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Hen House Weekly E-News
July 3, 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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Happy 250th Independence Day!
Last Sunday we enjoyed getting into the Norwegian World Cup Spirit (see pics, article and video in following article). I thank everyone for being willing to be playful and participate in this illustration for my sermon to recognize and celebrate the 250th Anniversary of the Declaration of Independence (read the article below for more info). I think the above image helps us to celebrate because it reminds us of the beauty of "We the People" and the efforts of so many across the generations and the diversity of our people to create "a more perfect union." This Sunday we are excited that Becky will be back with us! She plans to share patriotic music to enhance our Worship on this July 4th weekend!
In worship this Sunday we will focus on Jesus' teachings in Matthew 11:16-30. It's a strange passage which concludes with verses which are favorites of many of us. They are comforting verses when we are weary of the many challenges in our personal lives as well as our world. What is this yoke of Christ? Join us on Sunday as we explore what Jesus meant by this strange passage and when he spoke these beloved words. For now, in preparation for Sunday I share with you this beautiful reflection by Steve Garnaas-Holmes. The image above is a reminder that, as Garnaas-Holmes writes, Jesus "invites us into the Great Work of ... loving the world":
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Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”
—Matthew 11.28-30
Jesus teaches no doctrine; he extends an invitation.
He preaches no creed; he offers a relationship.
He does not discuss theology; he practices a way of living.
He offers no reward, but his presence.
He invites us into the Great Work of being souls,
the Great Work of loving the world.
He promises to be yoked with us.
He offers the paradox of the labor that is rest,
the yoke that is freedom,
the burden that is light.
His Word is not an order, a threat, a pronouncement,
but a promise, an opening, a desire for us:
“Come to me.”
The burden we bear into the world
at his side
is not heavy; it is light itself, the light of God.
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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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Becoming Norwegian Vikings in Worship!
Last Sunday, we joined the spirit of the Norwegians at the World Cup by doing the Norwegian Viking Row Chant during the sermon time (you can view our attempt here). It was fun AND it helped us to reflect together on what it means to celebrate our nation's independence by our choices to create a more perfect union through moving toward inter-dependence and friendship (as author Jeremy David Engels invites us to in his book, On Mindful Democracy). We looked at Matthew 25 and what Jesus teaches us about the call of Nations to care for each other - especially those who are oppressed or suffer. In that Spirit, Jeremy Engels has written A Declaration of Interdependence (the entire Declaration can be read in the intro of his book).
As we celebrate our Independence (250 years!), Jesus invites us (in Matthew 25) to be a nation that sees Christ in one another -- and row together as a church, as a nation...inter-dependently to care for and love those in need across our diversity and divisions.
Many thanks to Jeanette for leading our chant -- and her cousin from Norway who instructed her to hit the drum 3x and that we should shout "Row for Norway"!. If you have not seen other videos of the Norwegian Viking Chant, go here to view crowds at the world cup, the Norwegian parliament and fans on an escalator (I don't advise this) doing the chant. My favorite is a Norwegian Senior Center having fun and working hard at it (they got their workout that day)!
Blessings,
Pastor Karla
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July Food Pantry Drive!
Zwingli Council invites you to bring donations of non-perishable food items or money (make checks out to Zwingli - pantry donation in subject line) on Sundays, July 5 and 12. This is one way we can support those in need during the summer when children are at home and families are often struggling more.
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Pastor Karla Away from the Office July 6 - 19
Pastor Karla will out of the office July 6 - 19. Zwingli member and Commissioned Pastor, Petra Streiff will be on call for pastoral care (608-395-9178) during this time.
On Sunday, July 12, Kriss Ace will lead worship and on July 19, Petra will lead worship. Many thanks again to both Kriss and Petra.
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Marques Bovre Tribute Band Concert at Dot's Tavern, July 3
Sue Bovre invites Zwingli and friends to another Tribute Concert for her son Marques (who grew up at Zwingli Church). Sue's grandson Quintin is the lead singer and original members of Marques' bands are part of the Tribute Band. The Concert is on July 3 from 5-8 pm at Dot's Tavern (6734 Henry Rd, Basco, WI)! For more info on Marques and his music check out the website Quintin created with all his Dad's music. Hope to see you at the Concert!
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NEEDED: VOLUNTEERS FOR BI-WEEKLY CHURCH CLEANING
Due to a medical leave of absence, Cathy Sonnenburg will be unable to clean the church from July - December 2026. Hiring a new cleaning service would be cost prohibitive at this time.
Therefore, the Council is asking for volunteers to take on this responsibility on a bi-weekly schedule. There will be a sign-up sheet for volunteers, along with a list of suggested cleaning needs on the bulletin board in the entrance hallway.
Cleaning supplies will be provided.
You may even consider tag teaming with multiple people to accomplish this need! Cherry Pulver has already taken on the responsibility of cleaning both restrooms on a weekly basis.
Please consider offering your time to this project.
In appreciation,
Your Church Council
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Church History Project
Protecting our most important “life of our church history” items has come to the attention of your Church Council.
The Council is concerned were there a fire, or a devastating natural disaster, many of our historical documents, pictures etc. could be lost, destroyed. Many of these mementos are only stored in a closet, unprotected from fire, or a potential weather disaster. The Council is actively pricing disaster proof storage cabinetry, to safeguard our years of memories.
It would be greatly appreciated if a few people could volunteer to look at our old papers, photos, stored in the upper room closet, and basement - sort out what they feel is of most importance to save.
Please contact a member of the Church Council if you’re interested in this project. Severe weather season is upon us - it would be terribly sad to lose Zwingli UCC’s many years of memories. Thank you for your consideration of this project.
Faith Wittwer - Council President
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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: End Capital Punishment. 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! | | | | |
