Please return your pledge cards ASAP!

Thanks to all who have returned their pledge cards for the 2025 ORUCC Stewardship drive. As of Monday, Nov. 25, 124 individuals or families have pledged $401,210 or 82% of our total goal of $498,157. If you haven’t made your 2025 pledge please return your pledge card as soon as possible, or email either the ORUCC office ([email protected]) or John Day ([email protected]) with your pledge.  

Words for the Beginning Advent 2024 series

Advent is a season of endings and beginnings. As the calendar year comes to a close, a new church year begins. Christ’s birth ushers us into new ways of living and loving; and yet, the world as we know it spins madly on. In many ways, pregnant Mary was surrounded by endings—large and small, personal and political. But Mary proclaimed hope in a God who was and is making all things new. Christ’s birth offered a beautiful new beginning for shepherds and Magi alike—all the while, King Herod tried to bring Christ’s story to an end. When we ourselves navigate seasons filled with endings and beginnings, we need reminders. We need words that can feel like steady ground, like a path for our feet to find as we step forward into the unknown.

We have chosen an Advent series filled with blessings, with the scriptures and reminders we need to hear again and again as we begin a new season. These reminders root us in the fundamental truths of our faith. Many of them are life lessons we teach to children—lessons that adults continue to learn and relearn. They may resemble the blessings we impart to loved ones during special ceremonies like weddings, graduations, or baptisms. And so, we invite you to move through this Advent season as if you are entering a sacred new chapter, holding fast to the reminders that will bolster you for the journey ahead.

As you journey through this season, may you find words for belovedness and hope. May you find words for beginning again. For no matter what you are facing, no matter what this new day brings, love is your beginning.

December 1^st You Are A Blessing, Kate Mackey preach, ORUCC Choir

All-Ages Faith Formation 9:00 a.m.

College Care Package Packing 11:15 a.m.

Keeping Neighbors Connected Christmas Card Sale

Holiday Gift Tree for ECI

ORUCC “Post Office”

December 8 We Can’t Go Alone, Julia Burkey preach, Bell Choir

Youth Service Trip Cookie Sale

Holiday Gift Tree for ECI

ORUCC “Post Office”

New Members Joining

December 15 Hope is Worth The Risk, Julia Burkey preach, ORUCC Choir

Return Gifts: Holiday Gift Tree

ORUCC “Post Office”

Ethical Trade Company Christmas Gift Sale

December 22 Do The Good That is Yours To Do, Julia Burkey preach, Special Music

ORUCC “Post Office”

Kids’ Music Showcase 11:15

December 24 Christmas Eve Candle Light Service, 3pm Youth & Families with TRU Function & Music Connections Children’s Music 5:30pm with Madison Mennonite Church with ORUCC Choir

December 29 Don’t Forget to Laugh, Ken Pennings preach

January 5 The Road Isn’t Straight, Kate Mackey preach Epiphany Sunday

Intergenerational

Faith Formation,

Sunday December 1st, 9:00 a.m., Friendship Hall

Don’t be a Grinch–as they say, your heart may grow three sizes this day!



All are welcome to come to an all-ages, faith formation event on the first Sunday of Advent, December 1st! Together we will share in some faith reflection and conversation while we make special Christmas Tree ornaments to bring home. This will be in place of regular children’s, youth, and adult faith formation for this Sunday.

Responding to the Election:

Opportunities for Reflection, Engagement and Support

This has been a challenging and grief-filled time for many in our congregation as the realities facing our nation come to light. If you are struggling, please know that your pastors are here for you. To continue processing these election results, you are invited to the following:



December 4th Hope Cafe 9:30am-11:30am

We had such a promising turnout to the first post-election Hope Cafe, that we scheduled another one. Come join for a time to just be, a time for us to come together as a community in a cafe-like atmosphere and turn to each other in these times of anxiety and unknown for our nation. No matter what happens, we do know that strengthening our local micro-communities is of great value. Know there will be space for you, a listening ear, yummy snacks and community care. This is an intergenerational space so little ones are welcome. Open to the wider community as well, so feel free to bring a friend or invite neighbors.

December Compassion Offering: The UCC Christmas Fund

Shepherding the Light & Being the Light

Each of us individually can be a beacon of light in our homes, workplaces, and communities. This December, you are invited to be a beacon of light through your contribution to this annual campaign, The UCC Christmas Fund. The Christmas Fund has been caring for active and retired clergy and lay employees of the United Church of Christ for over 100 years, providing emergency grants for life’s unexpected events; assistance with health care costs such as insurance and other health care needs; as a pension supplement for low-income retirees; and, as a simple thank you gift during hard times.

United Church of Christ congregations and members have blessed the Christmas Fund with their generosity for many years. This year, your care and compassion will be especially appreciated by those servants of the church who are facing a time of need. Thank you for your contribution to the UCC Christmas Fund as our December compassion offering. 

Special Holiday Greeting Card Sale: December 1st

Buy your holiday greeting cards at ORUCC! When you do, 100% of proceeds will help families in our neighborhood maintain stable housing. Variety packs and single design holiday cards featuring Peg Knueve’s beautiful artwork will be on sale in the Friendship Hall before and after worship on Sunday, December 1st. Cards are $10 per pack of 5 cards. What a deal! 

Assemble College Care Packages after worship this Sunday!

This Sunday, Dec. 1st, after worship, we will be assembling care packages to send to college students connected with ORUCC. Please email Ken Pennings immediately if you’d like your child to receive a care package ([email protected]).

There are three ways you can support this endeavor:

1) Show up at the church kitchen after worship this Sunday, Dec. 1st to help assemble the care packages;

2) On the morning of Dec 1st, drop off to the church kitchen homemade cookies or bars individually wrapped in cellophane wrap. Currently, we know we will be sending 22 care packages. Therefore, you may wish to bring 44 cookies or bars in cellophane-wrapped packages of two. Please bring a slip of paper listing all ingredients (there are some college students who have dietary restrictions);

3) Drop off a donation check to the church office, with “College Care Packages” in the memo line of the check.

Thanks for supporting our college students!

Supporting Our Neighbors: Holiday Gift Tree

Our church helps support the Early Childhood Initiative (ECI) in our neighborhood by providing holiday gifts for children whose families are in this program. ECI is a voluntary program which provides in-home family and parenting support and connection to community resources for families with children under the age of 4.

The tree will be out in Friendship Hall December 1st and 8th, while the tags last! If you’d like to buy a gift, please pick a tag and purchase one of the requested gifts (suggested price up to $40). Return the gift wrapped and with its original tag by December 15th.

**If you took a gift tag last week and forgot to record your name as a sponsor for this child, please talk to Pastor Kate! [email protected]**

2025 Youth Service Trip Announcement

The 2025 Youth Service Trip will be heading to Kansas City, MO for a “Justice 101” experience with Be The Neighbor, a UCC-affiliated organization. Youth entering 8th grade through those having just graduated High School are eligible to participate. The first deposit is due December 1st. Please talk to Pastor Kate if you have any questions! 

ORUCC “Post Office”

Bring your unstamped holiday cards for regularly-attending fellow ORUCC friends and skip the line at the post office! There will be self-serve “post office” available during the four weeks of December. Sort your cards alphabetically by last name. There is a suggested donation of 50 cents, with all proceeds supporting next summer’s youth service trip.

Make sure to stop by each week and see what cards have been left for you!

Do you have an idea for a Compassion Offering?

The Ministry of Christian Witness & Service is responsible for designating a 

recipient organization for the monthly compassion offerings. We welcome and encourage you to be part of this process by helping to identify organizations that are both meaningful to you and in keeping with the ORUCC mission of social justice and outreach.  Consider a non-profit that aligns with our church mission and that you are willing to help us promote. Then, follow the instructions on this form: Compassion Offering Request Form. The Ministry of Christian Witness & Service will review and consider your request at one of our monthly meetings. Thank you in advance!

– The Ministry of Christian Witness & Service

Friday Breakfast Group – December 6th

The next Friday Breakfast is set for December 6 at 8:30 am at Denny’s, 433 S. Gammon Road. All are welcome! The group meets on the first Friday of the month and includes both men and women. Join us for this informal chance to connect and converse on many topics. Contact Louise Jeanne, Link for more information.

2024 MOSES Transformation Celebration December 14th

ORUCC members are invited to attend the 2024 MOSES Transformation Celebration Saturday December 14, 2024 @ 5:30 to 9:00 pm at the Goodman Center on 214 Waubesa Street. This annual fundraising event showcases formerly incarcerated people who are now making contributions to our community. Enjoy heavy hors d’oeuvres and desserts created and served by youth in the Goodman Community Center’s TEENworks program. Tickets are $75 for an individual or $65 per ticket bought in a group. Proceeds support the community organizer and advocacy work of MOSES around addressing racial inequity, injustice in the criminal legal system, and racial justice for all children. You can also make a contribution to the event. Advanced registration is required using this form: https://secure.everyaction.com/25nkZFvsWEaRbpNca4ETYw2 

A Flyer with more information: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1N5h8Qqj9oI1myrjVi6gnYIUk4RzwPV0A/view?emci=82008f3e-349d-ef11-88ce-000d3a98fa6b&emdi=749798c8-379d-ef11-88ce-000d3a98fa6b&ceid=22210

Sign Up to Volunteer on Sunday Mornings now through the end of

December 2024!

  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

a Coffee Maker, a Welcomer, an Usher, 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 sign up as a Coffee Maker

Click here to sign up as a Welcomer

Click here to sign up as an Usher

Click here to sign up as a Lay Liturgist

Click here to assist with Holy Communion

After selecting one or more dates, 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.

Plastic Bag Recycling Update

Update from the Care of Creation team: We have collected 109 pounds so far! Please keep the donations coming! 

• Note that this is a plastic bag collection project. Grocery bags, plastic wrap, bubble wrap, cereal; bags, etc. are OKAY! 
• We CANNOT accept hard plastics like bottles, take-out containers, etc. 
• We also cannot accept dog food bags or frozen food because they contain multiple kinds of plastic mixed together. 
• Go to the Trex recycling challenge website for more details about what can and cannot be collected.

Thank you!

Rachael & Jill

Ushers needed through Christmas 2024

Please consider signing up to be an usher during our Sunday morning service. Ushers hand out bulletins, help people be seated, take the morning offering and count the money received.

We would like to see the days all filled up. On-the-job training will be provided, but it is very easy to complete the ushering duties.

Please visit the signup genius via the link below. If you have any questions, please contact the church office and they will put you in touch with the appropriate members.

Usher Signup Genius Link

Come sing with us–join our Choir!

All singers are welcome to join our Choir! Rehearsals are Wednesday

evenings from 7:00 to 8:30pm. We sing in worship the first and third

Sundays of the month, gathering for rehearsal 9am those Sunday mornings.

Please share your voice with a group of music-loving friendly people! For more information, email Bruce Gladstone at [email protected].

Spiritual

Nourishment

for you!

For November 28 – December 4

Daily Reflections: November 28 – December 4

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. If you know someone who needs encouragement and would like the devotional mailed to them, please contact the church office.

Orchard Ridge United Church of Christ

1501 Gilbert Road

Madison, WI 53711

608-271-7212

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