ORUCC Children and Youth

Faith Formation Update

August 2025

Dear Families,

We are officially in the home stretch! We hope you are savoring the last moments of summer and taking the time to squeeze in all that you enjoy. Perhaps one last trip to the pool, a walk to your favorite ice cream shop, a camping weekend, or an evening of stargazing. For the remainder of August, there will not be 9:00 a.m. faith formation, but there are still exciting things happening for kids at ORUCC!

And, mark your calendar for our fall “Back to Church” kick-off celebration on September 7. Join us that day for Nursery Care, 9 am Children and Youth Faith Formation, Music Connections, a special “blessing of the backpacks” during worship, AND an all church BBQ lunch! You’ll receive more information about all of these great opportunities at the end of the month.

Be sure to scroll down this email for a home prayer and to be kept in the know of upcoming events.

~Pastor Kate and Julie M.

Children’s Sunday

Summer Programming

There is no 9:00 a.m. faith formation or regular nursery care during the summer. Our children and youth music programs will also take a break (TRU Function and Music Connections).

However, throughout the summer there are special opportunities for children’s participation during 10:00 a.m. worship. On the 2nd and 4th Sundays, we will will have special events or “Kids in the Kitchen,” for children ages 5 years old and up (younger children my participate with a caregiver present). Kids in the Kitchen is an opportunity to hear a Bible story and have fellowship with other children and adult volunteers as the kids make a snack to share with the congregation following worship.

Throughout the summer, on the 1st and 3rd Sundays, we will have a nursery care provider available in the Crossroads to offer “supported childcare” for young ones.

August Events

August 3, Supported Childcare 9:30-11:30 in the Crossroads with Najma. This service allows parents of children ages 0-5 to socialize and engage in the service, but encourages parents to stay nearby to assist their child, as well. This is also Najma’s last day. She is moving to Pittsburgh for her graduate studies in nursing. We’ll recognize her with a blessing and a prayer shawl during worship.

August 10, Kids in the Kitchen with Rachael and Marcia ”Kids in the Kitchen” is our yearly summer enrichment program. During worship, children ages 6 and older (ages 5 and younger must be accompanied by a caregiver) will be invited to hear a nature-themed story and make a snack to serve after worship.

August 17, Supported Childcare 9:30-11:30 in the Crossroads with Abby.

August 24, Kids in the Kitchen with Sara and Rachael.

At Orchard Ridge, we are Spiritually Alive!

July 10th’s Intergenerational Family Picnic

On July 10th, about 20 friends from church braved the stormy skies to meet for a picnic at Garner Park. It was a lovely opportunity to get to know one another better, play hide-n-seek, and enjoy some popsicles!

Intergenerational Pen-Pals Project

If you signed up for our pen pals project this summer, be on the lookout in the mail for a letter from your partner. How are your letters going? Feel free to reach out to Julie or Kate if you need any assistance or letter-writing ideas.

Parents Together Support Group:

August 18th, 7:30 p.m. Online

The “Parents Together” peer-led support group will be offered in an online format on August 18th at 7:30 p.m., facilitated by Claire Purkis. Parents Together is an opportunity to share the struggles and joys of parenting kids in today’s world. All are welcome! Please use this google meet link. You can also connect with Claire for more info at [email protected]. We will resume in-person meetings in this fall, beginning September 7th at 9:00 a.m..