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Hen House Weekly E-News
October 31, 2025
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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Happy Halloween! And Happy Reformation Reconciliation Day
-- a day to recognize the Protestant Reformation as well as a growing emphasis of the ecumenical spirit of cooperation and dialogue among Protestant churches and the Roman Catholic Church for 'reconciliation' and unity among all Christians.
And Happy All Saints Day, Nov. 1 (celebrated at Zwingli on Nov. 2)!
This is a day for us to honor and celebrate our beloved ones who have passed on, remembering that their light is still with us. While we might still feel the grief of their loss, it is not a day of mourning but a day of celebration for their witness and their life. This Church celebration is an ancient one of many cultures. Perhaps you have heard of the celebration of Dia de los Muertos, The Day of the Dead, which our Mexican siblings celebrate at this time of the year as well. Celebrating these special days in our cultures and religions is a way to remember our loved ones and recognize that their light and spirit continues to be with us and within us.
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I hope you will join us this Sunday to recognize the Saints Zwingli has said goodbye to this year, as well as the Saints you wish to name. Come also to learn more about the Church tradition of naming all of us Saints of God.
Blessings,
Karla
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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: U.S. - Venezuela tensions, Afghanistan, Haiti, Sudan, The Congo, Ukraine-Russia, Israel-Palestine, Syria, and Lebanon. Prayers for those countries, farmers, companies and consumers who are affected by the escalating trade war.
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 and now under this government shutdown.
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Nov. 2 - All Saints Day; Friendship Time following Worship
Nov. 9 - Special casual interactive Worship Celebrating the Past, Present and Future of Zwingli (in basement with POTLUCK after Worship)
Nov. 16 - Native American Sunday with Jeanette and Judy
Nov. 23 - Thanksgiving and Stewardship Sunday
| | Our Adult Ed Fall Program 'Loving Across Divisions' was scheduled to meet for the final time on Nov. 9. Instead Zwingli will hold a Potluck after Worship that Sunday -- so we will reschedule our last session. We did get a great picture of some of the group at our last meeting (maybe at our last session all those who have been attending will be there and we can get a full group picture)! Many thanks to the open hearted members who have been attending and wrestling together with what it means for us to love each other across divisions. | | |
Zwingli's Fall Stewardship Celebration!
As Christians we are called to be stewards of the gifts we have been given. This includes our Time, Talent, and Treasure! Our giving of ourselves in these ways matters because it keeps the Church going and because you and your gifts are blessings to the Church. Our Stewardship enables us to live our mission in this community and the world -- and be a welcoming community for those who are looking for a church home.
So for three Sundays (Nov. 9, 16, 23) we will hear testimonials in Worship by several of our members. On Sunday Nov. 9 our Worship will be a special casual interactive service in our lower level -- with a POTLUCK following Worship! So bring food!
On Nov. 9, you are invited to bring a few pictures and share them at your table, as well as share a brief story (2 min) with the entire group (optional) about the past glory of Zwingli -- something about the past mission of this Church that you celebrate (we will have a microphone so everyone can hear). For those who enjoy art, we will also have a little art project in which you can express what you celebrate about Zwingli NOW. Then we will be hanging your pictures up in the glass case in the entryway for everyone to view. Please put your name on the back of the picture so we return it to you!
Meanwhile, you will receive a letter from our pastor giving you more information about the Stewardship Celebration. Enclosed in the letter will be a Time & Talent Form for you to fill out (if you wish to - it's optional) so that we know where/how you want to be involved. Also enclosed will be a pledge card for those who choose to pledge (again optional). Please bring these forms and the card to church on Sunday, Nov. 23 when they will be dedicated in Worship. If you cannot make it that Sunday, you can bring them any Sunday before or after (or mail them to the Church). If you have questions, contact Pastor Karla or a Council member.
| | Congratulations to Zwingli member Dave Batker who was honored for his military service with an Honor Flight on October 11. His son Don joined him. Thank you Dave for your service to our country. | | |
Safety in our church environment is of utmost concern. The Dane Co Sheriff’s Department is scheduled to present “Emergency Preparedness Training” for all who are interested on Wednesday November 12, from 6-8 PM at our church. There will be refreshments and an evening snack provided. Bring your friends as well! Door opens at 5:30 p.m.
If you plan on coming, it is helpful if you sign up on the bulletin board -- but you can join us even if you haven't signed up.
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Feeding Our Neighbors
The Wisconsin Council of Churches writes, "As we approach November, those who serve hungry people in their communities are bracing. The federal government shutdown and its refusal to use contingency funds mean that about 700,000 people in Wisconsin will not receive their November SNAP (known as Foodshare in Wisconsin) benefits.
Our Christian faith is filled with stories of feeding people. The feeding of the multitudes is the only miracle outside the resurrection that is present in all four Gospels. Whether it was 4,000 or 5,000 people (though there were probably also women and children who were not included in those numbers), we see Jesus devising ways for people to be fed. Even when his disciples suggested it was too difficult, Jesus knew the importance of nourishment and worked miracles so people didn’t suffer. As we see multitudes of people in our community losing access to food benefits on top of already growing need, we are invited to follow in Jesus’ footsteps and get creative about feeding our neighbors."
Watch for more information in the Hen House News about a Zwingli Food Drive. Meanwhile, for those who want to advocate for SNAP, Feeding Wisconsin also has a petition to let members of Congress know that SNAP cuts will harm members of our community.
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From the Wisconsin Conference UCC
Justice for Immigrants
Support conference ministers’ witness in D.C.
Wisconsin Conference Minister Franz Rigert later this month will join about 20 of his colleagues in Washington to meet with lawmakers, with a special focus on immigration. You can get involved, too, by writing letters to your representatives to make sure they get the message that “Love Has No Borders” -- the theme of the conference ministers’ witness urging lawmakers to choose love, compassion, and justice in their decisions. The UCC Office of Public Policy and Advocacy in Washington has created downloadable resources for congregations and individuals who wish to get involved.
Learn more about the “Love Has No Borders” campaign.
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From the UCC:
Common Scams Targeting Older Adults and Ways to Protect Against Them
LSS Financial Counselor Michelle Style reveals how scammers take advantage of the trusting nature of older adults. Read this article for tips on protecting yourself from potential scams. Read More.
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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 the Truth & Healing Commission on the Indian Boarding Schools Policies Act. Scroll down the page to find others that you might want to express your opinion about.
| | If you would like to learn more about the work of the United Church of Christ Southwest Wisconsin Association, send a message to this email address to be added to their monthly newsletter: swacommunications@gmail.com | | | | |
