No Children’s Programming 12/25 and 1/1

Orchard Ridge UCC on December 21, 2022

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.

Pssst…..please sign up to assist in Music Connections in the New Year 😊: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0944A5AB2B0-2023

—

Julie Mazer (she/her)

Orchard Ridge United Church of Christ

Children's Education Coordinator

Children's Music Director

Sunday School 12/18

Orchard Ridge UCC on December 14, 2022

This week…

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.

—

Julie Mazer (she/her)

Orchard Ridge United Church of Christ

Children's Education Coordinator

Children's Music Director

Sunday School 12/11

Orchard Ridge UCC on December 7, 2022

This week…

Nursery Care opens at 8:30. Antonia and Amalia 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, 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.

—

Julie Mazer (she/her)

Orchard Ridge United Church of Christ

Children's Education Coordinator

Children's Music Director

Sunday School 12/4

Orchard Ridge UCC on November 30, 2022

This week…

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.

—

Julie Mazer (she/her)

Orchard Ridge United Church of Christ

Children's Education Coordinator

Children's Music Director

No Sunday School 11/27, Advent Wreath Making in Friendship Hall

Orchard Ridge UCC on November 23, 2022

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.

—

Julie Mazer (she/her)

Orchard Ridge United Church of Christ

Children's Education Coordinator

Children's Music Director

Music 11/20 – and Christmas Eve announcements

Orchard Ridge UCC on November 17, 2022

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.

So far, those signed up for Christmas Eve are:

Fiona Schultz

Clara Gillisman

Neil Gillisman

Desmond Vash

Daniel Vash

Daria Beckett

Owen Lloyd

Audrey Lloyd

Anneliese Erickson

Devin Connors

Julianna Olajos

Aaliyah Mitchell

A’millia Mitchell

Linus Hahn

Sienna Walker

Annabelle Haushalter

Charlotte Haushalter

Those planning to perform a solo on 12/18 are:

Fiona Schultz

Daria Beckett

Owen Lloyd

Audrey Lloyd

Devin Connors

Julianna Olajos

Linus Hahn

Jadyn Gilbert

Timmy Hagen

Don't see your children's name on the list? Please complete this Google Form to note your availability: https://forms.gle/2pfyFpbzVcn4YWFa8

Hope to see you on Sunday!

—

Julie Mazer (she/her)

Orchard Ridge United Church of Christ

Children's Education Coordinator

Children's Music Director

Sunday School 11/20

Orchard Ridge UCC on November 16, 2022

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.

—

Julie Mazer (she/her)

Orchard Ridge United Church of Christ

Children's Education Coordinator

Children's Music Director

Music Connections 11/13 – Meditative Clay

Orchard Ridge UCC on November 10, 2022

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

Sunday School 11/13

Orchard Ridge UCC on November 9, 2022

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!

—

Julie Mazer (she/her)

Orchard Ridge United Church of Christ

Children's Education Coordinator

Children's Music Director

Music Connections 11/6 – Labyrinth!

Orchard Ridge UCC on November 3, 2022

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.

Hope to see you on Sunday!

—

Julie Mazer (she/her)

Orchard Ridge United Church of Christ

Children's Education Coordinator

Children's Music Director

Sunday School 11/6

Orchard Ridge UCC on November 2, 2022

This week….

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.

Hope to see you on Sunday!

—

Julie Mazer (she/her)

Orchard Ridge United Church of Christ

Children's Education Coordinator

Children's Music Director

Music Connections 10/30 – Handbell Demo!

Orchard Ridge UCC on October 27, 2022

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).

—

Julie Mazer (she/her)

Orchard Ridge United Church of Christ

Children's Education Coordinator

Children's Music Director

Sunday School 10/30

Orchard Ridge UCC on October 26, 2022

This week….

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!

—

Julie Mazer (she/her)

Orchard Ridge United Church of Christ

Children's Education Coordinator

Children's Music Director

10/23 Music Connections – Please Read, Special Music Share During Service This Week

Orchard Ridge UCC on October 20, 2022

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?

See you on Sunday!

—

Julie Mazer (she/her)

Orchard Ridge United Church of Christ

Children's Education Coordinator

Children's Music Director

Sunday School 10/23

Orchard Ridge UCC on October 19, 2022

This week….

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.

—

Julie Mazer (she/her)

Orchard Ridge United Church of Christ

Children's Education Coordinator

Children's Music Director

ORUCC Mission Trip: Fundraising & Fun

Orchard Ridge UCC on October 14, 2022

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.

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/4090B4 9ABAD2EA5FA7-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 website and 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.

Blessings to you,

Pastor Julia

You can make a difference.

10/16 Music Connections

Orchard Ridge UCC on October 13, 2022

This week, children in grades 2nd-5th + (middle schoolers and high schoolers are welcome to attend as a participant or helper) are invited to play hand chimes with me after the children's moment. We will also continue our rhythmic and spoken exploration of the scripture, “Be Still and Know that God is Peace.” Becky Erickson will be our Music Connections volunteer.

Save the date for Sunday, October 23. That day, we'll share music that we've developed on that passage during worship. That morning, children will rehearse with me at 9:50 AM in the Johnson Room (K-2). Any child who wishes to participate must attend Music Connections for two out of the three upcoming Sundays (10/2, 9, and 16).

See you on Sunday!

—

Julie Mazer (she/her)

Orchard Ridge United Church of Christ

Children's Education Coordinator

Children's Music Director

Sunday School 10/16

Orchard Ridge UCC on October 12, 2022

This week….

PreK-2nd grade students will enjoy music at 9:00 and then hear the story about Jesus and the Tax Collectors. Jill Westberg and Josie Gilbert will share that Jesus modeled kindness towards everyone. At that time, tax collectors were seen as wrongdoers. Instead, Jesus opened his home and served a meal to the tax collectors. Parents, check out this website to learn more about the controversy of tax collectors in the first century: https://www.biblestudytools.com/bible-study/topical-studies/why-exactly-were-tax-collectors-so-hated.html 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 Joey Miller.

3rd-5th Grade will complete their Peacemaker exploration. Last week, they explored how to say “I'm sorry.” This week, they will put all of their lessons together and discuss “living courageously as a peacemaker.” Joanna Beilman-Dulin will guide them through the discussion and active stations.

We look forward to seeing you on Sunday. Feel free to reach out if you have any questions, comments, or concerns.

—

Julie Mazer (she/her)

Orchard Ridge United Church of Christ

Children's Education Coordinator

Children's Music Director

10/9 Music Connections

Orchard Ridge UCC on October 6, 2022

This week, children in grades 2nd-5th + (middle schoolers and high schoolers are welcome to attend as a participant or helper) are invited to drum with me after the children's moment. We will continue our rhythmic and spoken exploration of the scripture, “Be Still and Know that God is Peace.” Chris Thomas will be our Music Connections volunteer.

See you on Sunday!

—

Julie Mazer (she/her)

Orchard Ridge United Church of Christ

Children's Education Coordinator

Children's Music Director

10/9 Sunday School

Orchard Ridge UCC on October 5, 2022

This week….

PreK-2nd grade students will enjoy music at 9:00 and then hear the story about Jesus and the Tax Collectors. Jill Westberg and a TBD substitute (maybe you? Please respond to this email if you are available. Coffee and light snack provided.) will share that Jesus modeled kindness towards everyone. At that time, tax collectors were seen as wrongdoers. Instead, Jesus opened his home and served a meal to the tax collectors. 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 Joey Miller.

3rd-5th Grade will continue their Peacemaker exploration. Last week, they explored forgiveness. This week, they will talk about another important piece of becoming a peacemaker – saying I'm sorry. Through a variety of active stations, they will consider how to say “I'm Sorry” and the power of those words. Paul Vash and Jen Walker will guide them through the process.

We look forward to seeing you on Sunday. Feel free to reach out if you have any questions, comments, or concerns.

—

Julie Mazer (she/her)

Orchard Ridge United Church of Christ

Children's Education Coordinator

Children's Music Director

10/2 Sunday School

Orchard Ridge UCC on September 29, 2022

This week……

PreK-2nd grade students will enjoy music at 9:00 and then hear another story about the time when Jesus was at the Sea of Galilee. Jill Westberg and Josie Gilbert will share that Jesus modeled kindness towards the disabled. Jesus even had the power to heal a man who was paralyzed! 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 continue their Peacemaker exploration. Last week, they explored giving their anger to God. See the attached image of a watercolor painting the children created of Anger vs Peace. This week, they will talk about another important piece of becoming a peacemaker – forgiveness. Through a variety of active stations, they will consider peace and forgiveness. Sally Allen and Jadyn Gilbert will guide them through the process.

We look forward to seeing you on Sunday. Feel free to reach out if you have any questions, comments, or concerns.

—

Julie Mazer (she/her)

Orchard Ridge United Church of Christ

Children's Education Coordinator

Children's Music Director

Mission Trip Food Drive

Tammy Martens on July 7, 2022

Orchard Ridge United Church of Christ

Spiritually Alive, Joyfully Inclusive, Committed to Justice

Youth Mission Trip Mini Food Drive

To assist with Christian Service Mission in Birmingham, Alabama (the non-profit we are serving on our Mission trip), we are collecting food donations

to help support their Thanksgiving Food Drive.

Every year at Thanksgiving, they run short of two items—Boxed Stuffing mixes and Mac and Cheese. If you would like to donate to this food drive, please bring Stuffing mixes and boxes of Mac and Cheese to the church by Friday, July 22. You can place your donations

under the oval table in the Crossroads

(the room between Friendship Hall and the sanctuary).

Thank you so much!

Orchard Ridge United Church of Christ

1501 Gilbert Road

Madison, WI 53711

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

Update from Tammy Martens

Tammy Martens on June 24, 2022

Orchard Ridge United Church of Christ

Spiritually Alive, Joyfully Inclusive, Committed to Justice

Update from Tammy Martens

June and July Happenings

We wrapped up our Sunday morning programming for children and youth on the weekend of June 3^rd with lots of joy, laughter, and gratitude. The Pizza and Improv night was a huge success and we witnessed so many of our kids, youth, and adults who have incredible improv talent! I laughed and smiled so hard and often that my cheeks and tummy were sore.

On Sunday, June 5^th we celebrated high school seniors, said thanks to our teachers and leaders, celebrated Pentecost, and enjoyed Tru Function High School seniors who sang their last song for us. Then I was surprised and blessed with a song by Tru Function and you all gifting me one-by-one with a flower. I was overwhelmed and humbled by your words, hugs, and tenderness.

I am now finishing up the details for our Service-Mission trip to Birmingham, Alabama July 23-30. We have 23 youth and 5 chaperones participating. We have a full week of activities that include worshipping at First Congregational Church in Memphis, TN and then touring the National Civil Rights Museum at the Lorraine Hotel. From there we will drive to Birmingham, Alabama where we will stay for the week and serve with the organization Christian Service Mission, a non-profit in Birmingham. During the week we will visit the 16^th Street Baptist Church in downtown Birmingham and tour the Legacy Museum and the National Memorial for Peace and Justice in Montgomery.

Pastoral Transition

At this point we have not been able to fill the position of Associate Pastor for Children, Youth and Families. I am happy to share, however, that we have been able secure leadership to carry on the work of children and youth programming. Julie Mazer, our Children’s Music Director, will begin as Interim Education Coordinator starting in July. She will coordinate and oversee the Sunday morning programming for children and youth. This includes supporting Sunday School teachers, preparing Sunday School classrooms, reviewing curricula, making curricula decisions, and communicating with parents and the wider church. She will continue as the Children’s Music Director.

I am thrilled that Julie has wholeheartedly agreed to take on this role. She is incredibly gifted and because she has been with us for over 10 years, Julie has a very good understanding of what we do on Sunday mornings. She also has a very keen interest in the spiritual formation and Christian education of our children and youth and she has positive and supportive relationships with parents.

Second, Kristin Muckian, member of ORUCC has enthusiastically agreed to be the point person/leader for the Youth Mission trip (2023). Kristin has been a chaperone on the youth mission trips for the last six years and will go again this year. She also has been a Sunday School teacher, Youth Faith Formation team member and chair, and OWL (Our Whole Lives) teacher. Kristin is extremely capable to lead this effort. She is an absolute joy to be with, has wonderful relationships with our youth and families, and has a deep commitment to our Youth Mission trip program.

What to watch for next month

In my July update, Julia and I will share the specifics of my future relationship with ORUCC after I complete my time as your Associate Pastor. Also, in early July I will send out an invitation for gatherings “Chit Chats with Tammy” as a way for me to hear from you—ideas, longings, hopes you have for the Christian Education/Spiritual Formation programming for children and youth, and any other things you have on your mind/heart. So, watch for the dates/times of these gatherings in an all church email to go out the week of July 5^th.

Summer Blessings!

Orchard Ridge United Church of Christ

1501 Gilbert Road

Madison, WI 53711

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

Update from Tammy Martens

Tammy Martens on May 10, 2022

Orchard Ridge United Church of Christ

Spiritually Alive, Joyfully Inclusive, Committed to Justice

Update from Tammy Martens

We are finishing up our 9:00 Sunday programming for children and youth. June 5 will be our last gathering until we reconvene next fall.

Susan Watson and I teach the middle school youth and for the past few months we have been working through our Coexist curriculum. We have studied Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism, Islam, and Sikhism. And as we have studied these major religions, we have learned more about our own Christian tradition.

It was an absolute delight to visit the AHA Shava Vishnu Temple in Fitchburg. Mr. Subbu Ravi, leader of Educational Initiatives for the community, was our host. After his presentation we spent time in their temple as people were gathering for prayer and worship.

For our study of Judaism, Ellen Baum (Tammy’s neighbor) came to our Sunday School class to lead us through a Seder meal. First, we heard the story of Passover and then we tried some of the foods that are part of the Passover meal. I found it deeply meaningful that we were experiencing a Passover meal during our Holy Week and close to the date of Jewish celebration of Passover. It’s extremely satisfying to help youth see the connections between Judaism and Christianity.

We will celebrate the end of our programming year with an Improv night and dinner on Friday, June 3 starting at 6:00 p.m. We will have pizza and vegetables, fruit, and dessert plates. Monkey Business Institute of Madison will be leading us in improv. If you can provide a side dish and/or help with set-up and clean-up, please go to this link to sign up: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/20f0844a5ad22abf49-improv

On Sunday, June 5 in worship we will celebrate Pentecost. In addition, we will honor Sunday School teachers and youth leaders, recognize High School seniors, enjoy the music of Tru Function and end with and Ice Cream Social.

I continue to work out details for our Civil Rights/Service Trip to Birmingham, Alabama July 23-30. We will stop in Memphis on our way down to tour the National Civil Rights Museum at the Lorraine Motel and worship at First Congregational Church. In Birmingham we will be working with a non-profit called Christian Mission Service. They will have projects for us to do all week. On Wednesday of that week, we will travel to Montgomery to tour the Legacy Museum and the National Memorial for Peace and Justice. We have 24 youth and 5 chaperones going on the trip.

I am happy to share with you that after I transition away from ORUCC, I will begin working with Lombard Mennonite Peace Center. No, I don’t need to move to Lombard, IL thankfully. I will be writing curriculum and teaching in their Clergy Clinics in Family Emotional Process and assisting with church mediation. I will begin in mid-September.

I shared in an earlier email that Rob Martens will continue as the Tru Function leader. He is so gifted in this position and does so much to support and encourage youth in their musical abilities. Any youth who is going into seventh grade can try out for Tru Function. Spring is recruitment time, and he has scheduled a couple of try outs with some of our rising seventh graders.

Finally, I want to share with you my commitment to the ongoing work and ministry here at ORUCC. I see myself as an ally to the person who will be hired as the next Associate Pastor. I will do all I can to support this person and make this transition as smooth as possible.

Thank you for all your support as we move through this time of transition.

Orchard Ridge United Church of Christ

1501 Gilbert Road

Madison, WI 53711

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

Middle School Huddle- Reviewing Fall 2021

Tammy Martens on January 24, 2022

Note: This letter was sent to families with middle school youth. We are sharing it here so the rest of the church knows what has been happening.
It was so incredibly life-giving to gather again with our middle school youth this past fall and begin some good Bible workouts together. Our game plan was successful! We scored a victory when we finished our study of The Story of the Bible: Covenant’s Love with God’sPeople. This particular study is one playbook of many that we could use to study the Bible, but I think it is one of the best and every time we use it, we are guaranteed a victory.

Youth to Deep Roots

Tammy Martens on October 30, 2021

It was a tremendous joy to be with ORUCC youth on our Service/Mission trip August 7014, 2021 as we worked and served at Deep Roots in Earlville, Maryland. There were so many meaningful moments and I was continuously filled with joy with the youth’s determination, positive spirit, good humor, and deep love for the work we were doing.

Before landing in Earlville, we stopped in Philadelphia on Sunday and spent time at Reading Terminal Market (Food Market), took pictures under the “LOVE” statue, visited the Liberty Bell Visitor Center, and toured Independence Hall.

We got back on the bus and drove to Earlville, Maryland and arrived at Deep Roots around 4:30 p.m. We unloaded the bus and unpacked, ate dinner, showered and were ready for a good night’s sleep.

We worked and completed many projects at Deep Roots and it was very gratifying to see the progress we were making. Our projects included: cleaning out their vegetable garden, removing branches and logs from two fallen trees, clearing their walking path to their campfire/firepit, cleaning out their office space, cleaning out and organizing their supply shed that stored paint and supplies, cleaning and organizing their tool shed, painting and organizing their food pantry, cleaning and painting in their dining hall, painting two murals, painting their pavilion, helping with lunch and dinner prep, helping with breakfast/lunch/dinner clean-up. We also got to meet and play with some of the children who were living there. Despite the extremely high heat and humidity, we found joy in working together and completing many projects.

Wednesday was our day off and we spent time at Ocean City, Maryland. We swam in the ocean, explored the Boardwalk, and were refreshed by the cool ocean breeze.

If anyone might be worried, all of us on the trip were vaccinated. We always were masks whenever we were indoors. At Deep Roots we ate all our meals outside and when we were with children we were always outside and keeping some distance as we played.

We got back on the bus Friday late afternoon, enjoyed a celebratory supper at Luna’s Pizzeria in Middletown, Delaware before traveling back to Wisconsin. On early Saturday morning, we rolled off the bus and hiked around the Indiana Sand Dunes to wake us up and get the kinks out. We arrived back in Madison early Saturday afternoon.

A big shout out to our wonderful chaperones: Maya Kaspar, Chuck Kaspar, Kristin Muckian, and Greg Louden. And our Team Leaders—Lila Eggerling-Boeck, Rebekah Hoard, and Lily Martens.

It was also rewarding to have four of our 2020 graduates join the trip–Rachel Hoard, Maddie Miller, Charlotte Ravenscroft, and Gabe Martens. They were wonderful role models for our younger youth and made great connections with them.

Thanks to all of you who provided donations. It was wonderful to unload all of the supplies and also provide a financial gift to Deep Roots.