ORUCC Java & Jesus, February 4th, 9 am (In-person or by Zoom)

Orchard Ridge UCC on February 1, 2024

Java & Jesus

Sunday, Feb. 4, at 9 am

Attend in-person at the church in the

Alfred Swan Room, or attend remotely

by Zoom

Mary Neuhaus facilitating

All are welcome!

Join us even if this is your first time!

Please read ahead of time and come prepared to discuss

chapter five of Anne Lamott’s book Almost Everything – Notes on Hope. Chapter five is entitled “Don’t Let Them

Get You to Hate Them.”

 

After reading, reflect on how you “unplug” and reorient.

Also consider: In ROOTS, the character Omoro holds up his naked infant son Kunta Kinte proclaiming “Behold the only thing greater than yourself.” 

Click here for reading

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

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

Urgent petitions sent to Mark Pocan and Tammy Baldwin

Orchard Ridge UCC on February 1, 2024

Motivated by a need for action, members of ORUCC’s Palestine Justice Mission Team mailed time-sensitive petitions to Mark Pocan and Tammy Baldwin. The petitions highlight Israel’s deliberate blockage of humanitarian aid to Gaza—blockage that has led to ordinary men, women and children of Gaza starving and even dying of starvation. The petitions explain that this blockage of aid violates core provisions of the Fourth Geneva Convention, which to this day is the most important document governing the protection of civilians in areas of military occupation. 

The petitions conclude with a call to action: “Unfortunately, this deliberate blockage of humanitarian aid is supported diplomatically, militarily and financially by the United States government. We request that you partner with other congressional (or senatorial) representatives in taking a visible stand in support of uninhibited flow of food and medical supplies into Gaza. We need your leadership on this issue.”

Read the full text of the petitions below for Mark Pocan and for Tammy Baldwin. We signed these petitions as individual members and friends of ORUCC, and not on behalf of the entire congregation.

Request you take a visible stand in support of uninhibited flow of food and medical supplies into Gaza

Mr. Pocan,

We write to you as members and friends of the Orchard Ridge United Church of Christ congregation in Madison.   

We thank you sincerely for your years of support for the rights of Palestinian citizens living under Israeli military occupation. Unfortunately, we have entered a new period of intense ethnic cleansing by the State of Israel, so more action is needed.    

Right now, today, ordinary men, women and children in Gaza are starving and even dying of starvation, due to Israel’s deliberate blockage of humanitarian aid to Gaza. 

This deliberate blockage of humanitarian aid is in direct violation of core provisions of the Fourth Geneva Convention, which to this day is the most important document governing the protection of civilians in areas of military occupation. Israel’s deliberate blockage of humanitarian aid violates these provisions of the Convention: 

  • Article 33, which prohibits “collective punishment” 
  • Article 50, concerning the provision of food and medical care for children, expectant mothers, and mothers of children under seven
  • Article 56, concerning an occupying power’s requirement to ensure hygiene and public health in the area it occupies.

Israel signed the fourth Geneva Convention in 1949 and ratified it “without any reservation” in 1951. As one of 196 states to sign onto the Convention, Israel is required to follow its provisions. 

Unfortunately, this deliberate blockage of humanitarian aid is supported diplomatically, militarily and financially by the United States government. We request that you partner with other congressional representatives in taking a visible stand in support of uninhibited flow of food and medical supplies into Gaza. We need your leadership on this issue. 

Thank you.

Request you take a visible stand in support of uninhibited flow of food and medical supplies into Gaza

Senator Baldwin,

We write to you as members and friends of the Orchard Ridge United Church of Christ congregation in Madison.   

We thank you sincerely for the actions you have taken in response to the emergency in Israel and Gaza. Unfortunately, we have entered another period of intense ethnic cleansing by the State of Israel, so more action is needed.    

Right now, today, ordinary men, women and children in Gaza are starving and even dying of starvation, due to Israel’s deliberate blockage of humanitarian aid to Gaza. 

This deliberate blockage of humanitarian aid is in direct violation of core provisions of the Fourth Geneva Convention, which to this day is the most important document governing the protection of civilians in areas of military occupation. Israel’s deliberate blockage of humanitarian aid violates these provisions of the Convention: 

  • Article 33, which prohibits “collective punishment” 
  • Article 50, concerning the provision of food and medical care for children, expectant mothers, and mothers of children under seven
  • Article 56, concerning an occupying power’s requirement to ensure hygiene and public health in the area it occupies.

Israel signed the fourth Geneva Convention in 1949 and ratified it “without any reservation” in 1951. As one of 196 states to sign onto the Convention, Israel is required to follow its provisions. 

Unfortunately, this deliberate blockage of humanitarian aid is supported diplomatically, militarily and financially by the United States government. We request that you partner with other congressional representatives, including Senator Jeff Merkley of Oregon, in taking a visible stand in support of uninhibited flow of food and medical supplies into Gaza. We need your leadership on this issue. 

Thank you.

February Compassion Offering: Porchlight, Inc – Safe Haven Program

Orchard Ridge UCC on February 1, 2024

Safe Haven is a Madison-based day shelter for adults with mental illness who are experiencing homelessness. Guests have access to meals, showers, laundry, bus tickets, mail, and phone services.  Safe Haven also provides housing-focused case management and crisis stabilization services.  Safe Haven staff specialize in building rapport with individuals who may not otherwise engage in mainstream services.   

Safe Haven provides invaluable support through its Crisis Stabilization Program, which focuses on developing and maintaining recovery plans for guests experiencing acute crises.  All eligible guests have been diagnosed with a severe and persistent mental illness, and 43% are also struggling with a co-occurring substance use disorder. 

Safe Haven’s daily utilization has increased significantly over the past several years, more than doubling from 2018 (198 guests) to 2020 (467 guests).  As one of the few community programs for this population that kept its doors open, utilization continued to increase throughout the pandemic.  In 2023, Safe Haven served 602 guests during the day.  Of those guests, 41% were unsheltered – sleeping in a place not meant for human habitation, and 55% were sleeping in an emergency shelter at night. 

With skyrocketing costs and increased guest usage at Safe Haven, Porchlight is in need of additional funding to support these services. Your generous contribution will go directly toward guest services at the day shelter as well as transitional housing support, specifically for individuals with mental illness.  Thank you!

To make a contribution directly to the Safe Haven program at Porchlight, put Safe Haven in the memo line and mail a check to

Porchlight, Inc

Attn: Karla Thennes, Exec Director

306 N. Brooks St

Madison, WI  53715

Phone 608 257 2534

Sunday School 2/4

Orchard Ridge UCC on January 31, 2024

This week…

Nursery Care opens at 8:30. Jade and Marie are ready to play with your little one. 

Sunday School starts at 9 am. PreK-1 children are invited to sing with Julie in the William Johnson room from 9:00-9:15. After the music, Jen and Josie will guide the children in a story about one of Jesus' miracles.

The 2-5 grade classroom will continue their study about God's Love and Care. The children are currently experiencing lessons designed “to become aware of God's incarnational nature and unconditional love.” (From “The Way of The Child” curriculum). This week, the children will explore the story of The Good Shepherd.  Stations will include an opportunity to explore hands-on shepherd props from the Godly Play collection, sand, and an art station to design their own sheep. The lesson will close in a guided meditation. Joanna and Jadyn will guide the children in their learning. 

—

Julie Mazer (she/her)

Orchard Ridge United Church of Christ
Children's Education Coordinator
Children's Music Director

With appreciation

Orchard Ridge UCC on January 31, 2024

Out of budgeted church funds in 2023, our Ministry of Christian Witness and Service (CWS) awarded $2,000 in response to the Urgent Appeal extended by UCC Global Ministries. The Appeal was supported by churches across Wisconsin and the entire UCC.

Funds raised have been (and continue to be) forwarded to our Mission Partners actively working in Gaza: the Department of Service for Palestinian Refugees (DSPR) of the Middle East Council of Churches, the and Al-Ahli Hospital (a ministry of the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem).

The Palestine Justice Mission Team is thankful for this support for the people of Gaza. You can also make additional individual donations to support organizations working in Gaza.

ORUCC Weekly Announcements for January 25

Orchard Ridge UCC on January 25, 2024

Spiritually Alive, Joyfully Inclusive, Committed to Justice

Week at a Glance January 25

Saturday, January 27

Indigenous Justice: What’s next?

9:00 am-12:00 pm

Friendship Hall

Pastor Julia

Sunday, January 28

9:00 am – Labyrinth Walk for Children and Youth

Education Wing

9:00 am – For Adults – Java & Jesus – Alfred Swan Room

10:00 am Worship

Sermon: Ruthanne Landsness & Judy Pierotti-Faith in Action at the Border

Lay Liturgist: Bruce Gladstone

Music: Bruce Gladstone and Vicki Nonn

Chili Cook Off following service

(No Church Talk Back today)

CULVERS

Tuesday, January 30

5:00 pm – 8:00 p.m.

Culver’s Night-Verona Location

to support ORUCC Youth Service Trip

Choir Practice

Wednesday, January 31

7:00 pm – 8:30 pm

Church

New Members Welcome

Meditation Group

Thursday, February 1

8:30 am – 9:30 am

Oscar Romero Room

Sue Dixon 

Women’s Book Group

Thursday, February 1

1:30 pm – 3:00 pm

Zoom

Deanna Blanchard

Movie Group

Thursday, February 1

7:00 pm

Oakwood-Nakoma Room

Breakfast Group

Friday, February 2

8:30 am

Denny’s Gammon Road

 

Meditation Group

Friday, February 2

9:30 am – 10:30 am

Sue Dixon

Zoom

Family Game Night

Friday, February 2

6:00 pm – 8 pm

Rachael Lancor

Friendship Hall

Looking Ahead: Sunday, February 4

Annual Meeting

Directly following worship

Click Here for Annual Report

JANUARY COMPASSION OFFERING

Neighborhood Schools

Last year our congregation was able to donate $4,500 to our 3 neighborhood schools: Anana Elementary, Orchard Ridge Elementary, and Toki Middle School. 

The schools were able to use these funds to purchase winter clothing and basic school supplies for students in need. The need for these basic necessities becomes clear when we consider the number of students who come from economically disadvantaged households. 

According to the latest statistics from the Department of Public Instruction, over 40% of the students at Anana Elementary live in economically disadvantaged households. At Toki Middle School, the number is 43%. And at Orchard Ridge Elementary, the number is 57%. 

Another basic need within our neighborhood schools is the need for staff. As is the case in many school districts across the country, our neighborhood schools must deal with the daily predicament of not having enough teachers. 

Given the challenges that each school faces, we aren’t asking the principals of our 3 neighborhood schools to submit a video for this year’s compassion offering. They have other pressing issues to attend to. 

Instead, we are asking you to give what you can, and give generously, so that each school can use our donations to address the urgent and important needs of the students they serve. 

Thank you for supporting our neighborhood schools, which have served many of our congregation families past and present. And thank you to all of the ORUCC members who have served and who continue to serve our community as teachers and school volunteers. 

At ORUCC we have a long history of supporting our neighborhood families and investing in education. With this month’s compassion offering, we have another important opportunity to contribute and carry on that tradition.

 Thank you for giving generously

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/

We could use a boost!

Do you have a gently-used booster seat or high chair that you would be willing to donate to the church? We are looking to have a few on hand so that we can continue to be more inclusive of younger families during church fellowship events. Please contact Pastor Kate, [email protected] if you have something to share.

Spiritual

Nourishment

for you!

For the week of Jan 25 – Jan 31

 

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.

Moderator’s January 2024 Update from Hal Evensen, ORUCC Moderator

 

Happy New Year! This will be my final “update” as Moderator. Deanna Blanchard is up next, taking her turn part-way through the annual congregational meeting next month, on Feb. 4 following worship. Here’s an update:

  • First, a reminder of the aforementioned annual meeting! All members and friends are welcome to attend. Our church’s annual report is complete, and copies (electronic and paper) will go out the week of Jan. 25; some copies will also be available at the church and at the meeting. I encourage you to look it through: it is a very nice summary of the wide range of work done by our congregation in 2023. It also gives a good idea of what our various ministries do – and of opportunities for participation by “regular folks:” Adult Faith Formation; Christian Witness & Service; Congregational Life; Resources; Youth Faith Formation. THANK YOU to all!

  • The Human Resources Mission Team has been working its way through a new annual reflection process with our staff, starting with the Senior Pastor and Music staff. This has already improved communication and helped facilitate some changes such as coordination between pastors and music leaders, and organist Vicki Nonn’s desire to scale back on her Sunday commitments starting in 2024 (she will continue to work with Bruce and the choir!). We will continue our work into 2024 with the rest of our valuable staff. I am proud of this team – David Anderman, Barbara Stretchberry, Susan Watson, and Pastor Julia – we have worked together well, and this is helping us to support all whom we employ as a church!

  • And, to close, some good news! At the annual meeting – and in the report – John Day will share his summary of the 2023 budget and the 2024 budget. The highlights: (1) our 2023 deficit was much smaller than projected; (2) our 2024 pledges came in with a 5% increase, which is a historically large jump! These allowed the Leadership Team to apply a small (2%) cost of living increase in 2024 for our staff – whereas initial projections had led us to hold this at zero. While this increase still does not keep up with inflation, we are glad to be able to express appreciation in this way. Thank you!

It has been a pleasure serving as your Moderator and getting to better know – and appreciate – our congregation, pastors, and staff! I will continue to serve in 2024, as Past Moderator. Please feel free to reach out to any of the moderators ([email protected]) or leadership team member (see the color poster on the bulletin board) with any questions, comments, suggestions, or offerings of support!

Indigenous Justice: What’s Next? A Conversation

Saturday January 27, 2024

9:00 am – 12:00 pm Friendship Hall

 

Save the date! Pastor Julia Burkey will be hosting a half-day retreat January 27th from 9am-12pm for any of our justice minded folks to wonder “what’s next” or “so what?” after dwelling in our Indigenous Justice theme for the last few months. All are welcome! Please RSVP to [email protected] if you plan to join. Please pass this on to anyone you think might be interested.

 

In case of snow, we will meet virtually.

 

My hope is that we can create a land acknowledgement task force to work on crafting that statement, with the “so what” commitment (not just stating we are all on stolen land). On our agenda will be thinking together about how we use our building, grounds and financial resources in light of the radical call of the Land Back movement and our commitment to our neighborhood. We will be listening for any ideas that have emerged as potential action items that ORUCC could engage in that would be faithful to our commitment to justice.

Annual Chili Cook Off

Sunday, January 28

 

Join us for the Annual Chili Cook Off on Sunday, Jan 28! You are invited to contribute your favorite chili or cornbread to the contest. Prizes will be awarded in the categories of vegetarian, meat, and specialty chilies, and also for the best cornbread. Everyone is invited to taste and vote after the service! Please sign up here or on the sign up sheet in the crossroads if you plan to contribute a chili or can help with the event.

Women’s Book Group

February 1 we will meet on Zoom to discuss Foster by Claire Keegan. Leslie Rebhorn will lead our discussion. We meet on the first Thursday of each month from 1:30 pm to 3:00 pm. A Zoom link will be sent to the mailing list. If you are interested in joining us, or would just like to see our reading list for 2024, please email Deanna Blanchard at [email protected].

Friday Breakfast Group – February 2

 

The next Friday Breakfast is set for February 2 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.

 

The Ministry of Christian Witness & Service invites 

you to an intergenerational, all-church 

Faith in Action Brunch

Sunday, February 11, 2023

11:15am – 12:45pm

Friendship Hall

 

What is this about, you ask? It’s a wonderful opportunity to:

 

  - Gather as a community & enjoy a meal together

  - Inspire new connections

  - Learn about and raise up our individual and collective outreach and justice work within and beyond ORUCC

  - Support our youth! Proceeds will go toward the 2024 Youth Service Trip

  - Have fun!

 

Individuals, families, little children – all are invited to partake in this gathering. There will be a dedicated seating area for families with young children and one of our nursery staff will be available to assist you. 

Your presence at this brunch is the most important contribution that you can make. If you can also make a donation toward the 2024 Youth Service Trip, in any amount, we will be grateful.

Suggested guidelines are:

Ages 13 and above: $10

Ages 6-12: $5

Ages 5 and under: $0

Save the Date for Party Gras! 

Tuesday, Feb 13

5:30-7:30 pm in Friendship Hall

Join us to celebrate the beginning of Lent and the Easter Season! There will be games, music, dancing and a pizza dinner, followed by a brief ceremony to burn the palms from last year’s Ash Wednesday service. 

FEBRUARY MOVIE GROUP “DEFENDING YOUR LIFE” February 1st, Thursday

Hello movie goers,

Have you ever wondered what happens after one dies? Explore one possibility with us on Thursday, February 1st at Oakwood Village Performance Center with “Defending Your Life” at 7:00 and discussion to follow in the Nakoma Room.

This 1991 romantic comedy written, directed and starring Albert Brooks with the incomparable Meryl Streep will both entertain and provoke.

The story line: After Dan Miller (not our Dan Miller) dies in a car accident on his 39th birthday, he arrives in Judgement City where he is required, in a trial setting, to defend his life. If he is successful he moves on to an undisclosed better life. If he is not successful, well…….. come and find out. And, of course, things are complicated by his falling in love with Julia (Meryl Streep) who has successfully defended her life. 

While the film is rated PG-13, there is one racially insensitive scene.



Hope to see you in February.



Steve Sheets

[email protected]

   QUILTS FOR GAZA — Quilters Invited

The war in Gaza has left thousands of people homeless, injured and critically ill. Many of these people are newborn infants, young children, teenagers.

Although at present very few shipments of humanitarian aid for Gaza are allowed entrance, in time it will become possible to send quilts to Gaza. An ad hoc group of quilters from Orchard Ridge United Church of Christ is preparing for this opportunity by quilting small (40 x 40 inches for babies and young children, slightly larger for teens) quilts for distribution to Gaza when feasible via our United Church of Christ Global Mission Partner, the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem.

Your help is invited! Join the effort by making quilts; sharing extra fabric/thread/lightweight batting you have on hand; donating funds to help with materials and shipping costs; praying for the people of Gaza; spreading the word to others who may wish to help.



Contact Diane Dulin for more information. We welcome your questions, ideas, and involvement.  [email protected]  503-779-9173

Snow Removal News

The ORUCC Resource Ministry Team has decided to switch vendors for our snow removal services. Dayflower Dave’s Snow Removal Services has taken over our snow removal as of 12/15/2023.

This is exciting news for multiple reasons:

·        They will be in contact with us prior to a snow event to ensure we receive the services we need.

·        They will use far less salt by working closely with us to determine when salt is needed. This will be much better for our grounds and the environment!

·        They use tractors equipped with snow blowers to prevent piles at the end of the parking lot.

·        Snow events with accumulation of one inch or greater will be cleared on Sunday morning by 8:00 AM.

·        We will be reducing our budgeted cost by over $3000 per season.

Important Note–Can you help

The contract with Dayflower Dave’s will have them remove snow when the accumulation is one inch or greater. What this means for us is that we are asking for able bodied volunteers to clear small amounts of snow away from the two entrances. If you are at church on a light snow day (less than 1”), please consider finding a shovel or broom to help with the snow removal. Shovels are located near the entrances or in the janitor room. A large push broom is also located in that room. Please contact a pastor if you can’t find the shovels or broom.

Virtual Wayfinding will gather on the 3rd Wednesday in person and virtually over ZOOM the 3rd Thursday from 4pm-5:15pm.

By Zoom on Thursdays: 04:00 PM Central Time

  

    Feb 22, 2024 04:00 PM

    Mar 21, 2024 04:00 PM

    Apr 18, 2024 04:00 PM

    May 16, 2024 04:00 PM

Click here to join Zoom meeting



us02web.zoom.us/j/87998025473?pwd=dEEzcFkvSnBNdzNUaE5BK2RxUDZqZz09

Meeting ID: 879 9802 5473

Passcode: 573548

Dial in

1 312 626 6799 US 

Name Tags

The second batch of name tags is here! Please check to see if yours has arrived. The name tag board will be on the Gilbert Street side of the Crossroads. Magnetic name tags will be on the white board. Lanyard and pins will be in the tray below. If you need a “lanyard for your name tag” we have a few hanging on the side of the board. (We will order more name tags in January.)

Sign Up Now Through the End of June 2024!

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?

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.

COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE

Members of ORUCC are invited to apply for 2024-2025 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, 2024.

Contact [email protected] for an electronic application. Questions? Contact Ann Evensen at [email protected]

Office Manager Julie Wombacher

available Mon.-Thurs. 8:30am -12:00 pm

by appointment

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

Associate Pastor Kate Mackey: available

Mon.-Thurs. 10:00 am – 5:00 pm

by appointment

608-358-6143 EMAIL

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

Kate Friday and Saturday

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

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

LIKE or FOLLOW the Orchard Ridge FaceBook Page

JOIN our Private FB Group:

“Members & Friends of Orchard Ridge UCC“

Orchard Ridge United Church of Christ

1501 Gilbert Road

Madison, WI 53711

608-271-7212

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

1/28 Music Connections

Orchard Ridge UCC on January 25, 2024

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 movement and songwriting. On 1/7, the children organically began the process of writing a song (this was 100% initiated by the children!) We'll revisit that work and continue the process. Deanna Blanchard will be our Safe Sanctuary volunteer. 

—

Julie Mazer (she/her)

Orchard Ridge United Church of Christ
Children's Education Coordinator
Children's Music Director

Sunday School Labyrinth Walk – 1/28

Orchard Ridge UCC on January 24, 2024

This week…

Nursery Care opens at 8:30. Jade and Marie are ready to play with your little one. 

All children and youth (PreK-HS) will gather at 9 am in the Bridges Room to center ourselves, review labyrinth expectations, and read Psalm 139. The labyrinth walk will take place in the Johnson Room and will be guided by the words in Psalm 139, “I am fearfully and wonderfully made.” Reflection stations (offered in both the Bridges Room and the Frank Room) will include an opportunity to draw a self-portrait, journal, read, and various meditation offerings.

—

Julie Mazer (she/her)

Orchard Ridge United Church of Christ
Children's Education Coordinator
Children's Music Director

ORUCC – Reading for Indigenous Justice Retreat – Sat. Jan 27th 9am-12pm

Orchard Ridge UCC on January 24, 2024

 

Indigenous Justice

Reading – Beyond Land Acknowledgements

Join for a half-day retreat

Saturday, January 27, 2024 9am-12pm

Friendship Hall
 
 

I invite you to read ahead of time “Beyond Land Acknowledgments” a free and helpful resource produced by Native communities, just for our purposes- included in the button above.

Thank you to those who have let me know you will join for our half-day retreat January 27th from 9am-12pm for the WHOLE CHURCH to wonder “what’s next” or “so what?” after dwelling in our Indigenous Justice theme for the last few months. You don’t have to be an expert or even have an idea to join!

In case of snow, we will meet virtually.

My hope is that we can create a land acknowledgement task force to work on crafting that statement, with a beginning of a “so what” commitment (not just stating we are all on stolen land).

On our agenda will be thinking and praying together about how we use our building, grounds and financial resources in light of the radical call of the Land Back movement and our commitment to our neighborhood.

We will wonder how Indigenous Justice overlaps with Racial Justice and Care of Creation work, and any other form of justice we care deeply about.

We will be listening for any ideas that have emerged as potential action items that ORUCC could engage in that would be faithful to our commitment to justice. Whether you have an idea or not- please join us!

My hope is that this conversation will be a generative space and a restorative space, with some prayer and retreat time, as we call on God’s Holy Spirit to guide us.

Blessings,

Pastor Julia
 
 
 

Thank you for your care. We are so grateful to be in community together!
 
 
 
 
Orchard Ridge UCC | Spiritually Alive, Joyfully Inclusive, Committed to Justice, 1501 Gilbert Road, Madison, WI 53711

ORUCC Worship Resources for Sunday, January 21st, 2024

Orchard Ridge UCC on January 20, 2024

Orchard Ridge

United Church of Christ

Sunday Worship Resources

Sunday, January 21, 2024

Due to the current increased rates of Covid, RSV and influenza respiratory infections, ORUCC strongly encourages you to wear a face mask this Sunday to protect yourself,

your family, and your friends here at church.

9:00 am: Java & Jesus (for adults)

9:00 am: Sunday School for Youth & Children

10:00 am: Worship

Sermon: Rev. Dr. Julia Burkey

“Prayer in Action: God’s Tapestry”

Lay Liturgist: Lauren Amburn

Musical Offerings: ORUCC Choir

Special Music: Bruce Gladstone

11:15 am: Sermon Talk-Back

Click here for at-home 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

For Children & Youth – January 21st

Children

Nursery Care opens at 8:30. Jade and Marie are ready to play with your little one. 

Sunday School starts at 9 am. PreK-1 children are invited to sing with Julie in the William Johnson room from 9:00-9:15. After the music, Jill and Josie will guide the children in a story about the Transfiguration of Jesus.

The 2-5 grade classroom will begin a study about God’s Love and Care. During the next few weeks, the children will experience lessons designed “to help children become aware of God’s incarnational nature and unconditional love.” This week, the children will consider the idea that we are created in the image of God. Stations will include an opportunity to draw a self-portrait, journal, sand play, and a collaborative art project. Diane and Jadyn will guide the children in their learning. 

Youth

Youth 6th-12th grade Sunday school at 9:00 will focus on Echo the Story with Susan and Kristin in the Dorothy Day room. TRU Function is practicing from 10:00-12:00. 

Unfortunately, the meeting to discuss a faith-based GSA at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church this Sunday has been postponed, due to low RSVP’s.

Java & Jesus

Sunday, Jan. 21, at 9 am

Attend in-person at the church in the Alfred Swan Room,

or attend remotely by Zoom (link below)

All are welcome!

Join us even if this is your first time!

Mary Neuhaus facilitating

Please read ahead of time and come prepared to discuss

pages 1-17 of Anne Lamott’s book 

Almost Everything: Notes on Hope.  



Paradox and Parable; Hope and Despair – How do we humans dig deeper into our lives and keep rediscovering love and hope?

Click here for reading

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

 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

JANUARY COMPASSION OFFERING

Neighborhood Schools

Last year our congregation was able to donate $4,500 to our 3 neighborhood schools: Anana Elementary, Orchard Ridge Elementary, and Toki Middle School. 

The schools were able to use these funds to purchase winter clothing and basic school supplies for students in need. The need for these basic necessities becomes clear when we consider the number of students who come from economically disadvantaged households. 

According to the latest statistics from the Department of Public Instruction, over 40% of the students at Anana Elementary live in economically disadvantaged households. At Toki Middle School, the number is 43%. And at Orchard Ridge Elementary, the number is 57%. 

Another basic need within our neighborhood schools is the need for staff. As is the case in many school districts across the country, our neighborhood schools must deal with the daily predicament of not having enough teachers. 

Given the challenges that each school faces, we aren’t asking the principals of our 3 neighborhood schools to submit a video for this year’s compassion offering. They have other pressing issues to attend to. 

Instead, we are asking you to give what you can, and give generously, so that each school can use our donations to address the urgent and important needs of the students they serve. 

Thank you for supporting our neighborhood schools, which have served many of our congregation families past and present. And thank you to all of the ORUCC members who have served and who continue to serve our community as teachers and school volunteers. 

At ORUCC we have a long history of supporting our neighborhood families and investing in education. With this month’s compassion offering, we have another important opportunity to contribute and carry on that tradition.

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 -12:00 pm

608-271-7212 or EMAIL

Senior Pastor: Rev. Dr. Julia Burkey

EMAIL

Associate Pastor: Rev. Kate Mackey EMAIL

Associate Pastor: Rev. Ken Pennings

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“

Follow us on Instagram @orchardridgeucc
Orchard Ridge UCC | Spiritually Alive, Joyfully Inclusive, Committed to Justice, 1501 Gilbert Road, Madison, WI 53711

ORUCC Youth 1/21

Orchard Ridge UCC on January 18, 2024

Hello friends,

I am looking forward to being back together this Sunday! Our youth will have Sunday school at 9:00, focusing on Echo the Story with Susan and Kristin. TRU Function is practicing from 10-12. 
Unfortunately, the meeting to discuss a faith-based GSA at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church this Sunday has been postponed, due to low RSVP's. I will keep you all posted about a reschedule, or next steps.
 
Looking ahead, next Sunday, 1/28, we will have a labyrinth walk and contemplative stations for all children and youth. 
Some more dates to get on your calendars…
Youth Service Trip Updates:
  • Tuesday, January 30, 5-8: Culver's Night in Verona. Come out to have some comfort food and support our Youth Service Trip!
  • Sunday, February 11, 11:00: CWS Faith in Action Brunch. This is an intergenerational fellowship opportunity; all proceeds from this brunch will support the Youth Service Trip. 
All Church Events:
  • Saturday, January 27, 9:00-Noon: Indigenous Justice Retreat. A conversation to explore “what's next” following this fall's focus on Indigenous Justice. All voices welcome!
  • Sunday, January 28, 11:00: All-Church Chili Cook Off
  • Tuesday, February 13, 5:30-7:30 Party Gras! Including a dance party, pizza dinner, and a ritual of burning last year's palm branches to prepare for Ash Wednesday.
  • Wednesday, February 14, 6:30 Ash Wednesday Service to begin the Lenten season, 40 days leading up to Easter. 
Grace and peace,
Kate

—

Rev. Kate Mackey
(she/her/hers)
Associate Pastor for Children, Youth, and Families
Orchard Ridge UCC
1501 Gilbert Rd.
Madison, WI 53711
Office: (608) 271-7212 ex. 2030
“If we have no peace, it is because we have forgotten that we belong to one another.” -Mother Teresa 

*Please note: I take Fridays and Saturdays as sabbath days and may not respond immediately to my email during those times. 

ORUCC Indigenous Justice Retreat – Sat. Jan 27th 9am-12pm

Orchard Ridge UCC on January 18, 2024

 
 

Indigenous Justice

Half Day Retreat

Saturday, January 27, 2024 9am-12pm

Friendship Hall
 
 

Faith in Action

Save the date! Pastor Julia will be hosting a half-day retreat January 27th from 9am-12pm for the WHOLE CHURCH to wonder “what’s next” or “so what?” after dwelling in our Indigenous Justice theme for the last few months.

All are welcome! Please RSVP to me on this email if you plan to join. Please pass this on to anyone you think might be interested.

In case of snow, we will meet virtually.

My hope is that we can create a land acknowledgement task force to work on crafting that statement, with the “so what” commitment (not just stating we are all on stolen land).

On our agenda will be thinking and praying together about how we use our building, grounds and financial resources in light of the radical call of the Land Back movement and our commitment to our neighborhood.

We will wonder how Indigenous Justice overlaps with Racial Justice and Care of Creation work, and any other form of justice we care deeply about.

We will be listening for any ideas that have emerged as potential action items that ORUCC could engage in that would be faithful to our commitment to justice.

My hope is that this conversation will be a generative space and a restorative space, with some prayer and retreat time, as we call on God’s Holy Spirit to guide us.
 
 
 

Thank you for considering joining. We want many voices represented in the room!
 
 
 
 
Orchard Ridge UCC | Spiritually Alive, Joyfully Inclusive, Committed to Justice, 1501 Gilbert Road, Madison, WI 53711

ORUCC – PHISHING emails, please read

Orchard Ridge UCC on January 18, 2024

PHISHING EMAIL SCAM

Some of you have received phishing emails titled “Many Blessings,” impersonating Pastor Julia asking if you are available to talk and if you can buy gift cards and then send pictures– trying to take advantage of kind church people.

If an email seems odd to you from one of our pastors, trust your gut and then double check- know that we always use official ORUCC emails – [email protected] – and would never ask you to buy gift cards in this manner.

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

ORUCC Java & Jesus, January 21st, 9 am (In-person or by Zoom)

Orchard Ridge UCC on January 18, 2024

Java & Jesus

Sunday, Jan. 21, at 9 am

Attend in-person at the church in the

Alfred Swan Room, or attend remotely

by Zoom

Mary Neuhaus facilitating

All are welcome!

Join us even if this is your first time!

Please read ahead of time and come prepared to discuss

pages 1-17 of Anne Lamott’s book Almost Everything: Notes on Hope.  

Paradox and Parable; Hope and Despair – How do we humans dig deeper into our lives and keep rediscovering love and hope?

Click here for reading

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

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

ORUCC Weekly Announcements for January 18

Orchard Ridge UCC on January 18, 2024

Spiritually Alive, Joyfully Inclusive, Committed to Justice

Week at a Glance January 18

Saturday, January 20

Chris Thomas Memorial

11:00 am

Sunday, January 21

9:00 am – Sunday School For Children and Youth

9:00 am – For Adults – Java & Jesus – Alfred Swan Room

10:00 am Worship

Sermon: Julia Burkey

Lay Liturgist: Lauren Amburn

Music: ORUCC Choir

11:15 am Sermon Talk-Back

Monday, January 22

Men’s Group

7:15 – 8:30 pm

Palestinian Justice Mission Team

Tuesday, January 23

7:00 – 8:00 pm

Alfred Swan Room

Tom Beilman & Diane Dulin

Immigration Justice Mission Team

Tuesday, January 24

4:00 – 5:30 pm

Zoom

Ruthanne Landsness

Meditation Group

Thursday, January 25

8:30 – 9:30 am

Oscar Romero Room

Sue Dixon 

 

Meditation Group

Friday, January 26

9:30 – 10:30 am

Sue Dixon

Zoom

Indigenous Justice Retreat

Saturday, January 27

9:15 am – Noon

Julia Burkey

Friendship Hall

Looking Ahead: Tuesday, January 30

5:00-8:00 p.m.

Culver’s Night-Verona Location

to support ORUCC Youth Service Trip

JANUARY COMPASSION OFFERING

Neighborhood Schools

Last year our congregation was able to donate $4,500 to our 3 neighborhood schools: Anana Elementary, Orchard Ridge Elementary, and Toki Middle School. 

The schools were able to use these funds to purchase winter clothing and basic school supplies for students in need. The need for these basic necessities becomes clear when we consider the number of students who come from economically disadvantaged households. 

According to the latest statistics from the Department of Public Instruction, over 40% of the students at Anana Elementary live in economically disadvantaged households. At Toki Middle School, the number is 43%. And at Orchard Ridge Elementary, the number is 57%. 

Another basic need within our neighborhood schools is the need for staff. As is the case in many school districts across the country, our neighborhood schools must deal with the daily predicament of not having enough teachers. 

Given the challenges that each school faces, we aren’t asking the principals of our 3 neighborhood schools to submit a video for this year’s compassion offering. They have other pressing issues to attend to. 

Instead, we are asking you to give what you can, and give generously, so that each school can use our donations to address the urgent and important needs of the students they serve. 

Thank you for supporting our neighborhood schools, which have served many of our congregation families past and present. And thank you to all of the ORUCC members who have served and who continue to serve our community as teachers and school volunteers. 

At ORUCC we have a long history of supporting our neighborhood families and investing in education. With this month’s compassion offering, we have another important opportunity to contribute and carry on that tradition.

 Thank you for giving generously

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/

Spiritual

Nourishment

for you!

For the week of Jan 18 – Jan 24

 

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.

Moderator’s January 2024 Update from Hal Evensen, ORUCC Moderator

 

Happy New Year! This will be my final “update” as Moderator. Deanna Blanchard is up next, taking her turn part-way through the annual congregational meeting next month, on Feb. 4 following worship. Here’s an update:

  • First, a reminder of the aforementioned annual meeting! All members and friends are welcome to attend. Our church’s annual report is complete, and copies (electronic and paper) will go out the week of Jan. 25; some copies will also be available at the church and at the meeting. I encourage you to look it through: it is a very nice summary of the wide range of work done by our congregation in 2023. It also gives a good idea of what our various ministries do – and of opportunities for participation by “regular folks:” Adult Faith Formation; Christian Witness & Service; Congregational Life; Resources; Youth Faith Formation. THANK YOU to all!

  • The Human Resources Mission Team has been working its way through a new annual reflection process with our staff, starting with the Senior Pastor and Music staff. This has already improved communication and helped facilitate some changes such as coordination between pastors and music leaders, and organist Vicki Nonn’s desire to scale back on her Sunday commitments starting in 2024 (she will continue to work with Bruce and the choir!). We will continue our work into 2024 with the rest of our valuable staff. I am proud of this team – David Anderman, Barbara Stretchberry, Susan Watson, and Pastor Julia – we have worked together well, and this is helping us to support all whom we employ as a church!

  • And, to close, some good news! At the annual meeting – and in the report – John Day will share his summary of the 2023 budget and the 2024 budget. The highlights: (1) our 2023 deficit was much smaller than projected; (2) our 2024 pledges came in with a 5% increase, which is a historically large jump! These allowed the Leadership Team to apply a small (2%) cost of living increase in 2024 for our staff – whereas initial projections had led us to hold this at zero. While this increase still does not keep up with inflation, we are glad to be able to express appreciation in this way. Thank you!

It has been a pleasure serving as your Moderator and getting to better know – and appreciate – our congregation, pastors, and staff! I will continue to serve in 2024, as Past Moderator. Please feel free to reach out to any of the moderators ([email protected]) or leadership team member (see the color poster on the bulletin board) with any questions, comments, suggestions, or offerings of support!

Indigenous Justice: What’s Next? A Conversation

Saturday January 27, 2024

9:00 am – 12:00 pm Friendship Hall

 

Save the date! Pastor Julia Burkey will be hosting a half-day retreat January 27th from 9am-12pm for any of our justice minded folks to wonder “what’s next” or “so what?” after dwelling in our Indigenous Justice theme for the last few months. All are welcome! Please RSVP to [email protected] if you plan to join. Please pass this on to anyone you think might be interested.

 

In case of snow, we will meet virtually.

 

My hope is that we can create a land acknowledgement task force to work on crafting that statement, with the “so what” commitment (not just stating we are all on stolen land). On our agenda will be thinking together about how we use our building, grounds and financial resources in light of the radical call of the Land Back movement and our commitment to our neighborhood. We will be listening for any ideas that have emerged as potential action items that ORUCC could engage in that would be faithful to our commitment to justice.

Annual Chili Cook Off

Sunday, January 28

 

Join us for the Annual Chili Cook Off on Sunday, Jan 28! You are invited to contribute your favorite chili or cornbread to the contest. Prizes will be awarded in the categories of vegetarian, meat, and specialty chilies, and also for the best cornbread. Everyone is invited to taste and vote after the service! Please sign up here or on the sign up sheet in the crossroads if you plan to contribute a chili or can help with the event.

Save the Date for Party Gras! 

Tuesday, Feb 13

5:30-7:30 pm in Friendship Hall

Join us to celebrate the beginning of Lent and the Easter Season! There will be games, music, dancing and a pizza dinner, followed by a brief ceremony to burn the palms from last year’s Ash Wednesday service. 

FEBRUARY MOVIE GROUP “DEFENDING YOUR LIFE” February 1st, Thursday

Hello movie goers,

Have you ever wondered what happens after one dies? Explore one possibility with us on Thursday, February 1st at Oakwood Village Performance Center with “Defending Your Life” at 7:00 and discussion to follow in the Nakoma Room.

This 1991 romantic comedy written, directed and starring Albert Brooks with the incomparable Meryl Streep will both entertain and provoke.

The story line: After Dan Miller (not our Dan Miller) dies in a car accident on his 39th birthday, he arrives in Judgement City where he is required, in a trial setting, to defend his life. If he is successful he moves on to an undisclosed better life. If he is not successful, well…….. come and find out. And, of course, things are complicated by his falling in love with Julia (Meryl Streep) who has successfully defended her life. 

While the film is rated PG-13, there is one racially insensitive scene.



Hope to see you in February.



Steve Sheets

[email protected]

Snow Removal News

The ORUCC Resource Ministry Team has decided to switch vendors for our snow removal services. Dayflower Dave’s Snow Removal Services has taken over our snow removal as of 12/15/2023.

This is exciting news for multiple reasons:

·        They will be in contact with us prior to a snow event to ensure we receive the services we need.

·        They will use far less salt by working closely with us to determine when salt is needed. This will be much better for our grounds and the environment!

·        They use tractors equipped with snow blowers to prevent piles at the end of the parking lot.

·        Snow events with accumulation of one inch or greater will be cleared on Sunday morning by 8:00 AM.

·        We will be reducing our budgeted cost by over $3000 per season.

Important Note–Can you help

The contract with Dayflower Dave’s will have them remove snow when the accumulation is one inch or greater. What this means for us is that we are asking for able bodied volunteers to clear small amounts of snow away from the two entrances. If you are at church on a light snow day (less than 1”), please consider finding a shovel or broom to help with the snow removal. Shovels are located near the entrances or in the janitor room. A large push broom is also located in that room. Please contact a pastor if you can’t find the shovels or broom.

Summer Camp Registration Opens in January

 

Circle the dates on your calendar. Registration for Moon Beach opens on January 8th at 9:00 a.m. (Family Camp begins on June 30th and fills up quickly.) For Daycholah Center and Camp AweSum, the date is January 15th at 9:00 a.m. 

 

In preparation you can create or log your account by going to ucci.org and clicking on “registration”. We recommend updating all contact information and participant details ahead of time. When registration opens you can do it on-line or by phone

Virtual Wayfinding will gather on the 3rd Wednesday in person and virtually over ZOOM the 3rd Thursday from 4pm-5:15pm.

By Zoom on Thursdays: 04:00 PM Central Time

  

    Feb 15, 2024 04:00 PM

    Mar 21, 2024 04:00 PM

    Apr 18, 2024 04:00 PM

    May 16, 2024 04:00 PM

Click here to join Zoom meeting



us02web.zoom.us/j/87998025473?pwd=dEEzcFkvSnBNdzNUaE5BK2RxUDZqZz09

Meeting ID: 879 9802 5473

Passcode: 573548

Dial in

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Name Tags

The second batch of name tags is here! Please check to see if yours has arrived. The name tag board will be on the Gilbert Street side of the Crossroads. Magnetic name tags will be on the white board. Lanyard and pins will be in the tray below. If you need a “lanyard for your name tag” we have a few hanging on the side of the board. (We will order more name tags in January.)

Sign Up Now Through the End of June 2024!

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?

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.

COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE

Members of ORUCC are invited to apply for 2024-2025 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, 2024.

Contact [email protected] for an electronic application. Questions? Contact Ann Evensen at [email protected]

Office Manager Julie Wombacher

available Mon.-Thurs. 8:30am -12:00 pm

by appointment

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

Associate Pastor Kate Mackey: available

Mon.-Thurs. 10:00 am – 5:00 pm

by appointment

608-358-6143 EMAIL

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

Kate Friday and Saturday

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

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

LIKE or FOLLOW the Orchard Ridge FaceBook Page

JOIN our Private FB Group:

“Members & Friends of Orchard Ridge UCC“

Orchard Ridge United Church of Christ

1501 Gilbert Road

Madison, WI 53711

608-271-7212

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

1/21 Music Connections

Orchard Ridge UCC on January 18, 2024

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 movement and songwriting. On 1/7, the children organically began the process of writing a song (this was 100% initiated by the children!) We'll revisit that work and continue the process. Emily Lloyd will be our Safe Sanctuary volunteer. 

—

Julie Mazer (she/her)

Orchard Ridge United Church of Christ
Children's Education Coordinator
Children's Music Director

Sunday School 1/21

Orchard Ridge UCC on January 17, 2024

This week…

Nursery Care opens at 8:30. Jade and Marie are ready to play with your little one. 

Sunday School starts at 9 am. PreK-1 children are invited to sing with Julie in the William Johnson room from 9:00-9:15. After the music, Jill and Josie will guide the children in a story about the Transfiguration of Jesus.

The 2-5 grade classroom will begin a study about God's Love and Care. During the next few weeks, the children will experience lessons designed “to help children become aware of God's incarnational nature and unconditional love.” (From “The Way of The Child” curriculum). This week, the children will consider the idea that we are created in the image of God. Stations will include an opportunity to draw a self-portrait, journal, sand play, and a collaborative art project. Diane and Jadyn will guide the children in their learning. 

Looking Ahead….next week all children and youth will walk the labyrinth. More details to come. 

—

Julie Mazer (she/her)

Orchard Ridge United Church of Christ
Children's Education Coordinator
Children's Music Director

ORUCC Wayfinding CANCELED Tomorrow Wednesday Jan 17th

Orchard Ridge UCC on January 16, 2024

 

Dear Wayfinding Friends,

Due to extremely cold temperatures, icy driving conditions & the spread of illness, I have heard from many regular Wayfinding attendees that you are not able to make it tomorrow. You wise Elders are teaching me it might be best to stay home and hibernate as winter calls for.

Our Wayfinding theme of “Grief & Joy” originally planned for this month will take place next month instead on Wednesday February 21st & 22nd.

Our in-person Wayfinding gathering tomorrow Wednesday January 17th is CANCELED and our January 18th Thursday ZOOM gathering will be a simple place to check-in and to meditate together without the regular programming.

Blessings,

Pastor Julia

Orchard Ridge UCC is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.

Topic: Wayfinding 

Time: Jan 18, 2024 04:00 PM Central Time (US and Canada)

    Every month on the Third Thu, until May 16, 2024, 5 occurrence(s)

    Jan 18, 2024 04:00 PM

Please download and import the following iCalendar (.ics) files to your calendar system.

Monthly: us02web.zoom.us/meeting/tZMkfuGorD4uHddUf–tfzJIDpN_N93PEDoc/ics?icsToken=98tyKuGvpzIiGtaQtB6ERpwEHYr4WfTzpiVbgqdZqRmoTjRVeCnfEvJsDZwmQ-j1

Join Zoom Meeting

us02web.zoom.us/j/87998025473?pwd=dEEzcFkvSnBNdzNUaE5BK2RxUDZqZz09

Meeting ID: 879 9802 5473

Passcode: 573548

One tap mobile

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Dial by your location

• +1 305 224 1968 US

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Meeting ID: 879 9802 5473

Find your local number: us02web.zoom.us/u/kz0mGf6eo

Blessings,

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

ORUCC Worship Resources for Sunday, January 14th, 2024

Orchard Ridge UCC on January 13, 2024

Orchard Ridge

United Church of Christ

Sunday Worship Resources

Sunday, January 14, 2024

Due to the current increased rates of Covid, RSV and influenza respiratory infections, ORUCC strongly encourages you to wear a face mask this Sunday to protect yourself,

your family, and your friends here at church.

9:00 am: Java & Jesus (for adults)

10:00 am: Worship

Sermon: Ken Pennings

“The Universal Christ”

Lay Liturgist: Ellen Franzone

Musical Offerings: Handbell Quartet

11:15 am: Sermon Talk-Back

Click here for at-home 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

For Children & Youth – January 14th

Children

There will not be Children’s Programming (Nursery, Sunday School, Music Connections) this Sunday, January 14. See you back again on January 21!

Youth

No youth programming on Sunday, Jan. 14th

Some things coming up:

  • January 21, 12:00-2:00: Interfaith GSA planning/exploring session at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church (5701 Raymond Rd). If any youth are interested in being part of planning this, please come along! Lunch will be provided; they would like an RSVP by Jan. 15 so please let Kate know soon if you want to attend. 
  • January 28: All Church Chili Cook-off! Mark your calendars for this event. 
  • February 11 Faith in Action Brunch: This brunch, held after worship, will be an intergenerational fellowship opportunity centered around conversation about what it means to have “faith in action.” The Ministry of Christian Witness & Service has decided that all proceeds from this brunch will go towards the Youth Service Trip! Kate will be sending more info directly to Service Trip families about this opportunity. 

Java & Jesus

Sunday, Jan. 14, 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!

Please join us even if this is your first time!

Sonia K. Weaver’s book “What is Palestine-Israel?” addresses Israel’s need for a home, their significant fears and their fierce response. Israel’s exaggerated response stems from deep anxieties. The Palestinians have become more and more discouraged by the Israeli actions and have eventually become very militant as well. They feel that Israel is trying to eliminate them to take over the entire region. Many Israeli and Palestinian groups, with the help of groups from other countries, are trying to find peaceful solutions, and to help all people caught up in the disaster. 

In our discussion we will become aware of what some of the issues are, possible solutions, and how we might help.

Click here for reading

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

 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

JANUARY COMPASSION OFFERING

Neighborhood Schools

Last year our congregation was able to donate $4,500 to our 3 neighborhood schools: Anana Elementary, Orchard Ridge Elementary, and Toki Middle School. 

The schools were able to use these funds to purchase winter clothing and basic school supplies for students in need. The need for these basic necessities becomes clear when we consider the number of students who come from economically disadvantaged households. 

According to the latest statistics from the Department of Public Instruction, over 40% of the students at Anana Elementary live in economically disadvantaged households. At Toki Middle School, the number is 43%. And at Orchard Ridge Elementary, the number is 57%. 

Another basic need within our neighborhood schools is the need for staff. As is the case in many school districts across the country, our neighborhood schools must deal with the daily predicament of not having enough teachers. 

Given the challenges that each school faces, we aren’t asking the principals of our 3 neighborhood schools to submit a video for this year’s compassion offering. They have other pressing issues to attend to. 

Instead, we are asking you to give what you can, and give generously, so that each school can use our donations to address the urgent and important needs of the students they serve. 

Thank you for supporting our neighborhood schools, which have served many of our congregation families past and present. And thank you to all of the ORUCC members who have served and who continue to serve our community as teachers and school volunteers. 

At ORUCC we have a long history of supporting our neighborhood families and investing in education. With this month’s compassion offering, we have another important opportunity to contribute and carry on that tradition.

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 -12:00 pm

608-271-7212 or EMAIL

Senior Pastor: Rev. Dr. Julia Burkey

EMAIL

Associate Pastor: Rev. Kate Mackey EMAIL

Associate Pastor: Rev. Ken Pennings

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“

Follow us on Instagram @orchardridgeucc
Orchard Ridge UCC | Spiritually Alive, Joyfully Inclusive, Committed to Justice, 1501 Gilbert Road, Madison, WI 53711

ORUCC Java & Jesus, January 14th, 9 am (In-person or by Zoom)

Orchard Ridge UCC on January 12, 2024

Java & Jesus

Sunday, Jan. 14, 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!

Please join us even if this is your first time!

Sonia K. Weaver’s book “What is Palestine-Israel?” addresses Israel’s need for a home, their significant fears and their fierce response. Israel’s exaggerated response stems from deep anxieties. The Palestinians have become more and more discouraged by the Israeli actions and have eventually become very militant as well. They feel that Israel is trying to eliminate them to take over the entire region. Many Israeli and Palestinian groups, with the help of groups from other countries, are trying to find peaceful solutions, and to help all people caught up in the disaster. 

In our discussion we will become aware of what some of the issues are, possible solutions, and how we might help.

Click here for reading

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

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

ORUCC Youth 1/14/24

Orchard Ridge UCC on January 11, 2024

Hello friends,

I write this to you as I recuperate from COVID, unfortunately. We have cancelled the All Church retreat this weekend due to illness (key Daycholah center staff also have Covid!) and the potential for hazardous weather on Friday. We are happy to be able to reschedule the retreat for April 12-14. 
However, we had not planned for any Children or Youth programming this Sunday due to the retreat. Instead, all youth are encouraged to attend worship at 10:00 on Sunday. 
Some things coming up:
  • January 21, 12:00-2:00: Interfaith GSA planning/exploring session at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church (5701 Raymond Rd). If any youth are interested in being part of planning this, please come along! Lunch will be provided; they would like an RSVP by Jan. 15 so please let me know soon if you want to attend. 
  • January 28: All Church Chili Cook-off! Mark your calendars for this event. 
  • February 11 Faith in Action Brunch: This brunch, held after worship, will be an intergenerational fellowship opportunity centered around conversation about what it means to have “faith in action.” CWS has decided that all proceeds from this brunch will go towards the Youth Service Trip! I will be sending more info directly to Service Trip families about this opportunity. 
Stay safe and warm!
Grace and peace,
Kate

—

Rev. Kate Mackey
(she/her/hers)
Associate Pastor for Children, Youth, and Families
Orchard Ridge UCC
1501 Gilbert Rd.
Madison, WI 53711
Office: (608) 271-7212 ex. 2030
“If we have no peace, it is because we have forgotten that we belong to one another.” -Mother Teresa 

*Please note: I take Fridays and Saturdays as sabbath days and may not respond immediately to my email during those times. 

ORUCC Weekly Announcements for January 11

Orchard Ridge UCC on January 11, 2024

Spiritually Alive, Joyfully Inclusive, Committed to Justice

Week at a Glance January 11

Movie Group

Tonight

“Rustin”

7:00 pm-Oakwood Village, Nakoma Room

Friday, January 12-Sunday January 14

All Church Retreat: Rescheduled

due to Illness and Potential Weather

(see below)

Sunday, January 14

No Children/Youth Sunday School,

Nursery Care, or Music Connections

9:00 am – For Adults -Java & Jesus–Alfred Swan Room

10:00 am Worship

Sermon: Ken Pennings

Lay Liturgist: Ellen Franzone

Music: Handbell Quartet

Monday, January 15

Martin Luther King Day–Office Closed

Leadership Team

Tuesday, January 16

7:00 pm – 8:30 pm

Alfred Swan Room

Deanna Blanchard

Care of Creation

Tuesday, January 16

7:00 pm – 8:30 pm

Zoom

Jill Westburg

Wayfinding

Wednesday, January 17

9:30 am

Friendship Hall

Julia Burkey

Meditation Group

Thursday, January 18

8:30 – 9:30 am

Oscar Romero Room

Sue Dixon

Wayfinding

Thursday, January 18

4:00 – 5:15 pm

Zoom

 

 

Meditation Group

Friday, January 19

9:30 – 10:30 am

Sue Dixon

Zoom

Chris Thomas Memorial

Saturday, January 20

JANUARY COMPASSION OFFERING

Neighborhood Schools

Last year our congregation was able to donate $4,500 to our 3 neighborhood schools: Anana Elementary, Orchard Ridge Elementary, and Toki Middle School. 

The schools were able to use these funds to purchase winter clothing and basic school supplies for students in need. The need for these basic necessities becomes clear when we consider the number of students who come from economically disadvantaged households. 

According to the latest statistics from the Department of Public Instruction, over 40% of the students at Anana Elementary live in economically disadvantaged households. At Toki Middle School, the number is 43%. And at Orchard Ridge Elementary, the number is 57%. 

Another basic need within our neighborhood schools is the need for staff. As is the case in many school districts across the country, our neighborhood schools must deal with the daily predicament of not having enough teachers. 

Given the challenges that each school faces, we aren’t asking the principals of our 3 neighborhood schools to submit a video for this year’s compassion offering. They have other pressing issues to attend to. 

Instead, we are asking you to give what you can, and give generously, so that each school can use our donations to address the urgent and important needs of the students they serve. 

Thank you for supporting our neighborhood schools, which have served many of our congregation families past and present. And thank you to all of the ORUCC members who have served and who continue to serve our community as teachers and school volunteers. 

At ORUCC we have a long history of supporting our neighborhood families and investing in education. With this month’s compassion offering, we have another important opportunity to contribute and carry on that tradition.

 Thank you for giving generously

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/

Spiritual

Nourishment

for you!

For the week of Jan 11 – Jan 17

 

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.

Snow Removal News

The ORUCC Resource Ministry Team has decided to switch vendors for our snow removal services. Dayflower Dave’s Snow Removal Services has taken over our snow removal as of 12/15/2023.

This is exciting news for multiple reasons:

·        They will be in contact with us prior to a snow event to ensure we receive the services we need.

·        They will use far less salt by working closely with us to determine when salt is needed. This will be much better for our grounds and the environment!

·        They use tractors equipped with snow blowers to prevent piles at the end of the parking lot.

·        Snow events with accumulation of one inch or greater will be cleared on Sunday morning by 8:00 AM.

·        We will be reducing our budgeted cost by over $3000 per season.

Important Note–Can you help

The contract with Dayflower Dave’s will have them remove snow when the accumulation is one inch or greater. What this means for us is that we are asking for able bodied volunteers to clear small amounts of snow away from the two entrances. If you are at church on a light snow day (less than 1”), please consider finding a shovel or broom to help with the snow removal. Shovels are located near the entrances or in the janitor room. A large push broom is also located in that room. Please contact a pastor if you can’t find the shovels or broom.

Summer Camp Registration Opens in January

 

Circle the dates on your calendar. Registration for Moon Beach opens on January 8th at 9:00 a.m. (Family Camp begins on June 30th and fills up quickly.) For Daycholah Center and Camp AweSum, the date is January 15th at 9:00 a.m. 

 

In preparation you can create or log your account by going to ucci.org and clicking on “registration”. We recommend updating all contact information and participant details ahead of time. When registration opens you can do it on-line or by phone

All Church Retreat Rescheduled

for April 12-14

Unfortunately, Pastor Kate has tested positive for Covid, along with Daycholah center staff. This, combined with the possibility of hazardous winter weather, has led us to reschedule the All-Church retreat. We are looking forward to a springtime retreat in April! There will be an opportunity for more folks to sign up who weren’t able to attend in January.

Virtual Wayfinding will gather on the 3rd Wednesday in person and virtually over ZOOM the 3rd Thursday from 4pm-5:15pm.

By Zoom on Thursdays: 04:00 PM Central Time

  

    Jan 18, 2024 04:00 PM

    Feb 15, 2024 04:00 PM

    Mar 21, 2024 04:00 PM

    Apr 18, 2024 04:00 PM

    May 16, 2024 04:00 PM

Click here to join Zoom meeting



us02web.zoom.us/j/87998025473?pwd=dEEzcFkvSnBNdzNUaE5BK2RxUDZqZz09

Meeting ID: 879 9802 5473

Passcode: 573548

Dial in

1 312 626 6799 US 

Annual Chili Cook Off

Sunday, January 28

Join us for the Annual Chili Cook Off on Sunday, Jan 28! You are invited to contribute your favorite chili or cornbread to the contest. Prizes will be awarded in the categories of vegetarian, meat, and specialty chilies, and also for the best cornbread. Everyone is invited to taste and vote after the service! Please sign up here or on the sign up sheet in the crossroads if you plan to contribute a chili or can help with the event.

Name Tags

The second batch of name tags is here! Please check to see if yours has arrived. The name tag board will be on the Gilbert Street side of the Crossroads. Magnetic name tags will be on the white board. Lanyard and pins will be in the tray below. If you need a “lanyard for your name tag” we have a few hanging on the side of the board. (We will order more name tags in January.)

Sign Up Now Through the End of June 2024!

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?

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.

COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE

Members of ORUCC are invited to apply for 2024-2025 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, 2024.

Contact [email protected] for an electronic application. Questions? Contact Ann Evensen at [email protected]

Office Manager Julie Wombacher

available Mon.-Thurs. 8:30am -12:00 pm

by appointment

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

Associate Pastor Kate Mackey: available

Mon.-Thurs. 10:00 am – 5:00 pm

by appointment

608-358-6143 EMAIL

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

Kate Friday and Saturday

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

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

LIKE or FOLLOW the Orchard Ridge FaceBook Page

JOIN our Private FB Group:

“Members & Friends of Orchard Ridge UCC“

Orchard Ridge United Church of Christ

1501 Gilbert Road

Madison, WI 53711

608-271-7212

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

ORUCC Welcomes 17 New Members

Orchard Ridge UCC on January 10, 2024

 
Logo_Christmas_White.png

Orchard Ridge United Church of Christ

Spiritually Alive, Joyfully Inclusive, Committed to Justice

ORUCC Welcomes 17 New Members!

Becky Rice is a native of Kentucky, growing up in western KY on the Ohio River. She has been a resident of Wisconsin since 1976, living in Milwaukee, Green Bay, and currently Madison (since 1988). Becky has worked in a variety of administrative support positions in the Madison area, including at UW-Madison, as well as at Edgewood College until her retirement in 2017. Her favorite activities include: walking (outdoor weather permitting); researching family history; visiting old cemeteries; exploring the back roads of Dane County and surrounding counties; attending Brewers games (or any baseball game for that matter); and train spotting. Her major activity during the early days of pandemic confinement was to build a Facebook family history page, working collaboratively with cousins to gather, scan (or transcribe) and post ancestral pictures and documents, with some documents dating back to the 1700s. Her wish list includes: an opportunity to see the Northern Lights; to ride in the cab of an Amtrak locomotive; and to visit all the Major League Baseball parks in the US (as well as the Baseball Hall of Fame). Becky is the mother of one daughter, and grandmother of a 20-month-old grandson.

Bob Millholland is a retired Madison west-sider, living with his wife of 38 years, Karen. They have two grown children; John of Madison and Sarah, living in the Boston area. Bob spent his career in health care, a majority the time as the Cancer Registry Manager at UW Health, where he oversaw a team of data analysts reviewing medical records to create a database of cancer information for the benefit of public health surveillance, improving medical care and advancing cancer research. Bob is a life-long Wisconsin resident (except four years at Indiana University, Bloomington). Bob and Karen enjoy travel, especially to Latin America, and spending time at their family cottage on the Western Shore of Michigan. The couple has participated on numerous short-term service trips in Latin America, connecting and working with indigenous peoples. Bob also enjoys cycling, reading, music, movies and cooking. Bob was drawn to Orchard Ridge’s vibrant and active community, and the commitment to social justice. He was struck by the welcoming presence of ORUCC where orthodoxy is not part of the menu. 

Sean Horton hails from Eagan, Minnesota from a loving, Lutheran family of five and a close extended family. He spends much of his time on computers between working as a software developer and being a lifelong video gamer and anime fan. Julie Horton grew up local out by Paoli in a conservative, homeschooling family of four but quickly grew into a vegetarian, hippy liberal. They met during college working over the summer at Yellowstone National Park – spending the summer hiking and playing music together. They’ve been married for 11 years and attended Living Hope Church which became Damascus Road Church until 2023. Homemaking demands most of Julie’s time these days, but she tries to sneak in reading, dreaming, crafting, and adventuring in nature whenever possible. Their 3 kids – Mabel (6), Gilbert (3), and Ursula (10 mo) – keep things loud and exciting. Since Covid, they’re all home together and (most of the time) love it. Sean continues to love gaming and origami. We look forward to knowing you all more and deepening our love for God together. 

Susan Soric was born in St. Louis, raised in Springfield, MO, and spent most of her adult life in Chicago where she worked for the University of Chicago as a writer and publication specialist, and later as an ordained minister in the United Church of Christ as a chaplain and pastor. Susan and her spouse Claire Purkis are parents to Robin,13, and Harry, 9. They moved to Sun Prairie from Chicago in late June 2022. Thinking they’d never find a home church as cool as justice-loving Wellington UCC, Chicago, they were overjoyed to find that ORUCC fits them like a glove.  Susan is especially excited about the beautiful blend of justice and earth-centered spirituality at ORUCC, and the radical welcome here. The whole family felt so cared for by ORUCC during a rough patch late this past summer. As for hobbies, Susan likes drumming, singing (especially with Claire), photography, travel, and piecing together photographs, letters, and stories from her family history. Susan’s earlier life in Springfield, MO, included working as a newspaper journalist and columnist for the Springfield Daily News a regional newspaper in Southwest Missouri.

Claire Purkis is Susan’s spouse of 25 years and is from Yorkshire in England and moved to Chicago in 1996 . She has been a social worker for 22 years and worked in social services for almost 30. Claire currently works for Dane County Area Agency on Aging and oversees the case management and senior nutrition programs through the county. She loves kayaking, being in and on clean water and spending time in nature. She is a trained singer and actress and loves to perform and is a bit of a ham. She loves singing duets with Susan. One of her favorite things to do is share tea or coffee and conversation with friends and to make new friends. Claire and Susan volunteer as foster parents for Underdog Pet Rescue and Claire is obsessed with dogs. Claire believes that compassion, appreciation of and kindness to others are important values and that it’s important to listen to and value people’s stories and experiences. As new transplants to the area, with no close living family, Claire, Susan and their children are seeking ways to make community and to deepen human connections.

Don Lusk: I grew up in southwestern Minnesota, on our family’s farm. Now that my parents have passed away, my younger brother still works the land. My wife, Laurine, and I have been married for 50 years and we have 2 adult children, Megan and Josh. For a time, we lived in the Orchard Ridge neighborhood, and our children attended Sunday School and were confirmed in this church. After Megan graduated from high school, she purchased a condo near here and then rejoined ORUCC. Now Laurine and I are happy to rejoin, as this feels like our church family. I worked for 50 years operating our family’s home-building and residential-remodeling business. I retired just a few years ago, and now I enjoy helping Josh, as he operates his own remodeling business. Josh is engaged to a wonderful woman who has 3 children from a previous relationship, one of which is still living with her mom. Laurine and I can now enjoy attending this youngest daughter’s ball games and seeing the fun Josh is having as a “bonus dad.” I have always enjoyed remodeling and landscaping the homes we’ve lived in, and kayaking is now helping me to get out into nature, all around Wisconsin. Laurine and I live in Belleville, on little Lake Belleview, so we can also enjoy watching the geese, ducks and cranes, and kayaking from our own dock.

Laurine Lusk: I’m married to Don, who is also joining the church. We have two adult children, Megan and Josh. Don and I each grew up on farms outside of Jackson, Minnesota, so we both had a strong work ethic instilled at an early age. After having children, we have lived in 3 states while pursuing school services that would better meet Megan’s autism-related needs. I spent my adult life helping others, as a disability advocate. This began as I worked for state agencies, assisting families in pursuing the school services their children needed. Next, I was given the position of Family-centered Specialist, as I helped to start the Wisconsin Birth to 3 Program. As a board member for the Autism Society of America, I was the representative to the US Department of Education and I worked on various congressional initiatives. After Megan began receiving adult services, I worked for Wisconsin’s Medicaid Program, IRIS, advocating for Megan and the other 12,000 participants. Happily, Megan has become a strong self-advocate. So, I’m beginning to step back from my earlier responsibilities as I plan to spend more time gardening, kayaking and traveling. Also, Don and I were previously members of ORUCC, before moving to Verona and then Belleville,

and now we’re thrilled to be rejoining this wonderful church community.

Jenny & Adam Whitacre met in Denver, CO after both attending school in Colorado. They moved to Madison in 2020 to be closer to Adam’s family in WI and Jenny’s family in MN. Jenny began her career as an elementary school teacher in Brooklyn, NY, before attending physical therapy school in Denver. After graduation, she worked with people recovering from brain injuries at Craig Rehab Hospital. She is now a physical therapist at St. Mary’s Hospital. She enjoys outdoor activities and sci-fi novels and movies. Since son Jack’s arrival two years ago, most of Jenny’s time is spent with him singing, dancing, and swimming.

Adam grew up attending ORUCC and moved to CO for school. He hiked, backpacked, and rode his bike across much of the state. Since moving back to WI, he enjoys fly-fishing, hunting, cycling, and helping with land restoration projects in southwestern WI. Jenny and Adam were drawn to the church because of the welcoming community, beautiful music performed by all ages, and the connection between spirituality and wilderness. Jack has grown especially fond of playing in the nursery with other kids and caregivers. Jenny and Adam are continuously grateful for the support the church provided their family over the last few years and are excited to officially be members.

Anthony Mitchell…..

Anthony Mitchell & Emily Heimlich

A’Millia & Aaliyah

Shazia Kirmani: I was born January 16, 1978, a squirrel to an immigrant Pakistani family. I have a beautiful 13-year-old son and a lovely 9-year-old daughter, who live in Texas with their father. My partner Nick and I live in Madison, Wisconsin. I am a spirit being, who continually asks, “Who am I? And what is my purpose?“ I believe I am one with all of you, with all other spirit beings, and with all that is. I try to pay attention to what is happening in all realms, dimensions, and planes of existence. My passion is finding a tangible solution to the problem of homelessness. I will never stop trying to validate the value, worth, and importance of every living being! No human left behind! After my precious father died, my family cut me off. But in all of you at ORUCC, I gained a new family. Thanks for welcoming me into this community of unity, justice and love!

Krista Rickman: I am divorced, have 3 grown daughters and 7 grandchildren. I moved to Madison in May of 2023 from Lincoln, NE to be closer to two of my daughters and their families. I lived in Lincoln for 50 years. My dad, Otis Young, was the Senior Minister at First-Plymouth Church UCC for 34 years so I am a proud PK (preacher’s kid). I worked at the church as a wedding coordinator for 30 years and the last 7 years before retiring in stewardship, finance, new member training, weddings and funeral administration. Before working at First-Plymouth, my husband and I owned a hardware store where I did the  bookkeeping, Human Resources and inventory management. I am excited to be a part of Orchard Ridge and love the friendliness of the congregation and staff.

Rev. Kate Mackey is our Associate Pastor for for Children, Youth, and Families. Kate joined the pastoral team at ORUCC in June 2023 after having worked in both chaplaincy and other local church contexts. A native Wisconsinite, Kate grew up in McFarland and attended UW-Madison. Kate earned her Master of Divinity degree at The Seattle School of Theology & Psychology in 2013 and was ordained in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in 2014. She has additional training and experience in spiritual care for mental health. Kate is passionate about walking with people across the lifespan through the joy and challenges of daily life. Kate’s ministry seeks to empower all people to discover and embody the sacredness of who they are created to be in relationship with one another, with God, and with all of creation. In her role at ORUCC, Kate is committed to fostering places of belonging for all children and youth to discover the presence of the Divine in their own lives, and to support families and the intergenerational community to grow in their spirituality together. In her free time, Kate loves to have a great conversation over a cup of coffee, make and eat good food with loved ones, read, listen to podcasts, and walk or run around the neighborhood. She lives on the near eastside of Madison with her kiddo Gideon. 

Matthew Kelahan & Kristin Schumacher

Samson & Lincoln

Orchard Ridge United Church of Christ

1501 Gilbert Road

Madison, WI 53711

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

ORUCC — Lunch & Learn Cancelled

Orchard Ridge UCC on January 8, 2024

DUE TO WEATHER BEYOND OUR CONTROL 

Lunch and Learn

(formerly Over-55)

is Cancelled for January 10.

See you in February!
Orchard Ridge UCC | Spiritually Alive, Joyfully Inclusive, Committed to Justice, 1501 Gilbert Road, Madison, WI 53711

ORUCC Worship Resources for Sunday, January 7th, 2024

Orchard Ridge UCC on January 6, 2024

Orchard Ridge

United Church of Christ

Sunday Worship Resources

Epiphany Sunday, January 7, 2024

Due to the current increased rates of Covid, RSV and influenza respiratory infections, ORUCC strongly encourages you to wear a face mask this Sunday to protect yourself,

your family, and your friends here at church.

9:00 am: Sunday School for Children & Youth

9:00 am: For Adults:

Baxter Richardson and Ed Janus dialogue:

The Current Tragedy in the Land Formally Known as the Holy Land: A Conversation Between a Christian and a Jew

About Israel and Palestine

10:00 am: Worship

Sermon: Ken Pennings

“Epiphany – God’s Glory Revealed”

Lay Liturgist: Ginny Moore Kruse

Musical Offerings: David Allen

Celebration of Holy Communion

11:00 am: Reception in Friendship Hall

We invite you to remain after worship for a reception

of international Epiphany breads

baked and served by John Leonard.

Find a red bean, trade it in for a crown!

Click here for at-home 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

For Children & Youth – January 7th

Children

Nursery Care opens at 8:30. Marie and Leah are ready to play with your little one. 

Sunday School starts at 9 am. PreK-1 children are invited to sing with Julie in the William Johnson room from 9:00-9:15. After the music, Jill and Josie will guide the children in our final Advent story about the Prophets, Mary and Joseph, the Shepherds, and the Magi.

The 2-5 grade classroom will also complete their Advent study. The Magi have now arrived in Bethlehem for Epiphany! The children will hear the story of the Magi and have the opportunity to sniff frankincense and myrrh essential oils. Following the stories, the children will be invited to make a beaded star to symbolize the star the Magi followed. Joanna and Jadyn will guide the children in their learning. 

Looking Ahead….NO SUNDAY SCHOOL 1/14 for the All Church Retreat. Sunday School Resumes on 1/21.

Youth

This Sunday, our Sunday school programming will start up again with Echo the Story at 9:00 for youth 6th-12th grade. Susan Watson and Kristin Muckian will be leading this week. TRU Function will practice 10:00-12:00. Kate will be away this Sunday, attending to the memorial for her niece in Albuquerque, NM. 

Looking ahead, Sunday 1/14 is our All Church Retreat at Daycholah Center. Kate will be offering some youth-specific programming on Saturday morning at the retreat. She’s excited for time together with you! We will not have regularly scheduled Sunday school at ORUCC on the 14th, and TRU Function will not have practice. If you would like to sign up for the retreat, there’s still time! Please sign up here.

Another exciting development: Kate has been part of a group discussing the idea of an interfaith GSA (Gender-Sexuality Alliance) group in Madison. Anyone interested is invited to come to a meeting at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church on Sunday, January 21 at 1:00. Kate will be there–if there are any youth who have interest in sharing their perspectives about what this kind of a group might look like, she’d like to invite you to come along too!  

For Adults

Sunday, January 7, 9 am

Alfred Swan Room (or possibly an adjacent area)

Baxter Richardson and Ed Janus dialogue:

The Current Tragedy in the Land Formally Known as the Holy Land: A Conversation Between a Christian and a Jew

About Israel and Palestine

American Jews find themselves in a very difficult – some would say “untenable” – position as regards the horror in Israel and especially, in Gaza. How do these non-Israeli Jews reconcile the deep Jewish demand for justice and Israel’s expropriation of the Palestinians’ homeland? How do they reconcile the “colonialism” of the Jewish state with their own special status as refugees from horror? On the other hand, are American Christians, whose religious traditions are deeply Jewish, troubled in the same way.

In this 45-minute conversation, Baxter Richardson and Ed Janus will both share perspectives and, if possible, help us understand something that seems to defy understanding. Baxter and Ed will have no answers, only a look at the horrible tragedy of the once-Holy Land. They will be happy to entertain your questions and comments.

Here are some of the questions they plan to put to each other:

·        Do Judaism and Christianity offer us frameworks for understanding and/or optimism?

·        Do American Christians and American Jews view the horror in Gaza and Israel radically differently? 

·        Do American Jews have an unreasonable (unjust) bias towards Israel?

·        What does Ed think about Israel? If Israel is important to him why is that?

·        Is Israel a special case in world history with a permanent “get out of jail card”? Do American Jews believe that?

·        What does Israel mean to Baxter?

·        Does Israel get a pass when it acts like a normal nation? Is it held to a different standard higher than other nations?

·        Justice is a big deal for Jews: Does their support for Israel undermine that in the case of Gaza?

·        Do Jews have different justifications for the slaughter? Does Ed buy it?

·        Why do both Ed and Baxter find moral refuge in tragedy?

For background, watch the PBS documentary “Netanyahu, America and the War in Gaza/Failure at the Fence” which is available streaming on PBS Passport. This documentary aired on December 19 and while it deals primarily with Netanyahu, it examines the underlying conflicts and the failure of the peace process.

Click here for a pdf which may be easier to print

JANUARY COMPASSION OFFERING

Neighborhood Schools

Last year our congregation was able to donate $4,500 to our 3 neighborhood schools: Anana Elementary, Orchard Ridge Elementary, and Toki Middle School. 

The schools were able to use these funds to purchase winter clothing and basic school supplies for students in need. The need for these basic necessities becomes clear when we consider the number of students who come from economically disadvantaged households. 

According to the latest statistics from the Department of Public Instruction, over 40% of the students at Anana Elementary live in economically disadvantaged households. At Toki Middle School, the number is 43%. And at Orchard Ridge Elementary, the number is 57%. 

Another basic need within our neighborhood schools is the need for staff. As is the case in many school districts across the country, our neighborhood schools must deal with the daily predicament of not having enough teachers. 

Given the challenges that each school faces, we aren’t asking the principals of our 3 neighborhood schools to submit a video for this year’s compassion offering. They have other pressing issues to attend to. 

Instead, we are asking you to give what you can, and give generously, so that each school can use our donations to address the urgent and important needs of the students they serve. 

Thank you for supporting our neighborhood schools, which have served many of our congregation families past and present. And thank you to all of the ORUCC members who have served and who continue to serve our community as teachers and school volunteers. 

At ORUCC we have a long history of supporting our neighborhood families and investing in education. With this month’s compassion offering, we have another important opportunity to contribute and carry on that tradition.

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 -12:00 pm

608-271-7212 or EMAIL

Senior Pastor: Rev. Dr. Julia Burkey

EMAIL

Associate Pastor: Rev. Kate Mackey EMAIL

Associate Pastor: Rev. Ken Pennings

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“

Follow us on Instagram @orchardridgeucc
Orchard Ridge UCC | Spiritually Alive, Joyfully Inclusive, Committed to Justice, 1501 Gilbert Road, Madison, WI 53711

No Java & Jesus this Sunday, the 7th, 9 am, BUT…

Orchard Ridge UCC on January 5, 2024

You’re Invited!

Sunday, January 7, 9 am

at Orchard Ridge United Church of Christ

Alfred Swan Room (or possibly an adjacent area)

Baxter Richardson and Ed Janus dialogue:

The Current Tragedy in the Land Formally Known as the Holy Land:

A Conversation Between a Christian and a Jew

About Israel and Palestine

American Jews find themselves in a very difficult – some would say “untenable” – position as regards the horror in Israel and especially, in Gaza. How do these non-Israeli Jews reconcile the deep Jewish demand for justice and Israel’s expropriation of the Palestinians’ homeland? How do they reconcile the “colonialism” of the Jewish state with their own special status as refugees from horror? On the other hand, are American Christians, whose religious traditions are deeply Jewish, troubled in the same way.

In this 45-minute conversation, Baxter Richardson and Ed Janus will both share perspectives and, if possible, help us understand something that seems to defy understanding. Baxter and Ed will have no answers, only a look at the horrible tragedy of the once-Holy Land. They will be happy to entertain your questions and comments.

Here are some of the questions they plan to put to each other:

·        Do Judaism and Christianity offer us frameworks for understanding and/or optimism?

·        Do American Christians and American Jews view the horror in Gaza and Israel radically differently? 

·        Do American Jews have an unreasonable (unjust) bias towards Israel?

·        What does Ed think about Israel? If Israel is important to him why is that?

·        Is Israel a special case in world history with a permanent “get out of jail card”? Do American Jews believe that?

·        What does Israel mean to Baxter?

·        Does Israel get a pass when it acts like a normal nation? Is it held to a different standard higher than other nations?

·        Justice is a big deal for Jews: Does their support for Israel undermine that in the case of Gaza?

·        Do Jews have different justifications for the slaughter? Does Ed buy it?

·        Why do both Ed and Baxter find moral refuge in tragedy?

For background, watch the PBS documentary “Netanyahu, America and the War in Gaza/Failure at the Fence” which is available streaming on PBS Passport. This documentary aired on December 19 and while it deals primarily with Netanyahu, it examines the underlying conflicts and the failure of the peace process.

Click here for a pdf which may be easier to print
Orchard Ridge UCC | Spiritually Alive, Joyfully Inclusive, Committed to Justice, www.orucc.org, Madison, WI 53711

ORUCC Youth 1/7

Orchard Ridge UCC on January 4, 2024

Happy New Year! 

This Sunday our Sunday school programming will start up again, with Echo the Story at 9:00 for youth 6th-12th grade. Susan Watson and Kristin Muckian will be leading this week. TRU Function will practice 10:00-12:00. I will be away this Sunday, attending to the memorial for my niece in Albuquerque, NM. 
Looking ahead, Sunday 1/14 is our All Church Retreat at Daycholah Center. I will be offering some youth-specific programming on Saturday morning at the retreat. I'm excited for our time together! We will not have regularly scheduled Sunday school at ORUCC on the 14th, and TRU Function will not have practice. If you would like to sign up for the retreat, there's still time! Please sign up here.
Another exciting development: I have been part of a group discussing the idea of an interfaith GSA (Gender-Sexuality Alliance) group in Madison. Anyone interested is invited to come to a meeting at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church on Sunday, January 21 at 1:00. I will be there–if there are any youth who have interest in sharing their perspectives about what this kind of a group might look like, I'd like to invite you to come along too! Let me know if you'd like to join me there. 
Grace and peace,
Kate
—

Rev. Kate Mackey
(she/her/hers)
Associate Pastor for Children, Youth, and Families
Orchard Ridge UCC
1501 Gilbert Rd.
Madison, WI 53711
Office: (608) 271-7212 ex. 2030
“If we have no peace, it is because we have forgotten that we belong to one another.” -Mother Teresa 

*Please note: I take Fridays and Saturdays as sabbath days and may not respond immediately to my email during those times. 

ORUCC Weekly Announcements for January 4

Orchard Ridge UCC on January 4, 2024

Spiritually Alive, Joyfully Inclusive, Committed to Justice

Week at a Glance January 4

Friday Breakfast Group

Friday, January 5

8:30 am

Denny’s – 433 Gammon Road

Family Game Night

Friday, January 5

6:00 – 8 pm

Rachael Lancor

Friendship Hall

Sunday, January 7

9:00 am – SS for Children & Youth

9:00 am – For Adults – Alfred Swan Room

Baxter Richardson and Ed Janus dialogue:

The Current Tragedy in the Land Formally Known as the Holy Land: A Conversation Between a Christian and a Jew

About Israel and Palestine

10:00 am Worship

Sermon: Ken Pennings

Lay Liturgist: Ginny Moore Kruse

Music: David Allen (jazz piano)

Men’s Group

Monday, January 8

7:15 pm – 8:30 pm

Alfred Swan Room

Lunch & Learn

Wednesday, January 10

11:30 am

Friendship Hall

Ministry of Resources Meeting

Wednesday, January 10

6:00 – 7:30 pm

Zoom

Meditation Group

Thursday, January 11

8:30 – 9:30 am

Oscar Romero Room

Sue Dixon

 

Racial Justice Mission Team

Thursday, January 11

9:00 – 10:30 am

Zoom

Pam Oliver

The Ministry of Christian Witness & Service

Thursday, January 11

6:30 – 8:00 pm

Zoom

LuAnn Greiner

Movie Group

Thursday, January 11

7:00 pm

Oakwood Village West, Nakoma Room

 

Meditation Group

Friday, January 12

9:30 – 10:30 am

Sue Dixon

Zoom

JANUARY COMPASSION OFFERING

Neighborhood Schools

Last year our congregation was able to donate $4,500 to our 3 neighborhood schools: Anana Elementary, Orchard Ridge Elementary, and Toki Middle School. 

The schools were able to use these funds to purchase winter clothing and basic school supplies for students in need. The need for these basic necessities becomes clear when we consider the number of students who come from economically disadvantaged households. 

According to the latest statistics from the Department of Public Instruction, over 40% of the students at Anana Elementary live in economically disadvantaged households. At Toki Middle School, the number is 43%. And at Orchard Ridge Elementary, the number is 57%. 

Another basic need within our neighborhood schools is the need for staff. As is the case in many school districts across the country, our neighborhood schools must deal with the daily predicament of not having enough teachers. 

Given the challenges that each school faces, we aren’t asking the principals of our 3 neighborhood schools to submit a video for this year’s compassion offering. They have other pressing issues to attend to. 

Instead, we are asking you to give what you can, and give generously, so that each school can use our donations to address the urgent and important needs of the students they serve. 

Thank you for supporting our neighborhood schools, which have served many of our congregation families past and present. And thank you to all of the ORUCC members who have served and who continue to serve our community as teachers and school volunteers. 

At ORUCC we have a long history of supporting our neighborhood families and investing in education. With this month’s compassion offering, we have another important opportunity to contribute and carry on that tradition.

 Thank you for giving generously

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/

Snow Removal News

The ORUCC Resource Ministry Team has decided to switch vendors for our snow removal services. Dayflower Dave’s Snow Removal Services has taken over our snow removal as of 12/15/2023.

This is exciting news for multiple reasons:

·        They will be in contact with us prior to a snow event to ensure we receive the services we need.

·        They will use far less salt by working closely with us to determine when salt is needed. This will be much better for our grounds and the environment!

·        They use tractors equipped with snow blowers to prevent piles at the end of the parking lot.

·        Snow events with accumulation of one inch or greater will be cleared on Sunday morning by 8:00 AM.

·        We will be reducing our budgeted cost by over $3000 per season.

Important Note–Can you help

The contract with Dayflower Dave’s will have them remove snow when the accumulation is one inch or greater. What this means for us is that we are asking for able bodied volunteers to clear small amounts of snow away from the two entrances. If you are at church on a light snow day (less than 1”), please consider finding a shovel or broom to help with the snow removal. Shovels are located near the entrances or in the janitor room. A large push broom is also located in that room. Please contact a pastor if you can’t find the shovels or broom.

Summer Camp Registration Opens in January

 

Circle the dates on your calendar. Registration for Moon Beach opens on January 8th at 9:00 a.m. (Family Camp begins on June 30th and fills up quickly.) For Daycholah Center and Camp AweSum, the date is January 15th at 9:00 a.m. 

 

In preparation you can create or log your account by going to ucci.org and clicking on “registration”. We recommend updating all contact information and participant details ahead of time. When registration opens you can do it on-line or by phone

TODAY: Women’s Book Group

January 4, 1:30 – 3:00 pm

Zoom

ORUCC Women’s Book Group will meet on Zoom on January 4, 2024 from 1:30pm to 3pm. At this meeting we will discuss which books we would like to read over the 2024 year. I would like to compile a list for people to use prior to the meeting, so if possible please email me your suggestions by December 31. Also please consider facilitating the discussion the month your recommended book comes up. This is not mandatory, but is very much appreciated.

If you receive book group emails and would like to be removed from the list please email me. 

If you are interested in seeing the reading schedule and possibly joining some of the discussions also email me and I will add you to the list.

Happy reading in 2024!  

Deanna Blanchard

[email protected]

Friday Breakfast Group – January 5

 

The next Friday Breakfast is set for January 5 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.

Lunch and Learn

(formerly Over-55)

Wednesday, January 10th

  

How important are your stories? What is Oral History? And Why Does it Matter?

 

The term oral history appears a lot online, so much so that its true meaning has become obscured. Professional oral historians, such as UW-Madison Oral History Program Head Troy Reeves, have tried to push back against this phenomenon through his writings and presentations, including showing examples of “real” oral history done by Wisconsin organizations. So, join us on the 10th as he answers two questions: What is oral history? And why does it matter? Since 2007, as head of the campus oral history program, Troy Reeves has led oral history activities for the UW-Madison Archives. 

 

We gather on Wednesday the 10th at 11:30, dine from a wonderful buffet at 11:45, ($10 per person) and adjourn for the program at 12:30.  Please RSVP to Steve Sheets: [email protected]. 

MOVIE GROUP MEETS THURSDAY, JANUARY 11 “”RUSTIN”

Hello movie fans,

This month we will be watching the 2023 film “Rustin” at 7:00 on the 11th at the Oakwood Village Performance Center with discussion to follow in the Nakoma Room.

This movie chronicles how the lesser known Civil Rights activist, Bayard Rustin, took an idea of A. Philip Randolph and turned it into, arguably, the most famous march and speech in Civil Rights history. That march, of course, is the 1963 March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom and the speech is “I Have a Dream.”

Rustin, a gay Black Conscientious Objector (who did time during WWII for being a CO as well as hard time on a Georgia chain gang) was also (because of his Quaker roots) a peace activist. He had to deal with Jim Crow America as well as the homophobia of the Civil Rights movement of his time. In the film we meet every important figure in the movement, although only Rustin is the only fully developed figure. The film does not shy away from either his sexuality or the internal conflicts within the movement.

Baxter Richardson, who was one of the 250,000 plus marchers, will facilitate the discussion.

The film is also available for streaming on Netflix. 

Hope to see you on January 11th, 7 PM.



Two other January films you may want to see are “Harriet” on the 13th and “Selma” on the 15thin the Performance Center. Both at 7:00 PM. Both are important films.

DEADLINE TO REGISTER IS TODAY!

All Church Retreat January 12-14, 2024

Spiritually Alive:

Rooted and Grounded in Love

Hello friends, it is that time again:

our January All Church Retreat is booked for us at Daycholah Retreat Center on Green Lake for Friday January 12 – Sunday January 14. Registration is open from TODAY December 14- January 4. We encourage you to register as soon as possible. Register here and please pay registration fees on the website.

 

Pastor Kate & Pastor Julia are collaborating by organizing a special time of restoration and renewal for our whole church. Our worship theme in the New Year at ORUCC is “Faith in Action.” We believe living our faith out in the world requires deep spiritual nurture, so our All Church Retreat theme will be aimed at deepening our spiritual reserves through spiritual practice, titled “Spiritually Alive: Rooted and Grounded in Love.”

 

We know our families and children look forward to this time, and we love that those who value intergenerational fellowship and are able to make an effort to join, if only for the day on Saturday. Let us know if this is you!

 

If you’d like to join for the whole weekend the cost is $200 for adults and $140 for children (children under 5 are free). This includes lodging for two nights and meals Friday night (they do not allow potluck anymore for health code reasons), three meals Saturday and one meal Sunday. The church is able to supplement part of the weekend financially from our budget, which is already reflected in the cost.

 

We have partial and full scholarships available, so please reach out to us if financial help would make this more accessible for your family, or if you’d like to pay extra to sponsor someone anonymously.

 

Here are the registration links again:

Double Click here for REGISTRATION FORM

Double Click here for PAYMENT SITE

 

We cannot wait to share time with you in the New Year!

 

Julia & Kate

Annual Chili Cook Off

Sunday, January 28

Join us for the Annual Chili Cook Off on Sunday, Jan 28! You are invited to contribute your favorite chili or cornbread to the contest. Prizes will be awarded in the categories of vegetarian, meat, and specialty chilies, and also for the best cornbread. Everyone is invited to taste and vote after the service! Please sign up here or on the sign up sheet in the crossroads if you plan to contribute a chili or can help with the event.

Name Tags

The second batch of name tags is here! Please check to see if yours has arrived. The name tag board will be on the Gilbert Street side of the Crossroads. Magnetic name tags will be on the white board. Lanyard and pins will be in the tray below. If you need a “lanyard for your name tag” we have a few hanging on the side of the board. (We will order more name tags in January.)

Sign Up Now Through the End of June 2024!

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?

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.

COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE

Members of ORUCC are invited to apply for 2024-2025 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, 2024.

Contact [email protected] for an electronic application. Questions? Contact Ann Evensen at [email protected]

Virtual Wayfinding will gather on the 3rd Wednesday in person and virtually over ZOOM the 3rd Thursday from 4pm-5:15pm.

By Zoom on Thursdays: 04:00 PM Central Time

  

    Jan 18, 2024 04:00 PM

    Feb 15, 2024 04:00 PM

    Mar 21, 2024 04:00 PM

    Apr 18, 2024 04:00 PM

    May 16, 2024 04:00 PM

Click here to join Zoom meeting



us02web.zoom.us/j/87998025473?pwd=dEEzcFkvSnBNdzNUaE5BK2RxUDZqZz09

Meeting ID: 879 9802 5473

Passcode: 573548

Dial in

1 312 626 6799 US 

Office Manager Julie Wombacher

available Mon.-Thurs. 8:30am -12:00 pm

by appointment

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

Associate Pastor Kate Mackey: available

Mon.-Thurs. 10:00 am – 5:00 pm

by appointment

608-358-6143 EMAIL

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

Kate Friday and Saturday

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

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

LIKE or FOLLOW the Orchard Ridge FaceBook Page

JOIN our Private FB Group:

“Members & Friends of Orchard Ridge UCC“

Orchard Ridge United Church of Christ

1501 Gilbert Road

Madison, WI 53711

608-271-7212

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

January Compassion Offering: Neighborhood Schools

Orchard Ridge UCC on January 4, 2024

Last year our congregation was able to donate $4,500 to our 3 neighborhood schools: Anana Elementary, Orchard Ridge Elementary, and Toki Middle School.

The schools were able to use these funds to purchase winter clothing and basic school supplies for students in need. The need for these basic necessities becomes clear when we consider the number of students who come from economically disadvantaged households.

According to the latest statistics from the Department of Public Instruction, over 40% of the students at Anana Elementary live in economically disadvantaged households. At Toki Middle School, the number is 43%. And at Orchard Ridge Elementary, the number is 57%.

Another basic need within our neighborhood schools is the need for staff. As is the case in many school districts across the country, our neighborhood schools must deal with the daily predicament of not having enough teachers.

Given the challenges that each school faces, we aren’t asking the principals of our 3 neighborhood schools to submit a video for this year’s compassion offering. They have other pressing issues to attend to.

Instead, we are asking you to give what you can, and give generously, so that each school can use our donations to address the urgent and important needs of the students they serve.

Thank you for supporting our neighborhood schools, which have served many of our congregation families past and present. And thank you to all of the ORUCC members who have served and who continue to serve our community as teachers and school volunteers.

At ORUCC we have a long history of supporting our neighborhood families and investing in education. With this month’s compassion offering, we have another important opportunity to contribute and carry on that tradition.

Music Connections 1/7

Orchard Ridge UCC on January 4, 2024

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 movement and drumming. Kristin Schumacher will be our Safe Sanctuary volunteer. 


NO Music Connections next week (1/14) for the All Church Retreat. 

—

Julie Mazer (she/her)

Orchard Ridge United Church of Christ
Children's Education Coordinator
Children's Music Director

ORUCC – Sunday, Jan. 7th, 9 am – “A Christian & a Jew dialogue….”

Orchard Ridge UCC on January 3, 2024

You’re Invited!

Sunday, January 7, 9 am

at Orchard Ridge United Church of Christ

Alfred Swan Room (or possibly an adjacent area)

Baxter Richardson and Ed Janus dialogue:

The Current Tragedy in the Land Formally Known as the Holy Land:

A Conversation Between a Christian and a Jew

About Israel and Palestine

American Jews find themselves in a very difficult – some would say “untenable” – position as regards the horror in Israel and especially, in Gaza. How do these non-Israeli Jews reconcile the deep Jewish demand for justice and Israel’s expropriation of the Palestinians’ homeland? How do they reconcile the “colonialism” of the Jewish state with their own special status as refugees from horror? On the other hand, are American Christians, whose religious traditions are deeply Jewish, troubled in the same way.

In this 45-minute conversation, Baxter Richardson and Ed Janus will both share perspectives and, if possible, help us understand something that seems to defy understanding. Baxter and Ed will have no answers, only a look at the horrible tragedy of the once-Holy Land. They will be happy to entertain your questions and comments.

Here are some of the questions they plan to put to each other:

·        Do Judaism and Christianity offer us frameworks for understanding and/or optimism?

·        Do American Christians and American Jews view the horror in Gaza and Israel radically differently? 

·        Do American Jews have an unreasonable (unjust) bias towards Israel?

·        What does Ed think about Israel? If Israel is important to him why is that?

·        Is Israel a special case in world history with a permanent “get out of jail card”? Do American Jews believe that?

·        What does Israel mean to Baxter?

·        Does Israel get a pass when it acts like a normal nation? Is it held to a different standard higher than other nations?

·        Justice is a big deal for Jews: Does their support for Israel undermine that in the case of Gaza?

·        Do Jews have different justifications for the slaughter? Does Ed buy it?

·        Why do both Ed and Baxter find moral refuge in tragedy?

For background, watch the PBS documentary “Netanyahu, America and the War in Gaza/Failure at the Fence” which is available streaming on PBS Passport. This documentary aired on December 19 and while it deals primarily with Netanyahu, it examines the underlying conflicts and the failure of the peace process.

Click here for a pdf which may be easier to print
Orchard Ridge UCC | Spiritually Alive, Joyfully Inclusive, Committed to Justice, www.orucc.org, Madison, WI 53711

Sunday School 1/7

Orchard Ridge UCC on January 3, 2024

This week…

Nursery Care opens at 8:30. Jade and Marie are ready to play with your little one. 


Sunday School starts at 9 am. PreK-1 children are invited to sing with Julie in the William Johnson room from 9:00-9:15. After the music, Jill and Josie will guide the children in our final Advent story about the Prophets, Mary and Joseph, the Shepherds, and The Magi.

The 2-5 grade classroom will also complete their Advent study. The Magi have now arrived in Bethlehem for Epiphany!  The children will hear the story of the Magi and have the opportunity to sniff frankincense and myrrh essential oils. Following the stories, the children will be invited to make a beaded star to symbolize the star the Magi followed. Joanna and Jadyn will guide the children in their learning. 

Looking Ahead….NO SUNDAY SCHOOL 1/14 for the All Church Retreat. Sunday School Resumes on 1/21.

—

Julie Mazer (she/her)

Orchard Ridge United Church of Christ
Children's Education Coordinator
Children's Music Director

ORUCC – LAST CHANCE! January All Church Retreat!

Orchard Ridge UCC on January 2, 2024

All Church Retreat January 12-14, 2024

Spiritually Alive:

Rooted and Grounded in Love

REGISTRATION DEADLINE JANUARY 4

Happy New Year!

This is a reminder to sign up ASAP

for our All-Church retreat at Daycholah Center.

If you’d like to join for the whole weekend, the cost is $200 for adults (12+) and $140 for children (6-11, children under 5 are free). This includes lodging for two nights, dinner Friday night, three meals Saturday and one meal Sunday morning. The church is able to supplement part of the weekend financially from our budget, which is already reflected in the cost.

 

We have partial and full scholarships available, so please reach out to us if financial help would make this more accessible for your family, or if you’d like to pay extra to sponsor someone anonymously.

Register here and please pay registration fees on the church website.

 

Here are some FAQ for our retreat:

Who are our retreat leaders? And what are we doing?

Pastor Kate & Pastor Julia are coordinating a wonderful time with games, fun, and wandering the grounds in between thoughtful programming, delicious meals and plenty of down time to read and relax.

Our Saturday morning retreat leader is Rev. Kirsten Worzala Dumke, M Div, BCC. Kirsten is the chaplain of the Palliative Care clinic at UW Health in Madison, WI. When not tending to the emotional and spiritual wellbeing of patients, their support people, and staff, she enjoys her role as Co-Director of the Wellness Curriculum for the Hospice and Palliative Medicine fellows. Outside of work Kirsten enjoys spending time with her spouse, three children, and two dogs, tap and musical theatre classes, and good conversation, especially when coffee or wine is involved. Kirsten is also a trusted friend of Pastor Kate.

After some free time, Saturday afternoon will include Wild Church with Pastor Julia’s spouse Daniel Cooperrider around the fire.

Leslie Linser will offer an opportunity for all-abilities Yoga on Saturday evening, and the Hagen will offer a game night.

Sunday morning will close with worship facilitated by Pastor Kate & Pastor Julia.

Will this be super fun? Yes definitely!

What is the sleeping situation? If you have specific questions reach out to our wonderful Daycholah coordinator Kaitlyn: [email protected]

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?

Sleeping bag or warm blanket & sheets and pillows for a twin size bed.

Towels and toiletries.

Warm outdoor clothes and boots.

Cozy indoor clothes and indoor shoes.

Is Daycholah accessible? Yes! They have accessible rooms as well and an elevator in the dining hall building. They also have a golf cart that could be used for traversing Daycholah.

 

While is no way we could say there are no trip or fall hazards (Daycholah is built into a large hill, and there is always a risk of ice and bad weather in January) Daycholah staff will do everything they can to assist with any guest needs. If there are specific requests, please know we will do our very best to accommodate.

For other questions related to the facilities, meals, and lodging, contact Kaitlyn: [email protected]

 

Here are the registration links again:

REGISTRATION FORM

PAYMENT SITE

 

We cannot wait to share time with you in the New Year!

 

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

ORUCC Worship Resources for December 31

Orchard Ridge UCC on December 30, 2023

Worship Sunday, December 31, 2023 NO LIVE STREAM

9:00 am: Java & Jesus for Adults

10:00 am Worship

Sermon: Rev. Dr. Julia Burkey

Journey Into The Sacred: Labyrinth Walk

Lay Liturgist: Amy Kell

Special Music: Vicki Nonn

After a short sermon message will be a labyrinth walk to begin the New Year. There will be accessible options such as sitting around the labyrinth to meditate or hand held labyrinths.

Our worship will NOT be live-streamed

No programming for children and youth. Resumes January 7.

Java & Jesus

Sunday, Dec. 31, at 9 am

Attend in-person at the church in the Alfred Swan Room, or attend remotely by Zoom

Dan Rossmiller facilitating

All are welcome!

Please join us even if this is your first time!

(Jesus will be there, but bring your own Java!)

The Java & Jesus reading for New year’s Eve Sunday is a chapter from former President Jimmy Carter’s book: Faith: A Journey For All, in which he recounts demonstrations of faith through actions of a number of people who influenced him.

Click here for reading

 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

DECEMBER COMPASSION OFFERING

THE UCC CHRISTMAS FUND

The Christmas Fund is an annual special offering of the United Church of Christ. Each year at Christmas, UCC members are invited to give to this fund, created for the benefit of clergy and lay workers in our denomination. Orchard Ridge UCC has participated in generous ways for many years. 

Funds are disbursed in a timely and sensitive manner to benefit retired clergy with inadequate pensions, surviving clergy spouses whose needs may be great following the death of their spouse, retired church workers who often lack adequate pension plans, and currently serving pastors confronted with emergency financial needs. 

This year’s theme comes from John 1:16: “From Christ’s fullness we have all received, grace upon grace.” The presence of God in our lives equips us to respond generously. 

Throughout December we will hear specific accounts of ways The Christmas Fund has proved essential for those who lead us in worship and mission across the United Church of Christ. Funds are collected by The Pension Boards of the UCC and are distributed carefully and thoughtfully for maximum benefit. 

Thank you for giving generously

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/

ORUCC Worship December 31, 2023 -No Live-stream

Orchard Ridge UCC on December 30, 2023

Orchard Ridge

United Church of Christ

Sunday Worship Resources

Sunday, December 31, 2023

9:00 am: Java & Jesus for Adults

10:00 am Worship

Sermon: Rev. Dr. Julia Burkey

Journey Into The Sacred: Labyrinth Walk

Lay Liturgist: Amy Kell

Special Music: Vicki Nonn

After a short sermon message will be a labyrinth walk to begin the New Year. There will be accessible options such as sitting around the labyrinth to meditate or hand held labyrinths.

Our worship will NOT be live-streamed

YouTube Link

You will need to refresh the page

after 10 am if you have opened it before

Programming for Children & Youth – Resumes January 7th

No Nursery Care Available

Java & Jesus

Sunday, Dec. 31, at 9 am

Attend in-person at the church in the

Alfred Swan Room, or attend remotely

by Zoom

Dan Rossmiller facilitating

All are welcome!

Please join us even if this is your first time!

(Jesus will be there, but bring your own Java!)

The Java & Jesus reading for New year’s Eve Sunday is a chapter from former President Jimmy Carter’s book: Faith: A Journey For All, in which he recounts demonstrations of faith through

actions of a number of people who influenced him.

Click here for reading

_ _ _ _ _ _

 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

DECEMBER COMPASSION OFFERING

THE UCC CHRISTMAS FUND

The Christmas Fund is an annual special offering of the United Church of Christ. Each year at Christmas, UCC members are invited to give to this fund, created for the benefit of clergy and lay workers in our denomination. Orchard Ridge UCC has participated in generous ways for many years. 

Funds are disbursed in a timely and sensitive manner to benefit retired clergy with inadequate pensions, surviving clergy spouses whose needs may be great following the death of their spouse, retired church workers who often lack adequate pension plans, and currently serving pastors confronted with emergency financial needs. 

This year’s theme comes from John 1:16: “From Christ’s fullness we have all received, grace upon grace.” The presence of God in our lives equips us to respond generously. 

 

Throughout December we will hear specific accounts of ways The Christmas Fund has proved essential for those who lead us in worship and mission across the United Church of Christ. Funds are collected by The Pension Boards of the UCC and are distributed carefully and thoughtfully for maximum benefit. 

 

Thank you for giving generously

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 -12:00 pm

608-271-7212 or EMAIL

Senior Pastor: Rev. Dr. Julia Burkey EMAIL

On-call: 12/24/23 – 12/31/23

Holiday vacation: 1/1/24 – 1/6/24

Away attending UCC Conference for Senior Pastors: 1/7/24 – 1/11/24

Associate Pastor: Rev. Kate Mackey EMAIL

Holiday vacation: 12/25/23 – 1/1/24

Away tending to family needs in early January

Associate Pastor: Rev. Ken Pennings EMAIL

Holiday vacation: 12/25 – 1/1/24

On-call: 1/2/24 – 1/11/24

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“

Follow us on Instagram @orchardridgeucc
Orchard Ridge UCC | Spiritually Alive, Joyfully Inclusive, Committed to Justice, 1501 Gilbert Road, Madison, WI 53711

ORUCC Youth 12/31

Orchard Ridge UCC on December 29, 2023

Happy (almost) New Year! 

This Sunday, 12/31, we will continue a “winter break” for Sunday school. All youth are encouraged to attend worship at 10:00, which will include a labyrinth walk in lieu of a traditional sermon. Sunday school will resume on 1/7.
I (Pastor Kate) will be away this Sunday 12/31 for some rest time with my family. I look forward to seeing you all again in 2024!
Coming up… don't forget to register for the All Church retreat at Daycholah center January 12-14! Our theme is “Spiritually Alive: Rooted and Grounded in Love.” Pastor Julia and I are so excited to be leading this restful, fun, and inspiring weekend away. Please sign up here. There are also scholarships available if the cost is a barrier to your family. 
Grace and peace,
Kate

—

Rev. Kate Mackey
(she/her/hers)
Associate Pastor for Children, Youth, and Families
Orchard Ridge UCC
1501 Gilbert Rd.
Madison, WI 53711
Office: (608) 271-7212 ex. 2030
“If we have no peace, it is because we have forgotten that we belong to one another.” -Mother Teresa 

*Please note: I take Fridays and Saturdays as sabbath days and may not respond immediately to my email during those times. 

ORUCC Weekly Announcements for December 28

Orchard Ridge UCC on December 28, 2023

Spiritually Alive, Joyfully Inclusive, Committed to Justice

Week at a Glance December 28

Sunday, December 31

9:00 am Java & Jesus (for adults)

10:00 am Worship

Sermon: Julia Burkey

Lay Liturgist: Amy Kell

Music: Vicki Nonn & Bruce Gladstone

Happy New Year

Monday, January 1

The ORUCC Office is Closed 1/1

Pastor Ken on call January 1- January 11th

The Ministry of Adult Faith Formation

Tuesday, January 2

6:00 pm – 7:30 pm

Zoom

Leslie Linser

Meditation Group

Thursday, January 4

8:00 am – 9:00 am

Oscar Romero Room

Sue Dixon

 

Women’s Book Group

Thursday, January 4

1:30 pm – 3 pm

Zoom

Deanna Blanchard 

Friday Breakfast Group

Friday, January 5

8:30 am

Denny’s-433 Gammon Road

 

Meditation Group

Friday, January 5

9:30 am – 10:30 am

Sue Dixon

Zoom

Family Game Night

Friday, January 5

6:00 pm – 8 pm

Rachael Lancor

Friendship Hall

You are invited:

All Church Retreat January 12-14, 2024

Spiritually Alive:

Rooted and Grounded in Love

REGISTRATION DEADLINE JANUARY 4

Hello friends,

We are so excited to share in this January All Church Retreat at Daycholah Retreat Center on Green Lake for Friday January 12 – Sunday January 14. Registration is open through January 4. We encourage you to register as soon as possible. Register here and please pay registration fees on the website.

 

Pastor Kate & Pastor Julia are collaborating by organizing a special time of restoration and renewal for our whole church. Our worship theme in the New Year at ORUCC is “Faith in Action.” We believe living our faith out in the world requires deep spiritual nurture, so our All Church Retreat theme will be aimed at deepening our spiritual reserves through spiritual practice, titled “Spiritually Alive: Rooted and Grounded in Love.”

 

We know our families and children look forward to this time, and we love that those who value intergenerational fellowship and are able to make an effort to join, if only for the day on Saturday. Let us know if this is you!

 

If you’d like to join for the whole weekend the cost is $200 for adults and $140 for children (children under 5 are free). This includes lodging for two nights and meals Friday night (they do not allow potluck anymore for health code reasons), three meals Saturday and one meal Sunday. The church is able to supplement part of the weekend financially from our budget, which is already reflected in the cost.

 

We have partial and full scholarships available, so please reach out to us if financial help would make this more accessible for your family, or if you’d like to pay extra to sponsor someone anonymously.

 

Here are the registration links again:

REGISTRATION FORM

PAYMENT SITE

 

We cannot wait to share time with you in the New Year!

 

Julia & Kate

Camp Registration Opens in January

 

Circle the dates on your calendar. Registration for Moon Beach opens on January 8th at 9:00 a.m. (Family Camp begins on June 30th and fills up quickly.) For Daycholah Center and Camp AweSum, the date is January 15th at 9:00 a.m. 

 

In preparation you can create or log your account by going to ucci.org and clicking on “registration”. We recommend updating all contact information and participant details ahead of time. When registration opens you can do it on-line or by phone

Women’s Book Group

January 4, 1:30 pm – 3:00

Zoom

ORUCC Women’s Book Group will meet on Zoom on January 4, 2024 from 1:30pm to 3pm. At this meeting we will discuss which books we would like to read over the 2024 year. I would like to compile a list for people to use prior to the meeting, so if possible please email me your suggestions by December 31. Also please consider facilitating the discussion the month your recommended book comes up. This is not mandatory, but is very much appreciated.

If you receive book group emails and would like to be removed from the list please email me. 

If you are interested in seeing the reading schedule and possibly joining some of the discussions also email me and I will add you to the list.

Happy reading in 2024!  

Deanna Blanchard

[email protected]

Friday Breakfast Group – January 5

 

The next Friday Breakfast is set for January 5 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.

Lunch and Learn

(formerly Over-55)

Wednesday, January 10th

  

How important are your stories? What is Oral History? And Why Does it Matter?

 

The term oral history appears a lot online, so much so that its true meaning has become obscured. Professional oral historians, such as UW-Madison Oral History Program Head Troy Reeves, have tried to push back against this phenomenon through his writings and presentations, including showing examples of “real” oral history done by Wisconsin organizations. So, join us on the 10th as he answers two questions: What is oral history? And why does it matter? Since 2007, as head of the campus oral history program, Troy Reeves has led oral history activities for the UW-Madison Archives. 

 

We gather on Wednesday the 10th at 11:30, dine from a wonderful buffet at 11:45, ($10 per person) and adjourn for the program at 12:30.  Please RSVP to Steve Sheets: [email protected]. 

Indigenous Justice: What’s Next? A Conversation

Saturday January 27, 2024

9:00 am – 12:00 pm Friendship Hall

 

Save the date! Pastor Julia Burkey will be hosting a half-day retreat January 27th from 9am-12pm for any of our justice minded folks to wonder “what’s next” or “so what?” after dwelling in our Indigenous Justice theme for the last few months. All are welcome! Please RSVP to [email protected] if you plan to join. Please pass this on to anyone you think might be interested.

 

In case of snow, we will meet virtually.

 

My hope is that we can create a land acknowledgement task force to work on crafting that statement, with the “so what” commitment (not just stating we are all on stolen land). On our agenda will be thinking together about how we use our building, grounds and financial resources in light of the radical call of the Land Back movement and our commitment to our neighborhood. We will be listening for any ideas that have emerged as potential action items that ORUCC could engage in that would be faithful to our commitment to justice.

Annual Chili Cook Off

Join us for the Annual Chili Cook Off on Sunday, Jan 28! You are invited to contribute your favorite chili or cornbread to the contest. Prizes will be awarded in the categories of vegetarian, meat, and specialty chilies, and also for the best cornbread. Everyone is invited to taste and vote after the service! Please sign up here or on the sign up sheet in the crossroads if you plan to contribute a chili or can help with the event.

Name Tags

The second batch of name tags is here! Please check to see if yours has arrived. The name tag board will be on the Gilbert Street side of the Crossroads. Magnetic name tags will be on the white board. Lanyard and pins will be in the tray below. If you need a “lanyard for your name tag” we have a few hanging on the side of the board. (We will order more name tags in January.)

Sign Up Now Through the End of June 2024!

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?

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.

COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE

Members of ORUCC are invited to apply for 2024-2025 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, 2024.

Contact [email protected] for an electronic application. Questions? Contact Ann Evensen at [email protected]

Virtual Wayfinding will gather on the 3rd Wednesday in person and virtually over ZOOM the 3rd Thursday from 4pm-5:15pm.

By Zoom on Thursdays: 04:00 PM Central Time

  

    Jan 18, 2024 04:00 PM

    Feb 15, 2024 04:00 PM

    Mar 21, 2024 04:00 PM

    Apr 18, 2024 04:00 PM

    May 16, 2024 04:00 PM

Click here to join Zoom meeting



us02web.zoom.us/j/87998025473?pwd=dEEzcFkvSnBNdzNUaE5BK2RxUDZqZz09

Meeting ID: 879 9802 5473

Passcode: 573548

Dial in

1 312 626 6799 US 

DECEMBER COMPASSION OFFERING

THE CHRISTMAS FUND

The Christmas Fund is an annual special offering of the United Church of Christ. Each year at Christmas, UCC members are invited to give to this fund, created for the benefit of clergy and lay workers in our denomination. Orchard Ridge UCC has participated in generous ways for many years. 

Funds are disbursed in a timely and sensitive manner to benefit retired clergy with inadequate pensions, surviving clergy spouses whose needs may be great following the death of their spouse, retired church workers who often lack adequate pension plans, and currently serving pastors confronted with emergency financial needs. 

This year’s theme comes from John 1:16: “From Christ’s fullness we have all received, grace upon grace.” The presence of God in our lives equips us to respond generously. 

 

Throughout December we will hear specific accounts of ways The Christmas Fund has proved essential for those who lead us in worship and mission across the United Church of Christ. Funds are collected by The Pension Boards of the UCC and are distributed carefully and thoughtfully for maximum benefit. 

 

Thank you for giving generously

VIDEO

JANUARY COMASSION OFFERING: NEIGHBORHOOD SCHOOLS

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 CLOSED 12-25-2023 through 1-1-2024

Office Manager Julie Wombacher

available Mon.-Thurs. 8:30am -12:00 pm

by appointment

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

Associate Pastor Kate Mackey: available

Mon.-Thurs. 10:00 am – 5:00 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

ORUCC Java & Jesus, Dec. 31, 9 am (In-person or by Zoom)

Orchard Ridge UCC on December 28, 2023

Java & Jesus

Sunday, Dec. 31, at 9 am

Attend in-person at the church in the

Alfred Swan Room, or attend remotely

by Zoom

Dan Rossmiller facilitating

All are welcome!

Please join us even if this is your first time!

(Jesus will be there, but bring your own Java!)

The Java & Jesus reading for New year’s Eve Sunday is a chapter from former President Jimmy Carter’s book: Faith: A Journey For All, in which he recounts demonstrations of faith through

actions of a number of people who influenced him.

Click here for reading

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

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

ORUCC – January All Church Retreat-Sign up today!

Orchard Ridge UCC on December 27, 2023

You are invited to our 

All Church Retreat January 12-14, 2024

Spiritually Alive:

Rooted and Grounded in Love

REGISTRATION DEADLINE JANUARY 4

Hello friends,

Now that the holidays are in full swing, we have a hunch that you might be looking forward to some time of spiritual nourishment, rest and renewal to start the New Year. We would love to have you at the all-ages, All Church Retreat in January at Daycholah Center!

If you’d like to join for the whole weekend, the cost is $200 for adults (12+) and $140 for children (6-11, children under 5 are free). This includes lodging for two nights, dinner Friday night, three meals Saturday and one meal Sunday morning. The church is able to supplement part of the weekend financially from our budget, which is already reflected in the cost.

 

We have partial and full scholarships available, so please reach out to us if financial help would make this more accessible for your family, or if you’d like to pay extra to sponsor someone anonymously.

Register here and please pay registration fees on the church website.

 

Here are some FAQ for our retreat:

Who are our retreat leaders? And what are we doing?

Pastor Kate & Pastor Julia are coordinating a wonderful time with games, fun, and wandering the grounds in between thoughtful programming, delicious meals and plenty of down time to read and relax.

Our Saturday morning retreat leader is The Rev. Kirsten Worzala-Dumke, Chaplain at UW Carbonne Cancer Center and former pastor of Parroquia Santa Maria (a Spanish-language congregation associated with Luther Memorial Church ELCA). Kirsten is also a trusted friend of Pastor Kate.

After some free time, Saturday afternoon will include Wild Church with Pastor Julia’s spouse Daniel Cooperrider around the fire.

Leslie Linser will offer an opportunity for all-abilities Yoga on Saturday evening.

Sunday morning will close with worship facilitated by Pastor Kate & Pastor Julia.

Will this be super fun? Yes definitely!

What is the sleeping situation? If you have specific questions reach out to our wonderful Daycholah coordinator Kaitlyn: [email protected]

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?

Sleeping bag or warm blanket & sheets and pillows for a twin size bed.

Towels and toiletries.

Warm outdoor clothes and boots.

Cozy indoor clothes and indoor shoes.

Is Daycholah accessible? Yes! They have accessible rooms as well and an elevator in the dining hall building. They also have a golf cart that could be used for traversing Daycholah.

 

While is no way we could say there are no trip or fall hazards (Daycholah is built into a large hill, and there is always a risk of ice and bad weather in January) Daycholah staff will do everything they can to assist with any guest needs. If there are specific requests, please know we will do our very best to accommodate.

For other questions related to the facilities, meals, and lodging, contact Kaitlyn: [email protected]

 

Here are the registration links again:

REGISTRATION FORM

PAYMENT SITE

 

We cannot wait to share time with you in the New Year!

 

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

ORUCC Christmas Eve Worship Resources for 12.24.2023

Orchard Ridge UCC on December 23, 2023

Orchard Ridge

United Church of Christ

Sunday Worship Resources

Sunday, December 24, 2023

Merry Christmas

10:00 am: Advent 4 & Christmas Carol Sing

Coffee, cocoa & cookies plus cozy casual worship service for the whole family. You’re invited to wear something festive or even your pajamas!

This service is in-person only and

will NOT be live-streamed.

3:00 pm: Children & Youth Christmas Eve Candlelight Service with original and classic Christmas music in the theme of “hope” with children of the church and youth rock band TRU Function.

Live-Streamed & in-person

YouTube Link

You will need to refresh the page

after 10 am if you have opened it before

5:30 pm: Christmas Eve Candlelight Service

shared with ORUCC and Madison Mennonite Church

Special Music: ORUCC Choir

As a shared in-person service, our live-stream option is to join this special service over ZOOM, as the Mennonite community does at their weekly services.

Zoom Meeting Link

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81377636352?pwd=MW9BRFRlRDZncmtFdEs1cjN6Y1BkUT09

Meeting ID: 813 7763 6352

Passcode: 094412

Here is a google doc Printable Bulletin

Nursery & Sunday School pauses

Nursery Care is closed 12/24 & 12/31 and resumes 1/7/24

Sunday School takes a winter break 12/24 & 12/31 and resumes 1/7/24

Java & Jesus

pauses 12/24/23

resumes 12/31/23

DECEMBER COMPASSION OFFERING

THE UCC CHRISTMAS FUND

The Christmas Fund is an annual special offering of the United Church of Christ. Each year at Christmas, UCC members are invited to give to this fund, created for the benefit of clergy and lay workers in our denomination. Orchard Ridge UCC has participated in generous ways for many years. 

Funds are disbursed in a timely and sensitive manner to benefit retired clergy with inadequate pensions, surviving clergy spouses whose needs may be great following the death of their spouse, retired church workers who often lack adequate pension plans, and currently serving pastors confronted with emergency financial needs. 

This year’s theme comes from John 1:16: “From Christ’s fullness we have all received, grace upon grace.” The presence of God in our lives equips us to respond generously. 

 

Throughout December we will hear specific accounts of ways The Christmas Fund has proved essential for those who lead us in worship and mission across the United Church of Christ. Funds are collected by The Pension Boards of the UCC and are distributed carefully and thoughtfully for maximum benefit. 

 

Thank you for giving generously

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/

ORUCC office will be closed 12/23/23-1/1/24 and Office Manager Julie Wombacher will not respond to email or phone calls during this time. For pastor’s on-call and holiday vacation schedule, see bellow:

Senior Pastor: Rev. Dr. Julia Burkey EMAIL

On-call: 12/24/23 – 12/31/23

Holiday vacation: 1/1/24 – 1/6/24

Away attending UCC Conference for Senior Pastors: 1/7/24 – 1/11/24

Associate Pastor: Rev. Kate Mackey EMAIL

Holiday vacation: 12/25/23 – 1/1/24

Away tending to family needs in early January

Associate Pastor: Rev. Ken Pennings EMAIL

Holiday vacation: 12/25 – 1/1/24

On-call: 1/2/24 – 1/11/24

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

ORUCC Youth 12/24 and 12/31

Orchard Ridge UCC on December 22, 2023

Hello friends,

These next two Sundays we will take a break from regularly scheduled 9:00 youth programming. We encourage everyone to consider attending our 10:00 services: 12/24 we are having a Christmas Carol sing-along (feel free to wear your festive Christmas jammies!), and 12/31 will include an intergenerational labyrinth walk. Sunday school will start up again on 1/7.
Christmas Eve services this weekend include our 3:00 Children and Youth led service, and an intergenerational candlelight service in collaboration with the Madison Mennonite  Church at 5:30.
A few other upcoming highlights:
We hope you will consider coming along on our All-ages All-church retreat January 12-14 at Daycholah Center! You can sign up here.
Also: Any youth 8th grade + who are interested in confirmation this spring, please fill out this form as well!
Have a very Merry Christmas, a Happy New Year–may you experience the peace and joy of Christ this season.
Kate

—

Rev. Kate Mackey
(she/her/hers)
Associate Pastor for Children, Youth, and Families
Orchard Ridge UCC
1501 Gilbert Rd.
Madison, WI 53711
Office: (608) 271-7212 ex. 2030
“If we have no peace, it is because we have forgotten that we belong to one another.” -Mother Teresa 

*Please note: I take Fridays and Saturdays as sabbath days and may not respond immediately to my email during those times. 

ORUCC Weekly Announcements for December 21

Orchard Ridge UCC on December 21, 2023

Spiritually Alive, Joyfully Inclusive, Committed to Justice

Week at a Glance December 21

TODAY

Wayfinding

Thursday, December 21

4:00 – 5:15 pm

Zoom (see below)

Becky Baumbach

Flicker Wild Church

Solstice Celebration

Thursday, December 21

4:00 – 5:30 pm

Donald Park

Julia Burkey & Daniel Cooperrider

(see details below)

Christmas Eve Services

Sunday, December 24

10:00 am Worship

Christmas Carol Sing

Lay Liturgist: Lauren Amburn

Advent Candle-lighters: The Haskins Family

3:00 pm Christmas Eve Service

Children of ORUCC Share Music of Hope

5:30 pm Intergenerational Christmas Eve

Candlelight Service with ORUCC & MMC

Merry Christmas

Monday, December 25

The ORUCC Office is Closed 12/25-1/1

In case of pastoral emergency,

Pastor Julia on call December 25 – December 31st

Pastor Ken on call January 1- January 11th

Meditation Group

Friday, December 29

9:30 am – 10:30 am

Sue Dixon

Zoom

Flicker Wild Church, Solstice Gathering

Thursday Dec 21, at 4pm

We will circle around a fire at Donald County Park (Pop’s Knoll entrance), as we honor the Winter Solstice through words, silence, community, and communion with the more-than-human world. We will watch the sun sink at its lowest point on the horizon, and we will call it back, using human prayer on this day as an ancient form of spiritual technology to take up our place in the turning of the year, and the returning of the light. Bring your own chair, a warm beverage and a tasty treat to share if you’d like.

 

See here for more details on the gathering, and for more information on Flicker Wild Church in general, let by Pastor Julia Burkey and her spouse Daniel Cooperrider.

Christmas Eve Celebrations December 24



Sunday December 24, 2023

10:00 am – cocoa, cookies & Christmas carols! Join for a festive and joyful morning service where we light the 4th candle of Advent and transition to Christmas Eve! Feel free to wear jammies or something festive.

3:00 pm – Children & Youth Christmas Eve Music & Candlelight service, led by the ORUCC children who will play original and classic Christmas music in the theme of “Hope,” sharing with us that “Hope grows.” Our youth rock band Tru Function will play!

5:30 pm – Christmas Eve Candlelight service with Madison Mennonite Church & ORUCC, reading through the Gospel of Luke in the Indigenous Translation of the New Testament, with beloved Christmas music to sing together. ORUCC choir will sing!

We can’t wait to see you at one or all of these services

Christmas Light Show



Looking for Christmas lights and cheer? Gabe Martens has the answer! Come to 10 Quarterdeck Drive, Madison and watch from your car a beautiful light and song display. Tune to 92.5 as you watch from your car.

 

Merry Christmas!

Spiritual

Nourishment

for you!

For the week of Dec. 21 – Dec. 27

 

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 Dec. 21-27

 

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. You can also send your email address to Jeanne at LINK and she will email them directly to you weekly.

Women’s Book Group

January 4, 1:30 pm – 3:00

Zoom

ORUCC Women’s Book Group will meet on Zoom on January 4, 2024 from 1:30 pm to 3 pm. At this meeting we will discuss which books we would like to read over the 2024 year. I would like to compile a list for people to use prior to the meeting, so if possible please email me your suggestions by December 31. Also please consider facilitating the discussion the month your recommended book comes up. This is not mandatory, but is very much appreciated.

If you receive book group emails and would like to be removed from the list please email me. 

If you are interested in seeing the reading schedule and possibly joining some of the discussions also email me and I will add you to the list.

Happy reading in 2024!  

Deanna Blanchard

[email protected]

REGISTRATION DEADLINE JANUARY 4

All Church Retreat January 12-14, 2024

Spiritually Alive:

Rooted and Grounded in Love

Hello friends, it is that time again:

our January All Church Retreat is booked for us at Daycholah Retreat Center on Green Lake for Friday January 12 – Sunday January 14. Registration is open from TODAY December 14- January 4. We encourage you to register as soon as possible. Register here and please pay registration fees on the website.

 

Pastor Kate & Pastor Julia are collaborating by organizing a special time of restoration and renewal for our whole church. Our worship theme in the New Year at ORUCC is “Faith in Action.” We believe living our faith out in the world requires deep spiritual nurture, so our All Church Retreat theme will be aimed at deepening our spiritual reserves through spiritual practice, titled “Spiritually Alive: Rooted and Grounded in Love.”

 

We know our families and children look forward to this time, and we love that those who value intergenerational fellowship and are able to make an effort to join, if only for the day on Saturday. Let us know if this is you!

 

If you’d like to join for the whole weekend the cost is $200 for adults and $140 for children (children under 5 are free). This includes lodging for two nights and meals Friday night (they do not allow potluck anymore for health code reasons), three meals Saturday and one meal Sunday. The church is able to supplement part of the weekend financially from our budget, which is already reflected in the cost.

 

We have partial and full scholarships available, so please reach out to us if financial help would make this more accessible for your family, or if you’d like to pay extra to sponsor someone anonymously.

 

Here are the registration links again:

REGISTRATION FORM

PAYMENT SITE

 

We cannot wait to share time with you in the New Year!

 

Julia & Kate

Name Tags

The second batch of name tags is here! Please check to see if yours has arrived. The name tag board will be on the Gilbert Street side of the Crossroads. Magnetic name tags will be on the white board. Lanyard and pins will be in the tray below. If you need a “lanyard for your name tag” we have a few hanging on the side of the board. (We will order more name tags in January.)

DECEMBER COMPASSION OFFERING

THE CHRISTMAS FUND

The Christmas Fund is an annual special offering of the United Church of Christ. Each year at Christmas, UCC members are invited to give to this fund, created for the benefit of clergy and lay workers in our denomination. Orchard Ridge UCC has participated in generous ways for many years. 

Funds are disbursed in a timely and sensitive manner to benefit retired clergy with inadequate pensions, surviving clergy spouses whose needs may be great following the death of their spouse, retired church workers who often lack adequate pension plans, and currently serving pastors confronted with emergency financial needs. 

This year’s theme comes from John 1:16: “From Christ’s fullness we have all received, grace upon grace.” The presence of God in our lives equips us to respond generously. 

 

Throughout December we will hear specific accounts of ways The Christmas Fund has proved essential for those who lead us in worship and mission across the United Church of Christ. Funds are collected by The Pension Boards of the UCC and are distributed carefully and thoughtfully for maximum benefit. 

 

Thank you for giving generously

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/

Sign Up Now Through the End of June 2024!

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?

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.

Indigenous Justice: What’s Next? A Conversation

Saturday January 27, 2024

9:00 am – 12:00 pm Friendship Hall

Save the date! Pastor Julia Burkey will be hosting a half-day retreat January 27th from 9am-12pm for any of our justice minded folks to wonder “what’s next” or “so what?” after dwelling in our Indigenous Justice theme for the last few months. All are welcome! Please RSVP to [email protected] if you plan to join. Please pass this on to anyone you think might be interested.

In case of snow, we will meet virtually.

My hope is that we can create a land acknowledgement task force to work on crafting that statement, with the “so what” commitment (not just stating we are all on stolen land). On our agenda will be thinking together about how we use our building, grounds and financial resources in light of the radical call of the Land Back movement and our commitment to our neighborhood. We will be listening for any ideas that have emerged as potential action items that ORUCC could engage in that would be faithful to our commitment to justice.

Mark Your Calendars for the upcoming all-church 

Faith in Action Brunch 

Sunday, February 11, 2023, 11:15am

The Ministry of Christian Witness & Service is hosting this intergenerational event to: 

– Gather as a community & enjoy a meal together

– Inspire new connections

– Learn about and raise up our individual and collective outreach and justice work within and beyond ORUCC

– Have fun!



You won’t want to miss it. More details to come in January 2024!

COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE

Members of ORUCC are invited to apply for 2024-2025 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, 2024.

Contact [email protected] for an electronic application. Questions? Contact Ann Evensen at [email protected]

Virtual Wayfinding will gather on the 3rd Wednesday in person and virtually over ZOOM the 3rd Thursday from 4pm-5:15pm.

By Zoom on Thursdays: 04:00 PM Central Time

   

    Dec 21, 2023 04:00 PM

    Jan 18, 2024 04:00 PM

    Feb 15, 2024 04:00 PM

    Mar 21, 2024 04:00 PM

    Apr 18, 2024 04:00 PM

    May 16, 2024 04:00 PM

Click here to join Zoom meeting



us02web.zoom.us/j/87998025473?pwd=dEEzcFkvSnBNdzNUaE5BK2RxUDZqZz09

Meeting ID: 879 9802 5473

Passcode: 573548

Dial in

1 312 626 6799 US 

OFFICE CLOSED 12-25-2023 through 1-1-2024

Office Manager Julie Wombacher

available Mon.-Thurs. 8:30am -12:00 pm

by appointment

608-271-7212 or EMAIL

Senior Pastor Julia Burkey

On call December 25- December 31

On vacation January 1-7th

Attending Conversations:

UCC Senior Pastors Conference

January 7-11th

518-542-6915 EMAIL

Associate Pastor Ken Pennings:

Off December 25- December 31

On call January 1-11

608-556-2371 EMAIL

Associate Pastor Kate Mackey

Off December 25- December 31

Away and tending to family grief and needs in early January

608-358-6143 EMAIL

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

ORUCC Worship Resources for Sunday December 17th

Orchard Ridge UCC on December 16, 2023

Orchard Ridge

United Church of Christ

Sunday Worship Resources

Sunday, December 17, 2023

9:00 am: Sunday School for Children & Youth

9:00 am: Java & Jesus for Adults

10:00 am (or 9:50 am): Worship

Some of our youth will offer prelude music beginning at 9:50 am. Please try to arrive early for worship, and consider wearing pink or rose for we will be lighting the pink advent candle of joy!

Sermon: Rev. Dr. Julia Burkey

The Song of Simeon “I can cross over in peace”

Lay Liturgist: Laura Conners

Special Music: ORUCC Choir

Candle-lighters: The Kinney Family

We invite you to remain after worship when some of our children will offer 20 minutes of postlude music.

11:15 am: Sermon Talk Back

Click here for At-Home 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

For Children & Youth – December 17

Children

Nursery Care opens at 8:30. Jade and Marie are ready to play with your little one!

Sunday School starts at 9 am. PreK-1 children are invited to sing with Julie in the William Johnson room from 9:00-9:15. We’ll rehearse the song “Away in a Manger” for our Christmas Eve service. After the music, Karen and Josie will guide the children in Advent stories about the Prophets, Mary and Joseph, The Shepherds, and The Magi.

The 2-5 grade classroom will also explore the Prophets, Mary and Joseph, The Shepherds, and The Magi. Exploration stations will include writing Christmas cards to church elders, designing HOPE letters for our Christmas Eve service, sewing Christmas stars, nativity dioramas creation, and puzzles. Joanna, Diane, and Jadyn will guide the children in their learning. 

*No Sunday School 12/24 and 12/31. We’ll resume on 1/7 with a special Epiphany Celebration.

Here is a link to a fabulous resource for an at-home Advent devotional. With quick and easy prompts, families are invited to find a scripture, reflect, color, and pray. 

Click here for the resource

Upcoming! Save the Date!

January 12-14  All Church Retreat at Daycholah Center: We are excited to continue this wonderful tradition again this year. More details are coming soon about registration for this all-ages event. 

Youth

There is a lot coming up for our youth! This Sunday, Dec. 17th, we will have “Echo the Story” Sunday school at 9:00 a.m. Pastor Kate will be teaching this week.

Our ORUCC Post Office fundraiser will be in its last week (bring your cards to “send”, and come stop by to see if you have cards to pick up!) TRU Function will meet from 10-12 to prepare for Christmas Eve service. Some of our youth have prepared musical selections to play either at 9:50 as a prelude to service, or immediately following the service at 11:00. 

If your family picked up a tag for the Christmas Gift Tree, please make sure to do your shopping and bring your wrapped gift, along with the original tag, this Sunday. 

More Next Week:

12/19 Culver’s Night Service Trip Fundraiser, 4:00-8:00: Youth 16+ can volunteer; youth under 16 who are preparing for the service trip are welcome to come have dinner and participate in one the conversation tables we are hosting! This is an opportunity for folks of the church who come to support the youth at Culver’s to have a conversation and dinner with us. If you are planning to be there at any point, let me know!

12/22 Christmas Eve Dress Rehearsal: Children and youth participating in our Children’s Christmas Eve service are asked to take part in this rehearsal at 5:30 p.m. You are encouraged to wear festive attire! 🙂 

12/24 Christmas Eve: We have three services, as this is a Sunday. 

  • 10:00 Carols and Cocoa: Wear your Christmas jammies and enjoy a Christmas Carol-singalong as part of this morning service!
  • 3:00 Children’s Service: Our beloved tradition, worship led by children and youth
  • 5:30 Intergenerational Candlelight Service: This year we are collaborating with Madison Mennonite Church for this special service of lessons and carols. 

   There will be no Sunday School on 12/24 or 12/31.

Looking ahead!

All Church Retreat! Spiritually Alive: Rooted and Grounded in Love

January 12-14 at Daycholah Center. Please find registration here

Confirmation: We hope to begin confirmation in March. If your youth (8th grade plus) is interested in confirmation, please indicate your interest (and any questions you might have) here. 

Java & Jesus

Sunday, Dec. 17, 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!

The theme for the third Sunday of Advent is JOY. We have six short readings, prose and poem, for our discussion.



Click here for reading

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

 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

DECEMBER COMPASSION OFFERING

THE UCC CHRISTMAS FUND

The Christmas Fund is an annual special offering of the United Church of Christ. Each year at Christmas, UCC members are invited to give to this fund, created for the benefit of clergy and lay workers in our denomination. Orchard Ridge UCC has participated in generous ways for many years. 

Funds are disbursed in a timely and sensitive manner to benefit retired clergy with inadequate pensions, surviving clergy spouses whose needs may be great following the death of their spouse, retired church workers who often lack adequate pension plans, and currently serving pastors confronted with emergency financial needs. 

This year’s theme comes from John 1:16: “From Christ’s fullness we have all received, grace upon grace.” The presence of God in our lives equips us to respond generously. 

 

Throughout December we will hear specific accounts of ways The Christmas Fund has proved essential for those who lead us in worship and mission across the United Church of Christ. Funds are collected by The Pension Boards of the UCC and are distributed carefully and thoughtfully for maximum benefit. 

 

Thank you for giving generously

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 -12:00 pm

608-271-7212 or EMAIL

Senior Pastor: Rev. Dr. Julia Burkey

EMAIL

Associate Pastor: Rev. Kate Mackey EMAIL

Associate Pastor: Rev. Ken Pennings

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“

Follow us on Instagram @orchardridgeucc
Orchard Ridge UCC | Spiritually Alive, Joyfully Inclusive, Committed to Justice, 1501 Gilbert Road, Madison, WI 53711

Memorial Service for Judy Winkel will be livestreamed

Orchard Ridge UCC on December 15, 2023

The family of beloved long-time ORUCC member Judy Winkel invites you to a Memorial Service to celebrate her life tomorrow, December 16th, at 11am, at ORUCC, with a visitation beginning at 9:30am and luncheon following the service.

The service will be livestreamed.

You may “attend” the service virtually

on YouTube any time after 11 am:

Click here for YouTube link

You may need to refresh the page

after 11 am if you have opened it before

Obituary for Judith V. Winkel

Madison – Judith V. “Judy” Winkel, 85, of Madison passed away on Thursday, November 23rd at UW Hospital. Judy was born in Green Bay, WI on August 17, 1938, the daughter of Clifford Gale and Verda Gale (Zuehlke).

Judy graduated from Green Bay West High School and later UW Madison, where she met her future husband, Phil. They were married on June 17, 1961 and had 62 years as lovers and best friends. Judy was a Physical Therapist, working at hospitals in Madison and Green Bay before moving to Long Beach, CA with Phil for 2 years. After a 10 year break to raise her young children, she began working for the Madison Metropolitan School District, providing physical therapy to students with special needs. She retired in 1996 after 23 years, having worked in nearly every school in the district.

Judy was an active member of many organizations: Attic Angels, PEO Chapter H, Alpha Delta Kappa and the Madison Civics Club. At her church, Orchard Ridge United Church of Christ, she volunteered in many ways – as chair of various boards, as one of the founding members of the bell choir and as a knitter of many prayer shawls.

Together Judy and Phil enjoyed travel to Mexico, the British Isles, Caribbean cruises, Germany, the Galapagos Islands, all around the United States and, most recently, Italy and Iceland. But her favorite place was their seasonal cottage near Eagle River, WI. She spent many summer and fall days with dear friends playing cards, watching the wildlife and spending time with family. Her grandchildren were her pride and joy. They baked cookies, did crafts, visited places all around Madison, picked strawberries and made jam. She always enjoyed attending their sporting, musical and school events.

Judy is survived by her husband Phil, her children Paul, Jim (Becky), and Sandy (Dave Nicholson) her four grandchildren, Mary Claire and Abby Nicholson, Caleb and Melizha Winkel, and many beloved nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents and siblings, Calvin, Stuart and Beth.

The funeral service will be at Orchard Ridge United Church of Christ, 1501 Gilbert Road, Madison, WI 53711 on Saturday, December 16th at 11:00 am. Visitation will precede the service beginning at 9:30. A light meal will be served after the service. Weather permitting, Judy’s ashes will be buried in the church Garth after the service.  

Flowers or donations to Orchard Ridge United Church of Christ are welcome.
Orchard Ridge UCC | Spiritually Alive, Joyfully Inclusive, Committed to Justice, www.orucc.org, Madison, WI 53711

ORUCC Youth Sunday 12/17

Orchard Ridge UCC on December 14, 2023

Hello friends,

In this busy season, I want to take a special moment to say THANK YOU to each of you for your care and support for our youth programming. It is such a gift to be part of this congregation and serve as one of your pastors!
There is a lot coming up for our youth! This Sunday we will have “Echo the Story” Sunday school at 9:00 a.m. I will be teaching this week. Our ORUCC Post Office fundraiser will be in its last week (bring your cards to “send”, and come stop by to see if you have cards to pick up!) TRU Function will meet from 10-12 to prepare for Christmas Eve service.  Some of our youth have prepared musical selections to play either at 9:50 as a prelude to service, or immediately following the service at 11:00. 
If your family picked up a tag for the Christmas Gift Tree, please make sure to do your shopping and bring your wrapped gift, along with the original tag, on Sunday. 
More Next Week:
12/19 Culver's Night Service Trip Fundraiser, 4:00-8:00: Youth 16+ can volunteer; youth under 16 who are preparing for the service trip are welcome to come have dinner and participate in one the conversation tables we are hosting! This is an opportunity for folks of the church who come to support the youth at Culver's to have a conversation and dinner with us. If you are planning to be there at any point, let me know!
12/22 Christmas Eve Dress Rehearsal: Children and youth participating in our Children's Christmas Eve service are asked to take part in this rehearsal at 5:30 p.m. You are encouraged to wear festive attire! 🙂 
12/24 Christmas Eve: We have three services, as this is a Sunday. 
  • 10:00 Carols and Cocoa: Wear your Christmas jammies and enjoy a Christmas Carol-singalong as part of this morning service!
  • 3:00 Children's Service: Our beloved tradition, worship led by children and youth
  • 5:30 Intergenerational Candlelight Service: This year we are collaborating with Madison Mennonite Church for this special service of lessons and carols. 
     There will be no Sunday School on 12/24 or 12/31.

Looking ahead!
All Church Retreat! Spiritually Alive: Rooted and Grounded in Love
January 12-14 at Daycholah Center. Please find registration here
Confirmation: We hope to begin confirmation in March. If your youth (8th grade plus) is interested in confirmation, please indicate your interest (and any questions you might have) here. 
If you made it all the way to the end, way to go! We have a lot happening right now. I hope that in between the busy moments, you find pockets of peace and joy as well. 
Grace and peace,
Kate

—

Rev. Kate Mackey
(she/her/hers)
Associate Pastor for Children, Youth, and Families
Orchard Ridge UCC
1501 Gilbert Rd.
Madison, WI 53711
Office: (608) 271-7212 ex. 2030
“If we have no peace, it is because we have forgotten that we belong to one another.” -Mother Teresa 

*Please note: I take Fridays and Saturdays as sabbath days and may not respond immediately to my email during those times. 

ORUCC Weekly Announcements for December 14

Orchard Ridge UCC on December 14, 2023

Spiritually Alive, Joyfully Inclusive, Committed to Justice

Week at a Glance December 14

TONIGHT

Movie Group

Thursday, December 14

7:00 pm

Oakwood Village West

Judy Winkel Memorial Service

Saturday, December 16

Visitation 9:30 am

Service 11:00 am

Sunday, December 17

For adults – 9:00 am Java & Jesus

For children – 9:00 am Sunday School

9:50 Children/Youth Musical Prelude

10:00 am Worship

Julia Burkey Preaching

Lay Liturgist: Laura Conners

Advent Candle-lighters: The Kinney Family

Music: ORUCC Choir

11:00 Children/Youth Musical Offerings

11:15 am Sermon Talk-Back

Culver’s Mineral Point Road

Tuesday, December 19

4:00 – 8:00 pm

Care of Creation

Tuesday, December 19

7:00 – 8:30 pm

Zoom

Jill Westberg

Wayfinding

Wednesday, December 20

9:30 am

Friendship Hall

Meditation Group

Thursday, December 21

8:00 – 9:00 am

Oscar Romero Room

Sue Dixon

Wayfinding

Thursday, December 21

4:00 – 5:15 pm

Zoom

Julia Burkey

 

Meditation Group

Friday, December 22

9:30 am – 10:30 am

Sue Dixon

Zoom

Upcoming Events for our

Youth Service Trip Fundraisers:

ORUCC “Post Office” December 17

Culver’s Night-Mineral Point Rd. December 19, 4-8!

Children/Youth Special Musical Offerings

We have many children and youth who love to share their musical talents during the holiday season! This Sunday, 12/17, we will have an opportunity to hear our children play holiday pieces they have prepared before worship as a prelude (beginning at 9:50), and after service for about 20 minutes. We celebrate the hard work and gifts of our youth!

DECEMBER COMPASSION OFFERING

THE CHRISTMAS FUND

The Christmas Fund is an annual special offering of the United Church of Christ. Each year at Christmas, UCC members are invited to give to this fund, created for the benefit of clergy and lay workers in our denomination. Orchard Ridge UCC has participated in generous ways for many years. 

Funds are disbursed in a timely and sensitive manner to benefit retired clergy with inadequate pensions, surviving clergy spouses whose needs may be great following the death of their spouse, retired church workers who often lack adequate pension plans, and currently serving pastors confronted with emergency financial needs. 

This year’s theme comes from John 1:16: “From Christ’s fullness we have all received, grace upon grace.” The presence of God in our lives equips us to respond generously. 

 

Throughout December we will hear specific accounts of ways The Christmas Fund has proved essential for those who lead us in worship and mission across the United Church of Christ. Funds are collected by The Pension Boards of the UCC and are distributed carefully and thoughtfully for maximum benefit. 

 

Thank you for giving generously

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/

Sermon Talk Backs

Sundays at 11:15 am in the Alfred Swan Room

Come share in an opportunity to discuss how the sermon of the day touched you spiritually. This is hosted and facilitated by members of the Ministry of Adult Faith Formation.

Holiday greeting cards available in the Crossroads!

Shop local (really local!) and support housing stability by purchasing your holiday greeting cards at ORUCC! There is a HUGE selection of Christmas and winter-themed cards on display in the Crossroads. In the past year we have raised over $1500 thanks to YOU! -Peg Knueve & LuAnn Greiner

Christmas Eve Morning:

Christmas Carol Sing-along service

Christmas Eve is a Sunday this year, so we will still have our regular 10 a.m. worship service. This will be a more informal, cozy service, with a Christmas Carol sing-along,

and an invitation to wear your Christmas Jammies!

Holiday Gift Tree to Support our Neighbors:

Return This Sunday!

If you took a tag to support the Early Childhood Initiative (ECI) in our neighborhood, please purchase, wrap, and return gifts (along with the gift tag from the tree) by December 17th! Talk to Pastor Kate for details.

All Church Retreat January 12-14, 2024

Spiritually Alive:

Rooted and Grounded in Love

Hello friends, it is that time again:

our January All Church Retreat is booked for us at Daycholah Retreat Center on Green Lake for Friday January 12 – Sunday January 14. Registration is open from TODAY December 14- January 4. We encourage you to register as soon as possible. Register here and please pay registration fees on the website.

 

Pastor Kate & Pastor Julia are collaborating by organizing a special time of restoration and renewal for our whole church. Our worship theme in the New Year at ORUCC is “Faith in Action.” We believe living our faith out in the world requires deep spiritual nurture, so our All Church Retreat theme will be aimed at deepening our spiritual reserves through spiritual practice, titled “Spiritually Alive: Rooted and Grounded in Love.”

 

We know our families and children look forward to this time, and we love that those who value intergenerational fellowship and are able to make an effort to join, if only for the day on Saturday. Let us know if this is you!

 

If you’d like to join for the whole weekend the cost is $200 for adults and $140 for children (children under 5 are free). This includes lodging for two nights and meals Friday night (they do not allow potluck anymore for health code reasons), three meals Saturday and one meal Sunday. The church is able to supplement part of the weekend financially from our budget, which is already reflected in the cost.

 

We have partial and full scholarships available, so please reach out to us if financial help would make this more accessible for your family, or if you’d like to pay extra to sponsor someone anonymously.

 

Here are the registration links again:

REGISTRATION FORM

PAYMENT SITE

 

We cannot wait to share time with you in the New Year!

 

Julia & Kate

Youth Service Trip Fundraisers:

ORUCC Post Office

and Culver’s Night!

This is the last Sunday (December 17) to bring your holiday cards if you would like to “send” them through the ORUCC post office. 50 cent suggested donation per card. Make sure you also stop by to see if you have received any cards!

Culver’s Night December 19th: Join our youth for dinner at Culver’s on Mineral Point Road! This year, as an additional bonus, we will have youth at tables for conversation if you’d like to come have dinner with our teens. We get a portion of all sales that evening, so please invite your family and friends.

Name Tags

The second batch of name tags is here! Please check to see if yours has arrived. The name tag board will be on the Gilbert Street side of the Crossroads. Magnetic name tags will be on the white board. Lanyard and pins will be in the tray below. If you need a “lanyard for your name tag” we have a few hanging on the side of the board. (We will order more name tags in January.)

Sign Up Now Through the End of June 2024!

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?

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.

Mark Your Calendars for the upcoming all-church 

Faith in Action Brunch 

Sunday, February 11, 2023, 11:15am

The Ministry of Christian Witness & Service is hosting this intergenerational event to: 

– Gather as a community & enjoy a meal together

– Inspire new connections

– Learn about and raise up our individual and collective outreach and justice work within and beyond ORUCC

– Have fun!



You won’t want to miss it. More details to come in January 2024!

Updates from the Ministry of Christian Witness & Service (CWS)

 

Compassion Offerings:  Our CWS team is responsible for designating a recipient organization for the monthly compassion offerings. We invite you to be a part of this process! Consider a non-profit that aligns with our church mission and that you are willing to help us promote. Then, follow the instructions on this form: Compassion Offering Request Form (google.com) . The Ministry of Christian Witness & Service will review and consider your proposal at one of our monthly meetings. 

 

Outreach Support Initiatives:  Each year, CWS is charged with allocating monies from a designated outreach support fund that in turn helps organizations locally and globally to carry out good works in the world. Here are some highlights of fund allocation in 2023:

 

Youth mission trip chaperone subsidy: $1500

The Village Diaper Bank: $600

UCC Global Ministries (middle east support): $2000

Mary House of Hospitality (families of prisoners): $1000

Catholic Multicultural Center (immigration support): $1000

Greater Turning Catholic Worker House of Hospitality: $940

Prison ministry support through JustDane: $900

Annual dues to MOSES and Dane Sanctuary Coalition: $500 each

 

Please know that advocates and representatives for these organizations/endeavors extend their deep appreciation for the generosity of this congregation. THANK YOU!

An informative booklet entitled What is Palestine-Israel? — Answers to Common Questions has been provided by the Palestine Justice Mission Team for use by our members and friends. Two copies are available in the Crossroads area for ORUCC folks to check out and peruse.

 

This resource is published by the Mennonite Central Committee, and authored by Sonia K. Weaver. Weaver served for eleven years through the Mennonite Central Committee in the West Bank, Gaza, Jerusalem and Jordan. In this resource she shares questions she has been asked over the years, and provides succinct, illuminating answers.

 

We hope this resource will prove useful in answering basic questions about Palestine-Israel. 

Tonight: Movie Group

Thursday, December 14–7 pm

      December Movie–“Joyeux Noel

                            

Hello Movie Fans,

Thanks to Gerry Wetterson, we will be showing the 2005 film “Joyeux Noel” at Oakwood Village Performance Center at 7:00 on Thursday, December 14 with discussion to follow in the Nakoma Room.

This “Christmas movie” fictionalizes a real event, the spontaneous, miraculous cease fire and celebration that took place on December 24-25 between the German, Scottish and French troops in the early months of World War I. While the lead characters in the film are fictional, the essential outlines of the story are accurate. The Crown Prince of Germany did sent the lead tenor of the Berlin Opera to the front to boost German morale, Scottish and French troops cheered his performance, which was accompanied by Scottish bagpipes and the soldiers did emerge from the trenches. The evening cease fire was extended to the next day, when a Latin Mass, drinking, football, burying the dead and fraternizing was the order of the day. Almost unbelievable given that these same men had been successfully killing one another for months. And they were also aware that in wartime, “fraternizing with the enemy” was punishable by death. 

The depiction of trench warfare (shortly after the film begins), the images of which we all carry, is comparatively restrained and will not, we hope, prevent you from seeing this powerful film.

For us, living with the tragedies of Ukraine, Israel and Palestine, the movie has singular meaning. What, if anything, makes possible the cessation-temporary or permanent- of extreme violence?



Hope to see you on the 14th

COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE

Members of ORUCC are invited to apply for 2024-2025 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, 2024.

Contact [email protected] for an electronic application. Questions? Contact Ann Evensen at [email protected]

Virtual Wayfinding will gather on the 3rd Wednesday in person and virtually over ZOOM the 3rd Thursday from 4pm-5:15pm.

By Zoom on Thursdays: 04:00 PM Central Time

  

 

    Dec 21, 2023 04:00 PM

    Jan 18, 2024 04:00 PM

    Feb 15, 2024 04:00 PM

    Mar 21, 2024 04:00 PM

    Apr 18, 2024 04:00 PM

    May 16, 2024 04:00 PM

Click here to join Zoom meeting



us02web.zoom.us/j/87998025473?pwd=dEEzcFkvSnBNdzNUaE5BK2RxUDZqZz09

Meeting ID: 879 9802 5473

Passcode: 573548

Dial in

1 312 626 6799 US 

ORUCC Member Manuel Ramminger, Co-Founder of Ethical Trading Company invites you to volunteer…

We would like to extend the opportunity for people at ORUCC to volunteer with Ethical Trading Company specifically in running our store at the Eastmorland Community Center at Madison’s east side. Ethical Trade Co empowers through trade artisans and farmers that are vulnerable to exploitation and modern slavery. This trade relationship provides a livable wage in artisans’ respective communities and empower them to break out of extreme poverty –

the root cause of exploitation and modern slavery. 

 

Currently the store is open Wednesdays through Saturdays from 11am-5pm at 3565 Tulane Ave. Volunteers would sign up for a whole day or half day shift and tasks would range from welcoming customers, answering basic questions about our nonprofit and product, and checking customers out. Occasionally help with pricing or restocking may be needed. 

 

As the holidays pick up our store gets much more busy but at times it can be slow especially before thanksgiving so volunteers are advised to bring a book or something else to work on. 

Questions? Email Manuel at [email protected]

Office Manager Julie Wombacher

available Mon.-Thurs. 8:30am -12:00 pm

by appointment

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

Associate Pastor Kate Mackey: available

Mon.-Thurs. 10:00 am – 5:00 pm

by appointment

608-358-6143 EMAIL

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

Kate Friday and Saturday

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

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

LIKE or FOLLOW the Orchard Ridge FaceBook Page

JOIN our Private FB Group:

“Members & Friends of Orchard Ridge UCC“

Orchard Ridge United Church of Christ

1501 Gilbert Road

Madison, WI 53711

608-271-7212

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

ORUCC Java & Jesus, Dec. 17, 9 am (In-person or by Zoom)

Orchard Ridge UCC on December 14, 2023

Java & Jesus

Sunday, Dec. 17, 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!

The theme for the third Sunday of Advent is JOY. We have six short readings, prose and poem, for our discussion.



Click here for reading

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

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

12/17 Christmas Eve Prep, Special Solos, and Dress Rehearsals

Orchard Ridge UCC on December 14, 2023

Good Morning,
Our big music week is approaching! See below for details. 

1) Children participating in the Christmas Eve service will rehearse with me from 10-11 am.  Please note that children will not attend worship. Anyone not participating in Christmas Eve is still invited to be downstairs. There will be opportunities for the children to make cards for our church elders, draw Christmas scenes for our program, and design Hope letters. Kurt Jaehnig will be our Music Connections volunteer. 

2) This Sunday, some children have signed up to play special music for the service. Those in TruFunction will play as the “Prelude” at 9:50 AM.  All others will play as the “Postlude.” The postlude will last about 20 minutes. See the list below for who is participating and the order I have suggested. Any playing on Sunday is welcome to warm up in the sanctuary between 8:00-8:30 AM.

Prelude at 9:50 AM:
Zane Yeazel: Solfeggietto
LeRoy Erickson: Jingle Bells
Julianna Olajos: Humoresque
Josie Gasser: Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas
Postlude after worship: 
Ben Lancor: God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen
Fiona Schultz: Trepak
Daria Beckett: Skating
Clara Gillisman: Away in a Manger
Neil Gillisman: Good King Wenceslas
Audrey Lloyd: Jolly Old Saint Nicholas
Anneliese Erickson: Somewhere In My Memory
Owen Lloyd: Jingle Bells
Linus Hahn: Gavotte in D Major
Devin Conners: Last Chance Blues
Timmy Hagen: You're a Mean One, Mister Grinch
3) Mandatory Christmas Eve Rehearsal on Friday, December 23 @ 5:30-6:30
*Festive, fun attire is welcomed and encouraged!
4) Christmas Eve Final Run Through on Sunday, December 24 @ 2 pm
5) Christmas Eve Service on Sunday, December 24 @ 3 pm

6) No 10 am Music Connections on 12/24 and 12/31. See you back again on 1/7!

—

Julie Mazer (she/her)

Orchard Ridge United Church of Christ
Children's Education Coordinator
Children's Music Director

12/17 Sunday School

Orchard Ridge UCC on December 13, 2023

Nursery Care opens at 8:30. Jade and Marie are ready to play with your little one!

Sunday School starts at 9 am. PreK-1 children are invited to sing with Julie in the William Johnson room from 9:00-9:15. We'll rehearse the song “Away in a Manger” for our Christmas Eve service. After the music, Karen and Josie will guide the children in Advent stories about the Prophets, Mary and Joseph, The Shepherds, and The Magi.
The 2-5 grade classroom will also explore the Prophets, Mary and Joseph, The Shepherds, and The Magi. Exploration stations will include writing Christmas cards to church elders, designing HOPE letters for our Christmas Eve service, sewing Christmas stars, nativity dioramas creation, and puzzles. Joanna, Diane, and Jadyn will guide the children in their learning. 
*No Sunday School 12/24 and 12/31. We'll resume on 1/7 with a special Epiphany Celebration.
Attached to this email is a fabulous resource for an at-home Advent devotional. With quick and easy prompts, families are invited to find a scripture, reflect, color, and pray. 
Upcoming! Save the Date!

January 12-14  All Church Retreat at Daycholah Center: We are excited to continue this wonderful tradition again this year. More details are coming soon about registration for this all-ages event. 
I'm looking forward to seeing you on Sunday. Thank you for supporting the youth programming opportunities at ORUCC.

—

Julie Mazer (she/her)

Orchard Ridge United Church of Christ
Children's Education Coordinator
Children's Music Director
pdf icon Illustrated-Ministry-Advent-2023.pdf