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 13
Advent
December 7, 14, 21 - several Orchard Ridge members will talk about the meaning and power of Christmas in their life experiences, and all who are there will be invited to join the conversation.
TUESDAY EVENINGS
*Adult Class - The Way of Prayer: 1st/3rd Tuesdays from 6:30-8 p.m.
This is a Small group experience in spiriutal formation for adults. The group is designed to help participants explore and expeirence the great variety of prayer paths available to us in the Christian Tradition. The approach is more “formational” than informational – meaning we will learn and practice together. Cost for this class is $15 for materials. Participants are asked to commit to at least 5 of the 6 sessions. The first session is September 30, the second is October 14, and then we follow the 1st/3rd Tuesday schedule through December. Topics include How do you pray? - Images of God – Praying by Heart – Praying with Music – Praying with our Bodies – Scriptural Prayers – Contemplative Prayer. If you are interested, please contact Winton Boyd. Childcare is available upon request.
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.)
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.
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
