On Sunday October 13 we will begin our 2nd Sunday Friendship Time following Worship! Many thanks to Sue Bovre for providing refreshments giving us time to enjoy each other and goodies (with coffee or other drinks). The Book Group will gather at 10:45 in the sanctuary so we invite all those who want to join in our discussion to visit with others, pick up your refreshments, and come back to the sanctuary by 10:45 a.m.

In Worship, we will be reflecting on the story of the rich man who wanted eternal life, but didn't like the answer Jesus gave him (Mark 10-17-27). The beautiful part of this story is that scripture tells us Jesus looked on this man, and loved him, even as he turned away from Jesus because he couldn't give up his 'wealth'. Jesus' loving him reminds me of a quote by a famous Jesuit priest and psychotherapist from India, Anthony De Mello. I invite you to take time and reflect on it (see image). As the story in Mark 10 continues, Jesus uses hyperbole to tell his disciples it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to get into heaven! That sounds pretty impossible! What did Jesus mean by this? What does it mean for us today? We will be reflecting on this in Worship. I hope you will join us for Worship and Community on Sunday!

Blessings,

Karla

Book Group Inspiration



Last Sunday our topic was on the spiritual gift of waiting: living in the present. We had another beautiful conversation about so many challenges to living in the present as well as practices that can help us develop this spiritual gift. May this image inspire you toward living in love and presence as a spiritual practice. Sunday, October 13 we will discuss the spiritual gift of compassion. All are welcome to join us even if you haven't read the book or chapter.

As we pray for those suffering in the southeast following Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton, The United Church of Christ gives us an opportunity to help through the "on the ground services" they offer. Their structures are in place (churches, conferences, national staff) to get resources directly to people who need it with essentially no overhead. If you would like to support their work, please write your check to Zwingli (with the words Hurricanes 2024 in the subject line) and Zwingli will send a check from all of us to the national UCC offices. 

Help us Explore the Impact of the Pandemic on Congregations,

on Zwingli and win $200 Gift Certificate for Zwingli!

Zwingli UCC has been selected to participate in the national Faith Communities Today study (FACT) Attender Survey to do just what the title of this article says. This Survey will give the national UCC offices more information from local congregations and members. They will also give us an individualized report of Zwingli’s responses (if they receive at least 10 online responses to the survey – so if you can, please fill out the form online). We will also get a $200 gift card to Amazon!  For more information check out this very short video.

For more information

watch this very short video.

The survey itself will take a participant about 10-15 minutes to complete. Your responses are anonymous. This survey uses a split ballot method, meaning all participants will have 50% of the survey the same and for the other half they are randomly assigned one of two different sections. This approach is used to gather data on more questions without adding length to the survey. Here is the link for you to fill out BY NOV. 22. 

If you prefer to fill out a paper copy, please contact Kathie in the church office and she will send you one. Return your paper form to Kathie or Karla no later than Nov. 21 so we can meet the Nov. 22 submission deadline.

If you have any questions, contact Pastor Karla. Thank you for taking the time to help us learn more from the church attender’s perspective!

This is not fun or exciting news, but the Council wanted everyone to know we are now heading into negative territory for the year in the checkbook. This is also not unexpected, as we went into hiring a 3/4 time pastor (and we're very happy we did!) knowing that the current budget would not sustain the cost. We had some expenses over the summer, like paying Pastor Susan for vacation time that she didn't take, increased utility bills due to the hot weather and paying half of our OCWM for the year.

The Council tossed around the idea of fund-raisers, but we didn't think that was the way to go, as they take lots of time and energy and resources from the congregation. So, like the No-Bake Bake Sale (which was very successful, thank you!), we're asking you to consider whether at this point you are able to make an extra gift to the church. We know that everyone would like the church to continue to thrive and be a presence here in Paoli, so if you're able to make an extra gift it will be put to good use! We are calling this a First Fruits offering because the Old Testament teaches that people gave the first, and often the best, of their harvest to the work of the Temple, to God. 

Thank you very much for considering this request. We do have investments to cover our expenses, but we're hoping to keep the withdrawals to a minimum. We also decided to include a pledge card this year with our stewardship materials to enable us to plan for next year's budget. 

Again, thank you for all the ways you support Zwingli United Church of Christ here in Paoli!!  

Church Council President

Petra Streiff

This year's CROP Walk is Sunday, October 20. We will again join up with our sister church - First UCC in Belleville, 130 E. Church Street. Registration is from 12:30 to 1:00 pm. The 3/4 mile walk begins at 1pm from First UCC, Belleville.

Walkers and non-walkers are invited to pledge money per mile or just a flat amount to Zwingli UCC Paoli CROP walkers (make checks payable to CWS-CROP and put in the offering plate, mail to the church, or give to Kriss Ace)! 25% of donations will go to the Belleville Food Pantry. If you have questions, contact Kriss at 608-575-3355. Thanks for your support whether walking, pledging or just in spirit to this greater community cause to end hunger!!  

Washington Reformation UCC invites you to attend their fall auction

There are two quilts, one lap and one king size. There is also a GLORIOUS hand crafted pieced wood cross, a cookie of the month club that will give the winner 4 dozen cookies each month for the next year, and 2 halves of a butchered pig (winner pays the processing fee).

Check the Washington Reformation UCC facebook page periodically to see if more items have been added.

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