Orchard Ridge United Church of Christ

Written jointly by Rev. Winton Boyd and Rev. Scott Carlson (Sun Prairie United Methodist)

Maybe there is a new day in this country for the use of religious faith in the realm of politics. For over a generation, much of the public discourse around faith and politics has centered on faith (usually Christian) as a divider of people into various camps. A few hot button issues have been touted as the only concerns in the hearts and minds of people of faith. Another attempt to use Christianity to divide people surfaced recently when Dr. James Dobson challenged Barak Obama on his understanding and practice of faith. More notable than the differences between these two national figures was the relative lack of support Dobson has received for his cutting and divisive words. Evangelicals like Dobson were among those who lamented this latest attempt to polarize people in the church. Increasingly, religious voices of all kinds are suggesting it is time to put the best of our various religious traditions to work to help address important and pressing issues in this country. Continue Reading »

Our new drums from Ghana have arrived! Through the gracious friendship of Nani Agbeli with a drum maker in Ghana, we have been able to purchase 18 newly made drums! We look forward to using them in a variety of ways!

Don’t forget to sign up for our July 22nd African Drumming workshop led by Nani Agbeli from 7-:8:30 p.m. All ages are welcome. Reservations are required. The cost is $10. RVSP to office@orucc.org or 271-7212.

By a unanimous vote, the congregation approved a recommendation from the The Leadership Team to call a half time Associate Pastor for Congregational Ministry.  Paul Hedges will be chairing the search committee.  If you have interest in serving on this committee or would like to nominate someone, please contact John Lemke.  The position description and qualifications are outlined in the proposal below.

Proposal for the Calling of an Associate Pastor

Worship, Food and Faith Potlucks, Drumming, Pontoon boat rides, Saturday morning retreat…

For details about these summer time opportunities, as well as worship themes, click

Summer Ministry 2008

Summer “Faith and Food” potluck #1at the Boyds, 41 Black Oak Circle (288-0746)
6:00-8:30 p.m.- Childcare provided upon request
RSVP winton@orucc.org or 288-0746

We will be offering a series of three potluck suppers that will include a discussion of topics related to food and faith. You need not come to all three. Please RSVP for the sake of the host and so we can send out a short reading ahead of time that will be used for the discussion.

Click here for June 22’s article from the book, Food and Faith: justice, joy and daily bread.

The Work at Hand & Grace