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Hen House Weekly E-News
May 8, 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 prayer and art in the image are from Greenheart Hermitage in the Philippines) | | This Sunday we will continue our look at Jesus' Farewell Address to his disciples in the Gospel According to John. In John 14:15-21 we hear Jesus comforting his disciples by promising to send the Holy Spirit to be with them. This scripture is setting us up for Pentecost Sunday, May 24 when we will celebrate the gift of the Holy Spirit and the birthday of the Church! I share with you today Pastor Paul Dazet's reflection on the promises of the gift of the Holy Spirit: | |
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Because I Live
Jesus says,
“because I live, you also will live”
— John 14:19 (NRSVUE).
That is Easter in a single sentence.
Because Christ lives, his presence is still reaching us.
Not trapped in the past.
Not only someone we read about.
Not only a teacher we remember.
By the Spirit, Christ is present in us.
Closer than the air we breathe.
Right here. Right now.
Love can still grow in us.
Faith can still breathe.
The tired parts of us do not have to stay closed forever.
That might be enough for today.
The prayer might be this simple:
Come alongside me.
Stay with me.
Teach love to live here again.
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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: 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.
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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Calendar
- May 10: Mother’s Day
- May 16: Repair Café: 10 - Noon
- May 20: Brunch Bunch at River Ville Grill in Belleville: 10:30 am
- May 24: Pentecost Sunday & Reception of New Members
- May 30: Brat Sale fundraiser at Miller & Sons: 9am – 3pm
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Repair Cafe - May 16!
We are excited to offer our 3rd Cafe! If you have any repair skills you would like to share, let Pastor Karla know. Meanwhile, please share this Cafe' info with your friends and family who might need some support. They can learn more about the Cafe' and what we can fix or try to help them fix on our website at https://www.paoliucc.com/about-us/repair-cafe.
If you would like to help provide refreshments and/or show hospitality to our visitors, please contact Petra or Faith. This is a ministry of Zwingli to our neighbors -- and for the sustainability of our planet. Thank you for supporting it with your prayers and/or in volunteering as you can and as you feel led.
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Fundraiser
We have a wonderful fundraising opportunity for our church: selling brats at Miller & Sons Supermarket on Saturday, May 30 from 9am to 3pm.
We need 15 volunteers to help make this a successful event! There will be 2 shifts: 9am – Noon and Noon – 3pm. There is a sign-up sheet on the bulletin board in the gathering space at the back of the sanctuary or you can contact one of the organizers: Faith, Kriss, Debbie, Louise or Cherry. Please consider asking friends and family to volunteer alongside you.
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New Member(s) to be received May 24, Pentecost Sunday
We are excited to be welcoming at least one new member this month! If you are interested in joining Zwingli on May 24 (or another date), please contact Pastor Karla. We welcome all those who want to journey with Zwingli whether or not they join, and are delighted when they decide they want to commit to being a member of Zwingli.
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This month, Zwingli will participate in the Strengthen the Church Offering which furthers the work of our conferences and the national UCC. This collaborative effort works to strengthen and renew existing congregations, fund leadership development, and provide exciting new programs for youth and young adults. The offering is divided with 50% staying regionally within our conference and 50% supporting the National Ministries. More information will be provided in the weekly bulletins.
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Opportunity to Support Wisconsin Flood Victims
Wisconsin Conference UCC Minister Rev. Franz Rigert writes: Over the past week, Wisconsin has endured torrential rains and several tornadoes. Relief efforts are taking place in several areas where UCC congregations are playing a vital role. In Waupaca and Outagamie counties, Fremont and New London were devastated by floods that displaced families and severely damaged homes and businesses. So far, we are not aware of any damage to UCC churches. Several congregations have stepped up in amazing ways to provide supplies, relief funding, food, and shelter. St. John’s UCC in Black Creek is sheltering 12 community members and coordinating a response with various local resources. The Rev. Moira Finley forwarded pictures of cots and tables set up in the church and of supplies gathered at a nearby firehouse.
The Conference has established a flood relief fund and welcomes contributions. All gifts will be forwarded to local organizations providing disaster relief.
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Graduations?
We are moving into graduation season! If you know of any graduates of our Zwingli family who we should recognize and celebrate, please contact Pastor Karla.
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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: Urge Congress to Prevent Increased Funding for ICE. Scroll down the page to find others that you might want to express your opinion about.
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Hear From Bereaved Palestinians and Israelis Who Are Working for Peace
McFarland United Church of Christ and The Wisconsin Conference Palestine Justice Working Group are providing an opportunity for churches and members to learn more about the lived reality of both Palestinians and Israelis. This Listening from the Heart program will be held on Zoom, giving members of the conference the opportunity to gather with others across the state to learn together. This is an interactive workshop. Due to the sensitive nature of the topic, these workshops are not recorded. For a flyer to share with your members, go here. To sign up for the May 28, 7-8:30 pm Zoom workshop featuring speakers Elana and Bassam, click here. Elana shares her story of befriending Palestinians and then losing her soldier son who was protecting others on Oct. 7. Bassam shares his story of going to prison as a child, and later losing his 10 year old daughter. Learn more at the PJWG webpage.
| | 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! | | | | |
