Today, August 18, 2022 

5:00 pm – 8:00 pm

Madison to Hold Pride Interfaith Service

In solidarity with the LGBTQIA+ community, a diverse group of affirming religious organizations and community partners will unite for Madison’s first Pride Interfaith Service on Thursday, August 18, 2022, at First Baptist Church in Madison from 5:00-8:00 pm. This event is open to the public.

This event addresses the pain and harm caused by religious institutions, but also celebrates queer joy and love. It begins at 5:00 pm for a time of food and fellowship, featuring the Holy Cow Food Truck and local LGBTQIA+ organizations, followed by the Pride Interfaith Service at 6:30 pm. The service can also be viewed online at live.firstbaptistmadison.org.

For more information Click Here

Technology Fundraiser

The church is moving ahead with technology improvements, and we are welcoming contributions to help pay for them.  Hybrid meetings in the Alfred Swan Room are already happening; these permit people present in the room to share the event with those connected from home via Zoom.  Next up we will be adding technology to make it possible to hold larger hybrid meetings and enhanced educational events in Friendship Hall.  To learn more please read this post from the ORUCC Website Link .

You can make a donation by check, on the memo line, please write “AV” and mail to ORUCC, 1501 Gilbert Road, Madison, WI 53711, or donate online at LINK tech fund.

Successful Garden Work Day Update!

It was another chain saw extravaganza on Wednesday morning at ORUCC! In June we pruned the big lilacs on the church grounds and this month we cut down and trimmed the large bushes around the fence, along TolmanTerrace, and trimmed the low hanging tree branches over the lawn and sidewalk. A truckload of weeds were pulled in the hosta bed at the northwest corner of the churchyard as well as at the flower bed at the back door. A LOT of work was done! Thanks goes out to Rick Daluge, Ralph Peterson, Jon Blanchard, John Olsen, Paul Patenaude,  Jim McNamara, Jill Westberg, and Julie Wombacher. Check out the piles of brush at the curb and the lovely, refreshed flowerbeds when you are at church. Thank you to all the workers!  Joyce Pohl  (And thanks Joyce Pohl for your tireless work with the gardens, you keep our grounds beautiful! – Julie)

Spiritual

Nourishment

for you!

For the week of Aug 18 – August 24

Read this week’s reflections as a way to dive deeper into your spiritual practice or to get some nourishment and inspiration

for your day.

Click here for reflections

We are grateful for the ministry of Jeanne Moberly who is a member of Adult Faith Formation, as she puts together a set of fresh readings every week for our devotional practice at Orchard Ridge UCC. You will see these posted daily if you are part of the “Members & Friends” Facebook group. If you know someone who needs encouragement and would like the devotional mailed to them, please contact Julie Wombacher in the church office.

İAtención! İAtención! 

It’s August 2022 – Time for the Casa Alitas Clothing Drive!

It’s time to go through those closets and boxes and provide others 

with those clothes that you are no longer wearing or no longer use.

Drop them off on any Sunday in August in Friendship Hall.

We’ll transport them to Casa Alitas in Tucson, AZ. 

Bus leaves Monday, August 29, 2022!

Click on the LINK for a list of the most needed items.

Thank you in advance for your contribution!

The ORUCC – MMC Immigration Justice Team

Music Connections

Our 2022 programming year kicks off on September 11! Music Connections, our music ministry for children in grades 2-6+, meets during the 10 o’clock worship hour in the lower level of the church. Volunteers are needed to assist during this time. Duties include observing, participating, and helping wherever needed. No prior music experience is required. You do not need to be a parent. Volunteers must attend a brief Safe Sanctuary workshop. If you are able to help, please sign up at : https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0944A5AB2B0-20221 

Sunday Morning Nursery

 Seeking Nursery Care for Fall

We are looking for two dedicated individuals to be a nursery care provider to begin Sept 11. Hours are from 8:30-11:30 a.m. on Sunday mornings. If you know anyone in your network who might be a good fit for us, please pass this information along to them. We consider the nursery care to be an important piece of our vibrant ministry to families, that we are ready to bring BACK! There is a possibility for extended hours for special activities either on Sundays or other days of the week. This person will work with our other hired staff person and care for children ages 0-5 years. We will pay $20.00/hour. We are a Safe Sanctuary congregation and all of our applicants are screened. Please send resumes to Julie Mazer, email [email protected]

Handbell Exploratory Workshop

If you have ever been interested in handbell choir, but feel intimidated just jumping in, then this is the event for you! Come and spend some time with handbell choir director, Bethany Schultz to learn about how handbell choir works and try bells out for yourself. No prior handbell experience is necessary. Just the ability to read music, and a willingness to try something new. Kids 12 and up are also welcome! The workshop will take place on Sunday, August 28th at 11:30 am. If you are interested, but unable to attend on the given date, Bethany would be happy to set up a separate time for you! Please fill out this form to indicate your interest in attending! Thanks!

Autism Support Positions available on Madison’s near west-side,

just a few miles from ORUCC

Guide a young woman who is a member of ORUCC and who has autism to enjoy time in her home and community, as she builds new skills. All you need are the qualities of being reliable, fun-loving, and open to new learning. This opportunity brings many rewards, including the joy of knowing you’re making a positive difference in her life, $16 per hour, mileage reimbursement, and benefits if working 30 or more hrs./wk.

Current available hours include Monday- Friday

·    Morning Fitness Coach - you may also workout while mentoring her;

·    Afternoon Meal-Planning & Cooking – share your skills and love for cooking.

Driving is part of both positions, so you must have a reliable car and car insurance.  Applicants will show proof of COVID vaccination and agree to use a mask when in public. To learning more, email [email protected] 

or call Laurine at 608-333-3101.

AT ORUCC, the Members are the Ministers!

We are seeking volunteers to serve on Sunday mornings for in-person worship. You need not be a member,

simply a person who loves ORUCC and is eager

to find a place to serve!

Young people are welcome to sign up too!

Would you consider serving one or more times as

an Assistant to the AV Technician, a Welcomer, a Lay Liturgist,

or to assist with Holy Communion?

Feel free to sign up as an individual, a couple, or a family!

Click here to serve as an Assistant to the AV Technician

Click here to sign up as a Welcomer

Click here to sign up as a Lay Liturgist

Click here to sign up to assist with Holy Communion

After selecting a date, you will need to click “Submit and Sign Up” at the bottom of the page, then enter your name & email address, then click “Sign Up Now.”

Questions or problems signing up?

Contact Ken Pennings at [email protected] or 608-556-2371.

Orchard Ridge United Church of Christ

1501 Gilbert Road

Madison, WI 53711

608-271-7212

Office Hours: M-Th 8:30-12:30