This Sunday after worship, Summer Pen Pals are invited to gather together in Friendship Hall for lemonade and a light snack together after worship. Everyone who participated for the summer experience is welcome – even if your pen pal is not in attendance.
Faith Formation for all children and youth meets at 9:00 a.m. See below for more information and fun events coming up!
-Pastor Kate & Julie M.
Sunday Morning Faith Formation Classes
Nursery Care (Up to Age 5) 8:30-11:30 AM
Nursery Care with Abby and Avery is available for children 6 months to 5 years old in the Frances Room.
Peace Circle (PreK-5th Grade) 9:00-9:50 AM:
Children in PreK-5th Grade will begin in the Ruby Bridges Room at 9 am for Music with Julie. Following the music, the children will hear the story, “A New Creation,” from the book of Revelation. Following the story, the children are invited to engage with and go deeper with multi-sensory stations. We’ll close in prayer. Josie G. and Jadyn G. will lead the children in the experience.
Echo the Story (Middle School) will gather in the Anne Frank Room to journey through the main stories and themes of the bible using a curriculum that invites questions and creative engagement.
This week, we’ll look deeper at the text from Exodus 1-5, 7-15 (“Exodus”), ask questions, journal, draw, and reflect. Kristin M. and Becky E. will guide the group in the discussion.
Teen Text (High School) will gather in the Dorothy Day room. This group will be using “Teen Text,” a progressive Christian Bible study resource that guides teens to reflect together in discussion on the lectionary scripture texts associated with each Sunday. This group will be guided by Brian L. and Al. B. this week.
Music Opportunities
Music Connections: Children in grades 2-6 are invited to the downstairs Music Room (Dietrich Bonhoeffer Room) for Music Connections after Children’s Time in worship. This Sunday, we’ll join together for movement and drumming. The children will also help to set up for the pen pal gathering in Friendship Hall after worship. Older youth may participate in Music Connections as a helper. If your child wishes to be a helper, please connect with Julie to chat about expectations. Eric T. will be our Safe Sanctuary volunteer.
TRU Function: Our youth band will practice from 10:00 a.m.-Noon . TRU Function leads worship on the fourth Sunday each month. TRU Function is led by Rob Martens.
Save the Date: Upcoming Events
THIS SUNDAY October 19, 11:15 a.m., Pen Pal Meet-Up: If you participated in the summer pen pal program, this is a time to meet your pen pal IN PERSON while enjoying some lemonade together after worship.
October 24 Evening, Treinen Farms Bonfire: All ages welcome at this family-friendly event held at Treinen Corn Maze and Pumpkin Patch in Lodi. ORUCC will rent a bonfire circle and provide S’more supplies, but each family is responsible for purchasing their own tickets for all ages 3+. Tickets can be purchased online ahead of time for a discount, or at the door. Our group bonfire reservation begins at 7:00 p.m., but families are encouraged to come earlier to enjoy the many other opportunities for farm fun at Treinen. Scholarships are available through the church, so let Pastor Kate know if that would help your family be able to attend.
October 26, Service Trip Celebration in Worship and Info Session: We will have the opportunity to share about our experience in Kansas City this Sunday! This will also include TRU Function’s first full-band performance in worship, followed by a 2026 Service Trip Info Session at 11:15 following worship.
November 21-22, Middle School Retreat at Daycholah Center: The Wisconsin Conference UCC is offering a middle school faith retreat for students in 6th-8th grade at Daycholah Center. Pastor Kate will be attending with some youth from ORUCC. Any 6th-8th graders are welcomed to register here, early bird pricing available until October 17th! Scholarships are available upon request. Please let Pastor Kate know if your youth is interested so that we make sure we have enough adult chaperones for our group.
At Orchard Ridge, We are Spiritually Alive!
This fall, our Elementary Faith Formation group, “Peace Circle,” is exploring the beauty of and power of creation and our surrounding environment. On Sunday, September 28, the children took a walk around the property to notice our many trees, bushes, and plants. Then, on October 5, we took a deeper look at those plants with magnifying glasses. Along the way, we discussed what these plants need to grow and thrive, such as sunlight, water, wind, and pollinators. True joy was unleashed when the children discovered the milkweed pods and happily unleashed the soft strands into the air sending prayers for them to be future homes for pollinators.
Crafty Sunday
Eight children and youth gathered in the Ruby Bridges on Sunday morning, October 12 at 8:15 am, to craft together. Some brought a project, others began a new project. Collage, drawing, watercolor painting, crocheting, knitting, beading, and creative writing were done in tandem. The mood was light and peaceful with many commenting how happy they felt in the space. We’ll gather again for more crafting on November 9.
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, you hear me when I pray.
Your love is never far away.
I can pray if I’m happy or lonely or sad.
I can pray when I’m tired or worried or mad.
I can pray every day and every season.
I can even pray without a reason!
from Little Prayers for Everyday Life, by Traci Smith
Orchard Ridge UCC | Spiritually Alive, Joyfully Inclusive, Committed to Justice 1501 Gilbert Road | Madison, WI 53711 US
This week is “Crafty Sunday.” Children of all ages are invited to craft in the William Johnson Room from 8:15-9:00 a.m. All are welcome to bring a current project or start a new project using the materials we have on hand.
Faith Formation for all children and youth meets at 9:00 a.m. See below for more information and fun events coming up!
-Pastor Kate & Julie M.
Sunday Morning Faith Formation Classes
Nursery Care (Up to Age 5) 8:30-11:30 AM
Nursery Care with Abby and Avery is available for children 6 months to 5 years old in the Frances Room.
Peace Circle (PreK-5th Grade) 9:00-9:50 AM:
Children in PreK-5th Grade will begin in the Ruby Bridges Room at 9 am for Music with Julie. Following the music, the children will continue their exploration of “The Parable of the Mustard Seed” from Matthew 13:31-32. Following the story, the children are invited to engage with and go deeper with multi-sensory stations. We’ll close in prayer. Josie G. and Jadyn G. will lead the children in the experience.
New this year: At 9:50, Peace Circle children will travel together to the sanctuary. We’ll sit together as a group on the east side of the building (parking lot side). Your child is, of course, welcome to sit with you in a different area of the sanctuary. We intend to regularly encourage the children to experience the ritual of service – the opening prayers, congregational songs, and anthems. Children will either go to Music Connections or return to sit with their families after the Time for Children.
Echo the Story (Middle School) will gather in the Anne Frank Room to journey through the main stories and themes of the bible using a curriculum that invites questions and creative engagement.
This week, we’ll look deeper at the text from Genesis 37; 39-47 (“Joseph”), ask questions, journal, draw, and reflect. Barbara S. and Becky E. will guide the group in the discussion.
Teen Text (High School) will gather in the Dorothy Day room. This group will be using “Teen Text,” a progressive Christian Bible study resource that guides teens to reflect together in discussion on the lectionary scripture texts associated with each Sunday. This group will be guided by Pastor Kate and Brian L. this week.
Music Opportunities
Music Connections: Children in grades 2-6 are invited to the downstairs Music Room (Dietrich Bonhoeffer Room) for Music Connections after Children’s Time in worship. This Sunday, we’ll join together for movement and xylophone play. Older youth may participate in Music Connections as a helper. If your child wishes to be a helper, please connect with Julie to chat about expectations. Devin C. will be our Safe Sanctuary volunteer.
TRU Function: Our youth band will practice from 10:00 a.m.-Noon . TRU Function leads worship on the fourth Sunday each month. TRU Function is led by Rob Martens.
Save the Date: Upcoming Events
October 12, 8:15-9:00 “Crafty Sunday” : Children of all ages are invited to craft in the William Johnson Room. All are welcome to bring a current project or start a new project using the materials we have on hand.
October 19, 11:15 a.m., Pen Pal Meet-Up: If you participated in the summer pen pal program, this is a time to meet your pen pal IN PERSON while enjoying some lemonade together after worship.
October 24, (evening start time TBD), Treinen Farms Bonfire: All ages welcome at this family-friendly event held at Treinen Corn Maze and Pumpkin Patch in Lodi. ORUCC will rent a bonfire circle and provide S’more supplies, but each family is responsible for purchasing their own tickets for all ages 3+. Tickets can be purchased online ahead of time for a discount, or at the door. Scholarships are available through the church, so let Pastor Kate know if that would help your family be able to attend.
October 26: Service Trip Celebration in Worship and Info Session: We will have the opportunity to share about our experience in Kansas City this Sunday! This will also include TRU Function’s first full-band performance in worship, followed by a 2026 Service Trip Info Session at 11:15 following worship.
At Orchard Ridge, We are Spiritually Alive!
This fall, our Elementary Faith Formation group, “Peace Circle,” is exploring the beauty of and power of creation and our surrounding environment. On Sunday, September 28, the children took a walk around the property to notice our many trees, bushes, and plants. Then, on October 5, we took a deeper look at those plants with magnifying glasses. Along the way, we discussed what these plants need to grow and thrive, such as sunlight, water, wind, and pollinators. True joy was unleashed when the children discovered the milkweed pods and happily unleashed the soft strands into the air sending prayers for them to be future homes for pollinators.
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 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 Curriculum
Orchard Ridge UCC | Spiritually Alive, Joyfully Inclusive, Committed to Justice 1501 Gilbert Road | Madison, WI 53711 US
Join a 3-session book study of the Rev. Dr. Mitri Raheb’s recent book, Decolonizing Palestine–The Land, the People, the Bible.
Time and place: Sundays before worship, 9:00-9:50 a.m., November 16, 23, 30, in the Alfred Swan room at ORUCC
A Zoom link will be provided upon registration. To register, please contact Rev. Diane Dulin at [email protected] to let her know you are planning to attend in person or via Zoom.
The book is readily available: The most recent price on Amazon.com is $9.99 for the paperback, and slightly less for the Kindle or Audio book versions. There are three copies available through Madison Public Library system.
Our discussions will center on select portions of the book. The book is not particularly long, but it is loaded with information and fresh thinking. We will focus on three areas:
Ongoing colonialism in Palestine
Theologies of Christian Zionism
Biblical concepts and implications of being ‘chosen’ by God.
The book is inspiring, and is sure to generate fascinating discussion.
Discussion leader: Rev. Diane Dulin, retired UCC Minister and member of ORUCC. Diane has traveled to Palestine multiple times and has made presentations on the topics under discussion. She affirms this book has brought new insights to her mind and faith in understanding the issues at play in Palestine.
Join us for the first Lunch and Learn for the fall season on October 8th. We will have a delicious lunch prepared by the Hospitality Team. Following lunch, there will be craft activities and interactive programs to engage fun conversations together.
Please join us on Wednesday, October 8th at 11:30 AM in Friendship Hall. The meal donation is $10. This year we will not be requiring an RSVP. Come on the day and enjoy a tasty lunch followed by an engaging program.
During this terrifying time, Al-Ahli Gaza Hospital is one of the few remaining hospitals able to provide medical services to families in Gaza. The hospital is run by the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem, a UCC Mission Partner organization, and is staffed by both Palestinian and international professionals from around the world.
Several times in the past two years, Al-Ahli Hospital was bombed and invaded by Israeli ground troops. Throughout these attacks and subsequent evacuations of the hospital grounds, Al-Ahli’s staff of 116 have shown heroic courage and determination, setting up tent clinics and mobile services in nearby towns and villages, and always returning to the hospital to provide ongoing medical care for the wounded.
Your donation to Al-Ahli Gaza Hospital will literally save lives and enhance healing, providing children and families with emergency and trauma care, treatment for burns (primarily children), physical therapy for wounds and loss of limbs, treatment for malnourished (starved) children, and more.
I look forward to being with you for our Wayfinding: The Soul Tasks if Aging, Toward a Theology of Elder Years Retreat, on Wednesday October 15 from 10am-2pm in such a beautiful space of Holy Wisdom Monastery, which sits on 170 acres of native prairie and oak savanna. Our time together will include a morning and afternoon session of prayer, meditation, teaching, scripture and small group discussions. We will have a break at noon for delicious lunch in a dining room with gorgeous views. Depending on your ability and interest, you can stay a little longer to sit on one of their benches with a view or walk the paths around their land. The retreat and dining spaces are handicap accessible.
To pay for the cost of lunch and room rental, we are asking people to pay $25 to register by October 8th for this retreat. To register, please email our office manager George Decker [email protected] or call and let him know you are coming, along with any dietary restrictions you may have. You may bring a check to the office, or pay online via our Vanco site (click on the “Wayfinding Retreat” tile at the bottom of site), https://secure.myvanco.com/L-ZHH1/home. If the cost is a barrier for your participation, we have scholarships available so all can participate and attend- no questions asked.
We will continue our monthly gatherings at ORUCC for Wayfinding on the 3rd Wednesday of each month from 9:45am-11:15am, with song, prayer, teachings, meditation and small group discussions, intended to build community and hold space for us to speak and listen from the heart about the spiritual tasks of aging. The dates are November 19th, December 17th, January 21st, February 18th, March 18th, & April 15th. On the Thursday following each Wayfinding gatherings we will have a 4pm virtual ZOOM option.
If you have never participated in Wayfinding before, you are welcome to join! There is no technical age cut-off for participation, so all are welcome, as all of us are indeed aging. If you have joined in the past, we would love your presence once again. If you have friends who are interested from outside ORUCC, they are welcome to join. Monthly attendance for the entirety of the program is encouraged, but not mandatory, because we all know life happens, and there is grace.
I hope when we gather on October 15th for a half-day retreat we will feel the gift of peace and healing on the land as we settle into a new season together of Wayfinding. The Benedictine sisters of Holy Wisdom have a mission of welcoming all people and caring for the Earth as a sacred place. In a recent article where Holy Wisdom was featured in the New York Times, I learned that there are 150 types of native grasses sedges and wildflowers, and last year 132 species of birds were sighted on the land! Hired staff ecologist, Dr. Amy Alstad who has a doctorate in prairie grassland ecology says, “It is a place of connection, awe and reverence. You feel both big and little when you’re out in that restored prairie. This healed land is now the healer.” May it be so for us too.
Blessings,
Julia
Orchard Ridge UCC | Spiritually Alive, Joyfully Inclusive, Committed to Justice 1501 Gilbert Road | Madison, WI 53711 US
We look forward to seeing you this Sunday! This week’s service will feature “TruFunction Lite,” a smaller group of performers. Music Connections will not meet this week. Children are invited to join their families in the sanctuary after Faith Formation to support TruFunction.
After worship, all are invited to assist in various indoor and outdoor tasks around the church for “Worship and Work.” Lunch is provided for everyone – regardless of your availability to assist in projects.
We are in great need of adults and older teens to be Safe Sanctuary Volunteers for Music Connections. In agreement with our church’s Safe Sanctuary policy, two adults must be present in a room when working with children. Can you help? Sign up to volunteer. No prior music experience is needed.
Faith Formation for all children and youth meets at 9:00 a.m. This year, we have three classrooms: Peace Circle (Pre-K to 5th grade), Echo the Story (Middle School), and Teen Text (High School). Nursery care is available for younger children.
If you have never filled out the Sunday School Participant Google Form for your child, please do so. This is especially important so we know if your child has any dietary restrictions or food allergies. If there are any changes or things we should know about, please edit your submission from last year or fill out the form again.
Please read on for more details about all of these events. We trust that this will be another joy-filled, meaningful year. We can’t wait to see you soon!
-Pastor Kate & Julie M.
Sunday Morning Faith Formation Classes
Nursery (Up to Age 5) 8:30-11:30 AM
Nursery Care is available for children 6 months to 5 years old in the Frances Room. Be sure to pop in and introduce yourself to our Nursery Care Workers, Abby and Avery!
Peace Circle (PreK-5th Grade) 9:00-9:50 AM:
Children in PreK-5th Grade will begin in the Ruby Bridges Room at 9 am for Music with Josie and Jadyn. Following the music, the children will continue their reflection of the story “Job and the Whirlwind” from the Book of Job. This week, the children will travel outdoors to notice and observe the many plants and trees surrounding our property. Later, they’ll move back indoors to engage in reflective stations and prayer. Josie G. and Jadyn G. will lead the children in the experience.
Echo the Story (Middle School) will gather in the Anne Frank Room to journey through the main stories and themes of the bible using a curriculum that invites questions and creative engagement.
This week, we’ll look deeper at the text from Genesis 12-13, 15-28, and 21 (“Promise,” stories of God’s covenant after the flood, Abram and Sarai, and Hagar), ask questions, journal, draw, and reflect. Kristin M. and Barbara S. will guide the group in the discussion.
Teen Text (High School) will gather in the Dorothy Day room. This group will be using “Teen Text,” a progressive Christian Bible study resource that guides teens to reflect together in discussion on the lectionary scripture texts associated with each Sunday. This group will be guided by Al B., Brian L., and Gretchen F. this Sunday.
Music Opportunities
Music Connections will not meet this week. Instead, children are welcome their families in the sanctuary after Faith Formation to support TruFunction.
TRU Function will not hold regualar practice this Sunday.
Save the Date: Upcoming Events
October 3, 6:00-8:00 pm, Family Game Night: Bring a game, a friend, and/or a dish to share with your fellow church families. Kids from elementary age through high school are invited to attend with their adults. We’ll play games and socialize over a very informal potluck in Friendship Hall.
October 5, 9:00-9:50, Parents Together: Raising kids is hard work, full of joy and challenge. Need some community support? Parents and caregivers are invited to come together for a peer-led parents’ support group at 9:00 am in the Oscar Romero Room, facilitated by Claire Purkis and Joanna Beilman-Dulin.
October 12, 8:15-9:00 “Crafty Sunday” : Children of all ages are invited to craft in the William Johnson Room. All are welcome to bring a current project or start a new project using the materials we have on hand.
October 19, 11:15 a.m., Pen Pal Meet-Up: If you participated in the summer pen pal program, this is a time to meet your pen pal IN PERSON while enjoying some lemonade together after worship.
October 24, (evening start time TBD), Treinen Farms Bonfire: All ages welcome at this family-friendly event held at Treinen Corn Maze and Pumpkin Patch in Lodi. ORUCC will rent a bonfire circle and provide S’more supplies, but each family is responsible for purchasing their own tickets for all ages 3+. Tickets can be purchased online ahead of time for a discount, or at the door. Scholarships are available through the church, so let Pastor Kate know if that would help your family be able to attend.
October 26: Service Trip Celebration in Worship and Info Session: We will have the opportunity to share about our experience in Kansas City this Sunday! This will also include TRU Function’s first full-band performance in worship, followed by a 2026 Service Trip Info Session at 11:15 following worship.
Peace Table Storybook Bible – On Sale
During the Children’s Moment on September 14, Pastor Kate showcased the Peace Table Storybook Bible, which our elementary children regularly reference in Faith Formation. For the month of September, this Bible is 20% off. If you are interested in a copy for your family, you are invited to purchase one HERE.
“This comprehensive storybook includes biblically faithful retellings of 140 Bible stories. Stunning artwork from 30 illustrators makes this a feast for the eyes. Along with each Bible story, there are prayer prompts, questions, and action ideas to guide reflection and conversation. Twelve “Peace Paths” allow children to “choose their own adventure” through the book, exploring how peace themes are woven throughout the Old and New Testaments. A resource section includes ideas for how to experience peace with God, self, others, and creation, as well as maps, Bible background information, interactive ways to pray, and prayers for many occasions. The Peace Table is an excellent resource for families and faith communities who want their children to love Jesus, grow in faith, and become peacemakers who change the world!”
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.
Blessing for Leaving Home
(Rest your hand gently on the person’s head or shoulder)
May God fill you with love.
May God surprise you with joy.
May God bless you with peace.
-From The Peace Table, A Storybook Bible
Orchard Ridge UCC | Spiritually Alive, Joyfully Inclusive, Committed to Justice 1501 Gilbert Road | Madison, WI 53711 US
Mennonite Action is coming to Madison on Tuesday, October 14, at 5:45 pm, as part of their national To Build Our Courage tour! This training will offer skills in noncooperation, grassroots organizing, and mutual aid, along with time for worship in prayer, song and sharing a meal together. Join us as we seek courage, inspiration, and deeper commitment to peace and justice. Learn more and sign up here: Registration Link. This event at Orchard Ridge is co-sponsored by our Immigration Justice and Palestine Justice Mission Teams.
We are in great need of adults and older teens to be Safe Sanctuary Volunteers for Music Connections. In agreement with our church’s Safe Sanctuary policy, two adults must be present in a room when working with children. Can you help? Sign up to volunteer. No prior music experience is needed.
Faith Formation for all children and youth meets at 9:00 a.m. This year, we have three classrooms: Peace Circle (Pre-K to 5th grade), Echo the Story (Middle School), and Teen Text (High School). Nursery care is available for younger children.
If you have never filled out the Sunday School Participant Google Form for your child, please do so. This is especially important so we know if your child has any dietary restrictions or food allergies. If there are any changes or things we should know about, please edit your submission from last year or fill out the form again.
Please read on for more details about all of these events. We trust that this will be another joy-filled, meaningful year. We can’t wait to see you soon!
-Pastor Kate & Julie M.
Sunday Morning Faith Formation Classes
Nursery (Up to Age 5) 8:30-11:30 AM
Nursery Care is available for children 6 months to 5 years old in the Frances Room. Be sure to pop in and introduce yourself to our Nursery Care Workers, Abby and Avery!
Peace Circle (PreK-5th Grade) 9:00-9:50 AM:
Children in PreK-5th Grade will begin in the Ruby Bridges Room at 9 am for Music with Julie. Following the music, the children will hear and reflect upon the story “Job and the Whirlwind” from the Book of Job. Following the story, the children are invited to engage with and go deeper with multi-sensory stations. We’ll close in prayer. Josie G. and Jadyn G. will lead the children in the experience.
New this year: At 9:50, Peace Circle children will travel together to the sanctuary. We’ll sit together as a group on the east side of the building (parking lot side). Your child is, of course, welcome to sit with you in a different area of the sanctuary. We intend to regularly encourage the children to experience the ritual of service – the opening prayers, congregational songs, and anthems. Children will either go to Music Connections or return to sit with their families after the Time for Children.
Echo the Story (Middle School) will gather in the Anne Frank Room to journey through the main stories and themes of the bible using a curriculum that invites questions and creative engagement.
This week, we’ll look deeper at the text from Genesis 6-9 (“Flood”), ask questions, journal, draw, and reflect. Kristin M. and Hal E. will guide the group in the discussion.
Teen Text (High School) will gather in the Dorothy Day room. This group will be using “Teen Text,” a progressive Christian Bible study resource that guides teens to reflect together in discussion on the lectionary scripture texts associated with each Sunday. This group will be guided by Al and Rayelle this week.
Music Opportunities
Music Connections: Children in grades 2-6 are invited to the downstairs Music Room (Dietrich Bonhoeffer Room) for Music Connections after Children’s Time in worship. This Sunday, we’ll join together for mixed instrument play and soundcape creation. Older youth may participate in Music Connections as a helper. If your child wishes to be a helper, please connect with Julie to chat about expectations.
TRU Function: Our youth band will practice from 10:00 a.m.-Noon. TRU Function leads worship on the fourth Sunday each month. TRU Function is led by Rob Martens and is open by audition to youth in grades 7th-12th.
Save the Date: Upcoming Events
October 12, 8:15-9:00 “Crafty Sunday” : Children of all ages are invited to craft in the William Johnson Room. All are welcome to bring a current project or start a new project using the materials we have on hand.
October 19, 11:15 a.m., Pen Pal Meet-Up: If you participated in the summer pen pal program, this is a time to meet your pen pal IN PERSON while enjoying some lemonade together after worship.
October 24, (evening start time TBD), Treinen Farms Bonfire: All ages welcome at this family-friendly event held at Treinen Corn Maze and Pumpkin Patch in Lodi. ORUCC will rent a bonfire circle and provide S’more supplies, but each family is responsible for purchasing their own tickets for all ages 3+. Tickets can be purchased online ahead of time for a discount, or at the door. Scholarships are available through the church, so let Pastor Kate know if that would help your family be able to attend.
October 26: Service Trip Celebration in Worship and Info Session: We will have the opportunity to share about our experience in Kansas City this Sunday! This will also include TRU Function’s first full-band performance in worship, followed by a 2026 Service Trip Info Session at 11:15 following worship.
Peace Table Storybook Bible – On Sale
During the Children’s Moment on September 14, Pastor Kate showcased the Peace Table Storybook Bible, which our elementary children regularly reference in Faith Formation. For the month of September, this Bible is 20% off. If you are interested in a copy for your family, you are invited to purchase one HERE.
“This comprehensive storybook includes biblically faithful retellings of 140 Bible stories. Stunning artwork from 30 illustrators makes this a feast for the eyes. Along with each Bible story, there are prayer prompts, questions, and action ideas to guide reflection and conversation. Twelve “Peace Paths” allow children to “choose their own adventure” through the book, exploring how peace themes are woven throughout the Old and New Testaments. A resource section includes ideas for how to experience peace with God, self, others, and creation, as well as maps, Bible background information, interactive ways to pray, and prayers for many occasions. The Peace Table is an excellent resource for families and faith communities who want their children to love Jesus, grow in faith, and become peacemakers who change the world!”
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.
Evening Prayer
Thank you for the dark of night,
for the stars that shine so bright.
Thank you for the rising moon.
I know that sleep is coming soon.
-From The Peace Table, A Storybook Bible
Orchard Ridge UCC | Spiritually Alive, Joyfully Inclusive, Committed to Justice 1501 Gilbert Road | Madison, WI 53711 US
We’re excited to share an update about our Sunday morning offering!
After hearing feedback from members and visitors, we’ve added an option to give directly to the General Fund during worship. Until now, all money placed in the offering plate has gone entirely to the Compassion Offering—and that will not change!
Here’s what’s new:
Envelopes for the General Fund are now tucked inside the Friendship Pads.
Cash or checks placed inside an envelope will go to the General Fund to support our overall ministry.
Cash or checks placed loose in the plate will continue to go to the Compassion Offering.
To make giving even easier, we’ve also added a QR code (printed on the envelopes) that links directly to our online giving page. There, you can give to the General Fund, the Compassion Offering, or other ministries.
We hope these changes make it easier for you to support the ministries you care about most. Thank you for your strong support of our congregation’s work in 2025. It is deeply appreciated.
If you have feedback or ideas, please reach out to the Moderators at [email protected].
With gratitude,
Dale Rebhorn
Moderator, Orchard Ridge United Church of Christ
Orchard Ridge UCC | Spiritually Alive, Joyfully Inclusive, Committed to Justice 1501 Gilbert Road | Madison, WI 53711 US
This Sunday morning from 8:15-9:00 we have a new fellowship opportunity: “Crafty Sunday”! Children of all ages are invited to craft in the William Johnson Room. All are welcome to bring a current project or start a new project using the materials we have on hand.
Faith Formation for all children and youth meets at 9:00 a.m. This year we have three classrooms: Peace Circle (Pre-K to 5th grade), Echo the Story (Middle School), and Teen Text (High School). Nursery care is available for younger children.
If you have never filled out the Sunday School Participant Google Form for your child, please do so. This is especially important so we know if your child has any dietary restrictions or food allergies. If there are any changes or things we should know about, please edit your submission from last year or fill out the form again.
Please read on for more details about all of these events. We trust that this will be another joy-filled, meaningful year. We can’t wait to see you soon!
-Pastor Kate & Julie M.
Sunday Morning Faith Formation Classes
Nursery (Up to Age 5) 8:30-11:30 AM
Nursery Care is available for children 6 months to 5 years old in the Frances Room. Be sure to pop in and introduce yourself to our Nursery Care Workers, Abby and Avery!
Peace Circle (PreK-5th Grade) 9:00-9:50 AM:
Children in PreK-5th Grade will begin in the Ruby Bridges Room at 9 am for Music with Julie. Following the music, the children will hear and reflect upon the story “Wolves and Lambs” from Isaiah 65:17–25. Following the story, the children are invited to engage with and go deeper with multi-sensory stations. We’ll close with a focused listening exercise and prayer. Josie G. and Jadyn G. will lead the children in the experience.
New this year: At 9:50, Peace Circle children will travel together to the sanctuary. We’ll sit together as a group on the east side of the building (parking lot side). Your child is, of course, welcome to sit with you in a different area of the sanctuary. We intend to regularly encourage the children to experience the ritual of service – the opening prayers, congregational songs, and anthems. Children will either go to Music Connections or return to sit with their families after the Time for Children.
Echo the Story (Middle School) will gather in the Anne Frank Room to journey through the main stories and themes of the bible using a curriculum which invites questions and creative engagement.
This week, we’ll look deeper at the text from Geneis 3-4 (“Rebellion” stories of Adam and Eve and Cain and Abel), ask questions, journal, draw, and reflect. Throughout the year, Kristin M., Hal E., Barbara S., Becky E., and Kellie M. will guide the group.
Teen Text (High School) will gather in the Dorothy Day room. This group will be using “Teen Text,” a progressive Christian Bible study resource that guides teens to reflect together in discussion on the lectionary scripture texts associated with each Sunday. This group will be guided by Al B., Brian L., Rayelle B., and Gretchen F. throughout the year.
Music Opportunities
Music Connections: Children in grades 2-6 are invited to the downstairs Music Room (Dietrich Bonhoeffer Room) for Music Connections after Children’s Time in worship. This Sunday, we’ll join together for xylophone play. Older youth may 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.We are in need of a Safe Sanctuary Volunteer this week. Can you help? Sign up to volunteer.
TRU Function: Our youth band will practice from 10:00 a.m.-Noon on Sundays beginning this week. TRU Function leads worship on the fourth Sunday each month. TRU Function is led by Rob Martens.
Save the Date: Upcoming Events
September 14, 8:15-9:00 “Crafty Sunday” : Children of all ages are invited to craft in the William Johnson Room. All are welcome to bring a current project or start a new project using the materials we have on hand.
October 19, 11:15 a.m., Pen Pal Meet-Up: If you participated in the summer pen pal program, this is a time to meet your pen pal IN PERSON while enjoying some lemonade together after worship.
October 24, (evening start time TBD), Treinen Farms Bonfire: All ages welcome at this family-friendly event held at Treinen Corn Maze and Pumpkin Patch in Lodi. ORUCC will rent a bonfire circle and provide S’more supplies, but each family is responsible for purchasing their own tickets for all ages 3+. Tickets can be purchased online ahead of time for a discount, or at the door. Scholarships are available through the church, so let Pastor Kate know if that would help your family be able to attend.
October 26: Service Trip Celebration in Worship and Info Session: We will have the opportunity to share about our experience in Kansas City this Sunday! This will also include TRU Function’s first full-band performance in worship, followed by a 2026 Service Trip Info Session at 11:15 following worship.
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.
Morning Prayer
God, I woke up feeling___________
I don’t know what this day will bring.
Will I laugh, yell, cry, or sing?
I’m glad you know everything.
-From The Peace Table, A Storybook Bible
Orchard Ridge UCC | Spiritually Alive, Joyfully Inclusive, Committed to Justice 1501 Gilbert Road | Madison, WI 53711 US
Welcome back! Can you believe it is almost that time of year again? We hope you had a great summer, and we are excited to kick-off the 2025-26 faith formation programming year on September 7th! Family Game Night also resumes Friday, September 5 (see below for details).
Faith Formation for all children and youth will be at 9:00 a.m. This year we will have three classrooms: Peace Circle (Pre-K to 5th grade), Echo the Story (Middle School), and Teen Text (High School). Nursery care will be available for younger children.
Our music programs for kids will resume this fall as well. Music Connections for children 2nd grade-6th grade will begin on September 7th, and our youth band, TRU Function, will begin practicing September 14th.
Welcome Back Sunday, September 7th, will include an opportunity for a “Blessing of the Backpacks” during the start of worship. Bring your school bag to church to receive a blessing during Children’s Time!
We are also hosting a supply drive to bless two of our neighborhood schools, Orchard Ridge Elementary and Anana Elementary. We are collecting sanitizing wipes, boxes of tissues, and shelf-stable snacks. Please consider adding a few extra to your back-to-school shopping cart and bring these offerings along on September 7th.
Immediately after worship, we will reconnect at the All-Church Picnic, sponsored by the Ministry of Congregational Life and our Hospitality Mission Team. All are welcome!
Please fill out the Sunday School Participant Google Form for your child. This is especially important to know about your child’s dietary restrictions or food allergies, or any significant changes from last year’s participation.
Please read on for more details about all of these events. We trust that this will be another joy-filled, meaningful year. We can’t wait to see you soon!
-Pastor Kate & Julie M.
Sunday Morning Faith Formation Classes
Nursery (Up to Age 5) 8:30-11:30 AM
Nursery Care is available for children 6 months to 5 years old in the St. Francis room . Be sure to pop in and introduce yourself to our Nursery Care Workers, Abby and Avery!
Peace Circle (Pre-K-5th Grade) 9:00-9:50 AM:
Children PreK-5th Grade will begin in the Ruby Bridges Room at 9 am for Music with Julie. Following the music, the children will hear a story from Scripture and go deeper with themes introduced in the story engaging with multi-sensory stations. We’ll close with a focused listening exercise and prayer. Josie and Jadyn will lead the children in the experience.
New this year: At 9:50, Peace Circle children will travel together to the sanctuary. We’ll sit together as a group on the east side of the building (parking lot side). Your child is, of course, welcome to sit with you in a different area of the sanctuary. We intend to regularly encourage the children to experience the ritual of service – the opening prayers, congregational songs, and anthems. Children will either go to Music Connections or return to sit with their families after the Time for Children.
Echo the Story (Middle School) will gather in the Anne Frank Room to journey through the main stories and themes of the bible using a curriculum which invites questions and creative engagement. We’ll look deeper at the text, ask questions, journal, draw, and reflect. Throughout the year, Kristin M., Hal E., Barbara S., Becky E., and Kellie M. will guide the group.
Teen Text (High School) will gather in the Dorothy Day room. This group will be using “Teen Text,” a progressive Christian Bible study resource that guides teens to reflect together in discussion on the lectionary scripture texts associated with each Sunday. This group will be guided by Al B., Brian L., Rayelle B., and Gretchen F. throughout the year.
Welcome Back Sunday Worship & Picnic
September 7th Worship Details
During the “Time for Children,” anyone who is starting the school year (kids, teachers, and anyone working in education) will be invited to come forward with their “school bags” for a special blessing to start the year.
We will also bless the collected supplies for our neighborhood schools, Orchard Ridge Elementary and Anana Elementary: sanitizing wipes, tissue boxes, and individually wrapped snacks.
Following this blessing, children in grades 2-6 are invited to the downstairs Music Room (Dietrich Bonhoeffer Room) for Music Connections (see below). Younger children are invited to stay in worship, go to the nursery, or visit the Crossroads with a caregiver. Older children are welcome to remain in worship.
At the conclusion of worship, all are invited to the Welcome Back picnic, provided by the Ministry of Congregational Life and the Hospitality Mission Team. They are looking for volunteers! Please sign up here if you are interested in helping out.
Music Opportunities
Music Connections: Children in grades 2-6 are invited to the downstairs Music Room (Dietrich Bonhoeffer Room) for Music Connections after Children’s Time in worship. This Sunday, we’ll join together in a Drum Circle. Older youth may 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: Our youth band will practice from 10:00 a.m.-Noon on Sundays beginning September 14th. Once a month, on Sundays when TRU Function performs in worship, the 9:00 hour will be “Breakfast Club,” a more relaxed fellowship opportunity available for all youth while TRU Function practices for worship. TRU Function is led by Rob Martens.
Connecting Together:
Family Game Night
Friday, September 5, 6-8 p.m.
Bring a game, a friend, and/or a dish to share with your fellow church families. Kids from elementary age through high school are invited to attend with their adults. We’ll play games and socialize over a very informal potluck in Friendship Hall. Game Night will resume on the first Friday of the month throughout the school year.
Save the Date: Upcoming Events
September 8, 6:30-8:00 p.m. Service Trip Reunion Potluck: Service Trip participants and chaperones are invited to come together for a potluck in Friendship Hall to reminisce, reflect on the trip, and help Pastor Kate start to think about Service Trip 2026!
September 14, 8:15-9:00 “Crafty Sunday” : Children of all ages are invited to craft in the William Johnson Room. All are welcome to bring a current project or start a new project using the materials we have on hand.
October 19, 11:15 a.m., Pen Pal Meet-Up: If you participated in the summer pen pal program, this is a time to meet your pen pal IN PERSON while enjoying some lemonade together after worship.
October 26: Service Trip Celebration in Worship and Info Session: We will have the opportunity to share about our experience in Kansas City this Sunday! This will also include TRU Function’s first full-band performance in worship, followed by a 2026 Service Trip Info Session at 11:15 following worship.
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.
Back to School Prayer (to be read alongside a meal):
God of our work and our play, we thank you for time off from school and for more time with our family and friends.
We’re grateful for all the fun we’ve had, and all the fun we’ll continue to have as we see old friends make new ones, and learn of new things.
Bless us as we return to work and school, and thank you for keeping us safe.
May this food and the coming year nourish us! Amen.
Table talk: What is your favorite vacation memory? What are you most looking forward to about going back to school or work?
-From Peanut Butter and Jelly Prayers, by Julie B. Sevig
Orchard Ridge UCC | Spiritually Alive, Joyfully Inclusive, Committed to Justice 1501 Gilbert Road | Madison, WI 53711 US
Oliveros is a tiny village about 3 hours south of Guatemala City. It and other small villages are in a very poor district. It’s a sugar cane growing area. Jobs are scarce and pay is poor.
The nearest doctor is 25 miles away. The difference between the resources we have here in the US and that part of Guatemala is shockingly stark.
The GMRP clinic, a project of the Thiensville-Mequon Rotary Clubs, takes place every January in a school while students are on winter break. The school is 5 or 6 rooms in a cement block building with a tin roof and windows without glass.
The need is incredible. In 4 ½ days the clinic will see 600-700 people, some seeing a medical provider, a dentist and/or an optometrist. The clinic opens at 8:00 am but at 5:00 am there may already be 40 people waiting outside.
About 40 people—doctors, nurses, dentists, optometrists, translators, pharmacists and general helpers—make the clinic work.
The clinic has been operating for 22 years. Some of the equipment was donated, already used, 22 years ago. This year we have to replace some of this equipment because it is almost unusable after many repairs. That’s why September’s Compassion Offering is so important. Please be generous, the people of Oliveros will benefit so much.
