This week’s announcements

Weekly announcements are usually updated on Thursday. Archive of old announcements.

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  • ORUCC Weekly Announcements for March 21

    Spiritually Alive, Joyfully Inclusive, Committed to Justice


    Week at a Glance March 21



    Sunday, March 24, Palm Sunday

    9:00 am – No Sunday School for Children / Teens

    9:00 am – For Adults – Java & Jesus – Alfred Swan Room

    10:00 am Worship

    Sermon: Rev. Dr. Julia Burkey

    Lay Liturgist: Ginny Moore Kruse

    Music: TRU Function

    3:30 pm- NO Confirmation- on pause for Spring Break,

    resuming April 7th


    Men’s Group

    Monday, March 25

    7:15 – 8:30 pm

    Oscar Romero Room


    Choir Practice

    Wednesday, March 27

    7:00 – 8:30 pm

    Church

    New Members Welcome


    Maundy Thursday Home Meals

    Thursday, March 28, 6-8 pm

    3 spots left!

    Click here to sign up


    Meditation Group

    Thursday, March 29

    8:30 – 9:30 am

    Oscar Romero Room

    Becky Baumbach


    Meditation Group

    Friday, March 29

    9:30 – 10:30 am

    Sue Dixon

    Zoom

    

    Tennebrae

    Good Friday Service, March 29

    7:00 pm


    MARCH COMPASSION OFFERING

    Just Dane (formerly MUM)




    JustDane(formerly Madison-area Urban Ministry), is a non-profit organization that offers an array of direct supportive initiatives for:


    • people being released from incarceration through our reentry programs, including the Journey Home, Circles of Support and Peer Support,
    • children and families impacted by the justice system,
    • justice-involved youth,
    • employment training for people with barriers to employment through Just Bakery,
    • recuperative medical respite for families experiencing homelessness at Healing House.


    In 2023 over 750 individuals received support through JustDane’s initiatives.

    This year JustDane celebrates 50 years of social justice work in our community. Throughout our 50 years JustDane has, and continues to engage in the community advocating for State and local justice system reforms, fair and affordable housing, an end to homelessness and racial and economic justice. Rev. William Sloane Coffin once said, “charity yes, always, but never as a substitute for justice.” His words reflect the importance of our work at JustDane offering support to individuals and families in our community, alleviating suffering while working to eliminate the causes of the suffering.


     VIDEO

     Thank you for giving generously


    You can make a donation by check, on the memo line, please write “compassion” and mail to ORUCC, 1501 Gilbert Road, Madison, WI 53711,

    or donate online from our website. The link is https://orucc.org/contribute/support/


    If you’d like to know more about JustDane’s work, there are two members of ORUCC on JustDane’s Board: Julie Horst and Phil Haslanger. They would be happy to share more about JustDane’s work in our community. We also invite you to join us on Thursday, April 11th as we celebrate 50 years. Our keynote speaker for the event will be Father Boyle, Founder of Homeboy Industries in Los Angeles. (Use QR code below for tickets to the April 11th Father Boyle event.)

    Come Here TRU Function this Sunday with their new Drum Set


    TRU Function would like to share a heartfelt “thank you” for the congregation’s support in purchasing a new drum set. We’ll look forward to seeing it in worship on Palm Sunday, March 24! You can still contribute by check or ONLINE.

    Welcome to Lent at ORUCC! Our theme this year for Lent, inspired by one of the most popular and loved topic of Wayfinding: Soul Tasks of Aging, last year, is “‘Fear not!’ Becoming Death Doulas”


    On March 24th we follow Jesus into Palm Sunday, with the triumphant waving of palm branches, and we will think about Jesus’ call to justice, and how to speak life in the face of death dealing systems of the world.


    On Easter March 31st we will gather both at sunrise with brunch following and at 10am for a joyous celebration of the resurrection, the mystery at the heart of Christianity, that even in the face of death, God dreams and births new life. Perhaps the call of a death doula is to become midwives to the resurrection.

    Maundy Thursday Meals in Homes


    Might you be interested in attending a Maundy Thursday meal in a home on March 28th, 6-8 pm?


    Both Pastors Julia and Ken will be hosting dinners along with 3 others!


    In the past, the host has provided a Middle Eastern main dish, and has either invited the guests to bring side dishes to share or to bring a favorite beverage (e.g. wine). Your host will be in touch with you about this. Be sure to let your host know if you have any dietary restrictions.


    If you have trouble with this online signup tool, there will be signup sheets on the table in the Crossroads the next three Sundays. Or you can contact Ken Pennings to let him know which host you’ve chosen ([email protected] or 608-556-2371).


    After supper, your group will share in a brief litany of Communion remembering Jesus’ last supper with his disciples in an upper room in Jerusalem.

    Click here to sign up

    FRIDAY, MARCH 29, 2024

    7:00 PM

    GOOD FRIDAY TENEBRAE

    ORCHARD RIDGE UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST

    and

    MADISON MENNONITE CHURCH



    TENEBRAE takes its name from the “Darkness (tenebrae) which covered the whole earth when they crucified Jesus” (Matthew 27:45). This candlelight service of scripture, music, and silent prayer includes the gradual extinguishing of candles and a loud, sustained noise—reminiscent of the earthquake when Jesus died on the Cross (Matthew 27:51). This year, as the Passion (John 18:1 to 19:43) is proclaimed, the Cross will be turned to each of the Four Directions.


    We are invited to enter more deeply into the mystery of the cross on which Jesus stretched out his arms in all-inclusive love and breathed forth his indomitable Spirit into a world gasping for life. With the cross, we join him in proclaiming freedom, flourishing and fullness of life to the whole world.

    Help with Dinner for The Crossing Campus Ministry


    It’s our turn to bring dinner to college students at The Crossing, our campus ministry, on Wednesday, April 10. We’re making a nacho/taco bar! You can help by bringing groceries to church on Sunday, April 7, or cooking, serving, and/or cleaning up on Wednesday, April 10.  Sign up here. Contact LuAnn Greiner ([email protected]) or Julie Horst ([email protected]) with any questions.

    Confirmation 2024

    Confirmation will be offered this spring for all youth in 7th-9th grade who have not yet been confirmed. This is a special time in the life of our young people where they will be invited to explore their own faith, and learn and grow together! Due to Spring Break and Easter, NO class March 24, or 31. Classes will resume on April 7th, 3:30-5:30 p.m., with Confirmation Sunday on Pentecost, May 20th.


    For Holy Week, Youth are invited to do a bit of at-home studying using this document, which incudes a podcast to listen to and some reflection questions. Any adults who would like to join in the study are welcome to check it out!

    We would love to have you at the all-ages, rescheduled All Church Retreat in April at Daycholah Center!


    If you’d like to join for the whole weekend, the cost is $200 for adults (12+) and $140 for children (6-11, children under 5 are free). This includes lodging for two nights, dinner Friday night, three meals Saturday and one meal Sunday morning. The church is able to supplement part of the weekend financially from our budget, which is already reflected in the cost.

     

    We have partial and full scholarships available, so please reach out to us if financial help would make this more accessible for your family, or if you’d like to pay extra to sponsor someone anonymously.


    Register here and please pay registration fees on the church website.

     


    Here are some FAQ for our retreat:


    Who are our retreat leaders? And what are we doing?

    Pastor Kate & Pastor Julia are coordinating a wonderful time with games, fun, and wandering the grounds in between thoughtful programming, delicious meals and plenty of down time to read and relax.


    Our Saturday morning retreat leader is The Rev. Kirsten Worzala-Dumke, Chaplain at UW Carbonne Cancer Center and former pastor of Parroquia Santa Maria (a Spanish-language congregation associated with Luther Memorial Church ELCA). Kirsten is also a trusted friend of Pastor Kate.


    After some free time, Saturday afternoon will include Wild Church with Pastor Julia’s spouse Daniel Cooperrider around the fire.


    Leslie Linser will offer an opportunity for all-abilities Yoga on Saturday evening.


    Sunday morning will close with worship facilitated by Pastor Kate & Pastor Julia.


    Will this be super fun? Yes definitely!


    What is the sleeping situation? If you have specific questions reach out to our wonderful Daycholah coordinator Kaitlyn: [email protected]


    Some rooms are private and some are shared, and if you’d like to request a private room please reach out. The facilities have twin size mattresses and you will need to bring bedding.


    If I do register, what should I bring?

    Sleeping bag or warm blanket & sheets and pillows for a twin size bed.

    Towels and toiletries.

    Warm outdoor clothes and rain boots.

    Cozy indoor clothes and indoor shoes.


    Is Daycholah accessible? Yes! They have accessible rooms as well and an elevator in the dining hall building. They also have a golf cart that could be used for traversing Daycholah.

     

    While is no way we could say there are no trip or fall hazards, Daycholah staff will do everything they can to assist with any guest needs. If there are specific requests, please know we will do our very best to accommodate.


    For other questions related to the facilities, meals, and lodging, contact Kaitlyn: [email protected]

     

    Here are the registration links again:


    REGISTRATION FORM


    PAYMENT SITE

     

    We cannot wait to share time with you in the New Year!

     

    Julia & Kate


    Spiritual

    Nourishment

    for you!

    For the week of March 21 – March 31

     

    Read this week’s reflections as a way to dive deeper into your spiritual practice or to get some nourishment and inspiration

    for your day.

    

    Click Here for Reflections

     

    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. You will see these posted daily if you are part of the “Members & Friends” Facebook group. If you know someone who needs encouragement and would like the devotional mailed to them, please contact Julie Wombacher in the church office.

    April 4th is Movie Group Night

    Watch “The Burial” and discuss the Film

    Oakwood Village Performing Arts Center

    

    The Burial is a riveting court drama. The 2023 American legal drama film directed by Maggie Betts and written by Betts and Doug Wright. The Burial is a riveting court drama based on the story of Jerry O’Keefe, who decides to take on a large funeral company and hires attorney Willie E. Gary to help him. Jerry and Willie remained friends well after the trial was over. Jamie Foxx is Willie E. GaryTommy Lee Jones is Jeremiah O’Keefe.

    

    Join us at 7 p.m. on the 10th and enjoy the discussion immediately following the film.


    Lunch and Learn

    April 10th, 11:30

     

    Our very own ORUCC member, Bev Davis, will share her insights on Bullying.  “What you may not know about bullying, learning to believe in yourself can be a lifetime struggle.” This presentation will be enlightening, inspirational.  Bev Davis is an Award-Winning Author, Chaplain/Pastor, Speaker. 

     

    Bev is the author of four books, holds a Master of Divinity degree from McCormick Theological Seminary, Chicago and is also a Certified Dementia Practitioner (NCCDP). She has spoken to audiences throughout Wisconsin and the Midwest. She understands anti-bullying from knowing the subject first-hand from being bullied as a young person growing up in Chicago. 

     

    Join us of Lunch and Learn, Wednesday, April 10th at 11:30.  We dine at 11:45 from a wonderful buffet.  $10 per person. The program begins at 12:30. Please RSVP  Steve Sheets, [email protected] .

     


    By Zoom on Thursdays: 04:00 PM Central Time

        

        Mar 21, 2024 04:00 PM

        Apr 18, 2024 04:00 PM

        May 16, 2024 04:00 PM


    Click here to join Zoom meeting

    

    us02web.zoom.us/j/87998025473?pwd=dEEzcFkvSnBNdzNUaE5BK2RxUDZqZz09


    Meeting ID: 879 9802 5473

    Passcode: 573548

    Dial in

    1 312 626 6799 US 

    There is a new campaign to raise $200,000 to rebuild and strengthen the 17 lakeside cabins at Moon Beach, a place that has been a source of renewal for so many of us over the years.  Here’s a little more background from the folks at Moon Beach:


    “The foundations, crafted decades ago with cinder blocks, stumps, and pine posts now require restoration to ensure their longevity and stability against the elements. By repairing and restoring the foundations with a firm footing for the footprint and base of the cabins, we can ensure their stability and compliance with regulatory standards, allowing us to maintain them for generations to come.”


    With a matching grant already announced, the goal is to raise $100,000 that would then net the campaign $200,000. For those of us at ORUCC who love Moon Beach and who have the ability to give, thank you for your consideration.  Click here to donate.

    Reading the Bible

    Seriously But Not Literally

    Tuesday mornings 10-11:30 am

    in the Alfred Swan Room

    (Zoom if there is interest)

    April 2 – May 21 (8 sessions)

    Led by David Anderman


    Our text will be The Emancipation of God: Postmarks on Cultural Prophesy by Walter Brueggemann, a world-renowned UCC Old Testament/Hebrew Scriptures scholar. The book is a collection of recent short essays which originated as blog posts; they are readable and largely non-technical essays intended for the mythological ‘person-in-the-pew.’ The book is available on short notice from Amazon. Most local bookstores could order it but I would be surprised if any have it in stock. List price is $28.00. Good theology doesn’t come cheap. Neither does bad theology, for that matter.


    Our first session(s) will look at the passages traditionally quoted by those opposing LGBTQ+ affirming theologies. Brueggemann sets them alongside the much more numerous passages of welcoming neighbors and of offering hospitality to strangers. This specific issue will open up broader consideration of the nature of Biblical interpretations. Other topics will include exploring what it means to be a Biblically-informed and -directed church in a capitalist empire that co-opts religious institutions and faith; and how a ‘declining’ church can offer hope to a discouraged and down-hearted, sometimes cruel culture.


    Through these examples, we will learn ways of taking the Bible seriously but not literally. Two secondary texts will also be referred to. I have just started reading Reading Genesis by Marilyn Robinson, another well-known and UCC author. Fascinating passages about her reading of the book of Genesis. I will also refer to the essay The Symbol Gives Rise to Thought by Paul Ricoeur, a French philosopher who self-identified as a Reformed Christian.


    Please email me if you are planning on coming, or have questions?

    David Anderman, [email protected]

    Sign Up Now Through the End of June 2024!



    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, 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 a Lay Liturgist


    Click here to assist with Holy Communion


    After selecting one or more dates, you will need to click “Submit and Sign Up” at the bottom of the page, then enter your name & email address, then click “Sign Up Now.”


    Questions or problems signing up?

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



    Office Manager Julie Wombacher

    available Mon.-Thurs. 8:30am -12:00 pm

    by appointment

    608-271-7212 or EMAIL


    Senior Pastor Julia Burkey available

    Tues.- Fri. & Sun. 9:00 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. 10:00 am – 5:00 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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