Mark Your Calendar for November 5th!

Worship & Work Sunday!

Wear your grubbies, and bring your garden gloves, wheelbarrows and garden tools to help spruce up the church grounds after worship! There may be a few indoor tasks to tackle also. There will be a free luncheon sponsored by the Ministry of Congregational Life. Please stay for lunch even if you’re unable to assist with the work projects.

Congregation Life is looking for volunteers to help with the Work & Worship Lunch next Sunday. Please sign up to help using this Sign Up Genius or email Rachael ([email protected]). Thanks!

Active Threat Preparedness Conversation & Training

with Charles Tubbs, Sunday Nov. 12th 11am-1pm

Director of Dane County Emergency Management

On Sunday November 12th 11am-1pm after worship, prompted both by some members of our congregation and as part of a broader outreach effort from Dane County Emergency Management (DCEM), Charles Tubbs will join us to help us think through how to be as safe as possible in our building. We do not mean for this to be a fear mongering event, but to address the realities of the world and of violence. We recently met with Nathan Bubenzer, an ORUCC member and Emergency Safety Manager for Meriter, who helped answer some of our questions and addressed our concerns.

There will be finger food for this event.

NOVEMBER COMPASSION OFFERING

THANKSGIVING YEAR ROUND FUND

ORUCC has a long tradition of supporting our social services partners in their work with neighbors in need. Post pandemic and the end of CARES funds have left some of our neediest ORUCC neighbors struggling to keep up with inflationary food prices and skyrocketing rent increases.  

Established in 2020, the ORUCC Thanksgiving Year Round Fund helps support our neighbors with Woodman’s gift cards distributed by staff from Joining Forces for Families (JFF), Commonwealth Development (CWD), and Early Childhood Development (ECI). There is now a need to replenish this fund in order to continue this vital support. 

ORUCC member Loretta Swanson and Community Social Worker, Eric Alvin are our lead social services team who distribute the gift cards to other neighborhood case workers. Loretta reports how a $20-$50 gift card can help a family through the holiday season and beyond: 

• To cover the cost of extra food needed while children are home during holiday breaks
• To help pay for gas to allow a parent to travel for a job interview

These gift cards help in so many ways. Please consider a donation to the Thanksgiving Year Round Fund to provide direct support to families and individuals in our neighborhood. Your donation is truly appreciated, this holiday season and beyond. 

Thank you in advance for your contribution.

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/

Thank you from The Crossing!

Thank you to everyone at ORUCC who volunteered to help plan and serve a meal for UW-Madison students at The Crossing Campus Ministry on Wednesday, October 25th: Sara Hagen, Sue Dixon, LuAnn Greiner, Julie Horst, Giulia Lawrence, Loretta Swanson, Angie Shoeneck and Jerry Hagen. 

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.

Strengthen Your Faith!

Gain Spiritual Guidance & Enrichment!

The Ministry of Adult Faith Formation (AFF) would like your input to plan future adult faith formation opportunities. If interested, please click on the link below to recommend, suggest, or to give leadership to an opportunity that interests you. Thank you!

Click here to fill out the form (corrected link)

Tomorrow–Friday Breakfast Group – November 3

The next Friday Breakfast is set for November 3 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.

MOVIE GROUP MEETS NOV. 7th FOR “EL NORTE” (THE NORTH)

Hello movie fans,

Please join us for the ground-breaking 1983 film “El Norte” at 6:30 at the Oakwood Village Performance Center, with discussion to follow in the Nakoma Room.

This independently (non-Hollywood studio) produced film, co-written and directed by Mexican-American director Gregory Nava, tells the dramatic story of an indigenous Guatemalan brother and sister (played by Hollywood unknowns Zaide Silvia Gutierrez and David Villapando) escaping the violence and terror of the Guatemalan Civil War (1960-1996.) The film is roughly divided into three parts: the escape from their village, their treacherous journey across Mexico and their struggles to survive in 1980’s Los Angeles. Three languages are spoken- K’iche, Spanish and English (with sub-titles)- as the movie explores the inner and outer worlds of two teenagers escaping one hostile world and trying to survive in another unforgiving world. It was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay, the first for an American independent film, and was an immediate critical success.

We at Orchard Ridge, having housed the Honduran Aguilera family for two

months in 2019, may be especially attuned to the issues of loss, remembrance

and struggle raised in the film.



Hope to see you on November 7.

Spiritual

Nourishment

for you!

For the week of Nov 2 – Nov 8

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.

Over 55 Wednesday, November 8^th

An overview of the Korean War

We will welcome Chris Kowlakowski who will share his highly acclaimed research and writings on the Korean War.

Chris is the Director of the Wisconsin Veterans Museum and is an accomplished speaker on numerous historical topics.  Prepare to be amazed at all that you can learn.

We gather at 11:30, dine at 11:45 ($10 per person) and listen to Mr. Bradley at 12:30.

Please RSVP to Steve at LINK ([email protected]) and join us on Wednesday, November 8th. 

David Allen Returns to Oakwood West

Tuesday, November 14, 7pm

David Allen is pleased to return to Oakwood on Tuesday November 14th at 7pm for a solo piano performance featuring original improvisational interpretations of familiar ballads and classic tunes from the American songbook. Featured composers will include Brahms, Mozart, Bach, Duke Ellington, Stevie Wonder, Cole Porter, Victor Young, and others. .

Indigenous Justice – McFarland UCC & ORUCC Present

Mark Charles, November 18th 6:30 pm



Native American author and activist Mark Charles will be the keynote speaker later this month at the public launch of McFarland UCC’s Indigenous Peoples’ Justice Project.

The project is aimed at healing past injustices against the Ho-Chunk Nation and other Indigenous groups in Wisconsin stemming from the now-discredited Doctrine of Discovery. The Doctrine of Discovery originated with a Papal Bull issued in 1493 that declared that any land not inhabited by Christians was available to be “discovered,” claimed and exploited by Christian rulers. It became the basis of European claims in the Americas and the foundation for the westward expansion of the United States.

Charles will appear from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 18, at Waubesa Intermediate School, 5605 Red Oak Trail in McFarland, and will speak the following day at worship at McFarland UCC.

“Relearning a truthful past and facing the truth about the Doctrine of Discovery may be hard for many individuals or groups to acknowledge or buy into,” said Rachel Saladis, chair of Racial Justice Ministries at McFarland UCC. “We want to promote greater awareness of Indigenous Peoples’ injustice. Our church is stepping forward. Together with community partners and other churches we are making a commitment to relearning our part in the history of Indigenous Peoples.”

The Nov. 18 event is free and open to the public.

Moderator’s October Update

from Hal Evensen, ORUCC Moderator

Hello! 

Here’s an update on what the Leadership Team (lay leadership) has been up to so far this fall:

• We have had a lot of discussion about our future over the past few months. We have seen a lot of change, and new possibilities: finally, ORUCC has all three pastors! And we are seeing new energy in the life of the church. One of the bright spots has been Julie Mazer and her newer role as the Youth Education Coordinator: she has flourished, and we are finding that she is also enabling our pastors to focus more effectively on older youth, intergenerational ministry, and other new ways to engage in ministry with youth and families. To gain time to explore this area, we had extended Julie’s contract to December, a few months ago. Since that time, some more developments: (1) an anonymous donor in our church is funding an extension of her contract to the end of this school year (June 2024); (2) Leadership Team has committed to further supporting her role through the 2024-25 academic year. We are pleased and excited to keep Julie in her expanded role with us, and we look forward to what’s ahead!

• We have been considering emergency preparedness and active threat preparedness, prompted both by some members of our congregation and as part of a broader outreach effort from Dane County Emergency Management (DCEM). We recently met with Nathan Bubenzer, an ORUCC member and Emergency Safety Manager for Meriter, who helped answer some of our questions and addressed our concerns. As a next step, Pastor Julia has invited Charles Tubbs of DCEM to our church on Sunday, Nov. 12, from 11-1PM; keep an eye out for an announcement!

• We have also had a lot of discussion – spanning several months – over the realities of our budget. The disruption that normally occurs when a church changes pastors, combined with the pandemic and other larger trends seen in society, has led to a budget shortfall in 2023. At the same time, we believe that our church has a great opportunity to capitalize on new energy and engagement: we are poised for growth and positive change! Through thoughtful research, discussion, and prayer, we have found ways to trim the budget while holding the line in our core mission areas, as we draw on our savings as an investment toward this future. Our discussion and work continue: as mentioned earlier, we are modernizing our approach to Stewardship, with a mission team that will meet all year, rather than just in the fall, in order to better address our financial goals. Our church has changed lives, both beyond our doors and within our congregation, and we will continue to do so as we do God’s work in the world!

We are working to help ORUCC live into its vision statement to be Spiritually Alive, Joyfully Inclusive, and Committed to Justice and invite everyone to 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!  

Palestine Justice Movie Discussion

Tuesday, November 21 

7:00-8:00pm

Many books, films and study guides are available for people who are trying to make sense of the Israel/Palestine conflict. The ORUCC Palestine Justice Mission Team recommends the widely acclaimed film Roadmap to Apartheid, narrated by Alice Walker. We invite you to watch this film on-line at a time convenient for you, then join us for a discussion of the film on Tuesday, November 21 from 7:00pm-8:00pm at the Alfred Swan Room at church. You can also join the discussion via Zoom using this link:   https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84998327363?pwd=cEtnUVg3ak43amJRYUZvTWxYQkxEUT09  

Roadmap to Apartheid is an historical document on the rise and fall of apartheid in South Africa, and a film about why Palestinians feel they are living today in an apartheid system – a view that many people worldwide have come to share. The film can be viewed on YouTube, Prime Video, and Apple TV.



Support for Gaza – Wondering how you can help?

If you have 5 minutes . . .  Pray for an end to violence and a just peace in Palestine and Israel. 

If you have 10 minutes . . . Sign a petition from Jewish Voice for Peace seeking an end to the bombing of Palestinians in Gaza.

If you have 20 minutes . . . Learn about the history of Palestine and Israel.

If you have 90 minutes . . . Watch the movie Roadmap to Apartheid, then join us for a discussion of the movie on Tuesday, November 21 from 7:00pm-8:00pm (see the movie announcement just above). 

Virtual Wayfinding will gather on the 3rd Wednesday in person and virtually over ZOOM the 3rd Thursday from 4pm-5:15pm beginning October 19th

By Zoom on Thursdays: Nov 16, 2023 04:00 PM Central Time

    Nov 16, 2023 04:00 PM

    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

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

Meeting ID: 879 9802 5473

Passcode: 573548

Dial in

1 312 626 6799 US 

Falls Prevention Exercise Class

Tuesday & Thursday at 10:00 AM starting November 7

Several people expressed interest in the balance and strength exercise classes and most wanted a morning class. There is no formal charge but donations can be made to benefit the Heart Room fund that provides support for families in transition from homelessness. Everyone is welcome to come to learn some principles of falls prevention through exercise — even if you prefer to work out elsewhere.  Contact Joyce Pohl at [email protected] if you have questions. 

Purchase Cards on the table

in the Crossroads each Sunday Morning!

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



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]

In Case you Missed It!

Link to Sermons…..

From Vision Quests to Theft Protection-9/24/2023

Rev. Ken Pennings

Click here

The Treasure in Earthen Vessels-8/27/2023

Rev. Ken Pennings

Click here

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.

Orchard Ridge United Church of Christ

1501 Gilbert Road

Madison, WI 53711

608-271-7212

Office Hours: M-Th 8:30-12:30