ORUCC Children and Youth

Faith Formation Update

Sunday, February 9, 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. 

ALL PreK-6th Grade Children will meet in the Bridges Room this Sunday. We’ll start with a story of the “A New Creation” from the book of Revelation. Following the story and reflection, the children will continue to work on their quilt squares. For the next month, Nancy Wettersten will guide us in making a collaborative quilt. Each child/youth is invited to design a square on the theme of “Earth.” Together, we will create something big from something small. See below for more photos of our time together.

*Our work will continue over the next three weeks. Your child has time to participate even if they cannot attend this Sunday. Ideally, they can participate in Faith Formation at least twice between February 2 and March 2 to complete their square.*

Your child will wait for you in the classroom before moving to the sanctuary for worship at 10 am. 

Youth Faith Formation (7th Grade-High School) will meet at 9:00 a.m. in the Dorothy Day room for the first of a two-week series exploring Palestinian Justice with Diane Dulin (co-Chair of ORUCC Palestinian Justice Mission Team). This week we will watch an inspiring short film documentary, My Neighbourhood, and discuss the work of a young activist in the Sheikh Jarrah neighborhood of Jerusalem.

Music Opportunities for Children and Youth

Music Connections: Following the children’s moment in worship, children in grades 2-6 are invited to join Julie downstairs in the Friedrich Bonhoeffer room for Music Connections. This week, the children will continue their exploration of the Creation Story through sound. We are in need of a music connections volunteer this week. Can you help?

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: Youth who are in TRU Function will meet in the Haynes music room from 10:00-noon for regular practice.

Upcoming Events

• Friday, February 7, 6:30-8:00 Family Game Night at ORUCC. Bring a game and a dish to share at this relaxed gathering of fun and fellowship.
• February 9 and 16, Youth Faith Formation (7th-HS) at 9:00 a.m. will feature a documentary viewing and conversation of Palestinian Justice with Diane Dulin, a member of our ORUCC Palestinian Justice mission team.
• March 2, 9:00 a.m. Safe Sanctuary “Refresher”: Every year we take a moment to review the “Safe Sanctuary” policy adopted by ORUCC to provide a safe, welcoming environment for all children. All volunteers with children and youth must abide by this policy. Pastor Kate will review Safe Sanctuary for any interested adults during the 9:00 hour on March 2nd.
• March 14-16 Lenten All-Church Retreat at Daycholah Center. Take some time in the beauty of Green Lake to rest, play, and renew your faith with friends old and new. Sign up today! https://forms.gle/mo9rPyDD6jNy8Q4XA

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).

Crouch down as small as you can with your child. As you read the prayer, slowly rise until your arms are fully outstretched overhead, like a tree. Repeat the body prayer several times.

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, Shine Curriculum)