Hen House Weekly E-News

June 19, 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!

It's Father's Day weekend! Happy Father's Day in all of the ways we celebrate, grieve, support, love and share in the day! This Sunday our worship will center on Father's Day. We thank Kriss for giving the message and leading worship while I am on vacation. As part of her message, she will be inviting you to share a father’s advice or a life lesson or a fond memory or a funny incident that you have of your father or grandfather or father-n-law. So come prepared to share any special memories you have. Meanwhile, we bless and pray for all Fathers:

Prayer for Fathers


God our Father,

We give you thanks and praise for fathers young and old.


We pray for young fathers, newly embracing their vocation;

May they find courage and perseverance

to balance work, family and faith in joy and sacrifice.


We pray for our fathers around the world

whose children are lost or suffering;

May they know that the God of compassion 

walks with them in their sorrow.


We pray for men who are not fathers

but still mentor and guide us with fatherly love and advice.


We remember fathers, grandfather, and great grandfathers

who are no longer with us

but who live forever in our memory 

and nourish us with their love. Amen. 


~ author unknown. Posted on Lourdes Prayer Request


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: 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.

Sundays and Pastoral Care While Pastor Karla is on Vacation June 8-21 

 

We are blessed to have several gifted members and friends taking over for Pastor Karla while she is away this June.  


Worship

June 21 -- Kriss Ace preaching and leading Worship. 


Pastoral Care On Call

June 15-21: Mary Gafner (cell) 608-214-2143; (home) 608-938-4400.

Marques Bovre Tribute Band Concert at Dot's Tavern, July 3


Sue Bovre invites Zwingli and friends to another Tribute Concert for her son Marques (who grew up at Zwingli Church). Sue's grandson Quintin is the lead singer and original members of Marques' bands are part of the Tribute Band. The Concert is on July 3 from 5-8 pm at Dot's Tavern (6734 Henry Rd, Basco, WI)! For more info on Marques and his music check out the website Quintin created with all his Dad's music. Hope to see you at the Concert!

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

Resources for Celebrating the End of Life


The Wisconsin Conference UCC Older Adult Ministries Work Group has made resources available for Church members to use in preparation for their end of life, however soon or far away that may be. The articles listed as resources below can help you develop your end-of-life plans. If you are unable to access these or print them off and would like copies, please contact Pastor Karla or our Admin Asst Kathie to print it out for you. Pastor Karla is available to support you in making funeral or memorial service plans. The Older Adult Ministries Work Group prays you find these resources helpful.


Resources:

1.   “Planned Funeral Information Sheet For Individual Use Only” from Pilgrim UCC, Grafton

2.   “My Personal Planning Guide,” from Plopper Funeral Home

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: This World Refugee Day, Protect Refugees and Asylum Seekers. 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!

 
church closeup


Zwingli United Church of Christ

www.paoliucc.com

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

zwingliuccpaoli@gmail.com

PO Box 530, Belleville, WI 53508




 
Facebook  


"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