Hen House Weekly E-News

October 2, 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!


Happy October! It's here already!


In the Church, October always begins with World Communion Sunday -- an opportunity to celebrate that although our Communion practices might be very different due to diverse cultures and Christian traditions, in our diversity we all belong to the Body of Christ -- we are the Body of Christ and Christ is our head.


The image by Jan Richardson reflects our diverse world all at one table. I hope you will join us for this celebration of World Communion and the dedication of our Neighbors in Need Offering - to care for our neighbors in our nation and throughout the world. Then I hope you will stay for our special Friendship Time featuring hot dogs and brats cooked on the mason fireplace in Zwingli's back yard (and hear the story of how it was built). It promises to be a meaningful and fun morning of Worship and Community.


In preparation for Sunday I share this prayer by Steve Garnaas-Holmes:

One Body


    Speaking the truth in love,

         we must grow up in every way

       into the One who is the head,

         into Christ, from whom the whole body,

         joined and knit together

       by every ligament with which it is equipped,

         as each part is working properly,

         promotes the body’s growth

       in building itself up in love.

                     —Ephesians 4.15-16


God, I offer humility and gratitude

for being part of such a glorious gift,

the Body of Christ, in all its riotous diversity.

You have given us this vast, teeming universe,

this beloved community, in which to embody your grace.

Give me confidence to trust my part in the whole,

to honor my gifts, to give my offering,

and to relish the strange harmony we make,

even in our differences.

Give me courage to honor the ones some would exclude,

to treasure their gifts, to tend the ligaments.

Help us, O Oneness, to be whole,

to speak only truth,

to grow continually,

and to build each other up in love,

and so attain the full stature of Christ.

Amen.

Blessings,

Pastor 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. For safe and fair midterm elections and wise discernment of voters.

Church Council News

Are you Curious?



Have you ever wondered about the origin of the Mason fireplace in the backyard of our church? Come to our Worship service on Sunday, October 4 and hear the history of this firepit and enjoy a picnic lunch after the service. There will be brats and authentic Swiss case wieners from Hoesley's in New Glarus -- all cooked on this beloved landmark. One of our members is from the group that originally built the fireplace with their fellow Youth Fellowship friends and he will take us down memory lane recalling the day it was built.  Hope to see you there!!

On the Calendar!


On Sunday, October 4, we will dedicate our offerings to Neighbors in Need. This program supports ministries of justice and compassion in the United States. When you give to Neighbors in Need, you help build a just world for all. Thank you!

Repair Cafe final

Our Next Repair Cafe is on Saturday, Oct 10 (drop in between 10 am - Noon). For more info go to our website. Share this info with family and friends. If you are on FB, please mark interested or going on our FB Event page and post/share/invite family and friends. Unfortunately Dwight can't be there to sharpen your knives/scissors this time around. 


We thank Paqui (Rich's wife) for making this awesome 'retro' design flyer for us!

Stewardship Celebration at Zwingli



Our Council is excited to announce our 5 week Stewardship Series (see image). On each Sunday we will explore what it means to "Tend God's Light" as stewards of our time, talents, resources, and lives. 


Special services in these 5 weeks include 

  • Sunday, Oct. 25 when the music of Dolly Parton will be featured as we reflect that Sunday on Jesus' greatest commandment of Love. 
  • Sunday, Nov. 1 we will celebrate our Saints who tended God's light while they lived among us. 
  • Then on November 8 we welcome guest preacher, Rev. Rachel Bauman, our Associate Conference Minister. After Worship that Sunday we will take a photo of our congregation (so come prepared to have your photo taken) and Council will be serving us a Brunch! 


Watch for a letter coming from our Pastor and Council with more information on a special Conversation on our Shared Partnership with Rachel, which follows our Brunch on November 8. We hope you can attend our Stewardship Celebration Sundays as often as possible. 

Annual Crop Walk

Sunday, Oct 18

First UCC Belleville

12:30 Registration

1:00 Walk


Zwingli will walk as a group and collect as a group. If you choose to donate to Crop Walk make your check out to Zwingli UCC Paoli and in the memo put Crop Walk.  If you are walking contact Kriss Ace.  


We are excited to be invited to walk with First UCC again this year!

On Sunday, October 25 our Worship music will be led by Dolly Parton as we sing along with her to favorite old hymns. Watch for more information as the date nears, and invite any family or friends who you think would appreciate this service. The focus of the day is on Jesus' call to love God, self and neighbor which was the way Dolly chose to live. We honor her commitment to love and the love many have for Dolly by including her voice in our Worship service that day.

Free Devotional Gift from

Bread for the World!



Bread for the World is pleased to continue our commitment to celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month from September 15 to October 15. As in previous years, we are offering a set a reflections and prayers that together form a devotional titled Nourished by God’s Grace: Hispanic Heritage 2026. We are especially happy to partner with the Latino Christian National Network (LCNN) to write and produce this year’s devotional. This devotional offers the views and concerns of diverse ecumenical leaders about many of the greatest challenges of the day. We also try to honor the great contributions made by Latino/Hispanic people. 

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: Protect the Right to Vote: Reject the SAVE Act. 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!

 
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Zwingli United Church of Christ

www.paoliucc.com

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

zwingliuccpaoli@gmail.com

PO Box 530, Belleville, WI 53508




 
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"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