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Hen House Weekly E-News
June 12, 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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Our reading this week from the Gospel of Matthew, introduces the 12 apostles. The writer chose to wait until Jesus sent them out on their mission to name all of them, because it was the work they were given that is most important—not just their belief in Jesus as God’s son, which developed over time. They were a diverse group of ordinary people. And this was on purpose. Jesus chose diversity instead of an “in” group to “proclaim the Good News “.
We Christians today are certainly a diverse group as well. And we are all called, like the apostles, to work with diverse groups of people in order to spread the Gospel in our actions and words. Jesus said the harvest is plentiful but the laborers are few. Join us on Sunday to think about what each of our roles are in the work of faith.
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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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Sundays and Pastoral Care While Pastor Karla is on Vacation June 8-21
We are blessed to have several gifted members and friends taking over for Pastor Karla while she is away this June.
Worship
June 14 -- Petra Streiff preaching and leading Worship
June 21 -- Kriss Ace preaching and leading Worship.
Pastoral Care On Call
June 8-15: Petra Streiff (cell) 608-395-9178
June 15-21: Mary Gafner (cell) 608-214-2143; (home) 608-938-4400.
Many thanks to Petra, Kriss and Mary for supporting Zwingli and our pastor in this way.
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BONUS Summer Brunch Bunch!
Oops! We had cancelled this program for the summer, but it was published in the Belleville Senior Center newsletter that we are holding a Brunch Bunch at River Ville on June 17 at 10:30 am! So, since it was published and some newcomers might come, several of our regulars are planning on attending that day! If you can join them, that would be great! Remember seniors can get their lunch for $5 (from a special menu)! Your family and friends are also always welcome to join us!
Please note: Brunch Bunch will not be meeting again until September. We are probably changing to a different Wednesday starting in September since the 3rd Wednesday didn't work well for some of the group. If you couldn't make it on 3rd Wednesdays, please contact our pastor by the end of June and let her know what Wednesdays work for you to attend (1,2,or 4). We hope we can find a Wednesday that works for everyone (in general, minus the occasional Dr appointment or other commitment).
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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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This Sunday, right after our church service, we will start the annual church cleaning. If many of can participate, the job will go much faster! Please bring your buckets, rags, and cleaning supplies with you.
Thank you,
Your Church Council
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A Golden Wedding Anniversary Celebration!
Congratulations to Kriss and Eldon Ace on 50 years of marriage! What joy! Thank you for inviting us all to your wonderful celebration!
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Juneteenth Commemoration 2026: In Troubling Times Consult the Ancestors!
Date & Time: June 18, 2026 | 2:30 PM Central Time
Juneteenth marks the official end of the enslavement of African descended people in the U.S. The original legal declaration was signed into law by Abraham Lincoln January 1, 1863, which instituted The Emancipation Proclamation. Juneteenth is also known as Freedom Day nationally, and Emancipation Day in Texas, and became an official holiday in the State of Texas in 1980. President Joe Biden officially signed into Law Juneteenth as a National Day of Remembrance, June 17, 2021.
Racial Justice Ministries of the United Church of Christ invite you to engage in prophetic remembering to confront the challenges of our time. Register here.
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Resources for Celebrating the End of Life
The Wisconsin Conference UCC Older Adult Ministries Work Group has made resources available for Church members to use in preparation for their end of life, however soon or far away that may be. The articles listed as resources below can help you develop your end-of-life plans. If you are unable to access these or print them off and would like copies, please contact Pastor Karla or our Admin Asst Kathie to print it out for you. Pastor Karla is available to support you in making funeral or memorial service plans. The Older Adult Ministries Work Group prays you find these resources helpful.
Resources:
1. “Planned Funeral Information Sheet For Individual Use Only” from Pilgrim UCC, Grafton
2. “My Personal Planning Guide,” from Plopper Funeral Home
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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: Protect Religious Freedom and Human Dignity: Support the Do Not Harm Act. 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! | | | | |
