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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!
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Reflections on Luke 12:49-56
God, could you leave us alone?
"Zealous God, we confess, like your people Israel, that we are tired of being "the chosen." Could you not just leave us alone every once in a while? Sometimes this "Christian stuff" gets a bit much. Life goes on and we have lives to live. Yet, unrelenting, you refuse to leave us alone. You are, after all, a zealous God." ~Stanley Hauerwas, "Prayers Plainly Spoken"
We think of God as a loving parent, full of patience and forgiveness. And that is true. But, God is also a parent who really cares about us, cares about us enough to "lay down the law" sometimes, for our own good. This Sunday's text from Luke is one we'd rather avoid, but it emphasizes the fact that God loves us too much to leave us alone. Jesus calls us to do what is right and stand up for justice even when it's not the popular thing to do. We also know, of course, that God is ready to greet us and love us when we mess up and confess our mistakes. God wants us to put our love into action and Jesus says it's not always easy!!
Jesus said he came to bring fire to the earth. What could that mean? On Sunday we'll think about that and how we can respond in order to live as Christ followers.
Love in action is a harsh and dreadful thing compared to love in dreams.
~Dorothy Day
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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: Israel-Iran, India, Pakistan, Haiti, Sudan, The Congo, Ukraine, Israel-Palestine, Syria, Lebanon. Prayers for all those suffering from the broken ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, and for another ceasefire soon. Prayers for the peace talks between Ukraine and Russia. Prayers for those countries, 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.
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August 21 -- Pastor Karla returns to the office
August 24 -- Council Meeting
Sept. 7 -- Fall Welcome Sunday with Potluck!
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Fun Facts!
- Do you know which hymn was Martin Luther King's favorite? (Precious Lord, Take My Hand)
- Did you know which hymn writer was blind from six weeks of age and is known as one of the most prolific hymn writers in U.S. history? (Fanny Crosby) She wrote between 5,500 and 9,000 hymns including To God Be the Glory, Blessed Assurance, Near the Cross.
- Do you know which hymn has the most verses? (Sing God's Song, by Carolyn Ann Aish of Inglewood, New Zealand is 754 verses or 3,016 lines long, with an additional 4-line refrain to each verse)
- Do you know which hymn is considered the most popular hymn today? (Amazing Grace)
We are blessed that Pastor Karla is very good at choosing hymns each Sunday that match the texts for the day - so our congregation already sings many of the hymns that are very popular in the Christian church today.
Which hymn or song would YOU like to sing at our hymn sing in a few weeks? Let Becky know by August 17.
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Last week southeast Wisconsin, and especially Milwaukee and its suburbs, experienced unprecedented rainfall. About a dozen UCC churches in the affected areas reported manageable flooding in the lower levels of their buildings. One church, however, sustained significant damage. The Wisconsin Conference and National Ministries are working to provide assistance. Both the Conference and the Christmas Fund are providing emergency financial assistance.
To aid the wider community, 936 Church World Service cleanup bucket kits have been requested. The kits will be distributed to residents in partnership with the Salvation Army and Milwaukee County Emergency Management. A Conference-wide CWS kit-making drive will begin Sept. 28 -- one way to restock the supply of kits sent in our time of need.
As we learn more about how we can best support our communities, we may need additional supplies or volunteers. To provide immediate support, please consider donating to our established relief fund set up through the Conference. Or drop a check in the offering plate with SE WI Flood in the note section. We'll see that it gets forwarded to the conference.
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Marques Bovre Tribute Band Concert Coming to Paoli
Marques Bovre grew up at Zwingli and his mother, Sue, is still a very active and beloved member. Her grandson (Marques' son), Quintin Bovre and other members of the Marques Bove Tribute Band (Marques' former bandmates Doug Meihsner and Eric Dummer and friend Jeff Funk) will be playing in Paoli on Sunday August 31! Sue will be there and invites you to come too! This show is sponsored by the good people at the Hop Garden.
Location: The Mill, Paoli 6890 Paoli Road, Paoli, Wisconsin 5350
Website: Visit Event Website
Date & Time: Aug 31, 2025 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM +
| | There is a sign-up sheet for the potluck posted on the bulletin board. | |
Donations for Pine Ridge Reservation
Jeanette Bossingham is so grateful to Zwingli for making so many donations for Pine Ridge Reservation over the years. Her trip there this year is planned for September and she is inviting us to bring our donations to the Church by Sunday, Sept. 7.
She gives these suggestions for donations (all sizes are okay): sweats (tops and bottoms), jeans, shoes, boots, socks, winter jackets and hats and mittens/glove, sweaters, bedding for twin size beds, school supplies. Jeanette says, “Mitakuye Oyasin” (we are all related). Please bring items in plastic bags and put Jeanette's name on the outside of the bag (and place them on the chairs near the mailboxes).
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Friendship Time Schedule ready for Sign Ups!
The schedule for Fall to Spring Friendship Time is posted on the bulletin board. Please sign up to host when you know what dates you are free! It will begin on October 5.
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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: Stand with Washington D.C, and Support D.C Statehood! 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 | | | | |
