Adults
Orchard Ridge has several programs for adult faith development.
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.
During April we will be reading works by Marcus Borg. He is a member of the Jesus Seminar. He is the author of many books, most notably, Meeting Jesus Again for the First Time.
Heart and Soul - Sunday mornings at 9:00 a.m.
Let’s Talk about Race -
April 20 - led by Pam Oliver, professor of Sociology at the University of Wisconsin.
April 27 - led by Vaunce Ashby, ORUCC member and public school educator.
Seasonal Retreat Series - see separate tab to the left
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.
We have two knitting groups. All are welcome to join either group. Instruction for knitting and crocheting will be offered at each group. Bring whatever you are working on. 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.
Tuesday Evening Bible Study - 7:30 p.m.
On the first and third Tuesdays, a small group gets together to read and discuss the bible. We meet at church and welcome newcomers. No theological expertise is necessary. For more information contact Sandra Dyar (271-2409) or Judy Winkel (271-0481)
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.
Favorite books during 2005-06
POPULATION 485: MEETING YOUR NEIGHBORS ONE SIREN AT A TIME by Michael Perry
PRODIGAL SUMMER by Barbara Kingsolver
HIS EXCELLENCY: GEORGE WASHINGTON by Joseph J. Ellis
THE KITE RUNNER by Khaled Hosseini
Favorite books during 2006-07
NAKED IN BAGHDAD by Anne Garrels
MY ANTONIA by Willa Cather (please add “accent” mark over the “i” in “Antonia.”)
THE GIRLS WHO WENT AWAY: THE HIDDEN HISTORY OF WOMEN WHO SURRENDERED CHILDREN FOR ADOPTION IN THE DECADES BEFORE ROE v. WADE by Ann Fessler
MY SISTER’S KEEPER by Jodi Picoult
Favorite books during 2007-08
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
THE AGE OF INNOCENCE by Edith Wharton
