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Hen House Weekly E-News
October 16, 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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Last Sunday we reflected on golden calves! This Sunday we will reflect on coins (image at left is from Spacious Faith)! The Pharisees wanted to trap Jesus to get him in trouble with Rome or with the anti-Rome Jewish Zealots. They were putting him in a no-win situation with their question. But Jesus outsmarted and outwitted them with his wisdom response and, in so doing, he gave us much to reflect on about our own identity as being created in the image of God. I hope you will join us Sunday as we gather in community and reflect on this story from Matthew 22:15-22 with the special stewardship focus on Tending God's Light of our Identity. In preparation, I share with you this prayer by Steve Garnaas-Holmes:
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To God What Is God's
They asked, “Is it lawful to pay taxes to the emperor, or not?” he said, “Show me the coin used for the tax.” They brought him a denarius. He said, “Whose image is this?” They answered, “The emperor’s.” He said, “Give therefore to the emperor the things that are the emperor’s… and to God the things that are God’s.”
—Matthew 22.19-21
The coin, stamped with the emperor’s image,
is the emperor’s.
Give it to the emperor.
And I, made in your image, God,
are yours.
I give myself to you.
What will it mean
to give myself to you today?
How might I drop the coin of my life
into your open hand,
each moment again,
to give myself away
for you to spend
as you please?
I give myself to you.
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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.
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.
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Stewardship Celebration at Zwingli
To help you prepare for the Nov 8, 11 a.m.
Conversation on our Shared Ministry
We hope you will join us for Sunday Nov. 8 for:
- Worship with Rev. Rachel Bauman preaching,
- A Church Community photo after Worship,
- A delicious Brunch prepared and served by our Council,
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The Conversation About Strengthening Our Shared Ministry beginning at 11 a.m. and ending no later than 12:30 p.m.
At this meeting, Zwingli members will be asked four questions to help us reflect more on the ministry of Zwingli as well as hear the thoughts of other Zwingli members. Our Wisconsin Conference UCC (WCUCC) Associate Conference Minister Rev. Rachel Bauman will guide the conversation. Rev. Todd Hackmann, pastor at Monroe UCC, will also be representing the Wisconsin Conference UCC. We invite you to reflect on these questions in advance and come prepared to share what you would like to share:
1. What is giving your congregation life and energy right now?
2. Where you are experiencing challenge, uncertainty or transition?
3. How your sense of mission is taking shape in your community?
4. What kinds of relationships, resources, or support would strengthen your congregation’s long-term sustainability?
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Heads Up: No Friendship Time the First Sunday of November
Since we will be having a Brunch and Conversation on Sunday Nov. 8 following Worship, we will NOT be holding Friendship Time after Worship on Nov. 1.
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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!
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All Saints Sunday, November 1
Join us for a special Sunday, Nov. 1. As we usually do on 1st Sundays, we will celebrate Communion -- and we will be remembering and celebrating those church members, family and friends we have lost in the past year. We hope you can join us!
This year we are remembering two members of Zwingli who passed away within the past year. In addition, you will also be invited to come forward to light a candle for your family and friends, and speak their names to the congregation if you wish. Grief is a process and All Saints Sunday is an opportunity to grieve within the community as we remember, name and celebrate those Saints we've lost.
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Community Choir for Veterans Day
Do you love to sing? If so, please consider joining the community choir. Rehearsal is Sunday, November 8 from 3-4pm at Grace United Methodist, 246 W. Pearl St., Belleville. Performance at 6:30 pm Wednesday, November 11 at the Belleville High School Gym.
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Belleville Food Pantry News
If you wish to make a donation to the Belleville Food Pantry, see the helpful information at the right.
Kriss Ace got this important message and wanted to share it with you.
For those who live in other towns, donations would also be helpful to them.
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From the Wisconsin Council of Churches: Celebrate Election Heroes!
Defending the democratic process doesn’t have to be complicated. Sometimes, it just looks like loving your neighbor.
In addition to celebrating election heroes during Sunday worship on 10/18, we invite you to demonstrate your care on Tuesday 10/20, Election Hero Day.
Ideas for how to express gratitude to municipal and county clerks, poll workers, and election officials include:
- Delivering cookies or other treats to your local clerks office
- Making cards expressing thanks
- Working at the polls yourself!
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Election Support from the Wisconsin Council of Churches
There are 3 Constitutional Amendments on the November 3, 2026 ballot in Wisconsin. The Wisconsin Council of Churches’ membership approaches these ballot measures in divergent ways. We share opinions from a variety of sources on each ballot measure to help you prayerfully discern how you vote: https://www.wichurches.org/amendments2026
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Watch Out for Medicare Scams for Yourself or Loved Ones!
For those on Medicare who want to explore their options during this Open Enrollment time beginning on Oct. 15, be aware of Medicare scams online by watching this video by Johns Hopkins- and NIH-funded caregiving researcher and CEO of CareYaha, Neal K. Shah. He gives information on how to identify scams and where to get true Medicare Support. If you need support, you can also contact the Wisconsin SHIP office for free information and support.
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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: Speak up for Immigrant Children Facing Court Alone. 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! | | | | |
