ORUCC – Java & Jesus Is Back! – Feb. 9th, 9 am (In-person or by Zoom)

Orchard Ridge UCC on February 6, 2025

Java & Jesus

Sunday, Feb. 9th, at 9 am

Attend in-person at the church in the

Alfred Swan Room, or attend remotely

by Zoom

Cody Theis facilitating

All are welcome!

Join us even if this is your first time!

Please read ahead of time and come prepared to discuss a Buzzfeed article by Ali Moss. Please ignore the comments

at the end.

Click here for the reading

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Click here to join the Zoom discussion

Or paste the following into your browser:  

us02web.zoom.us/j/82770860427?pwd=d3brshq8rhaSf2LAQId0eFG6SRepan.1

Or phone in 1-312-626-6799

Meeting ID: 827 7086 0427

Passcode: 424028

If you have difficulty accessing the Zoom discussion,

phone Ken Pennings at 608-556-2371

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

ORUCC – August 18, 9 am, summer seminar

Orchard Ridge UCC on August 13, 2024

You’re invited to a summer seminar!

at Orchard Ridge

United Church of Christ

1501 Gilbert Rd.,

Madison, WI 53711

Sunday, August 18th, 2024, 9 am

in the Alfred Swan Room

“The Deep Source of Trump’s Appeal”

Faciliated by Baxter Richardson

In January, Pastor Julia Burkey asked us to think about what we need as the 2024 election cycle approaches. While there have been several responses to this request, one frequently heard response is “I just do not understand how anyone could support Donald Trump.” David Brooks, the New York Times columnist, has attempted to answer this question in an opinion piece that goes well beyond the simplified explanatory categories currently in vogue. He suggests that a creative “tension” that existed in American culture and which created a common moral culture with widespread support, has all but disappeared, leading to a deeply fragmented and polarized society. Trumpism is but one response to this fragmentation.

So our task on August 18 will be threefold: (1) to understand his argument (2) to critically examine his argument and (3) to explore his suggestion that the way forward should be the work of “religious progressives.”

Please read the Brooks article ahead of time: Click here for reading

Questions? Contact Baxter Richardson at [email protected]

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

ORUCC – June 16th , 9 am, adult education opportunity

Orchard Ridge UCC on June 11, 2024

You’re invited

to Orchard Ridge United Church of Christ

1501 Gilbert Rd., Madison, WI 53711

this Sunday, June 16, 2024, 9 am

Alfred Swan Room

How Can We Have Meaningful Discussions with Others

about Difficult Topics?

Featuring Robert Asen is the Stephen E. Lucas Professor of Rhetoric, Politics, and Culture in the Communication Arts Department at the University of Wisconsin-Madison

Facilitator: Baxter Richardson

This presentation/discussion, while using the Israel-Palestine conflict as an example, will not focus on the content of that conflict, but rather will explore the approaches and strategies that we might employ in order to have meaningful discussions with others, including those we disagree with, about the conflict. These approaches, it is hoped, can also be used for other kinds of undertakings, such as Jewish-Christian dialogue.

Americans live in an increasingly polarized society in which we face difficult issues impacting our local communities and our wider worlds. These issues may address core values and commitments that connect us and divide us from others with similar and different viewpoints. Indeed, we may even feel internal tensions as we struggle to articulate coherent perspectives on complicated issues. This brief presentation and facilitated discussion will invite reflection on the possibilities for productive deliberation and dialogue across differences. We will consider the ethics, purposes, and implications of engaging different perspectives on potentially difficult issues. We will also reflect on our own values and commitments, including what we are willing to risk to engage different viewpoints.

 

Robert Asen is the Stephen E. Lucas Professor of Rhetoric, Politics, and Culture in the Communication Arts Department at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. In his research, Asen explores the democratic possibilities of public debate and dialogue, as ordinary folks may connect with others to build diverse communities and support individuals, as well as the ways that public discourse may divide and scapegoat people and sustain unjust practices. He regularly teaches an undergraduate argument course that starts with the basic belief that we must be able to discuss our differences and that these differences can contribute to a dynamic and diverse society.

 

Please open this link and read the UW Madison Faith Leaders statement before Sunday:

Click here for the statement

Questions? Contact Baxter Richardson at [email protected]

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

ORUCC – June 2nd, 9 am, adult education opportunity

Orchard Ridge UCC on May 28, 2024

You’re invited

to Orchard Ridge United Church of Christ

1501 Gilbert Rd., Madison, WI 53713

this Sunday, June 2, 2024, 9 am

Alfred Swan Room

Antisemitism Then and Now:

The Christian Origins and Legacy

Facilitator: Baxter Richardson

This adult education session will be an inquiry – an attempt to answer one question: How does one explain the enduring reality of antisemitism in Christian cultures? Other questions we might explore: Is there some inherent quality of Christianity, or religion itself, that prevents us from freeing ourselves from the pernicious form of racism that we call antisemitism? Or is it possible that antisemitism is the manifestation of the human need to define who one is by who one is not? Or is it something else?

To help us understand the Christian origins and legacy, please read ahead of time and come prepared to discuss James Carroll’s article “Easter, Christianity, and Antisemitism” (2024) and excerpts by Martin Luther, “On the Jews and their Lies” (1543).

If time permits, we will consider how the Roman Catholic Church and the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America (ELCA) have responded, officially, to antisemitism. Copies of “Nostra Aetate” (1965) and “A Declaration of the ELCA to the Jewish Community” (1993) will be available on June 2.

Click here for first reading

Click here for second reading

Questions? Contact Baxter Richardson at [email protected]

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

ORUCC Java & Jesus, May 26th, 9 am (In-person or by Zoom)

Orchard Ridge UCC on May 23, 2024

Java & Jesus

Sunday, May 26, at 9 am

Attend in-person at the church in the

Alfred Swan Room, or attend remotely

by Zoom

Mary Neuhaus facilitating

All are welcome!

Join us even if this is your first time!

Please read ahead of time and come prepared to discuss a piece on prayer from the book: Secrets of the Lost Mode of Prayer, by Gregg

Braden. To whom do we pray, why do we pray, & how do we pray?

Click here for reading

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 Click here to join Zoom discussion

Or paste the following into your browser:  

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To join Zoom discussion by phone: 1 312 626 6799

Meeting ID: 836 4943 6657

Passcode: 315584

If you have difficulty accessing the Zoom discussion,

phone Ken Pennings at 608-556-2371

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

ORUCC Java & Jesus, May 19th, 9 am (In-person or by Zoom)

Orchard Ridge UCC on May 16, 2024

Java & Jesus

Sunday, May 19, at 9 am

Attend in-person at the church in the

Alfred Swan Room, or attend remotely

by Zoom

Dan Rossmiller facilitating

All are welcome!

Join us even if this is your first time!

At this session of Java & Jesus, we will discuss a video of a 2009 TED Talk by religious historian Karen Armstrong on the topic: “Let’s Revive the Golden Rule.” 

Karen Armstrong is a British author and commentator of Irish Catholic descent known for her books on comparative religion. She is a former Roman Catholic sister who became a religious historian and author. Along the way, she moved from a conservative to a more liberal and mystical Christian faith. She attended St Anne’s College, Oxford, while in the convent, and majored in English. She left her order in 1969, while in college.

 

Among her many books are: A History of God (1993), which sketches the evolution of the concept of God in the three major monotheistic traditions, Judaism, Christianity and Islam, along with some details on Buddhism and Hinduism; The Case for God (2009); Twelve Steps to a Compassionate Life (2010); and The Lost Art of Scripture: Rescuing the Sacred Texts (2019).

 

Armstrong received the TED Prize in February 2008. She used that occasion to call for the creation of a Charter for Compassion, which was unveiled the following year.

Here is a link to the video:  

https://www.ted.com/talks/karen_armstrong_let_s_revive_the_golden_rule?language=en 

Or simply click here

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 Click here to join Zoom discussion

Or paste the following into your browser:  

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83649436657?pwd=R2hVU0drV1N2VTZlMVJoRmI4K2VtUT09

To join Zoom discussion by phone: 1 312 626 6799

Meeting ID: 836 4943 6657

Passcode: 315584

If you have difficulty accessing the Zoom discussion,

phone Ken Pennings at 608-556-2371
Orchard Ridge UCC | Spiritually Alive, Joyfully Inclusive, Committed to Justice, www.orucc.org, Madison, WI 53711

ORUCC Java & Jesus, May 12th, 9 am (In-person or by Zoom)

Orchard Ridge UCC on May 9, 2024

Java & Jesus

Sunday, May 12, at 9 am

Attend in-person at the church in the

Alfred Swan Room, or attend remotely

by Zoom

Jim McNamara facilitating

All are welcome!

Join us even if this is your first time!

Please read ahead of time and come prepared to discuss “Anti-Zionism Is Not the Same as Antisemitism. Here’s the History” 

by Benjamin Moser

from Chistian Ethics Today.

With all the turmoil over the Israeli-Hamas (Palestinian) war, last December’s congressional resolution equating anti-Zionism with antisemitism and the subsequent student protests, we wonder how we should respond to the “anti-semetic” protesters on and off our nation’s campuses. This article gives a brief history of the difference between anti-Zionist and antisemetic behavior. Recently President Biden spoke out about the increase in antisemitism in the US while, at the same time, our nation is withholding military supplies from the Israeli government. Are these actions compatible or not? What should our response to this situation be? Can we oppose the Israeli actions while supporting the Jewish community? Join us for discussion!



Click here for reading

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To join Zoom discussion by phone: 1 312 626 6799

Meeting ID: 836 4943 6657

Passcode: 315584

If you have difficulty accessing the Zoom discussion,

phone Ken Pennings at 608-556-2371
Orchard Ridge UCC | Spiritually Alive, Joyfully Inclusive, Committed to Justice, www.orucc.org, Madison, WI 53711

ORUCC Java & Jesus, May 5th, 9 am (In-person or by Zoom)

Orchard Ridge UCC on May 2, 2024

Java & Jesus

Sunday, May 5, at 9 am

Attend in-person at the church in the

Alfred Swan Room, or attend remotely

by Zoom

Jeanne Moberly facilitating

All are welcome!

Join us even if this is your first time!

Please read ahead of time and come prepared

to discuss excerpts from “Becoming Wise — An Inquiry into the Mystery and Art of Living,” by Krista Tippett.

Click here for reading

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 Click here to join Zoom discussion

Or paste the following into your browser:  

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83649436657?pwd=R2hVU0drV1N2VTZlMVJoRmI4K2VtUT09

To join Zoom discussion by phone: 1 312 626 6799

Meeting ID: 836 4943 6657

Passcode: 315584

If you have difficulty accessing the Zoom discussion,

phone Ken Pennings at 608-556-2371
Orchard Ridge UCC | Spiritually Alive, Joyfully Inclusive, Committed to Justice, www.orucc.org, Madison, WI 53711

ORUCC Java & Jesus, April 14th, 9 am (In-person or by Zoom)

Orchard Ridge UCC on April 11, 2024

Java & Jesus

Sunday, April 14, at 9 am

Attend in-person at the church in the

Alfred Swan Room, or attend remotely

by Zoom

Peg Knueve facilitating

All are welcome!

Join us even if this is your first time!

Please read ahead of time and come prepared

to discuss two pages from:

THE INNER WORK OF AGE

Shifting from Role to Soul

BY CONNIE SWEIG

Click here for reading

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 Click here to join Zoom discussion

Or paste the following into your browser:  

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83649436657?pwd=R2hVU0drV1N2VTZlMVJoRmI4K2VtUT09

To join Zoom discussion by phone: 1 312 626 6799

Meeting ID: 836 4943 6657

Passcode: 315584

If you have difficulty accessing the Zoom discussion,

phone Ken Pennings at 608-556-2371
Orchard Ridge UCC | Spiritually Alive, Joyfully Inclusive, Committed to Justice, www.orucc.org, Madison, WI 53711

ORUCC Java & Jesus, March 24th, 9 am (In-person or by Zoom)

Orchard Ridge UCC on March 21, 2024

Java & Jesus

Sunday, March 24, at 9 am

Attend in-person at the church in the

Alfred Swan Room, or attend remotely

by Zoom

Jeanne Moberly facilitating

All are welcome!

Join us even if this is your first time!

Please read ahead of time and come prepared to discuss 4 brief passages on “resurrection.”

Click here for reading

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 Click here to join Zoom discussion

Or paste the following into your browser:  

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83649436657?pwd=R2hVU0drV1N2VTZlMVJoRmI4K2VtUT09

To join Zoom discussion by phone: 1 312 626 6799

Meeting ID: 836 4943 6657

Passcode: 315584

If you have difficulty accessing the Zoom discussion,

phone Ken Pennings at 608-556-2371
Orchard Ridge UCC | Spiritually Alive, Joyfully Inclusive, Committed to Justice, www.orucc.org, Madison, WI 53711

ORUCC Java & Jesus, March 17th, 9 am (In-person or by Zoom)

Orchard Ridge UCC on March 14, 2024

Java & Jesus

Sunday, March 17, at 9 am

Attend in-person at the church in the

Alfred Swan Room, or attend remotely

by Zoom

Dick Rossmiller facilitating

All are welcome!

Join us even if this is your first time!

Please read ahead of time and come prepared to discuss an article by John Shelby Spong, “The Connection Between the Crucifixion and the Passover.”

Click here for reading

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 Click here to join Zoom discussion

Or paste the following into your browser:  

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83649436657?pwd=R2hVU0drV1N2VTZlMVJoRmI4K2VtUT09

To join Zoom discussion by phone: 1 312 626 6799

Meeting ID: 836 4943 6657

Passcode: 315584

If you have difficulty accessing the Zoom discussion,

phone Ken Pennings at 608-556-2371
Orchard Ridge UCC | Spiritually Alive, Joyfully Inclusive, Committed to Justice, www.orucc.org, Madison, WI 53711

ORUCC Java & Jesus, March 10th, 9 am (In-person or by Zoom)

Orchard Ridge UCC on March 7, 2024

Java & Jesus

Sunday, March 10, at 9 am

Attend in-person at the church in the

Alfred Swan Room, or attend remotely

by Zoom

Jim McNamara facilitating

All are welcome!

Join us even if this is your first time!

Please read ahead of time and come prepared to discuss the recent AP article from the State Journal, “Is the US a Christian Nation?” 

Click here for reading

_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

 Click here to join Zoom discussion

Or paste the following into your browser:  

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83649436657?pwd=R2hVU0drV1N2VTZlMVJoRmI4K2VtUT09

To join Zoom discussion by phone: 1 312 626 6799

Meeting ID: 836 4943 6657

Passcode: 315584

If you have difficulty accessing the Zoom discussion,

phone Ken Pennings at 608-556-2371
Orchard Ridge UCC | Spiritually Alive, Joyfully Inclusive, Committed to Justice, www.orucc.org, Madison, WI 53711

ORUCC Java & Jesus, March 3rd, 9 am (In-person or by Zoom)

Orchard Ridge UCC on February 29, 2024

Java & Jesus

Sunday, March 3, at 9 am

Attend in-person at the church in the

Alfred Swan Room, or attend remotely

by Zoom

Peg Knueve facilitating

All are welcome!

Join us even if this is your first time!

Please read ahead of time and come prepared to discuss a chapter from Richard Rohr’s book What Do We Do With Evil?

His chapter “A Way Out and Through” explores the misunderstanding that religion can add to evil if it is only about ritual, rules and obedience. He suggests that our faith should be about the extravagant freedom to love. Rohr urges us to look at systemic causes, rather than individual acts as the only source of evil. As Rohr points out, “We need real wisdom and spiritual intelligence in attacking evil or it rebounds back on us.”

Click here for reading

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 Click here to join Zoom discussion

Or paste the following into your browser:  

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83649436657?pwd=R2hVU0drV1N2VTZlMVJoRmI4K2VtUT09

To join Zoom discussion by phone: 1 312 626 6799

Meeting ID: 836 4943 6657

Passcode: 315584

If you have difficulty accessing the Zoom discussion,

phone Ken Pennings at 608-556-2371
Orchard Ridge UCC | Spiritually Alive, Joyfully Inclusive, Committed to Justice, www.orucc.org, Madison, WI 53711

ORUCC Java & Jesus, February 25th, 9 am (In-person or by Zoom)

Orchard Ridge UCC on February 22, 2024

Java & Jesus

Sunday, Feb. 25, at 9 am

Attend in-person at the church in the

Alfred Swan Room, or attend remotely

by Zoom

Dick Rossmiller facilitating

All are welcome!

Join us even if this is your first time!

Please read ahead of time and come prepared to discuss “Strangeness of Easter” (Wall Street Journal, April 3-4, 2021).



Click here for reading

_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

 Click here to join Zoom discussion

Or paste the following into your browser:  

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83649436657?pwd=R2hVU0drV1N2VTZlMVJoRmI4K2VtUT09

To join Zoom discussion by phone: 1 312 626 6799

Meeting ID: 836 4943 6657

Passcode: 315584

If you have difficulty accessing the Zoom discussion,

phone Ken Pennings at 608-556-2371
Orchard Ridge UCC | Spiritually Alive, Joyfully Inclusive, Committed to Justice, www.orucc.org, Madison, WI 53711

ORUCC Java & Jesus, February 18th, 9 am (In-person or by Zoom)

Orchard Ridge UCC on February 15, 2024

Java & Jesus

Sunday, Feb. 18, at 9 am

Attend in-person at the church in the

Alfred Swan Room, or attend remotely

by Zoom

Jeanne Moberly facilitating

All are welcome!

Join us even if this is your first time!

Please read ahead of time and come prepared to discuss

excerpts from Brian Doyle’s essays in his lovely book One Long River of Song. The theme will be, as Mr. Doyle states so ably,

“That the Small is Huge, That the Tiny is Vast,

That Pain is Part and Parcel of the Gift of Joy,

and That This is Love.”



Click here for reading

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 Click here to join Zoom discussion

Or paste the following into your browser:  

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83649436657?pwd=R2hVU0drV1N2VTZlMVJoRmI4K2VtUT09

To join Zoom discussion by phone: 1 312 626 6799

Meeting ID: 836 4943 6657

Passcode: 315584

If you have difficulty accessing the Zoom discussion,

phone Ken Pennings at 608-556-2371
Orchard Ridge UCC | Spiritually Alive, Joyfully Inclusive, Committed to Justice, www.orucc.org, Madison, WI 53711

ORUCC Java & Jesus, February 4th, 9 am (In-person or by Zoom)

Orchard Ridge UCC on February 1, 2024

Java & Jesus

Sunday, Feb. 4, at 9 am

Attend in-person at the church in the

Alfred Swan Room, or attend remotely

by Zoom

Mary Neuhaus facilitating

All are welcome!

Join us even if this is your first time!

Please read ahead of time and come prepared to discuss

chapter five of Anne Lamott’s book Almost Everything – Notes on Hope. Chapter five is entitled “Don’t Let Them

Get You to Hate Them.”

 

After reading, reflect on how you “unplug” and reorient.

Also consider: In ROOTS, the character Omoro holds up his naked infant son Kunta Kinte proclaiming “Behold the only thing greater than yourself.” 

Click here for reading

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 Click here to join Zoom discussion

Or paste the following into your browser:  

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83649436657?pwd=R2hVU0drV1N2VTZlMVJoRmI4K2VtUT09

To join Zoom discussion by phone: 1 312 626 6799

Meeting ID: 836 4943 6657

Passcode: 315584

If you have difficulty accessing the Zoom discussion,

phone Ken Pennings at 608-556-2371
Orchard Ridge UCC | Spiritually Alive, Joyfully Inclusive, Committed to Justice, www.orucc.org, Madison, WI 53711

ORUCC Java & Jesus, January 21st, 9 am (In-person or by Zoom)

Orchard Ridge UCC on January 18, 2024

Java & Jesus

Sunday, Jan. 21, at 9 am

Attend in-person at the church in the

Alfred Swan Room, or attend remotely

by Zoom

Mary Neuhaus facilitating

All are welcome!

Join us even if this is your first time!

Please read ahead of time and come prepared to discuss

pages 1-17 of Anne Lamott’s book Almost Everything: Notes on Hope.  

Paradox and Parable; Hope and Despair – How do we humans dig deeper into our lives and keep rediscovering love and hope?

Click here for reading

_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

 Click here to join Zoom discussion

Or paste the following into your browser:  

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83649436657?pwd=R2hVU0drV1N2VTZlMVJoRmI4K2VtUT09

To join Zoom discussion by phone: 1 312 626 6799

Meeting ID: 836 4943 6657

Passcode: 315584

If you have difficulty accessing the Zoom discussion,

phone Ken Pennings at 608-556-2371
Orchard Ridge UCC | Spiritually Alive, Joyfully Inclusive, Committed to Justice, www.orucc.org, Madison, WI 53711

ORUCC Java & Jesus, January 14th, 9 am (In-person or by Zoom)

Orchard Ridge UCC on January 12, 2024

Java & Jesus

Sunday, Jan. 14, at 9 am

Attend in-person at the church in the

Alfred Swan Room, or attend remotely

by Zoom

Peg Knueve facilitating

All are welcome!

Please join us even if this is your first time!

Sonia K. Weaver’s book “What is Palestine-Israel?” addresses Israel’s need for a home, their significant fears and their fierce response. Israel’s exaggerated response stems from deep anxieties. The Palestinians have become more and more discouraged by the Israeli actions and have eventually become very militant as well. They feel that Israel is trying to eliminate them to take over the entire region. Many Israeli and Palestinian groups, with the help of groups from other countries, are trying to find peaceful solutions, and to help all people caught up in the disaster. 

In our discussion we will become aware of what some of the issues are, possible solutions, and how we might help.

Click here for reading

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 Click here to join Zoom discussion

Or paste the following into your browser:  

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83649436657?pwd=R2hVU0drV1N2VTZlMVJoRmI4K2VtUT09

To join Zoom discussion by phone: 1 312 626 6799

Meeting ID: 836 4943 6657

Passcode: 315584

If you have difficulty accessing the Zoom discussion,

phone Ken Pennings at 608-556-2371
Orchard Ridge UCC | Spiritually Alive, Joyfully Inclusive, Committed to Justice, www.orucc.org, Madison, WI 53711

No Java & Jesus this Sunday, the 7th, 9 am, BUT…

Orchard Ridge UCC on January 5, 2024

You’re Invited!

Sunday, January 7, 9 am

at Orchard Ridge United Church of Christ

Alfred Swan Room (or possibly an adjacent area)

Baxter Richardson and Ed Janus dialogue:

The Current Tragedy in the Land Formally Known as the Holy Land:

A Conversation Between a Christian and a Jew

About Israel and Palestine

American Jews find themselves in a very difficult – some would say “untenable” – position as regards the horror in Israel and especially, in Gaza. How do these non-Israeli Jews reconcile the deep Jewish demand for justice and Israel’s expropriation of the Palestinians’ homeland? How do they reconcile the “colonialism” of the Jewish state with their own special status as refugees from horror? On the other hand, are American Christians, whose religious traditions are deeply Jewish, troubled in the same way.

In this 45-minute conversation, Baxter Richardson and Ed Janus will both share perspectives and, if possible, help us understand something that seems to defy understanding. Baxter and Ed will have no answers, only a look at the horrible tragedy of the once-Holy Land. They will be happy to entertain your questions and comments.

Here are some of the questions they plan to put to each other:

·        Do Judaism and Christianity offer us frameworks for understanding and/or optimism?

·        Do American Christians and American Jews view the horror in Gaza and Israel radically differently? 

·        Do American Jews have an unreasonable (unjust) bias towards Israel?

·        What does Ed think about Israel? If Israel is important to him why is that?

·        Is Israel a special case in world history with a permanent “get out of jail card”? Do American Jews believe that?

·        What does Israel mean to Baxter?

·        Does Israel get a pass when it acts like a normal nation? Is it held to a different standard higher than other nations?

·        Justice is a big deal for Jews: Does their support for Israel undermine that in the case of Gaza?

·        Do Jews have different justifications for the slaughter? Does Ed buy it?

·        Why do both Ed and Baxter find moral refuge in tragedy?

For background, watch the PBS documentary “Netanyahu, America and the War in Gaza/Failure at the Fence” which is available streaming on PBS Passport. This documentary aired on December 19 and while it deals primarily with Netanyahu, it examines the underlying conflicts and the failure of the peace process.

Click here for a pdf which may be easier to print
Orchard Ridge UCC | Spiritually Alive, Joyfully Inclusive, Committed to Justice, www.orucc.org, Madison, WI 53711

ORUCC – Sunday, Jan. 7th, 9 am – “A Christian & a Jew dialogue….”

Orchard Ridge UCC on January 3, 2024

You’re Invited!

Sunday, January 7, 9 am

at Orchard Ridge United Church of Christ

Alfred Swan Room (or possibly an adjacent area)

Baxter Richardson and Ed Janus dialogue:

The Current Tragedy in the Land Formally Known as the Holy Land:

A Conversation Between a Christian and a Jew

About Israel and Palestine

American Jews find themselves in a very difficult – some would say “untenable” – position as regards the horror in Israel and especially, in Gaza. How do these non-Israeli Jews reconcile the deep Jewish demand for justice and Israel’s expropriation of the Palestinians’ homeland? How do they reconcile the “colonialism” of the Jewish state with their own special status as refugees from horror? On the other hand, are American Christians, whose religious traditions are deeply Jewish, troubled in the same way.

In this 45-minute conversation, Baxter Richardson and Ed Janus will both share perspectives and, if possible, help us understand something that seems to defy understanding. Baxter and Ed will have no answers, only a look at the horrible tragedy of the once-Holy Land. They will be happy to entertain your questions and comments.

Here are some of the questions they plan to put to each other:

·        Do Judaism and Christianity offer us frameworks for understanding and/or optimism?

·        Do American Christians and American Jews view the horror in Gaza and Israel radically differently? 

·        Do American Jews have an unreasonable (unjust) bias towards Israel?

·        What does Ed think about Israel? If Israel is important to him why is that?

·        Is Israel a special case in world history with a permanent “get out of jail card”? Do American Jews believe that?

·        What does Israel mean to Baxter?

·        Does Israel get a pass when it acts like a normal nation? Is it held to a different standard higher than other nations?

·        Justice is a big deal for Jews: Does their support for Israel undermine that in the case of Gaza?

·        Do Jews have different justifications for the slaughter? Does Ed buy it?

·        Why do both Ed and Baxter find moral refuge in tragedy?

For background, watch the PBS documentary “Netanyahu, America and the War in Gaza/Failure at the Fence” which is available streaming on PBS Passport. This documentary aired on December 19 and while it deals primarily with Netanyahu, it examines the underlying conflicts and the failure of the peace process.

Click here for a pdf which may be easier to print
Orchard Ridge UCC | Spiritually Alive, Joyfully Inclusive, Committed to Justice, www.orucc.org, Madison, WI 53711

ORUCC Java & Jesus, Dec. 31, 9 am (In-person or by Zoom)

Orchard Ridge UCC on December 28, 2023

Java & Jesus

Sunday, Dec. 31, at 9 am

Attend in-person at the church in the

Alfred Swan Room, or attend remotely

by Zoom

Dan Rossmiller facilitating

All are welcome!

Please join us even if this is your first time!

(Jesus will be there, but bring your own Java!)

The Java & Jesus reading for New year’s Eve Sunday is a chapter from former President Jimmy Carter’s book: Faith: A Journey For All, in which he recounts demonstrations of faith through

actions of a number of people who influenced him.

Click here for reading

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To join Zoom discussion by phone: 1 312 626 6799

Meeting ID: 836 4943 6657

Passcode: 315584

If you have difficulty accessing the Zoom discussion,

phone Ken Pennings at 608-556-2371
Orchard Ridge UCC | Spiritually Alive, Joyfully Inclusive, Committed to Justice, www.orucc.org, Madison, WI 53711

ORUCC Java & Jesus, Dec. 17, 9 am (In-person or by Zoom)

Orchard Ridge UCC on December 14, 2023

Java & Jesus

Sunday, Dec. 17, at 9 am

Attend in-person at the church in the

Alfred Swan Room, or attend remotely

by Zoom

Jeanne Moberly facilitating

All are welcome!

Please join us even if this is your first time!

The theme for the third Sunday of Advent is JOY. We have six short readings, prose and poem, for our discussion.



Click here for reading

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To join Zoom discussion by phone: 1 312 626 6799

Meeting ID: 836 4943 6657

Passcode: 315584

If you have difficulty accessing the Zoom discussion,

phone Ken Pennings at 608-556-2371
Orchard Ridge UCC | Spiritually Alive, Joyfully Inclusive, Committed to Justice, www.orucc.org, Madison, WI 53711

ORUCC Java & Jesus, Dec. 10, 9 am (In-person or by Zoom)

Orchard Ridge UCC on December 8, 2023

Java & Jesus

Sunday, Dec. 10, at 9 am

Attend in-person at the church in the

Alfred Swan Room, or attend remotely

by Zoom

Jeanne Moberly facilitating

All are welcome!

Please join us even if this is your first time!

For this second Sunday of Advent (Peace Sunday), please read ahead of time and come prepared to discuss

“Some Peace- filled Thoughts.”

Click here for reading

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To join Zoom discussion by phone: 1 312 626 6799

Meeting ID: 836 4943 6657

Passcode: 315584

If you have difficulty accessing the Zoom discussion,

phone Ken Pennings at 608-556-2371
Orchard Ridge UCC | Spiritually Alive, Joyfully Inclusive, Committed to Justice, www.orucc.org, Madison, WI 53711

ORUCC Java & Jesus, Dec. 3, 9 am (In-person or by Zoom)

Orchard Ridge UCC on November 30, 2023

Java & Jesus

Sunday, Dec. 3, at 9 am

Attend in-person at the church in the

Alfred Swan Room, or attend remotely

by Zoom

Jeanne Moberly facilitating

All are welcome!

Please join us even if this is your first time!

For the first Sunday of Advent our Java and Jesus discussion will focus on finding Hope in the story of the first Christmas and finding Hope in our imperfect lives. Not wistful Hope but tough, gritty Hope. Please read ahead of time and come prepared to discuss a document which includes two short readings. But feel free to come for the discussion even if in this busy season you have not had time to read either of them.

Click here for two short readings

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To join Zoom discussion by phone: 1 312 626 6799

Meeting ID: 836 4943 6657

Passcode: 315584

If you have difficulty accessing the Zoom discussion,

phone Ken Pennings at 608-556-2371
Orchard Ridge UCC | Spiritually Alive, Joyfully Inclusive, Committed to Justice, www.orucc.org, Madison, WI 53711

ORUCC Java & Jesus, Nov. 26, 9 am (In-person or by Zoom)

Orchard Ridge UCC on November 22, 2023

Java & Jesus

Sunday, Nov. 26, at 9 am

Attend in-person at the church in the

Alfred Swan Room, or attend remotely

by Zoom

Dan Rossmiller facilitating

All are welcome!

Please join us even if this is your first time!

Before our discussion, please listen to an interview with Robin Wall Kimmerer, a PhD. Plant Scientist and member of the Citizen Potawatomi nation that aired on the Wisconsin Public Radio series, “To The Best of Our Knowledge.” The title of the interview is “We’ve forgotten how to listen to plants.”

 

Kimmerer is the award-wining author of the book

“Braiding Sweetgrass.”

Here is a link to the interview: 

https://www.ttbook.org/interview/weve-forgotten-how-listen-plants. People can read a simplified transcript of the interview on that webpage. If they want to listen to the full interview, they should click on the blue “Listen now” box just below the photograph on that webpage.

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To join Zoom discussion by phone: 1 312 626 6799

Meeting ID: 836 4943 6657

Passcode: 315584

If you have difficulty accessing the Zoom discussion,

phone Ken Pennings at 608-556-2371
Orchard Ridge UCC | Spiritually Alive, Joyfully Inclusive, Committed to Justice, www.orucc.org, Madison, WI 53711

ORUCC Java & Jesus, Nov. 19, 9 am (In-person or by Zoom)

Orchard Ridge UCC on November 16, 2023

Java & Jesus

Sunday, Nov. 19, at 9 am

Attend in-person at the church in the

Alfred Swan Room, or attend remotely

by Zoom

Dan Rossmiller facilitating

All are welcome!

Please join us even if this is your first time!

Please read ahead of time and come prepared to discuss the first half of chapter five of Jawanza Eric Clark’s book Reclaiming Stolen Earth – An Africana Ecotheology (pages 162-179).

The reading for Nov. 26th will be the second half of chapter five.

(Ideally, we try to send out readings that are no more than five pages long. The reading we’re now sending is much longer [17 pgs]. Please join our discussion even if you’re not able to complete the entire reading)



Click here for the reading (read only to pg 179)

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To join Zoom discussion by phone: 1 312 626 6799

Meeting ID: 836 4943 6657

Passcode: 315584

If you have difficulty accessing the Zoom discussion,

phone Ken Pennings at 608-556-2371
Orchard Ridge UCC | Spiritually Alive, Joyfully Inclusive, Committed to Justice, www.orucc.org, Madison, WI 53711

ORUCC Java & Jesus, Nov. 12, 9 am (In-person or by Zoom)

Orchard Ridge UCC on November 9, 2023

Java & Jesus

Sunday, Nov. 12, at 9 am

Attend in-person at the church in the

Alfred Swan Room, or attend remotely

by Zoom

Dan Rossmiller facilitating

All are welcome!

Please join us even if this is your first time!

Please read ahead of time and come prepared to discuss chapter one of Jawanza Eric Clark’s book Reclaiming Stolen Earth – An Africana Ecotheology.

(Ideally, we try to send out readings that are no more than five pages long. The chapter we’re now sending is much longer [36 pgs]. Please join our discussion even if you’re not able to complete the entire reading)



Click here for first half of chapter

Click here for second half of chapter

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To join Zoom discussion by phone: 1 312 626 6799

Meeting ID: 836 4943 6657

Passcode: 315584

If you have difficulty accessing the Zoom discussion,

phone Ken Pennings at 608-556-2371
Orchard Ridge UCC | Spiritually Alive, Joyfully Inclusive, Committed to Justice, www.orucc.org, Madison, WI 53711

ORUCC Java & Jesus, Nov. 5, 9 am (In-person or by Zoom)

Orchard Ridge UCC on November 2, 2023

Java & Jesus

Sunday, Nov. 5, at 9 am

Attend in-person at the church in the

Alfred Swan Room, or attend remotely

by Zoom

Peg Knueve facilitating

All are welcome!

Please join us even if this is your first time!

Please read ahead of time and come prepared to discuss the introduction to Jawanza Eric Clark’s book

Reclaiming Stolen Earth An Africana Ecotheology.

Click here for the reading

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To join Zoom discussion by phone: 1 312 626 6799

Meeting ID: 836 4943 6657

Passcode: 315584

If you have difficulty accessing the Zoom discussion,

phone Ken Pennings at 608-556-2371
Orchard Ridge UCC | Spiritually Alive, Joyfully Inclusive, Committed to Justice, www.orucc.org, Madison, WI 53711

ORUCC Java & Jesus, Oct. 22, 9 am (In-person or by Zoom)

Orchard Ridge UCC on October 19, 2023

Java & Jesus

Sunday, Oct. 22, at 9 am

Attend in-person at the church in the

Alfred Swan Room, or attend remotely

by Zoom

Peg Knueve facilitating

All are welcome!

Please join us even if this is your first time!

As discussed last Sunday, Racial Reckoning is a complicated process. This week we will visit two more chapters from THE QUAKING OF AMERICA, BY RESMAA MENAKEM. The first addresses the essentials and history of White Body Supremacy and the second will deal with 5 anchors or practices that may help us in the process of addressing how to deal with our bodies as we experience forms of this reckoning.

OUR DISCUSSION

1. Discussion about the history of racism that brought us to this place.

2. What unwritten promises did white Americans often receive?

3. Is the base of the problem hatred?

4. How is it that all these human atrocities seem so hidden and ignored?

5. How does this white supremacy get passed on?

6. The author states that the healing for this begins in the body. How?

7. Body pigmentation and body identity is complicated and confusing.

8. What are the “5 anchors” and how can they help?

Click here for ch. 16, and 1st pg. of ch. 21

Click here for the rest of ch. 21

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To join Zoom discussion by phone: 1 312 626 6799

Meeting ID: 836 4943 6657

Passcode: 315584

If you have difficulty accessing the Zoom discussion,

phone Ken Pennings at 608-556-2371
Orchard Ridge UCC | Spiritually Alive, Joyfully Inclusive, Committed to Justice, www.orucc.org, Madison, WI 53711

ORUCC Java & Jesus, Oct. 15, 9 am (In-person or by Zoom)

Orchard Ridge UCC on October 12, 2023

Java & Jesus

Sunday, Oct. 15, at 9 am

Attend in-person at the church in the

Alfred Swan Room, or attend remotely

by Zoom

Jim McNamara facilitating

All are welcome!

Please join us even if this is your first time!

Please read ahead of time and come prepared to discuss chapters 1 and 28 from The Quaking of America — an Embodied Guide to Navigating our Nation’s Upheaval and Racial Reckoning,

by Resmaa Menakem



Click here for the reading

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Or paste the following into your browser:  

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83649436657?pwd=R2hVU0drV1N2VTZlMVJoRmI4K2VtUT09

To join Zoom discussion by phone: 1 312 626 6799

Meeting ID: 836 4943 6657

Passcode: 315584

If you have difficulty accessing the Zoom discussion,

phone Ken Pennings at 608-556-2371
Orchard Ridge UCC | Spiritually Alive, Joyfully Inclusive, Committed to Justice, www.orucc.org, Madison, WI 53711

ORUCC Java & Jesus, Oct. 1, 9 am (In-person or by Zoom)

Orchard Ridge UCC on September 28, 2023

Java & Jesus

Sunday, Oct. 1, at 9 am

Attend in-person at the church in the

Alfred Swan Room, or attend remotely

by Zoom

Mary Neuhaus facilitating

All are welcome!

Please join us even if this is your first time!

Please read ahead of time and come prepared to discuss “Letter from a Birmingham Jail,” by Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.



Click here for reading

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To join Zoom discussion by phone: 1 312 626 6799

Meeting ID: 836 4943 6657

Passcode: 315584

If you have difficulty accessing the Zoom discussion,

phone Ken Pennings at 608-556-2371
Orchard Ridge UCC | Spiritually Alive, Joyfully Inclusive, Committed to Justice, www.orucc.org, Madison, WI 53711

ORUCC Java & Jesus – A Glimpse of What May Come

Orchard Ridge UCC on September 21, 2023

Java & Jesus

Indigenous Justice Series 

Fall 2023

Please note that the following is a proposed schedule of topics and readings. Facilitators may deviate from this schedule, as they may wish. However, this schedule gives a glimpse at some interesting topics and readings which

may be shared in the coming months.

September 24th – No Java & Jesus. Please consider attending the “Children & Youth Update” in Friendship Hall at 9 am.

October 1st – Mary Neuhaus facilitating

“Letter from a Birmingham Jail,” by Martin Luther King Jr.

MLK Jr. admonishes white moderate reluctance and provides a roadmap that white-bodied people can still follow in order to support justice movements today.

October 8th – No Java & Jesus. Please consider attending a session on “Indigenous Justice” led by Rev. Kerri Parker, executive director of the Wisconsin Council of Churches, in the Friendship Hall at 9 am.

October 15th – Peg Knueve facilitating

“Embodying Antiracism within a White Body: Readings from The Quaking of America” by Resmaa Menakem – Introduction

Wokeness, Allyship, and Complicity (Chapter 28)

When White Bodies Say “Tell Me What to Do” (Chapter 33)

Optional reading: Proximity as Path to Interdependence, by Sylvia Poareo

October 22nd – Facilitator to be determined

“Introduction to Ecofeminism and Climate Justice”

Possible resources:

  1. Introduction to Ecofeminism – Excerpted from a paper entitled “An Ecofeminist Reading of Louise Erdrich’s Novel Love Medicine”
  2. Article from BUST magazine: Ecofeminism or Death (origins of Ecofeminism, a term coined by the French Writer Francoise d’Eaubonne in her 1975 book, Le Feminisme ou La Mort
  3. Look at The Greenbelt Movement, founded by Wangarĩ Maathai, the first African woman to win the Nobel Peace Prize (2004) for her work on “sustainable development, democracy and peace”
  4. Article: Reading The Color Purple From the Perspective of Ecofeminism

October 29th – Jim McNamara facilitating

“The Case for Reparations,” by Ta-Nehisi Coates (The Atlantic, May 21, ’14)

How does the case for reparations for African-Americans relate to Indigenous Justice? 

November 5th – Peg Knueve facilitating

“Reclaiming Stolen Earth – An Africana Ecotheology” – Introduction

Optional reading: An Indigenous People’s History of the United States, Chapter 10: Indigenous Action, Indigenous Rights

Optional reading: Gullah-Geechee People Fight Against Erasure of Their Historical Land, September 2023.

November 12th – Dan Rossmiller facilitating

“Reclaiming Stolen Earth” Chapter 2: The Legacy of Stolen Earth

Optional reading: An Indigenous People’s History of the United States, Chapter 9, The Persistence of Sovereignty 

November 19th – Dan Rossmiller: facilitating

“Reclaiming Stolen Earth” Chapter 5: What is Liberation? A Reappraisal Optional reading: “An Indigenous People’s History of the United States, Conclusion: Water Is Life

November 26th – No Java & Jesus. Happy Thanksgiving!
Orchard Ridge UCC | Spiritually Alive, Joyfully Inclusive, Committed to Justice, www.orucc.org, Madison, WI 53711

ORUCC Java & Jesus, Sept. 17th, 9 am (In-person or by Zoom)

Orchard Ridge UCC on September 14, 2023

Java & Jesus

Sunday, Sept. 17th, at 9 am

Attend in-person at the church in the

Alfred Swan Room, or attend remotely

by Zoom

Dick Rossmiller facilitating

All are welcome!

Please join us even if this is your first time!

This fall, “Indigenous Justice” will be the theme of

Sunday sermons and J&J discussions.

Please read ahead of time and come prepared to discuss two articles, “The Doctrine of Discovery” (crafted by Dan Rossmiller) and “An Intro to Indigenous Peoples – US History.”

Click here for first reading

Click here for second reading

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To join Zoom discussion by phone: 1 312 626 6799

Meeting ID: 836 4943 6657

Passcode: 315584

If you have difficulty accessing the Zoom discussion,

phone Ken Pennings at 608-556-2371
Orchard Ridge UCC | Spiritually Alive, Joyfully Inclusive, Committed to Justice, www.orucc.org, Madison, WI 53711

ORUCC Java & Jesus, Sept. 10th, 9 am (In-person or by Zoom)

Orchard Ridge UCC on September 7, 2023

Java & Jesus

Sunday, Sept. 10th, at 9 am

Attend in-person at the church in the

Alfred Swan Room, or attend remotely

by Zoom

Jim McNamara facilitating

All are welcome!

Please join us even if this is your first time!

Bring your own beverage, if you wish!

(no coffee provided at church)

This fall, “Native Peoples” will be the theme of

Sunday sermons and J&J discussions.

Please read ahead of time and come prepared to discuss Stephanie Perdew’s article “On Native land,” which was published

in Christian Century Magazine (Nov. ’22).

Click here for the reading 

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https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83649436657?pwd=R2hVU0drV1N2VTZlMVJoRmI4K2VtUT09

To join Zoom discussion by phone: 1 312 626 6799

Meeting ID: 836 4943 6657

Passcode: 315584

If you have difficulty accessing the Zoom discussion,

phone Ken Pennings at 608-556-2371
Orchard Ridge UCC | Spiritually Alive, Joyfully Inclusive, Committed to Justice, www.orucc.org, Madison, WI 53711

ORUCC Java & Jesus, Aug. 27th, 9 am (In-person or by Zoom)

Orchard Ridge UCC on August 24, 2023

Java & Jesus

Sunday, August 27th, at 9 am

Attend in-person at the church in the

Alfred Swan Room, or attend remotely

by Zoom

Jim McNamara facilitating

All are welcome!

Please join us even if this is your first time!

Bring your own beverage, if you wish!

(no coffee provided at church)

Our summer J&J programming is focusing on the Phoenix Affirmations, which the pastors are preaching about this summer. These are 12 affirmations of the Progressive Christian Church on the practices

of loving God, loving the neighbor, and loving ourselves.

This Sunday, we will be reviewing all 12 affirmations,

with the following as context:

It seems the public face of Christianity in America today bears little resemblance to the historic faith of our ancestors. It represents even less our own faith as people who continue to celebrate the gifts of our Creator, revealed and embodied in the life and ministry of Jesus, the Christ. Heartened by our experience of the transforming presence of Christ’s Holy Spirit in our world, we find ourselves in a time and place where we must boldly proclaim “In Christ Jesus, the only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love” (Galatians 5:6). While many other Christian denominations and congregations base their faith on doctrines and creeds they believe to be true, we base our faith on the practices of loving God, loving others, and loving ourselves.

 

Click here for the full list of

Phoenix Affirmations

Prompt questions for discussion:  

1) At ORUCC, we say we have a diversity of beliefs, but we are united in our commitment to the practices of loving God, loving our neighbors, and loving ourselves. How does this sit with you — emphasizing the practices of love rather than specific doctrines or creeds?

2) Many of us have discovered the Phoenix Affirmations to be far more meaningful for us personally and communally than a list of doctrinal beliefs. Is this true for you? Why?

3) How is Progressive Christianity so radically different from traditional creed/doctrine based approaches to Christianity? How has our focus on the Phoenix Affirmations this summer helped you identify or define what kind of Christian you hope to be in the world? Is there one summer sermon or session of Java & Jesus that you can lift up as an example?

4) Some of us may value the Statement of Faith of our denomination, The United Church of Christ. The UCC strongly suggests that this Statement of Faith should be regarded as a testimony of faith, not a test of faith. Do you value this Statement of Faith? If so, why? In what ways is it similar to or different from the Phoenix Affirmations?

Click here for the UCC’s Statement of Faith

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To join Zoom discussion by phone: 1 312 626 6799

Meeting ID: 836 4943 6657

Passcode: 315584

If you have difficulty accessing the Zoom discussion,

phone Ken Pennings at 608-556-2371
Orchard Ridge UCC | Spiritually Alive, Joyfully Inclusive, Committed to Justice, www.orucc.org, Madison, WI 53711

ORUCC Java & Jesus, Aug. 20th, 9 am (In-person or by Zoom)

Orchard Ridge UCC on August 17, 2023

Java & Jesus

Sunday, August 20th, at 9 am

Attend in-person at the church in the

Alfred Swan Room, or attend remotely

by Zoom

Dick Rossmiller facilitating

All are welcome!

Please join us even if this is your first time!

Bring your own beverage, if you wish!

(no coffee provided at church)

Our summer J&J programming is focusing on the Phoenix Affirmations, which the pastors are preaching about this summer. These are 12 affirmations of the Progressive Christian Church on the practices

of loving God, loving the neighbor, and loving ourselves.

This Sunday, we will be discussing Affirmation 12:

Christian love of ourselves includes acting on the faith that we are born with a meaning and purpose; a vocation and ministry that serves to strengthen and extend God’s realm of love.

Click here for a two page reading including discussion questions



List of Phoenix Affirmations by content:

  1. Walk fully with Jesus, don’t deny other faiths
  2. Prayer, meditation, scripture
  3. Celebrate creation
  4. Worship includes art
  5. Engage people authentically across diversity
  6. Stand with poor and oppressed
  7. Separate church and state
  8. Walk humbly with God, seek to understand enemies
  9. We and all people are loved
  10. Sacredness of minds and hearts, doubt and belief
  11. Care for bodies, time for rest, reflection, recreation
  12. Meaning and purpose, discernment of calling

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https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83649436657?pwd=R2hVU0drV1N2VTZlMVJoRmI4K2VtUT09

To join Zoom discussion by phone: 1 312 626 6799

Meeting ID: 836 4943 6657

Passcode: 315584

If you have difficulty accessing the Zoom discussion,

phone Ken Pennings at 608-556-2371
Orchard Ridge UCC | Spiritually Alive, Joyfully Inclusive, Committed to Justice, www.orucc.org, Madison, WI 53711

ORUCC Java & Jesus, Aug. 13th, 9 am (In-person or by Zoom)

Orchard Ridge UCC on August 10, 2023

Java & Jesus

Sunday, August 13th, at 9 am

Attend in-person at the church in the

Alfred Swan Room, or attend remotely

by Zoom

Mary Neuhaus facilitating

All are welcome!

Please join us even if this is your first time!

Bring your own beverage, if you wish!

(no coffee provided at church)

Our summer J&J programming is on the Phoenix Affirmations, which the pastors are preaching about this summer. These are 12 affirmations

of the Progressive Christian Church on the practices

of loving God, loving the neighbor, and loving ourselves.

This Sunday, we will be discussing Affirmation 11:

Christian love of ourselves includes caring for our bodies, and insisting on taking time to enjoy the benefits of prayer, reflection, worship and recreation in addition to work.

Click here for a one page reading including discussion questions

List of Phoenix Affirmations by content:

  1. Walk fully with Jesus, don’t deny other faiths
  2. Prayer, meditation, scripture
  3. Celebrate creation
  4. Worship includes art
  5. Engage people authentically across diversity
  6. Stand with poor and oppressed
  7. Separate church and state
  8. Walk humbly with God, seek to understand enemies
  9. We and all people are loved
  10. Sacredness of minds and hearts, doubt and belief
  11. Care for bodies, time for rest, reflection, recreation
  12. Meaning and purpose, discernment of calling

 _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

 Click here to join Zoom discussion

Or paste the following into your browser:  

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83649436657?pwd=R2hVU0drV1N2VTZlMVJoRmI4K2VtUT09

To join Zoom discussion by phone: 1 312 626 6799

Meeting ID: 836 4943 6657

Passcode: 315584

If you have difficulty accessing the Zoom discussion,

phone Ken Pennings at 608-556-2371
Orchard Ridge UCC | Spiritually Alive, Joyfully Inclusive, Committed to Justice, www.orucc.org, Madison, WI 53711

ORUCC Java & Jesus, Aug. 6th, 9 am (In-person or by Zoom)

Orchard Ridge UCC on August 3, 2023

Java & Jesus

Sunday, August 6th, at 9 am

Attend in-person at the church in the

Alfred Swan Room, or attend remotely

by Zoom

Peg Knueve facilitating

All are welcome!

Please join us even if this is your first time!

Bring your own beverage, if you wish!

(no coffee provided at church)

Our summer J&J programming is focusing on the Phoenix Affirmations, which the pastors are preaching about this summer. These are 12 affirmations of the Progressive Christian Church on the practices

of loving God, loving the neighbor, and loving ourselves.

The reading(s) will be kept light most weeks.

This Sunday, we will be discussing Affirmation 10:

Christian love of ourselves includes claiming the sacredness of both

our minds and our hearts, recognizing that faith and science,

doubt and belief serve the pursuit of truth.

Click here for the reading and

discussion questions



List of Phoenix Affirmations by content:

  1. Walk fully with Jesus, don’t deny other faiths
  2. Prayer, meditation, scripture
  3. Celebrate creation
  4. Worship includes art
  5. Engage people authentically across diversity
  6. Stand with poor and oppressed
  7. Separate church and state
  8. Walk humbly with God, seek to understand enemies
  9. We and all people are loved
  10. Sacredness of minds and hearts, doubt and belief
  11. Care for bodies, time for rest, reflection, recreation
  12. Meaning and purpose, discernment of calling

 _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

 Click here to join Zoom discussion

Or paste the following into your browser:  

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83649436657?pwd=R2hVU0drV1N2VTZlMVJoRmI4K2VtUT09

To join Zoom discussion by phone: 1 312 626 6799

Meeting ID: 836 4943 6657

Passcode: 315584

If you have difficulty accessing the Zoom discussion,

phone Ken Pennings at 608-556-2371
Orchard Ridge UCC | Spiritually Alive, Joyfully Inclusive, Committed to Justice, www.orucc.org, Madison, WI 53711

ORUCC – No Java & Jesus on July 30 (here’s an at-home reading)

Orchard Ridge UCC on July 27, 2023

No Java & Jesus

Sunday, July 30th

On the 30th at 9 am, Diane Dulin & Tom Beilman will be doing

a presentation on Palestinian Justice. Please join!

Click on the link below for some at-home reading

on Phoenix Affirmation 9:

Affirmation 9 — We are Loved, Valued, and Accepted

“Christian love of ourselves includes basing our lives on the faith that, in Christ, all things are made new, and that we, and all people, are loved beyond our wildest imagination – for eternity.”

Click here for at-home reading

List of Phoenix Affirmations by content:

  1. Walk fully with Jesus, don’t deny other faiths
  2. Prayer, meditation, scripture
  3. Celebrate creation
  4. Worship includes art
  5. Engage people authentically across diversity
  6. Stand with poor and oppressed
  7. Separate church and state
  8. Walk humbly with God, seek to understand enemies
  9. We and all people are loved
  10. Sacredness of minds and hearts, doubt and belief
  11. Care for bodies, time for rest, reflection, recreation
  12. Meaning and purpose, discernment of calling

 _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

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

ORUCC Java & Jesus, July 23 (at -home reading revised)

Orchard Ridge UCC on July 21, 2023

No Java & Jesus

Sunday, July 23rd

On the 23rd at 9 am, Diane Dulin & Tom Beilman will be doing a presentation on Palestinian Justice. Please join!

Here is a little at-home reading about Phoenix Affirmation 8:

Affirmation 8. Christian love of neighbor includes walking humbly with God, acknowledging our own shortcomings while honestly seeking to understand and call forth the best in others, including those who

consider us their enemies.

Luke 18:9-14: Jesus also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous and despised others: “Two men went up into the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, ‘God, I thank thee that I am not like other men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week, I give tithes of all that I get.’ But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even lift up his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying ‘God, be merciful to me a sinner!’

Luke 6:27-29: “But I say to you that hear, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you. To him who strikes you on the cheek, offer the other also; and from him who takes away your cloak do not withhold your coat as well.”

Galatians 5:22-23: But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such there is no law.

John 15:18-19: “If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you.”

As Christians, we recognize that we are misfits both with respect to God’s Realm and the world. We are misfits with respect to God’s Realm in that we rarely live up to the principles and ideals we espouse. We are misfits with respect to the world in that the ideals for which we strive frequently do not conform to the ways of the world.

We affirm that the Path of Jesus is found where Christ’s followers love those who consider them their enemies as much as they love themselves, striving humbly to embody the “fruits of the Spirit” love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.

We confess that we have moved away from this Path when we have promoted a notion that people of faith are morally or ethically superior to those without faith.

Further, we have moved away when we have supported any cause, no matter how just or righteous, without reflecting the “fruits of the Spirit” toward all.

Objective Questions

Name one recent, completely unexpected act of kindness that you have experienced.

Can you recall an incident where someone, possibly your enemy, unexpectedly performed a profound act of grace?

Do you remember seeing a deliberate act that caused pain or suffering for someone else?

Reflective Question

How did you emotionally respond after witnessing the act of grace?

Interpretive Questions

We are often tempted to ignore the profoundly good or bad acts of others. Why?

Some positions voiced by Fundamentalist Christians evoke a visceral response in more liberal Christians. As a progressive liberal Christian, what should I do with that emotion?

Decisional Questions

How can we create opportunities genuinely and effectively engage our Fundamental Christian siblings, while embodying the fruits of the Spirit?

What can/will I do to offer alternative actions that embody the fruits of the Spirit?

List of Phoenix Affirmations by content:

  1. Walk fully with Jesus, don’t deny other faiths
  2. Prayer, meditation, scripture
  3. Celebrate creation
  4. Worship includes art
  5. Engage people authentically across diversity
  6. Stand with poor and oppressed
  7. Separate church and state
  8. Walk humbly with God, seek to understand enemies
  9. We and all people are loved
  10. Sacredness of minds and hearts, doubt and belief
  11. Care for bodies, time for rest, reflection, recreation
  12. Meaning and purpose, discernment of calling

 _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

 Click here to join Zoom discussion

Or paste the following into your browser:  

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83649436657?pwd=R2hVU0drV1N2VTZlMVJoRmI4K2VtUT09

To join Zoom discussion by phone: 1 312 626 6799

Meeting ID: 836 4943 6657

Passcode: 315584

If you have difficulty accessing the Zoom discussion,

phone Ken Pennings at 608-556-2371
Orchard Ridge UCC | Spiritually Alive, Joyfully Inclusive, Committed to Justice, www.orucc.org, Madison, WI 53711

ORUCC Java & Jesus, July 16, 9 am (In-person or by Zoom)

Orchard Ridge UCC on July 13, 2023

No Java & Jesus
Sunday, July 16th
On the 16th at 9 am, Diane Dulin & Tom Beilman will be doing a presentation on Palestinian Justice. Please join!
But for those who may wish to read a bit about Phoenix Affirmation 5,
click on the link below.
Affirmation 5:
Christian love of neighbors includes engaging people authentically, as Jesus did, treating all as creations made in God’s very image, regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, age, physical or mental ability, nationality, or economic class.
Each of these groups experience bias or discrimination in a unique way:
• Race
• Gender
• Sexual orientation
• Age
• Physical ability
• Mental ability
• Nationality
• Economic class
Which groups has the church explicitly excluded or treated as inferior or sinful? Which have been discriminated against or excluded on other grounds? What have been your experiences or challenges?
List of Phoenix Affirmations by content:
  1. Walk fully with Jesus, don’t deny other faiths
  2. Prayer, meditation, scripture
  3. Celebrate creation
  4. Worship includes art
  5. Engage people authentically across diversity
  6. Stand with poor and oppressed
  7. Separate church and state
  8. Walk humbly with God, seek to understand enemies
  9. We and all people are loved
  10. Sacredness of minds and hearts, doubt and belief
  11. Care for bodies, time for rest, reflection, recreation
  12. Meaning and purpose, discernment of calling
 _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
Or paste the following into your browser:  
To join Zoom discussion by phone: 1 312 626 6799
Meeting ID: 836 4943 6657
Passcode: 315584
If you have difficulty accessing the Zoom discussion,
phone Ken Pennings at 608-556-2371
Orchard Ridge UCC | Spiritually Alive, Joyfully Inclusive, Committed to Justice, www.orucc.org, Madison, WI 53711

ORUCC Java & Jesus, July 9th, 9 am (In-person or by Zoom)

Orchard Ridge UCC on July 7, 2023

Java & Jesus

Sunday, July 9th, at 9 am

Attend in-person at the church in the

Alfred Swan Room, or attend remotely

by Zoom

Jim McNamara facilitating

All are welcome!

Please join us even if this is your first time!

Bring your own beverage, if you wish!

Our summer J&J programming will focus on the Phoenix Affirmations, which the pastors will be preaching about this summer. These are 12 Affirmations of the Progressive Christian Church on the practices of loving God, loving the neighbor, and loving ourselves. The reading(s) will be kept light most weeks.

This Sunday, we will be discussing Affirmation 6:

Christian love of neighbors includes standing, as Jesus does, with the outcast and oppressed, the denigrated and afflicted, seeking peace and justice with or without the support of others.

Click here for a one page reading page including discussion questions

List of Phoenix Affirmations by content:

  1. Walk fully with Jesus, don’t deny other faiths
  2. Prayer, meditation, scripture
  3. Celebrate creation
  4. Worship includes art
  5. Engage people authentically across diversity
  6. Stand with poor and oppressed
  7. Separate church and state
  8. Walk humbly with God, seek to understand enemies
  9. We and all people are loved
  10. Sacredness of minds and hearts, doubt and belief
  11. Care for bodies, time for rest, reflection, recreation
  12. Meaning and purpose, discernment of calling

 _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

 Click here to join Zoom discussion

Or paste the following into your browser:  

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83649436657?pwd=R2hVU0drV1N2VTZlMVJoRmI4K2VtUT09

To join Zoom discussion by phone: 1 312 626 6799

Meeting ID: 836 4943 6657

Passcode: 315584

If you have difficulty accessing the Zoom discussion,

phone Ken Pennings at 608-556-2371
Orchard Ridge UCC | Spiritually Alive, Joyfully Inclusive, Committed to Justice, www.orucc.org, Madison, WI 53711

ORUCC Java & Jesus, July 2, 9 am (In-person or by Zoom)

Orchard Ridge UCC on June 29, 2023

Java & Jesus
Sunday, July 2nd, at 9 am
Attend in-person at the church in the
Alfred Swan Room, or attend remotely
by Zoom
Mary Neuhaus facilitating
All are welcome!
Please join us even if this is your first time!
Bring your own beverage, if you wish!
Our summer J&J programming will focus on the Phoenix Affirmations, which the pastors will be preaching about this summer. These are 12 Affirmations of the Progressive Christian Church on the practices of loving God, loving the neighbor, and loving ourselves. The reading(s) will be kept light most weeks.
Affirmation 7: Christian love of neighbor includes preserving religious freedom and the Church’s ability to speak prophetically to government by resisting the commingling of Church and State.
Luke 20:25; He said to them, “Then give to the emperor the things that are the emperor’s, and to God the things that are God’s.”
1 Peter 2:17 Honor everyone. Love the family of believers. Fear God. Honor the emperor.
As Christians, we strive to live as responsible citizens of our country, just as we seek to live as Christ’s disciples. We celebrate the separation of Church and State as much for the protection of the Church, and other faith communities, as the State.
We affirm that the Path of Jesus is found where Christ’s followers honor the role of the State in maintaining justice and peace, so far as human discernment and ability make possible. We affirm the separation of Church and State, even as we endeavor to support the state in as far as Christian conscience allows.
We confess that we have moved away from this Path when we have confused the role of the State with that of the Church. We have moved further from the Path when we have renounced the Church’s calling to speak prophetically to the State by suggesting that the Church should or could take on the nature, tasks and dignity which belong to the State, thus becoming itself an organ of the State.
Prompt questions:
1)     What does responsible citizenship look like for you?
2)     How does the value of independence show up in our lives and our country?
3)     How might liberation look differently if we valued interdependence rather than independence?
4)     White Christian Nationalism is a violation of the separation of church and state. In what practical ways can our church address this problem?
List of Phoenix Affirmations by content:
  1. Walk fully with Jesus, don’t deny other faiths
  2. Prayer, meditation, scripture
  3. Celebrate creation
  4. Worship includes art
  5. Engage people authentically across diversity
  6. Stand with poor and oppressed
  7. Separate church and state
  8. Walk humbly with God, seek to understand enemies
  9. We and all people are loved
  10. Sacredness of minds and hearts, doubt and belief
  11. Care for bodies, time for rest, reflection, recreation
  12. Meaning and purpose, discernment of calling
 _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
Or paste the following into your browser:  
To join Zoom discussion by phone: 1 312 626 6799
Meeting ID: 836 4943 6657
Passcode: 315584
If you have difficulty accessing the Zoom discussion,
phone Ken Pennings at 608-556-2371
Orchard Ridge UCC | Spiritually Alive, Joyfully Inclusive, Committed to Justice, www.orucc.org, Madison, WI 53711

ORUCC Java & Jesus, June 25th, 9 am (In-person or by Zoom)

Orchard Ridge UCC on June 22, 2023

Java & Jesus
Sunday, June 25th, at 9 am
Attend in-person at the church in the
Alfred Swan Room, or attend remotely
by Zoom
Dan Rossmiller facilitating
All are welcome!
Please join us even if this is your first time!
Bring your own beverage, if you wish!
Our summer J&J programming will focus on the Phoenix Affirmations, which the pastors will be preaching about this summer. The reading(s) will be kept light most weeks.
This Sunday, we will be discussing Phoenix Affirmation 4:
“expressing our love for God in worship that is as sincere, vibrant,
and artful as it is scriptural.”
Our starting point will be a one page discussion guide (see below). Optionally, you may wish to read Chapter 4 of Eric Elnes’ The Phoenix Affirmations, which is available as an inexpensive paperback or ebook, but you will be able to participate fully in the discussion without this reading.
List of Phoenix Affirmations by content:
  1. Walk fully with Jesus, don’t deny other faiths
  2. Prayer, meditation, scripture
  3. Celebrate creation
  4. Worship includes art
  5. Engage people authentically across diversity
  6. Stand with poor and oppressed
  7. Separate church and state
  8. Walk humbly with God, seek to understand enemies
  9. We and all people are loved
  10. Sacredness of minds and hearts, doubt and belief
  11. Care for bodies, time for rest, reflection, recreation
  12. Meaning and purpose, discernment of calling
 _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
Or paste the following into your browser:  
To join Zoom discussion by phone: 1 312 626 6799
Meeting ID: 836 4943 6657
Passcode: 315584
If you have difficulty accessing the Zoom discussion,
phone Ken Pennings at 608-556-2371
Orchard Ridge UCC | Spiritually Alive, Joyfully Inclusive, Committed to Justice, www.orucc.org, Madison, WI 53711

ORUCC Java & Jesus, June 18th, 9 am (In-person or by Zoom)

Orchard Ridge UCC on June 15, 2023

Java & Jesus
Sunday, June 18th, at 9 am
Attend in-person at the church in the
Alfred Swan Room, or attend remotely
by Zoom
Peg Knueve facilitating
All are welcome!
Please join us even if this is your first time!
Our summer J&J programming will focus on the Phoenix Affirmations, which the pastors will be preaching about this summer. The reading(s) will be kept light most weeks.
This Sunday, we will be discussing Phoenix Affirmation 3: “Christian love of God includes celebrating the God whose Spirit pervades and whose glory is reflected in all of God’s Creation, including the earth and its ecosystems, the sacred and secular, the Christian and non-Christian, the human and non-human.”
Our starting point will be a one page discussion guide (see below). Optionally, you may wish to read Chapter 3 of Eric Elnes’ The Phoenix Affirmations, which is available as an inexpensive paperback or ebook, but you will be able to participate fully in the discussion without this reading.
List of Phoenix Affirmations by content:
  1. Walk fully with Jesus, don’t deny other faiths
  2. Prayer, meditation, scripture
  3. Celebrate creation
  4. Worship includes art
  5. Engage people authentically across diversity
  6. Stand with poor and oppressed
  7. Separate church and state
  8. Walk humbly with God, seek to understand enemies
  9. We and all people are loved
  10. Sacredness of minds and hearts, doubt and belief
  11. Care for bodies, time for rest, reflection, recreation
  12. Meaning and purpose, discernment of calling
 _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
Or paste the following into your browser:  
To join Zoom discussion by phone: 1 312 626 6799
Meeting ID: 836 4943 6657
Passcode: 315584
If you have difficulty accessing the Zoom discussion,
phone Ken Pennings at 608-556-2371
Orchard Ridge UCC | Spiritually Alive, Joyfully Inclusive, Committed to Justice, www.orucc.org, Madison, WI 53711

ORUCC Java & Jesus, June 11th, 9 am (In-person or by Zoom)

Orchard Ridge UCC on June 9, 2023

Java & Jesus
Sunday, June 11th, at 9 am
Attend in-person at the church in the
Alfred Swan Room, or attend remotely
by Zoom
All are welcome!
Please join us even if this is your first time!
Our summer J&J programming will focus on the Phoenix Affirmations, which the pastors will be preaching about this summer. The reading(s) will be kept light most weeks.
This Sunday we will discuss Phoenix Affirmation #2: “Christian love of God includes listening for God’s Word which comes through daily prayer and meditation, through studying the ancient testimonies which we call Scripture, and through attending to God’s present activity in the world.” We will consider our views of scripture and prayer. Our starting point will be one page from the discussion guide. Optionally, you may wish to read Chapter 2 of Eric Elnes The Phoenix Affirmations, which is available as an inexpensive paperback or ebook, but you will be able to participate fully in the discussion without this reading.
List of Phoenix Affirmations by content:
  1. Walk fully with Jesus, don’t deny other faiths
  2. Prayer, meditation, scripture
  3. Celebrate creation
  4. Worship includes art
  5. Engage people authentically across diversity
  6. Stand with poor and oppressed
  7. Separate church and state
  8. Walk humbly with God, seek to understand enemies
  9. We and all people are loved
  10. Sacredness of minds and hearts, doubt and belief
  11. Care for bodies, time for rest, reflection, recreation
  12. Meaning and purpose, discernment of calling
 _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
Or paste the following into your browser:  
To join Zoom discussion by phone: 1 312 626 6799
Meeting ID: 836 4943 6657
Passcode: 315584
If you have difficulty accessing the Zoom discussion,
phone Ken Pennings at 608-556-2371
Orchard Ridge UCC | Spiritually Alive, Joyfully Inclusive, Committed to Justice, www.orucc.org, Madison, WI 53711

ORUCC Java & Jesus, June 4th, 9 am (In-person or by Zoom)

Orchard Ridge UCC on June 1, 2023

Java & Jesus
Sunday, June 4th, at 9 am
Attend in-person at the church in the
Alfred Swan Room, or attend remotely
by Zoom
Pam Oliver facilitating
All are welcome!
Please join us even if this is your first time!
Our summer J&J programming will focus on the Phoenix Affirmations, which the pastors will be preaching about this summer. The reading(s) will be kept light most weeks. The first affirmation is “Christian love of God includes walking fully in the path of Jesus, without denying the legitimacy of other paths God may provide humanity.”
Please read ahead of time and come prepared to discuss the following:
  • a one-page discussion guide for the first affirmation;
  • chapter one of Eric Elnes’ The Phoenix Affirmations, available as an inexpensive ebook or paperback.
We are hoping J&J can be somewhat self-organizing during the summer. We will provide a schedule for discussing the affirmations and can take care of sending out the links to the discussion starters.
We hope to discuss this at our June 4 meeting.
List of Phoenix Affirmations by content:
  1. Walk fully with Jesus, don’t deny other faiths
  2. Prayer, meditation, scripture
  3. Celebrate creation
  4. Worship includes art
  5. Engage people authentically across diversity
  6. Stand with poor and oppressed
  7. Separate church and state
  8. Walk humbly with God, seek to understand enemies
  9. We and all people are loved
  10. Sacredness of minds and hearts, doubt and belief
  11. Care for bodies, time for rest, reflection, recreation
  12. Meaning and purpose, discernment of calling
 _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
Or paste the following into your browser:  
To join Zoom discussion by phone: 1 312 626 6799
Meeting ID: 836 4943 6657
Passcode: 315584
If you have difficulty accessing the Zoom discussion,
phone Ken Pennings at 608-556-2371
Orchard Ridge UCC | Spiritually Alive, Joyfully Inclusive, Committed to Justice, www.orucc.org, Madison, WI 53711

ORUCC Java & Jesus, May 21st, 9 am (In-person or by Zoom)

Orchard Ridge UCC on May 19, 2023

Java & Jesus
Sunday, May 21st, at 9 am
Attend in-person at the church in the
Alfred Swan Room, or attend remotely
by Zoom
Dan Rossmiller facilitating
All are welcome!
Please join us even if this is your first time!
Please read ahead of time and come prepared to discuss the first chapter of Anne M. Clifford’s book Introducing Feminist Theology — “The Why and What of Christian Feminist Theology.” This chapter is uncharacteristically long for a J&J reading.
Please skip the introduction, begin reading
at page 9, and read only as much as you
have time, interest & energy to read.
 _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
Or paste the following into your browser:  
To join Zoom discussion by phone: 1 312 626 6799
Meeting ID: 836 4943 6657
Passcode: 315584
If you have difficulty accessing the Zoom discussion,
phone Ken Pennings at 608-556-2371
Orchard Ridge UCC | Spiritually Alive, Joyfully Inclusive, Committed to Justice, www.orucc.org, Madison, WI 53711

ORUCC Java & Jesus, May 14th, 9 am (In-person or by Zoom)

Orchard Ridge UCC on May 11, 2023

Java & Jesus
Sunday, May 14th, at 9 am
Attend in-person at the church in the
Alfred Swan Room, or attend remotely
by Zoom
Giulia Lawrence facilitating
All are welcome!
Please join us even if this is your first time!
Please read ahead of time and come prepared to discuss a document written by ORUCC Member Giulia Lawrence on the topic of “Consent, Agency, and the Holiness of the Female Body.”
 _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
Or paste the following into your browser:  
To join Zoom discussion by phone: 1 312 626 6799
Meeting ID: 836 4943 6657
Passcode: 315584
If you have difficulty accessing the Zoom discussion,
phone Ken Pennings at 608-556-2371
Orchard Ridge UCC | Spiritually Alive, Joyfully Inclusive, Committed to Justice, www.orucc.org, Madison, WI 53711

ORUCC Java & Jesus, May 7th, 9 am (In-person or by Zoom)

Orchard Ridge UCC on May 4, 2023

Java & Jesus
Sunday, May 7th, at 9 am
Attend in-person at the church in the
Alfred Swan Room, or attend remotely
by Zoom
Dan Rossmiller facilitating
All are welcome!
Please join us even if this is your first time!
For this Sunday’s session, Java & Jesus participants are asked to watch and listen to a video of Nigerian author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s TED talk on “The danger of a single story.” Her talk discusses the influence stories have on the way people view themselves and others, and describes how stories told over and over become a “single story” that can lead people to develop erroneous or misleading preconceptions about other people and cultures. These “single stories” come to control the narratives about other people and cultures and help maintain the power of those who propagate them.
 _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
Or paste the following into your browser:  
To join Zoom discussion by phone: 1 312 626 6799
Meeting ID: 836 4943 6657
Passcode: 315584
If you have difficulty accessing the Zoom discussion,
phone Ken Pennings at 608-556-2371
Orchard Ridge UCC | Spiritually Alive, Joyfully Inclusive, Committed to Justice, www.orucc.org, Madison, WI 53711