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Hen House Weekly E-News
August 28, 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 the story of baby Moses and those brave women (and his sister) who took risky steps to save the infants and baby Moses from the violence of Pharaoh. Many thanks to Brian Legler for giving me the joke I shared -- that also invited us into a deeper reflection of the story. I so appreciated hearing from some of you as you left worship sharing with me of those you consider "high risk basket cases" in our world - and thank you for weaving 'baskets of care' for them.
In my message, I shared with you my concern for Israeli and Palestinian children and teens who are growing up in a world of fear, hate and violence -- and of how I met members of The Parent's Circle - Family Forum (a grassroots group of bereaved families) and through my friendship with them, I have learned so much about the PCFF. Among the many programs of the PCFF, they reach out to support Israeli and Palestinian teens at their Summer Youth Camp bringing teens from both sides together – I was delighted to see my Israeli friend’s son, Guy, is one of the leaders of the camp (to watch this year's inspiring webinar featuring these teens, go here). The PCFF also invites folks to donate money for Back to School backpacks for Palestinian children who need them. Like Moses, these youth and children from both sides are growing up in a society where their lives are at risk and their hearts and minds are at risk of growing in fear and hate (and so becoming traumatized or violent or both -- and the violence continues into the next generation). I just learned that for the many ways this bereaved grassroots group is working for peace, the PCFF has been nominated for the 2026 Nobel Peace Prize!
As disciples of Jesus we are invited to weave "baskets of care" for those in the world we feel called to support -- baskets that will be a counter-force of love to those experiencing despair, fear, hate, violence, poverty, . . . and help create a better future for them and for all of us. Whenever we give to UCC special offerings, to Pine Ridge, to Friends of State Street Family, to local food pantries, to . . . . . we are weaving "baskets of care" for those who are at some form of high risk. I'd love to hear more about those individuals or groups at high risk who you help weave 'baskets of care' for by your prayers, donations, and/or volunteering.
This Sunday we will reflect on the story of Jesus asking the disciples who they think he is (image above) and the bold response of Peter (which was correct) and then the bold response of Peter to counter Jesus when Jesus said the Messiah must suffer (Matthew 16:13-28). Peter's idea of Messiahship was more aligned with a military victory that led to a new kingdom to overcome the Roman Empire. However, Jesus saw Messiahship as more like those women (midwives, Moses' mother, Pharaoh's daughter and sister Miriam) who took great risks to save innocent children. Jesus identified as a suffering servant Messiah. He invites each of us to live this way of radical risky love (take up our cross and follow him) in our families, communities, nation and world.
Please join us on Sunday for Worship as we come together in community, share joys and concerns, and reflect on this story! I close with a prayer for our discipleship journey by beloved author, Father Henri Nouwen:
Help me to follow you,
to unite my life with yours
and to become a mirror of your love.
Amen
(A Cry for Mercy: Prayers from the Genesee)
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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.
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Special Sunday with Marilyn, Former Zwingli Musician!
On Sunday, August 23, we were honored to have Marilyn come out of retirement and play for our service! She was delighted to have some family attend. From left to right are Dan (and daughters Natalie, Noelle, Ivy and wife Jackie), and Mary. We were delighted to welcome Marilyn's family (and hear memories from Dan and Mary about growing up at Zwingli). Thank you Marilyn for sharing your musical gifts with us!
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The Upper Room daily devotional booklets for September - October are here. You can find them near the mailboxes or ask the Admin Assistant to mail one to you.
| | You are Invited to join us for this Fall's Book Group. It's a short book and an easy read filled with inspiration. The author's focus is to give spiritual wisdom for the living of the challenges of our lives and world with courage, faith and resilience. Rev. Michael B. Curry, presiding bishop of the Episcopal Church and author of The Power of Love writes, "Here is wisdom born out of a lifetime of listening faithfully to the voice of God. Here is wisdom we need for the living of these days." Refreshments will be provided at our meetings. You can also find a more extensive review on the Spirituality and Practice website. If you have any questions, please ask Pastor Karla. | | |
Friendship Sunday Resumes September 6!
We will resume our first Sunday community time after worship in September. Join us as often as you can. We appreciate all those who sign up to provide refreshments on these first Sundays! A sign up sheet for this coming year is up on the bulletin board.
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Donations for Pine Ridge Reservation
Jeanette and her son are again headed to Pine Ridge in September. This year they invite only donations of new or gently used sweatshirts and sweatpants and generic gift cards like VISA and MasterCard. Please bring them to the church by Sunday morning, September 6. Jeanette thanks everyone for their support for Pine Ridge.
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Brunch Bunch Resumes in September
on SECOND WEDNESDAYS at 10:30 am!
We are moving from 3rd Wednesdays back to 2nd Wednesdays beginning September 9! Mark your calendars for the year and join us as often as you can! All are welcome, as are your friends and family so please invite them.
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Stay alert: How to recognize scams
Please be cautious with unexpected emails or requests for money, gift cards, or personal information. If a message seems suspicious, do not click on links or respond to the request. Instead, verify the request directly with the person or organization using trusted contact information, not information provided in the potential scam email.
Online training and resources
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AARP Fraud Watch Network — Free scam-awareness resources, webinars, videos, tip sheets, and alerts designed to help people recognize and avoid fraud.
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AARP Fraud Hub — Free online webinars covering current scams and tactics, including impersonation, romance, cryptocurrency, and tech-support scams.
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FTC Pass It On — Free Federal Trade Commission educational materials covering common scams such as government impersonation, tech support, romance, family-emergency, and business impersonation scams.
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FTC Consumer Advice: Scam Resources — Downloadable articles, activity sheets, presentations, and other educational materials that can be used for individual or group scam-awareness training.
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August is nationally recognized as Make-a-Will Month, and we’re kicking it off by inviting you to put your love into action by creating or updating your will at no cost!
In 2024, the Pension Boards-UCC and National Ministries launched Together for Tomorrow, a shared legacy campaign that provides our UCC community with access to FreeWill. Through FreeWill, you can create or update your will in minutes and, if you choose, leave a planned gift to the causes and ministries that matter most to you.
| | FreeWill makes it easy to include a legacy gift to The Christmas Fund, National Ministries, your local church or Conference, or any organization close to your heart. A will allows us to protect the family, faith, and finances that have been entrusted to our care for this generation; a planned gift allows us to continue this legacy and serve our faith community in the generations to come. | | |
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: A Call for Nuclear Disarmament. 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! | | | | |
