Children/Youth Ministry Update and Safe Sanctuary Training: September 24, 9:00 a.m.

There are many exciting things happening with our young folks at ORUCC!

On Sept. 24 at 9:00 a.m., all are invited to learn about what’s happening for children and youth this fall, as well as updates to the Safe Sanctuary policy. Approved by the Leadership Team this summer, the updated Safe Sanctuary policy will be voted upon at the congregational meeting in February. This policy outlines how we work together as a community to create a safe and welcoming environment for all children and youth. Individuals volunteering with our youth are required to be trained in this policy, and we also encourage as many people as possible to have a working knowledge of how to put this into action as a community.

ALL are encouraged to attend (Java & Jesus will not be meeting this Sunday).

Interested in learning how to use the Coffee-Machine

in the Church Kitchen?

Kurt Jaehnig will be training new Coffee-Makers in the church kitchen this Sunday, Sept. 24th, at 8:15 am. Please let Kurt know if you’re planning to attend – [email protected]

(or simply show up).

 Donate one (or more) new or gently-used twin mattress to a family in need?

A Heart Room family is in need of 3 new or gently-used twin mattresses. If you’d like to donate, please contact Jen Walker at [email protected]

Sign Up to Join a Fall

Book Discussion Group!

Part of our fall sermon & discussion series on “Indigenous Justice” is our BIG READ of Kaitlyn B. Curtice’s book Native: Identity, Belonging and Rediscovering God. If you’d like to participate in the BIG READ, pick up a copy of the book right away and begin reading.

One great way to get the most out of the BIG READ is to participate in a small group of 8-12 people who are reading and discussing the book together in four 1.5 hr. sessions in a pattern of every other week (with an exception or two).

We are offering 6 discussion groups — 4 groups in homes, 1 group by Zoom, 1 group at Oakwood Village West. Click on the link below for dates/times/locations of groups.

Plan to read ahead of time the following sections of the book and come prepared to discuss: Week One: Introduction and Part 1; Week Two: Part 2 & Part 3 (chapter 9); Week Three: Part 3 (chapters 10, 11, 12) & Part 4 (chapters 13, 14, 15); Week Four: Part 4 (chapter 16) through the end of the book.

Click here to sign up for a discussion group

Questions?

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

SEPTEMBER COMPASSION OFFERING

THIOTTE HAITI VULNERABLE CHILDRENS RELIEF, INC (THVCR) 

THIOTTE HAITI VULNERABLE CHILDRENS RELIEF, INC (THVCR) is a Wisconsin-based nonprofit that supports a group of women and children in the community of Thiotte,Haiti. These children are identified as being at risk of entering a child trafficking system because they don’t have parents, or the parents are not able to provide for them. THVCR provides direct support to a Haiti organization (known as KoFAT Compassion Project) which hires five women who serve as community workers, three teachers to tutor and prepare the children for school and 3 cooks who prepare one meal per week for the 120 children. Funding covers the staff, annual tuition for 109 children to be in school this fall and the food to prepare the meals.

The relationship between THVCR and KoFAT dates back to 2009. In subsequent years, the program and has experienced progressive, controlled growth with the first year having 16 children in school and meals for about 80 children.  THVCR is a 501c3 nonprofit made up of an all-volunteer group of leaders and supporters who’s sole focus in on sustaining the work of KoFAT in Haiti. With that, 100% of donated funds are transferred to KoFAT to apply to teacher/cook salaries, student tuition and food.  Routine communication between THVCR and KoFAT is maintained with various methods including WhatsApp, emails and an annual meeting between Haitian and WI leaders that, for safety reasons, is held on the Dominican side of the border with Haiti. The next trip is scheduled for November 2023.

ORUCC’s association with THVCR originates with members Paul Patenaude and Ann & Roger Avery who have previously traveled to this region of Haiti as part of the Haiti Medical Mission of Wisconsin and who remain engaged in the work of THVCR. Thank you in advance for supporting THVCR as the September Compassion Offering. 

Thank you in advance for your contribution.

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 from our website. The link is https://orucc.org/contribute/support/

Spiritual

Nourishment

for you!

For the week of Sept 21 – Sept 27

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.

COVID Updates

The COVID response team is closely monitoring a recent increase in COVID cases that might warrant a change in masking policy. Thus far, neither the CDC, Dane County Public Health, UW Hospital and Clinics, nor other UCC churches have recommended any change in masking policy. For the present, therefore, we continue to endorse the CDC recommendations be up to date on vaccines, stay home if you are sick, wear a mask in enclosed areas if you are at higher risk or if you are concerned, and wash hands frequently. We will continue to keep the congregation informed about any new developments.

Wayfinding: The Soul Tasks of Aging, Toward a Theology of the Elder Years is coming BACK!!!



Every 3rd Wednesday morning 9:30am October 18, 2023- May 15, 2021. We begin our gathering for refreshments, 9:45am- 11:15am programming.

Please RSVP to Office manager Julie W if you plan to participate by replying to this email LINK. Please also reach out out if you’d like to see a virtual Wayfinding gathering as well.

Iris Bulbs!!

The gardeners have dug up iris tubers from the garden bed at the end of the education wing. They produce big beautiful, pale purple flowers that could be in your yard next spring! Please feel free to take as many as you want. They will be at the main entrance to church on Sunday mornings in September–Joyce Pohl.

Fall Equinox Labyrinth walk at the Madison Christian Community-7118 Old Sauk Road, Madison

Saturday September 23

Drop in between 1:00 pm – 5:00pm

Celebrate the changing seasons; honor the harvest time in your life.

Indoor and outdoor labyrinths will be open between 1;00pm – 5:00pm. $5.00 donation appreciated.

Immigration Justice Corner

PLEASE JOIN US FOR A SPECIAL SHOWING OF:

SEEKING ASYLUM: A Mother’s Journey

SEEKING ASYLUM is an award-winning feature documentary that bears witness to the endless deterrents migrants face when petitioning for asylum in the United States. In a system that has been designed for failure, we follow one woman’s journey as she searches for protection for herself and her children.

Many people view getting to the United States as the final hurdle in the migration journey, but we quickly learn that once in the U.S., the fight has just begun. During one of the most uncertain times in our country’s history, Seeking Asylum documents the challenges asylum seekers face and shows why asylum is an integral part of the American Dream that we cannot afford to lose.

WHEN: Wednesday September 27, 6:00 to 8:30pm

WHERE: Madison Christian Community, 7118 Old Sauk Road, Madison

COST: We are requesting donations of $25 per person, to be paid online or at the door. Members of the immigrant community are invited at no cost. Donations go to support the sponsoring organizations’ work for immigrant justice.

Donate here - 

https://www.wisconsinfaithvoicesforjustice.org/donate.html

Under ‘designation’, please click on Seeking Asylum.

Light refreshments and beverages will be served.

ORUCC Choir

The choir will rehearse every Wednesday night and sing in worship on the first and third Sundays of the month, with some exceptions.

ORUCC Handbell Choir Seeks New Members!



Come have fun and make music with us! We would love to add members to our ensemble. It is only necessary to know how to read music. Past experience with handbells is not required! If you played an instrument in high school or college and want to experience making music again, or you ARE in high school or college and think bells might be cool (they are) please join us! Contact handbell choir director, Bethany Schultz to learn that you could love handbells! [email protected]

Purchase Cards on the table

in the Crossroads each Sunday Morning!

In Case you Missed It!

Link to Sermons…..

The Treasure in Earthen Vessels-8/27/2023

Rev. Ken Pennings

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, a Lay Liturgist or

to assist with Holy Communion?

It has been fairly easy finding Lay Liturgists and Communion Assistants, but much more challenging finding

Coffee-Makers and Welcomers!

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 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.

Orchard Ridge United Church of Christ

1501 Gilbert Road

Madison, WI 53711

608-271-7212

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