ORUCC Children and Youth 

Sunday, January 11, 2025

Dear Families,

We hope you are having a good week as you get back into the school schedule groove.

Any early risers are welcome to attend Crafty Sunday at 8:15 am this Sunday in the William Johnson Room.

PreK-12 Faith Formation Programming resumes this Sunday, January 11 during the 9 am hour. Supported Childcare will be available in the Crossroads from 8:30-11:30.

Parents Together will meet this week at 9:00 a.m. in the Romero room.

Music Connections will meet during worship. We are in need of a Safe Sanctuary Volunteer. Can you help?

TRU Function practice also resumes this week at 10:00 a.m.

Please read on below for more detailed information about these events and other upcoming opportunities.

-Pastor Kate & Julie M.

Supported Childcare 8:30-11:30 AM

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. Avery will be on hand to assist and play with young children.

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

Children in PreK-5th Grade will meet in the Ruby Bridges Room. This Sunday, the children will revisit their exploration of the story, “From Prison to Palace,” from the book of Genesis, about Joseph and his dreams. Following the story, the children are invited to engage with and go deeper into multi-sensory stations. We’ll close in prayer. Josie G. and Jadyn G. will lead the children in the experience.

Echo the Story (Middle School) will gather in the Anne Frank Room to journey through the main stories and themes of the bible using a curriculum that invites questions and creative engagement. This week, we’ll revisit the text from Joshua 2-4, 7 (“Promised Land”), ask questions, journal, draw, and reflect. Kristin M. and Hal E. will guide the group in the discussion. 

Teen Text (High School) 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. Gretchen F. this week.

Crafty Sunday,

Sunday, January 11, 8:15-9:00

Children and youth of all ages are invited to bring a current craft or start a new project in the William Johnson Room. Parents, if you are seeking a craft space and community, you are welcome to join us. too!



Parents Together Support Group, Rescheduled for 1/11

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 group is normally held on the first Sunday of the month, but will meet on the second Sunday in January to allow families to attend Intergenerational Faith Formation together on 1/4.

Youth Lock-In “Lite”

January 23, 6:30-Midnight

We are planning a joint event with our friends at Madison Mennonite Church for youth from both of our congregations! Youth in 7th grade – high school are eligible to join in the fun. There will be games, food, a movie, and time just to hang out, have fun and get to know one another. Please indicate your interest with this form. See Pastor Kate for more information.

Christmas Eve 2025

was a success!



Thank you for all of the hard work that went into creating this beautiful service from TRU Function, our Music Connections kids and their families! It is truly a team effort over many weeks.

We had fun with a pizza party for kids and their families after our dress rehearsal as well. Perhaps a new Christmas Eve-Eve tradition?



Epiphany All-Ages Faith Formation, Sunday, January 6

25 children and adults gathered in Friendship Hall on Sunday, January 6 to reflect on the story of the Magi’s arrival in Bethlehem to meet the Christ child. Small groups considered:



• The Magi and Herod reacted differently to the news of the new Messiah-King. What feelings do they share? What feelings are different?
• The Magi noticed something in nature (the star) that led them to Jesus. What beautiful or amazing parts of nature make you think of God?

We encourage you to keep these conversations going at home, in the car, and while you are out for walks in nature.

Join us again on Sunday, February 22 for a Lenten All Ages Faith Formation experience.

Save the Date: Upcoming Events

• January 11, 8:15-9:00 Crafty Sunday
• January 11, 9:00 Parents Together Support Group
• January 23, “Lock-In Lite” 6:30pm-Midnight: Youth Event at ORUCC with Madison Mennonite Church! Sign up here

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.

I pray that everyone will help anyone who needs it,

and that our world will get better

because of people choosing good over bad

and love over hatred

because God is among us,

God is us,

and God loves us forever.

-Fiona S.