ORUCC Children and Youth

Faith Formation Update

Sunday, May 11, 2025

Dear Families,

We look forward to seeing you this week. Read on below for details about this opportunity and other things happening this Sunday. At the bottom of the email, you will find some important dates for some fun events and photos of recent events.

~Pastor Kate and Julie M.

Supported Childcare Najma will be available in the Crossroads 8:30-11:30. This service allows parents to socialize and engage in the service, but encourages parents to stay nearby to assist their child, as well. 

Children and Youth Faith Formation is at 9 am. 

PreK-6th Grade (Ruby Bridges Room): This week, the children will gather together for a special Mother’s Day lesson. We’ll reflect on the words of Ephesians 6:1-3, play a “Matriarchs of the Bible” Memory Game, and create something for the mothers in our lives. Josie and Julie M. will guide the children in this experience.

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

7th-HS (Dorothy Day Room): Youth will join Kristin and Susan to resume the third of four sessions on “Tell Me About the Bible: Extraordinary Leaders”. This interactive series focuses on some lesser-known characters from the Bible who have something important to teach us about leadership. This week youth will learn about the story of Phoebe.

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 creative movement and a drum circle. 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: Practice from 10-noon in the Haynes Music Room.

Upcoming Events

• May 23-25 Brat Fest Fundraiser for Youth Service Trip: All youth attending the Service Trip are expected to sign up to participate in the Brat Fest fundraiser. Anyone else from the congregation who would like to volunteer under our group’s name (Orchard Ridge UCC) will also have their hours counted toward our fundraiser! Please sign up here if you would like to participate.
• May 26, 6:30-8:00 p.m. Mandatory Service Trip Meeting: for any youth and chaperones attending this year’s service trip. We will go over important information as we share fellowship together.

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.

Mother’s Day

God, you love our mom every day.

There is nothing she needs to do or be to have your love.

She is loved by her family too.

On Mother’s Day we say, “Thank you, God, for our mom.”

May our mom know in her heart how much we love her

and how much you love her too.

-From “Prayers for Faithful Families,” by Traci Smith