ORUCC Children and Youth

Faith Formation Update

Sunday, April 6, 2025

Dear Families,

We look forward to seeing you this Sunday. Read on below for details about this week. At the bottom of the email, you will find some important dates for some fun events, photos of recent events, and a prayer to try as a family this week.

~Pastor Kate and Julie M.

Nursery Care is available 8:30-11:30. Abby and Najma are ready to play with your little one.

Children and Youth Faith Formation is at 9 am. 

PreK-6th Grade: Ruthanne Landsness will lead the children’s Faith Formation hour this week. The children will be able to view the quilts in Friendship Hall, draw their own “Welcome” quilt square, and participate in a short Spanish lesson!

Following Faith Formation, the children will head straight to Music Connections. They will not start in the sanctuary this week.

Youth (7th-H.S.) will meet in the Dorothy Day room. This Sunday we are in the second of a four-session study called “Tell Me About the Bible: Extraordinary Leaders”. This interactive series will focus on some lesser-known characters from the Bible who have something important to teach us about leadership. This week we learn about Rahab from the book of Joshua. Susan Watson, Kristin and Al Blanchard will be our guides for this Sunday.

Caregivers: At 9 AM, caregivers are invited to join Pastor Kate and Julie in the Day Room to hear about Faith Formation plans for this summer and the 2025-26 school year.

Music Opportunities for Children and Youth

Music Connections resumes this week. We’ll start right at 10:00. This week, we’ll further develop the Creation story with the help of some of our caregivers. Your child will return to the sanctuary for communion.

Older youth are invited to stay in worship or participate in Music Connections as a helper. If your child wishes to be a helper, please connect with Julie to chat about expectations. In agreement with our church’s Safe Sanctuary policy, two adults must be present in a room when working with children. Sign up to volunteer. 

TRU Function: TRU Function will practice from 10:00-12:00 in the Haynes Music Room.

Upcoming Events

• Children and Youth Ministry Update (for grown ups): April 6, 9:00 a.m.: Pastor Kate and Julie will share some highlights of plans for Children and Youth ministry this summer and next programming year. Bring any questions, hopes, or wonderings you might have!

• Amazing GRace (for Middle and High School Youth): Sunday, April 6 –RSVP to Julie

“The GRACE is run much like the popular CBS, TV reality show. Teams of Church Youth follow clues to make their way around the greater Madison area on a race to the finish line. Along the way, youth (as individuals and teams) complete an array of challenges to receive their next clue. 

Think of it as a mash-up of: ESCAPE ROOM, BIBLE STUDY, & RACE!

The first team to finish the GRACE will win a Trophy and the PRIZE POT will be donated to the CHARITY of their choosing! BUT…. all who participate are WINNERS!” Last year, our team WON and brought home the traveling trophy. We are invited back this year to defend our winning title. Additionally, our youth will have the opportunity to meet youth from other area UCC churches.

• April 13, 9 am: Palm Sunday Intergenerational Faith Formation in Friendship Hall



In the Community

• Saturday, April 5, 10:00-2:00, “Doing Justice Advocacy at UW Madison: A free event geared toward current high school students (or incoming college students) who are interested in learning more about justice advocacy at UW Madison. Sponsored by the Crossing ministry, a progressive ecumenical ministry for college students. Lunch provided! RSVP to director Michael Burch at the email: [email protected]

• “Resilient Families” Conversations: Coping with Climate Change Anxiety: April 13, 5:00-7:30 p.m.: Madison Friends Meetinghouse (Quaker) invites the community to participate in monthly conversations about challenges facing families today. April 13 features teen-led conversations on dealing with climate change and anxiety. Free dinner and childcare provided! See this document for more information.

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.

Dear God, thank you for forgiving us when we make mistakes or hurt others. Help us to

always do the right thing, to apologize when we do something wrong, and to extend the same grace and forgiveness to others that we receive from you. Amen.

A Sanctified Art