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Hen House Weekly E-News
October 30, 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 Halloween and All Saints Day Weekend!
I hope you enjoy Halloween with your grandchildren -- and other children who come trick or treating. Halloween is so rooted in the history of Christianity, beginning as the celebration of All Hallow's Eve many centuries ago. It was the eve of All Saints and All Souls Days. For those history buffs who want to learn more, go here for a short fun video.
In the Church calendar, this weekend focuses on All Saints Day. Originally those who were martyrs of the faith were called saints. When that season of Church life ended, the Church chose people who lived exceptional Christian lives to call Saints. So we have Saint Peter, Saint Mary Magdalene, Saint Francis, and many others. Do you have a favorite Saint? Yet all along, ordinary people like you and I were called saints by Paul, in his letters to the various churches. He would address his letters "To the Saints at .... In our case, he would have written "To the Saints at Paoli"! What does it mean for us to live into this identity?
Join us on Sunday to explore this concept of ordinary saints more -- and celebrate our Saints (those we have loved and lost and wish to name, as well as Zwingli members Clint Zettle and Lee Stilwell). We will light candles in memory of loved ones -- and speak their names (if you choose to). It is an opportunity to grieve their loss and celebrate their life within the embrace of community. In addition we will celebrate Holy Communion -- a reminder that those living and those who have passed all belong to the Body of Christ. We serve grape juice and delicious gluten and dairy free bread so all feel included. I hope you will join us.
In preparation for Sunday, I share with you this reflection:
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All Saints Day
by Steve Garnaas-Holmes (unfoldinglight.net)
I praise the Saints who have graced us:
the Great Saints, Francis and Teresa and the gang;
but especially the Lesser Saints,
those who have humbly, perhaps unknowingly,
shed light in our lives.
I am grateful for the people
who have blessed you—yes, you, dear reader,
who have loved you more than necessary,
who have taught you and forgiven you
and shown you what love is possible.
I give thanks for those who endured silently
and those who showed you how to rise up and shout.
I bless those who didn’t yell at you,
and showed you a new path.
I thank God for the saints whose brokenness,
whose imperfections, faults and failures
showed you what a glorious light can shine
in a cracked lantern.
For all who have helped you know your belovedness
I give thanks, because now you, dear one,
are sanctified, too: chosen as Love’s vessel,
no more deserving or adequate or worthy than others,
but loved, and chosen as Love’s vessel.
May you know with certainty that you can’t know
who you have blessed, but that, like all Saints,
you have.
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I want to thank the Council and the congregation for your special Pastor Appreciation moment for me last Sunday during Worship honoring Pastor Appreciation Month. I was quite surprised and deeply touched by your recognition. Please know that I also want to thank you for being such a wonderful congregation to pastor -- you are truly a blessing. ~ Pastor Karla
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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. For safe and fair midterm elections and wise discernment of voters.
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The November/December issue of the Upper Room is now available. Pick up your copy on the display case near the mailboxes.
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Stewardship Celebration at Zwingli
To help you prepare for the Nov 8, 11 a.m.
Conversation on our Shared Ministry
We hope you will join us for Sunday Nov. 8 for:
- Worship with Rev. Rachel Bauman preaching,
- A Church Community photo after Worship,
- A delicious Brunch prepared and served by our Council,
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The Conversation About Strengthening Our Shared Ministry beginning at 11 a.m. and ending no later than 12:30 p.m.
At this meeting, Zwingli members will be asked four questions to help us reflect more on the ministry of Zwingli as well as hear the thoughts of other Zwingli members. Our Wisconsin Conference UCC (WCUCC) Associate Conference Minister Rev. Rachel Bauman will guide the conversation. Rev. Todd Hackmann, pastor at Monroe UCC, will also be representing the Wisconsin Conference UCC. We invite you to reflect on these questions in advance and come prepared to share what you would like to share:
- What is giving your congregation life and energy right now?
- Where you are experiencing challenge, uncertainty or transition?
- How your sense of mission is taking shape in your community?
- What kinds of relationships, resources, or support would strengthen your congregation’s long-term sustainability?
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Heads Up: No Friendship Time the First Sunday of November
Since we will be having a Brunch and Conversation on Sunday Nov. 8 following Worship, we will NOT be holding Friendship Time after Worship on Nov. 1.
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Join Zwingli Singers Choir for Nov. 8 Worship!
The Zwingli Singers will be performing one simple and easy song in Worship on Sunday, November 8. They will be rehearsing after Worship on November 1. If you would like to join this choir, contact Petra or just show up for the rehearsal November 1!
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CARPET CLEANING ON THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 5
The church carpets will be cleaned on Thursday, November 5. We need volunteers to move the basement chairs back in place before our Stewardship Sunday event on November 8. The carpets will be dry by the following day (Friday, Nov. 6). Please contact Faith Wittwer if you are able to help with this project. Phone or text (608) 206-1075.
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Community Choir for Veterans Day
Do you love to sing? If so, please consider joining the community choir. Rehearsal is Sunday, November 8 from 3-4pm at Grace United Methodist, 246 W. Pearl St., Belleville. Performance at 6:30 pm Wednesday, November 11 at the Belleville High School Gym.
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Join us on Sunday, October 15 as we once again honor and learn from the Oglala Lakota people of Pine Ridge Reservation, through the experiences of Jeanette Bossingham. She will lead us in a native based worship service and share her stories and learnings from 17 years volunteering at Pine Ridge.
As we worship in Paoli, we remember that we worship on land originally of the Ho-Chunk Nation. Invite your family and friends and join us for this special service.
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Snack Kit Project Sunday, November 22, 10:30 am
for
Friends of State Street Family
https://fssf.org/
Once again we will be putting together Snack Kits for our unhoused siblings in Madison. We invite you to help us with this project by:
1. If you wish to bring snack items to Zwingli before or on Nov. 22. They need to be individually packaged snacks so they can be divided between kits. Suggestions include: Granola bars, candy bars, small cracker packages, cookie packages, nuts, raisins, fruit snacks, Rice Krispies bars and similar items.
2. On Sunday, Nov. 22, we invite you to join us to help bag Snack Kits for the Friends of State Street Family.
Thank you so much for your help with this project!
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Election Support from the Wisconsin Council of Churches
There are 3 Constitutional Amendments on the November 3, 2026 ballot in Wisconsin. The Wisconsin Council of Churches’ membership approaches these ballot measures in divergent ways. We share opinions from a variety of sources on each ballot measure to help you prayerfully discern how you vote: https://www.wichurches.org/amendments2026
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PRAYING OUR WAY FORWARD
Wednesday, Nov. 4, 5:30-6:00 pm
First United Church of Christ, Belleville
You are invited to attend a simple worship service of quiet prayer, readings, and song at First UCC, Belleville, on Wednesday, November 4 following the midterm elections. Regardless of their outcomes, we will gather as a community to pray for God's presence as we journey forward in our life as a nation. Please join us.
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Midterm Elections are Around the Corner!
Theologian and Historian Diana Butler Bass writes about voting as a spiritual practice here. In it, she also shares an inspiring video of the Great Boatlift of 9/11 to evacuate stranded civilians from lower Manhattan - if you didn't know this story, check it out.
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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 to Vote -- and to urge support of the Protect Our Polls Act (H. R. 10497/ S.4845). This legislation would require the president to get congressional approval before deploying military, including ICE and the National Guard, to polling places.
| | 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! | | | | |
