ORUCC – Option to Give to the General Fund during Worship

Orchard Ridge UCC on September 11, 2025

concept photo showing a donation tray in a church. Collecting tributes during the Holy Mass. Controversy over church finances

Dear Church Family,

 

We’re excited to share an update about our Sunday morning offering!



After hearing feedback from members and visitors, we’ve added an option to give directly to the General Fund during worship. Until now, all money placed in the offering plate has gone entirely to the Compassion Offering—and that will not change!

Here’s what’s new:

  • Envelopes for the General Fund are now tucked inside the Friendship Pads.
  • Cash or checks placed inside an envelope will go to the General Fund to support our overall ministry.
  • Cash or checks placed loose in the plate will continue to go to the Compassion Offering.

To make giving even easier, we’ve also added a QR code (printed on the envelopes) that links directly to our online giving page. There, you can give to the General Fund, the Compassion Offering, or other ministries.

We hope these changes make it easier for you to support the ministries you care about most. Thank you for your strong support of our congregation’s work in 2025. It is deeply appreciated.



If you have feedback or ideas, please reach out to the Moderators at [email protected].

With gratitude,

Dale Rebhorn

Moderator, Orchard Ridge United Church of Christ

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

ORUCC Welcomes 14 New Members

Orchard Ridge UCC on August 31, 2025

 
Logo_Christmas_White.png

Orchard Ridge United Church of Christ

Spiritually Alive, Joyfully Inclusive, Committed to Justice

ORUCC Welcomes 14 New Members!

Judy, Eva, & Nicole Cummings

Judy

My name is Judy Cummings. I am a retired high school social studies teacher. I also write books for children and teenagers. I have lived in Wisconsin most of my life. My husband and I raised our daughter and two sons outside of Reedsburg. After my husband passed away in 2020, I moved to Dane County. Now I live in Middleton with my daughter and granddaughter. In my spare time, I garden, travel, volunteer, and work to improve my Spanish language skills. My greatest joys in life are my 13-year-old granddaughter, Eva, my almost two-year-old grandson, Max, and strong coffee and rich chocolate!

Nicole

My name is Nicole Cummings. I live in Middleton, WI, with my daughter Eva and my mother, Judy. My husband, Santiago, and my stepson, Emmanuel, currently live in Medellín, Colombia, and I am in the process of petitioning for them to come to the United States. I work for Dane County Human Services as an Economic Support Specialist. I love to travel, volunteer, and spend time with my family.

Eva

My name is Eva Cummings-Garcia. I am in 8th grade at Kromrey Middle School. I love dancing, acting, and spending time with my friends and family.

Jan Beaver

Born and raised in Rensselaer, IN. Graduated from Indiana university. Married and had two wonderful daughters. When Sig and Stac were both doing well in school and social, I went back to medical school at UW. After 31 years, my first marriage failed.

25 and 21 yo grandsons plus an 8 year old granddaughter have brought so much joy. With our world so contentious, 4 months ago a Havanese puppy joined our family bringing great joy as we watch our family grow up. My younger daughter put me on match.com. Met my current husband Tom Schaub and now married over 20 years. 



Retired internal medicine at age 62. Worked at Dean West retiring at age 62. Now caring for granddaughter Greta and her dog Fancy. When Greta prefers friends to us,—very close to that age—we’ll spend more time wintering in Ft Myers and traveling. 

I love to knit and enjoy my aerobics group. If anyone is interested in joining, let me know. 608-338-6681. 

Jerry McAdow

I was born in Lima, Ohio in 1941. My parents moved to Chetek, Wisconsin when I was 4 years old. I had a brother named Jim (deceased) and I have another brother named Dave. I attended grade school and High School in Chetek and after graduation, I attended the University of Wisconsin. I was married on 8/10/63 to Carol (deceased on 3/27/2022 after 59 years of a beautiful marriage). We had 2 children, Kathryn and Gary. Kathy passed away on 1/19/25 after a 2+ year struggle with kidney cancer.

 

Carol was a computer programmer with the county for 20 years and then she started her own quilting business.

 

We attended the Orchard Ridge United Church of Christ while our children were growing up and when they left home, we (Carol and I) drifted away from ORUCC.

 

I attended the University of Denver Law School after graduation from the UW and retired from the practice of law at the end of 2023. I started my practice in 1967 with Lathrop & Clark and we merged with the Boardman Firm in 2012 with the new name of Boardman & Clark, LLP.

 

Carol and I lived at 5518 Dorsett Dr., Madison until her death in 2022. I still live at the same address and have no intent to leave until they carry me out.

 

Carol and I also did a lot of traveling. We have taken many train trips and we loved downhill skiing having skied on about 35 different mountains, including Switzerland and Norway.I am passionate about biking (so was Carol). I have biked over 135,000 miles, 30,000 of which were with Carol.

Kathy Roberg

I grew up on a farm in northern Wisconsin in the midst of a large family. Even to this day, a holiday gathering includes 40 to 50 people for dinner. In my lifetime I have had the privilege of being the mother to my daughter Hannah – shortly to be moving to Argentina. In my career, I have been a nurse working in critical care, research, and coordinating the gift of organ donation. In my “ retirement,” I continue to work with a nonprofit organization that focuses on education as a solution to child trafficking in Haiti.

Judy Green

I grew up in the San Francisco Bay Area with my brother and sister. Our father was a physician and our mother a home maker. I went to Stanford as an undergraduate and Yale for medical school. I returned to Stanford for an Otolaryngology/Head and Neck residency and afterwards worked at the Jackson Clinic in Madison which merged into Physicians Plus which merged into the University of Wisconsin Medical School. I worked there until retirement nearly 8 years ago. While at Yale, I met my future spouse who came to Madison as a professor of Spanish. We celebrate 50 years in 2026. Our daughter Rebecca currently lives in Madison and we hope she stays close! We currently live (for 26 years) in the Town of Middleton with our two beagles on the highest point in Dane County. Rebecca’s cat visits often. Retirement has been very busy with travel, classes at UW and online, gardening, hiking, cross country skiing, biking, lunches with friends, and so forth. I grew up Lutheran with a big dose of Judaism and became a member of a UCC church in 1996. It’s a joy to be at ORUCC!

Jesse, Jami, Corban and Isla Simpson

The Simpson Family (Madison) began in Madison 18 years ago. Jesse is a software systems analyst for the University of California Davis medical center. Jami is a program manager and professional coach at the University of Wisconsin Hospital. Corban (9) will begin 4th grade this fall at Anana Elementary school, and Isla (4) is excited to start kindergarten.  

Barry & Kim Cash

Barry

My name is Barry Cash and I am currently 64 years old. I have been married to Kim Cash for 28 years. Kim’s son Andy works in computers and lives with his family in Verona. Her son Aaron is a willdland firefighter living with his family in Arizona. Our daughter Hannah is a nurse who lives in North Carolina. 

I grew up on a cattle farm in northern Illinois. I obtained a BS in psychology at Loyola University in Chicago, then went on to get an MD at the University of Illinois. I did a residency in Family Medicine in Milwaukee. My first job was in Illinois, where I met and married Kim. In 2000 we moved to Fort Atkinson where I worked until my retirement last year. During my career I was fortunate enough to manage two free clinics and made sixteen medical trips to third-world nations. 

Kim 

My name is Kim Cash and I am 64 years old. I have three children. Barry and I married in 1996. Andy is the oldest. He is married and has two daughters. They are the reason we moved from Fort Atkinson to Verona after retiring. Aaron is the second child and he lives in Scottsdale AZ. Our daughter Hannah is a RN and lives in Wilmington NC. 

I grew up in Sterling IL. My dad was a high school science teacher and my mom was a nurse. I attended the First Christian Church Disciples of Christ growing up and was very active in the youth group. My dad, sister and her family still attend this church. 

While living in Fort Atkinson the last 24 years I worked at an elementary school in the office and as a recess teacher, drove a school bus and then received my real estate license. I was a Realtor for the last 10 years and loved (almost) every minute of it ;) I love helping others and this career was perfect for me!  

Mary Green

Mary Jayne Green was born and raised in Stillwater, Oklahoma to parents James and Emma Jane, both of whom were teachers. Mary Jayne had two older brothers and enjoyed living in a variety of homes on farms and in small town Oklahoma. Mary Jayne was always exceptionally bright and quick witted growing up and opted to pursue a career in nursing. Mary Jayne earned her Master’s Degree in the mid to late 80s and became a Rehab and Diabetes Nurse Educator until retirement. Mary Jayne is very intuitive and creative and enjoys story telling, coloring, sewing, folk music, biking and spending time with her grandkids, in her free time. 

Mary Jayne has two kids, a son, Nathan, and a daughter, Natalie, that were raised in Oklahoma City, OK. Nathan is a very successful and self-taught software consultant who lives in Blacksburg, VA. He has one kiddo, Aby, who is a Junior at Roanoke College this fall. Mary Jayne’s daughter, Natalie, is a very successful professional portrait photographer who lives here in Middleton, WI. Natalie is married to Kelly and has two boys, Nolan, who is a Junior at Boston College this fall and Will-Remi, who is a 7th grader. 

Natalie may be a familiar face to ORUCC members as she has been a regular member in the ORUCC handbell choir for the past 5 years. Mary Jayne and her husband, Dave (an avid reader and bicyclist) moved to Madison this past December to be closer to family. Prior to moving to Madison they had lived for over 20 years in Albany, N.Y. and for a shorter time in Wilmington, N.C.

Mark & Judy Emmrich

Mark and Judy Emmrich live in Sun Prairie. They have 4 children and 7 grandchildren, (6 girls and 1 boy)! They are often in church with the youngest two: Alice and Lila. Both are currently retired. Mark had a career in Human Resources and Finance and Judy taught elementary education in Madison and then for Madison College as the lead ESL Instructor for beginner students. 

Mark loves to golf, fish and they both enjoy kayaking, biking, and playing Pickleball. They are both interested in being involved with the immigration mission team. Judy currently teaches English online weekly for the 4 Leaders at La Casa De La Misericordia in Nogales, Mexico.They look forward to getting to know other church members.

Orchard Ridge United Church of Christ

1501 Gilbert Road

Madison, WI 53711

Office Hours: M-Th 8:30-12:30
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Orchard Ridge UCC | Spiritually Alive, Joyfully Inclusive, Committed to Justice 1501 Gilbert Road | Madison, WI 53711 US

September 7 Children and Youth Faith Formation Kick Off

Orchard Ridge UCC on August 27, 2025

ORUCC Children and Youth 

Welcome Back!

Fall 2025

Welcome back! Can you believe it is almost that time of year again? We hope you had a great summer, and we are excited to kick-off the 2025-26 faith formation programming year on September 7th!

 

Faith Formation for all children and youth will be at 9:00 a.m. This year we will have three classrooms: Peace Circle (Pre-K to 5th grade), Echo the Story (6th-7th grade), and Teen Text (8th-12th grade). Nursery care will be available for younger children.

 

Our music programs for kids will resume this fall as well. Music Connections for children 2nd grade-6th grade will begin on September 7th, and our youth band, TRU Function, will begin practicing September 14th.

Welcome Back Sunday, September 7th, will include an opportunity for a “Blessing of the Backpacks” during the start of worship. Bring your school bag to church to receive a blessing during Children’s Time!

We are also having a supply drive to bless two of our neighborhood schools, Orchard Ridge Elementary and Anana Elementary. We are collecting sanitizing wipes, boxes of tissues, and shelf-stable snacks. Please consider adding a few extra to your back-to-school shopping cart and bring these offerings along on September 7th.

 

Immediately after worship, we will reconnect at the All-Church Picnic, sponsored by the Ministry of Congregational Life and our Hospitality Mission Team. All are welcome!

Please fill out the Sunday School Participant Google Form for your child. This is especially important to know about your child’s dietary restrictions or food allergies, or any significant changes from last year’s participation.

 

Please read on for more details about all of these events. We trust that this will be another joy-filled, meaningful year. We can’t wait to see you soon!

-Pastor Kate & Julie M.

Sunday Morning Faith Formation Classes

Nursery (Ages 1-5) 8:30-11:30 AM

Nursery Care is available for children 6 months to 5 years old in the St. Francis room . Be sure to pop in and introduce yourself to our Nursery Care Workers, Abby and Avery!

Peace Circle (Pre-K-5th Grade) 9:00-9:50 AM:

Children PreK-5th Grade will begin in the Ruby Bridges Room at 9 am for Music with Julie. Following the music, the children will hear a story from Scripture and go deeper with themes introduced in the story engaging with multi-sensory stations. We’ll close with a focused listening exercise and prayer. Josie and Jadyn will lead the children in the experience.

New this year: At 9:50, Peace Circle children will travel together to the sanctuary. We’ll sit together as a group on the east side of the building (parking lot side). Your child is, of course, welcome to sit with you in a different area of the sanctuary. We intend to regularly encourage the children to experience the ritual of service – the opening prayers, congregational songs, and anthems. Children will either go to Music Connections or return to sit with their families after the Time for Children.

Echo the Story (Grades 6-7) will gather in the Anne Frank Room to journey through the main stories and themes of the bible using a curriculum which invites questions and creative engagement. We’ll look deeper at the text, ask questions, journal, draw, and reflect. Throughout the year, Kristin M., Hal E., Barbara S., Becky E., and Kellie M. will guide the group.

Teen Text (Grades 8-12) will gather in the Dorothy Day room. This group will be using “Teen Text,” a progressive Christian Bible study resource that guides teens to reflect together in discussion on the lectionary scripture texts associated with each Sunday. This group will be guided by Al B., Brian L., Rayelle B., and Gretchen F. throughout the year.

Welcome Back Sunday Worship & Picnic

September 7th Worship Details

During the “Time for Children,” anyone who is starting the school year (kids, teachers, and anyone working in education) will be invited to come forward with their “school bags” for a special blessing to start the year.

We will also bless the collected supplies for our neighborhood schools, Orchard Ridge Elementary and Anana Elementary: sanitizing wipes, tissue boxes, and individually wrapped snacks.

Following this blessing, children in grades 2-6 are invited to the downstairs Music Room (Dietrich Bonhoeffer Room) for Music Connections (see below). Younger children are invited to stay in worship, go to the nursery, or visit the Crossroads with a caregiver. Older children are welcome to remain in worship.

At the conclusion of worship, all are invited to the Welcome Back picnic, provided by the Ministry of Congregational Life and the Hospitality Mission Team. They are looking for volunteers! Please sign up here if you are interested in helping out.

Music Opportunities

Music Connections: Children in grades 2-6 are invited to the downstairs Music Room (Dietrich Bonhoeffer Room) for Music Connections after Children’s Time in worship. This Sunday, we’ll join together in a Drum Circle. Older youth may participate in Music Connections as a helper. If your child wishes to be a helper, please connect with Julie to chat about expectations. In agreement with our church’s Safe Sanctuary policy, two adults must be present in a room when working with children. Sign up to volunteer. 

TRU Function: Our youth band will practice from 10:00 a.m.-Noon on Sundays beginning September 14th. Once a month, on Sundays when TRU Function performs in worship, the 9:00 hour will be “Breakfast Club,” a more relaxed fellowship opportunity available for all youth while TRU Function practices for worship. TRU Function is led by Rob Martens. 

Save the Date: Upcoming Events

September 8, 6:30-8:00 p.m. Service Trip Reunion Potluck: Service Trip participants and chaperones are invited to come together for a potluck in Friendship Hall to reminisce, reflect on the trip, and help Pastor Kate start to think about Service Trip 2026!

September 14, 8:15-9:00 “Crafty Sunday” : Children of all ages are invited to craft in the William Johnson Room. All are welcome to bring a current project or start a new project using the materials we have on hand.

October 19, 11:15 a.m., Pen Pal Meet-Up: If you participated in the summer pen pal program, this is a time to meet your pen pal IN PERSON while enjoying some lemonade together after worship.

October 26: Service Trip Celebration in Worship and Info Session: We will have the opportunity to share about our experience in Kansas City this Sunday! This will also include TRU Function’s first full-band performance in worship, followed by a 2026 Service Trip Info Session at 11:15 following worship.

Home Prayer for the Week: 

You are invited to use this prayer with your family to help deepen your faith together. Times you might consider sharing this prayer include before bedtime, at mealtime, or any other regular connecting moment you share with your child(ren). Does your family have a prayer practice or a favorite prayer? If you are comfortable sharing, please EMAIL JULIE, and your family’s prayer will be featured here.

Back to School Prayer (to be read alongside a meal):

God of our work and our play, we thank you for time off from school and for more time with our family and friends.

We’re grateful for all the fun we’ve had, and all the fun we’ll continue to have as we see old friends make new ones, and learn of new things.

Bless us as we return to work and school, and thank you for keeping us safe.

May this food and the coming year nourish us! Amen.

Table talk: What is your favorite vacation memory? What are you most looking forward to about going back to school or work?

-From Peanut Butter and Jelly Prayers, by Julie B. Sevig
 

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

ORUCC Welcomes 14 New Members

Orchard Ridge UCC on August 21, 2025

 
Logo_Christmas_White.png

Orchard Ridge United Church of Christ

Spiritually Alive, Joyfully Inclusive, Committed to Justice

ORUCC Welcomes 14 New Members!

Judy, Eva, & Nicole Cummings

Judy

My name is Judy Cummings. I am a retired high school social studies teacher. I also write books for children and teenagers. I have lived in Wisconsin most of my life. My husband and I raised our daughter and two sons outside of Reedsburg. After my husband passed away in 2020, I moved to Dane County. Now I live in Middleton with my daughter and granddaughter. In my spare time, I garden, travel, volunteer, and work to improve my Spanish language skills. My greatest joys in life are my 13-year-old granddaughter, Eva, my almost two-year-old grandson, Max, and strong coffee and rich chocolate!

Nicole

My name is Nicole Cummings. I live in Middleton, WI, with my daughter Eva and my mother, Judy. My husband, Santiago, and my stepson, Emmanuel, currently live in Medellín, Colombia, and I am in the process of petitioning for them to come to the United States. I work for Dane County Human Services as an Economic Support Specialist. I love to travel, volunteer, and spend time with my family.

Eva

My name is Eva Cummings-Garcia. I am in 8th grade at Kromrey Middle School. I love dancing, acting, and spending time with my friends and family.

Jan Beaver

Born and raised in Rensselaer, IN. Graduated from Indiana university. Married and had two wonderful daughters. When Sig and Stac were both doing well in school and social, I went back to medical school at UW. After 31 years, my first marriage failed.

25 and 21 yo grandsons plus an 8 year old granddaughter have brought so much joy. With our world so contentious, 4 months ago a Havanese puppy joined our family bringing great joy as we watch our family grow up. My younger daughter put me on match.com. Met my current husband Tom Schaub and now married over 20 years. 



Retired internal medicine at age 62. Worked at Dean West retiring at age 62. Now caring for granddaughter Greta and her dog Fancy. When Greta prefers friends to us,—very close to that age—we’ll spend more time wintering in Ft Myers and traveling. 

I love to knit and enjoy my aerobics group. If anyone is interested in joining, let me know. 608-338-6681. 

Jerry McAdow

I was born in Lima, Ohio in 1941. My parents moved to Chetek, Wisconsin when I was 4 years old. I had a brother named Jim (deceased) and I have another brother named Dave. I attended grade school and High School in Chetek and after graduation, I attended the University of Wisconsin. I was married on 8/10/63 to Carol (deceased on 3/27/2022 after 59 years of a beautiful marriage). We had 2 children, Kathryn and Gary. Kathy passed away on 1/19/25 after a 2+ year struggle with kidney cancer.

 

Carol was a computer programmer with the county for 20 years and then she started her own quilting business.

 

We attended the Orchard Ridge United Church of Christ while our children were growing up and when they left home, we (Carol and I) drifted away from ORUCC.

 

I attended the University of Denver Law School after graduation from the UW and retired from the practice of law at the end of 2023. I started my practice in 1967 with Lathrop & Clark and we merged with the Boardman Firm in 2012 with the new name of Boardman & Clark, LLP.

 

Carol and I lived at 5518 Dorsett Dr., Madison until her death in 2022. I still live at the same address and have no intent to leave until they carry me out.

 

Carol and I also did a lot of traveling. We have taken many train trips and we loved downhill skiing having skied on about 35 different mountains, including Switzerland and Norway.I am passionate about biking (so was Carol). I have biked over 135,000 miles, 30,000 of which were with Carol.

Kathy Roberg

I grew up on a farm in northern Wisconsin in the midst of a large family. Even to this day, a holiday gathering includes 40 to 50 people for dinner. In my lifetime I have had the privilege of being the mother to my daughter Hannah – shortly to be moving to Argentina. In my career, I have been a nurse working in critical care, research, and coordinating the gift of organ donation. In my “ retirement,” I continue to work with a nonprofit organization that focuses on education as a solution to child trafficking in Haiti.

Judy Green

I grew up in the San Francisco Bay Area with my brother and sister. Our father was a physician and our mother a home maker. I went to Stanford as an undergraduate and Yale for medical school. I returned to Stanford for an Otolaryngology/Head and Neck residency and afterwards worked at the Jackson Clinic in Madison which merged into Physicians Plus which merged into the University of Wisconsin Medical School. I worked there until retirement nearly 8 years ago. While at Yale, I met my future spouse who came to Madison as a professor of Spanish. We celebrate 50 years in 2026. Our daughter Rebecca currently lives in Madison and we hope she stays close! We currently live (for 26 years) in the Town of Middleton with our two beagles on the highest point in Dane County. Rebecca’s cat visits often. Retirement has been very busy with travel, classes at UW and online, gardening, hiking, cross country skiing, biking, lunches with friends, and so forth. I grew up Lutheran with a big dose of Judaism and became a member of a UCC church in 1996. It’s a joy to be at ORUCC!

Jesse, Jami, Corban and Isla Simpson

The Simpson Family (Madison) began in Madison 18 years ago. Jesse is a software systems analyst for the University of California Davis medical center. Jami is a program manager and professional coach at the University of Wisconsin Hospital. Corban (9) will begin 4th grade this fall at Anana Elementary school, and Isla (4) is excited to start kindergarten.  

Barry & Kim Cash

Barry

My name is Barry Cash and I am currently 64 years old. I have been married to Kim Cash for 28 years. Kim’s son Andy works in computers and lives with his family in Verona. Her son Aaron is a willdland firefighter living with his family in Arizona. Our daughter Hannah is a nurse who lives in North Carolina. 

I grew up on a cattle farm in northern Illinois. I obtained a BS in psychology at Loyola University in Chicago, then went on to get an MD at the University of Illinois. I did a residency in Family Medicine in Milwaukee. My first job was in Illinois, where I met and married Kim. In 2000 we moved to Fort Atkinson where I worked until my retirement last year. During my career I was fortunate enough to manage two free clinics and made sixteen medical trips to third-world nations. 

Kim 

My name is Kim Cash and I am 64 years old. I have three children. Barry and I married in 1996. Andy is the oldest. He is married and has two daughters. They are the reason we moved from Fort Atkinson to Verona after retiring. Aaron is the second child and he lives in Scottsdale AZ. Our daughter Hannah is a RN and lives in Wilmington NC. 

I grew up in Sterling IL. My dad was a high school science teacher and my mom was a nurse. I attended the First Christian Church Disciples of Christ growing up and was very active in the youth group. My dad, sister and her family still attend this church. 

While living in Fort Atkinson the last 24 years I worked at an elementary school in the office and as a recess teacher, drove a school bus and then received my real estate license. I was a Realtor for the last 10 years and loved (almost) every minute of it ;) I love helping others and this career was perfect for me!  

Mary Green

Mary Jayne Green was born and raised in Stillwater, Oklahoma to parents James and Emma Jane, both of whom were teachers. Mary Jayne had two older brothers and enjoyed living in a variety of homes on farms and in small town Oklahoma. Mary Jayne was always exceptionally bright and quick witted growing up and opted to pursue a career in nursing. Mary Jayne earned her Master’s Degree in the mid to late 80s and became a Rehab and Diabetes Nurse Educator until retirement. Mary Jayne is very intuitive and creative and enjoys story telling, coloring, sewing, folk music, biking and spending time with her grandkids, in her free time. 

Mary Jayne has two kids, a son, Nathan, and a daughter, Natalie, that were raised in Oklahoma City, OK. Nathan is a very successful and self-taught software consultant who lives in Blacksburg, VA. He has one kiddo, Aby, who is a Junior at Roanoke College this fall. Mary Jayne’s daughter, Natalie, is a very successful professional portrait photographer who lives here in Middleton, WI. Natalie is married to Kelly and has two boys, Nolan, who is a Junior at Boston College this fall and Will-Remi, who is a 7th grader. 

Natalie may be a familiar face to ORUCC members as she has been a regular member in the ORUCC handbell choir for the past 5 years. Mary Jayne and her husband, Dave (an avid reader and bicyclist) moved to Madison this past December to be closer to family. Prior to moving to Madison they had lived for over 20 years in Albany, N.Y. and for a shorter time in Wilmington, N.C.

Mark & Judy Emmrich

Mark and Judy Emmrich live in Sun Prairie. They have 4 children and 7 grandchildren, (6 girls and 1 boy)! They are often in church with the youngest two: Alice and Lila. Both are currently retired. Mark had a career in Human Resources and Finance and Judy taught elementary education in Madison and then for Madison College as the lead ESL Instructor for beginner students. 

Mark loves to golf, fish and they both enjoy kayaking, biking, and playing Pickleball. They are both interested in being involved with the immigration mission team. Judy currently teaches English online weekly for the 4 Leaders at La Casa De La Misericordia in Nogales, Mexico.They look forward to getting to know other church members.

Orchard Ridge United Church of Christ

1501 Gilbert Road

Madison, WI 53711

Office Hours: M-Th 8:30-12:30
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Orchard Ridge UCC | Spiritually Alive, Joyfully Inclusive, Committed to Justice 1501 Gilbert Road | Madison, WI 53711 US

Worship Resources for August 10, 2025

Orchard Ridge UCC on August 9, 2025

Orchard Ridge

United Church of Christ

Sunday Worship Resources

Sunday, August 10

The Ninth Sunday after Pentecost

10:00 am – Worship

Sermon: Kate Mackey

Lay Liturgist: Ginny Stiles

Musical Offerings: Paul Vash

Click Here for Printable Bulletin

Join our Worship virtually

on YouTube any time after 10 am:

YouTube Link

You will need to refresh the page

after 10 am if you have opened it before

______________________

Pastors’ On-Call Schedule

Your pastors are here for you this summer! Pastor Kate will be on call from July 28th through August 17th. Please do not hesitate to reach out to her with your pastoral care needs, questions or concerns: [email protected]
close_sign_shop.jpg

Please note that the church office will be closed Monday, August 11th, as Office Manager George Decker will be taking the day off as a vacation day. The office will reopen Tuesday morning, August 12th.

August Compassion Offering:

GSAFE (the Gay/Straight Alliance for Safe Schools)

For nearly three decades, Wisconsin’s queer and trans youth have been at the center of our mission. Two of our most longstanding programs provide direct support for LGBTQ+ youth, including our Leadership Training Institute– a four-day summer intensive for high school students– and our Middle School GSA Leadership Summit, which brings together GSAs statewide to enhance competency and advocacy around inclusive best practices in schools.

 

Additionally, we know that LGBTQ+ identified youth thrive with secure, healthy networks of support. Within the last decade, we’ve built connections with Wisconsin’s educators through programs like our annual Safe Schools, Safe Communities conference, where educators, counselors, and other adult allies across Wisconsin connect and share tools to create safer environments for queer and trans youth. Most recently, we’ve begun collaborating with Rainbowland Action Initiative to provide monthly in-person support groups for families of queer and trans youth across Dane and Milwaukee counties.



For more information, click here to see the YouTube video on GSAFE.

Senior Pastor: Rev. Dr. Julia Burkey EMAIL

Associate Pastor: Rev. Kate Mackey EMAIL

Associate Pastor: Rev. Ken Pennings EMAIL

Director of Children’s Arts and Education: Julie Mazer EMAIL

Office Manager George Decker

608-271-7212 or EMAIL



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

ORUCC Weekly Announcements for August 7th

Orchard Ridge UCC on August 7, 2025

Spiritually Alive, Joyfully Inclusive, Committed to Justice

Weekly Announcements

for Thursday, August 7

Meditation Group – Zoom only

Friday, August 8

9:30 – 10:30 am

Zoom

Sue Dixon

Sunday, August 10

The Ninth Sunday after Pentecost

10:00 am – Worship

Sermon: Kate Mackey

Lay Liturgist: Ginny Stiles

Musical Offerings: Paul Vash

Men’s Group – In person

Monday, August 11

7:15 – 8:30 pm

Day Room/Romero Room

Jim McNamara

Meditation Group

Thursday, August 14

8:00 – 9:00 am

Romero Room

Becky Baumbach

—————————-

Pastors’ On-Call Schedule

Your pastors are here for you this summer! Pastor Kate will be on call from July 28th through August 17th. Please do not hesitate to reach out to her with your pastoral care needs, questions or concerns: [email protected]
close_sign_shop.jpg

Please note that the church office will be closed Monday, August 11th, as Office Manager George Decker will be taking the day off as a vacation day. The office will reopen Tuesday morning, August 12th.

August Compassion Offering:

GSAFE (the Gay/Straight Alliance for Safe Schools)

For nearly three decades, Wisconsin’s queer and trans youth have been at the center of our mission. Two of our most longstanding programs provide direct support for LGBTQ+ youth, including our Leadership Training Institute– a four-day summer intensive for high school students– and our Middle School GSA Leadership Summit, which brings together GSAs statewide to enhance competency and advocacy around inclusive best practices in schools.

 

Additionally, we know that LGBTQ+ identified youth thrive with secure, healthy networks of support. Within the last decade, we’ve built connections with Wisconsin’s educators through programs like our annual Safe Schools, Safe Communities conference, where educators, counselors, and other adult allies across Wisconsin connect and share tools to create safer environments for queer and trans youth. Most recently, we’ve begun collaborating with Rainbowland Action Initiative to provide monthly in-person support groups for families of queer and trans youth across Dane and Milwaukee counties.



For more information, click here to see the YouTube video on GSAFE.

Save the dates for these fall programmatic events hosted by us at ORUCC!

Music Makes Community!

ORUCC is co-hosting a community building singing event with a wonderful organization who is coming to lead us in song. More information forthcoming. 

Save the dates:

Friday October 5th: Evening community sing at Saint Dunstan’s Episcopal Church.

Saturday October 6th: Register for workshop at ORUCC

Wayfinding Retreat at Holy Wisdom Monastery

Wednesday, October 15th 10am-2pm (tentatively), including lunch. Regular Wayfinding program resumes monthly rhythm 3rd Wednesdays with a ZOOM option on the following Thursday. More details to follow.

Restorative Circle 

Sunday, October 12th after worship to learn about the process.

November 7th evening & 8th.

Announcement from the ORUCC Palestinian Justice Mission Team about an upcoming opportunity for ORUCC members to join our Mennonite friends in solidarity with those starving and dying in Palestine. 

*****  

Public action of hunger surrounded by plenty

Saturday, August 9th, 10-11 am

Dane County Farmers Market

Corner of King Street

 

We invite you to join us at an empty table surrounded by plenty. Bring your signs, bring your empty pots, bring your grief and anger, bring your hunger for justice.

 

Truckfuls of aid are being left to rot while people are left to starve. We call for a release of the aid and an end to the violence that causes the need for aid. End the blockade, end the genocide.

 

Kind regards,

Ruth Ann Berkholtz, Mennonite Action Madison

 

For questions, contact [email protected]

 

Sponsored by Jewish Voice for Peace, Madison for a World BEYOND War, and Mennonite Action Madison

 

Ideas for Signs 

  • Food blockade / Feeds genocide
  • Genocide in Gaza: Starving children / Killing doctors / Bombing hospitals / Targeting food sites
  • Feel like a snack? People in Gaza subsist on 250 calories per day.
  • Feeling hungry for peace? Kids in Gaza are dying of starvation.
  • Starvation as a weapon of war = Genocide in Gaza. OUR SHAME.
  • Food sites as targets: that’s how US weapons kill people in Gaza. OUR SHAME.
  • They said, “I was hungry …” Did our money give bread or did we finance starvation?
  • They said, “I was thirsty …” and our bombs destroyed water stations in Gaza.
  • Send Food, Not Bombs

Magic Pride Festival is an event held by OutReach at Warner Park. The event runs from 1-6pm on Sunday, August 17th. ORUCC will have a table at this event to get our name out there and show our support for the queer community. We are looking for more volunteers to hang out with other ORUCC folks at the table to welcome people and share about our awesome community! If you would like to volunteer or have questions about the event, please contact Al Blanchard: [email protected]

Sunday, August 17th: Celebration of Life for Barbara Ann Zahn

A celebration of the life of Barbara Ann Zahn will be held Sunday, August 17th, at 1:00 pm at First Unitarian Society of Madison, 900 University Bay Drive, Madison. Barbara Ann, who passed away on June 5th, had been a member of ORUCC for decades and served as our church secretary for many years. Everyone is welcome to attend the service.

“Parents Together” Online Support Group to meet August 18th

The “Parents Together” peer-led support group will meet online on August 18th at 7:30 p.m., facilitated by Claire Purkis. 

 

Parents Together is an opportunity to share the struggles and joys of parenting kids in today’s world. All are welcome! Please use this google meet link to join the meeting. You can also connect with Claire for more info at [email protected]. We will resume in-person meetings this fall, beginning September 7th at 9:00 a.m. 

 

Looking forward to seeing you virtually, or in person in September! 

Please text or email me with any questions or if you are having a hard time getting into the Google meet. 

Thanks! 

Claire 

Claire Purkis

[email protected]

773.259.3502

Service Opportunity at

Orchard Ridge Elementary School August 23rd

We are invited to serve our neighbors at Orchard Ridge Elementary School along with folks from Good Shepherd Lutheran Church on Saturday, August 23. This is part of the “Love Dane” initiative coordinated by Collaboration Project, a local ecumenical nonprofit. Please sign up here (scroll down to find the “Orchard Ridge Elementary” sign up) to help spruce up the school for the start of the academic year!

Stay up to date on ORUCC Children and Youth happenings

Want to stay up to date on the latest with children and youth at ORUCC? Check out our weekly updates here:

https://orucc.org/keeping-current/children-and-youth-news//

MOSES’ Racial Justice for All Children Task Force is seeking volunteers

MOSES’ Racial Justice for All Children Task Force is looking for people who are passionate about addressing disparities in literacy among our students, promoting wellness and restorative practices in our schools rather than exclusionary discipline, and ensuring that our young people are in safe, stable and affordable housing. For more information, please visit our page on the MOSES website: https://www.mosesmadison.org/rjac/ Or contact Shel Gross, [email protected] 608-250-4368. ORUCC members Barbie Jackson [email protected] and John Lemke  [email protected] participate in this task force and can give you more information as well. 

Please Sign Up to Volunteer on Sunday Mornings!

AT ORUCC, the Members are the Ministers!

We are seeking volunteers to serve on Sunday mornings for in-person worship. You need not be a member, simply a person who loves ORUCC and is eager to find a place to serve! Young people are welcome to sign up too!

 

Would you consider serving one or more times as a Coffee Maker, a Welcomer, an Usher, a Lay Liturgist, or to assist with Holy Communion?

 

Feel free to sign up as an individual, a couple, or a family!

Click here to sign up as a Coffee Maker

Click here to sign up as a Welcomer

Click here to sign up as an Usher

Click here to sign up as a Lay Liturgist

Click here to assist with Holy Communion

 

  • Page #1: Choose the date you are available to volunteer and select the box that says “SIGN UP“.  Then, at the bottom of the page select the box “SAVE & CONTINUE“.
  • Page #2: Enter your first/last name and your email address. Then select the box at the bottom of the page “SIGN UP NOW“

 

Questions or problems signing up?

Contact Ken Pennings at [email protected] or 608-556-2371.

Spiritual

Nourishment

for you!

Daily Reflections for August

We are grateful for the ministry of Jeanne Moberly, who is a member of Adult Faith Formation, as she puts together a set of fresh readings every month for our devotional practice at Orchard Ridge UCC. If you know someone who needs encouragement and would like the devotional mailed to them, please contact the church office.

Daily Reflections for August 2025

Office Manager George Decker

available Mon.-Thurs. 7:30am -12:30 pm

608-271-7212 or EMAIL

Senior Pastor Julia Burkey: available

Tues.-Thurs. 10:00 am – 7:00 pm

by appointment

518-542-6915 EMAIL

Associate Pastor Ken Pennings: available

Tues.-Thurs. 10:00 am -5:00 pm 

by appointment

608-556-2371 EMAIL

Associate Pastor Kate Mackey: available

Mon.-Thurs. 8:00 am – 2:00 pm

by appointment

608-571-5418 EMAIL

Julia and Ken (try to) take Monday & Saturday as Sabbath days,

Kate Friday and Saturday

Friday is observed as a writing day for the preaching pastor.

In case of a pastoral emergency, please call any of the pastors, as all pastors are available by phone, text and we will always have a pastor on call who we can turn to.

LIKE or FOLLOW the Orchard Ridge FaceBook Page

JOIN our Private FB Group:

“Members & Friends of Orchard Ridge UCC“

Orchard Ridge United Church of Christ

1501 Gilbert Road

Madison, WI 53711

608-271-7212

Office Hours: M-Th 8:30-12:30
Facebook  Twitter  Pinterest

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

Worship Resources for August 3, 2025

Orchard Ridge UCC on August 2, 2025

Orchard Ridge

United Church of Christ

Sunday Worship Resources

Sunday, August 3

The Eighth Sunday after Pentecost

10:00 am – Worship

Sermon: Kate Mackey

Lay Liturgist: Bruce Gladstone

Musical Offerings: Ryan Conners and Betsy Warnemuende

Sacrament of Holy Communion

Click Here for Printable Bulletin

Join our Worship virtually

on YouTube any time after 10 am:

YouTube Link

You will need to refresh the page

after 10 am if you have opened it before

______________________

Pastors’ On-Call Schedule

Your pastors are here for you this summer! Pastor Kate will be on call from July 28th through August 17th. Please do not hesitate to reach out to her with your pastoral care needs, questions or concerns: [email protected]

August Compassion Offering:

GSAFE (the Gay/Straight Alliance for Safe Schools)

For nearly three decades, Wisconsin’s queer and trans youth have been at the center of our mission. Two of our most longstanding programs provide direct support for LGBTQ+ youth, including our Leadership Training Institute– a four-day summer intensive for high school students– and our Middle School GSA Leadership Summit, which brings together GSAs statewide to enhance competency and advocacy around inclusive best practices in schools.

 

Additionally, we know that LGBTQ+ identified youth thrive with secure, healthy networks of support. Within the last decade, we’ve built connections with Wisconsin’s educators through programs like our annual Safe Schools, Safe Communities conference, where educators, counselors, and other adult allies across Wisconsin connect and share tools to create safer environments for queer and trans youth. Most recently, we’ve begun collaborating with Rainbowland Action Initiative to provide monthly in-person support groups for families of queer and trans youth across Dane and Milwaukee counties.



For more information, click here to see the YouTube video on GSAFE.

Senior Pastor: Rev. Dr. Julia Burkey EMAIL

Associate Pastor: Rev. Kate Mackey EMAIL

Associate Pastor: Rev. Ken Pennings EMAIL

Director of Children’s Arts and Education: Julie Mazer EMAIL

Office Manager George Decker

608-271-7212 or EMAIL



LIKE or FOLLOW the Orchard Ridge Facebook Page

JOIN our Private FB Group:

“Members & Friends of Orchard Ridge UCC“

Follow us on Instagram @orchardridgeucc

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

ORUCC July Children and Youth News

Orchard Ridge UCC on August 1, 2025

ORUCC Children and Youth

Faith Formation Update

August 2025

Dear Families,

We are officially in the home stretch! We hope you are savoring the last moments of summer and taking the time to squeeze in all that you enjoy. Perhaps one last trip to the pool, a walk to your favorite ice cream shop, a camping weekend, or an evening of stargazing. For the remainder of August, there will not be 9:00 a.m. faith formation, but there are still exciting things happening for kids at ORUCC!

And, mark your calendar for our fall “Back to Church” kick-off celebration on September 7. Join us that day for Nursery Care, 9 am Children and Youth Faith Formation, Music Connections, a special “blessing of the backpacks” during worship, AND an all church BBQ lunch! You’ll receive more information about all of these great opportunities at the end of the month.

Be sure to scroll down this email for a home prayer and to be kept in the know of upcoming events.

~Pastor Kate and Julie M.

Children’s Sunday

Summer Programming

There is no 9:00 a.m. faith formation or regular nursery care during the summer. Our children and youth music programs will also take a break (TRU Function and Music Connections).

However, throughout the summer there are special opportunities for children’s participation during 10:00 a.m. worship. On the 2nd and 4th Sundays, we will will have special events or “Kids in the Kitchen,” for children ages 5 years old and up (younger children my participate with a caregiver present). Kids in the Kitchen is an opportunity to hear a Bible story and have fellowship with other children and adult volunteers as the kids make a snack to share with the congregation following worship.

Throughout the summer, on the 1st and 3rd Sundays, we will have a nursery care provider available in the Crossroads to offer “supported childcare” for young ones.

August Events

August 3, Supported Childcare 9:30-11:30 in the Crossroads with Najma. This service allows parents of children ages 0-5 to socialize and engage in the service, but encourages parents to stay nearby to assist their child, as well. This is also Najma’s last day. She is moving to Pittsburgh for her graduate studies in nursing. We’ll recognize her with a blessing and a prayer shawl during worship.

August 10, Kids in the Kitchen with Rachael and Marcia ”Kids in the Kitchen” is our yearly summer enrichment program. During worship, children ages 6 and older (ages 5 and younger must be accompanied by a caregiver) will be invited to hear a nature-themed story and make a snack to serve after worship.

August 17, Supported Childcare 9:30-11:30 in the Crossroads with Abby.

August 24, Kids in the Kitchen with Sara and Rachael.

At Orchard Ridge, we are Spiritually Alive!

July 10th’s Intergenerational Family Picnic

On July 10th, about 20 friends from church braved the stormy skies to meet for a picnic at Garner Park. It was a lovely opportunity to get to know one another better, play hide-n-seek, and enjoy some popsicles!

Intergenerational Pen-Pals Project

If you signed up for our pen pals project this summer, be on the lookout in the mail for a letter from your partner. How are your letters going? Feel free to reach out to Julie or Kate if you need any assistance or letter-writing ideas.

Parents Together Support Group:

August 18th, 7:30 p.m. Online

The “Parents Together” peer-led support group will be offered in an online format on August 18th at 7:30 p.m., facilitated by Claire Purkis. Parents Together is an opportunity to share the struggles and joys of parenting kids in today’s world. All are welcome! Please use this google meet link. You can also connect with Claire for more info at [email protected]. We will resume in-person meetings in this fall, beginning September 7th at 9:00 a.m..

September Save the Dates!

  • Sunday, September 7: Welcome Back-to-Church! Faith formation, Blessing of the Backpacks, Music Connections, and All-Church picnic.
  • Sunday, September 7: Parents Together Peer Support at 9:00 a.m.
  • Monday, September 8: Service Trip Reunion Potluck
  • Sunday, September 14: TRU Function practice resumes

Home Prayer:

You are invited to use this prayer with your family to help deepen your faith together. Times you might consider sharing this prayer include before bedtime, at mealtime, or any other regular connecting moment you share with your child(ren). Does your family have a prayer practice or a favorite prayer? If you are comfortable sharing, please EMAIL JULIE, and your family’s prayer will be featured here.

I thank You God for most this amazing day;

for the leaping greenly spirits of trees

and a blue true dream of sky;

and for everything

which is natural

which is infinite

which is yes

-ee cummings

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

ORUCC Weekly Announcements for July 31st

Orchard Ridge UCC on July 31, 2025

Spiritually Alive, Joyfully Inclusive, Committed to Justice

Weekly Announcements

for Thursday, July 31

Friday Breakfast Group

Friday, August 1

9:00 am

Denny’s, 433 S. Gammon Road

Louise Jeanne

(see below)

Meditation Group – Zoom only

Friday, August 1

9:30 – 10:30 am

Zoom

Sue Dixon

Sunday, August 3

The Eighth Sunday after Pentecost

10:00 am – Worship

Sermon: Kate Mackey

Lay Liturgist: Bruce Gladstone

Musical Offerings: Ryan Conners and Betsy Warnemuende

Sacrament of Holy Communion

Meditation Group

Thursday, August 7

8:00 – 9:00 am

Romero Room

Becky Baumbach

—————————-

Pastors’ On-Call Schedule

Your pastors are here for you this summer! Pastor Kate will be on call from July 28th through August 17th. Please do not hesitate to reach out to her with your pastoral care needs, questions or concerns: [email protected]

August Compassion Offering:

GSAFE (the Gay/Straight Alliance for Safe Schools)

For nearly three decades, Wisconsin’s queer and trans youth have been at the center of our mission. Two of our most longstanding programs provide direct support for LGBTQ+ youth, including our Leadership Training Institute– a four-day summer intensive for high school students– and our Middle School GSA Leadership Summit, which brings together GSAs statewide to enhance competency and advocacy around inclusive best practices in schools.

 

Additionally, we know that LGBTQ+ identified youth thrive with secure, healthy networks of support. Within the last decade, we’ve built connections with Wisconsin’s educators through programs like our annual Safe Schools, Safe Communities conference, where educators, counselors, and other adult allies across Wisconsin connect and share tools to create safer environments for queer and trans youth. Most recently, we’ve begun collaborating with Rainbowland Action Initiative to provide monthly in-person support groups for families of queer and trans youth across Dane and Milwaukee counties.



For more information, click here to see the YouTube video on GSAFE.
breakfast.jpg

Friday Breakfast Group – August 1, 9:00 am

 

The next Friday Breakfast is set for August 1 at 9:00 am at Denny’s, 433 S. Gammon Road! All are welcome. The group meets on the first Friday of the month and includes both men and women. Join us for this informal chance to connect and converse on many topics. Contact Louise Jeanne, Link for more information.

Save the dates for these fall programmatic events hosted by us at ORUCC!

Music Makes Community!

ORUCC is co-hosting a community building singing event with a wonderful organization who is coming to lead us in song. More information forthcoming. 

Save the dates:

Friday October 5th: Evening community sing at Saint Dunstan’s Episcopal Church.

Saturday October 6th: Register for workshop at ORUCC

Wayfinding Retreat at Holy Wisdom Monastery

Wednesday, October 15th 10am-2pm (tentatively), including lunch. Regular Wayfinding program resumes monthly rhythm 3rd Wednesdays with a ZOOM option on the following Thursday. More details to follow.

Restorative Circle 

Sunday, October 12th after worship to learn about the process.

November 7th evening & 8th.
cross2.jpg

Take Up Your Cross: Stand Against Government Cruelty

11:00 am Saturday, August 2, 2025

Why the Cross?

On August 2, 2025, concerned Christians and others of goodwill will walk in silence up State Street to the Capitol, carrying an eight-foot wooden cross. Our collective witness holds the cross as a symbol of resistance, courage, and compassion. Jesus courageously took up his cross to resist the Empire’s cruel and oppressive policies toward the vulnerable in Roman society. So, too, we take up our cross, as he called us to do, to resist our government’s cruel and violent policies toward the vulnerable.

We recognize that the practice of compassion is central to the beliefs and teaching of many other communities of faith and conscience and that these communities share our sense of calling to resist violence and cruelty. We welcome these communities and their members to participate in — or support in other ways — this act of resistance, lifting up their own religious symbols.

 

We RESIST: 

· Policies that harm immigrants, the poor, and the vulnerable

· War, militarism, and the use of violence 

· Environmental destruction

· Christian Nationalism and authoritarianism

We AFFIRM:

· Truth, democracy, human dignity, world peace, and care for the earth

· Standing with the marginalized

· The way of justice, peace, and care for one another

Stand with us!

11am Saturday, August 2, 2025

State and Lake Street to the Capitol

For further information about this event, see this press release or contact one of the following people

Rev. Sally Bowers – (608) 576-6320

Rev. David Couper – (608) 444-7207

Dr. Roberta Felker – (608) 220-8452

Rev. Jerry Folk – (608) 513-3178

Dr. Paul Knitter – (646) 648-1308

You may also contact Ruth Ann Berkholtz at [email protected] or (608) 334-8761 for more information. Additionally, Pastor Kate Mackey is planning to take part in the walk in silence, and can be reached at [email protected].

Announcement from the ORUCC Palestinian Justice Mission Team about an upcoming opportunity for ORUCC members to join our Mennonite friends in solidarity with those starving and dying in Palestine. 

*****  

Public action of hunger surrounded by plenty

Saturday, August 9th, 10-11 am

Dane County Farmers Market

Corner of King Street

 

We invite you to join us at an empty table surrounded by plenty. Bring your signs, bring your empty pots, bring your grief and anger, bring your hunger for justice.

 

Truckfuls of aid are being left to rot while people are left to starve. We call for a release of the aid and an end to the violence that causes the need for aid. End the blockade, end the genocide.

 

Kind regards,

Ruth Ann Berkholtz, Mennonite Action Madison

 

For questions, contact [email protected]

 

Sponsored by Jewish Voice for Peace, Madison for a World BEYOND War, and Mennonite Action Madison

 

Ideas for Signs 

  • Food blockade / Feeds genocide
  • Genocide in Gaza: Starving children / Killing doctors / Bombing hospitals / Targeting food sites
  • Feel like a snack? People in Gaza subsist on 250 calories per day.
  • Feeling hungry for peace? Kids in Gaza are dying of starvation.
  • Starvation as a weapon of war = Genocide in Gaza. OUR SHAME.
  • Food sites as targets: that’s how US weapons kill people in Gaza. OUR SHAME.
  • They said, “I was hungry …” Did our money give bread or did we finance starvation?
  • They said, “I was thirsty …” and our bombs destroyed water stations in Gaza.
  • Send Food, Not Bombs

Sunday, August 17th: Celebration of Life for Barbara Ann Zahn

A celebration of the life of Barbara Ann Zahn will be held Sunday, August 17th, at 1:00 pm at First Unitarian Society of Madison, 900 University Bay Drive, Madison. Barbara Ann, who passed away on June 5th, had been a member of ORUCC for decades and served as our church secretary for many years. Everyone is welcome to attend the service.

Service Opportunity at

Orchard Ridge Elementary School August 23rd

We are invited to serve our neighbors at Orchard Ridge Elementary School along with folks from Good Shepherd Lutheran Church on Saturday, August 23. This is part of the “Love Dane” initiative coordinated by Collaboration Project, a local ecumenical nonprofit. Please sign up here (scroll down to find the “Orchard Ridge Elementary” sign up) to help spruce up the school for the start of the academic year!

Stay up to date on ORUCC Children and Youth happenings

Want to stay up to date on the latest with children and youth at ORUCC? Check out our weekly updates here:

https://orucc.org/keeping-current/children-and-youth-news//

MOSES’ Racial Justice for All Children Task Force is seeking volunteers

MOSES’ Racial Justice for All Children Task Force is looking for people who are passionate about addressing disparities in literacy among our students, promoting wellness and restorative practices in our schools rather than exclusionary discipline, and ensuring that our young people are in safe, stable and affordable housing. For more information, please visit our page on the MOSES website: https://www.mosesmadison.org/rjac/ Or contact Shel Gross, [email protected] 608-250-4368. ORUCC members Barbie Jackson [email protected] and John Lemke  [email protected] participate in this task force and can give you more information as well. 

Please Sign Up to Volunteer on Sunday Mornings!

AT ORUCC, the Members are the Ministers!

We are seeking volunteers to serve on Sunday mornings for in-person worship. You need not be a member, simply a person who loves ORUCC and is eager to find a place to serve! Young people are welcome to sign up, too!

 

Would you consider serving one or more times as a Welcomer, an Usher, a Lay Liturgist or to assist with Holy Communion?

 

Feel free to sign up as an individual, a couple, or a family!

 

Click here to sign up as a Welcomer

Click here to sign up as an Usher

Click here to sign up as a Lay Liturgist

Click here to assist with Holy Communion

 

  • Page #1: Choose the date you are available to volunteer and select the box that says “SIGN UP“.  Then, at the bottom of the page select the box “SAVE & CONTINUE“.
  • Page #2: Enter your first/last name and your email address. Then select the box at the bottom of the page “SIGN UP NOW“

 

Questions or problems signing up?

Contact Ken Pennings at [email protected] or 608-556-2371.

Spiritual

Nourishment

for you!

Daily Reflections for August

We are grateful for the ministry of Jeanne Moberly, who is a member of Adult Faith Formation, as she puts together a set of fresh readings every month for our devotional practice at Orchard Ridge UCC. If you know someone who needs encouragement and would like the devotional mailed to them, please contact the church office.

Daily Reflections for August 2025

Office Manager George Decker

available Mon.-Thurs. 7:30am -12:30 pm

608-271-7212 or EMAIL

Senior Pastor Julia Burkey: available

Tues.-Thurs. 10:00 am – 7:00 pm

by appointment

518-542-6915 EMAIL

Associate Pastor Ken Pennings: available

Tues.-Thurs. 10:00 am -5:00 pm 

by appointment

608-556-2371 EMAIL

Associate Pastor Kate Mackey: available

Mon.-Thurs. 8:00 am – 2:00 pm

by appointment

608-571-5418 EMAIL

Julia and Ken (try to) take Monday & Saturday as Sabbath days,

Kate Friday and Saturday

Friday is observed as a writing day for the preaching pastor.

In case of a pastoral emergency, please call any of the pastors, as all pastors are available by phone, text and we will always have a pastor on call who we can turn to.

LIKE or FOLLOW the Orchard Ridge FaceBook Page

JOIN our Private FB Group:

“Members & Friends of Orchard Ridge UCC“

Orchard Ridge United Church of Christ

1501 Gilbert Road

Madison, WI 53711

608-271-7212

Office Hours: M-Th 8:30-12:30
Facebook  Twitter  Pinterest

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

ORUCC –Take Up Your Cross: Stand Against Government Cruelty this Saturday

Orchard Ridge UCC on July 30, 2025

cross2.jpg

Take Up Your Cross: Stand Against Government Cruelty

11:00 am this Saturday, August 2, 2025

Why the Cross?

On August 2, 2025, concerned Christians and others of goodwill will walk in silence up State Street to the Capitol, carrying an eight-foot wooden cross. Our collective witness holds the cross as a symbol of resistance, courage, and compassion. Jesus courageously took up his cross to resist the Empire’s cruel and oppressive policies toward the vulnerable in Roman society. So, too, we take up our cross, as he called us to do, to resist our government’s cruel and violent policies toward the vulnerable.

We recognize that the practice of compassion is central to the beliefs and teaching of many other communities of faith and conscience and that these communities share our sense of calling to resist violence and cruelty. We welcome these communities and their members to participate in — or support in other ways — this act of resistance, lifting up their own religious symbols.

 

We RESIST: 

· Policies that harm immigrants, the poor, and the vulnerable

· War, militarism, and the use of violence 

· Environmental destruction

· Christian Nationalism and authoritarianism

We AFFIRM:

· Truth, democracy, human dignity, world peace, and care for the earth

· Standing with the marginalized

· The way of justice, peace, and care for one another

Stand with us!

11am Saturday, August 2, 2025

State and Lake Street to the Capitol

For further information about this event, see this press release or contact one of the following people

Rev. Sally Bowers – (608) 576-6320

Rev. David Couper – (608) 444-7207

Dr. Roberta Felker – (608) 220-8452

Rev. Jerry Folk – (608) 513-3178

Dr. Paul Knitter – (646) 648-1308

You may also contact Ruth Ann Berkholtz at [email protected] or (608) 334-8761 for more information. Additionally, Pastor Kate Mackey is planning to take part in the walk in silence, and can be reached at [email protected].

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

Worship Resources for July 27, 2025

Orchard Ridge UCC on July 26, 2025

Orchard Ridge

United Church of Christ

Sunday Worship Resources

Sunday, July 27

The Seventh Sunday after Pentecost

10:00 am – Worship

Testimonies of New Members: Judy Cummings, Jami Simpson, Diane Light, Jesse Simpson & Kathleen Remund

Musical Offerings: Susan Soric, Claire Purkis & Kathleen Remund

Click Here for Printable Bulletin

Join our Worship virtually

on YouTube any time after 10 am:

YouTube Link

You will need to refresh the page

after 10 am if you have opened it before

______________________

Pastors’ On-Call Schedule

Your pastors are here for you this summer! Pastor Kate will be on call from July 28th through August 17th. Please do not hesitate to reach out to her with your pastoral care needs, questions or concerns: [email protected]

July Compassion Offering:

The Good Shepherd Lutheran Church (GSLS) Food Pantry

Good Shepherd Lutheran Church (GSLC) offers a weekly food pantry serving the Orchard Ridge neighborhood and surrounding areas. Located at 5701 Raymond Road in Meadowood, the GSLC pantry currently serves up to 75 eligible individuals and families every Thursday.  Rick Thomas, GSLC Outreach Director, reports that local pantries continue to see reduced food availability from Second Harvest due to high demand and threatened reductions in federal funding. Donations from the July 2025 compassion offering will go toward purchase of food items and essentials that best meet the needs of food pantry clients.

Simply stated, this mission eases suffering and addresses basic human needs at the local level.

In addition to giving generously this month, here are additional ways that you can help:

● Food, paper goods or personal items are also accepted year-round at the GSLC Donation Room during weekday hours.

● Volunteer at the GSLC Food Pantry: Assist with registration, act as a host or help with stocking the shelves. Thursdays, 9:30am-Noon or 5:30pm-7pm. Familiarity with languages is a bonus, such as Spanish, Middle Eastern dialects, others.

● Volunteer your time in the ORUCC Veggie Village garden where we tend and harvest fresh vegetables for the GSLC food pantry.

For more information, see the YouTube video on the GSLS Food Pantry at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JpvOgdNSeAE

Senior Pastor: Rev. Dr. Julia Burkey EMAIL

Associate Pastor: Rev. Kate Mackey EMAIL

Associate Pastor: Rev. Ken Pennings EMAIL

Director of Children’s Arts and Education: Julie Mazer EMAIL

Office Manager George Decker

608-271-7212 or EMAIL



LIKE or FOLLOW the Orchard Ridge Facebook Page

JOIN our Private FB Group:

“Members & Friends of Orchard Ridge UCC“

Follow us on Instagram @orchardridgeucc

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

ORUCC Weekly Announcements for July 24th

Orchard Ridge UCC on July 24, 2025

Spiritually Alive, Joyfully Inclusive, Committed to Justice

Weekly Announcements

for Thursday, July 24

Meditation Group – Zoom only

Friday, July 25

9:30 – 10:30 am

Zoom

Sue Dixon

Sunday, July 27

The Seventh Sunday after Pentecost

10:00 am – Worship

Testimonies of New Members: Judy Cummings, Jami Simpson, Diane Light, Jesse Simpson & Kathleen Remund

Musical Offerings: Susan Soric, Claire Purkis & Kathleen Remund

Men’s Group – in person

Monday, July 28

7:15 – 8:45 pm

Romero Room

Jim McNamara

Meditation Group

Thursday, July 31

8:00 – 9:00 am

Romero Room

Becky Baumbach

—————————-

Pastors’ On-Call Schedule

Your pastors are here for you this summer! Pastor Kate will be on call from July 28th through August 17th. Please do not hesitate to reach out to her with your pastoral care needs, questions or concerns: [email protected]

July Compassion Offering:

The Good Shepherd Lutheran Church (GSLS) Food Pantry

Good Shepherd Lutheran Church (GSLC) offers a weekly food pantry serving the Orchard Ridge neighborhood and surrounding areas. Located at 5701 Raymond Road in Meadowood, the GSLC pantry currently serves up to 75 eligible individuals and families every Thursday.  Rick Thomas, GSLC Outreach Director, reports that local pantries continue to see reduced food availability from Second Harvest due to high demand and threatened reductions in federal funding. Donations from the July 2025 compassion offering will go toward purchase of food items and essentials that best meet the needs of food pantry clients.

Simply stated, this mission eases suffering and addresses basic human needs at the local level.

In addition to giving generously this month, here are additional ways that you can help:

● Food, paper goods or personal items are also accepted year-round at the GSLC Donation Room during weekday hours.

● Volunteer at the GSLC Food Pantry: Assist with registration, act as a host or help with stocking the shelves. Thursdays, 9:30am-Noon or 5:30pm-7pm. Familiarity with languages is a bonus, such as Spanish, Middle Eastern dialects, others.

● Volunteer your time in the ORUCC Veggie Village garden where we tend and harvest fresh vegetables for the GSLC food pantry.

For more information, see the YouTube video on the GSLS Food Pantry at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JpvOgdNSeAE

breakfast.jpg

Friday Breakfast Group – August 1, 9:00 am

 

The next Friday Breakfast is set for August 1 at 9:00 am at Denny’s, 433 S. Gammon Road! All are welcome. The group meets on the first Friday of the month and includes both men and women. Join us for this informal chance to connect and converse on many topics. Contact Louise Jeanne, Link for more information.

Announcement from the ORUCC Palestinian Justice Mission Team about an upcoming opportunity for ORUCC members to join our Mennonite friends in solidarity with those starving and dying in Palestine. 

*****  

Public action of hunger surrounded by plenty

Saturday, August 9th, 10-11 am

Dane County Farmers Market

Corner of King Street

 

We invite you to join us at an empty table surrounded by plenty. Bring your signs, bring your empty pots, bring your grief and anger, bring your hunger for justice.

 

Truckfuls of aid are being left to rot while people are left to starve. We call for a release of the aid and an end to the violence that causes the need for aid. End the blockade, end the genocide.

 

Kind regards,

Ruth Ann Berkholtz, Mennonite Action Madison

 

For questions, contact [email protected]

 

Sponsored by Jewish Voice for Peace, Madison for a World BEYOND War, and Mennonite Action Madison

 

Ideas for Signs 

  • Food blockade / Feeds genocide
  • Genocide in Gaza: Starving children / Killing doctors / Bombing hospitals / Targeting food sites
  • Feel like a snack? People in Gaza subsist on 250 calories per day.
  • Feeling hungry for peace? Kids in Gaza are dying of starvation.
  • Starvation as a weapon of war = Genocide in Gaza. OUR SHAME.
  • Food sites as targets: that’s how US weapons kill people in Gaza. OUR SHAME.
  • They said, “I was hungry …” Did our money give bread or did we finance starvation?
  • They said, “I was thirsty …” and our bombs destroyed water stations in Gaza.
  • Send Food, Not Bombs
sleepy_beagle_glasses.jpg

Come get your reading glasses!

For some time we have had three pairs of reading glasses (probably left in Worship Hall) waiting in the church office for their rightful owners to claim them. If you believe you have misplaced your reading glasses in the church, please come by the office and see if they are on the front counter next to the red tray.

Stay up to date on ORUCC Children and Youth happenings

Want to stay up to date on the latest with children and youth at ORUCC? Check out our weekly updates here:

https://orucc.org/keeping-current/children-and-youth-news//

MOSES’ Racial Justice for All Children Task Force is seeking volunteers

MOSES’ Racial Justice for All Children Task Force is looking for people who are passionate about addressing disparities in literacy among our students, promoting wellness and restorative practices in our schools rather than exclusionary discipline, and ensuring that our young people are in safe, stable and affordable housing. For more information, please visit our page on the MOSES website: https://www.mosesmadison.org/rjac/ Or contact Shel Gross, [email protected] 608-250-4368. ORUCC members Barbie Jackson [email protected] and John Lemke  [email protected] participate in this task force and can give you more information as well. 

Please Sign Up to Volunteer on Sunday Mornings!

AT ORUCC, the Members are the Ministers!

We are seeking volunteers to serve on Sunday mornings for in-person worship. You need not be a member, simply a person who loves ORUCC and is eager to find a place to serve! Young people are welcome to sign up, too!

 

Would you consider serving one or more times as a Welcomer, an Usher, a Lay Liturgist or to assist with Holy Communion?

 

Feel free to sign up as an individual, a couple, or a family!

 

Click here to sign up as a Welcomer

Click here to sign up as an Usher

Click here to sign up as a Lay Liturgist

Click here to assist with Holy Communion

 

  • Page #1: Choose the date you are available to volunteer and select the box that says “SIGN UP“.  Then, at the bottom of the page select the box “SAVE & CONTINUE“.
  • Page #2: Enter your first/last name and your email address. Then select the box at the bottom of the page “SIGN UP NOW“

 

Questions or problems signing up?

Contact Ken Pennings at [email protected] or 608-556-2371.

Spiritual

Nourishment

for you!

Daily Reflections for July

We are grateful for the ministry of Jeanne Moberly, who is a member of Adult Faith Formation, as she puts together a set of fresh readings every month for our devotional practice at Orchard Ridge UCC. If you know someone who needs encouragement and would like the devotional mailed to them, please contact the church office.

Daily Reflections for July 2025

Office Manager George Decker

available Mon.-Thurs. 7:30am -12:30 pm

608-271-7212 or EMAIL

Senior Pastor Julia Burkey: available

Tues.-Thurs. 10:00 am – 7:00 pm

by appointment

518-542-6915 EMAIL

Associate Pastor Ken Pennings: available

Tues.-Thurs. 10:00 am -5:00 pm 

by appointment

608-556-2371 EMAIL

Associate Pastor Kate Mackey: available

Mon.-Thurs. 8:00 am – 2:00 pm

by appointment

608-358-6143 EMAIL

Julia and Ken (try to) take Monday & Saturday as Sabbath days,

Kate Friday and Saturday

Friday is observed as a writing day for the preaching pastor.

In case of a pastoral emergency, please call any of the pastors, as all pastors are available by phone, text and we will always have a pastor on call who we can turn to.

LIKE or FOLLOW the Orchard Ridge FaceBook Page

JOIN our Private FB Group:

“Members & Friends of Orchard Ridge UCC“

Orchard Ridge United Church of Christ

1501 Gilbert Road

Madison, WI 53711

608-271-7212

Office Hours: M-Th 8:30-12:30
Facebook  Twitter  Pinterest

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

Worship Resources for July 20, 2025

Orchard Ridge UCC on July 19, 2025

Orchard Ridge

United Church of Christ

Sunday Worship Resources

Sunday, July 20

The Sixth Sunday after Pentecost

10:00 am – Worship

Sermon: Julia Burkey

Lay Liturgist: Bruce Gladstone

Musical Offerings: Judy Brauer, Vicki Nonn & Bruce Gladstone

Coffee Hour Sunday, hosted by the Veggie Village Team

(see below)

Click Here for Printable Bulletin

Join our Worship virtually

on YouTube any time after 10 am:

YouTube Link

You will need to refresh the page

after 10 am if you have opened it before

______________________

Pastors’ On-Call Schedule

Your pastors are here for you this summer! Pastor Julia will be on call from July 11th through July 28th. Please do not hesitate to reach out to her with your pastoral care needs, questions or concerns: [email protected]
vegetable_basket.jpg

Veggie Village Team to Host Coffee Hour this Sunday, July 20th

The Veggie Village team is hosting a coffee hour Sunday, July 20th with Rick Thomas, Outreach Director for the food pantry at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church. Rick will be available to talk with the congregation and answer any questions you may have about the pantry. Coffee will be provided and if the weather allows, we’ll do it outside near the garden. We hope to see you there!

July Compassion Offering:

The Good Shepherd Lutheran Church (GSLS) Food Pantry

Good Shepherd Lutheran Church (GSLC) offers a weekly food pantry serving the Orchard Ridge neighborhood and surrounding areas. Located at 5701 Raymond Road in Meadowood, the GSLC pantry currently serves up to 75 eligible individuals and families every Thursday.  Rick Thomas, GSLC Outreach Director, reports that local pantries continue to see reduced food availability from Second Harvest due to high demand and threatened reductions in federal funding. Donations from the July 2025 compassion offering will go toward purchase of food items and essentials that best meet the needs of food pantry clients.

Simply stated, this mission eases suffering and addresses basic human needs at the local level.

In addition to giving generously this month, here are additional ways that you can help:

● Food, paper goods or personal items are also accepted year-round at the GSLC Donation Room during weekday hours.

● Volunteer at the GSLC Food Pantry: Assist with registration, act as a host or help with stocking the shelves. Thursdays, 9:30am-Noon or 5:30pm-7pm. Familiarity with languages is a bonus, such as Spanish, Middle Eastern dialects, others.

● Volunteer your time in the ORUCC Veggie Village garden where we tend and harvest fresh vegetables for the GSLC food pantry.

For more information, see the YouTube video on the GSLS Food Pantry at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JpvOgdNSeAE

Senior Pastor: Rev. Dr. Julia Burkey EMAIL

Associate Pastor: Rev. Kate Mackey EMAIL

Associate Pastor: Rev. Ken Pennings EMAIL

Director of Children’s Arts and Education: Julie Mazer EMAIL

Office Manager George Decker

608-271-7212 or EMAIL



LIKE or FOLLOW the Orchard Ridge Facebook Page

JOIN our Private FB Group:

“Members & Friends of Orchard Ridge UCC“

Follow us on Instagram @orchardridgeucc

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

ORUCC Weekly Announcements for July 17th

Orchard Ridge UCC on July 17, 2025

Spiritually Alive, Joyfully Inclusive, Committed to Justice

Weekly Announcements

for Thursday, July 17

Meditation Group – Zoom only

Friday, July 18

9:30 – 10:30 am

Zoom

Sue Dixon

Sunday, July 20

The Sixth Sunday after Pentecost

10:00 am – Worship

Sermon: Julia Burkey

Lay Liturgist: Bruce Gladstone

Musical Offerings: Judy Brauer, Vicki Nonn & Bruce Gladstone

Coffee Hour Sunday, hosted by the Veggie Village Team

(see below)

Meditation Group

Thursday, July 24

8:00 – 9:00 am

Romero Room

Becky Baumbach

—————————-

Pastors’ On-Call Schedule

Your pastors are here for you this summer! Pastor Julia will be on call from July 11th through July 28th. Please do not hesitate to reach out to her with your pastoral care needs, questions or concerns: [email protected]

July Compassion Offering:

The Good Shepherd Lutheran Church (GSLS) Food Pantry

Good Shepherd Lutheran Church (GSLC) offers a weekly food pantry serving the Orchard Ridge neighborhood and surrounding areas. Located at 5701 Raymond Road in Meadowood, the GSLC pantry currently serves up to 75 eligible individuals and families every Thursday.  Rick Thomas, GSLC Outreach Director, reports that local pantries continue to see reduced food availability from Second Harvest due to high demand and threatened reductions in federal funding. Donations from the July 2025 compassion offering will go toward purchase of food items and essentials that best meet the needs of food pantry clients.

Simply stated, this mission eases suffering and addresses basic human needs at the local level.

In addition to giving generously this month, here are additional ways that you can help:

● Food, paper goods or personal items are also accepted year-round at the GSLC Donation Room during weekday hours.

● Volunteer at the GSLC Food Pantry: Assist with registration, act as a host or help with stocking the shelves. Thursdays, 9:30am-Noon or 5:30pm-7pm. Familiarity with languages is a bonus, such as Spanish, Middle Eastern dialects, others.

● Volunteer your time in the ORUCC Veggie Village garden where we tend and harvest fresh vegetables for the GSLC food pantry.

For more information, see the YouTube video on the GSLS Food Pantry at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JpvOgdNSeAE

The Dane Sanctuary Coalition is sponsoring an evening with Dr. Sergio Gonzales: Sanctuary and Sacred Resistance, this evening, July 17th at 6pm over ZOOM

Click here to register:

https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/t3yofBiDT-WZhJrKxvE5tQ#/registration

Many of you will remember Sergio Gonzales from when he spoke with us about sanctuary a number of years ago with Bonnie Marguiles, founder of the Dane Sanctuary Coalition. Sergio is currently an Assistant Professor of History at Marquette University. He is especially interested in the history of sanctuary movements and the pivotal role of religious institutions and people of faith. He is the author of Mexicans in Wisconsin and Strangers No Longer – Latinos, Belonging and Faith in 20th Century Wisconsin. Count in time for Q & A. Please join us!

Veggie Village Team to Host Coffee Hour Sunday, July 20th

The Veggie Village team is hosting a coffee hour Sunday, July 20th with Rick Thomas, Outreach Director for the food pantry at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church. Rick will be available to talk with the congregation and answer any questions you may have about the pantry. Coffee will be provided and if the weather allows, we’ll do it outside near the garden. We hope to see you there!

Stay up to date on ORUCC Children and Youth happenings

Want to stay up to date on the latest with children and youth at ORUCC? Check out our weekly updates here:

https://orucc.org/keeping-current/children-and-youth-news//

American trauma surgeon Dr. Feroze Sidhwa to speak of his recent work in Gaza

ORUCC’s Palestine Justice Mission Team encourages your attendance at these events, which are co-sponsored by Jewish Voice for Peace/Madison, Middle East Studies Program/UW Madison, the Havens Center for Social Justice, Madison-Rafah Sister City Project, WORT FM and World Beyond War. 

The first session is intended specifically for medical professionals.

Cases from Gaza: Etiologies and Interventions

July 25, Noon – 1:00 pm

First Unitarian Society, Atrium

900 University Bay Drive, Madison

The second session is intended for the general public.

The Ongoing Health Catastrophe in Gaza

July 25, 7 pm

Christ Presbyterian Church

944 East Gorham Street, Madison 

Both events are free and open to the public. 

Click here for more information about Dr. Sidhwa. 

MOSES’ Racial Justice for All Children Task Force is seeking volunteers

MOSES’ Racial Justice for All Children Task Force is looking for people who are passionate about addressing disparities in literacy among our students, promoting wellness and restorative practices in our schools rather than exclusionary discipline, and ensuring that our young people are in safe, stable and affordable housing. For more information, please visit our page on the MOSES website: https://www.mosesmadison.org/rjac/ Or contact Shel Gross, [email protected] 608-250-4368. ORUCC members Barbie Jackson [email protected] and John Lemke  [email protected] participate in this task force and can give you more information as well. 

Please Sign Up to Volunteer on Sunday Mornings!

AT ORUCC, the Members are the Ministers!

We are seeking volunteers to serve on Sunday mornings for in-person worship. You need not be a member, simply a person who loves ORUCC and is eager to find a place to serve! Young people are welcome to sign up, too!

 

Would you consider serving one or more times as a Welcomer, an Usher, a Lay Liturgist or to assist with Holy Communion?

 

Feel free to sign up as an individual, a couple, or a family!

 

Click here to sign up as a Welcomer

Click here to sign up as an Usher

Click here to sign up as a Lay Liturgist

Click here to assist with Holy Communion

 

  • Page #1: Choose the date you are available to volunteer and select the box that says “SIGN UP“.  Then, at the bottom of the page select the box “SAVE & CONTINUE“.
  • Page #2: Enter your first/last name and your email address. Then select the box at the bottom of the page “SIGN UP NOW“

 

Questions or problems signing up?

Contact Ken Pennings at [email protected] or 608-556-2371.

Spiritual

Nourishment

for you!

Daily Reflections for July

We are grateful for the ministry of Jeanne Moberly, who is a member of Adult Faith Formation, as she puts together a set of fresh readings every month for our devotional practice at Orchard Ridge UCC. If you know someone who needs encouragement and would like the devotional mailed to them, please contact the church office.

Daily Reflections for July 2025

Office Manager George Decker

available Mon.-Thurs. 7:30am -12:30 pm

608-271-7212 or EMAIL

Senior Pastor Julia Burkey: available

Tues.-Thurs. 10:00 am – 7:00 pm

by appointment

518-542-6915 EMAIL

Associate Pastor Ken Pennings: available

Tues.-Thurs. 10:00 am -5:00 pm 

by appointment

608-556-2371 EMAIL

Associate Pastor Kate Mackey: available

Mon.-Thurs. 8:00 am – 2:00 pm

by appointment

608-358-6143 EMAIL

Julia and Ken (try to) take Monday & Saturday as Sabbath days,

Kate Friday and Saturday

Friday is observed as a writing day for the preaching pastor.

In case of a pastoral emergency, please call any of the pastors, as all pastors are available by phone, text and we will always have a pastor on call who we can turn to.

LIKE or FOLLOW the Orchard Ridge FaceBook Page

JOIN our Private FB Group:

“Members & Friends of Orchard Ridge UCC“

Orchard Ridge United Church of Christ

1501 Gilbert Road

Madison, WI 53711

608-271-7212

Office Hours: M-Th 8:30-12:30
Facebook  Twitter  Pinterest

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

Worship Resources for July 13, 2025

Orchard Ridge UCC on July 12, 2025

Orchard Ridge

United Church of Christ

Sunday Worship Resources

Sunday, July 13

The Fifth Sunday after Pentecost

10:00 am – Worship

Sermon: Julia Burkey

Lay Liturgist: Diane Jungblut

Musical Offerings: David Anderman & Ben Lancor

Disability advocacy conversation after worship

(see below)

Gaza petition signing after worship

(see below)

Click Here for Printable Bulletin

Join our Worship virtually

on YouTube any time after 10 am:

YouTube Link

You will need to refresh the page

after 10 am if you have opened it before

______________________

Pastors’ On-Call Schedule

Your pastors are here for you this summer! Pastor Julia will be on call from July 11th through July 28th. Please do not hesitate to reach out to her with your pastoral care needs, questions or concerns: [email protected]
Disability Pride Month 2025 Vector Illustration. July Awareness. Celebrating Disabled Community.

Join our disability advocacy conversation on Sunday, July 13th

On July 13th after church from 11:15 am-12:30 pm, disabilities activist Laurine Lusk and Pastor Julia invite you to join us for an open conversation along these lines:

 

·       Hearing from one another about our concern for this political moment.

·       Supporting and encouraging one another in our advocacy work.

·       Wondering together about creating an advocacy mission team or disability advocacy mission team within the church

·       Deciding our goals or focus: emotional & spiritual, more action-oriented, or both.

·       Identifying our skills, resources, and the connections that may support our goals.

 

Naturally, you may be considering your already busy schedule and wondering if you have space for a gathering like this.  On the other hand, you may wonder if our country is moving so quickly in a dangerous direction that it’s important to prioritize this advocacy discussion.  Of course, there is no one right way to face these political times.  We know that we can do more when we organize together and support one another. If you decide to join in this initial discussion, it would be valuable to hear your perspective and likely also helpful to hear from others.

July Compassion Offering:

The Good Shepherd Lutheran Church (GSLS) Food Pantry

Good Shepherd Lutheran Church (GSLC) offers a weekly food pantry serving the Orchard Ridge neighborhood and surrounding areas. Located at 5701 Raymond Road in Meadowood, the GSLC pantry currently serves up to 75 eligible individuals and families every Thursday.  Rick Thomas, GSLC Outreach Director, reports that local pantries continue to see reduced food availability from Second Harvest due to high demand and threatened reductions in federal funding. Donations from the July 2025 compassion offering will go toward purchase of food items and essentials that best meet the needs of food pantry clients.

Simply stated, this mission eases suffering and addresses basic human needs at the local level.

In addition to giving generously this month, here are additional ways that you can help:

● Food, paper goods or personal items are also accepted year-round at the GSLC Donation Room during weekday hours.

● Volunteer at the GSLC Food Pantry: Assist with registration, act as a host or help with stocking the shelves. Thursdays, 9:30am-Noon or 5:30pm-7pm. Familiarity with languages is a bonus, such as Spanish, Middle Eastern dialects, others.

● Volunteer your time in the ORUCC Veggie Village garden where we tend and harvest fresh vegetables for the GSLC food pantry.

Senior Pastor: Rev. Dr. Julia Burkey EMAIL

Associate Pastor: Rev. Kate Mackey EMAIL

Associate Pastor: Rev. Ken Pennings EMAIL

Director of Children’s Arts and Education: Julie Mazer EMAIL

Office Manager George Decker

608-271-7212 or EMAIL



LIKE or FOLLOW the Orchard Ridge Facebook Page

JOIN our Private FB Group:

“Members & Friends of Orchard Ridge UCC“

Follow us on Instagram @orchardridgeucc

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

ORUCC Weekly Announcements for July 10th

Orchard Ridge UCC on July 10, 2025

Spiritually Alive, Joyfully Inclusive, Committed to Justice

Weekly Announcements

for Thursday, July 10

Women’s Book Group

Thursday, July 10

1:30 – 3:00 pm

Swan Room and Zoom

Deanna Blanchard

(see below)

Family Picnic

Thursday, July 10

5:30 – 7:30 pm

Garner Park, Upper Shelter

(see below)

Meditation Group – Zoom only

Friday, July 11

9:30 – 10:30 am

Zoom

Sue Dixon

Sunday, July 13

The Fifth Sunday after Pentecost

10:00 am – Worship

Sermon: Julia Burkey

Lay Liturgist: Diane Jungblut

Musical Offerings: David Anderman & Ben Lancor

Disability advocacy conversation after worship

(see below)

Gaza petition signing after worship

(see below)

Men’s Group – In Person

Monday, July 14

7:15 – 8:30 pm

Day Room/Romero Room

Jim McNamara

Meditation Group

Thursday, July 17

8:00 – 9:00 am

Romero Room

Becky Baumbach

—————————-

Pastors’ On-Call Schedule

Your pastors are here for you this summer! Pastor Julia will be on call from July 11th through July 28th. Please do not hesitate to reach out to her with your pastoral care needs, questions or concerns: [email protected]

July Compassion Offering:

The Good Shepherd Lutheran Church (GSLS) Food Pantry

Good Shepherd Lutheran Church (GSLC) offers a weekly food pantry serving the Orchard Ridge neighborhood and surrounding areas. Located at 5701 Raymond Road in Meadowood, the GSLC pantry currently serves up to 75 eligible individuals and families every Thursday.  Rick Thomas, GSLC Outreach Director, reports that local pantries continue to see reduced food availability from Second Harvest due to high demand and threatened reductions in federal funding. Donations from the July 2025 compassion offering will go toward purchase of food items and essentials that best meet the needs of food pantry clients.

Simply stated, this mission eases suffering and addresses basic human needs at the local level.

In addition to giving generously this month, here are additional ways that you can help:

● Food, paper goods or personal items are also accepted year-round at the GSLC Donation Room during weekday hours.

● Volunteer at the GSLC Food Pantry: Assist with registration, act as a host or help with stocking the shelves. Thursdays, 9:30am-Noon or 5:30pm-7pm. Familiarity with languages is a bonus, such as Spanish, Middle Eastern dialects, others.

● Volunteer your time in the ORUCC Veggie Village garden where we tend and harvest fresh vegetables for the GSLC food pantry.

Women’s Book Group to meet today, Thursday, July 10th

The Women’s Book Group meets today, Thursday, July 10th from 1:30-3:00 pm in the Alfred Swan Room or on Zoom. This month Leslie Rebhorn will be leading the discussion about Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt. Next month’s meeting date has changed from the original schedule and will now be on August 14th, and we will read The First Ladies by Marie Benedict and Victoria Christopher Murray.
food_summer.jpg

Family Picnic set for this evening, July 10th, at Garner Park

Come join us for an all ages, intergenerational, family style picnic in the park! Join members of our Youth Faith Formation Team (YFF) at Garner Park Upper Shelter today, 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!
Disability Pride Month 2025 Vector Illustration. July Awareness. Celebrating Disabled Community.

Join our disability advocacy conversation on Sunday, July 13th

On July 13th after church from 11:15 am-12:30 pm, disabilities activist Laurine Lusk and Pastor Julia invite you to join us for an open conversation along these lines:

 

·       Hearing from one another about our concern for this political moment.

·       Supporting and encouraging one another in our advocacy work.

·       Wondering together about creating an advocacy mission team or disability advocacy mission team within the church

·       Deciding our goals or focus: emotional & spiritual, more action-oriented, or both.

·       Identifying our skills, resources, and the connections that may support our goals.

 

Naturally, you may be considering your already busy schedule and wondering if you have space for a gathering like this.  On the other hand, you may wonder if our country is moving so quickly in a dangerous direction that it’s important to prioritize this advocacy discussion.  Of course, there is no one right way to face these political times.  We know that we can do more when we organize together and support one another. If you decide to join in this initial discussion, it would be valuable to hear your perspective and likely also helpful to hear from others.

Our Generosity at Work: Compassion Offering for June

We are glad to report that June’s Compassion Offering for Refugee Resettlement and Immigrant Services at Jewish Social Services of Madison (JSS) amounted to $4,584.55. Rooted in Jewish values and open to all, JSS provides critical services across Dane County—from senior and family support, immigrant assistance, spiritual care, programs addressing housing insecurity, and a weekly meal site. 

The Dane Sanctuary Coalition is sponsoring an evening with Dr. Sergio Gonzales: Sanctuary and Sacred Resistance, July 17th at 6pm over ZOOM

Click here to register:

https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/t3yofBiDT-WZhJrKxvE5tQ#/registration

Many of you will remember Sergio Gonzales from when he spoke with us about sanctuary a number of years ago with Bonnie Marguiles, founder of the Dane Sanctuary Coalition. Sergio is currently an Assistant Professor of History at Marquette University. He is especially interested in the history of sanctuary movements and the pivotal role of religious institutions and people of faith. He is the author of Mexicans in Wisconsin and Strangers No Longer – Latinos, Belonging and Faith in 20th Century Wisconsin. Count in time for Q & A. Please join us!

Veggie Village Team to Host Coffee Hour Sunday, July 20th

The Veggie Village team is hosting a coffee hour Sunday, July 20th with Rick Thomas, Outreach Director for the food pantry at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church. Rick will be available to talk with the congregation and answer any questions you may have about the pantry. Coffee will be provided and if the weather allows, we’ll do it outside near the garden. We hope to see you there!

Stay up to date on ORUCC Children and Youth happenings

Want to stay up to date on the latest with children and youth at ORUCC? Check out our weekly updates here:

https://orucc.org/keeping-current/children-and-youth-news//

MOSES’ Racial Justice for All Children Task Force is seeking volunteers

MOSES’ Racial Justice for All Children Task Force is looking for people who are passionate about addressing disparities in literacy among our students, promoting wellness and restorative practices in our schools rather than exclusionary discipline, and ensuring that our young people are in safe, stable and affordable housing. For more information, please visit our page on the MOSES website: https://www.mosesmadison.org/rjac/ Or contact Shel Gross, [email protected] 608-250-4368. ORUCC members Barbie Jackson [email protected] and John Lemke  [email protected] participate in this task force and can give you more information as well. 

Please Sign Up to Volunteer on Sunday Mornings!

AT ORUCC, the Members are the Ministers!

We are seeking volunteers to serve on Sunday mornings for in-person worship. You need not be a member, simply a person who loves ORUCC and is eager to find a place to serve! Young people are welcome to sign up, too!

 

Would you consider serving one or more times as a Welcomer, an Usher, a Lay Liturgist or to assist with Holy Communion?

 

Feel free to sign up as an individual, a couple, or a family!

 

Click here to sign up as a Welcomer

Click here to sign up as an Usher

Click here to sign up as a Lay Liturgist

Click here to assist with Holy Communion

 

  • Page #1: Choose the date you are available to volunteer and select the box that says “SIGN UP“.  Then, at the bottom of the page select the box “SAVE & CONTINUE“.
  • Page #2: Enter your first/last name and your email address. Then select the box at the bottom of the page “SIGN UP NOW“

 

Questions or problems signing up?

Contact Ken Pennings at [email protected] or 608-556-2371.

Spiritual

Nourishment

for you!

Daily Reflections for July

We are grateful for the ministry of Jeanne Moberly, who is a member of Adult Faith Formation, as she puts together a set of fresh readings every month for our devotional practice at Orchard Ridge UCC. If you know someone who needs encouragement and would like the devotional mailed to them, please contact the church office.

Daily Reflections for July 2025

Office Manager George Decker

available Mon.-Thurs. 7:30am -12:30 pm

608-271-7212 or EMAIL

Senior Pastor Julia Burkey: available

Tues.-Thurs. 10:00 am – 7:00 pm

by appointment

518-542-6915 EMAIL

Associate Pastor Ken Pennings: available

Tues.-Thurs. 10:00 am -5:00 pm 

by appointment

608-556-2371 EMAIL

Associate Pastor Kate Mackey: available

Mon.-Thurs. 8:00 am – 2:00 pm

by appointment

608-358-6143 EMAIL

Julia and Ken (try to) take Monday & Saturday as Sabbath days,

Kate Friday and Saturday

Friday is observed as a writing day for the preaching pastor.

In case of a pastoral emergency, please call any of the pastors, as all pastors are available by phone, text and we will always have a pastor on call who we can turn to.

LIKE or FOLLOW the Orchard Ridge FaceBook Page

JOIN our Private FB Group:

“Members & Friends of Orchard Ridge UCC“

Orchard Ridge United Church of Christ

1501 Gilbert Road

Madison, WI 53711

608-271-7212

Office Hours: M-Th 8:30-12:30
Facebook  Twitter  Pinterest

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

ORUCC Intergenerational Family Picnic this Thursday!

Orchard Ridge UCC on July 8, 2025

 

It’s Summer Picnic Time!

This Thursday, July 10th, 5:30-7:30 p.m.

Garner Park

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

ORUCC Intergenerational Family Picnic this Thursday!

Orchard Ridge UCC on July 8, 2025

 

It’s Summer Picnic Time!

This Thursday, July 11th, 5:30-7:30 p.m.

Garner Park

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

Worship Resources for July 6, 2025

Orchard Ridge UCC on July 5, 2025

Orchard Ridge

United Church of Christ

Sunday Worship Resources

Sunday, July 6

The Fourth Sunday after Pentecost

10:00 am – Worship

Sermon: Ken Pennings

Lay Liturgist: Ginny Moore Kruse

Musical Offerings: Robin & Grant Kinney

Sacrament of Holy Communion

Gaza petition signing after worship

(see below)

Click Here for Printable Bulletin

Join our Worship virtually

on YouTube any time after 10 am:

YouTube Link

You will need to refresh the page

after 10 am if you have opened it before

______________________

Pastors’ On-Call Schedule

Your pastors are here for you this summer! While Pastors Julia and Kate are away today until July 11th, Pastor Ken will be on call. Please do not hesitate to reach out to him with your pastoral care needs, questions or concerns: [email protected]

July Compassion Offering:

The Good Shepherd Lutheran Church (GSLS) Food Pantry

Good Shepherd Lutheran Church (GSLC) offers a weekly food pantry serving the Orchard Ridge neighborhood and surrounding areas. Located at 5701 Raymond Road in Meadowood, the GSLC pantry currently serves up to 75 eligible individuals and families every Thursday.  Rick Thomas, GSLC Outreach Director, reports that local pantries continue to see reduced food availability from Second Harvest due to high demand and threatened reductions in federal funding. Donations from the July 2025 compassion offering will go toward purchase of food items and essentials that best meet the needs of food pantry clients.

Simply stated, this mission eases suffering and addresses basic human needs at the local level.

In addition to giving generously this month, here are additional ways that you can help:

● Food, paper goods or personal items are also accepted year-round at the GSLC Donation Room during weekday hours.

● Volunteer at the GSLC Food Pantry: Assist with registration, act as a host or help with stocking the shelves. Thursdays, 9:30am-Noon or 5:30pm-7pm. Familiarity with languages is a bonus, such as Spanish, Middle Eastern dialects, others.

● Volunteer your time in the ORUCC Veggie Village garden where we tend and harvest fresh vegetables for the GSLC food pantry.

Senior Pastor: Rev. Dr. Julia Burkey EMAIL

Associate Pastor: Rev. Kate Mackey EMAIL

Associate Pastor: Rev. Ken Pennings EMAIL

Director of Children’s Arts and Education: Julie Mazer EMAIL

Office Manager George Decker

608-271-7212 or EMAIL



LIKE or FOLLOW the Orchard Ridge Facebook Page

JOIN our Private FB Group:

“Members & Friends of Orchard Ridge UCC“

Follow us on Instagram @orchardridgeucc

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

ORUCC Weekly Announcements for July 3rd

Orchard Ridge UCC on July 3, 2025

Spiritually Alive, Joyfully Inclusive, Committed to Justice

Weekly Announcements

for Thursday, July 3

Friday Breakfast Group

Friday, July 4

9:00 am

Denny’s, 433 S. Gammon Road

Louise Jeanne

(see below)

Meditation Group – Zoom only

Friday, July 4

9:30 – 10:30 am

Zoom

Sue Dixon

Sunday, July 6

The Fourth Sunday after Pentecost

10:00 am – Worship

Sermon: Ken Pennings

Lay Liturgist: Ginny Moore Kruse

Musical Offerings: Robin & Grant Kinney

Sacrament of Holy Communion

Gaza petition signing after worship

(see below)

Meditation Group

Thursday, July 10

8:00 – 9:00 am

Romero Room

Becky Baumbach

—————————-

Pastors’ On-Call Schedule

Your pastors are here for you this summer! While Pastors Julia and Kate are away today until July 11th, Pastor Ken will be on call. Please do not hesitate to reach out to him with your pastoral care needs, questions or concerns: [email protected]

July Compassion Offering:

The Good Shepherd Lutheran Church (GSLS) Food Pantry

Good Shepherd Lutheran Church (GSLC) offers a weekly food pantry serving the Orchard Ridge neighborhood and surrounding areas. Located at 5701 Raymond Road in Meadowood, the GSLC pantry currently serves up to 75 eligible individuals and families every Thursday.  Rick Thomas, GSLC Outreach Director, reports that local pantries continue to see reduced food availability from Second Harvest due to high demand and threatened reductions in federal funding. Donations from the July 2025 compassion offering will go toward purchase of food items and essentials that best meet the needs of food pantry clients.

Simply stated, this mission eases suffering and addresses basic human needs at the local level.

In addition to giving generously this month, here are additional ways that you can help:

● Food, paper goods or personal items are also accepted year-round at the GSLC Donation Room during weekday hours.

● Volunteer at the GSLC Food Pantry: Assist with registration, act as a host or help with stocking the shelves. Thursdays, 9:30am-Noon or 5:30pm-7pm. Familiarity with languages is a bonus, such as Spanish, Middle Eastern dialects, others.

● Volunteer your time in the ORUCC Veggie Village garden where we tend and harvest fresh vegetables for the GSLC food pantry.
breakfast.jpg

Friday Breakfast Group –

July 4th, 9:00 a.m. 

 Start celebrating your 4th at the next Friday Breakfast, July 4 at 9:00 am at Denny’s, 433 S. Gammon Road! All are welcome. The group meets on the first Friday of the month and includes both men and women. Join us for this informal chance to connect and converse on many topics. Contact Louise Jeanne, Link for more information.
food_summer.jpg

Family Picnic set for July 10th at Garner Park

Come join us for an all ages, intergenerational, family style picnic in the park! Join members of our 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!
Disability Pride Month 2025 Vector Illustration. July Awareness. Celebrating Disabled Community.

Join our disability advocacy conversation on Sunday, July 13th

On July 13th after church from 11:15 am-12:30 pm, disabilities activist Laurine Lusk and Pastor Julia invite you to join us for an open conversation along these lines:

 

·       Hearing from one another about our concern for this political moment.

·       Supporting and encouraging one another in our advocacy work.

·       Wondering together about creating an advocacy mission team or disability advocacy mission team within the church

·       Deciding our goals or focus: emotional & spiritual, more action-oriented, or both.

·       Identifying our skills, resources, and the connections that may support our goals.

 

Naturally, you may be considering your already busy schedule and wondering if you have space for a gathering like this.  On the other hand, you may wonder if our country is moving so quickly in a dangerous direction that it’s important to prioritize this advocacy discussion.  Of course, there is no one right way to face these political times.  We know that we can do more when we organize together and support one another. If you decide to join in this initial discussion, it would be valuable to hear your perspective and likely also helpful to hear from others.

The Dane Sanctuary Coalition is sponsoring an evening with Dr. Sergio Gonzales: Sanctuary and Sacred Resistance, July 17th at 6pm over ZOOM

Click here to register:

https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/t3yofBiDT-WZhJrKxvE5tQ#/registration
gardening-items.jpg

Help needed with our flower gardens!

We need some help with taking care of the flower gardens at ORUCC. Not all of the jobs involve hours of weeding in the hot sun. Some jobs take only 15 -20 minutes. Other jobs are just for one time. 

Small Landscaping jobs at ORUCC

Water the flower pots at the main doors on Fridays and/or Sundays

Water new plantings at the edge of the meditation garden and in front of the sign on Gilbert Road

Deadhead flowers (peonies and irises need deadheading now)

Plant tulips from pots to ground in the bed at the end of education wing

Bigger jobs

Transplant some big hostas from entrance garden to northwest corner garden (where a stump was recently removed). Water when needed.

Dig up a few weedy trees from flower bed in parking lot and on west side of church

Work on plantings of coral bells in front of the sign

Paint allliums in rainbow colors for pride month

Install edging at bed at end of education wing

Big jobs

Weed rain gardens

Weed and prune in the meditation garden

A small group of garden tenders meet on Wednesday mornings (on Friday this week) to work together in the gardens. Join us for some work and lots of conversation or work on the projects independently. Thanks for helping out!

Joyce, Alice, Susan and Deanna 

Stay up to date on ORUCC Children and Youth happenings

Want to stay up to date on the latest with children and youth at ORUCC? Check out our weekly updates here:

https://orucc.org/keeping-current/children-and-youth-news//

MOSES’ Racial Justice for All Children Task Force is seeking volunteers

MOSES’ Racial Justice for All Children Task Force is looking for people who are passionate about addressing disparities in literacy among our students, promoting wellness and restorative practices in our schools rather than exclusionary discipline, and ensuring that our young people are in safe, stable and affordable housing. For more information, please visit our page on the MOSES website: https://www.mosesmadison.org/rjac/ Or contact Shel Gross, [email protected] 608-250-4368. ORUCC members Barbie Jackson [email protected] and John Lemke  [email protected] participate in this task force and can give you more information as well. 

Please Sign Up to Volunteer on Sunday Mornings!

AT ORUCC, the Members are the Ministers!

We are seeking volunteers to serve on Sunday mornings for in-person worship. You need not be a member, simply a person who loves ORUCC and is eager to find a place to serve! Young people are welcome to sign up, too!

 

Would you consider serving one or more times as a Welcomer, an Usher, a Lay Liturgist or to assist with Holy Communion?

 

Feel free to sign up as an individual, a couple, or a family!

 

Click here to sign up as a Welcomer

Click here to sign up as an Usher

Click here to sign up as a Lay Liturgist

Click here to assist with Holy Communion

 

  • Page #1: Choose the date you are available to volunteer and select the box that says “SIGN UP“.  Then, at the bottom of the page select the box “SAVE & CONTINUE“.
  • Page #2: Enter your first/last name and your email address. Then select the box at the bottom of the page “SIGN UP NOW“

 

Questions or problems signing up?

Contact Ken Pennings at [email protected] or 608-556-2371.

Spiritual

Nourishment

for you!

Daily Reflections for July

We are grateful for the ministry of Jeanne Moberly, who is a member of Adult Faith Formation, as she puts together a set of fresh readings every month for our devotional practice at Orchard Ridge UCC. If you know someone who needs encouragement and would like the devotional mailed to them, please contact the church office.

Daily Reflections for July 2025

Office Manager George Decker

available Mon.-Thurs. 7:30am -12:30 pm

608-271-7212 or EMAIL

Senior Pastor Julia Burkey: available

Tues.-Thurs. 10:00 am – 7:00 pm

by appointment

518-542-6915 EMAIL

Associate Pastor Ken Pennings: available

Tues.-Thurs. 10:00 am -5:00 pm 

by appointment

608-556-2371 EMAIL

Associate Pastor Kate Mackey: available

Mon.-Thurs. 8:00 am – 2:00 pm

by appointment

608-358-6143 EMAIL

Julia and Ken (try to) take Monday & Saturday as Sabbath days,

Kate Friday and Saturday

Friday is observed as a writing day for the preaching pastor.

In case of a pastoral emergency, please call any of the pastors, as all pastors are available by phone, text and we will always have a pastor on call who we can turn to.

LIKE or FOLLOW the Orchard Ridge FaceBook Page

JOIN our Private FB Group:

“Members & Friends of Orchard Ridge UCC“

Orchard Ridge United Church of Christ

1501 Gilbert Road

Madison, WI 53711

608-271-7212

Office Hours: M-Th 8:30-12:30
Facebook  Twitter  Pinterest

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

ORUCC July Children and Youth News

Orchard Ridge UCC on July 2, 2025

ORUCC Children and Youth

Faith Formation Update

July 2025

Dear Families,

We hope this email finds you well within the rhythm of summer. Perhaps you’ve been enjoying late nights, long days at the pool, and time with family, friends, and nature. Perhaps you are reading this while relaxing at Moon Beach with other ORUCC families. Or, perhaps your rhythm is a day-to-day adventure, and you are just focusing on the here and now.

Just as your family rhythms change in the warmer months, our children and youth programming enters a different rhythm as well. For the rest of the summer, we’ll be coming to your inbox once a month with updates. There is no 9:00 a.m. faith formation for the summer, but there are still exciting things happening for kids’ at ORUCC!

Please scroll down for a home prayer and to be kept in the know of upcoming events (including a family picnic next week at Garner Park!)

~Pastor Kate and Julie M.

Children’s Sunday

Summer Programming

There is no 9:00 a.m. faith formation or regular nursery care during the summer. Our children and youth music programs will also take a break (TRU Function and Music Connections).

However, throughout the summer there are special opportunities for children’s participation during 10:00 a.m. worship. On the 2nd and 4th Sundays, we will will have special events or “Kids in the Kitchen,” for children ages 5 years old and up (younger children my participate with a caregiver present). Kids in the Kitchen is an opportunity to hear a Bible story and have fellowship with other children and adult volunteers as the kids make a snack to share with the congregation following worship.

Throughout the summer, on the 1st and 3rd Sundays, we will have a nursery care provider available in the Crossroads to offer “supported childcare” for young ones.

July Events

July 6, Supported Childcare 9:30-11:30 in the Crossroads with Najma. This service allows parents of children ages 0-5 to socialize and engage in the service, but encourages parents to stay nearby to assist their child, as well. 

NEW! July 10 (Thursday) 5:30-7:30, Family Picnic at Garner Park Upper Shelter Come join us for an all-ages, intergenerational, family-style picnic in the park! Join members of our Youth Faith Formation Team (YFF) at Garner Park Upper Shelter on Thursday, July 10, 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!

July 13, Kids in the Kitchen with Sara and Marcia ”Kids in the Kitchen” is our yearly summer enrichment program. During worship, children ages 6 and older (ages 5 and younger must be accompanied by a caregiver) will be invited to hear a nature-themed story and make a snack to serve after worship.

July 20, Supported Childcare 9:30-11:30 in the Crossroads with Najma.

July 27, Kids in the Kitchen with Kate and another adult, TBD!

At Orchard Ridge, we are Spiritually Alive!

Youth Service Trip

June 15-21 to Kansas City

Pastor Kate, three adult chaperones (Rob, Kristen, Dan) and one “camp cook” (Gavin) accompanied 13 youth from ORUCC on a week long service and learning trip to Kansas City, MO. We learned about many different justice issues and how they come together to impact the community, such as the history of redlining in Kansas City, worker justice, food systems, and more.

The youth served at meaningful work sites (such as rolling 1200 burritos that they then served for dinner to neighbors experiencing homelessness) and grew in faith and fellowship.

We are so grateful for the support of the ORUCC community who helps make this trip possible for our youth!

Intergenerational Pen-Pals Project

If you signed up for our pen pals project this summer, be on the lookout in the mail for a letter from your partner. How are your letters going? Feel free to reach out to Julie or Kate if you need any assistance or letter-writing ideas.

Parents Together Support Group: Summer Edition Online

The “Parents Together” peer-led support group will be offered in an online/zoom format this summer. Stay tuned for a date TBD! In-person monthly gatherings will resume in September.

June 8: Bee Hotel Project

We started the summer by making “bee hotels” to encourage pollination in the Veggie Village and church grounds. During spring cleanup, the children helped to trim last year’s milkweed stalks. We used the stalks for this project by chopping them into smaller pieces and stacking them in recycled plastic plant pots. Keep an eye out for our hotels and the garden mosaic tiles the children made earlier in June around ORUCC.

Home Prayer for the Week:

You are invited to use this prayer with your family to help deepen your faith together. Times you might consider sharing this prayer include before bedtime, at mealtime, or any other regular connecting moment you share with your child(ren). Does your family have a prayer practice or a favorite prayer? If you are comfortable sharing, please EMAIL JULIE, and your family’s prayer will be featured here.

Try a “listening car ride.” a 1-3 minute car ride is more than enough for the first ride. Gradually increase the time of silence and listening.

  1. Before leaving, gather your family together and explain in a quiet voice, “This is a Listening Car Ride.” That means we are going to listen to hear if God has anything to say to us in the silence of our car ride. We won’t talk to anyone in the car – unless there is an emergency – from the time I say ‘Amen’ until we get to our destination and I say ‘Amen’ again. We might not hear anything, and that is okay. God, we thank you for this quiet car ride. Help us to listen closely to you while we are in the car. Amen.”
  2. When you arrive at your destination, or whenever your child is ready to end the silent session, say, “God, thank you for allowing us the opportunity to listen to your voice. Amen.”

-From Faithful Families, Creating Sacred Moments at Home by Traci Smith

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

Worship Resources for June 29, 2025

Orchard Ridge UCC on June 28, 2025

Orchard Ridge

United Church of Christ

Sunday Worship Resources

Sunday, June 29

Third Sunday after Pentecost

Open & Affirming Sunday

Wear your Pride clothing & regalia!

9:00 am – UCC Mission Partners’ Holy Land presentation

Friendship Hall

(see below)

10:00 am – Worship

Sermon: Ken Pennings

Lay Liturgists: Cody & June Theis

Musical Offerings: David Allen

No special Children’s 10:00 a.m. programming. Children are encouraged to attend worship with their caregivers. Many families may be heading up to Moon Beach Family Camp this day (June 29-July 6)

Click Here for Printable Bulletin

Join our Worship virtually

on YouTube any time after 10 am:

YouTube Link

You will need to refresh the page

after 10 am if you have opened it before

______________________

Pastors’ On-Call Schedule

Your pastors are here for you this summer! While Pastors Julia and Kate are away today until July 11th, Pastor Ken will be on call. Please do not hesitate to reach out to him with your pastoral care needs, questions or concerns: [email protected]

How UCC Mission Partners bring hope to the Holy Land

Sunday, June 29th, at 9:00 am, 

in Friendship Hall

During the past 16 years, ORUCC members Diane Dulin and Tom Beilman have traveled multiple times to the Holy Land. They’ve seen firsthand how UCC Mission Partners (partner organizations) bring hope and friendship to oppressed peoples, amidst the constant stress of military occupation. Come and hear inspiring, informative stories about the vital work of these Mission Partners.

June Compassion Offering:

Refugee Resettlement in Dane County

The June Compassion Offering is Refugee Resettlement and Immigrant Services at Jewish Social Services of Madison (JSS). JSS works to empower individuals and families across cultures and generations through compassionate, community-based support. Rooted in Jewish values and open to all, JSS provides critical services across Dane County—from senior and family support, immigrant assistance, spiritual care, programs addressing housing insecurity, and a weekly meal site. At the heart of this work is a deep commitment to caring for the vulnerable and welcoming the stranger.

The Refugee Resettlement and Immigrant Services Program, the largest at JSS, has been a cornerstone of the JSS mission since the aftermath of World War II. Since then, JSS has successfully settled newcomers from around the world. Recently, the federal government cut off funding for recently arrived refugees, promised them to build new lives here and to thrive as our neighbors. JSS remains steadfast in its commitment to these individuals and families—offering housing support, case management, and a compassionate welcome. Your support through the Compassion Offering helps bridge a critical funding gap and will honor our promise to those seeking safety and and a new beginning in Madison.

Senior Pastor: Rev. Dr. Julia Burkey EMAIL

Associate Pastor: Rev. Kate Mackey EMAIL

Associate Pastor: Rev. Ken Pennings EMAIL

Director of Children’s Arts and Education: Julie Mazer EMAIL

Office Manager George Decker

608-271-7212 or EMAIL



LIKE or FOLLOW the Orchard Ridge Facebook Page

JOIN our Private FB Group:

“Members & Friends of Orchard Ridge UCC“

Follow us on Instagram @orchardridgeucc

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

ORUCC Weekly Announcements for June 26th

Orchard Ridge UCC on June 26, 2025

Spiritually Alive, Joyfully Inclusive, Committed to Justice

Weekly Announcements

for Thursday, June 26

Meditation Group – Zoom only

Friday, June 27

9:30 – 10:30 am

Zoom

Sue Dixon

Memorial Service for John Lillethun

Saturday, June 28

10:00 am Visitation

11:00 am Service in Worship Hall

12:00 noon Garth service

12:30 pm Luncheon in Friendship Hall

All are welcome!

Sunday, June 29

The Third Sunday after Pentecost

Open & Affirming Sunday

Wear your Pride clothing & regalia!

9:00 am – UCC Mission Partners’ Holy Land presentation

Friendship Hall

(see below)

10:00 am – Worship

Sermon: Ken Pennings

Lay Liturgists: Cody & June Theis

Musical Offerings: David Allen

Meditation Group

Thursday, July 3

8:00 – 9:00 am

Romero Room

Becky Baumbach

—————————-

Pastors’ On-Call Schedule

Your pastors are here for you this summer! While Pastors Julia and Kate are away today until July 11th, Pastor Ken will be on call. Please do not hesitate to reach out to him with your pastoral care needs, questions or concerns: [email protected]

June Compassion Offering:

Refugee Resettlement in Dane County

The June Compassion Offering is Refugee Resettlement and Immigrant Services at Jewish Social Services of Madison (JSS). JSS works to empower individuals and families across cultures and generations through compassionate, community-based support. Rooted in Jewish values and open to all, JSS provides critical services across Dane County—from senior and family support, immigrant assistance, spiritual care, programs addressing housing insecurity, and a weekly meal site. At the heart of this work is a deep commitment to caring for the vulnerable and welcoming the stranger.

The Refugee Resettlement and Immigrant Services Program, the largest at JSS, has been a cornerstone of the JSS mission since the aftermath of World War II. Since then, JSS has successfully settled newcomers from around the world. Recently, the federal government cut off funding for recently arrived refugees, promised them to build new lives here and to thrive as our neighbors. JSS remains steadfast in its commitment to these individuals and families—offering housing support, case management, and a compassionate welcome. Your support through the Compassion Offering helps bridge a critical funding gap and will honor our promise to those seeking safety and a new beginning in Madison.

How UCC Mission Partners bring hope to the Holy Land

Sunday, June 29th, at 9:00 am, 

in Friendship Hall

During the past 16 years, ORUCC members Diane Dulin and Tom Beilman have traveled multiple times to the Holy Land. They’ve seen firsthand how UCC Mission Partners (partner organizations) bring hope and friendship to oppressed peoples, amidst the constant stress of military occupation. Come and hear inspiring, informative stories about the vital work of these Mission Partners.
breakfast.jpg

Friday Breakfast Group –

July 4th, 9:00 a.m. 

 Start celebrating your 4th at the next Friday Breakfast, July 4 at 9:00 am at Denny’s, 433 S. Gammon Road! All are welcome. The group meets on the first Friday of the month and includes both men and women. Join us for this informal chance to connect and converse on many topics. Contact Louise Jeanne, Link for more information.
Disability Pride Month 2025 Vector Illustration. July Awareness. Celebrating Disabled Community.

Join our disability advocacy conversation on Sunday, July 13th

On July 13th after church from 11:15 am-12:30 pm, disabilities activist Laurine Lusk and Pastor Julia invite you to join us for an open conversation along these lines:

 

·       Hearing from one another about our concern for this political moment.

·       Supporting and encouraging one another in our advocacy work.

·       Wondering together about creating an advocacy mission team or disability advocacy mission team within the church

·       Deciding our goals or focus: emotional & spiritual, more action-oriented, or both.

·       Identifying our skills, resources, and the connections that may support our goals.

 

Naturally, you may be considering your already busy schedule and wondering if you have space for a gathering like this.  On the other hand, you may wonder if our country is moving so quickly in a dangerous direction that it’s important to prioritize this advocacy discussion.  Of course, there is no one right way to face these political times.  We know that we can do more when we organize together and support one another. If you decide to join in this initial discussion, it would be valuable to hear your perspective and likely also helpful to hear from others.

The Dane Sanctuary Coalition is sponsoring an evening with Dr. Sergio Gonzales: Sanctuary and Sacred Resistance, July 17th at 6pm over ZOOM

Click here to register:

https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/t3yofBiDT-WZhJrKxvE5tQ#/registration
gardening-items.jpg

Help needed with our flower gardens!

We need some help with taking care of the flower gardens at ORUCC. Not all of the jobs involve hours of weeding in the hot sun. Some jobs take only 15 -20 minutes. Other jobs are just for one time. 

Small Landscaping jobs at ORUCC

Water the flower pots at the main doors on Fridays and/or Sundays

Water new plantings at the edge of the meditation garden and in front of the sign on Gilbert Road

Deadhead flowers (peonies and irises need deadheading now)

Plant tulips from pots to ground in the bed at the end of education wing

Bigger jobs

Transplant some big hostas from entrance garden to northwest corner garden (where a stump was recently removed). Water when needed.

Dig up a few weedy trees from flower bed in parking lot and on west side of church

Work on plantings of coral bells in front of the sign

Paint allliums in rainbow colors for pride month

Install edging at bed at end of education wing

Big jobs

Weed rain gardens

Weed and prune in the meditation garden

A small group of garden tenders meet on Wednesday mornings (on Friday this week) to work together in the gardens. Join us for some work and lots of conversation or work on the projects independently. Thanks for helping out!

Joyce, Alice, Susan and Deanna 

Stay up to date on ORUCC Children and Youth happenings

Want to stay up to date on the latest with children and youth at ORUCC? Check out our weekly updates here:

https://orucc.org/keeping-current/children-and-youth-news//

MOSES’ Racial Justice for All Children Task Force is seeking volunteers

MOSES’ Racial Justice for All Children Task Force is looking for people who are passionate about addressing disparities in literacy among our students, promoting wellness and restorative practices in our schools rather than exclusionary discipline, and ensuring that our young people are in safe, stable and affordable housing. For more information, please visit our page on the MOSES website: https://www.mosesmadison.org/rjac/ Or contact Shel Gross, [email protected] 608-250-4368. ORUCC members Barbie Jackson [email protected] and John Lemke  [email protected] participate in this task force and can give you more information as well. 

Please Sign Up to Volunteer on Sunday Mornings!

AT ORUCC, the Members are the Ministers!

We are seeking volunteers to serve on Sunday mornings for in-person worship. You need not be a member, simply a person who loves ORUCC and is eager to find a place to serve! Young people are welcome to sign up, too!

 

Would you consider serving one or more times as a Welcomer, an Usher, a Lay Liturgist or to assist with Holy Communion?

 

Feel free to sign up as an individual, a couple, or a family!

 

Click here to sign up as a Welcomer

Click here to sign up as an Usher

Click here to sign up as a Lay Liturgist

Click here to assist with Holy Communion

 

  • Page #1: Choose the date you are available to volunteer and select the box that says “SIGN UP“.  Then, at the bottom of the page select the box “SAVE & CONTINUE“.
  • Page #2: Enter your first/last name and your email address. Then select the box at the bottom of the page “SIGN UP NOW“

 

Questions or problems signing up?

Contact Ken Pennings at [email protected] or 608-556-2371.

Spiritual

Nourishment

for you!

Daily Reflections for June

We are grateful for the ministry of Jeanne Moberly, who is a member of Adult Faith Formation, as she puts together a set of fresh readings every month for our devotional practice at Orchard Ridge UCC. Starting this month, we will be posting a full month (instead of week by week) of Daily Reflections. If you know someone who needs encouragement and would like the devotional mailed to them, please contact the church office.

Daily Reflections for June 2025

Office Manager George Decker

available Mon.-Thurs. 8:30am -12:30 pm

608-271-7212 or EMAIL

Senior Pastor Julia Burkey: available

Tues.-Thurs. 10:00 am – 7:00 pm

by appointment

518-542-6915 EMAIL

Associate Pastor Ken Pennings: available

Tues.-Thurs. 10:00 am -5:00 pm 

by appointment

608-556-2371 EMAIL

Associate Pastor Kate Mackey: available

Mon.-Thurs. 8:00 am – 2:00 pm

by appointment

608-358-6143 EMAIL

Julia and Ken (try to) take Monday & Saturday as Sabbath days,

Kate Friday and Saturday

Friday is observed as a writing day for the preaching pastor.

In case of a pastoral emergency, please call any of the pastors, as all pastors are available by phone, text and we will always have a pastor on call who we can turn to.

LIKE or FOLLOW the Orchard Ridge FaceBook Page

JOIN our Private FB Group:

“Members & Friends of Orchard Ridge UCC“

Orchard Ridge United Church of Christ

1501 Gilbert Road

Madison, WI 53711

608-271-7212

Office Hours: M-Th 8:30-12:30
Facebook  Twitter  Pinterest

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

Memorial Service for John Lillethun, June 28th, at 11:00 am, at ORUCC

Orchard Ridge UCC on June 23, 2025

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 Justice www.orucc.org | Madison, WI 53711 US

Worship Resources for June 22, 2025

Orchard Ridge UCC on June 21, 2025

Orchard Ridge

United Church of Christ

Sunday Worship Resources

Sunday, June 22

Second Sunday after Pentecost

10:00 am – Outdoor Worship at ORUCC

with Flicker Wild Church

An opportunity for all ages to enjoy the beauty of Creation

in Worship on the lawn!

Musical Offerings: Melissa Simonson

Lay Liturgist: Laura Conners

(see below)

11:00 am – Meet with Daniel Cooperrider in Friendship Hall

 to hear the story of Wild Church

11:00 am – Adult Faith Formation’s “Book Share” on the lawn

(see below)

Please note that due to the special outdoor worship service this Sunday there will be no bulletin or live streaming of the service on YouTube.

June 22nd Sunday Morning Summer Solstice Outdoor Worship hosted by Flicker Wild Church

 

After a flurry of blossoming, here it’s as if all of a sudden all the leaves on the trees are out, and the daisies and other wildflowers are welcoming back their summer friends, the hummingbirds and the butterflies. Amid the buzzing, bumptious energy of the season, it’s been a joy for us as a family to celebrate Kindred’s first birthday, and as I’ve been reflecting on the first year of her life, gratitude has been welling up for you all—for the love and kindness and generosity of spirit that ORUCC has wrapped her and our whole family up in. I feel so blessed to be a part of such a joyful, welcoming, progressive spiritual community, and for ORUCC to be the spiritual home for us and for our daughters. Thank you!

 

I appreciate how at ORUCC there’s an understanding that “all of the congregants are ministers,” as the weekly bulletin puts it. For me, my ministry efforts (in addition to vocations of family and writing), have been directed to planting a new church start – Flicker Wild Church. Flicker started gathering on the Fall Equinox of 2023 out of a sense of call to host outdoor, seasonal, and earth-honoring spiritual community. The seeds of it trace back to a “wild church” circle that the ORUCC Care of Creation team organized when they did a study of my book.. From the start of Flicker, participation from ORUCC folks has been integral to our community. After almost two-years now, I’m excited to share that Flicker has continued to emerge, grow, and cohere into a vibrant spiritual community! With a few grants from the Wisconsin Conference and national setting of the UCC, I am stepping into a more formal role of “Convening Pastor.” We recently made a video introducing ourselves – hopefully you can feel some of the spirit here..If you’d like to experience Flicker our Solstice gathering will be June 20th, 6pm at Holy Wisdom Monastery. 

 

On Sunday, June 22nd we will be offering an ORUCC x Flicker Wild Church collaborative, outdoor worship experience at our 10am hour. We’ll gather outside on the church lawn, in a circle, around a fire, and we will link our day’s praise to the liturgy of the Solstice season and to the day. And then following worship, we’ll offer a chance to learn more about Flicker and the Wild Church Network during a Q&A conversation, which Rachel Bauman, Associate Conference Minister will be joining us for. I look forward to worshipping with you on the 22nd, and to sharing a glimpse into “wild church” with our ORUCC community. 

 

Blessings,

Daniel Cooperrider (Pastor Julia Burkey’s spouse)

—

Daniel Cooperrider, Convening Pastor of Flicker Wild Church & author of Speak with the Earth and It Will Teach You: A Field Guide to the Bible (Pilgrim Press), Gold Winner in the 2023 Nautilus Book Awards. danielcooperrider.com

Adult Faith Formation to Sponsor Book-Share on June 22nd after Worship

The Ministry of Adult Faith Formation is sponsoring a one-day book-share on Sunday, June 22nd. We invite ORUCC members and friends to bring books to exchange on that Sunday. We ask that the books help us live out our mission of being spiritually alive, joyfully inclusive, and committed to justice, books that you would highly recommend to a friend. Bring your books before or after worship and place them on the tables on the lawn. Feel free to browse and take a book even if you don’t bring a book. Looking forward to seeing what great titles appear!

Direct questions to Bob Millholland at email: [email protected]

June Compassion Offering:

Refugee Resettlement in Dane County

The June Compassion Offering is Refugee Resettlement and Immigrant Services at Jewish Social Services of Madison (JSS). JSS works to empower individuals and families across cultures and generations through compassionate, community-based support. Rooted in Jewish values and open to all, JSS provides critical services across Dane County—from senior and family support, immigrant assistance, spiritual care, programs addressing housing insecurity, and a weekly meal site. At the heart of this work is a deep commitment to caring for the vulnerable and welcoming the stranger.

The Refugee Resettlement and Immigrant Services Program, the largest at JSS, has been a cornerstone of the JSS mission since the aftermath of World War II. Since then, JSS has successfully settled newcomers from around the world. Recently, the federal government cut off funding for recently arrived refugees, promised them to build new lives here and to thrive as our neighbors. JSS remains steadfast in its commitment to these individuals and families—offering housing support, case management, and a compassionate welcome. Your support through the Compassion Offering helps bridge a critical funding gap and will honor our promise to those seeking safety and and a new beginning in Madison.

Senior Pastor: Rev. Dr. Julia Burkey EMAIL

Associate Pastor: Rev. Kate Mackey EMAIL

Associate Pastor: Rev. Ken Pennings EMAIL

Director of Children’s Arts and Education: Julie Mazer EMAIL

Office Manager George Decker

608-271-7212 or EMAIL



LIKE or FOLLOW the Orchard Ridge Facebook Page

JOIN our Private FB Group:

“Members & Friends of Orchard Ridge UCC“

Follow us on Instagram @orchardridgeucc

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

ORUCC Weekly Announcements for June 19th

Orchard Ridge UCC on June 19, 2025

Spiritually Alive, Joyfully Inclusive, Committed to Justice

Weekly Announcements

for Thursday, June 19

Meditation Group – Zoom only

Friday, June 20

9:30 – 10:30 am

Zoom

Sue Dixon

Sunday, June 22

Second Sunday after Pentecost

10:00 am – Outdoor Worship at ORUCC

with Flicker Wild Church

An opportunity for all ages to enjoy the beauty of Creation

in Worship on the lawn!

Musical Offerings: Melissa Simonson

Lay Liturgist: Laura Conners

(see below)

11:00 am – Meet with Daniel Cooperrider in Friendship Hall

to hear the story of Wild Church

11:00 am – Adult Faith Formation’s “Book Share” on the lawn

(see below)

Meditation Group

Thursday, June 26

8:00 – 9:00 am

Romero Room

Becky Baumbach

Please note that the church office will be closed today, Thursday, June 19th, in observance of Juneteenth, and will reopen on Monday, June 23rd.

_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

Coming Up!

Memorial Service for John Lillethun

at Orchard Ridge United Church of Christ

Saturday, June 28th

10 am Visitation

11 am Service

12 noon Garth service

12:30 pm Luncheon

All are welcome!

June Compassion Offering:

Refugee Resettlement in Dane County

The June Compassion Offering is Refugee Resettlement and Immigrant Services at Jewish Social Services of Madison (JSS). JSS works to empower individuals and families across cultures and generations through compassionate, community-based support. Rooted in Jewish values and open to all, JSS provides critical services across Dane County—from senior and family support, immigrant assistance, spiritual care, programs addressing housing insecurity, and a weekly meal site. At the heart of this work is a deep commitment to caring for the vulnerable and welcoming the stranger.

The Refugee Resettlement and Immigrant Services Program, the largest at JSS, has been a cornerstone of the JSS mission since the aftermath of World War II. Since then, JSS has successfully settled newcomers from around the world. Recently, the federal government cut off funding for recently arrived refugees, promised them to build new lives here and to thrive as our neighbors. JSS remains steadfast in its commitment to these individuals and families—offering housing support, case management, and a compassionate welcome. Your support through the Compassion Offering helps bridge a critical funding gap and will honor our promise to those seeking safety and a new beginning in Madison.

June 22nd Sunday Morning Summer Solstice Outdoor Worship hosted by Flicker Wild Church

After a flurry of blossoming, here it’s as if all of a sudden all the leaves on the trees are out, and the daisies and other wildflowers are welcoming back their summer friends, the hummingbirds and the butterflies. Amid the buzzing, bumptious energy of the season, it’s been a joy for us as a family to celebrate Kindred’s first birthday, and as I’ve been reflecting on the first year of her life, gratitude has been welling up for you all—for the love and kindness and generosity of spirit that ORUCC has wrapped her and our whole family up in. I feel so blessed to be a part of such a joyful, welcoming, progressive spiritual community, and for ORUCC to be the spiritual home for us and for our daughters. Thank you!

 

I appreciate how at ORUCC there’s an understanding that “all of the congregants are ministers,” as the weekly bulletin puts it. For me, my ministry efforts (in addition to vocations of family and writing), have been directed to planting a new church start – Flicker Wild Church. Flicker started gathering on the Fall Equinox of 2023 out of a sense of call to host outdoor, seasonal, and earth-honoring spiritual community. The seeds of it trace back to a “wild church” circle that the ORUCC Care of Creation team organized when they did a study of my book. From the start of Flicker, participation from ORUCC folks has been integral to our community. After almost two-years now, I’m excited to share that Flicker has continued to emerge, grow, and cohere into a vibrant spiritual community! With a few grants from the Wisconsin Conference and national setting of the UCC, I am stepping into a more formal role of “Convening Pastor.” We recently made a video introducing ourselves – hopefully you can feel some of the spirit here.If you’d like to experience Flicker our Solstice gathering will be June 20th, 6pm at Holy Wisdom Monastery. 

 

On Sunday, June 22nd we will be offering an ORUCC x Flicker Wild Church collaborative, outdoor worship experience at our 10am hour. We’ll gather outside on the church lawn, in a circle, around a fire, and we will link our day’s praise to the liturgy of the Solstice season and to the day. And then following worship, we’ll offer a chance to learn more about Flicker and the Wild Church Network during a Q&A conversation, which Rachel Bauman, Associate Conference Minister will be joining us for. I look forward to worshipping with you on the 22nd, and to sharing a glimpse into “wild church” with our ORUCC community. 

 

Blessings,

Daniel Cooperrider (Pastor Julia Burkey’s spouse)

—

Daniel Cooperrider, Convening Pastor of Flicker Wild Church & author of Speak with the Earth and It Will Teach You: A Field Guide to the Bible (Pilgrim Press), Gold Winner in the 2023 Nautilus Book Awards. danielcooperrider.com

Adult Faith Formation to Sponsor Book-Share on June 22nd after Worship

The Ministry of Adult Faith Formation is sponsoring a one-day book-share on Sunday, June 22nd. We invite ORUCC members and friends to bring books to exchange on that Sunday. We ask that the books help us live out our mission of being spiritually alive, joyfully inclusive, and committed to justice, books that you would highly recommend to a friend. Bring your books before or after worship and place them on the tables on the lawn. Feel free to browse and take a book even if you don’t bring a book. Looking forward to seeing what great titles appear! Direct questions to Bob Millholland at: [email protected]

Worship in the Park 

  • Good Shepherd Lutheran Church and Orchard Ridge UCC 
  • Western Hills Park- Today, Thursday, June 19, 2025 
  • Meal from the Holy COW Food Truck at 5:30pm
  • Worship with Holy Communion at 6:00pm

 

Join Good Shepherd Lutheran Church & Pastor Dara and Orchard Ridge UCC & Pastor Julia for a joint worship service at Western Hills Park (on Whitney Way). We will be honoring Juneteenth with a worship of prayer and Holy Communion. A meal for the Holy COW Food Truck will be served at 5:30pm (Pay-what-you-can) with worship beginning at 6:00pm. Proceeds from the meal will go to cover the cost of food and any additional funds will go to Keeping Neighbors Connected- Meadowood rental assistance program and ministry partnership between Orchard Ridge UCC and Good Shepherd.  

Our Generosity at Work: Compassion Offering for May

We are delighted to report that May’s Compassion Offering for the Madison Arcatao Sister City Project (MASCP) amounted to $4,818.81. Arcatao, El Salvador, is one of Madison’s ten sister cities. Since 1986, Madison and Arcatao have worked together to learn from each other in solidarity across international boundaries. As part of the U.S.-El Salvador Sister Cities (USESSC) network, MASCP works for social change by building and defending sustainable communities and economies.

MOSES Mission Team to meet on Friday, June 20th

The next meeting of the MOSES mission team will be 1:30 – 2:30 pm, Friday, June 20th on Zoom. You are invited to attend if you want to learn more. This group provides two-way connections between ORUCC and MOSES. MOSES (Madison Organizing in Strength, Equity, and Solidarity) is an advocacy group that is an affiliate of the statewide WISDOM network. Working groups within MOSES and the larger WISDOM network seek to promote racial equity while addressing a variety of policy issues including improved response to mental health emergencies, supporting public schools, increasing literacy and incorporating restorative justice in schools, reducing homelessness, reducing the number of people in jail and prison and treating incarcerated people humanely, and voting rights. ORUCC is a congregational member of MOSES. For more information see the MOSES website: https://www.mosesmadison.org/

 

Zoom information:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81650153506?pwd=c48GEXkXEp5pr0wN2svHBzR7VE5dAg.1

Meeting ID: 816 5015 3506

Passcode: 960218 

For more information contact [email protected] or [email protected]

How UCC Mission Partners bring hope to the Holy Land

Sunday, June 29th, at 9:00 am, 

in Friendship Hall

During the past 16 years, ORUCC members Diane Dulin and Tom Beilman have traveled multiple times to the Holy Land. They’ve seen firsthand how UCC Mission Partners (partner organizations) bring hope and friendship to oppressed peoples, amidst the constant stress of military occupation. Come and hear inspiring, informative stories about the vital work of these Mission Partners.
Disability Pride Month 2025 Vector Illustration. July Awareness. Celebrating Disabled Community.

Join our disability advocacy conversation on Sunday, July 13th

On July 13th after church from 11:15 am-12:30 pm, disabilities activist Laurine Lusk and Pastor Julia invite you to join us for an open conversation along these lines:

 

·       Hearing from one another about our concern for this political moment.

·       Supporting and encouraging one another in our advocacy work.

·       Wondering together about creating an advocacy mission team or disability advocacy mission team within the church

·       Deciding our goals or focus: emotional & spiritual, more action-oriented, or both.

·       Identifying our skills, resources, and the connections that may support our goals.

 

Naturally, you may be considering your already busy schedule and wondering if you have space for a gathering like this.  On the other hand, you may wonder if our country is moving so quickly in a dangerous direction that it’s important to prioritize this advocacy discussion.  Of course, there is no one right way to face these political times.  We know that we can do more when we organize together and support one another. If you decide to join in this initial discussion, it would be valuable to hear your perspective and likely also helpful to hear from others.

The Dane Sanctuary Coalition is sponsoring an evening with Dr. Sergio Gonzales: Sanctuary and Sacred Resistance, July 17th at 6pm over ZOOM

Click here to register:

https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/t3yofBiDT-WZhJrKxvE5tQ#/registration
gardening-items.jpg

Help needed with our flower gardens!

We need some help with taking care of the flower gardens at ORUCC. Not all of the jobs involve hours of weeding in the hot sun. Some jobs take only 15 -20 minutes. Other jobs are just for one time. 

Small Landscaping jobs at ORUCC

Water the flower pots at the main doors on Fridays and/or Sundays

Water new plantings at the edge of the meditation garden and in front of the sign on Gilbert Road

Deadhead flowers (peonies and irises need deadheading now)

Plant tulips from pots to ground in the bed at the end of education wing

Bigger jobs

Transplant some big hostas from entrance garden to northwest corner garden (where a stump was recently removed). Water when needed.

Dig up a few weedy trees from flower bed in parking lot and on west side of church

Work on plantings of coral bells in front of the sign

Paint allliums in rainbow colors for pride month

Install edging at bed at end of education wing

Big jobs

Weed rain gardens

Weed and prune in the meditation garden

A small group of garden tenders meet on Wednesday mornings (on Friday this week) to work together in the gardens. Join us for some work and lots of conversation or work on the projects independently. Thanks for helping out!

Joyce, Alice, Susan and Deanna 

Stay up to date on ORUCC Children and Youth happenings

Want to stay up to date on the latest with children and youth at ORUCC? Check out our weekly updates here:

https://orucc.org/keeping-current/children-and-youth-news//

MOSES’ Racial Justice for All Children Task Force is seeking volunteers

MOSES’ Racial Justice for All Children Task Force is looking for people who are passionate about addressing disparities in literacy among our students, promoting wellness and restorative practices in our schools rather than exclusionary discipline, and ensuring that our young people are in safe, stable and affordable housing. For more information, please visit our page on the MOSES website: https://www.mosesmadison.org/rjac/ Or contact Shel Gross, [email protected] 608-250-4368. ORUCC members Barbie Jackson [email protected] and John Lemke  [email protected] participate in this task force and can give you more information as well. 

Please Sign Up to Volunteer on Sunday Mornings!

AT ORUCC, the Members are the Ministers!

We are seeking volunteers to serve on Sunday mornings for in-person worship. You need not be a member, simply a person who loves ORUCC and is eager to find a place to serve! Young people are welcome to sign up, too!

 

Would you consider serving one or more times as a Welcomer, an Usher, a Lay Liturgist or to assist with Holy Communion?

 

Feel free to sign up as an individual, a couple, or a family!

 

Click here to sign up as a Welcomer

Click here to sign up as an Usher

Click here to sign up as a Lay Liturgist

Click here to assist with Holy Communion

 

  • Page #1: Choose the date you are available to volunteer and select the box that says “SIGN UP“.  Then, at the bottom of the page select the box “SAVE & CONTINUE“.
  • Page #2: Enter your first/last name and your email address. Then select the box at the bottom of the page “SIGN UP NOW“

 

Questions or problems signing up?

Contact Ken Pennings at [email protected] or 608-556-2371.

Spiritual

Nourishment

for you!

Daily Reflections for June

We are grateful for the ministry of Jeanne Moberly, who is a member of Adult Faith Formation, as she puts together a set of fresh readings every month for our devotional practice at Orchard Ridge UCC. Starting this month, we will be posting a full month (instead of week by week) of Daily Reflections. If you know someone who needs encouragement and would like the devotional mailed to them, please contact the church office.

Daily Reflections for June 2025

Office Manager George Decker

available Mon.-Thurs. 8:30am -12:30 pm

608-271-7212 or EMAIL

Senior Pastor Julia Burkey: available

Tues.-Thurs. 10:00 am – 7:00 pm

by appointment

518-542-6915 EMAIL

Associate Pastor Ken Pennings: available

Tues.-Thurs. 10:00 am -5:00 pm 

by appointment

608-556-2371 EMAIL

Associate Pastor Kate Mackey: available

Mon.-Thurs. 8:00 am – 2:00 pm

by appointment

608-358-6143 EMAIL

Julia and Ken (try to) take Monday & Saturday as Sabbath days,

Kate Friday and Saturday

Friday is observed as a writing day for the preaching pastor.

In case of a pastoral emergency, please call any of the pastors, as all pastors are available by phone, text and we will always have a pastor on call who we can turn to.

LIKE or FOLLOW the Orchard Ridge FaceBook Page

JOIN our Private FB Group:

“Members & Friends of Orchard Ridge UCC“

Orchard Ridge United Church of Christ

1501 Gilbert Road

Madison, WI 53711

608-271-7212

Office Hours: M-Th 8:30-12:30
Facebook  Twitter  Pinterest

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

Worship Resources for June 15, 2025

Orchard Ridge UCC on June 14, 2025

Orchard Ridge

United Church of Christ

Sunday Worship Resources

Sunday, June 15

First Sunday after Pentecost

Trinity Sunday

10:00 am – Worship

Sermon: Julia Burkey

Lay Liturgist: Ginny Moore Kruse

Musical Offerings: Bethany Schultz

Infant Baptism

Supported Childcare 9:30-11:30 in the Crossroads with Abby. This service allows parents of children ages 0-5 to socialize and engage in the service, but encourages parents to stay nearby to assist their child, as well. 

Click Here for Printable Bulletin

Join our Worship virtually

on YouTube any time after 10 am:

YouTube Link

You will need to refresh the page

after 10 am if you have opened it before

Please note that the church office will be closed on Thursday, June 19th, in observance of Juneteenth, and will reopen on Monday, June 23rd.

June Compassion Offering:

Refugee Resettlement in Dane County

The June Compassion Offering is Refugee Resettlement and Immigrant Services at Jewish Social Services of Madison (JSS). JSS works to empower individuals and families across cultures and generations through compassionate, community-based support. Rooted in Jewish values and open to all, JSS provides critical services across Dane County—from senior and family support, immigrant assistance, spiritual care, programs addressing housing insecurity, and a weekly meal site. At the heart of this work is a deep commitment to caring for the vulnerable and welcoming the stranger.

The Refugee Resettlement and Immigrant Services Program, the largest at JSS, has been a cornerstone of the JSS mission since the aftermath of World War II. Since then, JSS has successfully settled newcomers from around the world. Recently, the federal government cut off funding for recently arrived refugees, promised them to build new lives here and to thrive as our neighbors. JSS remains steadfast in its commitment to these individuals and families—offering housing support, case management, and a compassionate welcome. Your support through the Compassion Offering helps bridge a critical funding gap and will honor our promise to those seeking safety and and a new beginning in Madison.

Senior Pastor: Rev. Dr. Julia Burkey EMAIL

Associate Pastor: Rev. Kate Mackey EMAIL

Associate Pastor: Rev. Ken Pennings EMAIL

Director of Children’s Arts and Education: Julie Mazer EMAIL

Office Manager George Decker

608-271-7212 or EMAIL



LIKE or FOLLOW the Orchard Ridge Facebook Page

JOIN our Private FB Group:

“Members & Friends of Orchard Ridge UCC“

Follow us on Instagram @orchardridgeucc

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

ORUCC Weekly Announcements for June 12th

Orchard Ridge UCC on June 12, 2025

Spiritually Alive, Joyfully Inclusive, Committed to Justice

Weekly Announcements

for Thursday, June 12

Meditation Group–Zoom only

Friday, June 13

9:30 – 10:30 am

Zoom

Sue Dixon

Sunday, June 15

First Sunday after Pentecost

Trinity Sunday

10:00 am – Worship

Sermon: Julia Burkey

Lay Liturgist: Ginny Moore Kruse

Musical Offerings: Bethany Schultz

Infant Baptism

Appetizer Reception

Celebrating our Hospitality Mission Team &

Sharing Plans for Lunch and Learn

Wednesday, June 18

12:00 noon – 3:00 pm

Friendship Hall

(see below)

Meditation Group

Thursday, June 19

8:00 – 9:00 am

Romero Room

Becky Baumbach

Please note that the church office will be closed on Thursday, June 19th, in observance of Juneteenth, and will reopen on Monday, June 23rd.

June Compassion Offering:

Refugee Resettlement in Dane County

The June Compassion Offering is Refugee Resettlement and Immigrant Services at Jewish Social Services of Madison (JSS). JSS works to empower individuals and families across cultures and generations through compassionate, community-based support. Rooted in Jewish values and open to all, JSS provides critical services across Dane County—from senior and family support, immigrant assistance, spiritual care, programs addressing housing insecurity, and a weekly meal site. At the heart of this work is a deep commitment to caring for the vulnerable and welcoming the stranger.

The Refugee Resettlement and Immigrant Services Program, the largest at JSS, has been a cornerstone of the JSS mission since the aftermath of World War II. Since then, JSS has successfully settled newcomers from around the world. Recently, the federal government cut off funding for recently arrived refugees, promised them to build new lives here and to thrive as our neighbors. JSS remains steadfast in its commitment to these individuals and families—offering housing support, case management, and a compassionate welcome. Your support through the Compassion Offering helps bridge a critical funding gap and will honor our promise to those seeking safety and a new beginning in Madison.

Surprise “Lunch & Learn” Event!

Wednesday, June 18th

12 noon – 3 pm

in Friendship Hall



You’re invited to a free appetizer reception to celebrate our wonderful Hospitality Mission Team and to hear about upcoming plans for “Lunch & Learn.” If you’re interested in becoming a member of the Hospitality Mission Team or if you hope to attend our monthly “Lunch & Learn” programs in the fall, please come! Appetizers will be provided by the Hospitality Mission Team, but others are invited to bring an appetizer to share also.

Worship in the Park 

  • Good Shepherd Lutheran Church and Orchard Ridge UCC 
  • Western Hills Park- Thursday, June 19, 2025 
  • Meal from the Holy COW Food Truck at 5:30pm
  • Worship with Holy Communion at 6:00pm

 

Join Good Shepherd Lutheran Church & Pastor Dara and Orchard Ridge UCC & Pastor Julia for a joint worship service at Western Hills Park (on Whitney Way). We will be honoring Juneteenth with a worship of prayer and Holy Communion. A meal for the Holy COW Food Truck will be served at 5:30pm (Pay-what-you-can) with worship beginning at 6:00pm. Proceeds from the meal will go to cover the cost of food and any additional funds will go to Keeping Neighbors Connected- Meadowood rental assistance program and ministry partnership between Orchard Ridge UCC and Good Shepherd.  

MOSES Mission Team to meet on Friday, June 20th

The next meeting of the MOSES mission team will be 1:30 – 2:30 pm, Friday, June 20th on Zoom. You are invited to attend if you want to learn more. This group provides two-way connections between ORUCC and MOSES. MOSES (Madison Organizing in Strength, Equity, and Solidarity) is an advocacy group that is an affiliate of the statewide WISDOM network. Working groups within MOSES and the larger WISDOM network seek to promote racial equity while addressing a variety of policy issues including improved response to mental health emergencies, supporting public schools, increasing literacy and incorporating restorative justice in schools, reducing homelessness, reducing the number of people in jail and prison and treating incarcerated people humanely, and voting rights. ORUCC is a congregational member of MOSES. For more information see the MOSES website: https://www.mosesmadison.org/

 

Zoom information:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81650153506?pwd=c48GEXkXEp5pr0wN2svHBzR7VE5dAg.1

Meeting ID: 816 5015 3506

Passcode: 960218 

For more information contact [email protected] or [email protected]

June 22nd Sunday Morning Summer Solstice Outdoor Worship hosted by Flicker Wild Church

End of May greetings, Orchard Ridge UCC!

 

After a flurry of blossoming, here at the end of May it’s as if all of a sudden all the leaves on the trees are out, and the daisies and other wildflowers are welcoming back their summer friends, the hummingbirds and the butterflies. Amid the buzzing, bumptious energy of the season, it’s been a joy for us as a family to celebrate Kindred’s first birthday, and as I’ve been reflecting on the first year of her life, gratitude has been welling up for you all—for the love and kindness and generosity of spirit that ORUCC has wrapped her and our whole family up in. I feel so blessed to be a part of such a joyful, welcoming, progressive spiritual community, and for ORUCC to be the spiritual home for us and for our daughters. Thank you!

 

I appreciate how at ORUCC there’s an understanding that “all of the congregants are ministers,” as the weekly bulletin puts it. For me, my ministry efforts (in addition to vocations of family and writing), have been directed to planting a new church start – Flicker Wild Church. Flicker started gathering on the Fall Equinox of 2023 out of a sense of call to host outdoor, seasonal, and earth-honoring spiritual community. The seeds of it trace back to a “wild church” circle that the ORUCC Care of Creation team organized when they did a study of my book. From the start of Flicker, participation from ORUCC folks has been integral to our community. After almost two-years now, I’m excited to share that Flicker has continued to emerge, grow, and cohere into a vibrant spiritual community! With a few grants from the Wisconsin Conference and national setting of the UCC, I am stepping into a more formal role of “Convening Pastor.” We recently made a video introducing ourselves – hopefully you can feel some of the spirit here.If you’d like to experience Flicker our Solstice gathering will be June 20th, 6pm at Holy Wisdom Monastery. 

 

On Sunday, June 22nd we will be offering an ORUCC x Flicker Wild Church collaborative, outdoor worship experience at our 10am hour. We’ll gather outside on the church lawn, in a circle, around a fire, and we will link our day’s praise to the liturgy of the Solstice season and to the day. And then following worship, we’ll offer a chance to learn more about Flicker and the Wild Church Network during a Q&A conversation, which Rachel Bauman, Associate Conference Minister will be joining us for. I look forward to worshipping with you on the 22nd, and to sharing a glimpse into “wild church” with our ORUCC community. 

 

Blessings,

Daniel Cooperrider (Pastor Julia Burkey’s spouse)

—

Daniel Cooperrider, Convening Pastor of Flicker Wild Church & author of Speak with the Earth and It Will Teach You: A Field Guide to the Bible (Pilgrim Press), Gold Winner in the 2023 Nautilus Book Awards. danielcooperrider.com

Adult Faith Formation to Sponsor Book-Share on June 22nd after Worship

The Ministry of Adult Faith Formation is sponsoring a one-day book-share on Sunday, June 22nd. We invite ORUCC members and friends to bring books to exchange on that Sunday. We ask that the books help us live out our mission of being spiritually alive, joyfully inclusive, and committed to justice, books that you would highly recommend to a friend. Bring your books before or after worship and place them on the tables in Friendship Hall. Feel free to browse and take a book even if you don’t bring a book. Looking forward to seeing what great titles appear!

Direct questions to Bob Millholland at email: [email protected]

Stay up to date on ORUCC Children and Youth happenings

Want to stay up to date on the latest with children and youth at ORUCC? Check out our weekly updates here:

https://orucc.org/keeping-current/children-and-youth-news//

ORUCC Palestinian Justice Team–putting your faith into action!

The UCC leaders have clearly stated that if we are a JUST PEACE church, we must ACT in support of peace in Palestine! Our mission team has been working with our Madison Mennonite friends on this issue, joining their local & nationwide Mennonite Action vigils and letter writing campaigns.

ORUCC and other faith groups are invited to join Mennonite Action Madison, Madison Rafah Sister City Project, Jewish Voice for Peace, CODEPink, and Interfaith Peace Working Group at the “No Kings” march and rally in Madison on Saturday, June 14th. 

The goal is to show a large Palestinian solidarity contingent marching together and speaking out against

·        the continued destruction of Gaza,                                                            

·        the blockade on humanitarian aid

·        and the increased violence in the West Bank.

Date: Saturday, June 14, 2025           Meeting Time: 1:45 pm

Meeting Location: Base of Bascom Hill (or edges of the crowd, depending on size of crowd)

Schedule: Gather at 1:45 pm, march at 2 pm from Library Mall to the Capitol, rally at 3 pm

Bring: Signs & banners (including name of your faith/peace group), Palestinian flags, keffiyehs

Ideas for signs and banners:

·        Send Aid, Not Bombs

·        Send Food, Not Bombs

·        Stop the Genocide

·        God Loves Gaza

·        Ceasefire NOW!

PLEASE JOIN US!

Questions? Contact [email protected], [email protected]  or [email protected]

MOSES’ Racial Justice for All Children Task Force is seeking volunteers

MOSES’ Racial Justice for All Children Task Force is looking for people who are passionate about addressing disparities in literacy among our students, promoting wellness and restorative practices in our schools rather than exclusionary discipline, and ensuring that our young people are in safe, stable and affordable housing. For more information, please visit our page on the MOSES website: https://www.mosesmadison.org/rjac/ Or contact Shel Gross, [email protected] 608-250-4368. ORUCC members Barbie Jackson [email protected] and John Lemke  [email protected] participate in this task force and can give you more information as well. 

Please Sign Up to Volunteer on Sunday Mornings!

AT ORUCC, the Members are the Ministers!

We are seeking volunteers to serve on Sunday mornings for in-person worship. You need not be a member, simply a person who loves ORUCC and is eager to find a place to serve! Young people are welcome to sign up, too!

 

Would you consider serving one or more times as a Welcomer, an Usher, a Lay Liturgist or to assist with Holy Communion?

 

Feel free to sign up as an individual, a couple, or a family!

 

Click here to sign up as a Welcomer

Click here to sign up as an Usher

Click here to sign up as a Lay Liturgist

Click here to assist with Holy Communion

 

  • Page #1: Choose the date you are available to volunteer and select the box that says “SIGN UP“.  Then, at the bottom of the page select the box “SAVE & CONTINUE“.
  • Page #2: Enter your first/last name and your email address. Then select the box at the bottom of the page “SIGN UP NOW“

 

Questions or problems signing up?

Contact Ken Pennings at [email protected] or 608-556-2371.

Spiritual

Nourishment

for you!

Daily Reflections for June

We are grateful for the ministry of Jeanne Moberly, who is a member of Adult Faith Formation, as she puts together a set of fresh readings every month for our devotional practice at Orchard Ridge UCC. Starting this month, we will be posting a full month (instead of week by week) of Daily Reflections. If you know someone who needs encouragement and would like the devotional mailed to them, please contact the church office.

Daily Reflections for June 2025

Office Manager George Decker

available Mon.-Thurs. 8:30am -12:30 pm

608-271-7212 or EMAIL

Senior Pastor Julia Burkey: available

Office hours: Tuesday – Thursday 9:30 am – 12:00 pm 

& by appointment Tuesday – Thursday 9:30 am – 5 pm

518-542-6915 EMAIL

Associate Pastor Ken Pennings: available

Tues.-Thurs. 10:00 am -5:00 pm 

by appointment

608-556-2371 EMAIL

Associate Pastor Kate Mackey: available

Mon.-Thurs. 8:00 am – 2:00 pm

by appointment

608-358-6143 EMAIL

Julia and Ken (try to) take Monday & Saturday as Sabbath days,

Kate Friday and Saturday

Friday is observed as a writing day for the preaching pastor.

In case of a pastoral emergency, please call any of the pastors, as all pastors are available by phone, text and we will always have a pastor on call who we can turn to.

LIKE or FOLLOW the Orchard Ridge FaceBook Page

JOIN our Private FB Group:

“Members & Friends of Orchard Ridge UCC“

Orchard Ridge United Church of Christ

1501 Gilbert Road

Madison, WI 53711

608-271-7212

Office Hours: M-Th 8:30-12:30
Facebook  Twitter  Pinterest

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

Worship Resources for June 8, 2025

Orchard Ridge UCC on June 7, 2025

Orchard Ridge

United Church of Christ

Sunday Worship Resources

Sunday, June 8

Pentecost Sunday

Wear red to remind us of the fire of the Spirit!

10:00 am – Worship

Sermon: Julia Burkey

Lay Liturgist: Bruce Gladstone

Musical Offerings: John Leonard

“Bee Hotel” Project – During worship at 10:00 a.m., children ages 5+ are invited to join Julie and Rachael to make “Bee Hotels” that will be hung around the ORUCC property. Children should gather in worship with their caregivers and will be dismissed to participate in the project. 

Click Here for Printable Bulletin

Join our Worship virtually

on YouTube any time after 10 am:

YouTube Link

You will need to refresh the page

after 10 am if you have opened it before

June Compassion Offering:

Refugee Resettlement in Dane County

The June Compassion Offering is Refugee Resettlement and Immigrant Services at Jewish Social Services of Madison (JSS). JSS works to empower individuals and families across cultures and generations through compassionate, community-based support. Rooted in Jewish values and open to all, JSS provides critical services across Dane County—from senior and family support, immigrant assistance, spiritual care, programs addressing housing insecurity, and a weekly meal site. At the heart of this work is a deep commitment to caring for the vulnerable and welcoming the stranger.

The Refugee Resettlement and Immigrant Services Program, the largest at JSS, has been a cornerstone of the JSS mission since the aftermath of World War II. Since then, JSS has successfully settled newcomers from around the world. Recently, the federal government cut off funding for recently arrived refugees, promised them to build new lives here and to thrive as our neighbors. JSS remains steadfast in its commitment to these individuals and families—offering housing support, case management, and a compassionate welcome. Your support through the Compassion Offering helps bridge a critical funding gap and will honor our promise to those seeking safety and and a new beginning in Madison.

Senior Pastor: Rev. Dr. Julia Burkey EMAIL

Associate Pastor: Rev. Kate Mackey EMAIL

Associate Pastor: Rev. Ken Pennings EMAIL

Director of Children’s Arts and Education: Julie Mazer EMAIL

Office Manager George Decker

608-271-7212 or EMAIL



LIKE or FOLLOW the Orchard Ridge Facebook Page

JOIN our Private FB Group:

“Members & Friends of Orchard Ridge UCC“

Follow us on Instagram @orchardridgeucc

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

ORUCC Weekly Announcements for June 5th

Orchard Ridge UCC on June 5, 2025

Spiritually Alive, Joyfully Inclusive, Committed to Justice

Weekly Announcements

for Thursday, June 5

Women’s Book Group

Thursday, June 5

1:30 pm

Alfred Swan Room and Zoom

Deanna Blanchard

(see below)

Friday Breakfast Group

Friday, June 6

9:00 am

Denny’s, 433 S. Gammon Rd.

Louise Jeanne

(see below)

Meditation Group–Zoom only

Friday, June 6

9:30 – 10:30 am

Zoom

Sue Dixon

Family Game Night

Friday, June 6

6:00-8:00 p.m.

Laura Conners

(see below)

Sunday, June 8

Pentecost Sunday

10:00 am – Worship

Wear red to remind us of the fire of the Spirit!

Sermon: Julia Burkey

Lay Liturgist: Bruce Gladstone

Musical Offerings: John Leonard

Men’s Group – In Person

Monday, June 9

7:15 – 8:30 pm

Day Room/Romero Room

Jim McNamara

Meditation Group

Thursday, June 12

8:30 – 9:30 am

Romero Room

Becky Baumbach

June Compassion Offering:

Refugee Resettlement in Dane County

The June Compassion Offering is Refugee Resettlement and Immigrant Services at Jewish Social Services of Madison (JSS). JSS works to empower individuals and families across cultures and generations through compassionate, community-based support. Rooted in Jewish values and open to all, JSS provides critical services across Dane County—from senior and family support, immigrant assistance, spiritual care, programs addressing housing insecurity, and a weekly meal site. At the heart of this work is a deep commitment to caring for the vulnerable and welcoming the stranger.

The Refugee Resettlement and Immigrant Services Program, the largest at JSS, has been a cornerstone of the JSS mission since the aftermath of World War II. Since then, JSS has successfully settled newcomers from around the world. Recently, the federal government cut off funding for recently arrived refugees, promised them to build new lives here and to thrive as our neighbors. JSS remains steadfast in its commitment to these individuals and families—offering housing support, case management, and a compassionate welcome. Your support through the Compassion Offering helps bridge a critical funding gap and will honor our promise to those seeking safety and a new beginning in Madison.

Family Game Night

Friday, June 6, 6:00-8:00 p.m.

This month for Game Night we will be having sandwiches for dinner, using the unopened bread and meat saved from Work & Worship Sunday. Some families are bringing panini presses to allow us to have hot sandwiches! Please bring something to share for the potluck portion–either a favorite sandwich topping or a side that can go with sandwiches. Cake for Devin’s and Sage’s birthdays will also be provided.

All are welcome! Bring games and some food to share so that we can have great conversation and fellowship. FYI: Game night will take a hiatus in July and August and resume in September.

Surprise “Lunch & Learn” event!

Wednesday, June 18th

12 noon – 3 pm

in Friendship Hall

All are welcome!



You’re invited to share in a free appetizer reception to celebrate our wonderful hospitality mission team and to hear about upcoming plans for “Lunch & Learn.”

Worship in the Park 

  • Good Shepherd Lutheran Church and Orchard Ridge UCC 
  • Western Hills Park- Thursday, June 19, 2025 
  • Meal from the Holy COW Food Truck at 5:30pm
  • Worship with Holy Communion at 6:00pm

 

Join Good Shepherd Lutheran Church & Pastor Dara and Orchard Ridge UCC & Pastor Julia for a joint worship service at Western Hills Park (on Whitney Way). We will be honoring Juneteenth with a worship of prayer and Holy Communion. A meal for the Holy COW Food Truck will be served at 5:30pm (Pay-what-you-can) with worship beginning at 6:00pm. Proceeds from the meal will go to cover the cost of food and any additional funds will go to Keeping Neighbors Connected- Meadowood rental assistance program and ministry partnership between Orchard Ridge UCC and Good Shepherd.  

June 22nd Sunday Morning Summer Solstice Outdoor Worship hosted by Flicker Wild Church

End of May greetings, Orchard Ridge UCC!

 

After a flurry of blossoming, here at the end of May it’s as if all of a sudden all the leaves on the trees are out, and the daisies and other wildflowers are welcoming back their summer friends, the hummingbirds and the butterflies. Amid the buzzing, bumptious energy of the season, it’s been a joy for us as a family to celebrate Kindred’s first birthday, and as I’ve been reflecting on the first year of her life, gratitude has been welling up for you all—for the love and kindness and generosity of spirit that ORUCC has wrapped her and our whole family up in. I feel so blessed to be a part of such a joyful, welcoming, progressive spiritual community, and for ORUCC to be the spiritual home for us and for our daughters. Thank you!

 

I appreciate how at ORUCC there’s an understanding that “all of the congregants are ministers,” as the weekly bulletin puts it. For me, my ministry efforts (in addition to vocations of family and writing), have been directed to planting a new church start – Flicker Wild Church. Flicker started gathering on the Fall Equinox of 2023 out of a sense of call to host outdoor, seasonal, and earth-honoring spiritual community. The seeds of it trace back to a “wild church” circle that the ORUCC Care of Creation team organized when they did a study of my book. From the start of Flicker, participation from ORUCC folks has been integral to our community. After almost two-years now, I’m excited to share that Flicker has continued to emerge, grow, and cohere into a vibrant spiritual community! With a few grants from the Wisconsin Conference and national setting of the UCC, I am stepping into a more formal role of “Convening Pastor.” We recently made a video introducing ourselves – hopefully you can feel some of the spirit here.If you’d like to experience Flicker our Solstice gathering will be June 20th, 6pm at Holy Wisdom Monastery. 

 

On Sunday, June 22nd we will be offering an ORUCC x Flicker Wild Church collaborative, outdoor worship experience at our 10am hour. We’ll gather outside on the church lawn, in a circle, around a fire, and we will link our day’s praise to the liturgy of the Solstice season and to the day. And then following worship, we’ll offer a chance to learn more about Flicker and the Wild Church Network during a Q&A conversation, which Rachel Bauman, Associate Conference Minister will be joining us for. I look forward to worshipping with you on the 22nd, and to sharing a glimpse into “wild church” with our ORUCC community. 

 

Blessings,

Daniel Cooperrider (Pastor Julia Burkey’s spouse)

—

Daniel Cooperrider, Convening Pastor of Flicker Wild Church & author of Speak with the Earth and It Will Teach You: A Field Guide to the Bible (Pilgrim Press), Gold Winner in the 2023 Nautilus Book Awards. danielcooperrider.com

Worker Justice Wisconsin Picnic Invitation

REGISTER TODAY. Worker Justice Wisconsin sends a big “THANK YOU” to the members of Orchard Ridge UCC for our generous support of their Fundraising Campaign these past weeks and invites everyone to the Community Picnic to be celebrated on Saturday (June 7) from 12 to 3 at the Labor Temple Lawn (1602 Park Street). The picnic is free –Mama John Leonard will be cooking. But PLEASE REGISTER HERE so his team can prepare enough food.  
childrens-bookshelf.jpg

Women’s Book Group to meet this afternoon, June 5th

Please join the Women’s Book Group this afternoon, June 5th at 1:30pm. Leslie is back from their travels and will lead us in discussing The Crossing Places by Emily Griffith. We will meet in-person in the Alfred Swan room and on Zoom. July’s book will be Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt. Deanna Blanchard is the contact person.
breakfast.jpg

Friday Breakfast Group – June 6th, 9:00 a.m. 

 

The next Friday Breakfast is set for tomorrow, June 6th at 9:00 am at Denny’s, 433 S. Gammon Road. All are welcome! The group meets on the first Friday of the month and includes both men and women. Join us for this informal chance to connect and converse on many topics. Contact Louise Jeanne, Link for more information.

Stay up to date on ORUCC Children and Youth happenings

Want to stay up to date on the latest with children and youth at ORUCC? Check out our weekly updates here:

https://orucc.org/keeping-current/children-and-youth-news//

Sarura to be screened in place of No Other Land 

Due to unforeseen circumstances, the film No Other Land is no longer available for presentation this Sunday (June 8th, 5 pm, Christ Presbyterian Church, Madison). In its place, the organizers will be screening Sarura: Nonviolent Action Against Occupation, a highly acclaimed film that we hope you will appreciate just as much. Sarura tells the story of a group of young Palestinians using cameras and nonviolent actions to return their people to land that was taken from them. Introducing the film will be peace activist Cassandra Dixon. Registration is required. Use the above QR code to register.

For additional information, contact Tom Beilman [email protected].   

ORUCC Palestinian Justice Team–putting your faith into action!

The UCC leaders have clearly stated that if we are a JUST PEACE church, we must ACT in support of peace in Palestine! Our mission team has been working with our Madison Mennonite friends on this issue, joining their local & nationwide Mennonite Action vigils and letter writing campaigns.

ORUCC and other faith groups are invited to join Mennonite Action Madison, Madison Rafah Sister City Project, Jewish Voice for Peace, CODEPink, and Interfaith Peace Working Group at the “No Kings” march and rally in Madison on Saturday, June 14. 

The goal is to show a large Palestinian solidarity contingent marching together and speaking out against

·        the continued destruction of Gaza,                                                             

·        the blockade on humanitarian aid

·        and the increased violence in the West Bank.

Date: Saturday, June 14, 2025           Meeting Time: 1:45 pm

Meeting Location: Base of Bascom Hill (or edges of the crowd, depending on size of crowd)

Schedule: Gather at 1:45 pm, march at 2 pm from Library Mall to the Capitol, rally at 3 pm

Bring: Signs & banners (including name of your faith/peace group), Palestinian flags, keffiyehs

Ideas for signs and banners:

·        Send Aid, Not Bombs

·        Send Food, Not Bombs

·        Stop the Genocide

·        God Loves Gaza

·        Ceasefire NOW!

PLEASE JOIN US!

Questions? Contact [email protected], [email protected]  or [email protected]

Please Sign Up to Volunteer on Sunday Mornings!

AT ORUCC, the Members are the Ministers!

We are seeking volunteers to serve on Sunday mornings for in-person worship. You need not be a member, simply a person who loves ORUCC and is eager to find a place to serve! Young people are welcome to sign up, too!

 

Would you consider serving one or more times as a Coffee Maker, a Welcomer, an Usher, a Lay Liturgist or to assist with Holy Communion?

 

Feel free to sign up as an individual, a couple, or a family!

 

Click here to sign up as a Coffee Maker

Click here to sign up as a Welcomer

Click here to sign up as an Usher

Click here to sign up as a Lay Liturgist

Click here to assist with Holy Communion

 

  • Page #1: Choose the date you are available to volunteer and select the box that says “SIGN UP“.  Then, at the bottom of the page select the box “SAVE & CONTINUE“.
  • Page #2: Enter your first/last name and your email address. Then select the box at the bottom of the page “SIGN UP NOW“

 

Questions or problems signing up?

Contact Ken Pennings at [email protected] or 608-556-2371.

Spiritual

Nourishment

for you!

Daily Reflections for June

We are grateful for the ministry of Jeanne Moberly, who is a member of Adult Faith Formation, as she puts together a set of fresh readings every month for our devotional practice at Orchard Ridge UCC. Starting this month, we will be posting a full month (instead of week by week) of Daily Reflections. If you know someone who needs encouragement and would like the devotional mailed to them, please contact the church office.

Daily Reflections for June 2025

Office Manager George Decker

available Mon.-Thurs. 8:30am -12:30 pm

608-271-7212 or EMAIL

Senior Pastor Julia Burkey: available

Office hours: Tuesday – Thursday 9:30 am – 12:00 pm 

& by appointment Tuesday – Thursday 9:30 am – 5 pm

518-542-6915 EMAIL

Associate Pastor Ken Pennings: available

Tues.-Thurs. 10:00 am -5:00 pm 

by appointment

608-556-2371 EMAIL

Associate Pastor Kate Mackey: available

Mon.-Thurs. 8:00 am – 2:00 pm

by appointment

608-358-6143 EMAIL

Julia and Ken (try to) take Monday & Saturday as Sabbath days,

Kate Friday and Saturday

Friday is observed as a writing day for the preaching pastor.

In case of a pastoral emergency, please call any of the pastors, as all pastors are available by phone, text and we will always have a pastor on call who we can turn to.

LIKE or FOLLOW the Orchard Ridge FaceBook Page

JOIN our Private FB Group:

“Members & Friends of Orchard Ridge UCC“

Orchard Ridge United Church of Christ

1501 Gilbert Road

Madison, WI 53711

608-271-7212

Office Hours: M-Th 8:30-12:30
Facebook  Twitter  Pinterest

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

ORUCC June Children and Youth News

Orchard Ridge UCC on June 4, 2025

ORUCC Children and Youth

Faith Formation Update

June 2025

Dear Families,

Thank you for worshiping us with us on Sunday, June 1, in celebration of the close of the 2024-25 programming year. Joining together to recognize the highlights of our time together, the rich intergenerational experiences, and the many volunteers who made this year possible was powerful and heartwarming.

Just as your family rhythms change in the warmer months, our children and youth programming enters a different rhythm as well. For the rest of the summer, we’ll be coming to your inbox once a month with updates. There is no 9:00 a.m. faith formation for the summer, but there are still exciting things happening for kids’ at ORUCC!

Please scroll down to be kept in the know of events and for a home prayer.

We pray for a joyful, peaceful end to the school year as you embark on your summer adventures.

~Pastor Kate and Julie M.

Family Game Night

June 6, 6:00-8:00 p.m.

This month for Game Night we will be having sandwiches for dinner, using the unopened bread and meat saved from Work & Worship Sunday. Some families are bringing waffle irons or panini presses to allow us to have hot sandwiches! Please bring something to share for the potluck portion–either a favorite sandwich topping or a side that can go with sandwiches. Cake for Devin’s and Sage’s birthdays will also be provided. Bring games and some food to share so that we can have great conversation and fellowship.

(FYI: Game night will take a hiatus in July and August and resume in September.)

Children’s Sunday

Summer Programming

There is no 9:00 a.m. faith formation or regular nursery care during the summer. Our children and youth music programs will also take a break (TRU Function and Music Connections).

However, throughout the summer there are special opportunities for children’s participation during 10:00 a.m. worship. On the 2nd and 4th Sundays, we will will have special events or “Kids in the Kitchen,” for children ages 5 years old and up (younger children my participate with a caregiver present). Kids in the Kitchen is an opportunity to hear a Bible story and have fellowship with other children and adult volunteers as the kids make a snack to share with the congregation following worship.

Throughout the summer, on the 1st and 3rd Sundays, we will have a nursery care provider available in the Crossroads to offer “supported childcare” for young ones.

June Events

June 8, “Bee Hotel” Project: During worship at 10:00 a.m., children ages 5+ are invited to join Julie and Rachael to make “Bee Hotels” that will be placed around the ORUCC property. Children should gather in worship with their caregivers and will be dismissed to participate in the project.

June 15, Supported Childcare 9:30-11:30 in the Crossroads with Abby. This service allows parents of children ages 0-5 to socialize and engage in the service, but encourages parents to stay nearby to assist their child, as well. 

June 22, 10:00 a.m. Outdoor Worship at ORUCC:

An engaging opportunity for all ages to enjoy the beauty of Creation in worship on the lawn.

June 29, No special Children’s 10:00 a.m. programming. Children are encouraged to attend worship with their caregivers. Many families may be heading up to Moon Beach Family Camp this day (June 29-July 6).

Youth Service Trip

June 15-21 to Kansas City

Pastor Kate, three adult chaperones (Rob, Kristen, Dan), one “camp cook” (Gavin) and one gear van driver (Kellie) will accompany 14 youth from ORUCC on a service and learning trip with Be The Neighbor, a UCC/DoC progressive Christians service organization. This year’s theme is “Let Love be Louder.” We are looking forward to learning about “Justice 101” as we serve in Kansas City, in addition to fellowship and fun!

Intergenerational Pen-Pals Project

If you signed up for our pen pals project this summer, be on the lookout for an email next week with more details and your pen pal match! Please plan on writing or drawing a letter/card at least 3 times during June 15-September 15.

At Orchard Ridge, we are Spiritually Alive!

Faith Formation Celebration June 1:

Garden Mosaics for ORUCC gardens

In celebration of our final Sunday for the ’24-’25 programming year, the children had an opportunity to create garden mosaic pavers that will be placed near the ORUCC veggie village. Joyce Pohl and Susan Dovell assisted us with the project.

Home Prayer for the Week:

You are invited to use this prayer with your family to help deepen your faith together. Times you might consider sharing this prayer include before bedtime, at mealtime, or any other regular connecting moment you share with your child(ren). Does your family have a prayer practice or a favorite prayer? If you are comfortable sharing, please EMAIL JULIE, and your family’s prayer will be featured here.

We can have peace every time we take a break.

We breathe in deep.

We can have peace everytime we slow down.

We notice the world around us.

We can have peace every time we are quiet before God.

Thank you, God, for peace.

-From Faithful Families for Advent and Christmas, Traci Smith

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

Worship Resources for June 1, 2025

Orchard Ridge UCC on May 31, 2025

Orchard Ridge

United Church of Christ

Sunday Worship Resources

Sunday, June 1

The Seventh Sunday of Easter

Celebrating Children & Youth Ministry

and Graduating Seniors

9:00 am – Parents Together Peer Support Group

Romero Room

9:00 am – Children & Youth Faith Formation

10:00 am – Worship

Sermon: Kate Mackey

Lay Liturgists: Josie Gasser & Ben Lancor

Musical Offerings: TRU Function

Sacrament of Holy Communion

Ice Cream Sundae Social after worship

Click Here for Printable Bulletin

Join our Worship virtually

on YouTube any time after 10 am:

YouTube Link

You will need to refresh the page

after 10 am if you have opened it before

June Compassion Offering:

Refugee Resettlement in Dane County

The June Compassion Offering is Refugee Resettlement and Immigrant Services at Jewish Social Services of Madison (JSS). JSS works to empower individuals and families across cultures and generations through compassionate, community-based support. Rooted in Jewish values and open to all, JSS provides critical services across Dane County—from senior and family support, immigrant assistance, spiritual care, programs addressing housing insecurity, and a weekly meal site. At the heart of this work is a deep commitment to caring for the vulnerable and welcoming the stranger.

The Refugee Resettlement and Immigrant Services Program, the largest at JSS, has been a cornerstone of the JSS mission since the aftermath of World War II. Since then, JSS has successfully settled newcomers from around the world. Recently, the federal government cut off funding for recently arrived refugees, promised them to build new lives here and to thrive as our neighbors. JSS remains steadfast in its commitment to these individuals and families—offering housing support, case management, and a compassionate welcome. Your support through the Compassion Offering helps bridge a critical funding gap and will honor our promise to those seeking safety and and a new beginning in Madison.

Senior Pastor: Rev. Dr. Julia Burkey EMAIL

Associate Pastor: Rev. Kate Mackey EMAIL

Associate Pastor: Rev. Ken Pennings EMAIL

Director of Children’s Arts and Education: Julie Mazer EMAIL

Office Manager George Decker

608-271-7212 or EMAIL



LIKE or FOLLOW the Orchard Ridge Facebook Page

JOIN our Private FB Group:

“Members & Friends of Orchard Ridge UCC“

Follow us on Instagram @orchardridgeucc

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

ORUCC Weekly Announcements for May 29th

Orchard Ridge UCC on May 29, 2025

Spiritually Alive, Joyfully Inclusive, Committed to Justice

Weekly Announcements

for Thursday, May 29

Meditation Group–Zoom only

Friday, May 30

9:30 – 10:30 am

Zoom

Sue Dixon

Sunday, June 1

The Seventh Sunday of Easter

Celebrating Children & Youth Ministry

and Graduating Seniors

9:00 am – Parents Together Peer Support Group

Romero Room

9:00 am – Children & Youth Faith Formation

10:00 am – Worship

Sermon: Kate Mackey

Lay Liturgists: Josie Gasser & Ben Lancor

Musical Offerings: TRU Function

Ice Cream Sundae Social after worship

Meditation Group

Thursday, June 5

8:30 – 9:30 am

Romero Room

Becky Baumbach

June Compassion Offering:

Refugee Resettlement in Dane County

The June Compassion Offering is Refugee Resettlement and Immigrant Services at Jewish Social Services of Madison (JSS). JSS works to empower individuals and families across cultures and generations through compassionate, community-based support. Rooted in Jewish values and open to all, JSS provides critical services across Dane County—from senior and family support, immigrant assistance, spiritual care, programs addressing housing insecurity, and a weekly meal site. At the heart of this work is a deep commitment to caring for the vulnerable and welcoming the stranger.

The Refugee Resettlement and Immigrant Services Program, the largest at JSS, has been a cornerstone of the JSS mission since the aftermath of World War II. Since then, JSS has successfully settled newcomers from around the world. Recently, the federal government cut off funding for recently arrived refugees, promised them to build new lives here and to thrive as our neighbors. JSS remains steadfast in its commitment to these individuals and families—offering housing support, case management, and a compassionate welcome. Your support through the Compassion Offering helps bridge a critical funding gap and will honor our promise to those seeking safety and a new beginning in Madison.

June 22nd Sunday Morning Summer Solstice Outdoor Worship hosted by Flicker Wild Church

End of May greetings, Orchard Ridge UCC!

 

After a flurry of blossoming, here at the end of May it’s as if all of a sudden all the leaves on the trees are out, and the daisies and other wildflowers are welcoming back their summer friends, the hummingbirds and the butterflies. Amid the buzzing, bumptious energy of the season, it’s been a joy for us as a family to celebrate Kindred’s first birthday, and as I’ve been reflecting on the first year of her life, gratitude has been welling up for you all—for the love and kindness and generosity of spirit that ORUCC has wrapped her and our whole family up in. I feel so blessed to be a part of such a joyful, welcoming, progressive spiritual community, and for ORUCC to be the spiritual home for us and for our daughters. Thank you!

 

I appreciate how at ORUCC there’s an understanding that “all of the congregants are ministers,” as the weekly bulletin puts it. For me, my ministry efforts (in addition to vocations of family and writing), have been directed to planting a new church start – Flicker Wild Church. Flicker started gathering on the Fall Equinox of 2023 out of a sense of call to host outdoor, seasonal, and earth-honoring spiritual community. The seeds of it trace back to a “wild church” circle that the ORUCC Care of Creation team organized when they did a study of my book. From the start of Flicker, participation from ORUCC folks has been integral to our community. After almost two-years now, I’m excited to share that Flicker has continued to emerge, grow, and cohere into a vibrant spiritual community! With a few grants from the Wisconsin Conference and national setting of the UCC, I am stepping into a more formal role of “Convening Pastor.” We recently made a video introducing ourselves – hopefully you can feel some of the spirit here.If you’d like to experience Flicker our Solstice gathering will be June 20th, 6pm at Holy Wisdom Monastery. 

 

On Sunday, June 22nd we will be offering an ORUCC x Flicker Wild Church collaborative, outdoor worship experience at our 10am hour. We’ll gather outside on the church lawn, in a circle, around a fire, and we will link our day’s praise to the liturgy of the Solstice season and to the day. And then following worship, we’ll offer a chance to learn more about Flicker and the Wild Church Network during a Q&A conversation, which Rachel Bauman, Associate Conference Minister will be joining us for. I look forward to worshipping with you on the 22nd, and to sharing a glimpse into “wild church” with our ORUCC community. 

 

Blessings,

Daniel Cooperrider (Pastor Julia Burkey’s spouse)

—

Daniel Cooperrider, Convening Pastor of Flicker Wild Church & author of Speak with the Earth and It Will Teach You: A Field Guide to the Bible (Pilgrim Press), Gold Winner in the 2023 Nautilus Book Awards. danielcooperrider.com
childrens-bookshelf.jpg

Women’s Book Group to meet June 5th

Please join the Women’s Book Group on June 5th at 1:30pm. Leslie is back from their travels and will lead us in discussing The Crossing Places by Emily Griffith. We will meet in-person in the Alfred Swan room and on Zoom. July’s book will be Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt. Deanna Blanchard is the contact person.
breakfast.jpg

Friday Breakfast Group – June 6th, 9:00 a.m. 

 

The next Friday Breakfast is set for June 6 at 9:00 am at Denny’s, 433 S. Gammon Road. All are welcome! The group meets on the first Friday of the month and includes both men and women. Join us for this informal chance to connect and converse on many topics. Contact Louise Jeanne, Link for more information.

Stay up to date on ORUCC Children and Youth happenings

Want to stay up to date on the latest with children and youth at ORUCC? Check out our weekly updates here:

https://orucc.org/keeping-current/children-and-youth-news//

Summer Intergenerational Pen Pals

The summer pen pals initiative presents a wonderful opportunity for our congregation to connect across generations. Older and younger pen pals will be paired up to share in a fun and meaningful exchange of experiences, stories, and encouragement. Participants will commit to sending three heartfelt snail-mail letters throughout the summer.

 

At this time, we are gathering interest in the program. Please fill out THIS form or contact Julie or Kate if you would like to be considered for our Pen Pal program. The deadline to express interest is May 30th.

Witness from Palestine: Rev. El-Yateem Shares Firsthand Insights  

Rev. Khader El-Yateem, ELCA Executive Director for Service and Justice, will speak on Gaza and the West Bank: A Struggle for Survival Amid Genocide on Thursday, May 29 at 7:00pm at Midvale Community Lutheran Church in Madison. Recently returned from a solidarity visit to Palestine, he will share firsthand accounts of the current situation and the global response. All are welcome. Co-sponsored by the Wisconsin Interfaith Peace Working Group. Register here. Read more about the speaker and this event. 

See the Oscar-Winning Documentary No Other Land at Christ Presbyterian

Our Palestine Justice Mission Team invites you to sign up for a free screening of the 2025 Academy Award winner for Best Documentary Feature on Sunday, June 8 at 5 PM, Christ Presbyterian Church, 944 E Gorham. No Other Land tells the story of Palestinian resistance in the Masafer Yatta community. RSVP required. Donations will support impacted communities. This event is sponsored by local peace and justice groups.

[Watch the trailer | RSVP now | More information]

ORUCC Palestinian Justice Team–putting your faith into action!

The UCC leaders have clearly stated that if we are a JUST PEACE church, we must ACT in support of peace in Palestine! Our mission team has been working with our Madison Mennonite friends on this issue, joining their local & nationwide Mennonite Action vigils and letter writing campaigns.

ORUCC and other faith groups are invited to join Mennonite Action Madison, Madison Rafah Sister City Project, Jewish Voice for Peace, CODEPink, and Interfaith Peace Working Group at the “No Kings” march and rally in Madison on Saturday, June 14. 

The goal is to show a large Palestinian solidarity contingent marching together and speaking out against

·        the continued destruction of Gaza,                                                             

·        the blockade on humanitarian aid

·        and the increased violence in the West Bank.

Date: Saturday, June 14, 2025           Meeting Time: 1:45 pm

Meeting Location: Base of Bascom Hill (or edges of the crowd, depending on size of crowd)

Schedule: Gather at 1:45 pm, march at 2 pm from Library Mall to the Capitol, rally at 3 pm

Bring: Signs & banners (including name of your faith/peace group), Palestinian flags, keffiyehs

Ideas for signs and banners:

·        Send Aid, Not Bombs

·        Send Food, Not Bombs

·        Stop the Genocide

·        God Loves Gaza

·        Ceasefire NOW!

PLEASE JOIN US!

Questions? Contact [email protected], [email protected]  or [email protected]

Please Sign Up to Volunteer on Sunday Mornings!

AT ORUCC, the Members are the Ministers!

We are seeking volunteers to serve on Sunday mornings for in-person worship. You need not be a member, simply a person who loves ORUCC and is eager to find a place to serve! Young people are welcome to sign up, too!

 

Would you consider serving one or more times as a Coffee Maker, a Welcomer, an Usher, a Lay Liturgist or to assist with Holy Communion?

 

Feel free to sign up as an individual, a couple, or a family!

 

Click here to sign up as a Coffee Maker

Click here to sign up as a Welcomer

Click here to sign up as an Usher

Click here to sign up as a Lay Liturgist

Click here to assist with Holy Communion

 

  • Page #1: Choose the date you are available to volunteer and select the box that says “SIGN UP“.  Then, at the bottom of the page select the box “SAVE & CONTINUE“.
  • Page #2: Enter your first/last name and your email address. Then select the box at the bottom of the page “SIGN UP NOW“

 

Questions or problems signing up?

Contact Ken Pennings at [email protected] or 608-556-2371.

Spiritual

Nourishment

for you!

Daily Reflections: May 15 – 31

We are grateful for the ministry of Jeanne Moberly, who is a member of Adult Faith Formation, as she puts together a set of fresh readings every month for our devotional practice at Orchard Ridge UCC. Starting in June, we will be posting a full month (instead of week by week) of Daily Reflections. Today’s Daily Reflections are for the rest of May. If you know someone who needs encouragement and would like the devotional mailed to them, please contact the church office.

Daily Reflections: May 15 – 31

Office Manager George Decker

available Mon.-Thurs. 8:30am -12:30 pm

608-271-7212 or EMAIL

Senior Pastor Julia Burkey: available

Office hours: Tuesday – Thursday 9:30 am – 12:00 pm 

& by appointment Tuesday – Thursday 9:30 am – 5 pm

518-542-6915 EMAIL

Associate Pastor Ken Pennings: available

Tues.-Thurs. 10:00 am -5:00 pm 

by appointment

608-556-2371 EMAIL

Associate Pastor Kate Mackey: available

Mon.-Thurs. 8:00 am – 2:00 pm

by appointment

608-358-6143 EMAIL

Julia and Ken (try to) take Monday & Saturday as Sabbath days,

Kate Friday and Saturday

Friday is observed as a writing day for the preaching pastor.

In case of a pastoral emergency, please call any of the pastors, as all pastors are available by phone, text and we will always have a pastor on call who we can turn to.

LIKE or FOLLOW the Orchard Ridge FaceBook Page

JOIN our Private FB Group:

“Members & Friends of Orchard Ridge UCC“

Orchard Ridge United Church of Christ

1501 Gilbert Road

Madison, WI 53711

608-271-7212

Office Hours: M-Th 8:30-12:30
Facebook  Twitter  Pinterest

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

ORUCC June 1 Children and Youth News

Orchard Ridge UCC on May 28, 2025

ORUCC Children and Youth

Faith Formation Update

June 1, 2025

Dear Families,

This Sunday, June 1, is the close of the 2024-25 programming year! We have some special opportunities this coming Sunday in celebration:

PreK-6th Grade: At 9 am, all attending children are invited to the Bridges Room to create a Garden Mosaic Stepping Stone that will be placed in the ORUCC gardens.

Older youth (7th-H.S.): TRU Function will practice at 8:30 a.m. in preparation for worship.

Youth not in TRU Function will meet with Pastor Kate and Al for Breakfast Club to help set up for Worship and Sundae Sunday celebrations. Older youth may also participate in making a stepping stone if desired.

Then, at 10 am Worship, we will have a special recognition of our graduating Seniors and celebrate our children and youth ministry year. TRU Function will lead us in music. Be sure to stay for sundaes after worship!

Abby will be available in the Crossroads for Supported Childcare from 8:30-11:30. This service allows parents of children ages 0-5 to socialize and engage in the service, but encourages parents to stay nearby to assist their child, as well. 

For the rest of the summer, we’ll be coming to your inbox once a month with updates. Be sure to scroll down to be kept in the know of events and for a home prayer.

~Pastor Kate and Julie M.

Upcoming Events

  • June 1, 9:00 a.m. “Parents Together” Peer Support: Join other parents at ORUCC for a time to share in the joys and challenges of parenting while your kids are in Faith Formation. Led by Joanna and Claire, this peer support group is open to all parents of kids’ at any age or stage.
  • June 1, 10:00 a.m. Worship & “Sundae Sunday” Celebration: We will recognize our graduating Seniors, honor our children and youth ministry volunteers, and celebrate the end of the programming year with Ice Cream sundaes after worship!
  • June 6, 6:00-8:00 p.m. Family Game Night: Come for the final game night before a break for the summer. Join this casual time of fellowship with a potluck dinner and board games galore!
  • June 8, during worship: Children ages 6+ are invited to join Julie and Rachael to make Bee Boxes that will be hung around the ORUCC property.
  • June 15, Supported Childcare 9:30-11:30 in the Crossroads with Abby
  • June 15-21, Youth Service Trip to Kansas City, MO

At Orchard Ridge, we are Spiritually Alive!
pencil.jpg

Summer Intergenerational Pen Pals

The summer pen pals initiative presents a wonderful opportunity for our congregation to connect across generations. Older and younger pen pals will be paired up to share in a fun and meaningful exchange of experiences, stories, and encouragement. Participants will commit to sending three heartfelt snail-mail letters throughout the summer.

At this time, we are gathering interest in the program. Please fill out THIS form or contact Julie or Kate if you would like to be considered for our Pen Pal program. The deadline to express interest is May 30.

God the Creator Still at Work:

Faith Formation 5/18

Our 9 AM Faith Formation hour for PreK-6th grade began indoors with a time to reflect on the words of Psalm 104. The children later traveled outside to draw chalk images from the Psalm and continue to make observations about the world around them. Our time ended with an opportunity to share what they are grateful for in creation. See prayer below for instructions on how to recreate this experience at home.

“According to the psalmist, creation did not end in Genesis; it continues even today.

We see God watering the earth, causing grass and plants to grow to feed the animals and people, providing places for shelter, and marking the seasons. It is this important idea that the psalmist wants to communicate—creation continues, and God the Creator is still at work lovingly tending the earth and its creatures, both great and small,”

-From Path to Peace with Creation.

Home Prayer for the Week:

You are invited to use this prayer with your family to help deepen your faith together. Times you might consider sharing this prayer include before bedtime, at mealtime, or any other regular connecting moment you share with your child(ren). Does your family have a prayer practice or a favorite prayer? If you are comfortable sharing, please EMAIL JULIE, and your family’s prayer will be featured here.

A Prayer for the end of the school year:

On this day, God, I shine, shine, shine!

I feel proud and so happy-

I did it!

When I do great things, help me to remember this:

You love me when I do great things, and you love me when I don’t.

Your love is always there for me.

I don’t have to earn it.

-From Prayers for Faithful Families, Traci Smith

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

ORUCC –Donate Your Car for Neighbors in Need

Orchard Ridge UCC on May 27, 2025

Donate Your Car for Neighbors in Need

Here’s the new owner, a single working mom, poised to drive off in her 2006 Toyota Prius, donated by Jill Westberg — the 15th such donation processed by the Orchard Ridge Car Donation Mission Team.

 

The program began a few years ago when church members active in the South West Partnership became aware of the huge obstacle caused by lack of reliable inexpensive transportation for our neighbors. It seemed logical that older cars, owned by church members willing to donate them, could be fixed up a little bit and delivered to folks in need.

 

The Car Donation program depends on the generosity of church members — some who donate cars and some who contribute money so that this work will continue. So please contact the Mission Team — Baxter Richardson (chair), Jon Blanchard, Paul Eggerling-Boeck to learn more. 

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

Worship Resources for May 25, 2025

Orchard Ridge UCC on May 24, 2025

Orchard Ridge

United Church of Christ

Sunday Worship Resources

Sunday, May 25

The Sixth Sunday of Easter

10:00 am – Worship

Sermon: Julia Burkey

Lay Liturgist: Ginny Moore Kruse

Musical Offerings: Vicki Nonn

Click Here for Printable Bulletin

Join our Worship virtually

on YouTube any time after 10 am:

YouTube Link

You will need to refresh the page

after 10 am if you have opened it before

Please note that the church office will be closed Monday, May 26th in observance of Memorial Day. It will reopen Tuesday, May 27th at 8:30 am.

May Compassion Offering:

Madison Arcatao Sister City Project (MASCP)

The May Compassion Offering is for the Madison Arcatao Sister City Project (MASCP). Arcatao, El Salvador, is one of Madison’s ten sister cities. Since 1986, Madison and Arcatao have worked together to learn from each other in solidarity across international boundaries. As part of the U.S.-El Salvador Sister Cities (USESSC) network, MASCP works for social change by building and defending sustainable communities and economies. They communicate regularly with the community in Arcatao and lead delegations to learn what’s happening there and to share what’s happening here. The delegations then share what they’ve learned with the wider Madison community. 

 

Your donations will support college scholarships for students from Arcatao and projects in the Arcatao community and surrounding rural areas. Specific priorities are set locally by the community board, with community members or local businesspeople providing the labor. Recent efforts have included building a wall to protect against flooding and repairing two wells to filter out dangerous heavy metals. The wells will provide safe drinking water for over 500 families for the next 25 years. See the well project.

Senior Pastor: Rev. Dr. Julia Burkey EMAIL

Associate Pastor: Rev. Kate Mackey EMAIL

Associate Pastor: Rev. Ken Pennings EMAIL

Director of Children’s Arts and Education: Julie Mazer EMAIL

Office Manager George Decker

608-271-7212 or EMAIL



LIKE or FOLLOW the Orchard Ridge Facebook Page

JOIN our Private FB Group:

“Members & Friends of Orchard Ridge UCC“

Follow us on Instagram @orchardridgeucc

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

ORUCC Weekly Announcements for May 22nd

Orchard Ridge UCC on May 22, 2025

Spiritually Alive, Joyfully Inclusive, Committed to Justice

Weekly Announcements

for Thursday, May 22

Wayfinding Zoom

Thursday, May 22

4:00 – 5:00 pm

Join ZoomMeeting

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

 

Meeting ID:848 4588 6041

Passcode:115289

Meditation Group–Zoom only

Friday, May 23

9:30 – 10:30 am

Zoom

Sue Dixon

Sunday, May 25

The Sixth Sunday of Easter

10:00 am – Worship

Sermon: Julia Burkey

Lay Liturgist: Ginny Moore Kruse

Musical Offerings: Vicki Nonn

Men’s Group – In Person

Monday, May 26

7:15 – 8:45 pm

Swan Room

Jim McNamara

Meditation Group

Thursday, May 29

8:30 – 9:30 am

Romero Room

Becky Baumbach

Please note that the church office will be closed Monday, May 26th in observance of Memorial Day. It will reopen Tuesday, May 27th at 8:30 am.

May Compassion Offering:

Madison Arcatao Sister City Project (MASCP)

The May Compassion Offering is for the Madison Arcatao Sister City Project (MASCP). Arcatao, El Salvador, is one of Madison’s ten sister cities. Since 1986, Madison and Arcatao have worked together to learn from each other in solidarity across international boundaries. As part of the U.S.-El Salvador Sister Cities (USESSC) network, MASCP works for social change by building and defending sustainable communities and economies. They communicate regularly with the community in Arcatao and lead delegations to learn what’s happening there and to share what’s happening here. The delegations then share what they’ve learned with the wider Madison community. 

 

Your donations will support college scholarships for students from Arcatao and projects in the Arcatao community and surrounding rural areas. Specific priorities are set locally by the community board, with community members or local businesspeople providing the labor. Recent efforts have included building a wall to protect against flooding and repairing two wells to filter out dangerous heavy metals. The wells will provide safe drinking water for over 500 families for the next 25 years. See the well project.

May 23-25 Brat Fest Fundraiser for Youth Service Trip

One of the biggest fundraisers for the Youth Service Trip is coming up! All youth attending the Service Trip are expected to sign up to participate in the Brat Fest fundraiser. But did you know that anyone who would like to volunteer under our group’s name (Orchard Ridge UCC) will also have their hours counted toward our fundraiser? It’s true!

Please sign up here if you would like to participate.

Jane Ilgen Literacy Fund Update

The Jane Ilgen Literacy Fund provided books to 4K students at Orchard Ridge Elementary School. On May 5th “Books & Breakfast” was held for 40 students, their parents and their younger siblings. Madison Reading Project provided the books and Jane Ilgen Literacy provided the funding.

Each student received two books in a red bag, and a table was set up for them to choose a third book. The students could peruse a wide variety of books and this made for a lively discussion among them and their parents.

The Madison Reading Project has a mission to connect the community with free books and literacy resources to ignite a love for reading. Jane Ilgen, a long-time and beloved member of ORUCC, established the “Jane Ilgen Literacy Fund” in the fall of 2020. It reflects her passion for early childhood education and racial equity, especially among African-American children. The team at ORUCC welcomes additional ideas on ways to fulfill Jane’s legacy. Members are: Deanna Blanchard, Diane Dulin, LuAnn Greiner, Karen Jaehnig, Donna Lillethun, Jennifer Walker.

An appeal from John Leonard to help support Worker Justice Wisconsin

Please help me support Worker Justice Wisconsin (WJW) by making a donation through my page. You can reach my page at www.classy.org/fundraiser/6355486 or by using the QR code to the right.

WJW is a non-profit organization where non-union, mostly immigrant workers can go when they experience wage theft and other workplace problems. With a small but mighty team, they have recovered nearly $348,000 in stolen wages, incubated two worker cooperatives, helped organize four workplaces, and offered Workers’ Rights Training to nearly 1,900 people since 2022. WJW is the only worker center in the state of Wisconsin (by way of comparison, the city of Chicago has nine)!

For years, Worker Justice Wisconsin has made a tremendous impact in Dane County with a very tight budget, but their federal funding (22% of their annual budget) is in jeopardy. I am fundraising for their “Don’t Despair! Organize!” campaign to ensure that WJW can empower vulnerable workers to know and defend their rights well past the present crisis.  

Stay up to date on ORUCC Children and Youth happenings

Want to stay up to date on the latest with children and youth at ORUCC? Check out our weekly updates here:

https://orucc.org/keeping-current/children-and-youth-news//

Summer Intergenerational Pen Pals

The summer pen pals initiative presents a wonderful opportunity for our congregation to connect across generations. Older and younger pen pals will be paired up to share in a fun and meaningful exchange of experiences, stories, and encouragement. Participants will commit to sending three heartfelt snail-mail letters throughout the summer.

 

At this time, we are gathering interest in the program. Please fill out THIS form or contact Julie or Kate if you would like to be considered for our Pen Pal program. The deadline to express interest is May 30th.

Witness from Palestine: Rev. El-Yateem Shares Firsthand Insights  

Rev. Khader El-Yateem, ELCA Executive Director for Service and Justice, will speak on Gaza and the West Bank: A Struggle for Survival Amid Genocide on Thursday, May 29 at 7:00pm at Midvale Community Lutheran Church in Madison. Recently returned from a solidarity visit to Palestine, he will share firsthand accounts of the current situation and the global response. All are welcome. Co-sponsored by the Wisconsin Interfaith Peace Working Group. Register here. Read more about the speaker and this event. 

See the Oscar-Winning Documentary No Other Land at Christ Presbyterian

Our Palestine Justice Mission Team invites you to sign up for a free screening of the 2025 Academy Award winner for Best Documentary Feature on Sunday, June 8 at 5 PM, Christ Presbyterian Church, 944 E Gorham. No Other Land tells the story of Palestinian resistance in the Masafer Yatta community. RSVP required. Donations will support impacted communities. This event is sponsored by local peace and justice groups.

[Watch the trailer | RSVP now | More information]

Please Sign Up to Volunteer on Sunday Mornings!

AT ORUCC, the Members are the Ministers!

We are seeking volunteers to serve on Sunday mornings for in-person worship. You need not be a member, simply a person who loves ORUCC and is eager to find a place to serve! Young people are welcome to sign up, too!

 

Would you consider serving one or more times as a Coffee Maker, a Welcomer, an Usher, a Lay Liturgist or to assist with Holy Communion?

 

Feel free to sign up as an individual, a couple, or a family!

 

Click here to sign up as a Coffee Maker

Click here to sign up as a Welcomer

Click here to sign up as an Usher

Click here to sign up as a Lay Liturgist

Click here to assist with Holy Communion

 

  • Page #1: Choose the date you are available to volunteer and select the box that says “SIGN UP“.  Then, at the bottom of the page select the box “SAVE & CONTINUE“.
  • Page #2: Enter your first/last name and your email address. Then select the box at the bottom of the page “SIGN UP NOW“

 

Questions or problems signing up?

Contact Ken Pennings at [email protected] or 608-556-2371.

Spiritual

Nourishment

for you!

Daily Reflections: May 15 – 31

We are grateful for the ministry of Jeanne Moberly, who is a member of Adult Faith Formation, as she puts together a set of fresh readings every month for our devotional practice at Orchard Ridge UCC. Starting in June, we will be posting a full month (instead of week by week) of Daily Reflections. Today’s Daily Reflections are for the rest of May. If you know someone who needs encouragement and would like the devotional mailed to them, please contact the church office.

Daily Reflections: May 15 – 31

Office Manager George Decker

available Mon.-Thurs. 8:30am -12:30 pm

608-271-7212 or EMAIL

Senior Pastor Julia Burkey: available

Office hours: Tuesday – Thursday 9:30 am – 12:00 pm 

& by appointment Tuesday – Thursday 9:30 am – 5 pm

518-542-6915 EMAIL

Associate Pastor Ken Pennings: available

Tues.-Thurs. 10:00 am -5:00 pm 

by appointment

608-556-2371 EMAIL

Associate Pastor Kate Mackey: available

Mon.-Thurs. 8:00 am – 2:00 pm

by appointment

608-358-6143 EMAIL

Julia and Ken (try to) take Monday & Saturday as Sabbath days,

Kate Friday and Saturday

Friday is observed as a writing day for the preaching pastor.

In case of a pastoral emergency, please call any of the pastors, as all pastors are available by phone, text and we will always have a pastor on call who we can turn to.

LIKE or FOLLOW the Orchard Ridge FaceBook Page

JOIN our Private FB Group:

“Members & Friends of Orchard Ridge UCC“

Orchard Ridge United Church of Christ

1501 Gilbert Road

Madison, WI 53711

608-271-7212

Office Hours: M-Th 8:30-12:30
Facebook  Twitter  Pinterest

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

ORUCC May 25 Children and Youth News

Orchard Ridge UCC on May 21, 2025

ORUCC Children and Youth

Faith Formation Update

Sunday, May 25, 2025

Dear Families,

Due to the Memorial Day Holiday Weekend, we will not hold 9 AM Faith Formation this Sunday. Your child is welcome to attend the 10 am Worship Service. Najma and Jade will be available in the Nursery to care for children ages 0-5, 9:30-11:30. Scroll to the end of this email for a special prayer practice your family can engage in together. 

Music Opportunities this week: There will be no 10:00 a.m. Music Connections (2nd-6th grade). Children are encouraged to remain in worship with their families. TRU Function (youth band) will have their practice as normal from 10:00-noon.



At the bottom of the email, you will find some important dates for some fun events and photos of recent events.

~Pastor Kate and Julie M.

Upcoming Events

  • May 23-25 Brat Fest Fundraiser for Youth Service Trip: All youth attending the Service Trip are expected to sign up to participate in the Brat Fest fundraiser. Anyone else from the congregation who would like to volunteer under our group’s name (Orchard Ridge UCC) will also have their hours counted toward our fundraiser! Please sign up here if you would like to participate.
  • May 26, 6:30-8:00 p.m. Mandatory Service Trip Meeting: for any youth and chaperones attending this year’s service trip. We will go over important information as we share fellowship together.
  • June 1, Sundae Sunday: Final day of Faith Formation for children and Youth for the programming year. During worship we will have a special recognition of our graduating Seniors and celebrate our children and youth ministry year. Stay for sundaes after worship!
  • June 1, 9:00 a.m. “Parents Together” Peer Support: Join other parents at ORUCC for a time to share in the joys and challenges of parenting while your kids are in Faith Formation. Led by Joanna and Claire, this peer support group is open to all parents of kids’ at any age or stage.
  • June 6, 6:00-8:00 p.m. Family Game Night: Come for the final game night before a break for the summer. Join this casual time of fellowship with a potluck dinner and board games galore!

At Orchard Ridge, we are Spiritually Alive!
pencil.jpg

Summer Intergenerational Pen Pals

The summer pen pals initiative presents a wonderful opportunity for our congregation to connect across generations. Older and younger pen pals will be paired up to share in a fun and meaningful exchange of experiences, stories, and encouragement. Participants will commit to sending three heartfelt snail-mail letters throughout the summer.

At this time, we are gathering interest in the program. Please fill out THIS form or contact Julie or Kate if you would like to be considered for our Pen Pal program. The deadline to express interest is May 30.

God the Creator Still at Work:

Faith Formation 5/18

Our 9 AM Faith Formation hour for PreK-6th grade began indoors with a time to reflect on the words of Psalm 104. The children later traveled outside to draw chalk images from the Psalm and continue to make observations about the world around them. Our time ended with an opportunity to share what they are grateful for in creation. See prayer below for instructions on how to recreate this experience at home.

“According to the psalmist, creation did not end in Genesis; it continues even today.

We see God watering the earth, causing grass and plants to grow to feed the animals and people, providing places for shelter, and marking the seasons. It is this important idea that the psalmist wants to communicate—creation continues, and God the Creator is still at work lovingly tending the earth and its creatures, both great and small,”

-From Path to Peace with Creation.

Home Prayer for the Week:

You are invited to use this prayer with your family to help deepen your faith together. Times you might consider sharing this prayer include before bedtime, at mealtime, or any other regular connecting moment you share with your child(ren). Does your family have a prayer practice or a favorite prayer? If you are comfortable sharing, please EMAIL JULIE, and your family’s prayer will be featured here.

Create a “spring” of water as you express gratitude to God for the beauty of creation. Set a small bowl inside a large bowl or basin. Fill the small bowl half full of water. Give your family members several stones or marbles. As family members name something they are grateful for in creation, they can place a stone in the small bowl. Continue placing stones in the small bowl until the water overflows into the larger bowl or basin.

-From Path to Peace with Creation

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

ORUCC – Wayfinding May 21st and 22nd

Orchard Ridge UCC on May 20, 2025

May Wayfinding

Wednesday, May 21st

(in person) and Thursday, May 22nd (Zoom)

Dear Wayfinders,

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)

      

Join Zoom Meeting

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

 

Meeting ID: 848 4588 6041

Passcode: 115289

 

—

 

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

Worship Resources for May 18, 2025

Orchard Ridge UCC on May 17, 2025

Orchard Ridge

United Church of Christ

Sunday Worship Resources

Sunday, May 18

The Fifth Sunday of Easter

9:00 am – Adult Education in Friendship Hall:

The Madison Arcatao Sister City Project

(see below)

9:00 am - Faith Formation for Children and Youth

10:00 am – Worship

Sermon: Julia Burkey

Lay Liturgist: Bruce Gladstone

Musical Offerings: ORUCC Choir

Click Here for Printable Bulletin

Join our Worship virtually

on YouTube any time after 10 am:

YouTube Link

You will need to refresh the page

after 10 am if you have opened it before

May Compassion Offering:

Madison Arcatao Sister City Project (MASCP)

The May Compassion Offering is for the Madison Arcatao Sister City Project (MASCP). Arcatao, El Salvador, is one of Madison’s ten sister cities. Since 1986, Madison and Arcatao have worked together to learn from each other in solidarity across international boundaries. As part of the U.S.-El Salvador Sister Cities (USESSC) network, MASCP works for social change by building and defending sustainable communities and economies. They communicate regularly with the community in Arcatao and lead delegations to learn what’s happening there and to share what’s happening here. The delegations then share what they’ve learned with the wider Madison community. 

 

Your donations will support college scholarships for students from Arcatao and projects in the Arcatao community and surrounding rural areas. Specific priorities are set locally by the community board, with community members or local businesspeople providing the labor. Recent efforts have included building a wall to protect against flooding and repairing two wells to filter out dangerous heavy metals. The wells will provide safe drinking water for over 500 families for the next 25 years. See the well project.

Learn more about the Madison Arcatao Sister City Project before worship on Sunday, May 18th

Perhaps you’ve read in the news about the United States’ current political relationship with El Salvador. During the 9 am hour on Sunday, May 18th, MASCP invites you to a presentation about Madison’s history with our sister city, news from the 2025 delegation, and plans for continued advocacy.  

Senior Pastor: Rev. Dr. Julia Burkey EMAIL

Associate Pastor: Rev. Kate Mackey EMAIL

Associate Pastor: Rev. Ken Pennings EMAIL

Director of Children’s Arts and Education: Julie Mazer EMAIL

Office Manager George Decker

608-271-7212 or EMAIL



LIKE or FOLLOW the Orchard Ridge Facebook Page

JOIN our Private FB Group:

“Members & Friends of Orchard Ridge UCC“

Follow us on Instagram @orchardridgeucc

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

ORUCC Weekly Announcements for May 15th

Orchard Ridge UCC on May 15, 2025

Spiritually Alive, Joyfully Inclusive, Committed to Justice

Weekly Announcements

for Thursday, May 15

Meditation Group–Zoom only

Friday, May 16

9:30 – 10:30 am

Zoom

Sue Dixon

Sunday, May 18

The Fifth Sunday of Easter

9:00 am – Adult Education in Friendship Hall:

The Madison Arcatao Sister City Project

(see below)

9:00 am – Faith Formation for Children and Youth

10:00 am – Worship

Sermon: Julia Burkey

Lay Liturgist: Bruce Gladstone

Musical Offerings: ORUCC Choir

Wayfinding

Wednesday, May 21

9:30 – 11:15 am

Friendship Hall

Julia Burkey

Wayfinding Zoom

Thursday, May 22

4:00 – 5:00 pm

Join ZoomMeeting

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

 

Meeting ID:848 4588 6041

Passcode:115289

Meditation Group

Thursday, May 22

8:30 – 9:30 am

Romero Room

Becky Baumbach

May Compassion Offering:

Madison Arcatao Sister City Project (MASCP)

The May Compassion Offering is for the Madison Arcatao Sister City Project (MASCP). Arcatao, El Salvador, is one of Madison’s ten sister cities. Since 1986, Madison and Arcatao have worked together to learn from each other in solidarity across international boundaries. As part of the U.S.-El Salvador Sister Cities (USESSC) network, MASCP works for social change by building and defending sustainable communities and economies. They communicate regularly with the community in Arcatao and lead delegations to learn what’s happening there and to share what’s happening here. The delegations then share what they’ve learned with the wider Madison community. 

 

Your donations will support college scholarships for students from Arcatao and projects in the Arcatao community and surrounding rural areas. Specific priorities are set locally by the community board, with community members or local businesspeople providing the labor. Recent efforts have included building a wall to protect against flooding and repairing two wells to filter out dangerous heavy metals. The wells will provide safe drinking water for over 500 families for the next 25 years. See the well project.

Learn more about the Madison Arcatao Sister City Project before worship on Sunday, May 18th

Perhaps you’ve read in the news about the United States’ current political relationship with El Salvador. During the 9 am hour on Sunday, May 18th, MASCP invites you to a presentation about Madison’s history with our sister city, news from the 2025 delegation, and plans for continued advocacy.  

Our Generosity at Work: Compassion Offering for April

We are delighted to report that April’s Compassion Offering for UCC’s “One Great Hour of Sharing” (OGHS) amounted to $6,338.25. OGHS is a cornerstone of United Church of Christ’s mission and, among other things, supports global refugees working to reach new homes and build new lives

and addresses emergency needs arising from hurricanes, floods, fires, earthquakes. Thank you for your generous support of OGHS!

An appeal from John Leonard to help support Worker Justice Wisconsin

Please help me support Worker Justice Wisconsin (WJW) by making a donation through my page. You can reach my page at www.classy.org/fundraiser/6355486 or by using the QR code to the right.

WJW is a non-profit organization where non-union, mostly immigrant workers can go when they experience wage theft and other workplace problems. With a small but mighty team, they have recovered nearly $348,000 in stolen wages, incubated two worker cooperatives, helped organize four workplaces, and offered Workers’ Rights Training to nearly 1,900 people since 2022. WJW is the only worker center in the state of Wisconsin (by way of comparison, the city of Chicago has nine)!

For years, Worker Justice Wisconsin has made a tremendous impact in Dane County with a very tight budget, but their federal funding (22% of their annual budget) is in jeopardy. I am fundraising for their “Don’t Despair! Organize!” campaign to ensure that WJW can empower vulnerable workers to know and defend their rights well past the present crisis.  

Stay up to date on ORUCC Children and Youth happenings

Want to stay up to date on the latest with children and youth at ORUCC? Check out our weekly updates here:

https://orucc.org/keeping-current/children-and-youth-news//

Prayer Shawl Ministry update

The Prayer Shawl Ministry will take a meeting break for the summer. There is always a need for more shawls, so you are encouraged to continue crocheting and knitting on your own and turn in shawls to the church. If you need more yarn, please contact Sandra Dyer at (608) 271-2409.

May 23-25 Brat Fest Fundraiser for Youth Service Trip

One of the biggest fundraisers for the Youth Service Trip is coming up! All youth attending the Service Trip are expected to sign up to participate in the Brat Fest fundraiser. But did you know that anyone who would like to volunteer under our group’s name (Orchard Ridge UCC) will also have their hours counted toward our fundraiser? It’s true!

Please sign up here if you would like to participate.

Witness from Palestine: Rev. El-Yateem Shares Firsthand Insights  

Rev. Khader El-Yateem, ELCA Executive Director for Service and Justice, will speak on Gaza and the West Bank: A Struggle for Survival Amid Genocide on Thursday, May 29 at 7:00pm at Midvale Community Lutheran Church in Madison. Recently returned from a solidarity visit to Palestine, he will share firsthand accounts of the current situation and the global response. All are welcome. Co-sponsored by the Wisconsin Interfaith Peace Working Group. Register here. Read more about the speaker and this event. 

Please Sign Up to Volunteer on Sunday Mornings!

AT ORUCC, the Members are the Ministers!

We are seeking volunteers to serve on Sunday mornings for in-person worship. You need not be a member, simply a person who loves ORUCC and is eager to find a place to serve! Young people are welcome to sign up, too!

 

Would you consider serving one or more times as a Coffee Maker, a Welcomer, an Usher, a Lay Liturgist or to assist with Holy Communion?

 

Feel free to sign up as an individual, a couple, or a family!

 

Click here to sign up as a Coffee Maker

Click here to sign up as a Welcomer

Click here to sign up as an Usher

Click here to sign up as a Lay Liturgist

Click here to assist with Holy Communion

 

  • Page #1: Choose the date you are available to volunteer and select the box that says “SIGN UP“.  Then, at the bottom of the page select the box “SAVE & CONTINUE“.
  • Page #2: Enter your first/last name and your email address. Then select the box at the bottom of the page “SIGN UP NOW“

 

Questions or problems signing up?

Contact Ken Pennings at [email protected] or 608-556-2371.

Spiritual

Nourishment

for you!

Daily Reflections: May 15 – 31

We are grateful for the ministry of Jeanne Moberly, who is a member of Adult Faith Formation, as she puts together a set of fresh readings every month for our devotional practice at Orchard Ridge UCC. Starting in June, we will be posting a full month (instead of week by week) of Daily Reflections. Today’s Daily Reflections are for the rest of May. If you know someone who needs encouragement and would like the devotional mailed to them, please contact the church office.

Daily Reflections: May 15 – 31

Office Manager George Decker

available Mon.-Thurs. 8:30am -12:30 pm

608-271-7212 or EMAIL

Senior Pastor Julia Burkey: available

Office hours: Tuesday – Thursday 9:30 am – 12:00 pm 

& by appointment Tuesday – Thursday 9:30 am – 5 pm

518-542-6915 EMAIL

Associate Pastor Ken Pennings: available

Tues.-Thurs. 10:00 am -5:00 pm 

by appointment

608-556-2371 EMAIL

Associate Pastor Kate Mackey: available

Mon.-Thurs. 8:00 am – 2:00 pm

by appointment

608-358-6143 EMAIL

Julia and Ken (try to) take Monday & Saturday as Sabbath days,

Kate Friday and Saturday

Friday is observed as a writing day for the preaching pastor.

In case of a pastoral emergency, please call any of the pastors, as all pastors are available by phone, text and we will always have a pastor on call who we can turn to.

LIKE or FOLLOW the Orchard Ridge FaceBook Page

JOIN our Private FB Group:

“Members & Friends of Orchard Ridge UCC“

Orchard Ridge United Church of Christ

1501 Gilbert Road

Madison, WI 53711

608-271-7212

Office Hours: M-Th 8:30-12:30
Facebook  Twitter  Pinterest

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

ORUCC May 18 Children and Youth News

Orchard Ridge UCC on May 14, 2025

ORUCC Children and Youth

Faith Formation Update

Sunday, May 18, 2025

Dear Families,

We look forward to seeing you this week. Read on below for details about this opportunity and other things happening this Sunday. At the bottom of the email, you will find some important dates for some fun events and photos of recent events.

~Pastor Kate and Julie M.

Supported Childcare Najma will be available in the Crossroads 8:30-11:30. This service allows parents to socialize and engage in the service, but encourages parents to stay nearby to assist their child, as well. 

Children and Youth Faith Formation is at 9 am. 

PreK-6th Grade (Ruby Bridges Room): This week, the children will gather together to reflect upon the words of Psalm 104. Following the discussion, the children will be invited to explore multi-sensory stations to deepen their understanding of the text. Weather permitting, we’ll travel outdoors to draw and make observations of our natural surroundings. Megan, Barbara, and Marcia will guide the children through the experience.

7th-HS (Dorothy Day Room): Youth will join Kristin and Susan for the final session of “Tell Me About the Bible: Extraordinary Leaders”. This interactive series focuses on some lesser-known characters from the Bible who have something important to teach us about leadership. This week youth will learn about the story of Priscilla.

Music Opportunities for Children and Youth

Music Connections: Following the children’s moment in worship, children in grades 2-6 are invited to join Julie downstairs in the Friedrich Bonhoeffer room for our final Music Connections of the 2024-25 programming year. This week, we’ll freely explore many the many instruments in our collection – African Drums, xylophones, and ukuleles. We are in need of a Safe Sanctuary volunteer. Can you help? Email Julie if you, or your teen, can. 

TRU Function: Practice from 10-noon in the Haynes Music Room.

Upcoming Events

  • May 23-25 Brat Fest Fundraiser for Youth Service Trip: All youth attending the Service Trip are expected to sign up to participate in the Brat Fest fundraiser. Anyone else from the congregation who would like to volunteer under our group’s name (Orchard Ridge UCC) will also have their hours counted toward our fundraiser! Please sign up here if you would like to participate.
  • May 25 No 9 AM Faith Formation or 10 AM Music Connections
  • May 26, 6:30-8:00 p.m. Mandatory Service Trip Meeting: for any youth and chaperones attending this year’s service trip. We will go over important information as we share fellowship together.
  • June 1, Sundae Sunday: Final day of Faith Formation for children and Youth for the programming year. During worship we will have a special recognition of our graduating Seniors and celebrate our children and youth ministry year. Stay for sundaes after worship!
  • June 6, 6:00-8:00 Family Game Night: Come for the final game night before a break for the summer. Join this casual time of fellowship with a potluck dinner and board games galore!

At Orchard Ridge, we are Spiritually Alive!

May 10 – Celebrating Pat Hale’s 100th Birthday

On Sunday, our children helped to brighten Pat Hale’s birthday celebration with handmade tissue paper flowers and a poster.

Creation Care Sunday!

On Sunday, May 4, we had a special Creation Care celebration. During the 9 am Faith Formation hour, members of our Care of Creation team led the children and youth in an outdoor nature scavenger hunt. In mixed-age teams, everyone had the opportunity to discover the variety of plants surrounding the church. The children also gathered natural materials that will be used later this summer in a hands-on project to create bee homes for our gardens.

During worship. The children of Music Connections (accompanied by several of their parents) shared an engaging reflection on the Creation narrative with words, music, movement, and art in lieu of a traditional sermon. The Earth Quilt that the children had worked on this spring also made its debut! It was a lovely morning celebrating the beauty of God’s creation in this springtime season. 

Home Prayer for the Week:

You are invited to use this prayer with your family to help deepen your faith together. Times you might consider sharing this prayer include before bedtime, at mealtime, or any other regular connecting moment you share with your child(ren). Does your family have a prayer practice or a favorite prayer? If you are comfortable sharing, please EMAIL JULIE, and your family’s prayer will be featured here.

Praying in Color: A hands on home prayer exercise. From https://prayingincolor.com/praying-in-color

What you’ll need:

  1. Paper
  2. Pen
  3. Colored markers or colored pencils or colored gel pens
  4. A table or clipboard or book to put your paper on.

1) Write your name for God on a piece of paper. Draw a shape around it or just start to doodle. Let your pen take you for a walk. The drawing becomes a prayer space, a small prayer closet.

2) Add marks and shapes. Focus on the name you chose. Ask God to be part of your prayer time. If words come to you, pray them; if not, rest in the silence. Think of each stroke as a nonverbal prayer.

3) To pray for a person, write their name somewhere else on the page. Draw around the name. Add color. Keep drawing as you release the person into God’s care.

4) Add other people to your drawing. Think of each stroke of your pen as a prayer for them. Take a breath or say “Amen” between each person.

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

Worship Resources for May 11, 2025

Orchard Ridge UCC on May 10, 2025

Orchard Ridge

United Church of Christ

Sunday Worship Resources

Sunday, May 11

The Fourth Sunday of Easter

9:00 am For Adults:

Java & Jesus in the Alfred Swan Room

(see below)

9:00 am For Children and Youth:

Faith Formation

10:00 am Worship

Sermon: Ken Pennings

Lay Liturgist: Laura Conners

Musical Offerings: Handbell Choir

11:15 am Pat Hale’s 100th Birthday Celebration

All are welcome!

Friendship Hall

(see below)

Embroidery Sale to support Madison Arcatao Sister City Project before & after worship

Click Here for Printable Bulletin

Join our Worship virtually

on YouTube any time after 10 am:

YouTube Link

You will need to refresh the page

after 10 am if you have opened it before

Please note: Senior Pastor Julia Burkey is away on a spiritual retreat May 7 – 11. Please feel free contact Associate Pastor Ken Pennings or Associate Pastor Kate Mackey for any pastoral needs during this time.

Java & Jesus

Sunday, May 11th, 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!

Please read ahead of time and come prepared to discuss the story of Rebekah, Jacob, Esau, & Issac from the book of Genesis in the Hebrew Bible along with some discussion questions.

Click here for the reading

– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

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
party_candles_cake.jpg

Come celebrate Pat Hale’s 100th birthday after worship!

Please join us in Friendship Hall after Sunday’s worship for birthday cake and punch to celebrate the 100th birthday of our own Pat Hale!

May Compassion Offering:

Madison Arcatao Sister City Project (MASCP)

The May Compassion Offering is for the Madison Arcatao Sister City Project (MASCP). Arcatao, El Salvador, is one of Madison’s ten sister cities. Since 1986, Madison and Arcatao have worked together to learn from each other in solidarity across international boundaries. As part of the U.S.-El Salvador Sister Cities (USESSC) network, MASCP works for social change by building and defending sustainable communities and economies. They communicate regularly with the community in Arcatao and lead delegations to learn what’s happening there and to share what’s happening here. The delegations then share what they’ve learned with the wider Madison community. 

 

Your donations will support college scholarships for students from Arcatao and projects in the Arcatao community and surrounding rural areas. Specific priorities are set locally by the community board, with community members or local businesspeople providing the labor. Recent efforts have included building a wall to protect against flooding and repairing two wells to filter out dangerous heavy metals. The wells will provide safe drinking water for over 500 families for the next 25 years. See the well project.

Buy Fair Trade Embroidery from El Salvador this Sunday, May 11th

Madison Arcatao Sister City Project supports the women’s embroidery cooperative in Arcatao by purchasing items to sell in Madison. Shop at the MASCP pop-up shop at church before and after worship this Sunday, May 11th. T-shirts, cards, bags, and napkins are just some of the unique treasures you’ll find.

Senior Pastor: Rev. Dr. Julia Burkey EMAIL

Associate Pastor: Rev. Kate Mackey EMAIL

Associate Pastor: Rev. Ken Pennings EMAIL

Director of Children’s Arts and Education: Julie Mazer EMAIL

Office Manager George Decker

608-271-7212 or EMAIL



LIKE or FOLLOW the Orchard Ridge Facebook Page

JOIN our Private FB Group:

“Members & Friends of Orchard Ridge UCC“

Follow us on Instagram @orchardridgeucc

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

ORUCC Weekly Announcements for May 8th

Orchard Ridge UCC on May 8, 2025

Spiritually Alive, Joyfully Inclusive, Committed to Justice

Weekly Announcements

for Thursday, May 8

“Godly Living in Ungodly Times” Class

Thursday, May 8

10:00 – 11:30 am

Swan Room

David Anderman

(see below)

Meditation Group–Zoom only

Friday, May 9

9:30 – 10:30 am

Zoom

Sue Dixon

Sunday, May 11

The Fourth Sunday of Easter

9:00 am For Adults:

Java & Jesus in the Alfred Swan Room

9:00 am For Children and Youth:

Faith Formation

10:00 am Worship

Sermon: Ken Pennings

Lay Liturgist: Laura Conners

Musical Offerings: Handbell Choir

11:15 am Pat Hale’s 100th Birthday Celebration

All are welcome!

Friendship Hall

(see below)

Embroidery Sale to support Madison Arcatao Sister City Project before & after worship

Men’s Group in-person

Monday, May 12

7:15 – 8:30 pm

Dorothy Day Room / Oscar Romero Room

Jim McNamara

Lunch and Learn

Wednesday, May 14

11:30 am

Friendship Hall

(see below)

Last Choir Practice of the Season

Wednesday, May 14

7:00 – 8:30 pm

Music Room or Worship Hall

Bruce Gladstone

Meditation Group

Thursday, May 15

8:30 – 9:30 am

Romero Room

Becky Baumbach

Please note: Senior Pastor Julia Burkey will be away on a spiritual retreat May 7 – 11. Please feel free contact Associate Pastor Ken Pennings or Associate Pastor Kate Mackey for any pastoral needs during this time.
party_candles_cake.jpg

Come celebrate Pat Hale’s 100th birthday after Sunday’s worship!

Please join us in Friendship Hall after Sunday’s worship for birthday cake and punch to celebrate the 100th birthday of our own Pat Hale!

May Compassion Offering:

Madison Arcatao Sister City Project (MASCP)

The May Compassion Offering is for the Madison Arcatao Sister City Project (MASCP). Arcatao, El Salvador, is one of Madison’s ten sister cities. Since 1986, Madison and Arcatao have worked together to learn from each other in solidarity across international boundaries. As part of the U.S.-El Salvador Sister Cities (USESSC) network, MASCP works for social change by building and defending sustainable communities and economies. They communicate regularly with the community in Arcatao and lead delegations to learn what’s happening there and to share what’s happening here. The delegations then share what they’ve learned with the wider Madison community. 

 

Your donations will support college scholarships for students from Arcatao and projects in the Arcatao community and surrounding rural areas. Specific priorities are set locally by the community board, with community members or local businesspeople providing the labor. Recent efforts have included building a wall to protect against flooding and repairing two wells to filter out dangerous heavy metals. The wells will provide safe drinking water for over 500 families for the next 25 years. See the well project.

Buy Fair Trade Embroidery from El Salvador this Sunday, May 11th

Madison Arcatao Sister City Project supports the women’s embroidery cooperative in Arcatao by purchasing items to sell in Madison. Shop at the MASCP pop-up shop at church before and after worship this Sunday, May 11th. T-shirts, cards, bags, and napkins are just some of the unique treasures you’ll find.

Learn more about the Madison Arcatao Sister City Project before worship on Sunday, May 18th

Perhaps you’ve read in the news about the United States’ current political relationship with El Salvador. During the 9 am hour on Sunday, May 18th, MASCP invites you to a presentation about Madison’s history with our sister city, news from the 2025 delegation, and plans for continued advocacy.  

“Godly Living in Ungodly Times” class continues this morning, Thursday, May 8th

The Godly Living in Ungodly Times class will meet again today, 10-11:30 am, in person in the Swan Room and via Zoom, and 7-8:30 pm Zoom only.

The Zoom link for this morning’s class is:  https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81642534898?pwd=QJHI0cbOOca9pmYLNSxPvPilDqjZ

The Zoom link for this evening’s class is:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83262009425?pwd=XiAuwXZGhQWxzUAxTAaiMkL07b1z

Classes will be held for three sessions after Easter. Contact David Anderman at [email protected] if you have questions.

Plastic recycling campaign was a 1,000-pound success!

We did it! Together we collected 1,000 pounds of plastic in six months, keeping it out of the landfill and recycling it into this fabulous bench that now graces the landscape of ORUCC. 

If you’d like to continue to recycle your plastics, take them to your local grocery store. Hy-Vee and MetroMart participate in the NetTrex program that provided our beautiful bench. They recycle bags into plastic wood products. 

Recyclable items include plastic bags, bubble wrap, toilet paper wrapping, cereal bags, etc. Look for the recycling symbol ♻️, most are number 4. Items that are not allowed 🚫 include hard plastics (milk bottles, yogurt containers), dog food bags, frozen food bags, and anything that says it is not recyclable! Blue Amazon mailers are okay, orange ones are not!

ORUCC Car Donation Team processes its 15th car donation!

Here’s the new owner, a single working mom, poised to drive off in her 2006 Toyota Prius, donated by Jill Westberg — the 15th such donation processed by the Orchard Ridge Car Donation Mission Team.

 

The program began a few years ago when church members active in the South West Partnership became aware of the huge obstacle caused by lack of reliable inexpensive transportation for our neighbors. It seemed logical that older cars, owned by church members willing to donate them, could be fixed up a little bit and delivered to folks in need.

 

The Car Donation program depends on the generosity of church members — some who donate cars and some who contribute money so that this work will continue. So please contact the Mission Team — Baxter Richardson (chair), Jon Blanchard, Paul Eggerling-Boeck to learn more.
piano-theater-sm.jpg

David Allen performs at Oakwood on Monday, May 12th

On Monday, May 12th at 7pm, David Allen is pleased to return to Oakwood for a solo piano performance. Original improvisations of classical, pop, and jazz tunes will feature composers Frank Ocean, Bill Evans, Elton John, Bix Beiderbecke, Jerome Kern, Mozart, and JS Bach. Donations will once again benefit the ORUCC Youth program. 

Lunch & Learn: Wednesday, May 14th at 11:30 am

 

Rev. Kate Mackey will present our program on “Generations: Understanding Who We Are”

 

Have you ever looked at anyone older or younger than you, and wondered, “How can we be so different?” Experts say that there are now at least five distinct generations living together in our country, and the Church is one of the few places left where people of all generations have an opportunity to cross paths. This generational mixing is a gift of the congregational church, and also a challenge. Without developing a compassionate understanding of generational differences, misunderstandings can arise. We will dive into the excellent resource Generations by Jean M. Twenge to learn about the different generations alive today (Silents, Boomers, Gen X, Millennials, and Gen Z, plus the upcoming “Polars”), and what each generation’s distinct experiences could mean for us as a community of faith. 

 

Rev. Kate Mackey is the Associate Pastor for Children, Youth and Families at Orchard Ridge UCC. In addition to her work in congregational ministry, she has served as a chaplain in several hospital settings and at Mendota Mental Health Institute. Kate completed her M.Div at The Seattle School of Theology & Psychology, and she is endlessly curious about how humans relate to one another and to the Divine.

 

Our meal will be a “generational picnic”. The meal donation is $10.  Please email Steve Sheets with your RSVP.  We need the count for the Hospitality Team!   [email protected]

How UCC Mission Partners bring hope to the Holy Land

Rescheduled to Sunday, June 29th,

at 9:00 am,

in Friendship Hall

During the past 16 years, ORUCC members Diane Dulin and Tom Beilman have traveled multiple times to the Holy Land. They’ve seen firsthand how UCC Mission Partners (partner organizations) bring hope and friendship to oppressed peoples, amidst the constant stress of military occupation. Come and hear inspiring, informative stories about the vital work of these Mission Partners.
graduation_cap.jpg

Six Page College Scholarship winners at ORUCC announced!

Congratulations to the ORUCC winners of 2025 UCC Frank E. Page College Scholarships: Lila and Rex Eggerling-Boeck, Josie Gilbert, Joseph and Madeline Miller, and Gavin Muckian. There were 16 award winners from Dane Co-area UCC churches, six of whom were from ORUCC.

Stay up to date on ORUCC Children and Youth happenings

Want to stay up to date on the latest with children and youth at ORUCC? Check out our weekly updates here:

https://orucc.org/keeping-current/children-and-youth-news//

Volunteer Opportunity at Camp Awesum

Camp Awesum Family Camp is a weeklong summer camp at Moon Beach for families with kids on the autism spectrum. Volunteers are needed! Volunteers supervise activities for the kids, giving parents respite during the first half of the day; in most afternoons, volunteers get to enjoy Moon Beach! You don’t need to be an autism expert; just bring your caring, patient self. We need volunteers for weeks in June and August. If you’re interested or want more information, please reach out to Hal Evensen – volunteer since 2017 – or one of the pastors. Thank you for your consideration! Additionally, you can click here for more information: https://bit.ly/ORUCC-Awesum

May 23-25 Brat Fest Fundraiser for Youth Service Trip

One of the biggest fundraisers for the Youth Service Trip is coming up! All youth attending the Service Trip are expected to sign up to participate in the Brat Fest fundraiser. But did you know that anyone who would like to volunteer under our group’s name (Orchard Ridge UCC) will also have their hours counted toward our fundraiser? It’s true!

Please sign up here if you would like to participate.

Please Sign Up to Volunteer on Sunday Mornings!

AT ORUCC, the Members are the Ministers!

We are seeking volunteers to serve on Sunday mornings for in-person worship. You need not be a member, simply a person who loves ORUCC and is eager to find a place to serve! Young people are welcome to sign up, too!

 

Would you consider serving one or more times as a Coffee Maker, a Welcomer, an Usher, a Lay Liturgist or to assist with Holy Communion?

 

Feel free to sign up as an individual, a couple, or a family!

 

Click here to sign up as a Coffee Maker

Click here to sign up as a Welcomer

Click here to sign up as an Usher

Click here to sign up as a Lay Liturgist

Click here to assist with Holy Communion

 

  • Page #1: Choose the date you are available to volunteer and select the box that says “SIGN UP“.  Then, at the bottom of the page select the box “SAVE & CONTINUE“.
  • Page #2: Enter your first/last name and your email address. Then select the box at the bottom of the page “SIGN UP NOW“

 

Questions or problems signing up?

Contact Ken Pennings at [email protected] or 608-556-2371.

Spiritual

Nourishment

for you!

Daily Reflections: May 8 – 14

We are grateful for the ministry of Jeanne Moberly, who is a member of Adult Faith Formation, as she puts together a set of fresh readings every week for our devotional practice at Orchard Ridge UCC. If you know someone who needs encouragement and would like the devotional mailed to them, please contact the church office.

Daily Reflections: May 8 – 14

Office Manager George Decker

available Mon.-Thurs. 8:30am -12:30 pm

608-271-7212 or EMAIL

Senior Pastor Julia Burkey: available

Office hours: Tuesday – Thursday 9:30 am – 12:00 pm 

& by appointment Tuesday – Thursday 9:30 am – 5 pm

518-542-6915 EMAIL

Associate Pastor Ken Pennings: available

Tues.-Thurs. 10:00 am -5:00 pm 

by appointment

608-556-2371 EMAIL

Associate Pastor Kate Mackey: available

Mon.-Thurs. 8:00 am – 2:00 pm

by appointment

608-358-6143 EMAIL

Julia and Ken (try to) take Monday & Saturday as Sabbath days,

Kate Friday and Saturday

Friday is observed as a writing day for the preaching pastor.

In case of a pastoral emergency, please call any of the pastors, as all pastors are available by phone, text and we will always have a pastor on call who we can turn to.

LIKE or FOLLOW the Orchard Ridge FaceBook Page

JOIN our Private FB Group:

“Members & Friends of Orchard Ridge UCC“

Orchard Ridge United Church of Christ

1501 Gilbert Road

Madison, WI 53711

608-271-7212

Office Hours: M-Th 8:30-12:30
Facebook  Twitter  Pinterest

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

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

Orchard Ridge UCC on May 8, 2025

Java & Jesus

Sunday, May 11th, 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!

Please read ahead of time and come prepared to discuss the story of Rebekah, Jacob, Esau, & Issac from the book of Genesis in the Hebrew Bible along with some discussion questions.

Click here for the reading

– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

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 May 11 Children and Youth News

Orchard Ridge UCC on May 7, 2025

ORUCC Children and Youth

Faith Formation Update

Sunday, May 11, 2025

Dear Families,

We look forward to seeing you this week. Read on below for details about this opportunity and other things happening this Sunday. At the bottom of the email, you will find some important dates for some fun events and photos of recent events.

~Pastor Kate and Julie M.

Supported Childcare Najma will be available in the Crossroads 8:30-11:30. This service allows parents to socialize and engage in the service, but encourages parents to stay nearby to assist their child, as well. 

Children and Youth Faith Formation is at 9 am. 

PreK-6th Grade (Ruby Bridges Room): This week, the children will gather together for a special Mother’s Day lesson. We’ll reflect on the words of Ephesians 6:1-3, play a “Matriarchs of the Bible” Memory Game, and create something for the mothers in our lives. Josie and Julie M. will guide the children in this experience.

Your child will wait for you in the classroom before moving to the sanctuary for worship at 10 am. 

7th-HS (Dorothy Day Room): Youth will join Kristin and Susan to resume the third of four sessions on “Tell Me About the Bible: Extraordinary Leaders”. This interactive series focuses on some lesser-known characters from the Bible who have something important to teach us about leadership. This week youth will learn about the story of Phoebe.

Music Opportunities for Children and Youth

Music Connections: Following the children’s moment in worship, children in grades 2-6 are invited to join Julie downstairs in the Friedrich Bonhoeffer room for creative movement and a drum circle. We are in need of a Safe Sanctuary volunteer. Can you help? Email Julie if you, or your teen, can. 

Older youth are invited to stay in worship or participate in Music Connections as a helper. If your child wishes to be a helper, please connect with Julie to chat about expectations. In agreement with our church’s Safe Sanctuary policy, two adults must be present in a room when working with children. Sign up to volunteer. 

TRU Function: Practice from 10-noon in the Haynes Music Room.

Upcoming Events

  • May 23-25 Brat Fest Fundraiser for Youth Service Trip: All youth attending the Service Trip are expected to sign up to participate in the Brat Fest fundraiser. Anyone else from the congregation who would like to volunteer under our group’s name (Orchard Ridge UCC) will also have their hours counted toward our fundraiser! Please sign up here if you would like to participate.
  • May 26, 6:30-8:00 p.m. Mandatory Service Trip Meeting: for any youth and chaperones attending this year’s service trip. We will go over important information as we share fellowship together.

At Orchard Ridge, we are Spiritually Alive!

Creation Care Sunday!

On Sunday, May 4, we had a special Creation Care celebration. During the 9 am Faith Formation hour, members of our Care of Creation team led the children and youth in an outdoor nature scavenger hunt. In mixed-age teams, everyone had the opportunity to discover the variety of plants surrounding the church. The children also gathered natural materials that will be used later this summer in a hands-on project to create bee homes for our gardens.

During worship. The children of Music Connections (accompanied by several of their parents) shared an engaging reflection on the Creation narrative with words, music, movement, and art in lieu of a traditional sermon. The Earth Quilt that the children had worked on this spring also made its debut! It was a lovely morning celebrating the beauty of God’s creation in this springtime season.

Home Prayer for the Week: 

You are invited to use this prayer with your family to help deepen your faith together. Times you might consider sharing this prayer include before bedtime, at mealtime, or any other regular connecting moment you share with your child(ren). Does your family have a prayer practice or a favorite prayer? If you are comfortable sharing, please EMAIL JULIE, and your family’s prayer will be featured here.

Mother’s Day

God, you love our mom every day.

There is nothing she needs to do or be to have your love.

She is loved by her family too.

On Mother’s Day we say, “Thank you, God, for our mom.”

May our mom know in her heart how much we love her

and how much you love her too.

-From “Prayers for Faithful Families,” by Traci Smith

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

Worship Resources for May 4, 2025

Orchard Ridge UCC on May 3, 2025

Orchard Ridge

United Church of Christ

Sunday Worship Resources

Sunday, May 4

The Third Sunday of Easter

9:00 am “Parents Together” Support Group

(see below)

10:00 am Earth Day Worship

Julie Mazer & the Children (during the sermon time)

Lay Liturgist: Nancy Wettersten

Musical Offerings: ORUCC Choir

The Sacrament of Holy Communion

11:15 am Worship and Work

Free Luncheon

(see below)

Click Here for Printable Bulletin

Join our Worship virtually

on YouTube any time after 10 am:

YouTube Link

You will need to refresh the page

after 10 am if you have opened it before

May Compassion Offering:

Madison Arcatao Sister City Project (MASCP)

The May Compassion Offering is for the Madison Arcatao Sister City Project (MASCP). Arcatao, El Salvador, is one of Madison’s ten sister cities. Since 1986, Madison and Arcatao have worked together to learn from each other in solidarity across international boundaries. As part of the U.S.-El Salvador Sister Cities (USESSC) network, MASCP works for social change by building and defending sustainable communities and economies. They communicate regularly with the community in Arcatao and lead delegations to learn what’s happening there and to share what’s happening here. The delegations then share what they’ve learned with the wider Madison community. 

 

Your donations will support college scholarships for students from Arcatao and projects in the Arcatao community and surrounding rural areas. Specific priorities are set locally by the community board, with community members or local businesspeople providing the labor. Recent efforts have included building a wall to protect against flooding and repairing two wells to filter out dangerous heavy metals. The wells will provide safe drinking water for over 500 families for the next 25 years. See the well project.

Sunday, May 4th

WORSHIP and WORK 

Immediately following the worship service there will be opportunities for everyone to help with inside and outside projects.

 

Wear your grubbies to church. Bring your work gloves, your energy, wheelbarrows, shovels, rakes (for spreading mulch), dandelion diggers, pruners and garden shears, if you plan to work outdoors.

 

Plan to enjoy a free lunch in Friendship Hall with your friends and family.

Sunday, May 4, 9:00 a.m. “Parents Together” Support Group

Raising kids is hard work, full of joy and challenge. Are you looking for some community as you navigate the ups and downs? Parents are invited to come together for a peer-led parents’ support group to share our experiences. The group will meet for approximately 45 minutes in the Oscar Romero room, facilitated by Claire Purkis and Joanna Beilman-Dulin. This will be the soft-launch of a group that will likely meet regularly in the fall.

How UCC Mission Partners bring hope to the Holy Land

Rescheduled to Sunday, June 29th, at 9:00 am, in Friendship Hall

During the past 16 years, ORUCC members Diane Dulin and Tom Beilman have traveled multiple times to the Holy Land. They’ve seen firsthand how UCC Mission Partners (partner organizations) bring hope and friendship to oppressed peoples, amidst the constant stress of military occupation. Come and hear inspiring, informative stories about the vital work of these Mission Partners.

Senior Pastor: Rev. Dr. Julia Burkey EMAIL

Associate Pastor: Rev. Kate Mackey EMAIL

Associate Pastor: Rev. Ken Pennings EMAIL

Director of Children’s Arts and Education: Julie Mazer EMAIL

Office Manager George Decker

608-271-7212 or EMAIL



LIKE or FOLLOW the Orchard Ridge Facebook Page

JOIN our Private FB Group:

“Members & Friends of Orchard Ridge UCC“

Follow us on Instagram @orchardridgeucc

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

ORUCC Weekly Announcements for May 1st

Orchard Ridge UCC on May 1, 2025

Spiritually Alive, Joyfully Inclusive, Committed to Justice

Weekly Announcements

for Thursday, May 1

“Godly Living in Ungodly Times” Class

Thursday, May 1

10:00 – 11:30 am

Swan Room

David Anderman

(see below)

Friday Breakfast Group

Friday, May 2

9:00 am

Denny’s, 433 S. Gammon Rd.

Louise Jeanne

(see below)

Meditation Group–Zoom only

Friday, May 2

9:30 – 10:30 am

Zoom

Sue Dixon

Family Game Night

Friday, May 2

6:00 – 8:00 pm

Friendship Hall/Kitchen

Sunday, May 4

The Third Sunday of Easter

9:00 am “Parents Together” Support Group

(see below)

10:00 am Earth Day Worship

Julie Mazer & the Children (during the sermon time)

Lay Liturgist: Nancy Wettersten

Musical Offerings: ORUCC Choir

The Sacrament of Holy Communion

11:15 am Worship and Work

Free Luncheon

(see below)

Choir Practice

Wednesday, May 7

7:00 – 8:30 pm

Music Room or Worship Hall

Bruce Gladstone

Meditation Group

Thursday, May 8

8:30 – 9:30 am

Romero Room

Becky Baumbach

Please note: Senior Pastor Julia Burkey will be away on a spiritual retreat May 7 – 11. Please feel free contact Associate Pastor Ken Pennings or Associate Pastor Kate Mackey for any pastoral needs during this time.

May Compassion Offering:

Madison Arcatao Sister City Project (MASCP)

The May Compassion Offering is for the Madison Arcatao Sister City Project (MASCP). Arcatao, El Salvador, is one of Madison’s ten sister cities. Since 1986, Madison and Arcatao have worked together to learn from each other in solidarity across international boundaries. As part of the U.S.-El Salvador Sister Cities (USESSC) network, MASCP works for social change by building and defending sustainable communities and economies. They communicate regularly with the community in Arcatao and lead delegations to learn what’s happening there and to share what’s happening here. The delegations then share what they’ve learned with the wider Madison community. 

 

Your donations will support college scholarships for students from Arcatao and projects in the Arcatao community and surrounding rural areas. Specific priorities are set locally by the community board, with community members or local businesspeople providing the labor. Recent efforts have included building a wall to protect against flooding and repairing two wells to filter out dangerous heavy metals. The wells will provide safe drinking water for over 500 families for the next 25 years. See the well project.

“Godly Living in Ungodly Times” class continues this morning, Thursday, May 1st

The Godly Living in Ungodly Times class will meet again today, 10-11:30 am, in person in the Swan Room and via Zoom, and 7-8:30 pm Zoom only.

The Zoom link for this morning’s class is:  https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81642534898?pwd=QJHI0cbOOca9pmYLNSxPvPilDqjZ

The Zoom link for this evening’s class is:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83262009425?pwd=XiAuwXZGhQWxzUAxTAaiMkL07b1z

Classes will be held for three sessions after Easter. Contact David Anderman at [email protected] if you have questions.
pile_of_old_books.jpg

Women’s Book Group to meet this afternoon, Thursday, May 1st

The Women’s Book Group will gather in person in the Alfred Swan room and on Zoom this afternoon, Thursday, May 1st from 1:30 to 3:00 pm. Mary Neuhaus will lead us in discussing Switchboard Soldiers by Madison author, Jennifer Chiaverini. Looking ahead to June, we will be reading The Crossing Places by Ella Griffiths. Deanna Blanchard [email protected]
breakfast_coffee_orange.jpg

Friday Breakfast Group – May 2nd, 9:00 a.m. 

 

The next Friday Breakfast is set for May 2nd at 9:00 am at Denny’s, 433 S. Gammon Road. All are welcome! The group meets on the first Friday of the month and includes both men and women. Join us for this informal chance to connect and converse on many topics. Contact Louise Jeanne, Link for more information.

How UCC Mission Partners bring hope to the Holy Land

Rescheduled to Sunday, June 29th,

at 9:00 am,

in Friendship Hall

During the past 16 years, ORUCC members Diane Dulin and Tom Beilman have traveled multiple times to the Holy Land. They’ve seen firsthand how UCC Mission Partners (partner organizations) bring hope and friendship to oppressed peoples, amidst the constant stress of military occupation. Come and hear inspiring, informative stories about the vital work of these Mission Partners.

Sunday, May 4th

WORSHIP and WORK 

Immediately following the worship service there will be opportunities for everyone to help with inside and outside projects.

 

Wear your grubbies to church. Bring your work gloves, your energy, wheelbarrows, shovels, rakes (for spreading mulch), dandelion diggers, pruners and garden shears, if you plan to work outdoors.

 

Plan to enjoy a free lunch in Friendship Hall with your friends and family.

Sunday, May 4, 9:00 a.m. “Parents Together” Support Group

Raising kids is hard work, full of joy and challenge. Are you looking for some community as you navigate the ups and downs? Parents are invited to come together for a peer-led parents’ support group to share our experiences. The group will meet for approximately 45 minutes in the Oscar Romero room, facilitated by Claire Purkis and Joanna Beilman-Dulin. This will be the soft-launch of a group that will likely meet regularly in the fall.

Stay up to date on ORUCC Children and Youth happenings

Want to stay up to date on the latest with children and youth at ORUCC? Check out our weekly updates here:

https://orucc.org/keeping-current/children-and-youth-news//

Volunteer Opportunity at Camp Awesum

Camp Awesum Family Camp is a weeklong summer camp at Moon Beach for families with kids on the autism spectrum. Volunteers are needed! Volunteers supervise activities for the kids, giving parents respite during the first half of the day; in most afternoons, volunteers get to enjoy Moon Beach! You don’t need to be an autism expert; just bring your caring, patient self. We need volunteers for weeks in June and August. If you’re interested or want more information, please reach out to Hal Evensen – volunteer since 2017 – or one of the pastors. Thank you for your consideration! Additionally, you can click here for more information: https://bit.ly/ORUCC-Awesum

Immigration Justice Mission Team Updates

May 2nd 3pm Day Without Latinx and Immigrants 

You are invited to join Pastor Julia and members of the Immigration Justice Mission Team for statewide ‘Day Without Latinx and Immigrants’ strike and rally on May 2nd. We will meet together at 3:00 pm at Brittingham Park (829 West Washington Avenue) then march to the Capitol at 4pm with a 4:30 rally at the Capitol.

May 6th 2pm Support Refugees Friend-raiser & Fund-raiser

At Capitol Lakes 333 W Main Street in Madison, the authorized Refugee Resettlement agency in Dane County will make a presentation to inform us and ask for help for refugee neighbors. 

Madison Learning Community to offer fall class on the Book of Acts

The Madison Learning Community will offer a fall 2025 class on the Book of Acts, co-taught by the Rev. Dr. Tisha Brown, former Associate Conference Minister of the Wisconsin Conference of the United Church of Christ. This class will explore the literary, religious, theological and social worlds of Acts, in English. For details, including cost, click here (and scroll down).

May 23-25 Brat Fest Fundraiser for Youth Service Trip

One of the biggest fundraisers for the Youth Service Trip is coming up! All youth attending the Service Trip are expected to sign up to participate in the Brat Fest fundraiser. But did you know that anyone who would like to volunteer under our group’s name (Orchard Ridge UCC) will also have their hours counted toward our fundraiser? It’s true!

Please sign up here if you would like to participate.

Please Sign Up to Volunteer on Sunday Mornings!

A Number of Open Slots

in the Near Future!

AT ORUCC, the Members are the Ministers!

We are seeking volunteers to serve on Sunday mornings for in-person worship. You need not be a member, simply a person who loves ORUCC and is eager to find a place to serve! Young people are welcome to sign up, too!

 

Would you consider serving one or more times as a Coffee Maker, a Welcomer, an Usher, a Lay Liturgist or to assist with Holy Communion?

 

Feel free to sign up as an individual, a couple, or a family!

 

Click here to sign up as a Coffee Maker

Click here to sign up as a Welcomer

Click here to sign up as an Usher

Click here to sign up as a Lay Liturgist

Click here to assist with Holy Communion

 

  • Page #1: Choose the date you are available to volunteer and select the box that says “SIGN UP“.  Then, at the bottom of the page select the box “SAVE & CONTINUE“.
  • Page #2: Enter your first/last name and your email address. Then select the box at the bottom of the page “SIGN UP NOW“

 

Questions or problems signing up?

Contact Ken Pennings at [email protected] or 608-556-2371.

Come sing with us!

Join our Choir!

All singers are welcome to join our Choir! Rehearsals are Wednesday

evenings from 7:00 to 8:30pm. We sing in worship the first and third

Sundays of the month, gathering for rehearsal 9am those Sunday mornings.

Please share your voice with a group of music-loving friendly people! For more information, email Bruce Gladstone at [email protected].

Spiritual

Nourishment

for you!

Daily Reflections: April 17 – 24

We are grateful for the ministry of Jeanne Moberly, who is a member of Adult Faith Formation, as she puts together a set of fresh readings every week for our devotional practice at Orchard Ridge UCC. If you know someone who needs encouragement and would like the devotional mailed to them, please contact the church office. Please note that Jeanne is taking a break from the Daily Reflections until May 8, 2025, when they will return to the Weekly Announcements. Accordingly, we are again offering the April 17-24 Daily Reflections.

Daily Reflections: April 17 – 24

Office Manager George Decker

available Mon.-Thurs. 8:30am -12:30 pm

608-271-7212 or EMAIL

Senior Pastor Julia Burkey: available

Office hours: Tuesday – Thursday 9:30 am – 12:00 pm 

& by appointment Tuesday – Thursday 9:30 am – 5 pm

518-542-6915 EMAIL

Associate Pastor Ken Pennings: available

Tues.-Thurs. 10:00 am -5:00 pm 

by appointment

608-556-2371 EMAIL

Associate Pastor Kate Mackey: available

Mon.-Thurs. 8:00 am – 2:00 pm

by appointment

608-358-6143 EMAIL

Julia and Ken (try to) take Monday & Saturday as Sabbath days,

Kate Friday and Saturday

Friday is observed as a writing day for the preaching pastor.

In case of a pastoral emergency, please call any of the pastors, as all pastors are available by phone, text and we will always have a pastor on call who we can turn to.

LIKE or FOLLOW the Orchard Ridge FaceBook Page

JOIN our Private FB Group:

“Members & Friends of Orchard Ridge UCC“

Orchard Ridge United Church of Christ

1501 Gilbert Road

Madison, WI 53711

608-271-7212

Office Hours: M-Th 8:30-12:30
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Orchard Ridge UCC | Spiritually Alive, Joyfully Inclusive, Committed to Justice 1501 Gilbert Road | Madison, WI 53711 US

ORUCC May 4 Children and Youth News

Orchard Ridge UCC on April 30, 2025

ORUCC Children and Youth

Faith Formation Update

Sunday, May 4, 2025

Dear Families,

We look forward to seeing you this week. Of special note, this Sunday we will have a new peer-led group experience, “Parents Together” at 9:00 a.m. Read on below for details about this opportunity and other things happening this Sunday. At the bottom of the email, you will find some important dates for some fun events and photos of recent events.

~Pastor Kate and Julie M.

Supported Childcare Abby will be available in the Crossroads 8:30-11:30. This service allows parents to socialize and engage in the service, but encourages parents to stay nearby to assist their child, as well. 

Children and Youth Faith Formation is at 9 am. 

ALL PreK-High School Children and Youth (Ruby Bridges Room): This week, children and youth of all ages will gather for an outdoor nature scavenger hunt led by Rachael, Alice and Jill who are members of our Care of Creation Team. In mixed-age teams, everyone will have an opportunity to discover the variety of plants surrounding the church. The children will also participate in a hands-on project creating bee homes for our gardens.

After the scavenger hunt, Music Connections children will rehearse music to share in service in the Anne Frank Room. Once our rehearsal is complete, we’ll arrive at the service together.

All children will stay in worship this week as we continue a celebration of God’s creation with the whole congregation!

Music Opportunities for Children and Youth

Music Connections will not meet this week. Instead, the children will share their music during worship.

TRU Function: Practice from 10-noon in the Haynes Music Room.

Upcoming Events

  • May 2, 6:00-8:00 p.m.Family Game Night: Join with other families from ORUCC for this informal monthly gathering of merriment and fun! Bring a dish to pass and a game to share.
  • May 4, 9:00 a.m. “Parents Together” Support Group: Raising kids is hard work, full of joy and challenge. Need some community support? Parents are invited to come together for a peer-led parents’ support group in the Oscar Romero room, facilitated by Claire Purkis and Joanna Beilman-Dulin. This will be the soft-launch of a group that will likely meet regularly in the fall.
  • May 23-25 Brat Fest Fundraiser for Youth Service Trip: All youth attending the Service Trip are expected to sign up to participate in the Brat Fest fundraiser. Anyone else from the congregation who would like to volunteer under our group’s name (Orchard Ridge UCC) will also have their hours counted toward our fundraiser! Please sign up here if you would like to participate.
  • May 26, 6:30-8:00 p.m. Mandatory Service Trip Meeting: for any youth and chaperones attending this year’s service trip. We will go over important information as we share fellowship together.

At Orchard Ridge, we are Spiritually Alive!

Immigration Justice Sunday, April 27

Last week, along with churches all over the state of Wisconsin, our congregation had a special service focused on Immigration Justice. Music was led by TRU Function. Ruthanne, who led the ORUCC group trip to the border in January, gave a special Children’s Message focused on “Welcome”. She included images from the “Welcome Quilt” that the children helped to created in Faith Formation a few weeks before. Ruthanne also taught the children how to say “Hello!” in the different languages of people who utilized the Welcome Center in Arizona that our ORUCC group visited this winter.

Home Prayer for the Week:

You are invited to use this prayer with your family to help deepen your faith together. Times you might consider sharing this prayer include before bedtime, at mealtime, or any other regular connecting moment you share with your child(ren). Does your family have a prayer practice or a favorite prayer? If you are comfortable sharing, please EMAIL JULIE, and your family’s prayer will be featured here.

Prayer for the Earth:

We live by the sun

We feel by the moon

We move by the stars

We live in all things

All things live in us

We eat from the earth

We drink from the rain

We breathe of the air

We live in all things

All things live in us

We call to each other

We listen to each other

Our hearts deepen with love and compassion

We live in all things

All things live in us

-Unknown, from the book “Earth Prayers”

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

Worship Resources for April 27, 2025

Orchard Ridge UCC on April 26, 2025

Orchard Ridge

United Church of Christ

Sunday Worship Resources

Sunday, April 27

The Second Sunday of Easter

9:00 am Earth Month Speaker Jeff Epping

Gardening with Native Plants

Friendship Hall

(see below)

9:00 a.m. New Members Class 4th Session

Anne Frank Room

10:00 am Worship

Sermon: 2025 ORUCC Border Immersion Trip presentation (after the service)

Musical Offerings: TRU Function

11:15 am Presentation by members of the 2025 ORUCC Border Immersion Trip

(see below)

Click Here for Printable Bulletin

Join our Worship virtually

on YouTube any time after 10 am:

YouTube Link

You will need to refresh the page

after 10 am if you have opened it before

Sunday, April 27th, is Immigration Sunday!

After worship, join the folks who traveled to Arizona for a border immersion trip in January 2025 to discuss the trip and hear their reflections on their experience there. The border wall, the Samaritan campsite, crosses in the desert, well-known authors, music, great food – all fascinating. We welcome your questions. 

Earth Month speaker 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. He 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. Plan to attend to learn about sustainable landscapes and practices to promote pollinators at home and in the community.

April Compassion Offering:

One Great Hour of Sharing

One Great Hour of Sharing (OGHS) is a cornerstone of United Church of Christ’s mission:

  • OGHS supports global refugees working to reach new homes and build new lives.
  • OGHS addresses emergency needs arising from hurricanes, floods, fires, earthquakes.
  • OGHS develops sustainable resources and skills among communities (both domestic and international) weakened by chronic poverty or climate challenges.
  • OGHS works in long-standing partnerships with denominations such as Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), Presbyterian Church (USA), Church of the Brethren, and with ecumenical alliances such as Church World Service.

Now more than ever, our partnerships are essential and cherished.

Now more than ever, our assistance is crucial to support the homeless, the hungry, the victims of war.

Now more than ever, it is our privilege to offer tangible support which saves lives.

Give as you are able. Be the face of God’s love in the world. Thank you.

Upcoming Sunday Morning Opportunities…

Mark your calendars: there many special events offered both before and after worship!

  • April 27, 9:00 a.m. Care of Creation Mission Team Presents: Gardening with Native Plants, with Jeff Epping; 9:00 a.m. New Members Class 4th Session; and also 11:15 am Presentation by members of the 2025 ORUCC Border Immersion Trip.

Java & Jesus adult faith formation will be in the Alfred Swan Room at the 9:00 hour on the following dates: May 4, 11, 18 and 25.

Senior Pastor: Rev. Dr. Julia Burkey EMAIL

Associate Pastor: Rev. Kate Mackey EMAIL

Associate Pastor: Rev. Ken Pennings EMAIL

Director of Children’s Arts and Education: Julie Mazer EMAIL

Office Manager George Decker

608-271-7212 or EMAIL



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JOIN our Private FB Group:

“Members & Friends of Orchard Ridge UCC“

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