Hen House Weekly E-News

July 10, 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!

You’ve heard it many times…”Make a Joyful Noise” - come this Sunday and hear an interpretation of these Psalms.

The new Pastor’s youngest child isn’t in the balcony this Sunday, but he has a musical comment for his father- wonder what he has to say!!!

This is the last Sunday with “lay member” pulpit supply by Kriss.

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.

July Food Pantry Drive!

Zwingli Council invites you to bring donations of non-perishable food items or money (make checks out to Zwingli - pantry donation in subject line) this Sunday, July 12. This is one way we can support those in need during the summer when children are at home and families are often struggling more.

Pastor Karla Away from the Office July 6 - 19

Pastor Karla will out of the office July 6 - 19. Zwingli member and Commissioned Pastor, Petra Streiff will be on call for pastoral care (608-395-9178) during this time.

On Sunday, July 12, Kriss Ace will lead worship and on July 19, Petra will lead worship. Many thanks again to both Kriss and Petra.

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!

Photo of our Bonus Summer Brunch Bunch in June!

Mark your Calendars

August 16: Outdoor Worship / Rural Life Sunday / Ice Cream Social!

Watch for more information

NEEDED: VOLUNTEERS FOR BI-WEEKLY CHURCH CLEANING

Our custodian will be on medical leave now through December 2026. Hiring a new cleaning service would be cost prohibitive at this time.

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.

You may even consider tag-teaming with multiple people to accomplish this need! Cherry Pulver has already taken on the responsibility of cleaning both restrooms on a weekly basis.

Please consider offering your time to this project.

In appreciation,

Your Church Council

Church History Project

Protecting our most important “life of our church history” items has come to the attention of your 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: Demand Dignity for Detained Immigrants. 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