Hen House Weekly E-News

July 17, 2026

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!

The writer of the Gospel of Matthew, more than any of the other three, deals with practical human problems. In the reading for this Sunday, it's judging each other. We humans seem to automatically judge other people; maybe they look different, talk differently, worship differently, love differently, are more or less outgoing...the list goes on and on. And sometimes there are behaviors, even breaking the law, that we judge as immoral or unethical. That's exactly what Matthew is getting at in this week's text. The wheat symbolizes all the good deeds in life (some of which we may even judge as bad) and the weeds are all the wrongs that people perpetrate on others and on the earth.

This Sunday we'll dig into this parable to see what Jesus is saying about wheat and weeds, good and bad. One thing he makes very clear is that it's often hard, if not impossible, for us to tell the difference!!

I hope you can join us in worship to sing a fun camp song, pray and learn together and support one another in our joys and sorrows. See you in church!

Petra

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: US/Israel - Iran ‘War’: Civilians and troops and the political will to choose non-violent conflict resolution, France, Mexico, Cuba, U.S. - Venezuela tensions, Nigeria, Afghanistan, Haiti, Sudan, The Congo, Ukraine-Russia, Israel-Palestine, Syria, and Lebanon. Prayers for those countries, companies, farmers, and consumers who are affected by the escalating trade war. The people of Pine Ridge Reservation and all Native Peoples.

In this 250th birthday of our nation, we pray for Democracy to grow stronger and healthier. 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 current administration.

Announcements

Petra Streiff is on call for pastoral care (608-395-9178) through July 19
Pastor Karla returns to the office July 20
August 16: Outdoor Worship / Rural Life Sunday / Ice Cream Social!

Doorbell Update!

With much help from our Techies (who volunteer for us at the Repair Cafe), we think we have the doorbell set up at the Church. Please note that for safety reasons during Worship we will lock the building, so if you come a little late and it is locked just ring the doorbell and an usher will come and let you in. The ring the ushers hear is delayed a little so be patient, but if no one comes, ring again (perhaps music is playing or the usher is doing something and they may not hear it when you first ring the doorbell). Many thanks to our Techy friends, Doug and Lexie for getting this doorbell set up for us!

Volunteers Needed

Our custodian will be on medical leave now through December 2026. The Council is asking for volunteers to take on this responsibility on a bi-weekly schedule. There is a volunteer sign-up sheet on the bulletin board, along with a list of suggested cleaning needs. Cleaning supplies will be provided. Please consider offering your time to this project.

Church History Project

Protecting the most important “life of our church history” items has come to the attention of the Church Council.

The Council is concerned were there a fire, or a devastating natural disaster, many of our historical documents, pictures etc. could be lost, destroyed. Many of these mementos are only stored in a closet, unprotected from fire, or a potential weather disaster. The Council is actively pricing disaster proof storage cabinetry, to safeguard our years of memories.

It would be greatly appreciated if a few people could volunteer to look at our old papers, photos, stored in the upper room closet, and basement - sort out what they feel is of most importance to save.

Please contact a member of the Church Council if you’re interested in this project. Severe weather season is upon us - it would be terribly sad to lose Zwingli UCC’s many years of memories. Thank you for your consideration of this project.

Faith Wittwer - Council President

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: Protect the Sacred Right to Vote. Scroll down the page to find others that you might want to express your opinion about.

The Southern Region of the Wisconsin Conference UCC publishes Shalom, a monthly e-newsletter featuring events and happenings within the Conference, including Zwingli. Click here to check it out!

Zwingli United Church of Christ

www.paoliucc.com

https://www.facebook.com/zwingliuccpaoli/

zwingliuccpaoli@gmail.com

PO Box 530, Belleville, WI 53508

"A small church with a big

and open heart!"

Pastor

Rev. Karla Schmidt

pastor.zwingliuccpaoli@gmail.com

608-572-4557

Kathie Wagner, Administrative Assistant

zwingliuccpaoli@gmail.com

Phone: 608-845-5641