Come join us for an all ages, intergenerational, family style picnic in the park! Join members of our ORUCC Youth Faith Formation Team (YFF) at Garner Park Upper Shelter on Thursday, July 10th, 5:30-7:30 pm.
Bring a sack dinner for your family and join others for conversation, playtime, and an icy treat. Yard games welcome!
Orchard Ridge UCC | Spiritually Alive, Joyfully Inclusive, Committed to Justice 1501 Gilbert Road | Madison, WI 53711 US
Come join us for an all ages, intergenerational, family style picnic in the park! Join members of our ORUCC Youth Faith Formation Team (YFF) at Garner Park Upper Shelter on Thursday, July 10th, 5:30-7:30 pm.
Bring a sack dinner for your family and join others for conversation, playtime, and an icy treat. Yard games welcome!
Orchard Ridge UCC | Spiritually Alive, Joyfully Inclusive, Committed to Justice 1501 Gilbert Road | Madison, WI 53711 US
The family of beloved longtime ORUCC member John Lillethun invites you to a Memorial Service to celebrate his life on Saturday, June 28th, at 11:00 am, at Orchard Ridge United Church of Christ, 1501 Gilbert Road, Madison, Wisconsin, 53711, with a visitation beginning at 10:00 am, a Garth service at 12:00 noon, and luncheon following the Garth service. All are welcome.
Obituary for John Lillethun
August 7, 1942 – June 13, 2025
It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of John Lillethun, 82, beloved husband of Donna and devoted father to Todd and Chad. Born on August 7, 1942 to Morris and Delores Lillethun, John was raised in La Crosse, where he graduated from Aquinas High School. He went on to earn degrees from Vandercook College of Music, the University of Wisconsin Madison, and the University of Wisconsin Whitewater.
John was a U.S. Navy veteran where he was honored to play with the Navy marching and jazz bands as he served his country and traveled the world. He began his professional career as a distinguished music educator and later served as a respected school administrator in the Oconomowoc area, where he and Donna raised their family. He will be remembered for his quick wit and a laugh that could fill a room. John’s love of good food, music, and sports was only surpassed by the kindness, warmth, and generosity he extended to all who knew him.
John is survived by his wife, Donna; brother, Joel (Pam); son, Chad (Angela); and granddaughter, Nadia. John was preceded in death by his parents Morris and Delores; sister, Joyce; brother, Jim; and his beloved son, Todd. He will be fondly remembered by his family, friends, and the many whose lives he touched.
The family wishes to thank John’s many UW Health medical providers and, especially, the staff at Agrace Hospice for the thoughtful and compassionate care they provided throughout the course of his illness.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Orchard Ridge United Church of Christ (address above).
Orchard Ridge UCC | Spiritually Alive, Joyfully Inclusive, Committed to Justicewww.orucc.org | Madison, WI 53711 US
Please join together for our last Wayfinding of the season tomorrow, Wednesday, May 21st from 9:30 to 11:15 am in Friendship Hall (in person) and Thursday, May 22nd from 4:00 to 5:00 pm via Zoom (see login info below). We will then take a break for the summer and resume in October with a retreat at Holy Wisdom Monastery in October, date TBD.
Many blessings,
Pastor Julia
Topic: Wayfinding
Time: May 22, 2025 04:00 PM Central Time (US and Canada)
Care of Creation Mission Team Presentation at 9:00 am this Sunday, April 27th in Friendship Hall: Jeff Epping
Jeff Epping was the Director of Horticulture at Olbrich Botanical Gardens in Madison for 25 years. He received the Award of Merit from the American Public Gardens Association in 2023 for his work as an early innovator of eco-friendly gardening practices and use of native plants in the landscape. Jeff pioneered techniques like leaf mulching, organic lawn care, gravel gardens and living mulch. More recently he designed the extensive gardens at Epic Systems in Verona. Click here for more info about Jeff.
Plan to attend to learn about sustainable landscapes and practices to promote pollinators at home and in the community.
Orchard Ridge UCC | Spiritually Alive, Joyfully Inclusive, Committed to Justice 1501 Gilbert Road | Madison, WI 53711 US
Might you be interested in attending a Maundy Thursday meal in a home on April 17th? All meals will be 6-8 pm except the Burkey/Cooperrider meal which will be 5-7 pm.
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 next Sunday. 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 ritual of Communion remembering Jesus’ last supper with his disciples in an upper room in Jerusalem.
Beloved member Thea Brunsell passed away and we will hold a Garth service at ORUCC on Sunday, April 13th at 12 noon for Thea which is open to the ORUCC community. We remember Thea and her remarkable life and legacy with love and admiration.
With love,
Pastor Julia
Obituary for Thea Brunsell
Our mother, Thea La Budde Brunsell peacefully passed away March 11th. Thea was 100 ½, born July 16, 1924. She grew up in Whitefish Bay, Milwaukee, Wisconsin. In 1956 Thea moved to Evansville Wisconsin with her husband, William Carlin Brunsell. Thea enjoyed her last eight years living at Oakwood Village in Madison, where her family, care companions and community supported her with love, admiration and affection.
Thea was the daughter of LeRoy and Thea La Budde and the middle child of two brothers, Donald Christian and Leroy (Roy) La Budde.
Thea attended the University of Michigan in 1942. After her father’s unexpected death, she returned to Milwaukee to care for her mother as both brothers were preparing to go to war. While in transition, Thea attended the Downer School for Girls and made lifelong and even famous friends. Thea and her childhood friend, Colleen Dewhurst, who became a broadway actress, were well known for their antics ands improv comedy routines entertaining people on the public transit bus. Thea returned to Michigan in 1947 and completed her degree in Social Work.
As a graduation gift, Thea’s aunts sent her to Europe aboard the maiden voyage of the Queen Mary to visit old family in Basel, Germany. Upon her return her brother Roy, decided it was high time for her to meet a “suitable” young man. Roy introduced Thea to his close friend and classmate at Harvard University, Bill Brunsell. Thea said when she met Bill for the first time, she was swept off her feet and her never ending love, friendship and admiration for him endured for over 69 years.
In Milwaukee, Bill practiced law at Michael, Best, Friedrich & Sons, and Thea gave birth to her two children, Annie and Paul. In 1956, Thea and Bill moved to Evansville, Wisconsin. Bill was given the opportunity with his brother-in-law, Nimmer Adamany, to buy the Grange Store and with his brother, Bob Brunsell, help manage the 4-B farms.
Thea and Bill were blessed to have many years of adventure with their children, Annie, Paul and daughter-in-law, Maribeth Brunsell. Thea baked many, many chocolate chip cookies and M&M cakes for her grandchildren and great grandchildren: Paul Mark Suprenand (wife, Lisa and Jack and Kai); Monet Campbell (children Madison and Aiden); Zack Brunsell (wife Maggie); Kelly (Brunsell) Christman and (husband Max); plus…her 28+ nieces, nephews and their families. For 40 years, Thea and Bill hosted their families at Dairyman’s in Boulder Junction; Mom playing golf, cards and Russian Bank and Dad, baiting, catching, filleting and frying fish fresh from the Northern lakes with kids in tow.
Thea has always been on a spiritual quest and had a passion to study the Bible. At the age of 12, she rewrote the New Testament in a child’s vernacular up to Deuteronomy. Thea continued her spiritual journey, studying under Rabbi Manfred Swarsensky at Edgewood College and obtaining a degree in Christian Education.
Thea focused her education and passion toward humanitarian causes, holding invaluable volunteer positions as a social activist and peacemaker at local, state and national levels.
On a local level in Evansville, Thea started the Head Start Program; she was the original coordinator for Meals on Wheels; she was an all-capacity volunteer at the Care Closet; Thea was Chair of the United Church of Christ (UCC) social action Committee, devoted to protesting nuclear arms; and Chair of the UCC Constitutional Committee.
On a state level, Thea was involved with the UCC Long Range Planning Committee and was offered the State Moderator role. However, Thea wanted a larger impact on peace and became an activist for the National Board for World Ministries, responsible for all overseas works of the denomination.
In 1984, Thea and Bill, inspired by Viktor Frankl’s book; “Man’s Search for Meaning”, became involved in mission work through the Church of Our Savior in Washington D.C. and traveled to Russia as peace ambassadors to help bridge the gaps in understandings. When Thea and Bill moved to Oakwood, leaving their home of 59 years, she continued her social advocacy through the Life Enrichment Committee; started a Grief for Widows group and was active as a senator for Tabor Assisted Living, giving their voice and representation to the larger Oakwood board. Thea also authored the book, “Why I Love Oakwood” which can be found in the Oakwood library today.
Above all else, Thea believed her role was to be by her husband creating a loving home. She was a prolific gardener, planting over 200 annuals each year. She was a formidable opponent in golf, tennis, backgammon and bridge. She was a great photographer, filling over 32 albums and over 26 carousels of treasured memories from our home and trips abroad. Thea was the central focus of our family, arranging many gatherings that brought people together to celebrate life. She was a founding member of Evansville Supper Club and Bridge Club that endured with the same friends for over 50 years.
Thea’s axiom was, “I’ll do anything as long as I am safe, warm, dry and secure.” However, she managed to join Bill in Hobie Cat sailing, canoeing on the Sugar River, skiing in the Colorado Rockies, rafting the Green River and traveling the world….literally…with “no reservations!”
Thea held the belief that she was a spiritual being having a temporary human experience rather than a human being having a temporary spiritual experience. Thea graciously and lovingly added beauty to this earth. We do not say good by but rather: “until we meet again Thea.”
We will remember Thea Brunsell as our mother, friend, devoted activist, and inspirational mentor. Thea began each day embracing the courage to be, holding onto to the will to do the next best thing and celebrating the joy… to keep on… keeping on.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to Agrace Hospice or the charity of your choice.
Orchard Ridge UCC | Spiritually Alive, Joyfully Inclusive, Committed to Justicewww.orucc.org | Madison, WI 53711 US
Come to ORUCC this evening (Tuesday) and tomorrow (Wednesday) evening for fun, fellowship and reflection. Not to be missed!
First…this evening: PARTY GRAS!!!
And tomorrow evening: Ash Wednesday Fellowship and Service: 4:30 to 5:45 pm
We are planning to gather people at 4:30 pm outside for pop-up ashes rituals, bonfire, s’mores (if the weather holds), and indoors for art and labyrinth walking regardless of the weather. We then encourage everyone to stay for a Taize service at 5:15 pm.
Orchard Ridge UCC | Spiritually Alive, Joyfully Inclusive, Committed to Justicewww.orucc.org | Madison, WI 53711 US
During the season of Lent, which begins on Ash Wednesday, March 5th, we will be offering five* Home Groups, each with 8-12 people who will be discussing three passages from Luke’s Gospel in three 1.5 hr. sessions in a pattern of every other week.
Plan to pick up a Lenten Devotional Booklet and a pack of “Devocards” at the church on March 2nd, March 5 (Ash Wednesday), or March 9th, for a suggested donation of $5. Or plan to stop by the church on weekday mornings during the first two weeks of March to pick up these items.
Be sure to bring your Lenten Devotional Booklet to all three sessions of the Home Group, since the group will be referring to it for poetry, readings & artwork.
As soon as the groups fill up, your Home Group Host/Facilitator will be in touch with you with more details.
*FYI – Doug & Mary Loving will be hosting a 6th group of ORUCC folks who are residents at Oakwood Village West.
During the season of Lent, which begins on Ash Wednesday, March 5th, we will be offering five* Home Groups, each with 8-12 people who will be discussing three passages from Luke’s Gospel in three 1.5 hr. sessions in a pattern of every other week.
Plan to pick up a Lenten Devotional Booklet and a pack of “Devocards” at the church on March 2nd, March 5 (Ash Wednesday), or March 9th, for a suggested donation of $5. Or plan to stop by the church on weekday mornings during the first two weeks of March to pick up these items.
Be sure to bring your Lenten Devotional Booklet to all three sessions of the Home Group, since the group will be referring to it for poetry, readings & artwork.
As soon as the groups fill up, your Home Group Host/Facilitator will be in touch with you with more details.
*FYI – Doug & Mary Loving will be hosting a 6th group of ORUCC folks who are residents at Oakwood Village West.
