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Spiritually Alive, Joyfully Inclusive, Committed to Justice
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Our Week at a Glance 04/03/2022
Sunday April 3rd Worship 10:00 am
In-person & Live-streamed
Preaching: Julia Burkey
Lay Liturgist: Ginny Stiles
Details in Saturday’s Worship Resources
9:00 am Social Justice Programming
Care of Creation – “The Problem with Plastics and What We Can Do About It”
Friendship Hall
9:00 am Sunday School
Crafts/music for children through 8th grade
10:00 am Music Connections & Craft/Play time
Children and youth are invited to 10:00 worship & after the Children’s moment will be invited to Music Connections
(for 2nd graders and older)
or Craft/Play time (preschool–first grade).
11:30 Java & Jesus
Sunday, April 3
11:45 am – 12:45 pm
Dan Rossmiller
Zoom
Knitting Group
Monday, April 4
1:30 pm – 3:00 pm
Sandra Dyar
Foyer
Adult Faith Formation
Tuesday, April 5
6:30 pm – 8:30 pm
Nathan Bubenzer
Zoom
Good Enough Devotional
Wednesday, April 6
5:30 pm – 6:00 pm
Julia Burkey
Zoom
See Below
Women’s Book Group
Thursday, April 7
1:30 pm – 3:00
Jan Christian
Zoom
Meditation Group
Friday, April 8
9:00 – 10:00 am
Sue Dixon
Zoom
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Maundy Thursday Agape Meals April 14
On April 14th Maundy Thursday some wonderful hosts at ORUCC are opening their homes and inviting you to share a meal with Middle Eastern cuisine, to have communion over the meal, to casually connect with each other to build and strengthen our relationships. This practice is also known as an Agape Meal or Love feast. Christians from all over the world will gather to remember the Last Supper that Jesus shared with his disciples.
Sign up for a Meal!
(LINK)
So far we have 56 slots, and if these meals get good traffic and fill up quickly, we will reach out to more hosts. Please consider as you read this if you might feel a call to host one of these meals, then reach out to me to explore the idea.
When you sign up to attend a meal, please indicate whether you have any dietary restrictions. The host will contact you directly to give any further instructions. We ask that everyone be vaccinated and boosted who attends or have a negative COVID test within 24 hours before the gathering. We invite people to arrive masked, and remove masks for meals. Hopefully the weather is nice so that we can enjoy indoor-outdoor space.
Good Friday April 15
At 6pm in our Worship Hall we will share in a contemplative Good Friday service with Madison Mennonite Church. We may have a Labyrinth walk from 5-7:30 for some introspective devotional time before or after the 6pm service.
Easter April 17
6:00 am Sunrise Service & Breakfast–In person sunrise service on ORUCC lawn, followed by breakfast together in Friendship Hall.
10:00 am Easter service will be in-person and live-streamed followed by an Easter Egg hunt on our church grounds.
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9am Social Justice Programming
Care of Creation
Sunday April 3
“The Problem with Plastics and What We Can Do About It.”
We’ll talk about how the manufacturing of plastics contributes to global warming, and that a huge concern is how they affect the health of our planet and all that lives upon it as they proliferate and accumulate. Finally, we’ll talk about how we as individuals can do our part, both in the everyday choices we make, and in how we can influence government policy to hold corporations responsible for the entire lifecycle of the plastic products they manufacture.
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Might you be interested in a New Members / Seekers Series with the Pastors and Leadership Team of ORUCC? Or perhaps you joined the church in the last couple of years, but were not afforded the opportunity to participate in New Member Classes. Here’s your chance!
Please attend at least three of the four informational classes at the church:
Sunday, April 10th, 9:00-9:50 a.m.
Sunday, April 24th, 9:00-9:50 a.m.
Sunday, May 8th, 9:00-9:50 a.m.
Sunday, May 22nd, 9:00-9:50 a.m.
RSVP to Ken Pennings at [email protected] or 608-556-2371.
At the Informational Classes, you’ll learn more about Orchard Ridge and the United Church of Christ (UCC). We’ll discuss our history as a local church, the leadership structure of the church, ministries within the congregation and the wider community, and some of the church’s views on important issues of faith.
You may participate in the New Member Classes even if you decide not to join the church at this time.
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Over 55 Returns Wednesday, April 13 @ 11:30
Yes, Over 55 will return in-person on Wednesday, April 13th, gathering at 11:30, buffet luncheon at 12, program at 12:30.
All are welcome to Over 55, masks are required unless eating. The delicious buffet prepared by our faithful catering team is $8 per person.
Our program will feature retired County Court Commissioner Todd Meuer. In his role as a court commissioner Mr. Meuer handled traffic cases, bail arraignment and initial appearances. He will speak to those experiences and answer questions. If you have questions about how to handle your next traffic ticket this will be your opportunity!
Please RSVP
In order that our catering team has an anticipated attendance we ask that you notify me, Steve Sheets, by Email of your intent to attend, or by phone 608-225-4052.
We look forward to sharing time with you Wednesday, April 13 at 11:30.
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Spiritual
Nourishment
for you!
For the week of March 31 – April 6
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.
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April Compassion Offering
Common Wealth Development
Common Wealth Development, a 40 plus year old non-profit, uses a people’s first philosophy to work in solidarity with the people we serve in our communities. CWD, uses a housing and employment approach to help stabilize families, thus contributing to stable neighborhoods. Under our racial justice and health equity model, Common Wealth works with a diversity of people, many who may face significant challenges in housing, employment, literacy and transportation.
In the South West neighborhood, CWD owns and manages > 200 low income housing units. We are proud to have opened our newest residential building on Raymond Road in August 2021. The first floor accommodates offices for our staff in addition to offices for our partners in the neighborhood: Joining Forces for Families and RISE Wisconsin with the Early Childhood Initiative. ORUCC has been a great partner who helped to establish the STEP program within the Work Force Development mission. Through ORUCC financial aid and volunteers, this program has assisted many neighbors in securing stable employment.
Common Wealth also provides incubation space at for first and second stage new businesses to help spur economic development. Our business incubators, Madison Enterprise Center, 100 S. Baldwin St and Main Street Industries, 931 E. Mains St, provide affordable rents for tenants.
We at Common Wealth, are grateful for the support of ORUCC. For more information about Common Wealth Development, go to CWD.org and learn more about CWD’s Adult Workforce Development activities by watching the video.
VIDEO
You can make a donation by check, on the memo line, please write “compassion” and mail to ORUCC, 1501 Gilbert Road, Madison, WI 53711, or donate online at orucc.org. Click the brown button “Contribute” in the upper right of the home page.
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Java & Jesus (by Zoom) 11:45
April 3–Dan Rossmiller
April 10–Dick Rossmiller
April 17–No Java & Jesus
Click here to join Java & Jesus
Don’t miss out! Contact Ken Pennings to be added to the Java & Jesus email list.
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Garden Tenders Saturday, April 16
(Due to inclement weather we have rescheduled the work day to April 16)
We have a schedule of when the city will pick up yard waste – leaves and plant debris- (the weeks of April 3 and April 17) so we should gather the Saturday prior to that to get it ready. Beneficial insects live in leaf litter in the winter and spring through May so we can leave the rain garden alone in April. More native plantings are planned for this spring to promote our support of the environment and to make maintenance easier.
The city will collect brush left at the curb the weeks of:
April 3
May 8
June 12
July 24.
You can help beautify the church landscape once a year, once a month or once a week. If you check in that you can help, it is more likely we can have treats. Dates to add to your calendar:
Saturday, April 16 from 10-noon.
Saturday, May 7 from 10-noon (Also a planting opportunity!)
Sunday, May 15 is Worship and Work Sunday for the annual clean up, planting and mulching extravaganza!
Saturday, June 11 from 10- noon. Special lilac pruning this year!!!
Saturday, July 23 from 10-noon.
You are also invited to the church yard on Wednesday mornings in the summer to tidy flower beds from 9 -10. See ATTACHMENT for more details and feel free to comment on proposals.
Joyce Pohl
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Immigration Justice News
GIFT CARD SUNDAY-MARCH 20, 2022 SUCCESS
Thanks to the generosity of our two congregations, the Orchard Ridge UCC and the Madison Mennonite Church, we raised over $2,000 in gift cards, bus passes and donations for Afghan resettlement in Dane County. The effort was coordinated by the Immigration Justice Mission Team, a joint committee composed of members from both congregations. Jewish Social Services, working with Open Doors For Refugees, will put the cards to good use by our newest neighbors immediately.
In particular, we want to recognize the following mission team members who worked to make this possible: Ruthanne Landsness, Baxter Richardson, Mark Bauman, Carol Troyer-Shank, and Jill Westberg McNamara.
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Friday Breakfast Group April 1
Join us for Friday Breakfast Group April 1 at 8:30 am at Denny’s, 433 S. Gammon Road. The group meets on the first Friday of the month and is open to all, both men and women. It is informal and a chance to connect and converse on many topics. Contact Louise Jeanne, LINK for more information.
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Women’s Book Group
Women’s Book Group meets next on April 7, Thursday, on Zoom from 1:30-3:00. We will discuss the novel The Four Winds by Kristin Hannah. Set against the backdrop of the Great Depression in Texas in 1934, the story is seen through the eyes of one indomitable woman who will discover the best in herself in the worst of times.
On May 5, we focus on another novel: How to Stop Time by Matt Haig. A man with a condition unknown to medical science–in which some people age at a much slower rate than is typical–learns what is truly important in life.
A couple of days before each meeting, we will automatically send to women on our list the link to our Zoom meeting. If you are not on our list but would like to join us, even if just for one time, please let Jan Christian know at [email protected] or 827-0500, and we will make sure you receive the link.
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Family Game Night is back!
Join us in Friendship Hall on the first Friday of the month 6-8 pm for games and socializing. Bring your favorite board game and a dish to share for a potluck supper. Mark your calendars for April 1 & May 6. Also save the date for a special fun night on June 3 featuring improv!
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Movie Group Returns April 22nd 7 P.M.
The ORUCC Movie Group is back on Friday, April 22nd at 7 p.m. We have lively discussions and a light dessert. All are welcome. WE WILL BE MASKED UNLESS WE’RE EATING. On the 22nd Academy Award nominees and winners will be discussed. Please let Steve Sheets know that you plan to attend so that a list of the nominees and where to see them can be provided to you. Mark your calendars: April 22nd, 7 p.m.
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The Crossing Annual Gala
You are invited to The Crossing campus ministry Gala in April! Many of you have donated your time, talents & gifts to The Crossing year after year and we thank you! The gala is an opportunity for you to meet some of the students and staff, listen to inspiring stories and celebrate this exciting ministry. This is a place where all students can belong in community, explore their beliefs, and become their authentic selves. We hope you can join us! Purchase your tickets (or purchase a ticket for a student)https://thecrossinggala2022.eventbrite.com. Questions? Contact Sue Dixon at 608-712-9050.
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Wayfinding for Seniors Returns!
Wednesday, May 18, 9:30 am – 11:30 am
After a long hiatus, waiting out you-know-what, Wayfinding is ready to get back up and running. So if you see yourself as a “senior,” please join us on Wednesday, May 18, for a chance to reconnect and envision our future.
Lucky for us, Pastor Julia is experienced with senior programming. So we’re very grateful she’ll be taking the lead on shaping the future of Wayfinding. One decision that’s been made is that, going forward, we’ll be narrowing the focus of Wayfinding to address the spiritual aspects of aging and end of life — i.e., the very real challenges of getting older, the spiritual qualities that help meet these challenges, useful spiritual resources, and how we make sense of it all.
For the fall we’re envisioning a series of “cafe-style” meetups on a regular basis. They will provide a chance to connect around specific issues and gain strength for our journeys.
On May 18 we’ll begin with inquiry. Julia would like to know: What are the spiritual tasks of aging as you experience them? Are you finding new wisdom (or humor!) as part of aging? What are the unique challenges elders face? (Of course being a 65-yr-old is quite different from being a 90-yr-old, so “senior /elder” encompasses a range of things.) We’ll use this input to further plan our cafes for 2022-23.
Date: Wednesday, May 18. Time 9:30-11:30. Place: ORUCC Fellowship Hall.
No need to RSVP. For more information contact [email protected].
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Save the date!
Celebration of Tammy Martens’ Ministry
August 6, 2022
Stay tuned for more details and times.
If you have questions or suggestions please contact
Ann Evensen [email protected] cell 608 628 4280
Barbara Stretchberry [email protected] cell 608-239-6669
Kellie Miller [email protected] cell 608 852-7578
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Save the date!
ORUCC Installation
Celebration of Julia Burkey
officially installed as our Senior Pastor
Sunday May 22nd 2pm
An installation is a special service in the United Church of Christ that marks the beginning of a pastor’s leadership in the local church and is our way of saying to Pastor Julia “you belong here with us!” It grants a sense of permanence and belonging and celebration of the Holy Spirit for bringing us together. We believe God has brought us together for a reason in this time and place and along with our local Southwest Wisconsin Association of the United Church of Christ, we will celebrate.
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The COVID Response Team met on Sunday March 6th and advises that:
In worship:
• We will continue to wear high-quality masks (surgical / N95).
o This allows us to care for the vulnerable among us, while enabling other activities.
• We eliminate the “checkerboard” seating pattern: families and friends are encouraged to sit together in groups, with spacing between groups as their comfort level dictates.
• For those who prefer to sit in a low-density area, we will be adding spaced seating to the Crossroads.
For group activities, especially those that traditionally include food, such as family game nights and potlucks, Over 55, and others: we ask that all participants are either vaccinated & boosted or have had a negative rapid antigen test within the previous day.
ORUCC will purchase rapid test kits for greater access if needed.
• Masks will be required for the programming portion of the event;
• Food and beverage are welcomed; groups should maintain spacing while eating.
For memorial services and receptions, participants should remain masked except while actively eating or drinking.
We came together in light of the evolving guidance from the CDC, Dane County Public Health, and the Wisconsin Council of Churches. We continue to try to discern a path forward that balances a changing public health landscape, a community that longs to be together, and a call to be welcoming to all. Our group will meet again on April 3.
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Office Manager Julie Wombacher
available Mon.-Thurs. 8:30am -12:30 pm
608-271-7212 or EMAIL
Senior Pastor Julia Burkey available
Tues.- Fri. & Sun. 9:00 am – 7:00 pm
by appointment
518-542-6915 EMAIL
Associate Pastor Tammy Martens: available
Tues.- Fri. 10:00 am -4:00 pm
by appointment
608-957-3184 or EMAIL
Associate Pastor Ken Pennings: available
Tues.-Thurs. 10:00 am -5:00 pm
by appointment
608-556-2371 EMAIL
All pastors (try to) take Monday & Saturday as Sabbath days.
Friday is observed as a writing day for the preaching pastor.
In case of a pastoral emergency, please call any of the pastors, as all pastors are available by phone, text and we will always have a pastor on call who we can turn to.
LIKE or FOLLOW the Orchard Ridge FaceBook Page
JOIN our Private FB Group:
“Members & Friends of Orchard Ridge UCC“
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Orchard Ridge United Church of Christ
1501 Gilbert Road
Madison, WI 53711
Office Hours: M-Th 8:30-12:30
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