A Pastoral Reflection

This coming Sunday we will be focusing on Miracle Stories! Do you believe in these stories? in miracles? If so, what is your favorite Biblical story? Do you question miracles? Maybe, you both believe and question? Whatever you believe or don't believe, I hope you will join us on Sunday as we explore together this genre of Miracle Stories in Scripture.

For fun, I share with you a delightful love song from the musical Fiddler on the Roof: 'Miracle of Miracles'. The young man who sings this song is the local tailor. He had feared asking the girl's father, Tevye, for her hand in marriage but Tevye was arranging another marriage for his daughter, so the shy diminutive tailor took action to ask her very traditional father - his daughter had already begged her father too (for the begging and proposal part of the story that comes just before the song 'Miracle of Miracles' go here). 

The 'Miracle of Miracles' song is also a history lesson of so many of the Hebrew Bible/Old Testament miracle stories as well! The song also invites us to search our own lives to discover that we too might have miracles we could sing about!. I hope watching it will bring you that opportunity. Enjoy!

Blessings,

Karla

Fall Welcome Sunday

Mark Sunday, September 8 on your calendar and bring your favorite entrée, special salad, amazing dessert, or whatever you feel like making. We'll put a sign-up sheet on the bulletin board, but if you change your mind that's okay!!  

Bring your family and friends with you to church or invite neighbors if you'd like. There is always enough food.  

Lutheran Pastor from Bethlehem to Speak

Rev. Dr. Mitri Raheb is returning to Madison and speaking on Sept. 8! His talk will also be streamed and recorded for those who can't come in person (but you must register in advance). He is a Palestinian Lutheran Pastor from Bethlehem, a friend of the Wisconsin Conference UCC, and the founder and President of the Dar al-Kalima University in Bethlehem -- investing in the future of young Palestinians. He will be giving an update on the situation in Gaza and the West Bank in the midst of the horrendous Israel-Gaza war. If you would like to attend, let Pastor Karla know by Tuesday, August 27 so we can register you by the registration deadline of August 28 (or you can register yourself if you like). It's free! To hear his Oct. 22, 2023 two minute talk giving history and info on Christians in Gaza, go here.

Donations for Pine Ridge Indian Reservation



Zwingli member, Jeanette Bossingham, and her son will leave for Pine Ridge Reservation on September 12! Jeanette thanks the congregation for past donations and once again requests donations of clothing, school supplies, first aid items, etc (but no large items). When you bring them to the church, please use garbage bags labeled with Jeanette’s name (please bring them to the church by Sunday Sept. 8). If you have questions, contact Jeanette at 608-345-7266. She is soooooo grateful for your support!

COVID On the Rise

With COVID rates on the rise, even higher than some of our wintertime spikes, it's time to refresh the basics. If you're experiencing respiratory symptoms like sneezing, coughing, sore throat, and/or runny nose - Stay home. Mask up.

While washing hands and sanitizing surfaces is always a good idea, those tools alone will not protect us from airborne illness. Getting vaccinated, and wearing a high-quality, well-fitted mask in crowded spaces, combined with testing and staying home when symptomatic, are some of our best tools for limiting the transmission of COVID and other respiratory diseases.

Zwingli United Church of Christ

www.paoliucc.com

https://www.facebook.com/zwingliuccpaoli/

zwingliuccpaoli@gmail.com

PO Box 530, Belleville, WI 53508

"A small church with a big

and open heart!"

Pastor

Rev. Karla Schmidt

pastor.zwingliuccpaoli@gmail.com

608-572-4557

Kathie Wagner, Administrative Assistant

zwingliuccpaoli@gmail.com

Phone: 608-845-5641