ORUCC Children and Youth 

Sunday, November 16, 2025

Dear Families,

We look forward to seeing you this week! Below you’ll find helpful information for events coming up this Sunday and the few weeks ahead, including an announcement about our 2026 Youth Service Trip.

-Pastor Kate & Julie M.

Sunday Morning Faith Formation Classes

Nursery Care (Up to Age 5) 8:30-11:30 AM

Nursery Care with Abby and Jade is available for children 6 months to 5 years old in the Frances Room.

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 continue 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 with 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 look deeper at 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.

Music Opportunities

Music Connections: Will NOT meet this Sunday. See you back again on November 23. Children are invited to stay in worship this Sunday.

TRU Function: Our youth band will practice from 10:00 a.m.-Noon . TRU Function leads worship on the fourth Sunday each month. TRU Function is led by Rob Martens. 

Youth Service Trip Announcement!

Our youth service trip next summer will be to Detroit, MI, July 12-18, 2026 with an organization called Motown Mission! Youth entering 8th grade through high school graduation are eligible for this trip. Please see this document for more information, and contact Pastor Kate if your youth would like to participate. A deposit of $100 is due by December 7 to secure your spot. 

Save the Date: Upcoming Events

• November 30, Intergenerational Faith Formation at 9 am: Children and adults of all ages are invited to join together in Friendship Hall to begin the Advent season together. We’ll reflect on the story of Mary’s Song and engage in hands on crafts and conversation.
• December 5, Family Game Night, 6:00-8:00 p.m.: Bring a game, a friend, and/or a dish to share with your fellow church families. Kids from elementary age through high school are invited to attend with their adults. We’ll play games and socialize over a very informal potluck in Friendship Hall.
• December 7, Parents Together Peer Support Group, 9:00 a.m.: 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.
• December 14 Cookie Sale: Youth participating in the 2026 Service Trip are expected to participate in this fundraiser. Mark your calendars now, more details to come!

At Orchard Ridge, We are Spiritually Alive!

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.

Hands On Building Prayer

Take turns stacking blocks or Lego bricks.

Each time you add a block,

pray for a person or situation

-from The Peace Table, A Storybook Bible