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Hen House Weekly E-News
August 7, 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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On Monday, July 27 eastern Wisconsin experienced highly destructive storms. Our hearts and prayers go out to all those affected - with gratitude that no one was seriously injured. Many across our nation and world have experienced terrible storms this year! It has been really hard to see all the suffering. And that's just the weather! So many (including some of us) are experiencing the 'storms' of illness, death of loved ones, financial stress, . . . Others are suffering through 'storms' from political, social, and religious systems of greed, hate, oppression and violence in our world.
While 'storms' are a part of nature and a part of life they can be terribly frightening and disorienting as we feel ourselves pushed around by 'wind' and 'wave', looking for some sense of stability. Our scripture this Sunday tells the story of when the disciples were in their boat and caught in a frightening storm! They didn't have cell phones to call for help, but they did have Jesus who surprised them by walking on water toward them! They were no longer alone in the storm. Jesus then calmed the storm and they were safe.
This story is a reminder that when we are caught in a 'storm', we are not alone. While Jesus does not appear to calm every 'storm' in our world, he doesn't abandon us but comes to us in Spirit and in those who reach out to care -- to calm the 'storms' within our hearts and minds and give us peace. Join us this Sunday as we reflect more on this story in Matthew 14:22-33 and what it might mean for us today. Meanwhile, here is a reflection by Steve Garnaas-Holmes (unfoldinglight.net) to ponder as we consider the 'storms' we've lived through and any we are currently living in. The Russian Orthodox image above comes from this website.
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The point is not that Jesus “walks on water”
(whatever that means).
He walks on difficulty. Walks through trouble.
He walks, even, over impossibility.
Where he walks is not a little lake, not a great ocean,
but the world, where the Beloved
will not, even in your direst storms,
be remote, but will be there,
walking over it to you, serene, present,
no matter where you are.
It will never be hard for love to get to you.
The point is not miraculous teleportation.
It is that love will get you where you need to go.
When you awake, even terrified,
to the reality that the Beloved is with you,
you are where you were going.
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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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All You Need to Know for August 16th!
From Pastor Karla: As we look ahead to our August 16 Outdoor Worship / Rural Life / Ice Cream Social Sunday, I invite you to come prepared to help me with the Message that day. In addition to blessing the tools you bring, I want to invite us to share with each other the blessings rural life has held for you (whether that is on a farm or in a small town). Let's truly celebrate and give thanks for the blessings this life has given us. So just as you shared Father's Day stories a few weeks ago, this time I hope many of you will bring a short story or description to share about Rural Life blessings you are grateful for (from childhood or adulthood experiences). I look forward to hearing your stories and wisdom!
From the Church Council: We will celebrate our rural roots with a special outdoor service, followed by enjoying Culver’s Custard, with all the toppings on Sunday, August 16th, weather dependent. If the weather forces us indoors, we will still celebrate rural life and enjoy Culver's Custard!
Farmers and gardeners, bring your tractors, yard tools and equipment for a special blessing from Rev. Karla.
We suggest you bring a lawn chair, as we will hold the service in the church parking lot. Friends and family are welcome to attend as well. Hope to see you on August 16th at 9:30 AM!
| | Recently storms hit eastern Wisconsin causing massive structural damage and disruption of life for the residents. Thankfully there were no serious injuries but the need is great. If you would like to support the recovery efforts, you can do so through the Wisconsin Conference UCC (click here). | | |
Five Wishes!
The Wisconsin Conference UCC Aging in Grace Working Group provides resources to support for all of us as we age. If you would like to learn more about Advanced Directives or "Five Wishes", go here.
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Palestine Film Night and Discussion with Bright Stars of Bethlehem
Friday, August 14 at 7:00pm
Midvale Community Lutheran Church
4329 Tokay Blvd, Madison, WI 53711
Experience two powerful short films that offer deeply personal perspectives on life in Palestine. Created by students, faculty and graduates of Dar al-Kalima University in Bethlehem, these internationally acclaimed films highlight stories of resilience, creativity, and hope. Following the screenings, there will be a time for conversation and questions. Bright Stars of Bethlehem executive director, Tracie Ortman, will share more about the organization's mission, its partnership with Dar al-Kalima University, which was founded by the Rev. Dr. Mitri Raheb, and how you can help support this vital work in Palestine. Register here: https://tinyurl.com/MidvaleFilmNight
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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: 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! | | | | |
