ORUCC Children and Youth

Faith Formation Update

Sunday, March 2, 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. Please note: today is also the last day to sign up for the all-church retreat!

~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 Who Need to Finish Their Quilt Square will meet in the Bridges Room this Sunday. We’ll start with the story, “Ruth and Naomi” from the book of Ruth. Following the story and reflection, the children will complete their quilt squares. This is the final week to create a quilt square for our collaborative “Earth” quilt. See below for more photos of our time together.

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

Youth (7th-H.S.) will meet in the Dorothy Day room. This Sunday we are beginning 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 Deborah, the only female Judge named in the Old Testament. Susan Watson and Al Blanchard will be our guides for this Sunday.

Music Opportunities for Children and Youth

Music Connections resumes this week. Following the children’s moment, children in grades 2-6 are invited to the downstairs Bonhoeffer room. This week, we’ll continue our exploration of the Creation story. We’ll fine-tune our soundscape by using a variety of instruments to represent nature and animals. Your child will return to the sanctuary for communion. We are in need of a Safe Sanctuary volunteer. Can you help? Email Julie if you, or your teen, can.

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

• 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 9, 9:00 a.m. All-Ages Faith Formation
• March 14-16, Today is the last day to sign up! 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). 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.

Many children and adults have recently experienced a cold, virus, or flu. If your family is under the weather, perhaps this prayer will bring a sense of calm and hope.

Sometimes when I am sick,

I don’t feel my best.

I lie down.

I sleep.

I take medicine.

Please help me feel better.

Give me comfort.

Give me rest.

Give me peace.

(from “Little Prayers for Everyday Life,” Traci Smith).