October 12 Children and Youth Faith Formation

Orchard Ridge UCC on October 8, 2025

ORUCC Children and Youth 

Sunday, October 12, 2025

Dear Families,

We look forward to seeing you this Sunday!

This week is “Crafty Sunday.” Children of all ages are invited to craft in the William Johnson Room from 8:15-9:00 a.m. All are welcome to bring a current project or start a new project using the materials we have on hand.

Faith Formation for all children and youth meets at 9:00 a.m. See below for more information and fun events coming up!

-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 Avery 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 begin in the Ruby Bridges Room at 9 am for Music with Julie. Following the music, the children will continue their exploration of “The Parable of the Mustard Seed” from Matthew 13:31-32. 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.

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 (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 Genesis 37; 39-47 (“Joseph”), ask questions, journal, draw, and reflect. Barbara S. 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 Pastor Kate and Brian L. 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. Devin C. will be our Safe Sanctuary volunteer.

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

October 12, 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 24, (evening start time TBD), Treinen Farms Bonfire: All ages welcome at this family-friendly event held at Treinen Corn Maze and Pumpkin Patch in Lodi. ORUCC will rent a bonfire circle and provide S’more supplies, but each family is responsible for purchasing their own tickets for all ages 3+. Tickets can be purchased online ahead of time for a discount, or at the door. Scholarships are available through the church, so let Pastor Kate know if that would help your family be able to attend.

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.

At Orchard Ridge, We are Spiritually Alive!

This fall, our Elementary Faith Formation group, “Peace Circle,” is exploring the beauty of and power of creation and our surrounding environment. On Sunday, September 28, the children took a walk around the property to notice our many trees, bushes, and plants. Then, on October 5, we took a deeper look at those plants with magnifying glasses. Along the way, we discussed what these plants need to grow and thrive, such as sunlight, water, wind, and pollinators. True joy was unleashed when the children discovered the milkweed pods and happily unleashed the soft strands into the air sending prayers for them to be future homes for pollinators.

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.

God of life, we are your beloved children.

Help us to grow, and grow, and grow, and grow to become more like you.

We praise you for your goodness and love. Amen.

From Path to Peace with Creation Curriculum

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