

April 2 Immigration Hospitality – Palm Sunday

April 7 Good Friday Service, 7 pm

Easter 2023 Schedule April 9

6:30 am Sunrise service on the ORUCC Lawn with the three rituals of Burning Ashes of Regret, Communion, and Renewal of Baptism, followed by homemade brunch.

9 am Make-and-Take Easter crafts for children

10 am Easter Worship Service with Choirs

11 am Easter Egg Hunt for children of all ages

Support Heart Room

Heart Room has supported 15 families and 60 children to find and keep stable housing for long-term thriving. ORUCC members have contributed or pledged funds that support three years of rental assistance per family. Coupled with other supports from professional partners, families then can meet their goals for thriving.

The Heart Room Mission Team thanks you for pledges and contributions of all sizes. Your recent pledge statement from the church will let you know any balance on the Heart Room pledge for the eight currently enrolled families. Any donations are gratefully accepted as well. Remember you can pay the church by check or online at LINK

Spiritual

Nourishment

for you!

For the week of Mar 30 – Apr 5

Read this week’s reflections as a way to dive deeper into your spiritual practice or to get some nourishment and inspiration

for your day.

Click Here for Reflections

We are grateful for the ministry of Jeanne Moberly who is a member of Adult Faith Formation, as she puts together a set of fresh readings every week for our devotional practice at Orchard Ridge UCC. You will see these posted daily if you are part of the “Members & Friends” Facebook group. If you know someone who needs encouragement and would like the devotional mailed to them, please contact Julie Wombacher in the church office.

GREEN CORNER

Here is an astonishing fact. If the world reduced meat consumption by 15%, it would save the same greenhouse gas emissions as taking 240 million cars of the road each year. Consider planning more meatless meals. There are lots of recipes online that can help.

Maundy Thursday Dinners in Homes

April 6th, 6-8 pm

Might you be interested in attending a Maundy Thursday meal in a home on April 6, 6-8 pm?

Both Pastors Julia and Ken will be hosting dinners along with 4 others!

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

Click here to sign up

Women’s Book Group

ORUCC Women’s Book Group will meet Thursday, April 6 at 1:30pm via Zoom. If you would like to be added to the group email list please send an email to Deanna Blanchard at [email protected]

Ginny Kruse will lead the discussion about Clint Smith’s book How the Word is Passed. Ginny suggests that you read the Prologue and these three chapters: The Monticello Plantation, the Whitney Plantation and the New York City guided tour, also the Epilogue. Of course, read the whole book if you have time!

Our May meeting will be May 4 when Judy Winkel will lead the discussion about The Daughters of Yalta by Catherine Grace Katz. There are many library holds on this book and it is a bit longer, so planning ahead is advised.

Friday Breakfast Group – April 7

The next Friday Breakfast is set for April 7 at 8:30 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.

Over 55 Wednesday, April 12th

“The Grandparent Vocation, Wisdom, Legacies, and Spiritual Growth.”

Many grandparents experience a surge of joy with the birth or adoption of a grandchild. For years afterward, time together is eagerly coveted, pictures are treasured and displayed, and multiple gifts along with various kinds of support are gladly provided. Richard Olson a retired minister, professor of theology and grandparent many times over will talk with us about this “vocation.”

Join us at 11:30 am on April 12th. An $8 luncheon is provided. Please RSVP to Steve Sheets at [email protected] so that the catering team may plan accordingly.

Care of Creation will be sponsoring a group book study of Rev. Daniel Cooperrider’s wonderful book, “Speak with the Earth and It Will Teach You”.

When: April 16, Daniel will be preaching on this topic

Following the April 16 worship, three small groups will convene at the following times:

Sundays, 4/23, 4/30, 5/7, and 5/15, 11:30-1:00. Location: Church

Mondays, 4/24, 5/1, 5/8, 5/15 from 2-3:30. Location: Church

Tuesdays – 4/25, 5/2, 5/9, 5/16 from 7-8:30 on Zoom.

Wrap-up with Daniel: Sunday, May 21. Time TBD

Sign-up sheets for the individual study groups will be available in the Crossroads beginning on Sunday, April 9

So if you haven’t done it yet, get a copy of Daniel’s book and join us.

We are looking for Brat Fest Volunteers!

Would you be willing to donate a few hours at Brat Fest to benefit our Youth Service Trip? Brat Fest has a variety of volunteer positions from set up, grilling, trash pick up, serving, event take down. Our church has to fulfill 20 hours of set up to qualify for fundraising and we really need your help.

To sign up go to: https://app.initlive.com/JE/63v6refjssjaf2

You must create a sign on, choose a T-shirt size and check that you are volunteering to benefit a charity. Then, choose Orchard Ridge United Church of Christ as your benefiting organization. You get to choose the date, time and position you’d like to volunteer for. Ask your friends to join you – as our teens know – it’s more fun to volunteer as a group! Plus, you get the t-shirt and a free brat for every shift you work. Sign up today – these shifts go F-A-S-T..

Death Cafe at ORUCC, April 1st 2pm-4pm

Madison Mennonite Church invites you to an opportunity to talk about death, dying and grief in a safe environment. Plus there will be cake!

Sign-ups are appreciated for food planning purposes.

It’s Time for Camp Registration!

Registration for all of our UCC camps (Moon Beach, Daycholah, and Cedar Valley) is now open. There is such a variety: kids, adult, family, glamping, the arts, sailing….Some of the sessions, like Camp Awesum and Family Camp fill up quickly, so check out the brochure today.

Click the LINK to sign up today!

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, a Lay Liturgist or

to assist with Holy Communion?

It has been fairly easy finding Lay Liturgists and Communion Assistants, but much more challenging finding

Coffee-Makers and Welcomers!

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 a Lay Liturgist

Click here to Assist with Holy Communion

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

Questions or problems signing up?

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

Office Manager Julie Wombacher

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

608-271-7212 or EMAIL

Senior Pastor Julia Burkey available

Tues.- Fri. & Sun. 9:00 am – 7:00 pm

by appointment

518-542-6915 EMAIL

Associate Pastor Ken Pennings: available

Tues.-Thurs. 10:00 am -5:00 pm

by appointment

608-556-2371 EMAIL

Both pastors (try to) take Monday & Saturday as Sabbath days.

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

Music Connections 4/2 – Handbell Demo!

Orchard Ridge UCC on March 30, 2023

This week, I will not be at church. BUT, I have a very special opportunity planned during Music Connections with your child. Deanna and Al Blanchard will lead the children through a Hand Bell Demonstration in the Johnson room following the children's moment! Rather than using the hand chimes that we regularly use in Music Connections, the children will have the opportunity to touch, feel, and play the REAL Hand Bells! It's sure to be a treat.

Parents, did you know that late middle schoolers and high schoolers are eligible to join the handbell choir (pending a note and rhythm reading music assessment)? Perhaps this would be a great opportunity for your teen to try out Hand Bells and see if they would like to make this a regular part of their lives. (Hand Bells rehearse on Monday evenings).

Music Connections will not be offered on Easter Sunday. We will resume on 4/16.

—

Julie Mazer (she/her)

Orchard Ridge United Church of Christ

Children's Education Coordinator

Children's Music Director

4/2 Sunday School

Orchard Ridge UCC on March 29, 2023

Nursery Care opens at 8:30am. Antonia and Amalia are ready to play with your little one!

K-5 Sunday School starts at 9am. This week, we continue our preparation for “The Mystery of Easter.” Using the “Faces of Easter” curriculum from Godly Play, we will view beautiful images of Jesus and hear stories about his birth, childhood, and how he grew to be a leader. Following the stories, the children will have time to explore sand, observe a variety of crosses, design their own cross, and complete a word search. We'll close with a conversation about the last supper and communion. Paul Vash, Karen Jaehnig, and Sally Allen will guide the children in their learning.

Looking ahead, there is no Sunday School programming on Easter Sunday. But, your family is invited to come at the 9am hour on 4/9 for “Make and Take Crafts.”

Hope to see you Sunday!

—

Julie Mazer (she/her)

Orchard Ridge United Church of Christ

Children's Education Coordinator

Children's Music Director

ORUCC — Visit Dianne Stevens?

Orchard Ridge UCC on March 28, 2023

Visit Dianne Stevens?

Dianne Stevens is a beloved longtime member of our church and was being treated for acute myeloid leukemia, but is now in hospice in her home. Dianne would very much appreciate having someone visit with her for 15 minutes between 2 and 5 pm on a number of days over the next 3 weeks. No need to bring anything, unless it’s a McDonalds’ milk shake. In fact, Dianne hopes that you will take an item from her gift table. After you sign up, simply show up at Dianne’s home on the afternoon you’ve selected. But if need to contact Dianne directly for one thing or another, don’t hesitate to phone her at 608-271-2179. Dianne lives at 1301 Reetz Rd., Madison, 53711. Please click on the following link, review the available slots, and click on the button to sign up, including in the “comments” your time of arrival. Thank you!

Click here to sign up to visit Dianne

ORUCC–Sign up to attend a Maundy Thursday dinner in a home, April 6, 6-8 pm

Orchard Ridge UCC on March 27, 2023

a Maundy Thursday

dinner in a home

April 6th, 6-8 pm

Might you be interested in attending a Maundy Thursday meal in a home on April 6, 6-8 pm?

Both Pastors Julia and Ken will be hosting dinners along with 4 others!

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

Click here to sign up

ORUCC Worship Resources for Sunday March 26th

Orchard Ridge UCC on March 25, 2023

Orchard Ridge

United Church of Christ

Lent 5: Worship Resources

03.26.2023

Sunday, March 26th

10:00 am

Worship

in-person & virtually

Sermon: Radical Hospitality: A Celebration of Heart Room

Honoring the Past, Present & Future Dream of Heart Room

Bruce Olsen, Megan Piper & Helene Nelson

Special Music: Tru Function

Lay Liturgist: Mary Bucknell

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

Support Heart Room

Lenten Schedule of Sermons

March 26 A Celebration of Heart Room Ministry

April 2 Immigration Hospitality – Palm Sunday

April 7 Good Friday Service 7 pm

Easter 2023 Schedule April 9

6:30 am Sunrise service on the ORUCC Lawn with the three rituals of Burning Ashes of Regret, Communion and Renewal of Baptism, followed by homemade brunch.

9 am Make and take Easter crafts for children

10 am Easter Worship Service with Choirs

11 am Easter Egg Hunt for children of all ages

Java & Jesus

Sunday, March 19th. 9am

Attend in-person at the church in the

Alfred Swan Room, or attend remotely

by Zoom

Jeanne Moberly facilitating

All are welcome!

Please join us even if this is your first time!

This Sunday you are invited to bring your favorite reading, whether Bible passage, poem, prose, prayer, blessing or psalm, which reminds you of grace and strength in difficult times. Everyone will get a chance to share their reading. Please bring two copies, one for you and one for Jeanne. She will compile them and send out the readings through the church so that they can be shared

with everyone.

Click here for a bit more

_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

Click here to join Zoom discussion

Or paste the following into your browser:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83649436657?pwd=R2hVU0drV1N2VTZlMVJoRmI4K2VtUT09

To join Zoom discussion by phone: 1 312 626 6799

Meeting ID: 836 4943 6657

Passcode: 315584

If you have difficulty accessing the Zoom discussion,

phone Ken Pennings at 608-556-2371

Programming for Children

March 26th

Nursery Care:Nursery Care opens at 8:30am. Antonia and Amalia are ready to play with your little one!

K-5 Sunday School starts at 9am. This week, we begin our preparation for “The Mystery of Easter.” Using the “Faces of Easter” curriculum from Godly Play, we will view beautiful images of Jesus and hear stories about his birth, childhood, and how he grew to be a leader. Following the stories, the children will have time to explore sand, observe a variety of crosses, design their own cross, and complete a word search. We’ll close with a conversation about baptism (echoing the story of when Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist). Sally Allen and Julie Mazer will guide the children in their learning.

Music Connections 10am This week the children will begin the 10 o’clock hour in the sanctuary with you. When they are dismissed for Music Connections, we will move to the downstairs Bonhoeffer Room for some ukulele playing and mixed instrument soundscapes based on the Genesis Creation Story (complementary to what the children have recently studied in Sunday School). I am in need of a Music Connections Volunteer. Can you help?

March Compassion Offering

One Great Hour of Sharing

VIDEO

Office Manager Julie Wombacher

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

608-271-7212 or EMAIL

Senior Pastor: Rev. Dr. Julia Burkey

518-542-6915 EMAIL

Associate Pastor: Rev. Ken Pennings

608-556-2371 EMAIL

Children’s Education Coordinator & Music Director: Julie Mazer EMAIL

LIKE or FOLLOW the Orchard Ridge FaceBook Page

JOIN our Private FB Group:

“Members & Friends of Orchard Ridge UCC“

ORUCC Java & Jesus, March 26th, 9 am (In-person or by Zoom)

Orchard Ridge UCC on March 23, 2023

Java & Jesus

Sunday, March 26th, 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!

Please join us even if this is your first time!

with everyone.

Click here for a bit more

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

Click here to join Zoom discussion

Or paste the following into your browser:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83649436657?pwd=R2hVU0drV1N2VTZlMVJoRmI4K2VtUT09

To join Zoom discussion by phone: 1 312 626 6799

Meeting ID: 836 4943 6657

Passcode: 315584

If you have difficulty accessing the Zoom discussion,

phone Ken Pennings at 608-556-2371

ORUCC Weekly Announcements for March 23

Orchard Ridge UCC on March 23, 2023

Spiritually Alive, Joyfully Inclusive, Committed to Justice

Week at a Glance March 23

Sunday, March 26, 2023

9:00 am Sunday School for Children

9:00 am Java & Jesus

9:00 am New Member Class

10:00 am Worship

(in-person and live streamed)

Lay Liturgist: Mary Bucknell

Special Music: Tru Function

Men’s Group

Monday, March 27

7:15 pm

Romero Room

7 Deadly Sins Book Study Group

Tuesday March 28 & Thursday March 23

10:30 am Tues.

7:00 pm Thurs.

Swan Room & Zoom(see below)

David Anderman

Immigration Justice Mission Team

Tuesday, March 28

6:00 pm – 7:30 pm

Ruthanne Landsness

Zoom

Yoga

Thursday, March 30

5:30 pm – 6:30 pm

Leslie Linser

Crossroads

Meditation Group

Friday, March 31

9:30 am – 10:30 am

Sue Dixon

Zoom

March Compassion Offering

One Great Hour of Sharing

VIDEO

Lenten Schedule of Sermons

March 26 A Celebration of Heart Room Ministry

April 2 Immigration Hospitality – Palm Sunday

April 7 Good Friday Service 7 pm

Easter 2023 Schedule April 9

6:30 am Sunrise service on the ORUCC Lawn with the three rituals of Burning Ashes of Regret, Communion and Renewal of Baptism, followed by homemade brunch.

9 am Make and take Easter crafts for children

10 am Easter Worship Service with Choirs

11 am Easter Egg Hunt for children of all ages

Support Heart Room

Spiritual

Nourishment

for you!

For the week of Mar 23 – March 29

Read this week’s reflections as a way to dive deeper into your spiritual practice or to get some nourishment and inspiration

for your day.

Click Here for Reflections

New to the Church?

You are also invited to a series of New Members Classes with the Pastors and Leadership Team of Orchard Ridge UCC. You may find the classes helpful even if you don’t intend to join the church at this time.

Sunday, March 26, 9:00 a.m. — Informational Class in the Anne Frank Room

Sunday, April 2 (Palm Sunday), 9:00 a.m. — Informational Class in the Anne Frank Room

RSVP to [email protected], or 608-271-7212. At the Informational Classes, you’ll learn more about Orchard Ridge and the United Church of Christ (UCC). We’ll discuss our history as a local church, ministries within the congregation and the wider community, and some of the church’s views on important issues of faith. In preparation for this series, you may wish to browse ORUCC’s website: www.orucc.org.

Maundy Thursday Dinners in Homes

April 6th, 6-8 pm

Might you be interested in attending a Maundy Thursday meal in a home on April 6, 6-8 pm?

Both Pastors Julia and Ken will be hosting dinners along with 4 others!

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

Click here to sign up

We are looking for Brat Fest Volunteers!

To sign up go to: https://app.initlive.com/JE/63v6refjssjaf2

Death Cafe at ORUCC, April 1st 2pm-4pm

Madison Mennonite Church invites you to an opportunity to talk about death, dying and grief in a safe environment. Plus there will be cake!

Sign-ups are appreciated for food planning purposes.

Immigration Justice Mission Team

The Dane Sanctuary Coalition is in critical need of people to join their volunteer driving program. People in the program provide rides to an immigrant/family who has a scheduled appointment in Immigration Court in Milwaukee or Chicago. Volunteer drivers only commit to a specific ride based on their availability.

If you have interest in this opportunity, please contact Ruthanne Landsness at 608/234-2882, or join us for an orientation session on Sunday, March 26, at 11:30 via Zoom https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83273119669?pwd=S2dZQ0JmT0VFcVBWUGJsbW5SYlh1Zz09. Thank you.

It’s Time for Camp Registration!

Click the LINK to sign up today!

Your copy should address 3 key questions: Who am I writing for? (Audience) Why should they care? (Benefit) What do I want them to do here? (Call-to-Action)

Create a great offer by adding words like “free” “personalized” “complimentary” or “customized.” A sense of urgency often helps readers take an action, so think about inserting phrases like “for a limited time only” or “only 7 remaining”!

The Crossing

2023 Annual Gala

April 14, 2023 6 pm

The Crossing Board of Directors and Staff invite you to join us for an evening of storytelling and fellowship. Enjoy a meal provided by Blue Plate Catering, connect with Crossing students, alumni and other community members, and be inspired as students share their Crossing experiences from this academic year. Tickets are $75 per person for the meal and event. There is also an option to sponsor a student for $60. And, of course, donations above the ticket price are always appreciated. Tickets are on sale HERE. Questions? Contact Sue Dixon at [email protected] or 608-712-9050.

YOGA

Thursdays 5:30 Friendship Hall

Instructor Leslie Linser

A slow flow class with a spiritual intention. Bring a yoga mat.

For questions email Leslie at [email protected]

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, a Lay Liturgist or

to assist with Holy Communion?

It has been fairly easy finding Lay Liturgists and Communion Assistants, but much more challenging finding

Coffee-Makers and Welcomers!

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 a Lay Liturgist

Click here to Assist with Holy Communion

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

Questions or problems signing up?

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

Office Manager Julie Wombacher

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

608-271-7212 or EMAIL

Vacation 3/12-3/19

Senior Pastor Julia Burkey available

Tues.- Fri. & Sun. 9:00 am – 7:00 pm

by appointment

518-542-6915 EMAIL

Associate Pastor Ken Pennings: available

Tues.-Thurs. 10:00 am -5:00 pm

by appointment

608-556-2371 EMAIL

Both pastors (try to) take Monday & Saturday as Sabbath days.

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

3/26 Music Connections- Volunteer Needed!

Orchard Ridge UCC on March 23, 2023

This week the children will begin the 10 o'clock hour in the sanctuary with you. When they are dismissed for Music Connections, we will move to the downstairs Bonhoeffer Room for some ukulele playing and mixed instrument soundscapes based on the Genesis Creation Story (complementary to what the children have recently studied in Sunday School). I am in need of a Music Connections Volunteer. Can you help?

Save The Date! April 30, the children are invited to play two songs with TruFunction! We'll play one easy song and a harder song for those ready for a challenge. Those participating need to attend Music Connections at least twice in March and on April 16 and 23. Please note your family's availability here: https://forms.gle/wwYAFBV5duPFJUpF8

—

Julie Mazer (she/her)

Orchard Ridge United Church of Christ

Children's Education Coordinator

Children's Music Director

ORUCC – Volunteer Brat Fest

Orchard Ridge UCC on March 22, 2023

Please Consider Volunteering

to Fund Our

Youth Mission Trip to Duluth

To sign up go to: https://app.initlive.com/JE/63v6refjssjaf2

Ask your friends to join you – as our teens know – it’s more fun to volunteer as a group! Plus, you get the t-shirt and a free brat for every shift you work. Sign up today – these shifts go F-A-S-T..