Events - ORUCC

ORUCC –December Lunch & Learn

Orchard Ridge UCC on December 6, 2024

Lunch and Learn

Wednesday, December 11th, 11:30 am

The Sunshine Sisters

The Sunshine Sisters (Bev and Sheila) play duets with ukulele accompaniment. They perform in area senior centers and assisted-living facilities, sharing old familiar songs; some country and folk; and uplifting songs of love, memories, and the journey of life. The Sunshine Sisters have prepared a delightful list of holiday songs, and encourage singing along with them.

Please join us in Friendship Hall on the 11^th for a delicious luncheon ($10 per person) and fun. RSVPs are important for our catering team. Please email Steve Sheets: [email protected].

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

ORUCC Stewardship Sunday November 17th!

Orchard Ridge UCC on November 13, 2024

Stewardship Sunday is this Sunday, November 17th!

We are grateful to all of you who have already returned your completed pledge cards for 2025. We appreciate and celebrate your continued generous financial support. If you have not yet returned your pledge card, you may bring it to church this Sunday, November 17^th (Stewardship Sunday) or mail it to the church office by that date. Again, thank you for your ongoing financial commitment to Orchard Ridge United Church of Christ.

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

ORUCC –Wayfinding – November 20th & 21st

Orchard Ridge UCC on November 13, 2024

Wayfinding

November 20th & 21st

Going Deep

Dear Wayfinders and those who are curious,

Next Wednesday we will hold our monthly Wayfinding: The Spirituality of Aging, Towards a Theology of the Elder Years. Every 3rd Wednesday of the month, we will gather in Friendship Hall at 9:30am, beginning with refreshments and program starting at 9:45am and concluding at 11:15am. Those who are unable to make Wednesday morning work but would still like to participate are able to meet virtually at 4-5pm the next day over ZOOM. We will take a break in January, and then gather again February-May.

This month we will explore our spiritual depths through Psalm 42’s “deep calls to deep,” and a reading from Parker Palmer’s, On The Brink of Everything, Grace, Gravity and Getting Old. We will wonder together, “what is the role of the elder in times of social change?” One assumption we will explore is how elders can offer wisdom, perspective and depth from years of life as well as the ability to see a long-term big picture and go deep with our own souls and relationship with God. If we are able to become curious about our own spiritual depths, elders can give other generations hope and wisdom from that place.

Here (link) is the first reading for our November session. It is not required reading, but may help deepen your experience of Wayfinding.

I look forward to sharing this time with you. I love the feeling of wholeness as we gather in circle, with God at our center, as we sing, as we meditate, as we read scripture, as we pray and then explore teachings on different topics from literature and spirituality around aging. The heart of our gathering is breaking out into facilitated small groups to discuss specific questions that help us deepen in supportive community and illuminate aspects of our souls and our story.

Below is the information for the ZOOM gatherings, which will stay the same each Thursday- so save this email!

Blessings,

Pastor Julia Burkey

Topic: Wayfinding

Time: Nov 21, 2024 04:00 PM Central Time (US and Canada)

Join Zoom Meeting

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84845886041?pwd=4PhfBp176E1pCJZ7U1NAanhC9P8F3h.1

Meeting ID: 848 4588 6041

Passcode: 115289

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

ORUCC –Wayfinding begins again next Wednesday, October 16th!

Orchard Ridge UCC on October 10, 2024

Wayfinding begins again next Wednesday, October 16th!

Dear Wayfinders and those who are curious,

Next Wednesday we delve into another rich and meaningful year of our Wayfinding: The Spirituality of Aging, Towards a Theology of the Elder Years. Next Wednesday, and every 3rd Wednesday of the month, we will gather at 9:30am, beginning with refreshments and concluding at 11:15am. Those who are unable to make Wednesday morning but would still like to participate are able to meet virtually at 4-5pm the next day over ZOOM. We will take a break in January, and then gather again February-May.

If you are curious about the topic of spirituality and aging and you’d like to join for the first time, you are welcome. If you have participated in Wayfinding before, this year will be new topics and content, and you are welcome. If you are able to come to some but not all, you are welcome, though of course you will get most with consistent participation. You may bounce between in-person gathering and ZOOM gathering as your health and mobility dictate.

Here (link) is the first reading of our session which we will base the teaching and small group discussion on- it is an experiment to send this reading early for you. It is not required reading, but may help deepen your experience of Wayfinding- you’ll have to tell me!

Leading Wayfinding is one of the most life-giving parts of my ministry, I look forward to sharing this time with you. I love the feeling of wholeness as we gather in circle, with God at our center, as we sing, as we meditate, as we read scripture, as we pray and then receive teaching on different topics from literature and spirituality around aging. This year we will work with Parker Palmer’s, On The Brink of Everything, Grace, Gravity and Getting Old, and in the spring The Inner Work of Age: Shifting from Role to Soul. The heart of our gathering is breaking out into facilitated small groups to discuss specific questions that help us deepen in supportive community and illuminate aspects of our souls and our story.

Below is the information for the ZOOM gatherings, which will stay the same each Thursday- so save this email!

Blessings,

Pastor Julia Burkey

Topic: Wayfinding

Time: Oct 17, 2024 04:00 PM Central Time (US and Canada)

Every month on the Third Thu, 8 occurrence(s)

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

Monthly: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/tZAlc-ygpj0qHtVACKugt3F9VQcHKlSFIkBw/ics?icsToken=98tyKuGspj8vEtyTsB2GRpwIGo-gZ_zxiCFfgrdrvTzOFidHMSWvANNBGplzI_75&meetingMasterEventId=rVAxgA_TTEu4lCVGZ6Hvgg

Join Zoom Meeting

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84845886041?pwd=4PhfBp176E1pCJZ7U1NAanhC9P8F3h.1

Meeting ID: 848 4588 6041

Passcode: 115289

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

ORUCC supports Los Volcanes Open House on October 10th

Orchard Ridge UCC on October 4, 2024

You’re Invited!

Los Volcanes Open House Launch Party

Thursday, Oct 10, 2024, 3:30pm – 6:30pm

8508 Fairway Drive

Middleton, WI 53562

We heard from Los Volcanes last Sunday at a 9 a.m. presentation about their collective and the work challenges of Latinx workers.

Now come join them for good music, food, guest speakers, and an opportunity to explore their new space.

At 5:00pm there will be a short program to hear from members of the collective and the support network who made their incubation possible.

¡Come support Worker Justice Wisconsin!

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

ORUCC –October Lunch & Learn

Orchard Ridge UCC on October 4, 2024

Lunch and Learn

Wednesday, October 9th

Effigy Mounds

On Wednesday October 9^th we will welcome Amy Rosebrough, Archeologist, for the Wisconsin Historical Society to Lunch and Learn. She will speak about Wisconsin effigy mounds. Rosebrough has substantial experience in Wisconsin’s and the Midwestern United States’ archaeology scene, and her work has spanned public, private and educational sectors of archaeology, including within the Wisconsin Archeological Society and Archaeological Research, Inc. Rosebrough is regarded as one of the top experts on Wisconsin’s effigy mounds, cultivating her expertise through a commitment to continuous field work as well as the development of her doctoral dissertation titled “Every Family a Nation” and co-authoring the book “Indian Mounds of Wisconsin.” She is also an active educator, giving frequent talks and presentations to share her archaeological knowledge with people of all ages.

Please join us. All are welcome. We will see you Wednesday, October 9th at 11:30 am. The meal donation is $10. Please email Doug Piper with your RSVP. We need the count for the Hospitality Team! [email protected]

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

Worker Justice in Action presentation: Sunday at 9 am in Friendship Hall

Orchard Ridge UCC on September 27, 2024

Hear compelling personal stories of worker justice in action

this Sunday, September 29th, at 9:00 am

in Friendship Hall

The ORUCC Immigration Justice Team invites you to a presentation by members of Los Volcanes, a worker cooperative that specializes in screenprinting, sewing, and embroidery.

Come help us celebrate the successful creation by Los Volcanes of an immigrant-led cooperative. The group will discuss their decision to become a cooperative, the cooperative support network and the place of cooperatives in the greater labor movement.

Come hear about their struggles with workplace discrimination and wage theft and the challenges of enforcing the decisions regarding their case.

The workers will bring some of their products for display and sale.

Come join us in Friendship Hall, 9am, Sunday, 9/29/24!

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

ORUCC –September Lunch & Learn

Orchard Ridge UCC on September 6, 2024

Lunch and Learn

Wednesday, September 11th

We return on the 11^th for our first meeting of our program year. We gather at 11:30 am for the lunch portion in Friendship Hall and adjourn to Worship Hall for the Learn portion. This month we will learn about Braver Angels.

Braver Angels is a nonprofit dedicated to political depolarization. The organization runs workshops, debates, and other events where “red” (conservative) and “blue” (liberal) participants attempt to better understand one another’s positions and discover their shared values. The organization states that it is the “largest, grassroots, bipartisan organization in America dedicated to reviving the communal spirit of American democracy.” They say that their “method involves bringing politically diverse people together in small groups to listen empathetically to each other’s perspectives.”

As its main activity, Braver Angels runs conversations among Americans with opposing political views. Its flagship discussion format has been the Red/Blue workshops. The Red/Blue workshops are designed to facilitate understanding and conversations between conservative Reds and liberal Blues. Ideally, the number of Red and Blue participants is balanced for each session. The workshop was designed by Braver Angels co-founder, Prof. William Doherty, an expert in family social science at the University of Minnesota, based on therapy methods used in couples counseling.

Be prepared to learn non-threatening conversation techniques that may help us come to common ground on any issue. We will see you Wednesday, September 11^th at 11:30 am. The meal donation is $10. Please email Steve Sheets with your RSVP by September 9^th [email protected] .

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

Sign up now for ORUCC’s Black History for a New Day group course

Orchard Ridge UCC on September 3, 2024

Registration is now open for ORUCC’S group course: Black History For A New Day (BHFAND) Mondays 7-9PM Sept. 16-Nov. 18 either on Zoom or at church.

Put ORUCC in the “coupon” box and probably also in the “organization” box. Then it lets you register without paying.

Money should go to the church office.

Choose the MONDAY EVENING Virtual Option

Use Code ORUCC

The link is https://courses.justifiedanger.com/component/eventbooking/course-registration/2024-fall-monday-hybrid/184?Itemid=762

Course fee is $300 for first time participants and $150 for those of us repeating the course, funds which support Nehemiah’s important work. Pay with a check payable to ORUCC with Black History in memo line and send to the church office by September 30.

Check out BHFAND for a course overview.

Orchard Ridge UCC | Spiritually Alive, Joyfully Inclusive, Committed to Justice www.orucc.org 1501 Gilbert Road | Madison, WI 53711 US

Mitri Raheb speaks on September 8 at 7:00 pm in Madison

Orchard Ridge UCC on August 12, 2024

Register now for a presentation Sunday, September 8, 2024, 7:00-8:30 pm at Midvale Community Lutheran Church by the Rev. Dr. Mitri Raheb. Born and raised in Palestine, Rev. Dr. Mitri Raheb is a co-founder of Bright Stars of Bethlehem. He is founder and president of Dar al-Kalima University in Bethlehem. Previously, he was the pastor of the Evangelical Lutheran Christmas Church in Bethlehem. Described as the most widely published Palestinian theologian, Rev. Raheb is the author and editor of more than forty books.

Raheb will share a presentation in Madison on Sunday, September 8 at 7:00pm at Midvale Community Lutheran Church, 4329 Tokay Blvd., open to the public. He will provide a firsthand account of the current crisis in Gaza and the West Bank and how the work of Bright Stars of Bethlehem is offering hope in the lives of people experiencing extreme suffering and challenges. Register online here: tinyurl.com/mrrtcm4c

Copies of Mitri’s newest book, Decolonizing Palestine: The Land, The People, The Bible will be available for purchase at the event, and Mitri will do a book-signing.

This event is presented in collaboration with the non-profit Bright Stars of Bethlehem and co-sponsored by Midvale Community Lutheran Church, Christ Presbyterian Church, Madison, and Memorial United Church of Christ, Fitchburg.

ORUCC – You’re invited to Tom Klossner’s 80th birthday party!

Orchard Ridge UCC on April 26, 2024

Tom Klossner is a longtime member of Orchard Ridge United Church of Christ.

You’re invited to his 80th birthday party!

When: Sunday, April 28, 1:00-4:00pm

Where: Schwoegler’s Park Towne Lanes – Madison

We’ll have snacks, beverages and cake!

Can’t make it? Send him a card —

2619 Smokey Trail, Madison 53711

Please reply to Heidi Fahey if you plan on stopping by! Hope to see you!

Heidi Fahey 608-279-1528

ORUCC -Sunday, Apr. 7, 9 am – Usama Nicola on Palestinian Justice

Orchard Ridge UCC on April 5, 2024

ORUCC invites you!

Sunday, April 7, 9 am

Alfred Swan Room

A Palestinian friend of ORUCC members Tom Beilman and Diane Dulin, Usama Nicola, will offer a presentation on Palestinian justice. Usama is a tour guide extraordinaire and co-runs an organization — Wi’am: The Palestine Transformataion Center — that helps Palestinian children and youths cope with the trauma of occupation. He is a deeply committed Christian living in Bethlehem just a couple of blocks from the Church of the Nativity. Tom and Diane have met Usama several times, benefiting greatly from his insights as a tour guide and even staying at his home.

Attendees at this presentation will hear firsthand from Usama about the many obstacles he and his family face in the West Bank as they try to live their daily lives.

Usama will be joining us from Palestine over Zoom in the Alfred Swan Room, and we are setting a cap of 30 people. Therefore, the first 28 people to arrive will have a seat. You may want to arrive early!

ORUCC Spring Adult Ed Opportunities

Orchard Ridge UCC on April 2, 2024

ORUCC Adult Education Opportunities

Spring 2024

April 7th 9:00 am A Palestinian friend of ORUCC members Tom Beilman and Diane Dulin, Usama Nicola, will offer a presentation on Palestinian justice. Usama is a tour guide extraordinaire and co-runs an organization — Wi’am: The Palestine Transformataion Center — that helps Palestinian children and youths cope with the trauma of occupation. He is a deeply committed Christian living in Bethlehem just a couple of blocks from the Church of the Nativity. Tom and Diane have met Usama several times, benefiting greatly from his insights as a tour guide and even staying at his home.

Attendees at this presentation will hear firsthand from Usama about the many obstacles he and his family face in the West Bank as they try to live their daily lives.

On April 21st at 9:00 am we will welcome Shedd Farley from The Farley Center to talk about Green Burials. All are welcome to learn about this new and ancient way of returning our body to the regenerative cycles of the earth.

April 21st at 11:15 am Diane Dulin presents and shares on her time in Palestine.

On April 28th at 9:00 am before church we will welcome Johnna Georgia from the Wisconsin Council of Churches to give a presentation about the innovative program of Awaken Dane. We want to know as a church- would we like to participate in Awaken Dane? Watch this video to get an idea of what the program offers. We have been saying that “justice moves at the pace of relationships, and this would be a great way to form relationships with our neighbors of faith doing good work in Dane Country. Do you feel a call to participate? Come and see!

On April 28th at 11:00 am following worship, the pastors will host a conversation about what we as a congregation think we might need during this upcoming contentious election cycle. As we plan fall programming and spiritual opportunities, we would love to hear from you. What does your soul need?

Reading the Bible Seriously

But Not Literally

Tuesday mornings 10-11:30 am

in the Alfred Swan Room

(Zoom if there is interest)

April 2 – May 21 (8 sessions)

Led by David Anderman

Our text will be The Emancipation of God: Postmarks on Cultural

Prophesy by Walter Brueggemann, a world-renowned UCC Old

Testament/Hebrew Scriptures scholar. The book is a collection of recent short

essays which originated as blog posts; they are readable and largely non-

technical essays intended for the mythological ‘person-in-the-pew.’

The book is available on short notice from Amazon. Most local

bookstores could order it but I would be surprised if any have it in stock. List

price is $28.00. Good theology doesn’t come cheap. Neither does bad

theology, for that matter.

Our first session(s) will look at the passages traditionally quoted by

those opposing LGBTQ+ affirming theologies. Brueggemann sets them

alongside the much more numerous passages of welcoming neighbors and of

offering hospitality to strangers. This specific issue will open up broader

consideration of the nature of Biblical interpretations.

Other topics will include exploring what it means to be a Biblically-

informed and -directed church in a capitalist empire that co-opts religious

institutions and faith; and how a ‘declining’ church can offer hope to a

discouraged and down-hearted, sometimes cruel culture.

Through these examples, we will learn ways of taking the Bible

seriously but not literally.

Two secondary texts will also be referred to. I have just started

reading Reading Genesis by Marilyn Robinson, another well-known and

UCC author. Fascinating passages about her reading of the book of Genesis.

I will also refer to the essay “The Symbol Gives Rise to Thought” by Paul

Ricoeur, a French philosopher who self-identified as a Reformed Christian.

Please let me know if you are interested or have questions.

David Anderman [email protected]

All Church Retreat!

We would love to have you at the all-ages, rescheduled All Church Retreat April 12-14 at Daycholah Center! Please consider joining us- the deadline is April 4th for registering.

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.

Here are the registration links again:

REGISTRATION FORM

PAYMENT SITE

We cannot wait to share time with you in the April!

Julia & Kate

Wayfinding & Lunch & Learn

Lunch and Learn, Wednesday, April 10th, 11:30 am

ORUCC Member Rev. Bev Davis will share about bullying

Wayfinding, the Soul Tasks of Aging, April 17 9:45-11:15 am in person and April 18 virtual 4pm. Join for this month’s theme of Wayfinding theme inspired by the resurrection of Jesus of suspending our disbelief and engaging in wondering and hope about the forces of life-renewing, eternal life and the afterlife.

Lunch and Learn, Wednesday, May 8th, 11:30 am, UW Professor Troy Reeves, “The Importance of Story Telling.”

Java & Jesus 9am

April 14, 9 am: Java & Jesus – Peg Knueve facilitating

May 5, 9 am: Java & Jesus – Jeanne Moberly facilitating

Work and Worship Sunday and lunch provided by congregational life!

May 12, 9 am: Java & Jesus – Jim McNamara facilitating

Mother’s Day!

May 19, 9 am: Java & Jesus – Dan Rossmiller facilitating

Confirmation Sunday!

May 26, 9 am: Java & Jesus – Mary Neuhaus facilitating

Memorial Day Weekend

Java & Jesus takes a hiatus for the summertime!

ORUCC–Sign up to attend a Maundy Thursday dinner in a home on March 28th, 4 spots left!

Ken Pennings on March 19, 2024

a Maundy Thursday

dinner in a home

March 28th, 6-8 pm

We’d really love to be able to fill all 4 spots available!

Might you be interested in attending a Maundy Thursday meal in a home on March 28th, 6-8 pm?

One spot has opened at Becky and Richard’s home.

One spot is open at Deanna and Jon’s home.

Two spots are open at Loretta and Todd’s home.

In the past, the host has provided a Middle Eastern main dish, and has either invited the guests to bring side dishes to share or to bring a favorite beverage (e.g. wine). Your host will be in touch with you about this. Be sure to let your host know if you have any dietary restrictions.

If you have trouble with this online signup tool, there will be signup sheets on the table in the Crossroads the next three Sundays. Or you can contact Ken Pennings to let him know which host you’ve chosen ([email protected] or 608-556-2371).

After supper, your group will share in a brief litany of Communion remembering Jesus’ last supper with his disciples in an upper room in Jerusalem.

Click here to sign up