|
Hen House Weekly E-News
August 14, 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!
| | |
In the UCC, Rural Life Sunday is celebrated in May. This year it fell on Mother's Day so we decided to postpone Rural Life Sunday. This coming Sunday, August 16, we will celebrate Rural Life Sunday at our Outdoor Worship (weather permitting), followed by an ice cream social! You can read more about it in the announcement below so come prepared. Invite your friends and family to join us for this celebratory day!
What are your connections to rural life? Did you grow up on a farm? Are you or were you a farmer? a gardener? Maybe you grew up in a small rural town (like I did) or lived in a rural community in your adulthood. Maybe your parents or grandparents were farmers (my grandparents were farmers and my Dad grew up on the farm and as an adult was an avid gardener so I got to do lots of gardening). Whatever your connections are, I'm sure you have experienced the blessings of rural life. On Sunday we will be reflecting on and celebrating these blessings and I will invite you to share brief stories or experiences of rural life that have been blessings to you. I hope you will consider blessing us with your presence and consider blessing us with your sharing.
| | |
All You Need to Know for August 16th
Farmers and gardeners, bring your tractors, yard tools and equipment for a special blessing from Rev. Karla. We also suggest you bring a lawn chair, as we will hold the service in the church parking lot.
Our outdoor service will be followed by an ice cream social. If the weather forces us indoors, we will still celebrate rural life and enjoy Culver's Custard! Friends and family are welcome to attend as well. Hope to see you this Sunday at 9:30 AM!
| |
|
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.
| | | | |
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
| | |
Friendship Sunday Resumes September 6!
We will resume our first Sunday community time after worship in September. Join us as often as you can. We appreciate all those who sign up to provide refreshments on these first Sundays! A sign up sheet for this coming year is up on the bulletin board.
| | |
Brunch Bunch Resumes in September
on SECOND WEDNESDAYS at 10:30 am!
We are moving from 3rd Wednesdays back to 2nd Wednesdays beginning September 9! Mark your calendars for the year and join us as often as you can! All are welcome, as are your friends and family so please invite them.
| | |
Donations for Pine Ridge Reservation
Jeanette and her son are again headed to Pine Ridge in September. This year they invite only donations of new or gently used sweatpants and generic gift cards like VISA and MasterCard. Please bring them to the church by Sunday morning, September 6. Jeanette thanks everyone for their support for Pine Ridge.
| | 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.
| |
August is nationally recognized as Make-a-Will Month, and we’re kicking it off by inviting you to put your love into action by creating or updating your will at no cost!
In 2024, the Pension Boards-UCC and National Ministries launched Together for Tomorrow, a shared legacy campaign that provides our UCC community with access to FreeWill. Through FreeWill, you can create or update your will in minutes and, if you choose, leave a planned gift to the causes and ministries that matter most to you.
| | FreeWill makes it easy to include a legacy gift to The Christmas Fund, National Ministries, your local church or Conference, or any organization close to your heart. A will allows us to protect the family, faith, and finances that have been entrusted to our care for this generation; a planned gift allows us to continue this legacy and serve our faith community in the generations to come. | | |
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! | | | | |
