Adults
Orchard Ridge has several programs for adult faith development.
SUNDAY MORNINGS
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.HEART AND SOUL – Sunday mornings at 9:00 a.m. – Room 14
This offering focuses on practical, everyday issues of faith and life. Usually led by lay people or special guests.
Private Meditation – we have created a simple meditation room on the lower level, with a book rack of possible readings in the hallway by the stairs. You are welcome to take time at any point in the morning to pray, meditate or simply sit in quiet. It is unstructured.
TUESDAY EVENINGS – First and Third Tuesdays
Occasional Classes – Throughout the year, we hold classes that run for 2-6 sessions on the first and third Tuesdays. Recent offerings have included The Way of Prayer, Forgiveness, Depression, Lectio Divina. Watch for upcoming offerings.
Tuesday Night Bible Study: 7:30-9 p.m.
This ongoing bible study group reads and discusses the bible together. Newcomers are always welcome. The group will begin on October 7, studying the Book of Hebrews(read chapters 1-6). For more information, contact Judy Winkel( 271-0481 or Sandra Dyar (271-2409). (Note: This group meets from 7:30-9:00 p.m.)
OTHER OPPORTUNITIES
Spring Retreat – April 10-11
Offered by the Green Team, this retreat will be held at Pilgrim Center in Green Lake. More information to follow.
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.
The Women’s Bible Study meets at 12:30 p.m. on the first and third Wednesday’s of each month. We welcome new members. If you have any questions call Pat Hale at 271-3361.
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.
