|
Hen House Weekly E-News
November 7, 2025
Why Hen House? The friendly chatter before Worship on Sundays reminds us of a Hen House! Since Jesus identified himself as a Mother Hen and, as an historical farm church, we enjoy being God's ‘Hen House’ and welcome everyone (town, urban, and rural) to our Worship and other programs - and invite you to even make Zwingli your Church home. The United Church of Christ values all people!
| | |
In the Christian faith we are called to be stewards of the resources God has provided for us. This includes the earth, our relationships, our skills and talents, our interests, our health, our money, our time, our church, our . . . To be a steward as a Christian means to care for and manage that which we steward in ways that are creative, generative, just, and loving. The theme of our Zwingli Stewardship Celebration this year is "From Glory into Glory", with the recognition that through the work of the Holy Spirit, each of us, as well as our congregation, are being transformed from one stage of glory to a new glory (2 Corinthians 3:18). Like a caterpillar transforming through the chrysalis stage into the butterfly, we too grow and transform in the glory of God within our hearts and minds and congregation -- not for our own glory but for the glory of God! So this year we celebrate the past glory of Zwingli, as well as the current glory, and invite the Holy Spirit to guide Zwingli into its new glory as we move into 2026.
On Sunday, November 9, we will do this by having a special informal interactive Worship Service followed by a POTLUCK! It will all take place in our basement so bring a dish to pass and head on downstairs when you arrive! This will be the first of our two week Stewardship Celebration (Nov. 9 and 23) and we hope you can join us for this celebration of Zwingli. During Worship we will hear stories of the glory of Zwingli in the past (come with your own short story to share about how the mission and community of Zwingli has been meaningful to you and others). We will also share pictures from the past (bring a few to share and leave them with us to post in our glass case in the entryway -- be sure to put your name on the back so we know who to return it to). Please join us for this morning of memories and celebration of the glory of Zwingli in the past, present and the future!
Blessings,
Karla
| |
|
Prayer List
Today, we invite you to keep in prayer:
Those suffering from drought, famine, accidents, fires, storms, flooding, tornados, excessive heat, violence, homelessness, illness, war in their communities.
Nations in crisis: Nigeria, U.S. - Venezuela tensions, Afghanistan, Haiti, Sudan, The Congo, Ukraine-Russia, Israel-Palestine, Syria, and Lebanon. Prayers for those countries, farmers, companies and consumers who are affected by the escalating trade war.
For wise, compassionate leadership in our Executive, legislative and judicial branches of govt, and citizen action. For Civil Servants, immigrants, international students, and others facing uncertainty under the policies of the new administration and now under this government shutdown.
| | | | |
Sunday Nov. 16: Native American Sunday
Each year Jeanette Bossingham and Judy Batker share with us their experiences and reflections from their volunteer trips to Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota. Jeanette and her son Kim volunteer in many ways, while Judy shares her equine veterinarian knowledge with the residents. Join us for another special Worship led by them on Sunday Nov. 16!
| | |
Nov. 9 - Special casual interactive Worship Celebrating the Past, Present and Future of Zwingli (in basement with POTLUCK after Worship)
Nov. 12 - Emergency Preparedness Training
Nov. 16 - Native American Sunday with Jeanette & Judy
Nov. 19 - Zwingli Brunch Bunch
Nov. 23 - Thanksgiving and Stewardship Sunday Food Pantry Collection
Nov. 29 - Hanging of the Greens
| | |
Safety in our church environment is of utmost concern. The Dane Co Sheriff’s Department is scheduled to present “Emergency Preparedness Training” for all who are interested on Wednesday November 12, from 6-8 PM at our church. There will be refreshments and an evening snack provided. Bring your friends as well! Door opens at 5:30 p.m.
If you plan on coming, it is helpful if you sign up on the bulletin board -- but you can join us even if you haven't signed up.
| | |
Zwingli Brunch Bunch Monthly Gathering
Zwingli UCC Paoli is starting a new program for members and neighbors to meet monthly for brunch. Starting Nov 19, we will meet monthly (3rd Wednesday) at 10:30 am at River Ville in Belleville. All ages welcome. Those over age 60 have the option to participate in the Dane County Senior Meal Program and pay no more than $5 for your meal. When you enter the restaurant, go to your left and ask for the Zwingli Brunch Bunch! Please invite friends and family to come too! We hope you can join us!
| | |
Thanksgiving Food Pantry Collection--November 23
We will once again collect non-perishable food items for our local pantries for the holidays this year. We are all very aware of the increased need as we see higher grocery prices and hear of possible decreases in SNAP benefits. If you are able, please bring basics but also maybe things people might use for special holiday meals to place by our altar on the 23rd. Monetary donations also go a long way to purchase food by Second Harvest to distribute to our pantries so that's another good way to give.
As you shop this month, say a prayer of thanks for God's abundance and also think about how you can share the abundance with your neighbors, so that we all might have a happy Thanksgiving!
| | |
Hanging of the Greens--November 29
We will once again be adorning the sanctuary for the celebration of Advent and Christmas. We'll meet Saturday, November 29 (yes, the first Sunday of Advent is November 30) at 10:00 a.m. (of course!). Everyone is welcome! It's helpful if you sign up on the bulletin board, but you can join us even if you don't!
There are tasks that anyone can do, although we appreciate a few people who can climb ladders for the tree and some folks who can carry things down from upstairs. But, we also need supervisors and helpful hints! There will be coffee and a couple treats available as well. Come and help 'Deck the Halls'!
| | |
The "We grew up at Zwingli" spontaneous 'club' shared their memories following the service on Sunday, Nov. 2!
So sorry we didn't take the pic until several others left so they didn't get in the pic -- another time hopefully!
| | |
Respiratory Virus Season is Here!
While the Dane County Public Health Dept says respiratory illness are low right now, we have heard of some folk getting sick so the season is beginning. Take good care of yourselves and if you are feeling ill, take proper precautions to prevent spreading what you have! This dashboard is updated every Thursday: https://publichealthmdc.com/your-health/respiratory-illness/dashboard
| | |
From the Wisconsin Conference UCC
Justice for Immigrants
Support conference ministers’ witness in D.C.
Wisconsin Conference Minister Franz Rigert later this month will join about 20 of his colleagues in Washington to meet with lawmakers, with a special focus on immigration. You can get involved, too, by writing letters to your representatives to make sure they get the message that “Love Has No Borders” -- the theme of the conference ministers’ witness urging lawmakers to choose love, compassion, and justice in their decisions. The UCC Office of Public Policy and Advocacy in Washington has created downloadable resources for congregations and individuals who wish to get involved.
Learn more about the “Love Has No Borders” campaign.
| | |
From the UCC:
Common Scams Targeting Older Adults and Ways to Protect Against Them
LSS Financial Counselor Michelle Style reveals how scammers take advantage of the trusting nature of older adults. Read this article for tips on protecting yourself from potential scams. Read More.
| | |
Opportunities for Citizen Advocacy through letters to Congress
The United Church of Christ offers us the opportunity to learn more about bills before Congress and voice our opinions to our legislators. They make it very easy to send an email. Check out the many topics on their page: https://www.ucc.org/action-center/. The most recent one is: Urge Congress to Pass the Truth & Healing Commission on the Indian Boarding Schools Policies Act. Scroll down the page to find others that you might want to express your opinion about.
| | If you would like to learn more about the work of the United Church of Christ Southwest Wisconsin Association, send a message to this email address to be added to their monthly newsletter: swacommunications@gmail.com | | | | |
