Social Justice Programming Begins!

9:00 am, this Sunday February 27th

Immigration Justice, Casa Alitas

The Immigration Justice Team invites you this Sunday to a photo narrative that will take you to the US-Mexico border. Join us at 9:00am on Sunday in Friendship Hall for the first in a new series of educational forums brought to you by the ORUCC Justice Mission Teams. This Sunday, Ruthanne Landsness will provide a visual trip to Casa Alitas, the immigrant welcome center in Tucson, Arizona. As background for the presentation, find time to read the attached message from UCC Pastor Randy Mayer, “Strangers, Angels, and the Immigration Handbook” (LINK) The presentation will start promptly at 9:00am.

Ash Wednesday March 2nd

Drive-through Ashes 4-5pm

& Labyrinth Walk 4-6pm

Join us as we welcome the season of Lent with a reminder of our mortality and our connection to the earth and the universe, “From (star)dust you came, and to (star)dust you will return.”

Pastors will be out front with “ashes to go” or “drive-through ashes” from 4-5pm. You may truly drive-through if that works best for you, or you may park and linger with us, roast a marshmallow, share in some Ash Wednesday ritual, and then walk the labyrinth inside, which will be open from 4-6pm. Ashes will also be available inside 5-6pm.

Being an intergenerational community is one of our most precious gifts, therefore we are trying something new this year, with hope to engage busy families and children in the rituals of the church. All are welcome!

From the Labyrinth team: “We are grateful to reopen our labyrinth and invite you to take a short meditative walk any time on Ash Wednesday from 4-6pm. The theme will be our connection with the Universe: Remember you are (star)dust and to (star)dust you will return.”

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.

Spiritual Nourishment for you!

for the week of Feb 24 – Mar 2

Read this weeks devotional as a way to dive deeper into your spiritual practice or to get some nourishment and inspiration for your day.

DEVOTIONAL

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, which we encourage anyone to join. If you know someone who needs encouragement and would like the devotional mailed to them, please contact Julie Wombacher in the office.

Gathering Safely with COVID

Our COVID Response Team has given us the confidence to gather again for in-person worship and children’s programming. We understand and affirm that many will want to worship remotely so we will continue to strive for an inclusive virtual experience. We are over the peak of omicron in Dane County, yet the numbers are still high. We trust the numbers will continue to trend downward.

When you join in us for any ORUCC activity, we ask that you wear a surgical mask or KN95 or stronger. We provide these at the door for your convenience. We ask that adults sit spaced every other chair in the Worship Hall. Your kids may sit on your laps and in pods with families when in worship, and Friendship Hall and Crossroads will be open for more spacious seating for family units. We welcome you to sing softly behind your masks if you are fully vaccinated and boosted if eligible. Thank you for your cooperation as we aim to keep each other healthy and safe.

If you are experiencing any symptoms of being under the weather we kindly ask you to join us virtually. If you do test positive for COVID after being with us, please share with us as soon as you can.

Here is the LINK for details and protocols for Back-to-Church.

Java & Jesus (by Zoom) 11:30

Feb 27–Dan Rossmiller

Mar 6–Dan Rossmiller

Mar 13–Baxter Richardson

Click here to join Java & Jesus



Don’t miss out! Contact Ken Pennings to be added to the Java & Jesus email list.

Women’s Book Group

Women’s Book Group Meets next on March 3, Thursday, on Zoom from 1:30-3:00. We will discuss the non-fiction book Susan, Linda, Nina, and Cokie: The Extraordinary Story of the Founding Mothers of NPR by Lisa Napoli.

Our April 7 discussion will feature 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.

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, please let Jan Christian know at [email protected] or 827-0500, and we will make sure you receive the link.

Friday Breakfast Group to Resume March 4

Friday Breakfast Group will return to monthly gatherings on March 4 at 8:30 am at Denny’s, 433 S. Gammon Road. Although originally wor fomen, the group has for many years included a popular men’s table as well. Open to all, it is informal and a chance to connect and converse on many topics. Please join us! Contact Louise Jeanne, Link for more information.

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

AT ORUCC, the Members are the Ministers!

We are seeking a whole new team of volunteers to serve in 2022 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!

Would you consider serving one or more times as a Lay Liturgist, a Welcomer, or for Holy Communion?

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

Click here to sign up as a Welcomer

Click here to sign up as a Lay Liturgist

Click here to assist with Holy Communion

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

Pictorial Directory

Thanks to all those who helped with the pictorial directory. Here is a print version. Photo Directory Print Version

Orchard Ridge United Church of Christ

1501 Gilbert Road

Madison, WI 53711

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