Orchard Ridge United Church of Christ

Stewardship Mission Moment by Darcy Luoma, October 18, 2009

John and I joined the church after Josie, our 3 1/2 year old daughter was born. We had attended about two dozen churches of all denominations in the Madison area looking for the right fit to raise our family. Although we both grew up Lutheran, we wanted to remain open to the possibility of joining a church other than Lutheran. When we arrived at Orchard Ridge we immediately felt at home.

Over the past two years, we have grown so much personally and spiritually by being a part of this church community. And our daughters, Josie and Jadyn’s, eyes light up when they wake up and we tell them it’s Sunday. They can hardly wait to get to church where they feel so loved and cared for whether running around the lobby, playing in the nursery, or helping themselves to hot chocolate in the Friendship Hall (while making a fine mess in the process usually!).

When I think back on some of the specific highlights that John and I have experienced here, I remember fondly two specific areas that this church community has given us: 1) Enrichment and Spiritual Growth opportunities and 2) structured as well as informal opportunities for Networking and Fun with other church members and families.

Enrichment and Spiritual Growth

• The four-week discussion series that I co-facilitated with Winton on the book, “In the Midst of Chaos – Caring for Children as Spiritual Practice” to identify ways to raise children with God even when life is crazy
• The Way of Prayer series that we are participating in now
• Seasonal retreats with Parker Palmer’s books/reflections last year
• Presenting to our youth group on what it means to bring faith in your profession

Networking, Fun and Faith

• When John DJ’ed the church chili feed party allowing those members who are not in the choir to sing a little karaoke and dance!
• Moon Beach (UCC Family Camp)—a wonderful place for children and youth and families to make connections with nature, God, others
• Family night picnics throughout the summer which provides an informal opportunity to get to know other families outside of church
• the rock band Tru Function—where John made his debut performance last month as a back-up singer
• Thanksgiving Berby Derby 5k Race as ORUCC Team
• Jadyn’s baptism where our whole family and support network were invited up front to participate

And there is so much more that we are looking forward to as our girls grow in their faith at Orchard Ridge:

• Children’s music program offered during the worship hour for children/youth through 7th grade
• 9:00 Sunday School for Children and Adults (We have added a 4th Sunday School class this year because of growth issues—a nice problem!)
• We offer 4 classes during the 9:00 hour for children/youth through 7th grade. We carefully consider the developmental needs of the children and use curriculum that meets those needs. It is our hope that children are continually finding ways to access the place within them where the light of Christ shines and lives. As children grow and learn, we hope that they continue to discover ways to nurture their inner spiritual world so that they will know and feel secure in themselves and in God’s love for them
• It is our hope that through our Sunday School program and other children’s experiences we offer, your child’s love for God will continue to be nurtured and deepened.
• We strive to honor the Spirit of God that lives within each child and offer experiences/stories/music/playful moments to help them access the deep place within themselves where God lives
• Adult Sunday School for parents when children are in Sunday School. There are usually two Adult offerings. Or parents are invited to simply relax and enjoy coffee in Friendship Hall or enjoy the quietness of the Meditation Room downstairs. John and I have regularly used this time for our own “marriage enrichment time”
• Winter retreat at Pilgrim Center in January where the United Church of Christ has a lovely camp/lodge facility in Green Lake, Wisconsin about 80 miles from Madison