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Hen House Weekly E-News
July 31, 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 August!
As always it comes so quickly and its cicadas remind us that our summer days are numbered! Summer is never long enough for me. What about you?
Where else in your life do you sometimes feel like there isn't enough? In our scripture reading this Sunday we will learn from the story in Matthew 14:13-21 where Jesus and his disciples were faced with 5,000 hungry men -- and many more women and children who weren't counted (but the women should count because if, as some believe, the miracle happened when everyone shared what they had brought with them we can assume it was probably the women who brought extra food for their hungry kids!). It's a story where the disciples believed there wasn't enough, but Jesus saw possibility! And so did the child who contributed the 5 loaves and 2 fish! The above image is a Coptic Church Icon and features this child. Join us as we explore and learn from this story on Sunday as well as share together in the Lord's Table.
Meanwhile, to bless you as you ponder your own sense of scarcity and God's abundance, I share this prayer by Steve Garnaas-Holmes (unfoldinglight.net):
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“We have nothing here but five loaves and two fish.”
—Matthew 14.17
God, I do not have enough.
Enough to save the world, even to help others,
sometimes even enough to manage myself.
Receive my inadequacy.
Let it be in your hands, not mine.
Let my lack be space for you.
Open my eyes to see in every failure,
in every shortcoming,
your grace.
Beloved, mindful not of what I lack
but what I have—that you have given me,
I offer you myself. By your grace it will be enough.
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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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OUTDOOR SERVICE, ICE CREAM SOCIAL & RURAL LIFE SUNDAY
08/16/2026
We will celebrate our rural roots with a special outdoor service, followed by enjoying Culver’s Custard, with all the toppings on Sunday, August 16th, weather dependent. If the weather forces us indoors, we will still celebrate rural life and enjoy Culver's Custard!
Farmers and gardeners, bring your tractors, yard tools and equipment for a special blessing from Rev. Karla.
We suggest you bring a lawn chair, as we will hold the service in the church parking lot. Friends and family are welcome to attend as well. Hope to see you on August 16th at 9:30 AM!
Your Church Council
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Epiphany Star Word Check Up!
Did you pick a star word in January? If so, this is an opportunity to ponder how it has been going. No worries if you forgot about it -- you can still pick it back up and let your word teach, inspire and guide you! Here are some questions to reflect on (from https://www.fpclexformation.org/star.html):
- Who have you shared your star word with? What have your shared? Have they given you any outside insight how you interact with your star word?
- How has (or is) your star word been a part of your relationships with others – in healthy or unhealthy ways?
- At the end of the month, think back on the last four weeks. How/where did your word pop up? How did it lead you in your spiritual life? Did you notice something you might not have otherwise noticed without this word?
| | On Monday 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.
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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
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Church History Project
Protecting the most important “life of our church history” items has come to the attention of the 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: 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! | | | | |
