Orchard Ridge United Church of Christ

The link below is for members and friends of ORUCC who would like to have their picture taken for our 2009-10 picture directory.  Information collected on the sign up form will be used for picture sign ups only.  When it asks for a password, you can simply write “directory.”

When making an appointment with this link, please scroll the calendar to the ORUCC dates – October 26 and 27 and November 13 and 14.  If you have questions, please call the church office at 271-7212.

https://signup.olanmills.com/familyinfo.aspx?chcontract=45759

by WInton Boyd, September 16, 2009

One of the ongoing, sometimes tricky questions in the life of a church community is how to give thanks and show appreciation for the music, sermon, mission moment, or dramatic presentation within a worship service. More simply put, “is clapping appropriate in church?”
At one time, my answer was quite simple and clear. No. However, time and the exposure to many different worship traditions has made my answer to that question much more muddled!

What we can all agree on here at ORUCC is that we deeply appreciate the effort, passion, and faith of those leading music and other aspects of worship. We know that our Senior Choir, Tru Function, the Handbell Choir and individuals offering solo or duet pieces put in time and effort to do the best they can. We know that they are trying to provide inspiration for our worship service and our life of faith. We are blessed by the many gifts in this congregation.

What we do not all agree on is whether it is appropriate to clap after such presentations. Some of us come from worship traditions whose strength was creating a meditative sanctuary for our lives, and clapping interrupts that. Some of us come from traditions that emphasized the joy of community and the joy of worshipping God, and clapping and saying “Amen” were very common. Some of us come from no worship background and wonder if we are missing something in the whole conversation about clapping. It is normal and natural and does not seem like a big deal.

While I am pretty sure God doesn’t have an opinion on this, it does matter to our community that we have some sense of shared understanding. Let me suggest a few ideas and principles for us as we worship.

• We are a diverse community with different tastes and experiences. In all we do, we recognize that this diversity is a strength.
• Worship is about giving thanks to God, opening ourselves to the movement of the Holy in our lives. While some “performances” in other settings are deeply spiritual, we can never lose sight of the fact that worship always celebrates community in the presence of the Holy.
• Music, sermons, dramatic readings, liturgical dance are all part of worship and build community. It is good to celebrate both the sacredness of the offering and the sacredness of those leading them.
• A good question to ask is not “should I clap?” but “how do I give thanks to God for this moment in worship?” How do I show appreciation for the way my heart has been lifted and strengthened? How do I honor the moment of transcendence we have just experienced? How can this “moment” be maintained or strengthened? Would more noise or sound be helpful, or would silence lengthen that “moment?”
• Personally, I like to say “Amen” because it strengthens my sense of gratitude to God. Sometimes I open my palms or raise my hands slightly, for the same reason. Sometimes I bow gently, with my hands together at my chest and say “Namaste” – which is a Hindu phrase that means, among other things, “The Light within me honors the Light within you.” Sometimes, I clap. For me, the guiding principle is to try to match my response to the spiritual moment I have just experienced. Clapping after a tender, raw piece of music seems out of character. Likewise, silence after a rousing and energetic song sometimes seems awkward, even disembodied.
• This article is not to lay down rules, but to offer permission for us all to consider how we give thanks and honor the light of the Spirit found in worship. Let’s stay in dialogue!

Winton Boyd, September 13, 2009

And the world cannot be discovered by a journey of miles, no matter how long, but only by a spiritual journey, a journey of one inch, very arduous and humbling and joyful, by which we arrive at the ground at our feet, and learn to be at home. (Wendell Berry) Continue Reading »

by Ken Pennings

I am absolutely thrilled with the opportunity to serve as one of the Associate Pastors of ORUCC! Thank you for welcoming me in such a friendly and enthusiastic manner! I feel right at home among you, and I’m looking forward to getting acquainted with each and every one of you.

I knew there was something very special about Orchard Ridge when not only the adults went out of their way to welcome me, but also the teens and young children! After I preached my first sermon, one of our teens, Hannah Josephs, and two tiny preschool girls offered me a gift they had made out of clay, a snowman named “Ralph.” I will always treasure Ralph, and will display him proudly on my bookcase at home. Continue Reading »

The Southwest Community Farmers Market is located at the Orchard Ridge United Church of Christ parking lot at 1501 Gilbert Road from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. every Wednesday through October 28. (Hours during the fall will be adjusted and the market will end before dark.)

The church is required to apply for a conditional use permit through the City of Madison in order to host the farmers market. The application will be considered by the Plan on Commission on October 5, 2009. If you have enjoyed the Farmers Market please send your comments of support to Heather Stouder, Planning Staff, hstouder@cityofmadison.com or by mail to Plan Commission, c/o Heather Stouder, 215 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Room LL110, Madison WI 53703 by Friday, September 25, 2009. You may also want to attend the Plan Commission meeting on Monday, October 5, 2009 at 6 p.m. in Room 201, City-County Building to register to speak or indicate your support. For more information feel free to contact Lisa Veldran at 271-0722 or lveldran@yahoo.com.