|
We are in the early days of Lent (which began last week with Ash Wednesday). Last Sunday we journeyed with Jesus into the wilderness of temptation and reflected on the word devil, which comes from the Greek word diabolis and means tearing apart, division, confusion. Whether you believe in a literal or metaphorical 'devil', it's a word that recognizes a power which tears us apart, divides us from others (and God), and confuses us as to our own identity and truth.
This Sunday, we will be reflecting on a story where King Herod has a contract out on Jesus' life! The pharisees (normally not friendly with Jesus) warned him, and Jesus called Herod a fox! Some would say that is insulting to foxes because Herod was so evil! I think Jesus is recognizing that Herod uses the fox-like instincts of being crafty, devious, sly, tricky and cunning -- for his ego, for evil. But, once again, Jesus lives with courage (with love) into his mission, despite Herod.
| | |
This month we are taking an offering for One Great Hour of Sharing. In their brochure (handed out at Worship) we read: "When you give to One Great Hour of Sharing, you are light for people in need. You offer light when disasters strike, and when chronic conditions threaten families and communities. You are light not just in the immediate future, but also for the long haul. When you give, you restore not only structures, but also transform lives. Your gift ensures that no matter how difficult the situation, light shines. Be the light. Give to One Great Hour of Sharing (ucc.org/oghs).
The Herod's of the world still want to tear apart, divide, confuse us and kill the Love of Christ in our world, but Jesus continued to bear the Light and called us to bear the Light. May this reflection by Steve Garnaas-Holmes (unfoldinglight.net) bless us as we prepare for Sunday Worship!
| |
|
“Herod wants to kill you.”
“Listen, I am casting out demons and performing cures.”
—Luke 13.31
Stand firm in the Beloved.
—Philippians 4.1
The Holy One is my light and my salvation;
whom shall I fear?
Though an army encamp against me,
my heart shall not fear.
—Psalm 27. 1, 3
You belong to the Beloved.
You are a member of the Body of Love.
Your Source is infinite; your power is divine.
Your treasure is in an earthen jar —dust,
that will return to dust.
But in this moment, in this jar, you bear light,
light that cannot be hurt or diminished.
You are not the jar. You are the light in the jar.
Bear your light; bless the shadows with it.
Stand firm. Don’t let your light be dimmed
by other people’s fears.
The light shines in the darkness,
and the darkness cannot overcome it.
| | | | |
On March 11, I had 12 people tell me about texts they got from me saying, "Please return my text when you get it, grace and peace, Rev. Karla Schmidt.” Or "I need a favor, will you call me? I'm in a meeting and can't call" and then a follow-up text asking for gift cards of $600 for members in the hospital who have cancer. Maybe you have received some version of these texts?
Please know that I would never text you asking for money or gift cards. And even if it seems like it could be from me, just asking you to text me -- always check to see if the number to text is actually my phone (608-572-4557) before you text or reply to it; then report it as spam/phishing and block the text.
I'm so sorry you are getting these messages and I have no idea how these scammers are getting your phone numbers since we don't publicize our directory.
Blessings,
Pastor Karla
| | |
It has been noted that many of you donate items to our congregational life beyond your monetary gifts. Kathie has created a document for us that will be proof of the items and amount they cost, which the Council reviewed and approved. This is for those who itemize deductions on income taxes. The forms can be found in a wall pocket by the coat racks. You can fill one out for each individual purchase or add up a number of things and submit it all at once. After you fill out the form (the business name is Zwingli UCC, Paoli), please put it upstairs on the table and Larry Brunkow will sign it and return it to you for your records. We want our members to get what is deserved for all your generosity! Thanks to everyone for all your gifts!!
| | |
Snack Kit Project
for
Friends of State Street Family
https://fssf.org/
Our church will be taking part in this project in March and April. The Friends of State Street Family provide snack bags to the homeless community in that area. We would like to put together as many snack packs as we can to give them. We don't have a date yet for delivery, but it will likely be in April.
We ask that you please start bringing items to church and on March 23 we will pack up the bags together after worship.
Snacks to bring include: Granola bars, candy bars, small cracker packages, cookie packages, nuts, raisins, fruit snacks, Rice Krispies bars and similar items.
Judy Batker and the Church Council
| | |
On March 30 the United Church of Christ recognizes One Great Hour of Sharing Sunday. This is one of four special mission offerings of the UCC. This Lenten offering supports the disaster, refugee, and development ministries of the UCC within Wider Church Ministries. For several Sundays in March, you will find envelopes in your bulletins where you can place cash or a check for OGHS. Please make the check out to Zwingli and Zwingli will send it on to the UCC. You can also just put a check in the offering plate and mark OGHS in the memo line. Thank you for supporting this very important mission of Zwingli. If you choose, you can give to OGHS at any other time during the year as well.
| |
Weather Cancellations!
A reminder to all that if the weather is questionable for a Sunday Worship or other Church event, please watch for an email from the church (which will be sent out if we cancel) and check our official FB page (Zwingli UCC - Paoli) where it will be posted. For those of you who aren't on FB or do not have email, please let Pastor Karla know you would like a phone call or text. We already have a list of those who have signed up in the past for a phone call or text, but if you are unsure if you are on that list, please let Pastor Karla know to make sure you are on the list.
| | |
Facebook will be deleting Live Videos!
Please go to our official Zwingli FB page (zwingliuccpaoli) and download any Facebook Live Videos you want to keep before the deadline given below (and going forward download anything you want to keep right away since it will be downloaded in 30 days).
| |
Here's the message from FB:
Download your old Facebook Live videos by July 8. We are sending you this email because you have previously broadcasted a Facebook Live video. Facebook is rolling out changes to its storage policy for Facebook Live videos. Starting February 19, Facebook Live videos will be retained for 30 days by default on your Facebook Page or profile, during which you can replay, delete, or download the video. After 30 days, you will no longer be able to access your live broadcasts and they will automatically be removed from your profile or Page and deleted from our servers. As part of this transition, we will be deleting all Facebook Live videos older than 30 days, and we want to make sure you have the opportunity to save your past Facebook Live videos. Any existing Live videos published before February 19 will be deleted from your Page or profile, but you can download them until July 8. Click here for more information on our download options.
| | |
Looking for an opportunity to express your opinion on US public policy?
As a member of the United Church of Christ, Zwingli is supported with resources by our national offices. Among these resources is an Office of Public Policy and Advocacy in Washington DC. This Office gives information to understand the issues and legislation -- and the ability to easily express our opinion to our political leaders. Go to this website to access these opportunities to express yourself (if you do not have a computer, check out your local library).
We will update this announcement with new opportunities (as they are added - bolded) so you can know the current issues you can respond to. You can also get alerts in your inbox by signing up here. Currently, there are opportunities to express your opinion on: Protect Govt Funding; Protect DEI; Protect Medicare and Food Stamps; Protect Trans, Nonbinary and Intersex Civil Rights; Protect Everyday Consumers; Have a Heart for God's Planet; Foreign Aid; Federal Funding Freeze; Supporting Survivors of Human Trafficking; Immigration Policies; Trans Protection; Voting Rights; Affordable Internet; Indian Boarding Schools; and Military Aid to Israel. We know that some of you want to put your faith beliefs in action and hope those of you who wish to advocate find this resource useful.
| | | | |
