ORUCC Children and Youth 

Sunday, November 9, 2025

Dear Families,

We look forward to seeing you this week!

Friday, all are welcome to attend our monthly Family Game Night in Friendship Hall from 6:00-8:00 pm.

Sunday, children and youth are invited to join Julie for Crafty Sunday in the Johnson Room from 8:15-9:00 am.

Also on Sunday, parents are invited to join Julie at 9:15 in the downstairs Bonhoeffer Room for an informational meeting about our Christmas Eve service.

*See below for more information on these events.*

Last, we are in need of a Safe Sanctuary volunteer for Music Connections this week. Can you help? Sign up here.

-Pastor Kate & Julie M.

Sunday Morning Faith Formation Classes

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

Nursery Care with Avery and Abby 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, “A New Creation,” from the book of Revelation. 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 Exodus 16, Numbers 13-14, Deuteronomy 29-31 (“Wandering”), ask questions, journal, draw, and reflect. Kellie M. and Becky 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 Brian L. and Gretchen F. this week.

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 for movement and xylophone play. 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. We are in need of a Safe Sanctuary volunteer this week. Can you help? Sign up here.

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. 

Save the Date: Upcoming Events

November 7, 6:00-8:00 pm, Family Game Night: 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.

November 9, 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.

November 9, Christmas Eve Parent Information Meeting, 9:15 am: Hopefully, you received an email with information about this year’s Christmas Eve service. If not, you can find all the details HERE or reach out to Julie. If your child wishes to participate in the service, please plan to attend a brief parent meeting in the downstairs Bonhoeffer Room at 9:15 to review the schedule and expectations.

November 21-22, Middle School Retreat at Daycholah Center: The Wisconsin Conference UCC is offering a middle school faith retreat for students in 6th-8th grade at Daycholah Center. Pastor Kate will be attending with some youth from ORUCC. Any 6th-8th graders are welcomed to register here. Scholarships are available upon request. Please let Pastor Kate know if your youth is interested so that we make sure we have enough adult chaperones for our group. 

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.

A Prayer for Bedtime

Take my hand and lead me,

Won’t you be my guide?

I can see more clearly,

When you are by my side.

At night when I am resting,

Watch over me, I pray.

I will walk with you again,

When darkness fades away.

-From Prayer for Bedtime, Author Unknown