Nursery Care opens at 8:30am. Antonia and Joey are ready to play with your little one!
K-5 Sunday School starts at 9am. This week the kids are in for a treat! We'll start in Friendship Hall with some singing together and then Pastor Julia Burkey will lead the children in a joyful, creative “Dancing the Labyrinth” experience. We'll close with some free playtime and a snack in the Bridges Room. Because Friendship Hall will be in use, you are welcome to enjoy your coffee (found on a cart in the hallway) in Crossroads, the downstairs Bonhoeffer Room, or the Johnson Room. Julia, Sally Allen, and I will guide the children in their learning.
This school year, the children embarked on a project to spread peace throughout the world. Our fall curriculum, “How to be a Peacemaker,” written by Tammy Martens, told the story of “Sadadko and the Thousand Paper Cranes.” Inspired by the “Peace Crane Project” the children made over 100 origami cranes, hearts, and doves. This organization “invites every student on the planet to fold an origami crane, write a message of peace on its wings, then exchange it with another student somewhere in the world. The Project builds friendships, strengthens hand-eye coordination and writing skills, teaches geography, exposes students to new languages and cultures, and empowers youth to make a difference in their community, country, and world.”
In December, we displayed our cranes in the windows of the sanctuary for our Peace themed Christmas Eve Service.
In January, we connected with an afterschool enrichment group in Gainesville, Georgia and a small, one room schoolhouse on the island of Anacortes which is located off the coast of Washington. We sent each school a collection of 50+ cranes, hearts, and doves, some with special messages. Additionally, the children sent “About Me” forms to the schools.
On display here are the cranes and origami pieces we received, “About Me” forms from the children we connected with, and special messages and pictures we received after the exchange. Some of the cranes we received had special messages written inside that were such a treat to discover!
Perhaps you would like to make a crane, heart, or dove! Before folding, write a special message on the paper. Or, write something special on the wings. Give the crane to a loved one or leave it here for our community.
Nursery Care opens at 8:30am. Antonia and Amalia are ready to play with your little one!
K-5 Sunday School starts at 9am. This week, we will study the Books of History. After practicing our skills in finding a bible verse, the children will have the opportunity to make finger puppets to accompany the story of Esther, complete a worksheet, and take characters on a journey to the promised land in the sand station. Following the stations, they'll hear the second part of the story of Esther, from the Book of Esther. It is an engaging, rags to riches, fairy-tale-like story! Karen Jaehnig, and Jadyn and Josie Gilbert will guide the children in their learning.
This week the children will begin the 10 o'clock hour in the sanctuary with you. When they are dismissed for Music Connections, we will move to the downstairs Bonhoeffer Room for some ukulele playing and mixed instrument soundscapes based on the Genesis Creation Story (complementary to what the children have recently studied in Sunday School). Rebecca Erickson will be our Music Connections volunteer.
Save The Date! April 30, the children are invited to play two songs with TruFunction! We'll play one easy song and a harder song for those ready for a challenge. Those participating need to attend Music Connections at least twice in March and on April 16 and 23. Please note your family's availability here: https://forms.gle/wwYAFBV5duPFJUpF8
Sunday School will be a little different this week. At 9am, the children will have the opportunity to walk a labyrinth with the Labyrinth Team (Chris Thomas and Betty Day), Paul Vash, and me. Any available Owlets are invited to join us as there is no OWL class that morning. Snow permitting, the labyrinth team will make an outdoor labyrinth. PLEASE DRESS YOUR CHILD IN WARM CLOTHES AND BOOTS IN THE EVENT WE AE OUTDOORS!!! Otherwise, we will use a smaller labyrinth downstairs in the Bonhoeffer Room. Either way, the children will work on environmental images for the Care of Creation's spring postcard campaign following the walk.
To give us ample time and to not feel rushed, the children will start at 9am and then continue into the 10 o'clock hour. That means that the children will not attend service that day.
Following the walk and the postcard images, we will end with Music Connections. Rebbecca Haushalter will be our Music Connections volunteer.
This week the children will begin the 10 o'clock hour in the sanctuary with you. When they are dismissed for Music Connections, they will move to the downstairs Bonhoeffer Room. This week, Marcia Beckett will lead the children in a special art experience. Emily Lloyd will be our volunteer. I will not be there this week, but I'll be back again on 2/26.
Nursery Care opens at 8:30am. Antonia and Amalia are ready to play with your little one!
K-5 Sunday School starts at 9am. This week, we will study the Books of History. After practicing our skills in finding a bible verse, the children will have the opportunity to make a crown, complete a worksheet, and take characters on a journey to the promised land in the sand station. Following the stations, they'll hear the first part of the story of Esther, from the Book of Esther. It is an engaging, rags to riches, fairy-tale-like story! Jadyn and Josie Gilbert and Sally Allen will guide the children in their learning.
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 a ukulele jam. This April, we are invited to play two songs with TruFunction! So, we'll be revisiting the instrument many times throughout the next few months and mastering some new chords. The children will return to the sanctuary for communion. Jen Walker will be our Music Connections volunteer.
Two weeks ago, I noticed that a few children felt apprehensive and discouraged from the challenge of this instrument. Before Music Connections, I encourage you to have a family chat about overcoming challenges and perseverance. I assure you that I will work with each child to make modifications and adaptations based on their skills and abilities. This is meant to be a low pressure, fun way to learn a new accessible musical skill. As always, no one will be forced to perform, but everyone will be encouraged to participate in whatever way they are comfortable.
Looking ahead, I will be out of town on 2/19. Marcia Beckett is on deck to lead an art experience with the children. I'll be back again on 2/26 and for all of March.
Nursery Care opens at 8:30am. Lily and Joey are ready to play with your little one!
K-5 Sunday School starts at 9am. This week, we will continue our study of the five “Books of Law.” After practicing our skills in finding a bible verse the children will have the opportunity to play some educational bible games, complete their creation story water color painting, search for some of the animals Noah would have brought along on the ark in the sandbox, and decorate a bible bookmark. Paul Vash and Jen Walker will guide the children in their learning.
All of the content your child will experience comes from the curriculum resource, “Learnjng to Use My Bible.” Should you ever wish to continue this study at home, I highly recommend this user friendly student resource: https://tinyurl.com/74n8nmj6I have one on hand if you would ever like to peek at it before purchasing.
Nursery Care opens at 8:30am. Antonia and Joey are ready to play with your little one!
K-5 Sunday School starts at 9am. This week, we will start our study of the five “Books of Law.” After practicing our skills in finding a bible verse the children will have the opportunity to paint a creation scene (found in Genesis), create a 10 commandments tablet (found in Exodus, Deuteronomy, and Leviticus), search for some of the animals Noah would have brought along on the ark in the sandbox (found in Genesis), and decorate a bible bookmark. Sally Allen, Karen Jaehnig, and Josie Gilbert will guide the children in their learning.
All of the content your child will experience comes from the curriculum resource, “Learnjng to Use My Bible.” Should you ever wish to continue this study at home, I highly recommend this user friendly student resource: https://tinyurl.com/74n8nmj6 I have one on hand if you would ever like to peek at it before purchasing.
—
Julie Mazer (she/her)
Orchard Ridge United Church of Christ
Children’s Education Coordinator
Children’s Music Director
—
Julie Mazer (she/her)
Orchard Ridge United Church of Christ
Children’s Education Coordinator
Children’s Music Director
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 to complete a letter that they will send to our partner school in Gainesville, Georgia as part of the Peace Crane Project. We will mail our letters and cranes to them; and, they will mail back letters and cranes. Paul Vash will be our Music Connections Volunteer. (Thank you to those who have signed up to be volunteers this winter/spring! There's still space available for others to get involved at: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c0944a5ab2b0-2023#/)
Any time that remains will be spent with our ukuleles. Your child is welcome to bring theirs from home if they have one! This April, we are invited to play two songs with TruFunction! So, we'll be revisiting the instrument many times throughout the next few months and mastering some new chords.
Nursery Care opens at 8:30am. Antonia and Joey are ready to play with your little one!
K-5 Sunday School starts at 9am. This week, we will revisit the “What is the Bible?” lesson and choice stations from last Sunday. This repetition will give those that were not in attendance the opportunity to learn the material and give those that were in attendance the opportunity to try a different station or work deeper with the material. Jadyn Gilbert, Josie Gilbert, and Sally Allen will guide the children in their learning.
All of the content your child will experience comes from the curriculum resource, “Learnjng to Use My Bible.” This semester, we will focus on books and lessons from the Old Testament. We begin our exploration of the Bible by identifying different sections, finding different bible verses, learning American Sign Language for a bible verse, and even making a “scroll.” We'll use the Bibles we have on hand in the classroom for this study. Certainly, if your child has a Bible that they would like to bring to church, they are welcome to do so! Or, if you would like to purchase a Bible for your child, please let me know and I can make some recommendations.
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 to develop actions to the song “Deep Peace,” along with Megan and Josie Gasser. Later in the service, this song will be showcased as part of Vicki Nonn's 50th Anniversary of her time at ORUCC! Once our actions are complete, the children will complete a letter that they will send to our partner school in Gainesville, Georgia as part of the Peace Crane Project. We will mail our letters and cranes to them; and, they will mail back letters and cranes. Becky Erickson will be our Music Connections volunteer.
Nursery Care opens at 8:30am. Antonia and Joey are ready to play with your little one!
K-5 Sunday School starts at 9am. This week, we begin the “Learning to Use My Bible” Curriculum. This semester, we will focus on books and lessons from the Old Testament. We begin our exploration of the Bible by identifying different sections, finding different bible verses, learning American Sign Language for a bible verse, and even making a “scroll.” We'll use the Bibles we have on hand in the classroom for this study. Certainly, if your child has a Bible that they would like to bring to church, they are welcome to do so! Or, if you would like to purchase a Bible for your child, please let me know and I can make some recommendations.
—
Julie Mazer (she/her)
Orchard Ridge United Church of Christ
Children's Education Coordinator
Children's Music Director
—
Julie Mazer (she/her) Orchard Ridge United Church of Christ Children’s Education Coordinator Children’s Music Director
This week, the children will have the opportunity to explore the labyrinth with members of the Labyrinth Team during Music Connections. We'll meet downstairs at 10am (to maximize our time, children will not attend service) to explore the new, smaller floor labyrinth. During the experience, the children will carry the clay “gifts” they made with Alice Anderman in November into the labyrinth to symbolize the arrival of the Magi.
Looking ahead, No Music Connections 1/15 due to the All Church Retreat. Music resumes on 1/22 with a Ukulele Jam.
We will not host Children's Programming (Nursery Care, Sunday School, and Music Connections) on 12/25 and 1/1. Looking forward to seeing you back again on January 8.
Nursery Care opens at 8:30. Antonia and Lily are ready to play with your little one.
Kindergarten-5th grade will begin their Advent study. This week, they will hear the classic story of the Prophets, the Holy Family, the Shepherds, and the Magi. We will also arrive at the white, Christ candle. Following the stories, the children will have an opportunity to make a card for a church elder. Paul Vash, Sally Allen, and Jill Westberg will lead them through the experience.
Looking Ahead….NO SUNDAY SCHOOL 12/24 and 1/1. Sunday School Resumes on 1/8 with a special Epiphany lesson.
Nursery Careopens at 8:30. Antonia and Amalia are ready to play with your little one.
Kindergarten-5th gradewill begin their Advent study. This week, they will hear the classic story of the Prophets, the Holy Family, and the Shepherds. That day we will light the pink, “Shepherd” candle. This candle reflects the Joy that comes with Jesus' arrival. Bonus points if you wear pink on Sunday!They will also have an opportunity to make a card for a church elder. Sally Allen, Jen Walker, and Jill Westberg will lead them through the experience.
Nursery Care opens at 8:30. Antonia and Joey are ready to play with your little one.
Kindergarten-5th grade will begin their Advent study. This week, they will hear the classic story of the prophets and the Holy Family. They will also have an opportunity to make a card for a church elder. Paul Vash, Jadyn Gilbert, and Karen Jaehnig will lead them through the experience.
NO Nursery Care this week. Children under age five are invited to enjoy the nursery alongside their parents. Please tidy-up the room before leaving.
NO Sunday School for Kindergarten-5th grade. Instead, join Julia Burkey in Friendship Hall for our 2nd annual Advent Wreath making event! All supplies will be provided for one wreath per family. Though, if you have your wreath mold from last year, please bring it with you.
December 4-18, the children will learn the classic Advent stories and make holiday cards for our elders. Stay tuned for more details next week.
This week, the children will participate in a brief demo of all the material we'll share on Christmas Eve. No worries if your child is not available on 12/24. They are still welcome to join in the fun this week. I am in need of a volunteer for Music Connections. Can you help?
At ~9am, please join me downstairs in the Bonhoeffer room for a short conversation about the Christmas Eve service. We'll review the plan, expectations, and I'll answer any questions you might have. If you are unavailable to attend this meeting, please email me and we'll make a plan to touch base.
Nursery Care opens at 8:30. Antonia and Joey are ready to play with your little one.
Kindergarten-5th grade will complete their Prayer study. This week's focus is:“Thanksgiving” In this practice, the children will be invited to consider what they are thankful for in their physical world. Any idea is welcome, even simple things like our walls! “I am thankful for the walls because they help create our space.” At the art station, they will create a thanksgiving collage. And, at the world station they will be invited to paint (with watercolors) a scene of the many things they are thankful for in God's creation. Paul Vash, Jadyn Gilbert, Karen Jaehnig will guide them through the discussion and active stations.
Looking ahead, NO Sunday School next Sunday, 11/27. Instead, join Julia Burkey in Friendship Hall for our 2nd annual Advent Wreath making event.
This week, I will not be at church. BUT, I have a very special opportunity planned during Music Connections for your child. Alice Anderman will lead the children through a meditative clay experience in the Frank Room following the children's moment. The children will have the opportunity to create a “gift” for Baby Jesus. Following this experience, Alice has graciously volunteered to glaze and fire their creations. K-5 children will revisit these “gifts” in January as they walk the labyrinth in a collaboration with the Labyrinth Team during Sunday School. Jen Walker and Rachael Anderman will be on hand to assist Alice. I can't wait to see their creations!
In other news, is your family available to participate in the Christmas Eve service? Please note your availability here: https://forms.gle/kULw3X2agJrSTkHX6 You are welcome to complete the form even if you CAN'T participate. That way I'll know you received the information and I won't pester you in a week or so. 😉
—
Julie Mazer (she/her)
Orchard Ridge United Church of Christ
Children's Education Coordinator
Children's Music Director
—
Julie Mazer (she/her) Orchard Ridge United Church of Christ Children’s Education Coordinator Children’s Music Director
Nursery Care opens at 8:30. Antonia and Joey are ready to play with your little one.
Kindergarten-5th grade will continue their focus on Prayer. This week's focus is:“Intercession” In this practice, the children will be invited to reflect upon their week and create prayers for the world, their family, friends, or a pet. They will also continue working on their “Examen Ropes” by selecting beads to symbolize those emotions and have the opportunity to paint a stone to remember their “Breath Prayer” (a simple prayer you can think of any time you take a breath). Jadyn Gilbert and Karen Jaehnig will guide them through the discussion and active stations.
I will be away this week, but you will be in good hands with Antonia, Joey, Jadyn, and Karen!
This week, the children will have the opportunity to explore the labyrinth with me during Music Connections. Being that this will be a communion Sunday, we'll start music at 10am to maximize our time. The children and I will meet in Friendship Hall to explore sound and movement together through the labyrinth. Chris Thomas, one of the members of the Labyrinth Team, will be our volunteer.
Daylight Savings Time Ends. Reminder to set your clocks an hour behind. Enjoy an extra hour of sleep!
Nursery Care is back on this week! Antonia and Amalia are ready to play with your little one.
PreK-2nd grade students will enjoy a story with Jill Westberg and Karen Jaehning. Children under the age of 5 are invited to stay as long as they are able with a parent.
3rd-5th Grade will continue their focus on Prayer. This week's focus is:“Examen.” The children will be invited to reflect upon their week and consider what made them happy, mad, sorry, etc. Then, they will make an “Examen Rope” by selecting beads to symbolize those emotions.Sally Allen and Paul Vash will guide them through the discussion and active stations.
This week, I will not be at church. BUT, I have a very special opportunity planned during Music Connections with your child. Deanna and Al Blanchard will lead the children through a Hand Bell Demonstration in the Johnson room following the children's moment! Rather than using the hand chimes that we regularly use in Music Connections, the children will have the opportunity to touch, feel, and play the REAL Hand Bells! It's sure to be a treat.
Parents, did you know that late middle schoolers and high schoolers are eligible to join the handbell choir (pending a note and rhythm reading music assessment) ? Perhaps this would be a great opportunity for your teen to try out Hand Bells and see if they would like to make this a regular part of their lives. (Hand Bells rehearse on Monday evenings).
No Nursery Care this week. Children under age five are invited to enjoy the nursery alongside their parents. Please tidy-up the room before leaving.
PreK-2nd grade students will enjoy a story with Jill Westberg and Karen Jaehning. Children under the age of 5 are invited to stay as long as they are able with a parent.
3rd-5th Grade will continue their focus on Prayer. This week, they will learn how to write a “Breath Prayer” and have an opportunity to paint a cross on a small stone. The children will be invited to carry this stone with them throughout the week as a reminder to pause and say their breath prayer in times of worry or stress. This will be a very easy, light, quick, painting experience. Regardless, please do not send your children in their Sunday best. Sally Allen and Paul Vash will guide them through the discussion and active stations.
I will be away this Sunday. But, your children will be in good hands with Paul, Sally, Karen, and Jill!
This Sunday, the children will share music that we have developed on the passage, “Be Still and Know that God is Peace,” with the congregation. Any participating child will rehearse with me at 9:50 in the Johnson Room. Children must have attended music connections for at least two Sundays in October to participate (or be one of my veteran middle schoolers). Below is the list of children who are familiar with the material and are eligible to share for the congregation:
Neil G
Clara G
Charlotte H
August H
Annabel H
Anneliese E
Linus H
Fiona S
Julianna O
Daria B
Timmy H
Ben L
If your child is not on the list, they are invited to experience the interactive music from their seats in the congregation. After we share music, they will be invited to the platform for the Children's Moment.
Then, after the children's moment, children in grades 2nd-5th + (middle schoolers and high schoolers are welcome to attend as a participant or helper) are invited to play ukulele with me. I will have 12 ukuleles on hand. If your child has their own ukulele, they are welcome to bring it to church. Becky Erickson will be our Music Connections volunteer.
Last, I am still in need of a volunteer for Music Connections this week. Can you assist?
PreK-2nd grade students will enjoy music at 9:00 and then listen to s story with Jill Westberg and Josie Gilbert. Children under the age of 5 are invited to stay as long as they are able and then transfer to the nursery to play with Antonia Wuschner and Amalia Sherrill.
3rd-5th Grade will begin a new module focusing on “Prayer.” This module will help children to develop specific skills and tools for a life of prayer. This week, they will practice silence and listening to God. Sally Allen and Paul Vash will guide them through the discussion and active stations. Be sure to stop in and see the PEACE mobile the children made during the Peacemaker module. (See attached photo).
Looking ahead: Do you have any magazines with positive words and phrases and/or pictures of food? O Magazine, Runner's World, National Geographic, Food Network, etc? In November, 3-5 will create a Thanksgiving collage. I'm looking for magazines that might work for this project. If you have some to share, please bring them to the Bridges Room or leave in the office with my name on them. Thanks!
We look forward to seeing you on Sunday. Feel free to reach out if you have any questions, comments, or concerns.
Youth Ministry at ORUCC: Mission Trip to Duluth, MN.
Dear Ones of ORUCC,
We are so happy to announce that this year the youth from 7th -12th grade will participate in a Justice Mission Trip to Duluth, MN from Sunday July 9th to Saturday July 15th. We can ALL support this important ministry that enhances the WHOLE church and the world.
Register for the Mission Trip:
Parents and guardians can register and pay for the 2023 Mission trip with $250 by 11/15/2022 and a final balance of $250 on 4/1/2023. Register and Pay with the big red button on the bottom of this email or by clicking HERE!
We all want to support our youth and chaperones as they raise money for this trip. Here are some ways the WHOLE church can support and participate in this essential ministry at Orchard Ridge:
Come to Culver’s on Mineral Point Road for dinner on Monday October 24th from 4pm-8pm. A percentage of proceeds will be donated to our youth mission trip. For youth and parents/chaperones who want to serve, there are still a few spots left! Sign up: here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090B49ABAD2EA5FA7-culvers
Join for a Halloween Breakfast at ORUCC on October 30th after worship at 11am $5 a plate suggested donation. Our youth will be sharing about their 2022 Mission Trip at this time! For youth and parents/chaperones who want to serve, there are still a few spots left! Sign up: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090B49ABAD2EA5FA7-volunteering1
Just for FUN, come to Treinen Farm Corn Maze & Bonfire in Lodi, WI, Friday October 21st 6:30-9:30
We have reserved our own bonfire area with benches and picnic tables. Feel free to bring your own food if you wish and we will provide s’mores! This area will serve as our home base while you enjoy and explore the farm, pumpkin patch, animals and maze.
To join us, purchase your own ticket at this websiteand upon arrival ask for the Orchard Ridge UCC Bonfire area.
On a personal note, I am so grateful to be part of this church that values our youth and doing justice in the world. It inspires to me to learn from the youth and seasoned chaperones about the life-long impact of this amazing tradition. I will be at each of these events as a pastoral presence and I so look forward to deepening in relationships with the youth and families in this time.
