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Hen House Weekly E-News
April 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!
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Dear Friends,
One of the most valued stories in the Easter season is the story of the Walk to Emmaus. This Sunday in Worship we will reflect on this story from Luke 24:13-35. It's a story that begins in deep sadness, grief and confusion - something most of us can identify with during seasons of our lives. Into the midst of these emotions the two followers of Jesus were experiencing and sharing with each other, the Risen Christ appeared! To their grief he brings comfort and to their confusion he brings understanding. Mostly he brings his loving presence - and they recognize him in the breaking of the bread!
We only know the name of one of the followers in this story, Cleopas. So it's a curiosity as to who his travelling companion was. Many have wondered if it might have been his wife? The above image and many others from around the world depict Jesus with a couple, including modern day couples reminding us that the Risen Christ is still meeting us and offering comfort and understanding during our times of sadness and bewilderment. If you would like to see these images and learn more about this theory, go to this page on artandtheology.org.
I share with you this prayer by Steve Garnaas-Holmes to bless you on those times you are on your own personal 'road to Emmaus":
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Emmaus Journey
O Risen and Always Rising One,
when we walk in grief and despair
you walk with us.
When we question our faith,
you open our eyes to know more deeply.
When we seek nourishment and rest and family
you join us.
When we are bewildered,
when we don’t know what to do with our lives,
you take them, bless them, break them, and give them
to us, and to the world, in love.
Have not our hearts burned within us
as you have accompanied us all along?
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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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Earth Day -- April 22
In Worship on Sunday we will also be recognizing Earth Day. Last Sunday in Worship we prayed in a way that reminded us we are all connected to the vine (Jesus) and to each other. In this prayer practice we experienced what it means to be connected using a ball of twine. We must stay connected to the vine to be sustained by the Spirit - to be nourished in Spirit and Live. In turn, our lives (branches) intertwine with each other in beautiful ways -- but sometimes challenging ways too.
We celebrate our Zwingli community of branches (individuals) connected to the vine and with each other. While some of you were unable to be there on Sunday, you were with us in Spirit. May this prayer by Steve Garnaas-Holmes bless us as we reflect on being the branches connected to the vine and to each other -- as well as bless us for reminding us on this Earth Day, that we are part of the Earth:
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We are part of earth, not separate, not foreign.
Earthlings. We are not the whole earth,
but we are not anything else.
Every molecule of our flesh
is from the planet’s dirt and water.
The tides in our veins, the forests in our gut,
our mountains and valleys of bones,
our breathing in and out, all are of the Earth.
The red oak and the white tailed deer,
the water buffalo, the giraffe and the penguin,
the worm and mycelium,
the springs and rivers and the wandering winds,
all embrace us, include us, flow in and out of us.
Here we belong.
And so it is true of God. We belong.
We are not God, or even a great part of God.
But we are nothing else. Godlings.
Made of God, contained in God,
belonging in God. We are God’s microbiome.
God flows in and out of us.
We will never comprehend the Infinite One,
but only know that God is in everything we do.
Our calling, on earth and in God
is to honor our belonging.
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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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"Our Town"
Friday, April 17 | 7:00 p.m. | Sanctuary
First Congregational Church,1609 University Avenue, Madison, WI 53726
Thornton Wilder’s quintessential American play “Our Town” will be presented by First Congregational members on Friday, April 17, the playwright’s birthday. Wilder has strong ties to the community. He was born in Madison in 1897 and was baptized at First Congregational. Bring with your friends and neighbors. Free admission. You are invited to bring a non-perishable food item and/or socks to be donated to a local charity.
Playwright Thornton Wilder's family were members of First Congregational in his formative years at the turn of the century. He was born in Madison on April 17, 1897 and the family moved to China when he was nine. His father was superintendent of the Sunday School. In recognition of the 50th anniversary of Wilder's death, First Congregational's Director of Christian Education, Jeff Rabe is bringing "Our Town' to the First Cong Stage. This stage-reading will have the feel of an old fashioned radio show, complete with sound effects.
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Join the Wisconsin Conference UCC all-Conference read of 'Nice Racism'
Annual Meeting also marked the formal launch of the Conference-wide read of "Nice Racism," Robin DiAngelo’s examination of how well-meaning progressive white people perpetuate racial harm. A three-session virtual book study will take place from 6:30 to 8 p.m. on Tuesdays May 5, 12 and 19. You can purchase "Nice Racism" on Amazon or wherever books are sold. Register for the book study.
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Palestinians and Israelis Share Their Stories of Loss and Peacemaking
The Wisconsin Conference UCC will be providing ZOOM workshops through 2026. You are invited to participate and hear the stories of these courageous people who have paid the highest price in losing a loved one to the Conflict -- and choose peace. One of the participants who joined us in Feb shared a testimony: “It was encouraging to see people that were perceived as enemies being able to open their hearts and minds to each other after sharing their common experiences. This exchange revives my trust in humanity and my hope for peace and understanding not only in Palestine but throughout the world." Dale Bakke
The April ZOOM Workshop is scheduled. Workshops are not recorded. Please sign up if you are interested in attending.
To sign up for the April 20, 6:30-8 pm ZOOM workshop featuring speakers Robi and Layla go to: https://tinyurl.com/ListeningRegistrationApril
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Nonviolence in Action: An Interfaith Conversation on
Building the Beloved Community
April 23, 8:00 am – 5:15 pm | Bethel Lutheran Church, Madison
The Interfaith Peace Working Group, an ecumenical partner of the WCC, will host a day of conversation and learning on the role of nonviolence in the life of people of faith on Thursday, April 23, at Bethel Lutheran Church (312 Wisconsin Ave, Madison). The theme of the event is “Nonviolence in Action: An Interfaith Conversation on Building the Beloved Community.”
Keynoters will be Shane Claiborne, an activist and founder of Red Letter Christians, and longtime peace advocate Kathy Kelly. Participants will be able to choose from eight workshops. Cost to attend is $20, which includes lunch.
Learn more and register here.
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Flicker Wild Church
Next Sacred Fire Circle – Beltane/ May Day – Sunday, May 3 @ Winterfell Acres. Circle start time around 3pm. Potluck on the farm to follow.
Please bring a seasonal dish/beverage to share, and as always, dress for the elements and bring a chair or blanket for the circle.
Contact Daniel Cooperrider with questions (dcooperrider@gmail.com)
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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 Pass a Just and Compassionate Farm Bill. 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! | | | | |
