Keeping Current

ORUCC – Lunch and Learn is ON today!

Orchard Ridge UCC on December 10, 2025

Christmas magic night with old cityscape_ snow_ street lights_ floral wreath in 3D illustration_ design for Christmas New Year card.

Lunch and Learn is ON for today, Wednesday, December 10th:

“Christmas Memories”

We know that some of you may be wondering if Lunch and Learn is still on for today, considering the weather we are experiencing in the Madison area. Yes, Lunch and Learn is still on at the originally scheduled time. The ORUCC parking lot is being plowed right now, and salt will be spread on the walkway to the church entrance. But please be sure to drive and walk safely.

Join us for Lunch and Learn with retired pastors from our congregation, namely Doug Loving, Sharon Goss, and David and Alice Anderman.

• Date: Today, Wednesday, December 10

• Time: 11:30 AM (Lunch), followed by the talk

• Location: Friendship Hall and Worship Hall

• Meal Donation: $10 (No RSVP required). We have received word that ham, scalloped potatoes, veggies and cranberry sauce (plus dessert) are on the menu.

All are welcome!

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

ORUCC – An Advent Note from the Leadership Team

Orchard Ridge UCC on December 2, 2025

Dear Fellow Congregants,

Welcome to our Advent season for 2025.We appreciate your understanding for us as we had to cancel last Sunday’s morning worship. We made that decision because of the road conditions for parishioners who don’t live near, and for the challenge of clearing our parking lot and sidewalks to make them safe for everyone before service.

I hope you take a moment to view Pastor Kate’s video on YouTube as an alternative way to celebrate the first week of Advent; the link is available here: https://bit.ly/ORUCCAdvent1

Two other things for your special attention this week:

1. We are approaching the last stages of our 2026 Stewardship Campaign. So far, we have 130 individuals or families pledging $458,682 for next year’s budget of $570,000. If you have not yet turned in your pledge for next year, please mail it in, or drop it by church, or put it in the offering basket next Sunday. We appreciate your help because it helps us figure out what we can do next year! Most of the money goes to the salaries and benefits of our staff and to the maintenance of our property. Your support is essential!

2. Our Giving Tree for local families is in need of volunteers who will buy gifts for a child whose families can’t afford to buy gifts. You can evoke the spirit of the Magi who brought gifts to the infant Jesus by viewing our online Holiday Gift Tree and selecting one (or more) children.

Gift Tree link: https://bit.ly/ORUCC-Gift-Tree

You will buy gifts for your selected children, wrap them, and bring them to church by Sunday, December 14th. This gives our partner agencies time to distribute gifts to families before Christmas. I hope you will be a part of this community ministry.

There are many more joys to celebrate this Advent, and I hope to see you in Church or online for each of the rest of the Sundays in December. Thanks in advance for all you give and do for our community and in support of our ministries.

Advent Blessings to you,

ORUCC Leadership Team

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

ORUCC – Help our neighbors with the JFF Holiday Gift Tree

Orchard Ridge UCC on December 2, 2025

ORUCC supports our neighbors with the

Early Childhood Initiative and the JFF Holiday Gift Tree

To support a child: Please select a gift tag from the holiday tree in the Crossroads. Record which tag(s) you selected on the sign-up sheet.

Each child has three gift ideas. Please choose one–gifts are expected not to exceed $40.

Please return your wrapped gift (along with the original gift tag attached) by Sunday, December 14th.

Your gifts will support families working with the following programs:

Early Childhood Initiative (ECI) is a voluntary home visiting program in Madison and Dane County, WI. Those eligible for services must be pregnant or have a child under the age of 2. Families can remain in the program until the child enters 4k.
Joining Forces for Families (JFF) is a broad community focused initiative that engages local partners to create decentralized, collaborative, and community-informed service platforms. Fifteen community social workers are situated in neighborhoods throughout Dane County. Each social worker manages at least one JFF office that is uniquely responsive to its neighborhood context, allowing direct access to services in the community. Our community social worker, Eric Alvin, runs the Job Shop and works with our neighbors out of the Meadowood Community Center.

Thank you for your generous support!

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

ORUCC – Advent Video Reflection and Upcoming Activities

Orchard Ridge UCC on November 30, 2025

Dear Friends,

We missed being together this morning! We hope you stayed safe and warm today, enjoying the beauty of the sparkling snow. In lieu of an in-person worship service, please enjoy the following devotional video prepared for you. This video is a 23-minute, mini-worship service for the first week of Advent. You can access this video on YouTube: https://youtu.be/9pOarUCiPKo

During Advent we wait and anticipate the birth of Jesus, symbolizing life born anew into the world and into our hearts on Christmas Eve. Our theme for Advent this year is Mary’s Song. Mary’s prophetic song, called the Magnificat, is found in the Gospel of Luke 1:46-55.

Mary’s song is not a quaint and precious birth announcement, but a world-rocking proclamation of trust in what God has already done, and what God will do through the birth of this child, Jesus. The words of the Magnificat are sealed on many of our hearts, and we call on them often when we need a powerful word of hope.

Mary sings of rulers brought down from their thrones, and the lowly outcast lifted up and honored. She sings of justice and love; the holy reversals that Jesus will soon bring with his life and ministry. In a time where we worry and sometimes lose hope about the direction of the world, Mary’s Song can help us trust the promise that even in the darkest times, the act of singing praise to God’s mercy and steadfast love, can change the world.

Advent Blessings,

Pastor Kate and Pastor Julia

Upcoming Advent Opportunities:

URGENT NEED: Neighborhood Gift Tree

Each year we have an opportunity to support neighborhood children with holiday gifts through a partnership with the Early Childhood Initiative and Joining Forces for Families. As we did not have a chance to pick up gift tags from the ORUCC Gift Tree this Sunday, please see this online document to sign up now!

All gifts should be wrapped, labeled with the child’s name and assigned number, and returned by December 14. The gift(s) purchased are not expected to exceed $40 total.

Our Lady of Guadalupe: 9:00 a.m. Adult Ed, December 7th

We are honored to welcome UW Professor of Vilas Distinguished Achievement & English & Chicana/Latina Studies, Dr. Theresa Delgadillo to join us and share about Our Lady of Guadalupe.

Words of Encouragement Project, December 7th

After worship on December 7, the Immigration Justice Mission Team will guide us in writing notes of encouragement to immigrants who are detained in the Dodgeville Detention Center.

Christmas Card Sale, December 7th

Find a special selection of holiday cards in the Crossroads from our card sale ministry, which supports neighbors in need year-round.

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

ORUCC – Cancelled Sunday Worship and Activities 11/30

Orchard Ridge UCC on November 29, 2025

ORUCC Sunday Morning Activities Cancelled November 30th

Worship and all Sunday morning activities will be cancelled this Sunday, November 30th

due to potentially hazardous

winter weather.

Please stay home and be safe!

This decision was made by our moderators, pastors and the chair of our Ministry of Resources (building and grounds), who all believe that this is the safest option given the predicted weather conditions and chance of blowing snow throughout Sunday morning.

Please help share this news with anyone you think might not see this email. We hope you enjoy a day of rest and connection to God

in the midst of the snow!

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

Memorial Service for Carolyn Carlson, December 6th, at 11:00 am, at ORUCC

Orchard Ridge UCC on November 26, 2025

The family of beloved longtime ORUCC member Carolyn Carlson invites you to a Memorial Service to celebrate her life on Saturday, December 6th, 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, and luncheon following the Memorial Service. All are welcome.

Obituary for Carolyn Britton Carlson

April 16, 1941 – November 17, 2025

After 84 wonderful years filled with love of family and friends, Carolyn Carlson departed this life on Monday, November 17, 2025.

When asked what she was most proud of in her life, Carolyn would say being a mother to her three children, Laura, Gail and Andy. She was loving, selfless, fiercely devoted and full of fun. She supported her kids in their play, learning, sports, and lots of school band concerts for which she always said she earned stars in her crown. She took them on many trips to Florida to visit her parents and to Disney World. When her son was diagnosed with leukemia, she was his rock throughout his diagnosis and treatments. Andy believes she was truly his savior.

Carolyn married the love of her life, Sara Roberts, on November 15, 2014, after 37 years together. They shared their lives, raised their children together, including Sara’s daughters, Ann and Lynn, and traveled to beautiful places, including her beloved Hawaii. Carolyn also loved her trips with Sara to lakes in northern Wisconsin.

Carolyn was a wonderful grandmother. She traveled frequently to visit her grandchildren all over the U.S. She taught them to play cards and enjoyed endless games of Gin Rummy and King’s Corners. She loved reading to them, introduced them to her favorite old movies, and supported them in all their activities. She was so proud of her children and grandchildren and often spoke lovingly of them to others.

Carolyn lived her entire life in Madison, Wisconsin. She was the daughter of Dr. Donald M. Britton and Louise Britton. She attended West High School, graduating in the class of 1959. In her younger years, she was an avid golfer, tennis player and bowler. She loved watching Badgers sports, especially football, basketball and hockey, and she had great times attending bowl games. Throughout her life, Carolyn loved playing card games and board games with others. She had quite a sweet tooth, especially for ice cream, turtle sundaes, donuts and anything chocolate.

Carolyn was loved by so many. She was vivacious, enjoyed socializing, and had a great laugh and sense of humor. Carolyn was always there for others, and she was proud of her 35 years volunteering as a baby cuddler in the NICU at Meriter Hospital. Besides her family and long-time friends, she was beloved by the congregation at Orchard Ridge United Church of Christ, her coworkers at Dane County Human Services, and more recently, her dear friends at Oakwood Village University Woods. Her cat, Gus, brought her so much joy.

Carolyn is survived by her wife, Sara; her children, Laura Maynard, Gail Carlson, Andy Carlson, Ann Cary and Lynn Sedivy; her sons-in-law and daughter-in-law, Philip Nyhus, Lisa Carlson and Michal Sedivy; and her grandchildren, Louisa and Soren Nyhus, Ethan Carlson, Nicole and Donovan Maynard, Anna and Oliver Sedivy, and Evan and Clover Cary. She is also survived by her nieces, Suzanne Rasmussen and Diana Hudson. She was predeceased by her parents; her sister, Bea Eckert; and her son-in-law, David Maynard.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to Orchard Ridge United Church of Christ and Blood Cancer United (Leukemia and Lymphoma Society).

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

ORUCC – Advent 2025, Mary’s Song: God’s Revolutionary Love

Orchard Ridge UCC on November 25, 2025

Advent Theme: Mary’s Song of God’s Revolutionary Love

During Advent we wait and anticipate the birth of Jesus, symbolizing life born anew into the world and into our hearts on Christmas Eve. We are excited to share our theme for Advent this year: Mary’s Song! Mary’s prophetic song, called the Magnificat, is found in the Gospel of Luke 1:46-55.

Each Sunday we will hear and speak a different translation of Mary’s song as we light the candles of hope, peace, joy and love. We will light three pink candles, and then a blue candle on the fourth Sunday of Advent. See below and mark your calendars for some meaningful Advent and Christmas events and celebrations!

With love,

Pastor Julia & Pastor Kate

Advent 1: November 30, Sermon & Worship theme: God’s Revolutionary Love

Christmas Card sale: Find a special selection of holiday cards in the Crossroads from our card sale ministry, which supports neighbors in need year-round.
Giving Tree: Select a tag from the giving tree to shop for a present for a neighborhood child sponsored by Early Childhood Initiative (ECI) and Joining Forces for Families (JFF). We will be sponsoring 55 children through these two groups. Please write your name on the sign-up next to the tree as you take a tag and return your wrapped gift on December 14th.
ORUCC “post office” box: If you’d like to give holiday cards to church friends, you are welcome to bring them unstamped and file them by last name in the box located in the crossroads; please make a suggested donation of 50 cents per card. This fun tradition also serves as a fundraiser for our youth service trip. Every Sunday, folks are invited to check the box to see if there are any cards left for you!

Advent 2: December 7, Sermon & Worship Theme:

Our Lady of Guadalupe & The Many Faces of Mary

9am Advent Adult Education Session on Our Lady of Guadalupe: We are honored to welcome UW Professor of Vilas Distinguished Achievement & English & Chicana/Latina Studies, Dr. Theresa Delgadillo to join us and share about Our Lady of Guadalupe.
Words of Encouragement Project: After worship, the Immigration Justice Mission Team will guide us in writing notes of encouragement to immigrants who are detained in the Dodgeville Detention Center.
Neighborhood Support Continues: The Christmas Card sale & Giving Tree tags will be available in the Crossroads.

Advent 3: December 14, Sermon & Worship theme:

The Palestinian Face of Mary. Rev Diane Dulin will share a message about Mary in her Middle Eastern context.

Youth Service Trip Cookie Sale: For sale after worship, delicious Christmas Cookies will be $12/dozen to support the youth service trip to Detroit, July 2026. This is a primary fundraiser for our youth service trip.
Giving Tree Return: Please bring your wrapped gift for neighborhood children this Sunday!

Advent 4: December 21, Sermon & Worship Theme: Blue Christmas, Black Madonna. This special day of the winter solstice, we will hold space for the grief of the season while giving praise for the darkness.

Ethical Trade Co. Sale: ORUCC member Manuel Ramminger and colleagues will set up a fair-trade market in support of Ethical Trade Co. for before and after church in Friendship Hall for anyone to do some ethical Christmas shopping! For more information, see Ethical Trade Company – Ending exploitation through fair trade.

December 24th Christmas Eve Candle Light Services:

3pm Children and Family Service: Our Music Connections children and TRU Function youth band will lead a service for all ages!
5:30pm Traditional Service, Sermon & Worship Theme: Theotokos: We Are All Mothers of God, shared with Madison Mennonite Church.

Both services will observe a special closing moment as we sing “Silent Night” by candlelight.

Christmas 1, December 28, Christmas Hymn Sing! If you’d like you may wear a festive themed Christmas sweater or pajamas and come for a casual and joyful service.

Photo above from Unsplash by Dan Meyers

The Magnificat, Mary’s Song

Luke 1:46-55 (NRSV)

And Mary said,

“My soul magnifies the Lord,

and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,

for God has looked with favor on the lowliness of servants.

Surely, from now on all generations will call me blessed;

for the Mighty One has done great things for me,

and holy is God’s name.

God’s mercy is for those who fear him

from generation to generation.

God has shown strength with his arm;

God has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts.

He has brought down the powerful from their thrones,

and lifted up the lowly;

God has filled the hungry with good things,

and sent the rich away empty.

God has helped his servant Israel,

in remembrance of his mercy,

according to the promise he made to our ancestors,

to Abraham and to his descendants forever.”

Photo below from Unsplash by Grant Whitty

ORUCC – Office Manager George Decker to retire next spring

Orchard Ridge UCC on November 21, 2025

Office Manager George Decker to retire next spring

Dear members and friends of ORUCC:

Our office manager, George Decker, has decided to retire no later than at the end of May 2026, which would conclude two years of serving in this position. If a suitable replacement can be recruited and brought onboard before then, George will retire at that time instead. We will be sad to see George go, but we are grateful that he has provided ample time for us to find a new office manager. We expect that the formal search for George’s replacement will begin in January.

George began his first retirement in late 2023 after serving as parish administrator at Grace Episcopal Church in Madison. Seven months later, on June 3, 2024, he came out of retirement (in which he had too much time on his hands) to become ORUCC’s new office manager. With his wife Stephanie also planning to retire sometime next year, George, who turned 70 in May, is looking forward to traveling with her and otherwise working on his “bucket list.”

“I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at Orchard Ridge and working with our wonderful clergy, staff and volunteers,” says George. “I will do whatever I can do to help ensure a smooth transition.”

George’s accomplishments here include bringing onboard our contract CPA, Andrew Pizzello, playing a key role in two stewardship campaigns, and generally being a dependable, wise and hard-working asset to ORUCC.

How you can support this process:

Our Human Resources (HR) Team, Leadership Team and pastors will work hard behind the scenes to make this a positive transition. You can help by praying for them and spreading assurance and grace.

When we begin our interviewing process, we will not hire from within the church, but perhaps you know someone who would be an excellent fit as our new office manager. You can help us spread the word when the time comes.

If you have any questions, you may reach out to any member of the HR Team.

With grace and hope,

The HR Team:

Deanna Blanchard, Dale Rebhorn, Nancy Wettersten, Hal Evensen, Rick Daluge, David Anderman, Julia Burkey

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

ORUCC Stewardship Sunday is November 16th!

Orchard Ridge UCC on November 14, 2025

Stewardship Sunday is this Sunday, November 16th!

We are grateful to all of you who have already returned your completed pledge cards for 2026. We appreciate and celebrate your continued generous financial support. If you have not yet returned your pledge card, you may bring it to church this Sunday, Stewardship Sunday, or mail it to the church office by November 16th.

Please note that, beginning in 2026, individuals who do not itemize on their federal tax returns will be eligible for a charitable deduction on cash donations to charities of up to $1,000 for individuals and $2,000 for joint filers. See https://www.journalofaccountancy.com/newsletters/pfp-digest/how-obbba-alters-charitable-deduction-strategies-for-2025-and-2026/ for details. Orchard Ridge United Church of Christ does not provide tax, legal, or accounting advice. This is for informational purposes only.

Again, thank you for your ongoing financial commitment to Orchard Ridge United Church of Christ.

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

ORUCC –November Lunch and Learn

Orchard Ridge UCC on November 7, 2025

Lunch and Learn, Wednesday, November 12th

“Madison in the Sixties,” with author Stuart D. Levitan

Join us for Lunch and Learn with renowned Madison journalist, author, and public official Stu Levitan. Stu will share insights from his book, Madison in the Sixties, focusing on the era’s antiwar protests and the UW-Madison campus.

• Date: Wednesday, November 12

• Time: 11:30 AM (Lunch), followed by the talk

• Location: Friendship Hall

• Meal Donation: $10 (No RSVP required)

All are welcome!

Questions? Contact Bob Millholland at [email protected]

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

Meal Train for ORUCC Family

Orchard Ridge UCC on October 19, 2025

Meal Train Opportunity

ORUCC Members Jenny and Adam Whitacre, along with big brother Jack, welcomed baby Alice into the world early Saturday morning.

Let’s show them some love!

Please sign up using this link to bring a meal as you are able. Thank you!

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

ORUCC — October 8th Lunch and Learn

Orchard Ridge UCC on October 7, 2025

Lunch and Learn, Wednesday, October 8^th.

Group activities celebrating the Halloween Season

Join us for the first Lunch and Learn for the fall season on October 8th. We will have a delicious lunch prepared by the Hospitality Team. Following lunch, there will be craft activities and interactive programs to engage fun conversations together.

Please join us on Wednesday, October 8^th at 11:30 AM in Friendship Hall. The meal donation is $10. This year we will not be requiring an RSVP. Come on the day and enjoy a tasty lunch followed by an engaging program.

Direct your questions to Bob Millholland at [email protected]

Hope to see you there!

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

ORUCC – October 15th Wayfinding Retreat at Holy Wisdom Monastery

Orchard Ridge UCC on September 29, 2025

Wayfinding Retreat at Holy Wisdom Monastery

October 15, 2025

10am-2pm

4200 County Road M

Middleton, WI 53562

RGH Garden Room including lunch at 12 noon

Dear Wayfinding friends,

I look forward to being with you for our Wayfinding: The Soul Tasks if Aging, Toward a Theology of Elder Years Retreat, on Wednesday October 15 from 10am-2pm in such a beautiful space of Holy Wisdom Monastery, which sits on 170 acres of native prairie and oak savanna. Our time together will include a morning and afternoon session of prayer, meditation, teaching, scripture and small group discussions. We will have a break at noon for delicious lunch in a dining room with gorgeous views. Depending on your ability and interest, you can stay a little longer to sit on one of their benches with a view or walk the paths around their land. The retreat and dining spaces are handicap accessible.

To pay for the cost of lunch and room rental, we are asking people to pay $25 to register by October 8^th for this retreat. To register, please email our office manager George Decker [email protected] or call and let him know you are coming, along with any dietary restrictions you may have. You may bring a check to the office, or pay online via our Vanco site (click on the “Wayfinding Retreat” tile at the bottom of site), https://secure.myvanco.com/L-ZHH1/home. If the cost is a barrier for your participation, we have scholarships available so all can participate and attend- no questions asked.

We will continue our monthly gatherings at ORUCC for Wayfinding on the 3^rd Wednesday of each month from 9:45am-11:15am, with song, prayer, teachings, meditation and small group discussions, intended to build community and hold space for us to speak and listen from the heart about the spiritual tasks of aging. The dates are November 19^th, December 17^th, January 21^st, February 18^th, March 18^th, & April 15^th. On the Thursday following each Wayfinding gatherings we will have a 4pm virtual ZOOM option.

If you have never participated in Wayfinding before, you are welcome to join! There is no technical age cut-off for participation, so all are welcome, as all of us are indeed aging. If you have joined in the past, we would love your presence once again. If you have friends who are interested from outside ORUCC, they are welcome to join. Monthly attendance for the entirety of the program is encouraged, but not mandatory, because we all know life happens, and there is grace.

I hope when we gather on October 15^th for a half-day retreat we will feel the gift of peace and healing on the land as we settle into a new season together of Wayfinding. The Benedictine sisters of Holy Wisdom have a mission of welcoming all people and caring for the Earth as a sacred place. In a recent article where Holy Wisdom was featured in the New York Times, I learned that there are 150 types of native grasses sedges and wildflowers, and last year 132 species of birds were sighted on the land! Hired staff ecologist, Dr. Amy Alstad who has a doctorate in prairie grassland ecology says, “It is a place of connection, awe and reverence. You feel both big and little when you’re out in that restored prairie. This healed land is now the healer.” May it be so for us too.

Blessings,

Julia

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

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

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

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 5^th grade), Echo the Story (6^th-7^th grade), and Teen Text (8^th-12^th grade). Nursery care will be available for younger children.

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

Welcome Back Sunday, September 7^th, 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 7^th.

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