Newsletter:

Adults

Orchard Ridge has several programs for adult faith development.

New Offerings This Fall

Home Groups:
This is as an opportunity to connect more closely with fellow ORUCC attendees. Sign up in the Lounge through Sept. 12th to participate in a home group of 8-12 people between Sept. 19th and Dec. 5th. Weeknight and weekend groups are forming. Each home group meeting will include a worship ritual; discussion of “the question of the week,” and the sharing of joys and concerns. We’re designing these gatherings to be intergenerational and multisensory. Contact Ken Pennings for more information (ken@orucc.org)

Bike Ride and Picnic:
Sunday, September 26th. 5 p.m. picnic will be the Sheets home, 6362 Goose Lake Drive, adjacent to the Military Ridge Trail (MRRT). Bikers may start from the Sheets home, or come via bike trails in time for the chow down at 5 p.m. Bikers may access the MRRT from the Sheets home without traveling on any major roadway. The Sheets will provide some grilled meats, a variety of salads, chips, iced tea, lemonade and coffee. Participants are asked to bring their own beverage if the offerings listed are not your desired choice. A free-will offering will be collected for the meal. In order to prepare meal, it is imperative to sign-up prior to Saturday, September 25th. Any questions?, call the Sheets, 845-5667 or e-mail im1042@tds.net.

Memory Writing:
What are your special memories? What was your childhood like? Would you like to leave a legacy for your children or grandchildren? Or would you simply like the joy of remembering? It is fun to write and entertaining to listen to one another’s remembrances. Write a 2 to 3-page memory for each “class” and read it aloud to our group. You will receive support and encouragement from your fellow writers. The group will meet at church 1-3 p.m. Tuesdays (except for Over 55 days) Sept. 21, 28, Oct. 5, 19, 26, Nov. 2,16, and 23. Contact Ellen Maurer to sign up: 845-7164 / eamaurer@wisc.edu

Get Ready for a WICKED Discussion!
Have you had a chance to read the novel WICKED yet? The novel WICKED by Gregory Maguire was published for adults, and it explores why the Wicked Witch of the West was so – well – wicked in the classic fantasy THE WIZARD OF OZ. Has it occurred to you that the children’s book and subsequent film give only Dorothy’s side of the story? On Tuesday, October 26, at 7:00pm we’ll take a look at Elphaba’s story and the society of Oz in which she grew to adulthood. Our discussion will focus upon Maguire’s interpretation of good and evil in the imagined land of Oz where issues of justice and freedom are paramount.
You don’t need to see the stage musical adaptation of the book in order to participate in the discussion. And you don’t need to read the book or be there on October 26th to find out that the character name “Elphaba” is Maguire’s sly tribute to L. Frank Baum who created the realm of Oz. Join Ginny Moore Kruse and others from ORUCC for the discussion.

OTHER OPPORTUNITIES

JAVA AND JESUS – Sunday morning at 9:00 a.m.- Room 13
Each week we read short works from progressive Christian writers. On Sunday morning, we gather around a cup of coffee or tea to discuss them with others. The articles are sent out via email or post each week. If you would like to receive the essay, please contact Winton Boyd at winton@orucc.org or by phone at 271-7212.

Tuesday Night Bible Study: 7:30-9 p.m.

We will meet the first and third Tuesday of each month at 7:30 p.m. at the church from September to May. We are currently studying “the Message Of The Psalms”, by Walter Brueggemann, and related passages from the book of Psalms. On September 21 we will be reading pages 123-134 from the book and Psalms 30, 40, 138 and 34.

This group uses a relaxed and friendly approach in its study of the Bible. We read aloud the assigned verses at the start of the meeting and then take turns commenting on the reading. Respecting each others ideas is important. If you have questions call Sandra Dyar, 271-2409 or Judy Winkel, 271-0481.

OVER 55 moves to a temporary location Due to construction at the church, the OVER 55 group will meet on 2nd Tuesday of the month at Good Shepherd Church at the corner of Raymond Rd. and Whitney Way.  Folks begin to gather around 11:30 for conversation. A delicious lunch is provided by volunteers from the group, followed by a program on a wide variety of subjects.

Green Team Offerings

Our newly formed “Green Team” will be offering classes, retreats and excursions in an effort to help us deepen our connection to both the earth and the Holy One.  Watch for more information.

Prayer Shawl Ministry
In early 2007 ORUCC began a Prayer Shawl Ministry. Churches all over Madison and clear across the country have found this ministry a tangible way to express a depth of God’s, and our, caring for members and friends when a wonderful or a painful event has touched their lives.

Prayer shawls are knitted or crocheted by hand, of the softest yarns available, by members (or friends) and presented by the Pastoral Partners or others when a special need arises. Our first 17 shawls were dedicated on March 18, 2007. For more information contact Rev. Ree Hale at rhale@orucc.org or 271-7212.

Wednesday Women’s Bible Study – 12:30 p.m.

Women’s Bible Study moves to a temporary location    The Bible Study group will meet on at Good Shepherd Church at the corner of Raymond Road and Whitney Way at 12:30 p.m. Future meeting place will be decided on a monthly basis due to construction progress at ORUCC.

We welcome new members. If you have any questions, please call Mary Lou Peterson at 238-2380.

ORUCC Women’s Book Group

The ORUCC Women’s Book Group was featured in a recent publication of the Madison Public Library Friends. The booklet cited area book groups and the books they especially appreciated during the past year. Our book group selected five favorites to recommend: MIDDLESEX by Jeffrey Eugenides, WATER FOR ELEPHANTS by Sara Gruen, THE SWEET HEREAFTER by Russell Banks, SNOW FLOWER AND THE SECRET FAN by Lisa See, and THE AGE OF INNOCENCE by Edith Wharton.

All are welcome to come to these book discussions held each month on the second Thursday. Jan Christian coordinates the arrangements. Each month anyone who wants to participate reads the designated book and meets with other ORUCC women for a conversation about it. A month or two prior to each meeting, someone suggests a book available at the public library for everyone to read. Another person offers to host the discussion in her home, and a third woman volunteers to bring dessert. This casual atmosphere provides an opportunity to exchange ideas, get to know others, and enjoy a time of being together in community. This is an open group. Participants need not commit to attend every gathering, but rather are welcome to join in as schedules permit and certain books interest them. Contact Jan to receive e-mail announcements about each discussion. For a complete list of the Book Group’s favorite books during the past three years, see the ORUCC website.